Transcript Highlights:

• House Commerce and Economic Development Committee will meet 15-ish minutes after the floor tomorrow in

Bills: HB111, HB108, HB145, HB164, HB291, HJR6, HR1, HB63, HB64, HB165, HB184, HB200, HB4, HB7, HB20, HB65, HB66, HB80, HB88, HB96, HB166, HB285, HB295, HB306, SB29, SB37, HJM2, HJM3, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

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• learn in the office and has thrived in assisting our team with Senate committees on business and commerce

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• FLORIDA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. JAKE FARMER IS WAIVING IN SUPPORT. WALGREENS. THANK YOU.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are convening the Committee on Commerce or Consumer Protection and Commerce.
• Chair Grandinetti, Chair Matayoshi, and members of the House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce
• :26:39.199> and Committee on Consumer Protection and Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce
• <01:26:40.719> I'm<01:26:40.800> the Commerce. My name is Andro Kab.
• I'm the Commerce. My name is Andro Kab.

Bills: HB1697, HB1678, HB1679, HB2282, HB1940, HB1671, HB1481, HB2015, HB2207, HB2486

Keywords: natural hair braiding, registration, Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Act, public health, sanitation, cumulative voting, associations, unit owners, board of directors, elections, Hawaii Revised Statutes, condominium, association meetings, electronic voting, proxy voting, mail voting, insurance, premium increase, policy cancellation, licensing

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1697, which would exempt natural hair braiders from licensing requirements under certain conditions. The DCCA Board of Barbering and Cosmetology said it recognizes braiding as within the scope of cosmetology practice but warned that a broad exemption could create consumer protection gaps, especially around sanitation training, tool use, and enforcement. Supporters from the Institute for Justice and the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii argued the current licensing regime is overly burdensome and unrelated to braiding, citing the 1,250-hour training requirement, high tuition costs, barriers for low-income entrepreneurs, and the fact that many other states already exempt braiders. Committee members asked whether a standalone sanitation course or similar training could address the board’s concerns, and the board said it would bring that idea back for discussion. The committee also noted 16 written testimonies in support and 2 in opposition. The committee then took up HB 1678, relating to condominium and planned community association elections using cumulative voting. Supporters, including the Hawaii State Association of Parliamentarians, said the bill would clarify that cumulative voting applies to all candidates, including write-ins, and would help resolve confusion in association elections. One testifier urged the committee to remove proxy voting, calling it an abuse of power in some associations, while another asked whether cumulative voting and proxies could be manipulated to stack votes. In response, the parliamentarian explained that cumulative voting and proxy voting are different, that proxies simply allow someone to vote on another’s behalf, and that existing deadlines and counting procedures reduce opportunities for abuse. Testimony also emphasized that electronic or mail voting can be secure and efficient, and that the bill would make the process clearer and more democratic. Finally, the committee heard testimony on HB 1679, which would clarify an association board’s authority over electronic meetings, electronic voting, voting without a meeting, and mail voting without a meeting. Supporters said the measure would clean up statutory language, make electronic voting optional, and fix problems created by a 2024 change that made written-consent timing rules difficult to use for association actions. They also said the bill would clarify that proxies are only used at meetings, not for actions taken without a meeting. One opponent argued the bill needs further amendment because electronic voting is not well defined and could be abused, and questioned the neutrality of parliamentarians testifying on condominium bills. No votes were taken on any of the measures during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, calling to order the joint committee on Ways and Means and Commerce and Consumer Protection.
• So this afternoon we're going to hear from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, who will
• to meet operational needs and to make improvements in support of our mission to provide important commerce
• to meet operational needs and to make improvements in support of our mission to provide important commerce
• to meet operational needs and to make improvements in support of our mission to provide important commerce

Keywords: 912, senate, all

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• The number of agencies, DLI, the Commerce fraud bureau, and the Department of Revenue.
• We will now go to Brad Meyer, who's the president and CEO of the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce.
• I'm Brad Meyer, president of the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce.
• We will now go to Brad Meyer, who's the president and CEO of the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce.
• I'm Brad Meyer, president of the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• handout that we provided, goes through our downtown and serves as a major way for our trucking and commerce
• handout that we provided, goes through our downtown and serves as a major way for our trucking and commerce
• handout that we provided, goes through our downtown and serves as a major way for our trucking and commerce
• handout that we provided, goes through our downtown and serves as a major way for our trucking and commerce
• sidewalks that are crumbling, which Our downtown and serves as a major way for our trucking and commerce

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• that is where this entire agreement came between the PUC, the MPCA, and whichever the Department of Commerce
• processes are relevant, whether that's an EAW or an EIS, or the processes that are under PUC and Commerce
• 36.720> and or the processes that are under pu and or the processes that are under pu and commerce
• :38.000> that<00:39:38.119> I<00:39:38.240> would<00:39:38.359> have commerce
• authorities that I would have commerce authorities that I would have to<00:39:38.599> let<00:

Keywords: 1183, house

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• I've been with the state since 2016, mostly at the Commerce Department, and I came over to MDVA in October
• I've been with the state since 2016, mostly at the Commerce Department, and I came over to MDVA in October
• I've been with the state since 2016, mostly at the Commerce Department, and I came over to MDVA in October
• department<01:36:16.159> and<01:36:16.239> I<01:36:16.360> came at the Commerce
• department and I came at the Commerce department and I came over<01:36:16.800> to<01:36:17.600

Keywords: 1183, house

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• It's interesting that the Colorado Chamber of Commerce just put out a new study where they looked at
• It's interesting that the Colorado Chamber of Commerce just put out a new study where they looked at
• Chamber of Commerce just put out<02:02:09.920> a<02:02:10.400> uh<02:02:11.360> a
• You know, probably the most significant thing in that Chamber of Commerce study was that all of these
• You know, probably the most significant thing in that Chamber of Commerce study was that all of these

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and received a series of messages on bills that had been correctly printed, engrossed, re-engrossed, revised, or transmitted from the House and Revisor. The chamber also introduced and laid over several resolutions, including SJR 22 on Plastic Pollution Awareness Week, SJR 23 recognizing Young Americans Bank and the Young Americans Center for Financial Education, and SR 006 for National Donate Life Month. The Senate then paused for personal privilege remarks recognizing military families and public safety telecommunicators, including a gubernatorial proclamation designating April 12–18, 2026, as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. On the consent calendar, the Senate passed SB 20, concerning child care provider licensing and related regulatory changes, with four no votes, and SB 137, concerning administrative burden reduction, unanimously. The chamber also passed SB 140, exempting certain drugs from affordability reviews, by a 20-15 vote; SB 141, concerning optional wildlife-related motor vehicle registration fees and wildlife crossings, by a 28-7 vote; SB 143, updating the name of the Colorado Youth Advisory Council Review Committee, by a 23-12 vote; HB 1332, concerning the legislative department cash fund, unanimously; HB 1333, concerning payment of legislative department expenses, unanimously; and SB 80, creating the cradle-to-career grant program, by a 31-4 vote. SB 90 was laid over until April 14. The Senate also adopted a third-reading amendment to HB 1331, reducing the appropriation further, and then passed HB 1331 on third reading by a 33-2 vote. In general orders, the Senate laid over HB 1071, SB 134, and HB 1084 to later dates. The committee then took up HB 1126, dealing with firearms dealer requirements, where the sponsor described new security, reporting, recordkeeping, and enforcement provisions; opponents argued it would burden small businesses and drive dealers out of state. Amendment L58, which would have required a small business impact analysis, failed, and the transcript cuts off amid debate on amendment L59, which would require a public stakeholder meeting before finalizing the rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:45.599> of Transportation in the Department of Transportation in the Department of Commerce
• <00:42:46.079> and<00:42:46.319> Consumer<00:42:46.640> Affairs Commerce and Consumer
• by formally incorporating the operational expertise that DOT Harbors has into the Department of Commerce
• uh into the that DOT harbors has uh into the department<00:45:09.200> of<00:45:09.359> commerce
• of commerce and commercial affairs<00:45:10.800> development<00:45:11.280> and<00:45:11.520

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1588, which would establish a Department of Transportation noise detection program using cameras to enforce noise control laws. DOT supported the measure and said it is already piloting the technology at eight locations, with about 10 sites costing roughly $2 million to $2.5 million to install and operate. The Department of Health said it was willing to work with DOT but noted its current regulations are not designed for vehicular noise sources and that the bill may need clearer standards to be enforceable. Members raised concerns about the lack of a specific decibel threshold and whether the system could accurately identify the source of noise; DOT said the pilot can pinpoint vehicles and that the program would align with existing health standards, but no final number was identified during the hearing. The committee then heard HB 1696, which lowers the minimum age for a commercial driver’s license from 19 to 18 and removes a restriction tied to vehicle category, while requiring DOT rule changes. DOT, the City and County of Honolulu, the Hawaii Transportation Association, Teamsters Local 996, and other stakeholders testified in support. The Hawaii Transportation Association suggested adding a training requirement for drivers ages 18 to 20, proposing at least 320 hours of employer training and recordkeeping. Members sought clarification that the bill would apply to intrastate, not interstate, licensing. For HB 233, the committee considered a measure authorizing DOT to designate airport special district zones statewide to prevent unauthorized access and improve security. DOT and the City and County of Honolulu supported the bill, explaining that defined boundaries would help law enforcement address trespassing, disruptions, fires, theft, harassment, and other incidents around airports and terminals; DOT said commercial airports are ready to implement the proposal, while some general aviation sites would need further work. Members asked about the scope of the boundaries, existing enforcement, and whether the measure would cover state-owned or non-state parcels near airports. The committee also heard HB 2332, which renames the Harbors Division as the Commercial Ports Division and distinguishes “harbor” from “port” in statute. DOT, the Maritime Group, and harbor users supported the bill, saying the change would reduce confusion between commercial cargo/cruise facilities and recreational small boat harbors, and could help with clarity and possibly federal grant competitiveness. Members asked about impacts on small boat harbors and cruise activity, and DOT explained that the bill is aimed at purpose-built commercial ports, not recreational facilities. The committee also took testimony on HB 2283, which clarifies DOT’s consultative role with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs in setting port pilotage standards and requirements. DOT, DCCA, Matson, the Hawaii Pilots Association, and others supported the measure, saying it would improve coordination and ensure pilot licensing standards reflect operational realities in the harbors. Finally, after a recess, the committee heard HB 2217, which would allow driver’s permits, licenses, and ID cards to include a notation for a non-apparent disability. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities opposed the bill as drafted, saying voluntary alternatives such as Smart 911 may be better and that the category is too broad. The Attorney General’s office supported the intent but recommended limiting the notation to medically recognized, specifically defined conditions so agencies can train personnel and avoid confusion or escalation.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are convening the joint committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce and the Committee on Commerce
• I'm Senator Jared Kali, Chair of the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee.
• committee chair Ko and Committee Chair Matayoshi and esteemed members of the Consumer Protection and Commerce
• Committee and the Consumer Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee.
• Committee and the Consumer Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint committees held an informational briefing on efforts to expand insurance capacity in Hawaii’s property market, especially for condominium and homeowners coverage. The Insurance Commissioner reviewed the background: a legislative task force, the governor’s emergency proclamation in August 2024, and Senate Bill 1044 in May 2025 led to new condo insurance products. He said the work over the past two and a half years was producing positive results and introduced representatives from HPIA and HHRF/HHR to provide updates. HPIA’s board chair and its administrator described the organization’s history, structure, and current products. HPIA said it was created in 1991 as a residual market for homeowners insurance, now writing four residential products: HO2 homeowners, renters, HO6 condo unit owners, and dwelling fire. They reported policy counts have grown again as admitted-market carriers tightened underwriting, and they discussed financial pressure from reinsurance costs, though those costs had declined in 2025 after different purchasing decisions. They also said the market has become more favorable overall, with some capacity returning and deductibles beginning to ease. Members focused much of their questioning on HPIA’s proposed higher dwelling limits. HPIA explained that the current $450,000 limit for homeowners and dwelling fire was set in 2023, but agents are now asking for a higher limit in the $650,000 to $750,000 range because construction costs have risen and many policies are not being submitted when the limit is too low. HPIA said it has the authority to raise the limit through a filing with the Insurance Division and expects more submissions if the cap increases. They also discussed the shift in the book of business from roughly 70% lava-zone coverage to closer to a 50/50 split between lava and non-lava risks. HPIA outlined strategic initiatives: a new policy administration system that went live October 1 and now allows online payments, online claims reporting, and electronic notices; a filed request to raise the homeowners and dwelling fire limit to $650,000 effective March 1 for new business and April 1 for renewals; an increase in the HO6 condo unit owners limit from $5,000 to $100,000; and a planned commercial property all-other-perils-excluding-hurricane condo product targeted for filing by January 31. No votes were taken, and the meeting was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• When this bill—and I, as I follow the process of it—started here, went to Commerce, got laid over in
• c><01:47:12.239> to process of it started here went to process of it started here went to commerce
• 15.920> over<01:47:16.159> in<01:47:16.400> Congress<01:47:17.199> and commerce
• got laid over in Congress and commerce got laid over in Congress and on<01:47:17.679> the<01:
• committee and then it went um commerce. committee and then it went um commerce.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the director of tax, fiscal policy, and elections for the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.
• I'm the director of tax, fiscal policy, and elections for the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.
• I'm the director of tax, fiscal policy, and elections for the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.
• I'm the director of tax, fiscal policy, and elections for the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.
• And elections for the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:53:58.040> went<00:53:58.280> through<00:53:58.599> the<00:53:58.760> Commerce
• that bill went through the Commerce that bill went through the Commerce Department<00:54:00.359>
• My primary area of practice—you can see that the sales are regulated by the Department of Commerce, but
• the that the the sales are regulated by the Department<01:12:27.440> of<01:12:27.560> Commerce
• <01:12:28.480> uh<01:12:28.600> but Department of Commerce uh but Department of Commerce

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You are from the Nashua Chamber of Commerce, correct? That's correct. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• For the record, Peggy Gilmore, representing the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce.
• For the record, Peggy Gilmore, representing the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce.
• For the record, Peggy Gilmore, representing the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce.
• For the record, Peggy Gilmore, representing the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Public Works and Highways Committee heard testimony on House Bill 375, which would allow municipalities to designate certain road segments for ATV travel, create maps and signage for those routes, set seasonal limits, and require certain equipment on ATVs such as lights, a horn, flashers, and directional signals. The sponsor, Rep. Dan Maguire, said the bill is intended to support tourism and give towns a structured, optional way to permit ATV use on roads, not to override existing uses. Members asked about possible overlap with agricultural vehicle rules, golf carts, speed limits, and whether the bill could allow ATV use on busier roads or expressways; the sponsor said he did not intend to interfere with existing lawful uses and believed golf carts would only be included if they met the relevant statutory requirements. NHDOT State Maintenance Engineer Alan Hennessy said the department had concerns with language exempting municipalities and the Bureau of Trails from the permitting process, arguing that the existing permit system provides needed review, public notice, and signage requirements. He also raised questions about road funding and maintenance if ATVs were allowed on state highways. Fish and Game Captain Michael Eastman testified that his commission opposed the bill as written, citing concerns about the ATV definition, the distinction between ATVs, UTVs, and other OHRVs, and the potential impact on state highways and road maintenance. He said towns can already open roads to OHRV use under existing law, and he noted that accident data for road use would generally be handled by local police or State Police rather than Fish and Game. Craig Reny, chief of the Bureau of Trails, said the current Bureau of Trails/DOT permit process for highway crossings and connectors works well and is used to ensure safety through engineering review. He said his bureau was not taking a position on the bill but wanted to clarify that existing procedures already address many of the issues the bill appears to cover. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, nonprofits could be a broad array of organizations, including chambers of commerce, kind of
• kind of membership chambers of commerce kind of membership organizations<01:37:26.800> that<01
• And then the $1.5 million is in the Commerce Department to establish a new fund called the Maryland's
• > Department<01:42:10.120> to<01:42:10.200> establish in the Commerce Department
• to establish in the Commerce Department to establish a<01:42:10.920> new<01:42:11.200> fund

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, April 10, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer, then the Speaker noted a long day ahead and asked members to be patient as the chamber worked through several remaining bills. The House then handled routine business, including reading the journal and taking up a resolution honoring Delegate Susan K. McComas for her 24 years of service representing Harford County. Members from the Harford County delegation praised her work on behalf of families and children, her service as a former mayor of Bel Air, and her long legislative career. McComas briefly spoke in response, reflecting on her service and thanking colleagues. The chamber then moved through a series of consent calendar items and Senate amendments. House Bill 193 on state procurement transparency, House Bill 261 on competitive proof-of-concept procurement, House Bill 266 on the Information Technology Investment Fund, House Bill 998 on Baltimore City alcoholic beverages districts, and House Bill 1422 on procurement and personnel liquidated damages all received concurrence in Senate amendments and were passed, with roll calls showing overwhelming support; HB 1422 drew nine negative votes, and HB 266 drew one negative vote. The House also received committee reports advancing several Senate bills, including measures on child care credential funding, speed monitoring systems, driver skills examinations, school bus fire safety, veterans cemeteries, IT investment fund uses, Baltimore City alcohol regulations, hospital immigration enforcement policies, and board of education compensation changes. Later, the House considered additional amended bills and adopted the committee amendments before advancing them to third reading. These included Senate Bill 212 on tuition exemptions for spouses and dependents of safety employees and the Maryland Fallen Heroes Death Benefits Act, House Bill 1599 and Senate Bill 558 creating a Chesapeake Bay Enhancement Program and Maryland Seafood Industry Financial Assistance Fund, Senate Bill 366 establishing an intelligent speed assistance pilot program, Senate Bill 431 on endangered and threatened species and migratory birds regulations, Senate Bill 947 on Maryland Transit Administration reform, Senate Bill 480 on physician licensure for foreign-trained doctors, Senate Bill 898 on Medicaid reimbursement for registered behavior technicians, Senate Bill 204 on the Maryland Civic Excellence Program, and Senate Bill 890 on captive insurer premium tax study. In several cases, amendments were described as technical or as clarifying reporting, deadlines, eligibility, or program structure. One member asked about SB 890 after amendments removed the proposed tax moratorium, and the floor leader explained that the bill was now only a study requiring a report back to the General Assembly. The session ended with a quorum call showing 133 members present and the House still in session.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:41:48.079> our<00:41:48.319> chambers<00:41:48.720> of<00:41:48.880> commerce
• , part of, that our chambers of commerce, part of, that our chambers of commerce, that<00:41:49.440
• Commerce.<01:50:24.080> Once<01:50:24.400> again,<01:50:24.719> once<01:50:24.960
• > you<01:50:25.119> get Commerce.
• Once again, once you get Commerce.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:12 Attendance Roll Call: 00:00:33 Kentucky’s New Assessment and Accountability Model Update: 00:03:50 Federal Education Policy and Its Impact on States: 01:00:55 Educational Leadership Training Opportunities in Kentucky: 01:26:44 Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations: 02:10:38 Adjournment: 02:13:57, 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Education met for its first interim meeting and established a quorum before taking up its first topic, Kentucky’s new assessment and accountability model. Commissioner Robbie Fletcher, joined by KDE staff and superintendents, described a multi-year effort involving the Kentucky “Now We Learn” Council, more than 50 educators and stakeholders, at least 18 pilot districts, surveys, focus groups, town halls, and four prototype frameworks. He emphasized three priorities for the new model: vibrant learning experiences, innovation in assessment, and collaboration with communities. Fletcher said the state accountability portion would continue to meet federal requirements and identify CSI/TSI/ATSI schools, while shifting toward more emphasis on individual student growth, grade-level equivalency in reading and math, career and technical education, graduation rate, and English language proficiency. He also said science would remain a required assessment but be reported separately rather than counted in the CSI/TSI calculation. He stressed that the model should focus on growth, local flexibility, and meaningful measures that reflect community expectations, while still preserving a statewide framework. The committee also heard from Bullitt County superintendent Jesse Bacon, who described his district’s local accountability work. He said Bullitt County formed a community coalition with broad representation from across the district, business leaders, and community members, met six times during the school year, and worked toward a public-facing dashboard that would show community expectations, evidence of accountability, and areas for improvement. Bacon said the district identified six community-defined pillars, beginning with student learning and foundational academic knowledge, as part of a system intended to communicate strengths and improvement areas to the public.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also had testimony from the Maui Chamber of Commerce in support, Hawaii Forest Industry Association
• We also had testimony from the Maui Chamber of Commerce in support, Hawaii Forest Industry Association
• We also had testimony from the Maui Chamber of Commerce in support, Hawaii Forest Industry Association
• I'm an executive officer at the Department of Commerce.
• of Commerce unfortunately executive officer<02:22:36.160> green<02:22:36.560> could<02

Keywords: 910, house, all

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• Today, the intention is to send Senate File 2909 to the Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection
• Seeing none, the bill is being sent to Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection. Thank you.
• <02:10:05.760> All Commerce and Consumer Protection.
• All Commerce and Consumer Protection.
• <02:10:12.200> and sent to Committee on Commerce and sent to Committee on Commerce and Consumer

Keywords: 1187, senate, all