Transcript Highlights:

• Reported from Appropriations with amendments. Adopted amendment.
• Reported from Appropriations with amendments. Passed to third reading.
• Reported from Appropriations favorably. Passed to third reading.
• Reported from Appropriations with amendments. Passed to third reading.
• Appropriations favorably. Passed just as read.

Bills: HR210 , HR211 , HR212 , HR213 , HR214 , HR215 , HR216 , HR217 , HR196 , HR197 , HR198 , HR199 , HR200 , HR201 , HR203 , HR204 , HR205 , HR206 , HR207 , HR208 , HR209 , HCR87 , HCR88 , HCR89 , HCR90 , HR118 , HCR63 , HCR69 , HCR86 , SCR6 , SCR18 , HB79 , HB165 , HB175 , HB198 , HB437 , HB457 , HB488 , HB603 , HB646 , HB763 , HB902 , HB909 , HB971 , HB981 , HB1066 , HB1089 , HB1099 , HB1125 , HB1154 , HB1231 , HB1245 , HB1246 , HB1247 , HB1248 , HB1249 , SB47 , SB82 , SB106 , SB206 , SB210 , SB248 , SB305 , SB376 , SB397 , SB441 , HCR41 , HCR76 , HCR77 , SCR19 , SCR3 , HB64 , HB68 , HB92 , HB316 , HB549 , HB578 , HB748 , HB798 , HB824 , HB988 , HB989 , HB1001 , HB1032 , HB1081 , HB1108 , HB1129 , HB1140 , HB1157 , HB1192 , HB1195 , HB1198 , HB1244 , HB167 , HB227 , HB243 , HB321 , HB335 , HB398 , HB492 , HB624 , HB689 , HB708 , HB804 , HB906 , HB926 , HB955 , HB968 , HB969 , HB978 , HB985 , HB1005 , HB1029 , HB1069 , HB1077 , HB1095 , HB1104 , HB1107 , HB1187 , HB1203 , HB1217 , HB1220 , SB73 , SB89 , SB128 , SB149 , SB191 , SB196 , SB238 , SB318 , SB340 , SB66 , SB68 , SB76 , SB139 , SB336 , SB475 , HCR32 , HB181 , HB1118 , HB1082 , HB225 , HB864 , HB1166 , HB1189 , HB59 , HB617 , HB897 , HB911 , HB1223 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HB284 , HB306 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB459 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1113 , HB1180 , HB1234 , HB1240

Summary: The House met on April 27, 2026, with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of personal privileges recognizing Domestic Violence Prevention and Advocacy Day, Guarantee Corporation’s 100th anniversary, Delta Waterfowl, FFA and 4-H students, St. Bernard Parish Day, the Louisiana Notary Association, and New Orleans Day. The chamber also received Senate messages, committee reports, and introduced several resolutions, including measures on Gulf States renewable energy, asthma and allergy awareness, St. Bernard Parish Day, and other commemorations. The floor then took up a long series of bills and resolutions. Among the notable measures were House Bill 316 on literacy and tutoring, House Bill 578 changing statutory references from gender to sex, House Bill 748 expanding toll exemptions for school board vehicles, House Bill 101 redesignating a portion of U.S. Highway 190 as the Jesse Jackson Memorial Highway, House Bill 1032 cleaning up DWI terminology, House Bill 1081 transferring the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission, House Bill 1108 creating a homeschool pride prestige plate, House Bill 1129 giving in-state auctioneers preference for selling surplus state property, House Bill 1157 creating a Louisiana State Infrastructure Bank, House Bill 1192 creating a dental hygienist prestige plate, House Bill 1195 revising athletic commission rules and NIL-related provisions, House Bill 1198 barring arbitration in child custody and visitation matters, House Bill 181 allowing limited tax-data sharing for Medicaid/SNAP integrity, House Bill 1118 requiring disclosure of hospital ownership by real estate investment trusts, House Bill 1082 changing venue rules in suits involving municipal police employees’ retirement systems, House Bill 225 proposing a lifetime two-term limit for governor, House Bill 864 on municipal fire limits and storage of flammables, House Bill 1189 requiring captain’s licenses for certain freshwater charter guides, and House Bill 549 creating the Bayou Growth Opportunity Workforce Program. Most measures passed, often after brief debate and technical amendments. Several bills were recommitted or returned to the calendar, including House Bill 902, House Bill 1245, and House Bill 1247, while House Bill 225 failed on final passage. The House also considered and passed multiple Senate bills dealing with tax administration, child custody testimony, Supreme Court disciplinary jurisdiction over out-of-state lawyers, civil investigation demands in Medicaid fraud cases, service of process fees and notice, and permanent homestead exemption registration. The session ended with the House in recess after completing its bill agenda for the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to compare how this committee and its predecessor approached the judiciary.
• And when I have spoken to people over in judiciary yesterday, they gave me an update as to how it's doing
• Uh, our hitherto liaison from the judiciary sold out to the man, and she—I talked to her the other day

Summary: The discussion was largely a closing reflection on the committee’s relationship with the judiciary. Members emphasized that they preferred to work collaboratively and “compare and contrast” the current approach with earlier, more adversarial efforts. The speaker argued that cooperation with the judiciary had produced better results, while antagonism in other contexts, such as the DCYF special committee, had not led to meaningful change. The committee noted that its liaison to the judiciary had moved on, and that a replacement would be filled. Judge Kristo was mentioned as part of the transition, and the speaker said the judiciary still wanted to maintain the same collaborative working relationship going forward. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I move that that uh for discussion, Senate Judiciary Committee substitute for Senneal. Oh good.
• I move that we uh do not pass Senate Bill 510, but we pass uh Senate bill, Senate Judiciary Committee
• I move a do not pass on Senate Bill 510 and a do pass on Senate Judiciary Committee substitute for Senate

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee already heard a bill in this committee and passed it on to judiciary; that would bring
• </c> committee and passed it on to judiciary committee and passed it on to judiciary that<00:20:44.480
• I also just think that it's important for us as lawmakers to recognize that, and I said this in Judiciary
• yesterday and I'll say it over Judiciary yesterday and I'll say it over and<00:56:18.480><c> over</c
• for their workplace and appropriate for their workplace and responsive<01:30:16.680><c> to</c><01:30

Bills: HF3794 , HF3408

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think it's totally appropriate to have um Director Mingi have the ability to post a presentation
• appropriate to have um director Mingi<00:03:21.360><c> have</c><00:03:21.599><c> the</c><00:03:21.760
• it's appropriate to uh presuppose.<00:04:25.600><c> I</c><00:04:25.680><c> don't</c><00:04:25.759><c
• would need to be appropriation would need to be discontinued. discontinued. discontinued.
• </c> seem in the ball the appropriate seem in the ball the appropriate ballpark.<01:25:16.080><c> The

Summary: The Senate Rules and Administration Select Subcommittee on Federal Impacts on Minnesotans and Economic Stability met on February 20, 2026, to hear from Minnesota Management and Budget State Budget Director Anna Mingi about federal funding changes affecting the state budget. Before testimony began, Senator Rasmusson objected to a draft committee report that had been prepared in advance of the hearing, arguing it was inappropriate to summarize testimony before it occurred. The chair responded that nonpartisan staff had prepared the draft from Mingi’s submitted presentation and could revise it after the hearing if needed. Director Mingi explained that federal dollars make up more than one-third of state spending and support about 650 federal awards totaling over $23 billion this year, with more than $15 billion supporting state entitlement programs. She said the federal funding environment had changed significantly since January 2025 through executive orders, pauses, terminations, new grant conditions, delayed awards, and the July 2025 passage of H.R. 1, the federal reconciliation bill. Her main focus was H.R. 1’s effects on health care and food assistance, including work requirements for some adults, changes to eligibility for legal non-citizens, limits on retroactive Medicaid coverage and directed payments, new limits on provider taxes, and SNAP changes that shift some benefit and administrative costs to the state and counties. She estimated H.R. 1 would reduce federal funds to state-administered programs by about $327 million in the current biennium and $1.6 billion in the next, with additional costs to hospitals, counties, and other partners beyond the budget horizon. Members asked follow-up questions about whether the estimates were relative to the forecast and whether federal Medicaid funding would still rise over time. Mingi said the estimates were based on the November forecast baseline and that Medicaid federal dollars would likely continue growing overall, though the law still creates significant losses relative to prior projections. Senator Rasmusson emphasized that point in remarks to the committee. The discussion then shifted to federal grant pauses and cancellations: MMB’s tracker showed about six awards on hold totaling roughly $491 million, 13 confirmed cancellations across areas including clean energy, education, food assistance, and public health, and additional threatened or litigated cuts not included in those totals. Mingi identified two canceled violence-prevention-related grants, including a FEMA public safety grant and a justice reinvestment grant, and noted that CDC had recently moved to cancel or seek cancellation of several Minnesota public health grants, including a $65 million public health infrastructure award.

Transcript Highlights:

• And at the appropriate time, I will... ...in the state.
• Members of the committee, move the bill at the appropriate time.
• Move the bill at the appropriate time. Perfect.
• Motion is due pass the Senate Appropriations Committee.
• Motion is due pass to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Summary: The committee met as a subcommittee until quorum was established, then took up a series of bills on business, professions, health, cannabis, and consumer protection. AB 72, creating an electric vehicle economic opportunity zone in Riverside County, drew questions about whether the state should target one region over others, but supporters argued it would help bring EV manufacturing and related jobs to the Inland Empire. The bill passed on a 8-1 vote to Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement. AB 685, which would create the Small Business Resiliency and Innovation Fund to support technical assistance and capital infusion programs, drew broad support from small business networks and chambers, but some groups raised concerns that the June amendments could affect eligibility and that the funding should be clearly supplemental rather than replacing existing support. The author said discussions were ongoing, and the bill passed 10-0 to Senate Appropriations. The committee also approved AB 173, a resolution, on a 7-0 vote, and AB 1760, a Dental Practice Act cleanup bill sponsored by the Dental Board, on a 10-0 vote. AB 1637, which would limit changes to physician-authored medical records and make unauthorized alterations a misdemeanor, was supported by physicians and labor groups who said it would protect patient safety and professional accountability; it passed 10-0 to Senate Appropriations. AB 1785, allowing online sales of pseudoephedrine products with existing age and quantity safeguards, passed 10-0. AB 1973, expanding the ability of advanced practice clinicians to perform procedural abortions within their training, drew strong support from reproductive health providers and strong opposition from anti-abortion witnesses who raised safety concerns; after questions about training and oversight, it passed 7-3 to Senate Appropriations. The committee then considered AB 2025, requiring disclosure when rental listings use digitally altered or AI-staged images. Supporters said it would prevent renters from being misled, while the California Apartment Association said it was working with the author on implementation; the bill passed 8-1 to Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies and Consumer Protection. AB 2697, allowing drive-through cannabis sales with local approval and security requirements, was supported by cannabis businesses and operators as a way to improve access and compete with the illicit market, while narcotics officers opposed it over ID verification and public safety concerns; it passed 7-3 to Senate Appropriations. Finally, AB 2249, responding to a state audit on cannabis packaging attractive to children by defining prohibited imagery and creating a public rubric and pre-review process, received support from the cannabis operators association and the state auditor’s office, while small independent farmers raised concerns that some categorical bans could sweep too broadly. The transcript cuts off during that bill’s opposition testimony, and no final action on AB 2249 is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, your Judiciary Committee, Representative Klemin, chairman, recommends amendments, and when so
• Speaker, your Appropriations Committee, Representative Vigesaa, Chairman, recommends amendments and,
• Engrossed Senate Bill 2024 was introduced by the Appropriations Committee.
• Speaker, your Appropriations Committee, Representative Vigesaa, Chairman, recommends amendments and,
• Speaker and members of the Assembly, in conclusion, the Appropriations Committee by a vote of 22 to 0

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. The chamber received notice that the governor had signed several bills, and the Speaker appointed conference committees after the Senate failed to concur with House amendments on Senate Bills 2180 and 2330. The House also approved several sixth-order amendments without objection before moving into reconsideration and final action on House Bill 1300, which concerns legislative term limits. After procedural motions to reconsider and undo concurrence, the House voted to do not concur on HB 1300, sending it back to the chair’s lap for further negotiation. A major portion of the meeting focused on Senate Bill 2232, which changes mandatory reporting rules for prenatal exposure to controlled substances and alcohol. Supporters said the bill is intended to keep pregnant women in prenatal care by removing an automatic CPS report if a woman tests positive but enters and stays on a treatment plan; opponents argued it weakens protections for unborn children and creates vague standards for mandated reporters. The House passed the bill 57-36. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 2280 unanimously, establishing timelines and standards for prior authorization in health insurance, and passed Senate Bill 2186, which creates a civil remedy for interference with court-ordered parenting time, a child custody review task force, and related reporting requirements. The House then took up Senate Bill 2239, an apprenticeship grant program with a $1.1 million appropriation, but rejected it 14-79 after the committee said the program lacked a clear administrative home. Senate Bill 2241, creating a framework for public charter schools, generated extensive debate over school choice, local control, funding, staffing, and rural impacts; supporters emphasized flexibility and community-driven options, while opponents warned about diversion of funds and weak guardrails. The bill passed 64-29. The House also passed Senate Bill 2024, the Department of Environmental Quality budget, after discussion about federal funding uncertainty; Senate Bill 2374, updating property insurance laws and market rules; Senate Bill 2216, creating a waterfowl habitat restoration stamp; Senate Bill 2245, allowing certain duck and goose hunting from anchored floating craft; and Senate Bill 233, establishing a distressed ambulance services process, which drew questions about how affected districts and neighboring services would be involved.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, be recommended for re-referral to the Judiciary and Civil Law Finance and Policy Committee.
• This is going to judiciary, um, so we have some time.
• This is going to judiciary<00:33:12.799><c> um</c><00:33:12.960><c> so</c><00:33:13.200><c> we</c><00
• um so we have some time of judiciary um so we have some time of contracts<00:33:15.519><c> that</c><
• referral to Judiciary Finance and Policy<00:39:55.359><c> Committee.

Bills: HF3889 , HF2567 , HF3878

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Attorney General Pam Bondi falsely testified under oath before the House Judiciary Committee.
• </c> judiciary or their respective design. judiciary or their respective design.
• This was in the Judiciary Committee. I wasn't a part of those conversations.
• That is why at the appropriate time I will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to committee.
• That is why at the appropriate time I will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• A bunch of brave ones testified last week in the Senate Judiciary Committee on a joint resolution and
• A bunch of brave ones testified last week in the Senate Judiciary Committee on a joint resolution and
• a similar bill to that. last week in the Senate Judiciary Committee on a joint resolution and a similar
• I have a question on some of the governance structures, and maybe this might be more appropriate for

Committees: House Commerce , House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• that current programs are monitored to make sure that the language that may be more faith-based is appropriate
• And that's why the Judiciary Committee is here to make sure that something is legal and safe, and there's
• And that's why the Judiciary Committee is here to make sure that something is legal and safe, and there's
• Chair, members of the Judiciary Committee, for your dedicated service to our state and for this chance

Bills: S0052 , S0502 , S0624 , S0758 , S0834 , S0840

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The committee considered several bills and reported each favorably. SB 624, by Senator Yarborough, would allow batterers intervention programs to offer optional supplemental faith-based activities, with no participant required to take part. Supporters said it would expand provider options and help address a shortage of certified programs; opponents raised concerns about mixing government-ordered programming with religion and about the state’s prior rule change. The bill passed 7-2. The committee also approved CS/SB 834, which repeals a 2022 restriction barring licensed insurance agents from partnering with health care sharing ministries to market or sell their programs. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill restores free speech, consumer choice, and access to faith-based alternatives, while opponents warned about consumer confusion, higher commissions, and weak protections because these ministries are not insurance. After extended debate, the measure passed 8-2. Other measures advanced unanimously or near-unanimously. CS/SB 502, as amended, would give Florida concurrent jurisdiction over certain juvenile offenses on military installations so juveniles can be handled in the state system; it passed 9-0. CS/SB 52 would exempt volunteer armed security for houses of worship from Class D or G licensing requirements, and supporters cited rising threats to churches and the need for organized volunteer security; it passed 9-0. SB 840, a cleanup bill to narrow and clarify last year’s emergency-related land-use restrictions after hurricanes, also passed 9-0, and CS/SB 758, which updates the membership of the Justice Administration Commission, passed 9-0 after an amendment restoring two public defenders to the commission.

Transcript Highlights:

• a comment made by one crew member, Captain Victor Glover from our own Pomona, California, went appropriately
• Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
• Committee to the Appropriations Committee.
• AB 1918, Dixon, from the Public Safety Committee to the Appropriations Committee; AB 1927, Krell, from
• the Insurance Committee to the Appropriations Committee; AB 2151, Pacheco, from the Public Employment

Summary: The California Assembly met in session, established a quorum, and opened with a reflection and pledge. The body handled routine procedural business, including dispensing with the journal reading, suspending rules for guest introductions and adjournment memories, and re-referring several bills to different committees. Members also introduced guests, including district staff, the Citrus Heights leadership class, and Rosie Rios, chair of America 250. The main floor debate centered on AB 2180 by Assembly Member Ward, a local government finance measure related to water rates and Proposition 218. Ward argued the bill would provide clearer legal standards for proportional water rates, reduce litigation, and prevent low-use customers from subsidizing high-use users. Assembly Member DeMaio opposed the bill, saying it would weaken taxpayer protections and allow overcharging. After debate, the Assembly passed AB 2180 on a roll call vote of 41-17. The Assembly then adopted the second-day consent calendar, with AB 1853 and several other bills and resolutions passing 52-0. The chamber also held adjournment-in-memory tributes for former Santa Clara County Supervisor Rod Diridon Sr., praising his public service and transit advocacy. The session ended with announcements and adjournment until Monday, April 13 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• a comment made by one crew member, Captain Victor Glover from our own Pomona, California, went appropriately
• Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
• Committee to the Appropriations Committee.
• AB 1918, Dixon, from the Public Safety Committee to the Appropriations Committee; AB 1927, Krell, from
• the Insurance Committee to the Appropriations Committee; AB 2151, Pacheco, from the Public Employment

Transcript Highlights:

• telecommunications infrastructure; SB 1086, CCS non-conduct drug; SB 1134; SB 1234, juvenile court; SB 1273, appropriation
• SB 1317, appropriation coordinated; SB 1332, light rail expansion; SB 1429, boarded record; SB 1544,
• probation records; SB 1550, appropriation Queen Creek; SB 1580, appropriation fire incident; SB 1582,
• appropriation school safety; SB 1585, sex offenders fund; SB 1709, dangerous crimes against children
• 1004 is withdrawn from the Committee on Education and additionally referred to the Committee on Judiciary

Summary: The Arizona House convened with prayer, the pledge, approval of the March 18, 2026 journal, and the introduction of Doctor of the Day Dr. Bradley Butler. Members also welcomed several guest groups, including carpenters, local officials from Show Low, Down Syndrome Day advocates, and Giffords Courage Fellows. The House read and adopted a proclamation designating March 19, 2026 as ALS Awareness Day, with Representative Selina Bliss introducing ALS Society members and several Arizonans living with ALS to speak to the issue. The chamber then considered House Resolution 2007 honoring the life of Sheila Jean Mattox, also known as Ginger Mattox. The resolution was unanimously adopted, and members observed a moment of silence. Representative Marcus and others offered remarks about Mattox’s community service and her impact in Phoenix’s FQ Story neighborhood, and family and friends were recognized in the gallery and on the floor. The House moved into Committee of the Whole to consider House Bill 2680. The bill received a Commerce Committee amendment and a floor amendment, both adopted without recorded opposition, and the committee then recommended the bill do pass as amended. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole report and referred HB 2680 as amended to engrossing. Later, HB 1004 was withdrawn from the Education Committee and additionally referred to Judiciary. The House also received various Senate messages and committee reports, announced upcoming meetings and caucus events, and adjourned until 1:30 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• telecommunications infrastructure; SB 1086, CCS, non-conduct drug; SB 1134; SB 1234, juvenile court; SB 1273, appropriation
• , special plate; SB 1225, mandatory prison sentences; SB 1290, agricultural property; SB 1317, appropriation
• ; SB 1332, light rail expansion; SB 1429, boarded record; SB 1544, probation records; SB 1550, appropriation
• Queen Creek; SB 1580, appropriation fire incident; SB 1582, appropriation school safety; SB 1585, sex
• 1004 is withdrawn from the Committee on Education and additionally referred to the Committee on Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Today is April 8th, and I would like to call to order the Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee.
• On line 8, a one-time appropriation for cybersecurity needs that A one-time increase for digital accessibility
• $7,000 lease cost increase beginning in fiscal 2027, and we reduced their funding for some unused appropriations
• Starting at line one, this section is not in appropriation.
• Representative Hudson's House File 2412, which the committee heard, and it's also connected to the appropriation

Bills: HF2300

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I'm sitting here trying to figure out when I walked into a Judiciary Committee.
• </c><00:25:05.360><c> instead</c> this bill should be in judiciary instead this bill should be in judiciary
• Our hope is that the Judiciary presses itself to reach the very best interpretation of the law every
• We're seeking to empower and strengthen the role of the Judiciary because it is their function to say
• We should have three equal branches of government, and I think this is putting the thumb on a judiciary

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 90 / Senate Bill 17, a birth-related measure backed by the Kentucky Birth Coalition. Sponsors said the bill had been worked on for several years and described changes including a transfer agreement, insurance requirements, proximity to a hospital, informed consent, and accreditation/medical director standards that helped win neutral or non-opposition from the Hospital Association. The bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote with unanimous support. The committee then heard Senate Bill 65, presented by Senator Steve West and Representative Derrick Lewis. They said the bill would make regulations found deficient through the committee review process null and void by statute, and would bar agencies from reissuing the same or similar language for up to a year. Supporters argued this was needed to hold agencies accountable because deficiency findings alone had not led to action. After questions about specific Medicaid behavioral health regulations and concerns about legislative overreach, the bill passed the committee on a roll call vote, with some members passing or explaining reservations. Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 84, with a House committee substitute. Sponsors said the substitute was intended to strengthen the bill and reflect the U.S. Supreme Court’s Loper Bright decision by ending Chevron deference and requiring courts, not agencies, to interpret law. Opponents, including Audrey Ernsberger and Katherine Hargraves, argued the bill would intrude on the judiciary, violate separation of powers, and could harm public health, environmental, and workplace protections. Committee members also raised concerns about whether the bill told courts what standard to use; sponsors responded that agencies could still present persuasive arguments, but courts should not defer to them. The committee substitute was adopted, and the bill then passed the committee on a roll call vote, with several members passing or expressing constitutional concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair does move House File 1379 be referred to the Committee on Judiciary Finance and Civil Law.
• We'll get it through Judiciary and get it back here and get it over the finish line. Thank you.
• chair then renewed his motion that House File 1379, as amended, be referred to the Committee on Judiciary
• The chair renewed his motion that House File 1379, as amended, be referred to the Committee on Judiciary
• The motion prevails, and House File 1379, as amended, is adopted and will be headed over to Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, and I'll add that if it gets past TSA then it goes to Judiciary and a joint hearing of those
• to create the subsidy program may be more appropriate.
• Thank you. ...contains too many blanks to properly vet, and also we believe a direct appropriation to
• create the subsidy program may be more appropriate.
• </c><01:38:34.960><c> and</c> office blanking the appropriation and office blanking the appropriation

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Summary: The hearing began on SP 547, which would create incentives for graywater recycling systems and atmospheric water generators through an income tax credit, a Department of Health rebate program, and building code standards. The Department of Health and Department of Taxation offered written comments; Taxation said it had seven proposed amendments to improve administration. Testimony was largely supportive, with advocates and local users describing water-supply benefits, emergency use during the Maui fires, and potential help for drought conditions and Red Hill concerns. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii suggested only the rebate program should move forward for clearer cost transparency, and the Department of Health said it needed more time to study the bill. Members questioned the fiscal impact and whether combining a tax credit and rebate was typical, but staff did not have cost estimates. Decision-making on SP 547 was deferred to February 12, 2025. The committee then took up SP 242 on foreign ownership of agricultural lands. The chair recommended passage with amendments, including deleting a reference to the Attorney General in one section and changing the effective date to July 1, 2050. Supporters argued the bill was a first step to limit foreign ownership of farmland, citing other states with similar restrictions, while several members said they supported the intent but had reservations about possible unintended harm to farmers and agriculture investment. After discussion, the measure passed with amendments on a 5-0 vote, with some members voting with reservations. The committee also discussed SP 1633, which would create a green building tax credit for structures using at least 30% Hawaii-grown hemp material. The chair said the bill was close but needed more work, and decision-making was deferred to February 12, 2025. Later, the committee heard several environmental measures: SB 683, which would ban intentionally added PFAS in certain products starting in 2028; SB 1109, which would replace the “finding of no significant impact” with a “finding of completion of environmental disclosure process”; SB 391, which would expand recycling requirements to certain lithium-ion batteries; and SB 12, which would classify neonic pesticides as restricted-use pesticides and limit certain seed treatments. Testimony on these bills included support from environmental and advocacy groups, comments from state agencies, and requests for amendments or further study, but no final votes were taken on those measures in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Appropriations is working Saturdays.
• The Chair of Judiciary has told us we'll be coming on Saturdays.

Committee: House House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources