Transcript Highlights:

• This bill creates the president of industry has been authority in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• They are very concerned with the harmful impacts of this legislation on their industry.
• And once again, we find ourselves inserting our Harrisburg foot into private sector industry.
• They are very concerned with the harmful impacts of this legislation on their industry.
• And once again, we find ourselves inserting our Harrisburg foot into private sector industry.

Transcript Highlights:

• Private industry will never make up the slack if government withdraws from funding.
• Private industry will never make up the slack if government withdraws from funding.
• This development of clean energy industries now is under threat in California.
• Members, the renewable hydrogen industry is at an inflection The environment, and our health.
• Members, the renewable hydrogen industry is at an inflection point.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on June 24, 2026, but initially lacked a quorum and began by hearing presentations only. SB 308 was presented as a bill to streamline fiscal reporting for California community colleges by combining two overlapping annual audit reports into one. SB 895, the California Science and Health Research Bond, drew extensive testimony from the authors and many supporters, who argued it would help offset federal research cuts, protect California’s science infrastructure, support jobs, and preserve life-saving research in areas such as cancer, HIV, Parkinson’s, ALS, climate resilience, and quantum computing. The bill was described as a bond measure that would require a three-party agreement and was sent to suspense. After quorum was established, the committee took up the consent and suspense calendars. Several bills were approved on consent, including SB 308 and a large group of other measures, while the suspense calendar was deemed approved, including SB 895 and other bills listed by the chair. Public comment on SB 895 continued for a long period, with many researchers, students, labor representatives, university officials, and patient advocates speaking in strong support and urging the bill be moved to the floor. The committee also heard SB 1350, which would expand green hydrogen by allowing renewable portfolio standard credits for certain hydrogen use in power generation; the author and supporters said it would help clean energy development, create jobs, and support projects like ARCHES and Element. Later, SB 1306 was presented to align California law with federal exemptions for certain chemical mixtures containing GBL used in semiconductor manufacturing research. The author and SEMI’s representative said the bill would reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, avoid disrupting semiconductor supply chains, and not change rules for pure GBL. The bill passed out of committee on a roll call vote, with one no vote and one not voting. The hearing then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we think it's important that we establish an industry-wide floor for safety protocols and design
• , how to use these tools and, at the same time, how to protect ...people in industry how to use these
• And if you read the literature on the topic, that's kind of how it is in the industry.
• The five-page amendment in your name dated February 10th, 2026, at 8:36 a.m. changes a large industrial
• The two-page amendment in your name dated February 10th, 2026, at 8:44 a.m. replaces large industrial

Committee: House House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee met in a special morning session and heard several bills related to artificial intelligence and energy. HB 2371 would allow consenting divorcing parties without minor children to use AI-assisted arbitration in simple divorce cases, with the judge retaining final authority; members raised concerns about binding language, privacy, asset division, and spousal support, but the sponsor said amendments were welcome. The bill passed 7-0 with a do pass recommendation. HB 2311 would require conversational AI systems to disclose to minors that they are interacting with AI, restrict sexual content, prohibit deceptive human impersonation, and require self-harm response protocols; Google testified in support, noting similar safeguards already exist in its products, while one public commenter opposed the bill as government overreach. The committee adopted an amendment and advanced the bill 7-0. The committee then heard HB 2409, which would create a statewide summer AI education program focused on digital hygiene, civic integrity, privacy, media literacy, critical thinking, and algorithmic bias. The sponsor argued Arizona needs to prepare students for AI-driven job disruption and teach practical use of the technology, but several members objected to the statewide curriculum and funding implications; the bill passed 4-3. HB 2410 would treat communications with AI as privileged in the same way as communications with human professionals, with the sponsor arguing courts should develop the doctrine through common law as AI use evolves. A criminal justice speaker supported the bill as a privacy and Fourth Amendment safeguard, and the measure passed 6-0 with one present. Finally, the committee considered HB 4005, requiring school districts and charter schools to provide instruction on the ethical, moral, and educational uses of AI. Supporters said students need basic AI literacy and prompt-writing skills, but opponents cited funding and staffing concerns and said districts are already struggling with existing mandates; the bill passed 4-2 with one present. The committee also advanced HB 2456 and HB 2457, both related to energy infrastructure and small modular reactors, after amendments replacing references to large industrial energy users with extra high-load factory customers. Supporters tied the bills to AI-driven data center growth and future energy demand, while opponents raised local zoning, environmental, and public participation concerns; both bills received do pass recommendations by 4-3 votes. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• LIKE THE BEER AND WINE INDUSTRY IN FLORIDA CANNOT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF USING A HOST OF A WIDE VARIETY OF
• WE RECEIVED FEEDBACK FROM SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY.
• WHY ISN'T THE INDUSTRY OVERALL WORKING TOGETHER AND WHAT IN THIS BILL IS DRIVING A WEDGE?
• THE BILL MAY APPEAR TO BE AN INDUSTRY REGULATORY BILL BUT IN FACT SIMPLY ADVANTAGES A FEW LARGE COMPANIES
• LET'S TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHAT'S GOING ON IN OUR INDUSTRY. IN THIS INDUSTRY, ACROSS THE STATE.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nor do the industries that support offshore wind, the Louisiana shipyards.
• Nuclear Industry Council's Board of Directors. So, Mr.
• So that litigation is causing chaos and chaos in the industry.
• The suspension of leasing, is this just designed to be a gift to the oil industry?
• If someone is chosen, if one industry is chosen after the other.

Committee: Senate Environment and Public Works Committee

Keywords: environmental review, permitting process, infrastructure, bipartisan legislation, economic growth, Nucor, West Virginia

Summary: The meeting focused on critical discussions surrounding the need for modernizing the federal environmental review and permitting processes. Witnesses from various sectors, including Nucor, provided testimony on the delays and costs associated with current regulations, emphasizing the impact on infrastructure and economic growth. Major projects in West Virginia, such as the Corridor H and Coalfield Expressways, were highlighted as examples of initiatives stalled by excessive permitting hurdles, prompting calls for bipartisan legislation to streamline these processes while maintaining environmental protections. The committee expressed a commitment to address these issues immediately, highlighting the urgency to enhance efficiency in permitting to facilitate economic development.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> mean, I wouldn't like to see industrial mean, I wouldn't like to see industrial lands<01:48:17.120
• Industrial?
• </c> Industrial? Can you tell me which area? Industrial? Can you tell me which area?
• </c> should be developing industrial should be developing industrial facilities<02:09:26.680><c> on</
• </c> industrial or housing? industrial or housing?

Committee: Senate Water, Land, Culture and the Arts

Summary: The committee took up several gubernatorial nominations, beginning with GM 640 for Juanita Rio Colón to the Commission on Water Resource Management. Public testimony and the nominee’s remarks strongly emphasized her water-system management background, Native Hawaiian stewardship values, and representation for Molokai. Committee members praised her qualifications and neighbor-island perspective, and also discussed broader concerns about reforming the Water Commission, including a separate bill to create a more independent authority and reduce politics in water decisions. Colón said she supported the restructuring effort and would serve with integrity and attention to constitutional water rights and climate resilience. The committee then heard GM 639 for Moses Haia III to the same commission. DLNR and OHA testified, and Haia described his long legal career, prior work on the Waihole contested case, and experience with Native Hawaiian rights and water law. Members asked about his ability to serve impartially given his advocacy background; Haia acknowledged that some may perceive a conflict from his prior work but said he did not believe it was a reasonable conflict and would follow the law and balance competing interests. The discussion again returned to the proposed Water Commission restructuring, which Haia said he supported as a way to provide independence and balance. Next, the committee considered GM 649 for Gilbert Coloma to the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission. DLNR and other testifiers explained that this was a new interstate commission created under the 2024 act, with Hawaii joining six U.S. states to address fisheries issues across state boundaries. Coloma, a commercial fisher from Hilo, said he brought more than 40 years of industry, cultural, and traditional experience and would represent Hawaii’s fishing communities. Members asked about the commission’s structure, meeting rotation, and funding, and were told the state covers dues through special funds. The committee also briefly took up GM 692 for Riley Smith’s reappointment to the Board of Land and Natural Resources. The Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council supported him, while Sierra Club Hui raised concerns about prior decisions affecting Native Hawaiian rights and public trust resources. Smith said he supported more residential uses in East Kapolei if the necessary planning and environmental review changes were made, and he began responding to questions about prior BLNR litigation before the transcript cut off.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:27:36.480><c> has</c> these folks and and as our industry has these folks and and as our industry
• </c><01:00:16.799><c> right</c> biggest threat to our industry right biggest threat to our industry right
• </c><01:12:31.040><c> such</c> business in a high-risisk industry such business in a high-risisk industry
• How is the the industry kind of update?
• </c> having been in the hospitality industry having been in the hospitality industry for<01:33:09.360

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• And as I go to the next slide, it's also really important to understand, is this an industry leader or
• And we always provide those funds through a community or industrial authority, and again it goes back
• And we always provide those funds through a community or industrial authority, and again it goes back
• And we always provide those funds through a community or industrial authority, and again it goes back
• And we always provide those funds through a community or industrial authority, and again it goes back

Summary: The subcommittee met with Secretary Jeff Null and General Counsel Matt Wing of the Cabinet for Economic Development for an overview of the cabinet’s main economic development tools, strategy, and compliance practices. Null said the cabinet uses a data-driven approach focused on competitiveness, site readiness, wages, workforce training, and long-term assets such as roads, rail spurs, water, and sewer improvements. He emphasized that the cabinet tries to balance attracting new employers with supporting existing businesses, and said compliance is a core value of the agency. Null walked members through several programs, including the closing fund, Kentucky Business Incentive (KBI), Bluegrass State Skills Corporation training support, and the KIA sales-tax refund tool for construction materials and equipment. He said the closing fund has received $80 million over two years for projects generally involving at least $10 million in investment, though some flexibility exists. He also explained that Bluegrass State Skills funding is typically about $2,000 to $3,000 per job and can be used flexibly for training, including sending Kentucky workers to be trained elsewhere or paying trainers to come to Kentucky. He described KBI as a pay-as-you-go, incremental tax credit tied to actual jobs and investment, and said the legislature’s tiered refundable credit structure allows more targeted use of incentives in heritage and non-heritage counties. A substantial portion of the presentation focused on compliance and monitoring. Null said incentive agreements are written with commercial terms and spell out jobs, investment, wages, and training commitments. The cabinet requires regular reporting, invoices, and sampling, and can use clawbacks or suspend benefits if companies fail to meet obligations or lose required environmental permits. He said the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority reviews incentive applications in public meetings and often requires company representatives to answer questions before preliminary approval is granted. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I’m wondering if some of the other states that you mentioned don’t have the industry to compete,
• you know, because...” ...don't have the industry to compete, you know, because we are the innovation
• because they maintain their jobs within industry.
• To make matters worse, critical industries within the trades are facing serious labor shortages.
• Industries within the trades are facing serious labor shortages.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard several education bills, with AB 887 by Assemblymember Berman proposing that every school district and charter school adopt a plan so all high schools offer at least one computer science course by 2029-30. Supporters, including a teacher and student, argued California is falling behind other states and that computer science is essential for student opportunity and workforce readiness. ACSA opposed the bill, citing the shortage of qualified computer science teachers and administrative burden. The bill passed the committee on a 6-0 vote and was sent to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 1390 by Assemblymember Solache, which would allow local and county school boards to raise trustee compensation above long-standing statutory minimums that have not changed in decades. Supporters said the current stipends are too low to make board service accessible to working families and younger community members. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill passed with five votes, with the roll left open for additional members. AB 865 by Assemblymember Gonzalez would create a $5 million, three-year grant program for dual-language immersion instructional materials, split between high-demand languages and other languages. Supporters said districts often lack standards-aligned materials in languages beyond Spanish, forcing teachers to create their own. The bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. AB 857 by Assemblymember Gibson, requiring annual cultural competency training for K-12 staff, also passed 5-1 after supporters linked it to the state reparations task force report and argued it would improve trust and student outcomes. The committee additionally approved AB 677 by Assemblymember Bryan, which would make it easier for unhoused students to access school-based vision and dental screenings by allowing directory information to be used for that purpose with an opt-out process; it passed 8-0. AB 903 by Assemblymember Avila Farias, directing the Department of Education to develop best practices on education technology and digital equity, passed after amendments and with some opponents indicating they would remove opposition once the amendments were in print. Finally, AB 917 by Assemblymember Avila Farias, extending permanent-status protections to certain educators in small districts and county programs, drew significant opposition from small districts and regional occupational programs over flexibility and funding concerns; the bill still passed 5-2 with the roll held open for additional votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is very specific to one industry, and for that reason we do oppose this legislation.
• </c><00:21:11.840><c> that</c><00:21:11.960><c> is</c> of no other industry that is of no other industry
• So this is very specific to one industry, and for that reason we do oppose this legislation.
• So this is very specific to one industry, and for that reason we do oppose this legislation.
• I mean, to the restrictions that are on this particular industry, is there any other industry in the

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on HB 660, which would require historic horse racing facilities to provide 10% of HHR winnings to host municipalities as mitigation. Representative Om said the bill was intended to offset local costs associated with large gaming facilities, noting that prior gaming measures included opt-in provisions and that this proposal would leave charities and the state whole while taking the 10% from the operator’s share. Members questioned why 10% was chosen and whether municipalities were currently experiencing added costs; Om said the amount was meant to address projected future impacts, not broader municipal budget issues, and cited a study on casino-related community costs. Opponents from the New Hampshire Charitable Gaming Operators Association argued the bill unfairly singled out one industry and said gaming facilities do not impose more municipal burden than other entertainment venues. The hearing closed without a vote, and a member clarified the bill would apply to existing and future casinos/facilities. The committee then opened a hearing on HB 658-FN, which raises the cap on reimbursements from the Oil Discharge and Disposal Cleanup Fund and makes related changes to the Oil Pollution Control Fund. Representative Malloy introduced the bill, and Representative Aly described the funds as an insurance backstop for oil spill cleanup and low-income tank replacement, saying the program helps prevent environmental hazards and satisfies financial responsibility requirements. Bob Scully of the Energy Marketers Association supported the bill but noted that fee changes are ultimately passed on to consumers. Department of Environmental Services officials Robert Bishop and Jennifer Marts explained that the bill would change reporting deadlines, raise the reimbursement cap for low-income homeowners, extend the fee collection period for 10 years, and adjust petroleum import fees based on an actuarial review. They said the funds cover spill response, prevention, and tank replacement, and that the fee structure was designed to keep the funds solvent while balancing costs across fuel categories. Committee members asked about the actuarial basis for the fee changes, why some fees would rise while others would fall, and how the funds are used. DES said the review used 10 years of claims and exposure data and that the fuel oil fee would otherwise need to rise sharply, so the board proposed a smaller increase and rebalanced other fees. Members also asked about the scope of covered oil imports, and DES explained that the fee applies to oil destined for use in New Hampshire, not merely passing through the state. The discussion also covered home heating oil spills, which DES said are often discovered by homeowners or fire departments and are usually caused by tank corrosion, piping, or overfills. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair noted that the policy committee had already approved the bill before the finance-focused review.

Transcript Highlights:

• Unlike many other industries, the wealth of family farms is tied up in illiquid assets such as land,
• and wants our industry to be shorted<00:49:15.880><c> up</c><00:49:16.319><c> and</c><00:49:16.920><
• thank you for allowing me to industry thank you for allowing me to attend<00:49:45.880><c> remotely<
• Quite frankly, someone within the industry told me that they had approached the state regarding some
• </c><00:59:55.440><c> told</c> frankly someone within the industry told frankly someone within the industry

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• I would also like to relay the powerful testimony of a fellow troubled teen industry survivor and an
• It is an important step toward finally putting safeguards around an industry that has operated in the
• Around an industry that is operated in shadows for far too long.
• And, you know, to the credit of the automobile industry.
• The automobile industry, the traditional automobile industry up to this point, has done a tremendous

Summary: The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee met with several bills on the agenda, beginning with SB 739 (Arreguín) on the Clean Miles Standard and Incentive Program for transportation network companies. The author and supporters from Lyft, Uber, and TechNet said the bill would update EV miles traveled and greenhouse gas targets to reflect current market conditions, add flexibility for CARB and the CPUC, and protect drivers from losing platform access while also creating a path for future electrification. Opponents including the American Lung Association, Sierra Club California, and NRDC argued the bill would weaken a program meant to accelerate EV adoption and should retain stronger targets. Members discussed affordability, charging infrastructure, and the need to balance climate goals with feasibility. The committee approved SB 739 as amended and re-referred it to Appropriations, later recording a 9-0 vote when the roll was completed. The committee then heard SB 1190 (Grove), the “Safe Passage for Youth Act,” which would regulate private youth transport services used for out-of-state residential placements. The author and sponsor testimony described abusive practices such as nighttime pickups, blindfolds, restraints, and emotional trauma, and said the bill would require CPUC permitting, TrustLine background checks, training, parental consent, and bans on certain practices. Support came from youth and disability advocates, with no opposition testimony. The bill was moved on a due pass as amended recommendation and later passed 9-0. SB 1191 (Ochoa Bogh) would extend the sunset for California High Cost Fund A and B universal service programs that help provide affordable telephone service in rural and high-cost areas. Supporters from rural telecom companies and industry groups said the funds are essential for maintaining service, 911 access, and emergency communications in remote communities. There was no opposition, and the committee advanced the bill on a due pass recommendation; it later passed 9-0. The consent item, SB 985 (Strickland) on the 911 emergency system, was also approved. Finally, the committee heard SB 1246 (Cortese) on autonomous vehicles and emergency response. The author and supporters from SEIU California and the California Professional Firefighters said the bill would require AV companies to provide incident response, notify local jurisdictions during system failures, ensure U.S.-based remote drivers, and prevent public safety workers from having to manage AV breakdowns. Industry opponents argued the bill intrudes on federal vehicle standards, gives local governments enforcement authority they should not have, and could create overly broad notification and response requirements. Members raised questions about local control, response times, and whether the bill was premature given existing DMV regulations. Despite those concerns, the committee passed SB 1246 on a due pass as amended recommendation, later recording a 7-1 vote. The committee then recessed and returned to complete roll calls before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Matthew Smith with Associated Industries of Missouri is going on record in support of this bill.
• industry, or the government, would be significant supporters of this project.
• ...and partially industrial policy, and even a utility regulation.
• Large industrial customers and data centers require 99-plus percent uptime.
• My name is Jared Hankinson, representing the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Committee: House Utilities

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Regulated Industries will now come to order.
• It's a privately funded industrial computing facility that's fully behind the meter.
• It's a privately funded industrial computing facility that's fully behind the meter.
• First of all, I want to thank Adam Bassford with Associated Industries of Florida.
• Our fintech, our burgeoning fintech industry in Palm Beach County, could use this.

Bills: S0408 , S0986 , S0678 , S0800 , S1050 , S0484 , S1118

Committee: Senate Regulated Industries

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries considered several bills and took final action on each. SB 986, by Senator Gruters and presented by Senator Rodriguez, would prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana in public places and in certain indoor spaces; restaurant and lodging representatives supported adding marijuana and vaping to clean indoor air rules but asked to preserve designated smoking areas on private property, while cannabis advocates warned the bill was overly broad and could affect patients and property rights. The committee voted the bill favorably. SB 678, by Senator Mayfield, would restore statutory authority for DBPR to continue allowing alcohol distributors to deduct unsellable alcohol from monthly excise tax calculations; the committee adopted a strike-all amendment and reported the committee substitute favorably. SB 800, also by Senator Mayfield, increases penalties for repeated unlicensed engineering practice and creates an engineering student loan assistance program for engineers working for state agencies and water management districts; after adopting an amendment clarifying eligibility, the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee then heard SB 408, by Senator Grall, which would create a Florida cause of action against vaccine manufacturers that advertise in the state, allowing injured individuals to sue in Florida courts. Supporters argued the bill would rebuild public trust and hold manufacturers accountable, while opponents from the Florida Justice Reform Institute, American Tort Reform Association, BIO, the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, and several medical and business groups argued the field is largely preempted by federal law, that existing federal compensation programs already address vaccine injuries, and that the bill raises First Amendment and policy concerns. After debate focused on vaccine injury data, compensation rates, and liability, the committee voted SB 408 favorably. The committee also considered SB 484 and SB 1118, both by Senator Avila, dealing with data centers. SB 484 would preserve local planning authority, bar nondisclosure agreements that prevent disclosure of potential data center development, require the PSC to set large-load tariff requirements so data centers pay their own costs, and limit consumptive use permits for large-scale data centers absent no harm to water resources and compliance with local zoning; supporters emphasized ratepayer protection and economic development, while some witnesses urged flexibility for behind-the-meter projects and confidentiality in negotiations. The bill was reported favorably. SB 1118 would create a time-limited public records exemption for county or municipal information about data center siting and protect proprietary business information; Senator Pizzo raised concerns about how the exemption would affect disclosure of competing projects and local officials’ ability to speak, but the sponsor said he would work on clarifying the language. The committee also passed SB 1050, by Senator Calatayud, which requires veterinarians to provide pet owners with written prescriptions and information about pharmacy choice while preserving veterinary judgment and emergency dispensing authority. The meeting concluded after all bills were reported favorably and members recorded additional votes on prior items.

Transcript Highlights:

• In particular, through the health care industry here, nursing being the primary component of that, the
• The premier provider for regional workforce development for those industries that I just referenced.
• I've spent the past 25 years in the real estate brokerage and construction industries.
• I've spent the past 25 years in the real estate brokerage and construction industries.
• I've spent the past 25 years in the real estate brokerage and construction industries.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education heard a presentation from the Governor’s Office on the proposed education budget, which totals $32.5 billion overall and includes no tuition or fee increases for Florida residents. Officials highlighted major funding for financial aid and scholarships, including Bright Futures, Benacquisto, veteran-related scholarships, EASE, Open Door, law enforcement/first responder programs, and workforce initiatives. They also emphasized increases for workforce education, Florida College System operations, nursing pipeline and line funds, and university operations, performance funding, and faculty recruitment and retention. Committee members asked questions about the Ocoee Scholarship, the proposed post-secondary Guardian program, and how university recruitment and retention funds would be used; officials said the Ocoee Scholarship remains funded at current levels, the Guardian program would offer flexible campus safety options, and the university funds would be distributed to institutions for faculty recruitment and retention without additional directives. The committee then heard from a series of appointees and reappointees to boards of trustees for state colleges and universities, who described their backgrounds and priorities. Testimony consistently focused on affordability, workforce alignment, nursing and allied health programs, dual enrollment, adult learners, and local economic needs. Several trustees highlighted strong nursing NCLEX pass rates, expansion of campuses or programs, and efforts to tailor education to regional workforce demands such as health care, construction, law enforcement, aviation, and hospitality. One appointee from Miami-Dade College emphasized helping adult students return and complete degrees by easing credit transfer and admissions barriers. After hearing from the appointees, the committee took up the full slate of confirmations as a block. A motion was made and the roll was called; the confirmations were approved favorably, with members voting yes and no opposition recorded. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Audrey Zazak on behalf of the California Building Industry Association.
• Audrey Ritechek from Crew Strategies on behalf of the California Building Industry Association.
• Audrey Ritechek from Crew Strategies on behalf of the California Building Industry Association.
• Just looking at it from a market standpoint, having worked in the real estate industry, all this will
• Just looking at it from a market standpoint, having worked in the real estate industry, all this will

Committee: House Housing and Community Development

Transcript Highlights:

• THE WHOLE SOUTHEAST THE DEBRIS REMOVAL INDUSTRY WAS COMPLETELY AND TOTALLY TIED UP.
• THAT INDUSTRY IS CONTINUING TO GROW.
• AS THE DIFFERENT INDUSTRIES CONTINUE TO GROW THERE ARE SIGNIFICANT INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS.
• I HOPE YOUR AGENCY CONTINUES TO SUPPORT THAT INDUSTRY.
• THIS IS HOW WE BELIEVE WE CAN PARTICIPATE AS AN INDUSTRY.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:59:37.119><c> you</c> people like you in the industry, you people like you in the industry,
• Uh, the impacts to the airline industry.
• </c> to the air uh the uh airline industry. to the air uh the uh airline industry.
• Well, your industry, your &gt;&gt; Okay.
• And I uh industry continuing to decline.

Bills: HB1694 , HB1695 , HB1986 , HB1797 , HB1879 , HB2034

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The committee opened by explaining hearing procedures, including a two-minute oral testimony limit and that decision-making would follow after testimony. It then took up SB 20008, which would set 55 mph as the maximum speed limit on all parts of the DKI/Saddle Road highway. The bill’s introducer described it as a response to safety concerns and noted prior public opposition when the speed limit was lowered from 60 mph; the Hawaii Police Department was listed in opposition, while DOT and several individuals testified in support. No vote was taken during the portion provided. The committee next heard SB 20009, requiring new plates/tags or emblems for used motor vehicles transferred between private individuals, and SB 2026, which would require drivers approaching stationary vehicles on the shoulder or roadside to slow down and, if necessary, change lanes. The Attorney General supported SB 2026 but recommended narrowing and clarifying the language by removing references to shoulder/roadside, collision or mechanical problem, and other limiting definitions so the duty would apply more broadly and be easier to enforce; AAA and OMA also supported the measure. Members discussed the practical need for a mandatory move-over rule, especially for roadside workers and tow operators, and the committee heard concerns about enforceability on two-lane roads and in accident scenes. SB 2053 was then heard, authorizing electronic signatures on supporting documents used to transfer ownership of total-loss vehicles to insurers without notarization and requiring insurers to indemnify the finance director for claims arising from those electronic title issuances. The Hawaii Insurers Council, Copart, the City and County of Honolulu, and others supported the bill, with Copart describing it as a modernization that would reduce delays for total-loss settlements; technical amendments were requested. The committee also heard SB 2172, which would allow all-terrain vehicles to operate at night if equipped with lights and a slow-moving vehicle emblem, adjust helmet requirements, define utility terrain vehicles, and include ATVs in motor vehicle insurance law. DOT said it could support the bill only if limited to low-speed areas, and the insurance industry warned it could create a new insurance scheme; the City and County of Honolulu opposed while the Hawaii Farm Bureau and an individual supported. Finally, SB 2253 was introduced to expand first-degree negligent injury to include injuries negligently inflicted by intoxicated drivers, with DOT, county prosecutors, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office in support; Honolulu prosecutors said they would oppose a proposed amendment because they wanted the language to preserve the offense as a lesser included offense tied to negligent homicide.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:17:30.760><c> every</c><01:17:31.040><c> 6</c> reports from those Industries every 6 reports
• from those Industries every 6 months<01:17:31.560><c> to</c><01:17:31.719><c> see</c><01:17:31.920><c
• Some industry players have failed to work as partners.
• We did not receive any comments from industry at that time on the prohibitions.
• </c><01:37:22.239><c> are</c> Alternatives and what uh Industries are Alternatives and what uh Industries

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• insurance industry, with fire safe councils, and with residents across the state, all giving us that
• So when the state fails to regulate the insurance industry, the insurance industry has massive financial
• And so we've been working very closely with CDI, with the insurance industry.
• Does that mean that the insurance... ...industry will care?
• The insurance industry almost went under. So what did they do?