Transcript Highlights:

• So, this is on um this is there's an amendment about school building aid construction services.
• If I know that New Hampshire ranks 48th nationally in aid to local communities and that we rank 50th,
• If I know that New Hampshire ranks 48th nationally in aid to local communities and that we rank 50th,
• If I know that New Hampshire ranks 48th nationally in aid to local communities and that we rank 50th,
• This is not something that you just fall into a property tax cap. reductions to targeted aid and home

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We invest in affordability and access by expanding need-based aid and dual credit opportunities, strengthening
• for professional<00:29:56.480> firefighters,<00:29:57.760> increase<00:29:58.080> aid
• professional firefighters, increase aid professional firefighters, increase aid to<00:29:58.559>
• The governor's budget contained $28 million for this current budget for college financial aid programs
• The governor's budget contained $28 million for this current budget for college financial aid programs

Keywords: Several minutes after the convene vote and before the introduction failed to properly steam. This version was pulled from a local back up., 958, all

Summary: The House convened with 97 members present, declared a quorum, approved excusing absent members, and suspended the rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. The journal for February 25, 2026 was approved. The clerk also reported that the Senate had passed Senate Bills 98 and 122 and requested concurrence. The House then received second-reading reports on a range of bills, including measures on prison educational programs, respiratory care, dietitians, wildlife depredation, temporary structures, military families, civil rights, local boards of education, light pollution, controlled-substance prescribing licenses, youth health services, class sizes for exceptional children, the athletic trainer compact, limited commercial driver’s licenses, and Senate Bill 145 relating to the Department of Agriculture and Alcohol Beverage Control. Committee reports moved several bills forward, including the main budget bills House Bill 500 and House Bill 504, along with measures on workforce investment, data centers, domestic violence, guardians ad litem, domestic relations, health delivery and “food is medicine” initiatives, state personnel, open records, and fish and wildlife resources. House Bill 500 and House Bill 504 were taken from the Rules Committee and placed on the orders of the day. House Bill 500, the executive branch budget bill, was then taken up for third reading and explanation. Members presented extensive floor explanations of House Bill 500 and House Committee Substitute 1, describing it as a “good first draft” of the executive budget. Supporters said the proposal emphasizes restrained spending growth, base reductions with exemptions for key areas, employee salary increments, and deposits to the Budget Reserve Trust Fund for future one-time investments. They highlighted funding for K-12 education, postsecondary aid and workforce training, Medicaid and behavioral health, public health infrastructure, pensions, veterans, public safety, economic development, tourism, and state technology and facility maintenance. The budget substitute was adopted by voice vote, and the discussion continued with detailed descriptions of the bill’s provisions; no final passage vote was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• :36.720> of having to guard her um who was dying of having to guard her um who was dying of AIDS
• AIDS AIDS in<01:06:38.880> the<01:06:39.039> hospital<01:06:39.440> and<01:06:39.760
• That also created a jack in the population, and the community correctional centers had to band-aid all
• :42.000> to community correctional centers had to community correctional centers had to band-aid
• all<02:21:43.680> these<02:21:44.000> additional<02:21:45.280> uh band-aid

Bills: HB1531

Keywords: emergency announcements, American Sign Language, accessibility, public safety, broadcast media, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1913, which would create a mental health coordinator position within the Office of Veteran Services for the Daniel K. Akaka State Veterans Home and appropriate funds for it. Supporters said veterans, especially on the neighbor islands, need more mental health access and coordination. Several witnesses, including Sean Sonatada and Tom Driscoll, supported the intent but urged amendments to broaden the position beyond one facility and make it a statewide resource. Committee members questioned whether the bill would duplicate existing services at the veterans home and whether the position would be reimbursable through federal VA funding; testimony indicated the state would appropriate the money, while existing home services are already covered through current staff and federal reimbursement structures. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 9, which would designate Hawaii as a Purple Heart state. Testifiers generally supported the measure as a way to honor wounded veterans and their families, though one member asked what benefits the designation would confer. Witnesses clarified that the bill was mainly symbolic and did not appear to create new benefits, and one testifier noted Honolulu County had already adopted a similar Purple Heart designation. The committee then took up House Bill 1628, which would establish a compassionate release protocol for certain seriously ill or debilitated incarcerated persons. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Hawaii Paroling Authority opposed the bill, arguing that an existing administrative process already works, that the bill could improperly extend eligibility to people serving life without parole or mandatory minimum sentences, and that it lacked victim and family input and sufficient resources. In contrast, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission strongly supported the bill, saying it would reduce the high cost of incarcerating people with complex medical needs, ease burdens on staff and the prison population, and better reflect human dignity. The commission described having seen severe suffering and deaths in custody and said compassionate release is warranted in some cases. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So besides legal aid and Mr. Ron Elwood is with me today.
• So besides um legal<01:28:01.679> aid<01:28:02.000> and<01:28:02.080> Mr.
• Ron Elwood is with me legal aid and Mr.
• Ron Elwood from Legal Aid is here to answer any questions. Thank you, Senator Pappas.
• Ron Elwood, uh, Madame Chair and uh, Senator Kreun and Ron Elwood with Legal Aid and I have the decision

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:07:10.719> Um causes AIDS. So very very infectious. Um causes AIDS.
• In the mid-1990s, I worked on an AIDS vaccine with Dr.
• In the mid-1990s, I worked on an AIDS vaccine with Dr.
• When I had my baby in the hospital, um, he comes back with two band-aids on his legs.
• <03:05:48.720> on um, he comes back with two band-aids on um, he comes back with two band-aids

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• days being spent in a room with him and days being spent in a room with him and his<00:37:12.079> Aid
• 13.560> students<00:37:13.800> on<00:37:13.960> my<00:37:14.119> case his Aid
• or or other students on my case his Aid or or other students on my case load<00:37:15.520> um
• And his aide had to wear soccer gear because she had so many bruises.
• And his aide had to wear soccer gear because she had so many bruises.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This measure appropriates monies as a grant and aid to the City and County of Honolulu Department of
• To demonstrate, our State grant and aid application this year is for those programs, and we are also
• To demonstrate, our State grant and aid application this year is for those programs, and we are also
• director of do last week the executive director of the<02:18:41.439> legal<02:18:41.760> aid
• ><02:18:42.120> Foundation<02:18:42.840> testified<02:18:43.559> and the legal aid

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint Commerce and Consumer Protection and Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs committees heard HB 756 HD1, a measure on flavored tobacco products. Supporters included the Attorney General, Department of Health, Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, youth advocates, public health groups, and Kaiser Permanente. They argued flavored tobacco and menthol are used to attract and addict young people, cited rising youth and young adult vaping rates, and pointed to public health harms and evidence from other states that flavor restrictions reduced e-cigarette sales. The Attorney General requested oral amendments to correct a statutory reference, repeal a county preemption provision so counties could enact stricter flavor bans, and restore appropriations, positions, and the original effective date. Opponents, including retail and wholesale businesses, argued the bill would hurt small businesses and state tax revenue, push sales to the black market, and remove a harm-reduction option for adult smokers; they urged stronger enforcement instead of a ban. After testimony, the committees took up amendments and recommendations. The chair proposed correcting the statutory citation to HRS 26-38, adopting a Department of Health amendment on disposal of electronic smoking devices and e-liquids as hazardous waste, and noting the appropriations, FTE, and effective date in the committee report. Members then voted to pass HB 756 HD1 with amendments in both committees, with the Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs committee recording one member as supporting with reservations. The transcript then moved to HB 806, relating to fireworks, which would appropriate funds for the Department of Law Enforcement to conduct sting operations on Oʻahu to enforce fireworks laws. The Department of Law Enforcement and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying undercover enforcement is costly and additional funding is needed. A community testifier also supported stronger enforcement, citing illegal aerial fireworks, noise, and impacts on pets and kupuna. No final vote on HB 806 was shown in the excerpt. The Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs committee also heard HB 438, which would create a Due Process in Immigration Proceedings Program to provide legal representation in immigration court for income-qualified individuals. Support came from civil rights, legal aid, ACLU, and law school clinic representatives, who said counsel is needed to ensure due process and fair access to justice, especially because immigration proceedings can lead to deportation and family separation. Opposition testifiers argued taxpayer-funded counsel for people in immigration proceedings is inappropriate, unlawful, or unfair to citizens and legal residents. One law school representative suggested a technical amendment to broaden language about training and education. The excerpt ends before a final vote on HB 438 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• it's the Department of Defense, for instance, that they're also not in arrears on, let's say, impact aid
• c><01:15:39.159> let's<01:15:39.360> say<01:15:39.639> impact<01:15:40.199> Aid
• also not in AAR on let's say impact Aid also not in AAR on let's say impact Aid so<01:15:41.520>
• I mean, we do provide financial aid and other reasons, and then also with our state agencies, they don't
• I mean, we do provide financial aid and other reasons, and then also with our state agencies, they don't

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1233, relating to storm management systems, which would add safety and maintenance requirements for detention and retention ponds. Supporters, including Alison Schafers of the Ki Injury Prevention Coalition and Kristen Herstead of the Hawaii Lifeguard Association, said the measure is needed because poorly maintained ponds can become hidden drowning hazards, especially for children, and argued that fencing, signage, and life-saving equipment would have minimal cost. Schafers described the death of her daughter in a detention pond and said the bill reflects recommendations in the Hawaii Water Safety Plan. Members asked about whether the issue should be handled at the county level; testifiers responded that a statewide standard is needed, though counties would likely handle permitting. No vote was taken on the bill during the excerpted discussion. The committee then heard HB 867, relating to recreational facilities, which would require accessible playgrounds. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said it submitted comments and that state parks do not generally have recreational facilities affected by the bill, while most such facilities are under county jurisdiction. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability Communication Access Board, and the Disability Rights Center all supported the bill’s intent but recommended changes, including replacing the term “special needs” with “accessible,” focusing the requirement on new and renovated playgrounds, and specifying wheelchair-accessible swings. Testifiers emphasized that accessible play spaces promote inclusion for children with disabilities and benefit all children. No final action or vote was reported. The committee also took up HB 1358, relating to a public land trust working group. DLNR supported the measure and said it had provided written comments, while the Office of Hawaiian Affairs strongly supported the bill and described longstanding problems with incomplete land inventories, self-reported revenue data, and disputed public land trust payments. OHA said an audit it funded suggests the state owes more than current payments reflect, and other supporters said the bill is needed for transparency, accountability, and a complete inventory of public trust lands, including submerged lands. Committee questions focused on how the public land trust information system is maintained, who updates it, and how revenue reporting works; DLNR said the system is older, has limited dedicated IT staffing, and relies on agency self-reporting rather than independent verification. No vote or final committee action was announced in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• When my daughter and her aide arrived on this particular night, all spots were full.
• They parked in the lower lot, and her aide had to push Kelly's wheelchair up relatively steep hills.
• The aide asked to have them towed or at least ticketed. He refused. He just plainly refused.
• c> me<01:08:54.199> to<01:08:54.440> do<01:08:55.520> the<01:08:55.679> aid
• <01:08:55.920> asked what do you want me to do the aid asked what do you want me to do the

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• we're worried about, you know, Tingsboro or some town in Vermont getting a little bit of New Hampshire aid
• bit<00:45:28.960> of<00:45:29.120> New<00:45:29.240> Hampshire<00:45:29.680> aid
• ,<00:45:29.880> we're<00:45:30.160> we're bit of New Hampshire aid, we're we're bit
• of New Hampshire aid, we're we're sending<00:45:30.600> a<00:45:30.640> lot<00:45:30.880

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee began with brief remarks recognizing Representative Almquist’s service and noting that he would not seek reelection, along with comments about other members’ departures and replacements. The chair then opened a series of interim study work sessions, explaining that some bills would be handled now and school-funding-related bills later in the year. Members also discussed how interim study reports work, including that they are recommendations for future legislation and do not prevent anyone from filing similar bills again. On HB 224, dealing with rebates to taxpayers from the renewable energy fund, members noted that the bill was essentially the same as a prior House bill that passed the House but stalled in conference with the Senate. The committee discussed whether the measure would change current law; members were told it would not, and that the report would simply recommend future legislation. The chair indicated the committee would likely recommend the bill for future legislation, with no minority report, and that any roll call vote would be reflected in the final report. On HB 417, repealing the communication services tax, members raised concerns about revenue loss, possible 911-related issues, and conflicts over municipal taxation of telephone poles and related property. The Lottery Director and others explained that repeal could create legal uncertainty for municipalities and that the bill could reduce state revenue by millions of dollars. The committee concluded the bill should not be recommended for future legislation unless it were substantially revised to address revenue and municipal-taxation complications. On HB 635, concerning taxing nonprofit entities that settle illegal immigrants, members agreed it was primarily a federal issue and outside the state’s authority, so it was not recommended for future legislation. On HB 660, requiring historic horse racing facilities to compensate host communities, members said the concept of mitigating local impacts was reasonable but the bill was too broad in its current form. Testimony from the Lottery Director and others focused on how host communities and charities currently receive days and revenue, how operators are using shared days, and how the market may already be adjusting. Members also discussed whether neighboring communities, including out-of-state towns, should be considered and whether the state’s share of gaming revenue could be redirected. The discussion ended with interest in a narrower rewrite and possible future legislation, but no final vote was described in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• low- to moderate-income brackets and achieve home ownership with minimal, if any, reliance on state aid
• any<01:15:16.560> reliance<01:15:16.880> on<01:15:17.040> state<01:15:17.280> aid
• <01:15:18.080> Furthermore, any reliance on state aid.
• Furthermore, any reliance on state aid.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• support from consumer advocacy organizations, including the Ombudsman for Long-Term Care, AARP, Legal Aid
• Ombudsman for Long-Term Care,<00:03:53.080> AARP,<00:03:53.960> Legal<00:03:54.360> Aid
• <00:03:54.600> and<00:03:54.720> the<00:03:54.840> Elder Care, AARP, Legal Aid
• , and the Elder Care, AARP, Legal Aid, and the Elder Justice<00:03:55.680> Center.

Bills: HF4145, HF4009, HF4304, SF2511, HF4090, HF357, HF901

Keywords: alcohol consumption, nursing homes, assisted living, resident activities, Minnesota Statutes, seasonal liquor licenses, resorts, intoxicating liquor, county board, Brainerd, Northern Pacific Center, event center, liquor license, on-sale license, alcohol sales, special law, local option, Minnesota liquor law, chapter 340A, Sunday sales

Transcript Highlights:

• So, our total contributions—the employee, employer contributions, state supplemental aids—add up to $83
• employer contributions,<01:08:58.239> state<01:08:58.480> supplemental<01:08:58.960> aids
• , contributions, state supplemental aids, contributions, state supplemental aids, um,<01:09:00.239

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There was this one incident where the inmate was dying of AIDS and, um, there was no help for her, no
• inmate<01:17:08.480> was<01:17:08.719> dying<01:17:08.960> of<01:17:09.360> AIDS
• c><01:17:10.400> and<01:17:10.960> um<01:17:11.280> there inmate was dying of AIDS
• and um there inmate was dying of AIDS and um there was<01:17:11.679> no<01:17:11.840> help

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several measures. SB 2723, which would designate April 27 as State Sheriff’s Day, was supported by the Department of Law Enforcement and a long-serving sheriff, who described the historical roots of Hawaii’s sheriffs in the Kingdom of Hawaii and said the bill would recognize that legacy. HGA submitted written comments, and there was no opposition or vote taken on the measure during the excerpt. The committees then heard SB 17 on wildfire mitigation. The Public Utilities Commission, DLNR, the State Fire Council, OPSD, the Attorney General’s office, and Kamehameha Schools all testified, mostly in support of the bill’s intent but with suggested amendments. Several witnesses said the bill should better define the working group’s structure, staffing, and funding, and the Attorney General noted constitutional concerns about placing the group outside a principal department and pointed out possible overlap with Acts 302 and 303 from the prior year. Committee members questioned whether SB 17 duplicated earlier wildfire legislation, and witnesses generally said it did not directly conflict but overlapped with existing efforts. On SB 2358, which would require reimbursement for search-and-rescue costs when people leave trails and enter closed areas, the State Fire Council and the Hawaii SAR Alliance testified in opposition or caution, arguing that reimbursement could deter people from calling for help and that Hawaii’s SAR system still has structural and administrative gaps. A committee member asked whether other jurisdictions had used similar measures without discouraging rescues; the Fire Council said Kauai has a similar law but it has not resulted in invoices being sent. No action was taken in the excerpt. The final measure discussed was SB 2475 on Red Hill remediation funding and reimbursement from the Department of Defense. The Board of Water Supply, DLNR, and other testifiers supported the bill, emphasizing the need for long-term research, monitoring, and cleanup, while also noting the unique groundwater conditions and the importance of keeping the funds focused on Red Hill contamination response. Committee members asked about existing federal and state funding, whether the state had received any direct federal money, and what would happen if reimbursement is not obtained. DLNR said it was still working through the reimbursement mechanism and that some federal funding had gone to the Red Hill registry, but not directly to the state for this purpose.

Transcript Highlights:

• 01:38:36.320> of<01:38:36.400> the<01:38:36.560> highest I think this is a band-aid
• this<01:41:26.400> it<01:41:26.719> is<01:41:26.880> a<01:41:27.040> band-aid
• ,<01:41:27.520> but<01:41:27.840> I I think this it is a band-aid, but I I think this
• it is a band-aid, but I think<01:41:28.159> it's<01:41:28.400> a<01:41:29.280> it's

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 155, which drew a lengthy debate over an amendment to delay implementation until tax year 2027. Supporters said the delay would give lawmakers time to see whether projected revenues materialize and to reconsider the policy if needed; opponents argued it would reduce money available to services and local governments at a time of tightening revenues. Members also discussed broader revenue trends, including tobacco, rooms-and-meals, real estate transfer, and lottery revenues, and disagreed over whether tax cuts tend to increase revenue. The committee adopted amendment 2025-2983H on an 11-9 vote, then voted 11-9 to report HB 155 ought to pass as amended. The bill was sent to the consent calendar, with a majority and minority report to be filed. The committee then considered HB 224, with members expressing concern that the bill would redirect money collected for one purpose to another and should receive more study. A motion for interim study was made and seconded, and the committee approved interim study unanimously, 20-0, sending HB 224 to the consent calendar. Next, the committee took up SB 83, which the Lottery described as a vehicle for technical corrections to gaming law. The Lottery requested changes to remove a bond cap, reconcile inconsistent free-play/promotional-play language, redirect problem-gambling funds to the Commission on Addiction Treatment and Prevention, and revise background-check language after the FBI declined to conduct checks under the existing wording. The committee adopted amendment 2025-2984 unanimously, 20-0, then voted 20-0 to report SB 83 ought to pass as amended and placed it on the consent calendar. Finally, the committee began work on HB 524, a bill to repeal the New Hampshire Vaccine Association. Representative Yuli said members had received many emails and calls both supporting and opposing the program and that he had questions about transparency and the dollars involved. The transcript cuts off before any vote or further action on HB 524.

Transcript Highlights:

• property prevalence, lack of clear title, risk of forced partition sales, and ineligibility for federal aid
• :28.000> federal ineligibility for foreign for federal ineligibility for foreign for federal aid
• 29.760> interim,<01:15:30.640> we<01:15:31.040> urged<01:15:31.280> the aid
• During the interim, we urged the aid.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:01 Kentucky’s Justice Reinvestment Initiative – Domestic Violence: 00:02:00 Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act: 00:46:41, 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary approved the minutes from its July 24, 2025 meeting and heard an announcement about a lunch sponsored by the Kentucky State Buildings and Trades Council on forming a blue-collar caucus. The main presentation came from the Council of State Governments’ Justice Center on the Kentucky Justice Reinvestment Initiative’s domestic violence work, which was described as a multi-year effort begun in 2023 to analyze data and interview stakeholders across the state. Presenters reported that domestic violence is widespread in Kentucky, with about half of adults experiencing some form of violence or stalking in their lifetimes, and that an average of about 22,000 IPV incidents occurred annually from 2018 to 2022. They said domestic violence is a major driver of violent crime, accounting for about 48% of person offenses over a six-year period, and is linked to significant shares of homicides, sex crimes, kidnapping, aggravated assault, and simple assault. They also said reported incidents and arrests have risen in recent years, that protective-order violations and convictions have increased, and that Kentucky ranks near the bottom among surrounding states in the share of victim compensation for domestic-violence-related claims. Law enforcement survey results showed strong adoption of model policies and guidance, but limited use of screening tools for serious injury risk. The presenters emphasized that domestic violence also places heavy demands on law enforcement, courts, and corrections, citing roughly 30,000 law-enforcement responses in 2022 and noting that more than a third of people entering DOC custody and nearly a third under supervision had DV-related histories. They said a small group of repeat offenders drives ongoing harm and that targeted interventions could reduce recidivism. They highlighted a North Carolina example in which focused intervention reduced IPV-related homicides and calls for service, and they referenced Kentucky’s 2020 assessment recommendations on training, language access, protective-order service, and coordination with victim services and batterer intervention providers. They estimated that a 25% reduction in reported DV incidents could prevent nearly 5,000 victimizations annually and reduce DOC commitments and costs substantially. Committee members asked about the relationship between civil domestic violence petitions and companion criminal cases, and the presenters said they would check whether the data could answer that question. Members also discussed recent Kentucky legislation, including Senate Bill 319 on crime victims compensation and House Bill 38, which made a third domestic violence offense a Class D felony. Several members thanked the presenters and advocates, and one member raised concerns about service of process and recent violent incidents involving domestic violence-related warrants, prompting discussion of dedicated service units in larger jurisdictions and the resource limits faced by smaller agencies.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, if you go to KYTC forms and go to rural municipal aid at TC20, the new form is out there and it's
• to KYTC forms and go to uh rural you go to KYTC forms and go to uh rural municipal<00:50:37.440> aid
• 38.960> the<00:50:39.200> new<00:50:39.359> form<00:50:39.680> is municipal aid
• at TC20, the new form is municipal aid at TC20, the new form is out<00:50:40.079> there<00:50

Keywords: 00:00:39 Roll Call 00:02:57 Severe Weather Damage 00:39:00 Work Zone Safety 00:47:12 Local Assistance Road Program 01:10:18 Admin. Regs 01:15:37 Aviation Impact Study, 958, all

Summary: The committee’s first interim meeting opened with roll call, a quorum, and a briefing from Transportation Cabinet officials on the Cabinet’s response to severe weather and tornadoes in Kentucky, especially the May 16–17 storms that caused deaths and widespread damage in Pulaski and Laurel counties, with an additional tornado noted in Washington County. Secretary Jim Gray, State Highway Engineer James Ballinger, and District 11 engineer Chris Jones described how crews in all 120 counties were placed on alert, how roads were cleared of debris, and how KYTC coordinated with emergency management, law enforcement, local governments, and utilities to restore access and power. They reported major impacts on roads, signals, and other infrastructure, including the EF4 tornado path through Pulaski and Laurel counties, and said KYTC also helped with debris hauling, airport cleanup, and delivery of water and meals. The officials gave specific recovery figures for Laurel County, including 1,800 loads of construction and demolition debris hauled, about 11,000 tons and 22,000 cubic yards removed, with roughly 50% of vegetative debris cleared at that point. They said all state roadways in Laurel County were reopened, the London-Corbin Airport was returned to flight operations by Sunday, and a transition plan was underway for Laurel County Fiscal Court’s contractor to take over debris operations. Gray also noted that KYTC had helped issue replacement IDs, licenses, registrations, and titles at no cost in disaster areas, and said the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund had raised nearly $1.5 million from more than 6,000 donors. Members praised KYTC staff as first responders and thanked them for their quick response and coordination. Several legislators recounted local impacts in Washington, Pulaski, and Laurel counties, including blocked roads, rescue challenges, looting concerns, and the scale of property damage. One member asked how KYTC inspects bridges and infrastructure after disasters to check for hidden damage, and officials said the process depends on the event and can include bridge inspections and checks of tall infrastructure such as light poles. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• high cost of insurance, the high cost of property taxes, Governor Walls's cuts to non-public per pupil aid
• 01:49:46.560> non-public<01:49:47.440> per<01:49:47.760> pupil<01:49:48.199> aid
• , cuts to non-public per pupil aid, cuts to non-public per pupil aid, Governor<01:49:49.600> Walls's

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• volunteer per year, which is far less than what it costs for a community health worker or a nurse's aide
• volunteer per year, which is far less than what it costs for a community health worker or a nurse's aide
• volunteer per year, which is far less than what it costs for a community health worker or a nurse's aide
• volunteer per year, which is far less than what it costs for a community health worker or a nurse's aide

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Human Services and Homelessness heard two SNAP-related bills on March 13, 2025. SB 960 SD1 would appropriate funds to DHS to improve SNAP administration, including additional positions. Testimony from Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Food Industry Association, AARP Hawaii, Hawaii Appleseed, and many others strongly supported the measure, emphasizing high food insecurity, the importance of SNAP federal dollars, and the need to reduce delays and improve access. DHS said vacancies and retention are the main barriers, with staffing shortages statewide across processing centers. The department described efforts such as wikiwiki hiring, bringing back retired workers, using interns, and improving call center efficiency, and said it had requested a 5% performance incentive package estimated at about $1.1 million per year, though that request did not make the governor’s budget. Members asked about vacancy counts, staffing distribution, and how the bill would interact with other SNAP funding; DHS said some funding was tied to the new eligibility system and that staffing requests would need to be separate. The committee did not take final action on the bill in the portion heard. The committee then heard SB 961 SD1, which would require DHS to adjust minimum certification periods and participate in the Elderly Simplified Application Project. Supporters, including AARP Hawaii, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii Food Industry Association, and additional organizations and individuals, said the bill would reduce red tape, help kūpuna, and ease administrative burden. DHS supported the concept but said the current legacy system cannot automate these changes and that any implementation would require manual processing until the new system is in place. DHS and committee members discussed the risk of higher error rates and timeliness problems with manual processing, noting the department had recently been assessed a $1 million penalty for high payment error rates and was already in corrective action for timeliness. Members also discussed the anticipated fall 2026 rollout of the new system and whether the bill should be delayed until then; DHS said it preferred to assess the new system first before pursuing waivers and related changes. The committee then moved on to the next measure after the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll just make the comment that I believe in the last biennium we raised the amount of adequate aid something
• bium we raised the um amount of adequate bium we raised the um amount of adequate Ed<01:04:13.319> Aid
• 14.200> like<01:04:14.319> $200<01:04:14.880> million<01:04:15.760> I Ed Aid
• something like $200 million I Ed Aid something like $200 million I mean<01:04:16.000> it<01:04

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first discussed a proposed increase to the annual elevator certificate fee in the Department of Labor. The commissioner said the fee had been $50 for years and generated just under $300,000 annually, while the Inspection Division’s broader revenue far exceeded its expenses. Members noted the fee only covered the certificate, not the inspection itself, which is billed separately at $100 per hour. After comparing the fee to neighboring states and discussing the department’s revenue and staffing, the committee agreed to rewrite the language to set the fee at $75 and to vote on an amendment later. The committee then took up Section 139, which would expand the list of labor-law violations that can be penalized without first issuing a warning. The Department explained the change was meant to align House Bill 157 with other chapters, including youth employment and workers’ compensation provisions, where immediate civil penalties are already allowed. The section was accepted unanimously. A longer discussion followed on the Second Injury Fund. The commissioner explained that the fund reimburses insurers for certain workers’ compensation costs tied to claims involving pre-existing conditions, is financed by assessments on insurers, and requires notice within 100 weeks of injury plus a $10,000 deductible before reimbursement. He said the fund currently holds roughly $16 million to $22 million, one full-time employee administers it, and total staff involvement is about five to six people. Members questioned whether the fund should be sunset, but the department said the current House Bill 2 language does not propose a sunset; instead, it addresses increased hearing and litigation burdens after a recent Supreme Court decision. Sections 140 and 141, dealing with hearings, were then accepted unanimously. The committee also briefly discussed fines for late insurance coverage reporting, with the department noting the current rubric allows up to $50 per day but uses $112 per day, and members suggesting a lower amount.