Transcript Highlights:

• We've added thousands of new residential units, and that has helped spur the growth of thousands of new
• In downtown, that investment includes more than 1,300 new residential units, over 25 new small businesses
• In downtown Mesa, GPLET has supported the creation of over 600 residential units, nearly half of all
• new housing units added there in the past 10 years.
• Citywide, it has helped deliver nearly 1,800 new residential units in Mesa's designated redevelopment

Bills: SB1090 , SB1293 , SB1414 , SB1429 , SB1503 , SB1536 , SB1633 , SB1724 , SB1764

Committees: Senate Finance , Senate Senate Finance Committee of Reference

Keywords: savings and loan, technical correction, Arizona Revised Statutes, financial institutions, prohibitions, GPLET, abatement, tax incentives, local government, property improvement, central business district, insurance, settlement demands, time limits, third-party claims, regulatory compliance, initiative, referendum, ballot measures, petition circulators

Transcript Highlights:

• We haven't received information of cuts to DDS units at this time, but it's an evolving situation.
• </c> necessarily a direct impact on DDS units necessarily a direct impact on DDS units so<00:20:14.280
• costs overall, just as unit costs have grown for case services as well.
• costs overall, just as unit costs have grown for case services as well.
• costs overall just as kind of staff unit costs overall just as kind of unit<00:26:46.000><c> costs</

Bills: HF1538 , HF1965 , HF2251 , HF2838

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

Keywords: teacher apprenticeship, registered apprenticeship, teacher licensure, teacher shortage, workforce development, education finance, K-12 education, higher education, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, PELSB, Tier 3 license, teacher preparation, mentor teacher, school district, cooperative unit, teacher pipeline, alternative licensure, apprenticeship program, labor and industry, union representation

Bills: SB3 , SB1346 , SB1509 , SB1928 , SB2028 , SB2071 , SB2110 , SB2117 , SB2127 , SB2134 , SB259 , SB1191 , SB1246 , SB1314 , SB1439 , SB1613 , SB1930 , SB1976 , SB330 , SB2069 , SB2095 , SB3 , SB1346 , SB1509 , SB1928 , SB2028 , SB2071 , SB2110 , SB2117 , SB2127 , SB2134 , SB259 , SB1191 , SB1246 , SB1314 , SB1439 , SB1613 , SB1930 , SB1976 , SB330 , SB2069 , SB2095

Committees: House Energy , House Energy and Natural Resources Oversight

Keywords: industrial hemp, program licensing, agriculture, cannabinoids, state regulation, water infrastructure, wastewater, investment program, loans, local government, SB1509, groundwater, water wells, well spacing, water rights, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, OWRB, basin, subbasin, maximum annual yield

Transcript Highlights:

• The hospital includes emergency department, intensive care units, state-of-the-art surgery suites for
• While we are united in this coalition, our businesses compete fiercely in the marketplace to bring customers

Bills: SB1331 , SB1375 , SB1443 , SB1578 , SB2251 , SB2519 , SB2553 , SB2655 , SB2764 , SB2907 , SB3030 , SB3033 , SB3035 , SB3036 , SB3037 , SB3043 , SB3047 , SB3050 , SB3051 , SB3056 , SB3057 , SB3063 , HB9 , HB467 , HB331 , HB 1244 , HB1399 , HB2559 , HB2730 , HB3307 , HJR1 , HJR99 , SB3048 , SB3052 , SB3053 , SJR78 , HB1327 , HB2723 , HB9 , HJR1

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: civil service, firefighters, police officers, municipalities, local government, repeal, voter petition, health care, provider participation, continuation programs, population-based regulation, health care provider participation, Medicaid, hospital funding, voluntary compliance, mandatory payments, public health, healthcare program, county participation, nonpublic hospitals

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government heard several bills, most of them left pending after brief public testimony. House Bill 331, by Rep. Patterson and sponsored by Sen. Hinojosa, would create a presumption that firefighters, police officers, and EMTs who suffer a heart attack or stroke within eight hours after a strenuous shift were injured in the line of duty for workers’ compensation purposes; testimony from a firefighters’ association supported the bill, and it was left pending. Senate Bill 2655, by Sen. Flores, would authorize Burnet County to establish a local provider participation fund to help support local hospital services; a hospital administrator testified in support, and the committee substitute was left pending. Senate Bill 1443, by Sen. Hughes, would extend the Northeast Healthcare Provider Participation District in three counties, and House Bill 3307, by Rep. Noble, would allow property tax arbitrators to complete required continuing education online; both were left pending without opposition. Senate Bill 3048, by Sen. Birdwell, would create the Bluebonnet Hills Municipal Management District in Midlothian and was also left pending. The committee then took up House Bill 9 and HJR 1, sponsored by Sen. Bettencourt, which would raise the business personal property tax exemption from $2,500 to $125,000 and place the constitutional amendment on the November 4, 2025 ballot. Business groups, realtors, and taxpayers’ advocates testified in strong support, saying the change would provide meaningful relief to small businesses and help balance earlier homeowner tax relief. The City of Fort Worth testified in opposition, warning of a revenue shift to homeowners and budget impacts, but the committee adopted the committee substitutes and reported both measures to the full Senate on 6-0 votes. The committee also heard House Bill 1399 and HJR 99, by Sen. Nichols, to exempt animal feed from property tax when it is already sales-tax exempt; no one testified against them, and both were left pending. Senate Bill 2553, by Sen. West, would let owners of historic archaeological sites protest land and structure appraisals separately, and it was left pending after supportive testimony. Senate Bill 2907 and SJR 78, also by Sen. West, would exempt certain perishable inventory, including food and some prescription drugs, from property tax if approved by voters; pharmacists, business groups, a researcher, and a coalition of retailers and food/medicine advocates supported the bill, and it was left pending. Finally, Senate Bill 1331, by Sen. Hancock and explained by Sen. Middleton, would lower the population threshold for certain municipal civil-service-related petition restrictions from 950,000 to 70,000; law enforcement representatives and a San Marcos police association supported it, and it was left pending. The committee then recessed until 15 to 30 minutes after adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• structure that is contiguous to one or more other residential structures in a community of 20 or more units
• My concern lies in the ambiguity around accessory dwelling units that this amendment doesn't address,
• So then they would create another opportunity for purchasing those units and again for first-time buyers
• So then they would create another opportunity for a purchasing of those units and again for first-time

Summary: The Housing Committee met on February 24 and considered two bills for executive action: Senate Bill 5496, which limits homeownership by corporate entities, and Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6200, which addresses tenants’ ability to install portable cooling devices. Staff reviewed proposed amendments to both bills before the committee recessed for caucus and then returned to take action. For SB 6200, one amendment was withdrawn and another was adopted. The adopted amendment clarified that landlords may restrict or prohibit window-mounted portable cooling devices, removed insurance-notice requirements, and eliminated evaporative coolers from the bill’s definition of portable cooling devices. Members supporting the bill said it was a health and housing measure aimed at protecting tenants during increasingly frequent heat events, while some members noted concerns about lease burdens and implementation. The bill, as amended, passed out of committee on a 13-4 vote. For SB 5496, three amendments were offered and all were rejected. The amendments would have changed how investment entities are treated, adjusted the 100-property cap for existing owners, and narrowed the definition of single-family residential property to freestanding homes on their own parcels. Supporters of the bill argued it would help preserve housing opportunities for families and protect the homeownership market from large corporate purchases, while opponents said it would reduce rental supply, interfere with private transactions, and raise constitutional concerns. The bill passed out of committee on a 9-8 vote. The chair then announced the committee’s final scheduled meeting was canceled and adjourned the session.

Bills: HB2148 , HB2306 , HB1776 , HB2007 , HB1939 , HB2490 , HB1733 , HB2049 , HB1710 , HB1918 , HB1926 , HB2325 , HB2426 , HB1553 , HB2544 , HB2599 , HB2616

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: estate tax, generation-skipping transfer tax, unrealized gains, surcharge, property transfer, tax exemption, small business, relative, income tax, tax brackets, household care credit, employment-related expenses, earned income tax credit, food tax credit, fraud disallowance, tenant rights, housing stability, landlord-tenant code, eviction prevention, multilingual resources

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 100, you know, that's the dwelling accessory, blah blah, that one, you know, okay, yeah, you
• On its face, this bill burdens fundamental rights protected by both the United States and New Mexico
• So what we've done is try to really lay out what the extension of a dwelling is.
• So in the outdoor space, immediately adjoining the dwelling, surrounded by a fence.
• It's a fenced yard, and I just don't think that's an extension of the dwelling.

Bills: SB38 , SB17 , SB41 , SB264

Committee: House House Judiciary

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 38, which would make permanent the New Mexico affordable spay-neuter program funded by fees on registered pet food. The sponsor and supporters said the program helps reduce companion animal overpopulation, shelter intake, and euthanasia, while opponents argued the charge is an unlawful tax, is tied to ongoing litigation, and that required annual reporting has not been done. After public testimony, the committee adopted a due pass motion on SB 38 by a 10-1 vote. The committee then took up Senate Bill 17, a gun-safety measure that would impose new requirements on firearms dealers and prohibit future sale of certain assault-style and high-capacity weapons. Supporters, including sponsors, gun-violence survivors, public safety advocates, and some local officials, argued the bill would address straw purchasing, trafficking, dealer accountability, and mass-casualty weapons. Opponents, including firearms retailers, ranchers, law enforcement, and gun owners, said the bill would burden lawful businesses, raise constitutional concerns, and do little to stop crime. After extensive testimony and questions about the bill’s legal basis, definitions, and dealer regulations, the committee did not vote and instead rolled the bill for further work on amendments. Later, the committee heard Senate Bill 41, as amended, which would eliminate the statute of limitations for second-degree criminal sexual contact of a minor. Support came from the Chamber of Commerce and sexual assault advocacy groups, who said delayed disclosure is common and justice should not expire before survivors are ready to come forward. Committee members asked detailed questions about the bill’s scope, including why certain offenses remained covered and how the criminal statutes are categorized. The committee adopted an amendment to correct drafting issues and then passed SB 41 as amended on a 10-0 vote. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 264, an elections safety bill that would strengthen penalties for election interference, create emergency polling-place protocols, and clarify when law enforcement may be present at polling places at the request of election officials. Supporters said it was needed to protect voters from intimidation, while an opponent argued it could put law enforcement at risk and restrict their ability to vote. The sponsor and Secretary of State explained that the bill was aimed at preventing ordered deployment of armed personnel to polling places, not barring officers or service members from voting. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• dwelling units.
• <05:37:38.160><c> dwelling</c><05:37:38.558><c> units.
• </c><05:37:39.360><c> Having</c> accessory dwelling units. Having accessory dwelling units.
• </c> maintenance when regulating accessory maintenance when regulating accessory dwelling<05:37:59.680
• The economy and and dwelling units.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, please stand and join me for the Pledge of Allegiance: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United
• Exempt from building permitting requirements any work valued under $7,500 for single-family dwelling
• business days if complete and submitted by a plans reviewer for projects under $15,000 for structural accessory
• business days if complete and submitted by a plans reviewer for projects under 15,000 for structural accessory

Bills: S0014 , S0016 , S0024 , S0168 , S0288 , S0548 , S0686 , S0830 , S1138 , S1234

Committee: Senate Community Affairs

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and took up a series of local claims, public records, growth management, permitting, and nuisance bills. It first heard and approved SB 16, SB 14, and SB 24, all uncontested claims bills providing relief related to injuries or settlements involving the City of St. Petersburg and Miami-Dade County. The committee also approved SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives, which narrows statutory language to protect co-op decisions on generation and power purchases while preserving consumer protections, and SB 830, which creates a public records exemption for certain personal information of county and city managers and their families due to reported threats against local officials. Members then considered SB 1138 on qualified contractors and development review, which would create a registry of licensed professionals to help local governments process pre-application reviews and plats more quickly. Local government groups raised concerns about preemption and preserving quasi-judicial authority, while private-provider supporters backed the bill; Senator Sharief voted no, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 168, expanding public nuisance law to include gambling houses and increasing penalties, and SB 686 on agricultural enclaves, which revises the enclave process, adds a public hearing path, limits it to certain residential projects in urban service areas, and was amended to change a date to June 30, 2026 before being reported favorably. The committee next approved CS for SB 548 on growth management and impact fees, which clarifies plan-based methodology, extraordinary circumstances, interlocal agreements, and refund procedures for improper fee collections. Testimony reflected support for clearer standards but also concerns about fee increases and refund administration. Finally, SB 1234 on building permits and inspections was reported favorably; it would extend permit validity, exempt some low-value work from permitting, create a statewide residential permit form, speed review timelines, and expand private-provider use, drawing opposition from a Miami-Dade building official who argued for continued local oversight and support from private-provider advocates. Senator Jones requested to be recorded as voting affirmatively on several tabs and negatively on tab 9, and the committee adjourned after all bills were disposed of.

Transcript Highlights:

• The fact that the deed restriction programs, especially for accessory dwelling units, create a secondary
• Because we know building a 900-square-foot accessory dwelling unit compared to a 1,500-square-foot accessory
• compared to a 1500t<02:31:54.840><c> accessory</c><02:31:55.279><c> dwelling</c><02:31:55.680><c> unit
• </c><02:31:55.920><c> is</c><02:31:56.160><c> very</c> 1500t accessory dwelling unit is very 1500t accessory
• dwelling unit and size of the accessory dwelling unit and how<02:32:05.880><c> that</c><02:32:06.120

Committee: House Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• bot to interact with, can I do this to my trees, can I change my sidewalk, can I build an ADU or accessory
• dwelling unit or mother... ...can I do this to my trees?
• Can I build an ADU or accessory dwelling unit or mother-in-law unit?
• And in fact, the United States has a Privacy Act from 1974 that requires that.
• And in fact, the United States has a Privacy Act from 1974 that requires that. So how are you...

Committee: House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Summary: The committee held a work session focused on technology use in government, AI policy and oversight, and federal broadband funding. The first panel featured Seattle CTO Rob Lloyd, who described the city’s AI approach as centered on public trust, responsible use, privacy, security, and community partnership. He said Seattle is using small pilots and a data strategy to test AI for tasks such as public records processing, infrastructure inspection, and housing/permitting improvements, while keeping human decision-makers responsible. Members asked about permit review, training on best practices, labor engagement, and public records risks; Lloyd emphasized that AI should assist rather than replace human judgment and that the city is still testing solutions for records redaction and search. Washington Technology Solutions CTO Nick Stow and Deputy Director Mark Quimby then outlined the state’s AI policy work, noting that the state’s guidance now covers more than generative AI and is built into existing privacy and security review processes. They described a statewide AI community of practice, a sandbox used by more than 15 agencies, and use cases including a resident portal with opt-in consent features, cybersecurity screening, and wildfire detection. Committee members raised questions about labor, data privacy, and the status and effectiveness of wildfire detection tools. The AI Task Force update from the Attorney General’s office reported progress through eight subcommittees on topics including governance, consumer protection, labor, health care, public safety, education, government efficiency, and climate/energy, with an interim report due December 1 and a final report due July 1, 2026. The presenter also warned that a pending federal budget reconciliation provision could bar state AI regulation for 10 years, and a member noted ongoing work on prior AI bills for the 2026 session. The broadband portion of the meeting began with Commerce’s Dave Pringle, who said the BEAD broadband program is being reshaped by new NTIA guidance issued June 6. He explained that Washington’s original multi-round application process has been compressed into an expedited roughly 30-day application window, with a September 4 state submission deadline, and that earlier rounds are effectively being replaced under the new federal rules. He noted that no projects have been built yet, that four counties did not receive round-two applications, and that the state is working with applicants, the Governor’s Office, and the Attorney General’s Office while also managing a leadership transition in the broadband office. The Office of Equity then reported on the Digital Equity Forum’s growth, membership expansion, outreach, and draft recommendations, including better interagency coordination, improved data for underserved communities, and elevating digital equity as a statewide priority; members discussed the loss of federal digital equity operating funds and the forum’s transition back to Commerce. The final presenter, Lumen’s Rob Thoms, discussed private-sector broadband deployment, saying the company continues investing in fiber overbuilds and working with local governments, but faces permitting, regulatory, and geography challenges. He said Washington has strong backbone fiber and is well positioned for enterprise and AI-related demand, but that rural and legacy telecom transitions remain difficult and that satellite and wireless options may play a larger role over time.

Transcript Highlights:

• communication device and a handheld manner finds key terms, including handheld manner, handsfree accessory
• This bill requires local governments to allow accessory dwelling units use in any area.
• of Florida on on Housing studies that talked about the need across the state of being 880 for 4,000 units
• units and that's the strike all. >> Are there any questions on the amendment?
• The Gulf is the largest in the world and spans over 1700 miles the United States coastline.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm proud to be here to present AB 2181, which is co-sponsored by Unite Here International and Unite
• Which is co-sponsored by Unite Here International and Unite Here Local 11.
• I'm presenting AB 956, which clarifies existing accessory dwelling unit law by allowing a homeowner to
• Chair and members, I'm presenting AB 956, which clarifies existing exhalery dwelling unit law by allowing
• Or mother-in-law units, I think, some of those names.

Bills: AB306 , AB750 , AB956 , AB1128 , AB2181

Committee: House Housing and Community Development

Keywords: Public Utilities Commission, diversity, geographic representation, regulatory authority, Governor appointments

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee met as a subcommittee and later established quorum to hear five housing-related bills. AB 306 (Schultz) would create a centralized statewide process for resolving disputes over differing local interpretations of the state building code; it drew no testimony in opposition and was ultimately concurred in. AB 750 (Quirk-Silva) would expand HCD’s Portfolio Reinvestment Program to help preserve and rehabilitate challenged affordable housing developments; supporters emphasized the loss of subsidized units and the need to preserve existing stock, and the bill passed unanimously. AB 2181 (Zbur) would limit use of speculative density-bonus assumptions in appraisals for hotel and motel ground leases, with supporters saying it protects workers and prevents inflated valuations; it also passed unanimously. The committee then heard AB 1128 (Marisicci), a gut-and-amend bill that, after Senate amendments, would apply mobile home rent stabilization to 10 mobile home parks in Torrance. Supporters, including the Mobile Home Residents Coalition, said the measure would provide predictable rent increases for seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and working families. Opponents argued it would override local control and discourage investment and new park construction. Members debated the broader policy of rent control versus housing supply, and the bill passed on a 7-4 vote with one not voting. Finally, AB 956 (Quirk-Silva) clarified accessory dwelling unit law by allowing up to two detached ADUs, or one detached ADU plus one JADU, so long as existing size, height, setback, and safety requirements are met. Supporters described it as a modest clarification that would help families add housing on their own property, while one member objected that local agencies should retain more discretion. The bill passed unanimously. At the end of the hearing, members and staff offered extensive praise for Quirk-Silva’s housing work, noting that AB 956 was likely her last bill before the committee, and the committee adjourned after final roll-call votes were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Honorable Senator Oer is going to do the pledge for us to the flag of the United States of America
• This is 2025, concerning the church's use of an accessory dwelling unit in order to try to help with,
• </c><00:35:23.880><c> dwelling</c><00:35:24.280><c> unit</c><00:35:25.160><c> in</c><00:35:25.280><c>
• order</c><00:35:25.520><c> to</c> an accessory dwelling unit in order to an accessory dwelling unit
• United United States<01:28:34.520><c> we</c> States we States we [Music] [Music] [Music] know<01:28:

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• dwelling units, like duplexes, and like manufactured housing or, in some cases, quadplexes along water
• dwelling units and duplex developments so that they can be built in the first place.
• I think a lot of people can picture the accessory dwelling unit in the backyard and the person who rents
• Dwelling units and duplex developments so that they can be built in the first place. Mr.
• I think a lot of people can picture the accessory dwelling unit in the backyard and the person who rents

Bills: HF60 , HF3067 , HF3730 , HF3638 , HF3401

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: interchange, bond issuance, transportation, infrastructure funding, Sherburne County, paraprofessional, paraprofessional qualifications, education support staff, teacher aide, teacher assistant, special education, Title I, federal personnel qualifications, Minnesota Department of Education, school district, charter school, cooperative unit, Read Act, reading instruction, math instruction

Transcript Highlights:

• um who was in Boston, sent to her husband John Adams, who will become the second president of the United
• will become the second president<00:02:00.520><c> of</c><00:02:00.600><c> the</c><00:02:00.640><c> United
• States</c><00:02:01.120><c> in</c><00:02:01.200><c> a</c><00:02:01.280><c> few</c> president of the United
• States in a few president of the United States in a few years.<00:02:02.320><c> And</c><00:02:02.840

Bills: HF60 , HF3067 , HF3730 , HF3638 , HF3401

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: interchange, bond issuance, transportation, infrastructure funding, Sherburne County, paraprofessional, paraprofessional qualifications, education support staff, teacher aide, teacher assistant, special education, Title I, federal personnel qualifications, Minnesota Department of Education, school district, charter school, cooperative unit, Read Act, reading instruction, math instruction

Transcript Highlights:

• the authority to issue civil and investigative demands to investigate possible violations of the United
• States Constitution, the Washington State Constitution, to investigate possible violations of the United

Bills: SB5925 , SB6086 , SB6074 , SB5962 , SB6296 , SGA9272 , SGA9255 , SGA9256 , SGA9271

Committee: Senate Law & Justice

Keywords: Attorney General, civil investigative demand, CID, subpoena-like demand, investigative authority, consumer protection, civil enforcement, pre-suit investigation, document production, interrogatories, deposition, oral testimony, confidentiality, trade secrets, judicial review, enforcement action, Washington RCW, law enforcement powers, government transparency, due process

Transcript Highlights:

• Members of the committee, I'm Adam Zeran, the director of state affairs for Blood Cancer United, formerly
• The United States has the National Crime Information Center, operated by the FBI, a computerized system
• judiciary— all foreign systems, including our Commonwealth allies and neighbors of British Columbia, the United
• Due process—every citizen in the United States knows about due process and the fairness that they want
• When patients are placed on an ITA hold at a crisis relief center that does not have a co-located E&T unit

Bills: SB5962 , SB6105 , SB6203 , SB6296

Committee: Senate Law & Justice

Keywords: spring blade knives, knife legislation, weapon regulation, public safety, law enforcement, medical debt, garnishment, wage garnishment, earnings exemption, exempt wages, debt collection, consumer debt, student loan debt, private student loans, disposable earnings, minimum wage, writ of garnishment, exemption claim, judgment debtor, creditor

Transcript Highlights:

• If this were a larger project that were being developed and there were multifamily units being built
• If this were a larger project that were being developed and there were multifamily units being built
• </c> reduce other non-ag uses and accessory reduce other non-ag uses and accessory uses<00:40:45.480>
• I have a question for Hawaii Farmers Union United and the Department of Taxation.
• A similar question to what I asked of Hawaii Farmers Union United: are you familiar with Vermont?

Committee: House Water & Land

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture, water, invasive species, and land-use bills. HB 299 and HB 1220, both relating to invasive species, drew broad support from the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, DLNR, the Department of Agriculture, C-GAPS, Sierra Club, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, and others. Testifiers said HISC funding fills gaps between agency mandates, supports research and technology, and helps respond to both terrestrial and marine invasive threats. On HB 1220, C-GAPS described a marine anemone infestation in Kāneʻohe linked to aquarium release and said control and restoration would be difficult without the bill’s funding. A committee member asked for tracking information on the species, and the Division of Aquatic Resources said it maintains monitoring data and annual reports. No opposition was noted on either measure. HB 506, relating to conservation enforcement, also received support from DLNR and Malama Pu‘u Ma. Committee discussion focused on the bill’s scope and how the funding would be used. Members asked about a prior boat purchase mentioned in opposition testimony and about whether mainland vendors were being used; the department said it did not buy that boat and that procurement follows the normal state process, with total bid price including delivery, taxes, and other fees. The department explained that the bill’s funding is primarily for marine enforcement work in nearshore fisheries, including herbivore protection around O‘ahu. HB 915, relating to water use, had mixed testimony. DLNR supported alternative water sources and amendments to the water code, while the Department of Agriculture opposed the bill as drafted, saying its irrigation program is designed for non-potable agricultural use and is not structured for residential or mixed-use development. The Department of Health said it needed more information on its reuse guidelines and noted concern about removing the recycled water manager requirement, which it said helps ensure safe operation and maintenance of reuse systems. Members questioned the bill’s preemption language and whether county or state rules would be displaced, and Agriculture suggested county water agencies might be better suited for some of the proposed uses. HB 502, concerning land use, drew support from the Attorney General’s office, the Land Use Commission, Hawaii Realtors, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Farmers Union, with the Department of Agriculture standing on its written testimony. The Attorney General warned that allowing important agricultural lands to be redistricted through a declaratory ruling process could conflict with the state constitution and recommended excluding IAL from the bill. The Land Use Commission said it has an inventory of IAL lands and did not believe the bill would affect them, and it agreed to the suggested protection. Supporters said the bill could help move lands with limited agricultural value into the rural district, reduce pressure on productive farmland, and better align land use with actual farming potential. HB 929, relating to the agricultural land conveyance tax, received comments from the Department of Taxation and opposition from Hawaii Farm Bureau and Hawaii Realtors; Farm Bureau said it supports preserving agricultural land but was concerned about unintended consequences and questioned whether speculative flipping of ag land is a current problem.