Transcript Highlights:

• My visit<02:12:44.000> to<02:12:44.320> the<02:12:44.560> gathering<02:12:45.040
• We >> call<03:12:11.040> for<03:12:11.200> a<03:12:11.359> recorded<03:12:
• All<03:12:18.640> those<03:12:18.800> in<03:12:18.960> favor<03:12:19.200> of
• ys<03:12:20.399> and<03:12:20.800> will<03:12:20.960> rise<03:12:21.439>
• A<03:12:24.880> sufficient<03:12:25.200> number<03:12:25.439> having<03:12:25.600

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, July 14, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> These<00:12:17.360> prices<00:12:17.839> are<00:12:18.079> going<00:12:
• > the<00:12:19.600> consumers<00:12:20.160> and<00:12:20.399> it's<00:12:
• So,<00:12:22.959> not<00:12:23.200> only,<00:12:23.600> you<00:12:23.760> know
• ,<00:12:23.920> I'm<00:12:24.160> not<00:12:24.320> going<00:12:24.399> to
• When<00:12:52.800> the<00:12:52.959> war<00:12:53.200> on<00:12:53.440>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and a declared quorum. The chamber approved the journal, received committee reports, and heard the House message transmitting House Bills 44, 66, 305, 313, 432, and House Joint Resolution 25 for concurrence. New Senate measures were also introduced, including bills on virtual currency kiosks, chronic pain treatments, kindergarten readiness child care incentives, municipal financial reporting, and a highway designation. The floor then took up several bills. Senate Bill 172, relating to utility fuel adjustment, was explained as giving the Public Service Commission authority to spread fuel adjustment surcharges over time to reduce spikes in electric bills; the committee substitute was adopted and the bill passed 38-0. Senate Bill 160, relating to child care centers and an emergency clause, was described as limiting license revocation or suspension to serious violations and adding oversight for new centers; a floor amendment adding the cabinet’s designee to weekly support contacts was adopted, and the bill passed 38-0. Senate Bill 158, concerning vehicle financial protection products, was presented as codifying consumer protections and regulatory standards for gap-type products; it passed 37-0. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 155 on animal health emergencies, which would allow the agriculture commissioner, in consultation with the state veterinarian, to respond more quickly to livestock and poultry emergencies and suspend certain requirements to expedite feed and medicine delivery. Senate Bill 153, addressing harmful and fraudulent practices, was amended and passed 38-0; it codifies fraud-investigation practices, creates a post-disaster contractor registry, and restricts door-to-door solicitations during declared emergencies. Senate Bill 145, updating Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control rules for caterer licenses, passed 35-1, and Senate Bill 118, relating to credit personal property insurance, passed without dissent after a technical committee substitute clarified that gap waivers are excluded and aligned filing rules with existing law. The transcript ends as the chamber moves on to Senate Bill 45 on agritourism, with explanation beginning but no final action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• presented<00:12:17.000> by<00:12:17.240> those<00:12:17.399> who<00:12:17.600
• <00:12:25.800> this<00:12:25.959> from<00:12:26.199> happening<00:12:26.519>
• > support<00:12:27.199> this<00:12:27.360> Bill<00:12:27.800> thank<00:12
• <00:12:29.959> Captain<00:12:30.959> um<00:12:31.120> that<00:12:31.240>
• <00:12:40.399> I<00:12:40.519> have<00:12:40.600> a<00:12:40.800> question

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs met on January 29, 2025, and first took up deferred SB 259 on record keeping. The chair said Honu Police Department had submitted support, and the committee recommended passage with amendments, including a technical change to the effective date on page 4, line 6 to July 1, 2077. Vice Chair Elefante voted yes; Senators Fevella and Rhoads were excused; the recommendation was adopted. The committee then heard SB 603 and SB 608, both relating to veterans benefits consulting and compensation. The Attorney General’s office recommended amendments to address First Amendment, Contracts Clause, and savings-clause issues, and testimony was mixed, with several supporters from veterans-related organizations and several opponents, including some testifiers from the public and industry groups. The committee later adopted chair recommendations to pass both bills with amendments, including preambles about protecting veteran consumers from misleading or unfair practices, savings clauses, and effective-date changes to July 1, 2077. SB 601, relating to law enforcement search notices and securing entrances, drew support from the Office of the Public Defender and a private citizen who described the bill as a response to warrantless searches and a transparency measure; there was also opposition from Maui County police and one other testifier. The committee then moved to SB 871 on arson, where the Department of the Attorney General raised drafting and constitutional concerns and the Public Defender opposed the measure as vague, overbroad, and creating problematic sentencing provisions, while HPD supported it as a public-safety tool. The chair ultimately recommended SB 871 pass with amendments softening mandatory language, adding parole language, and changing the effective date to July 1, 2077; the recommendation was adopted. The final measures were SB 1130, exempting certain construction rebuilding materials from general excise tax in federally declared disaster areas, and SB 104, restricting solitary confinement in correctional facilities. The Department of Taxation requested third-party certification and a later effective date, and the committee adopted amendments reflecting those requests and moving the effective date to January 1, 2026. On SB 104, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation opposed the bill, citing staff assaults and existing policy updates, while the Oversight Commission, Public Defender, and multiple advocates supported it as a safeguard with oversight and due process protections. The committee passed SB 104 with amendments, including adopting the commission’s definition language, changing terminology to “restrictive housing,” and setting the effective date to July 1, 2077.

Transcript Highlights:

• Going into January, we had $2.5 million in the development board and $2.9 million in finance.
• Going into January, we had $2.5 million in the development board and $2.9 million in finance.
• We're going to be in your January packet. That's on page number 10, is the Community Farm Alliance.
• So that's January.
• <00:18:40.880> So January. So moving on to February. So January.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee convened for its first meeting, called the roll, elected co-chairs under KRS 248.723, and approved the prior meeting minutes. Representative Michael Pollock was elected House co-chair and Senator Jason Howell was elected Senate co-chair, allowing the meeting to proceed. The Agricultural Development Board then reported on activity from December 2024 through April 2025. Staff described board and finance corporation funding totals for each month, county council meeting activity, leadership trainings, lender trainings, and outreach events such as Kentucky Proud breakfast, Ag Tag Month, and agriculture education week. The report also highlighted several funded projects: a Whitesburg farmers market project for Cowan Community Action Group, Community Farm Alliance’s work supporting farmers markets and nutrition programs, a Metcalfe County 4-H ham project, Hopkinsville Elevator’s rail expansion, and W and W Veterinary Services’ large-animal facility upgrade. Members discussed the importance of the tobacco settlement funds and the committee’s stewardship role. Senator Webb urged new members to read House Bill 611 and its history, emphasizing careful use of the limited funds and noting the committee’s statutory mission. Representative King asked about possible federal nutrition policy changes, and staff said Kentucky is already pursuing a “Food as Medicine” initiative and a partnership with the Kentucky Hospital Association. The meeting also recognized interns and announced a June 20, 2025, 25th anniversary event for the Agricultural Development Fund at the Kentucky History Center.

Transcript Highlights:

• Here's our January calendar.
• In terms of the K through 12, typically teachers are getting tour slips in order for youth to come visit
• So I had come along around January and was like, I really want to do this.
• So I had came along around January and was like, I really want to do this.

Bills: S0534, S7020

Keywords: food insecurity, hunger, college students, nutrition assistance, pilot program, open government, sunset review, aquaculture, public records, exemption

Summary: The committee met, called the roll, and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. It first considered the appointment of Melanie Ressler to the Florida Citrus Commission. No appearance forms were requested, and the committee voted unanimously to recommend her confirmation favorably. The committee then took up SPB 7020, which reenacts a public records exemption for certain aquaculture production records held by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Senator Trunow explained that the exemption protects shellfish and submerged land lease records, supports compliance with federal partners and statutory requirements, and helps protect marketplace competition. A representative from the Department appeared in support, and the bill was moved as a committee bill and reported favorably. Next, the committee heard SB 534, Senator Bernard’s hunger-free campus pilot program bill. He described a pilot within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to identify campuses with high numbers of Pell-eligible students, develop a survey with the Hunger Task Force, designate staff to help students enroll in SNAP, expand campus food access, and require reporting on outcomes and future funding. The bill had one appearance form in support and was reported favorably without debate. The committee also received a presentation from the St. Pete Youth Farm, led by Carla Bristol and youth ambassadors. They described the farm as a youth-led community project on city-owned land that addresses food insecurity while providing leadership, financial literacy, career readiness, mental wellness programming, composting, aquaponics, and community events. Senators praised the program, asked about possible expansion into a culinary kitchen and partnerships with schools, and the presenters said they hope to expand youth opportunities, food preparation training, and related programming. The meeting concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• At our files, he lowered the estimate considerably from $16,000 to $12-something.
• example, if you did it in October, you might not be able to say something that you could have said in January
• because now your election is in two weeks, and perhaps that is more campaigny than it was in January
• was no new triggering event, but you just want to remind you of the amazing thing that happened in January

Summary: The meeting opened with attendance and technical setup, including bringing a remote member into the session. The chair also made brief remarks about public service in light of recent violence against public officials, and a member shared condolences related to a colleague’s death. The committee then approved the minutes and noted no employment disclosure forms were filed. The main business was an update on digitizing committee files. Staff reported that the archival scanning estimate had been reduced and that a DocuSign contract would be sent for the chair’s signature. Members also discussed whether the work could be completed before the end of the biennium and whether existing funds could be used or prepaid. The committee then reviewed a long list of remaining advisory opinions and, on motion, approved staff recommendations to retain some opinions and retire or partially retire others based on changes in law or usefulness of the opinions. Topics included special privileges, frequent flyer miles, state contracts involving legislators, tours sponsored by lobbying entities, conflicts of interest, confidentiality of drafting requests, election-year brochures, and recusal/firewall issues. After a separate discussion about an older election-related outreach opinion, members agreed they likely still intended to apply the same factors outside the election-year context and asked staff to revisit whether that opinion should be unretired or revised. The public portion of the meeting was then adjourned, with the committee preparing to move into executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• My electric, and I said this at a last hearing, my electric and my gas bill for the month of January
• Additionally, we have concerns about data-sharing language in this bill, specifically on page 12.
• In fact, Japan Rail subsidizes all their rail transport by the end of January 1st, their fiscal year,
• The second quick point is the 12-month trailing average language in Section 21.
• Here’s a quick example: the trailing average is 12 cents a kilowatt hour, and the default service is

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on H. 4144, the Governor’s Energy Affordability, Independence, and Innovation Act, with the administration arguing the bill would lower bills in the short and long term while expanding clean energy supply and innovation. The Governor and Secretary said the bill would reduce or restructure charges on customer bills, reform Mass Save, expand securitization as a financing tool, speed interconnection, create energy-ready zones, strengthen consumer protections in competitive supply, and allow broader state procurement of energy resources. They said the package could save consumers billions over time and would help address high energy costs, especially during extreme heat and winter spikes. Committee members pressed the administration on several provisions, especially securitization, asking whether the bill requires an apples-to-apples comparison of total costs over time, including interest and lost tax revenue, versus paying through rates. Administration witnesses said DPU review and public comment would be required and said they would work to clarify the language if needed. Members also questioned the bill’s solar and procurement provisions, including reduced net metering compensation for some large facilities, the scope of all-resource procurements, and whether hydro, solar, and nuclear would be included; the administration said those resources were contemplated and that procurement would still be reviewed by DPU. Other questions focused on the short-term relief from bill changes, the treatment of low- and moderate-income discounts, and whether the bill’s heat pump and Mass Save reforms would help customers who cannot afford upfront costs. Several witnesses and committee members discussed Mass Save reforms, including securitization of program costs, on-bill financing, pre-approval of rebates, and shifting program administration away from gas utilities. Administration witnesses said the changes were intended to reduce volatility, lower administrative costs, and better align costs with long-term savings. Questions also touched on geothermal permitting, municipal participation in offshore wind procurement, and the proposed repeal of the ballot requirement for nuclear power, which the administration defended as preserving future options under heavy review. No votes were taken during the hearing portion described. Supportive testimony came from labor, environmental, business, planning, and development groups. The AFL-CIO, NECA, and the Environmental League of Massachusetts backed the bill, emphasizing lower bills, job creation, labor standards, just transition protections, and cleaner energy. NAIOP, the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, and MAPC supported provisions on energy-ready zones, interconnection reform, microgrids, extreme-heat shutoff protections, and Mass Save improvements. A HEET representative praised the bill’s use of securitization, geothermal, and utility financing tools but urged guardrails and workforce protections. Overall, testimony was broadly favorable, with most witnesses calling for refinements rather than opposing the bill outright.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members of the board of trustees for Colorado Mesa University, effective January 1st, 2026, for terms
• effective January 1st, 2026 for<00:32:49.360> terms<00:32:49.679> expiring<00:32:50.000
• Reappointed for terms expiring January 31st, 2028.
• President, I move the Senate recess until 12:00 p.m. today. >> Further motion.
• The Senate will stand in recess until 12 p.m. today.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the March 9, 2026 journal, and received committee reports on several appointments and bills. The education committee recommended confirmation of appointments to the Charter School Institute Board and the Colorado Mesa University Board of Trustees. The judiciary committee reported several measures, including Senate Bills 75, 132, 104, and 112 and House Bills 1017 and 1103, with recommendations ranging from amendment to favorable referral to the committee of the whole, and some placement on the consent calendar. The chamber also received multiple House messages transmitting House Joint Resolution 1020 and a number of House bills, many of which were passed on third reading and sent to the Revisor of Statutes. The Senate then moved out of order to consider Senate Joint Memorial 002 honoring former Senator Lewis H. Ent. The memorial recounted his service as a Marine in the Korean War, his work as a farmer and county commissioner, and his long legislative career in the House and Senate, with emphasis on agriculture, water policy, natural resources, veterans affairs, and local government. Several members and former members spoke in support, describing him as a mentor, a relentless advocate for the San Luis Valley and its water issues, and a respected colleague. Representative Martinez and Senators Hillman and Jones offered personal recollections of working with him and his influence on their service. The Senate suspended Rule 31A to allow remarks from House members and former senators, then adopted SJM 002 by a unanimous 35-0 vote. The memorial directs copies to members of Ent’s family, and Minority Leader Simpson requested that the current roll call be added as co-sponsors, with no objection noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• > right<00:12:11.839> now<00:12:11.959> it's<00:12:12.079> a<00:12:12.360
• <00:12:15.399> that<00:12:15.600> do<00:12:15.800> it<00:12:16.079> as
• collateral<00:12:16.959> Duty<00:12:17.480> and<00:12:17.600> we<00:12:17.720>
• c><00:12:44.600> 12<00:12:44.920> in<00:12:45.160> support<00:12:45.720> six<
• /c><00:12:50.800> or<00:12:50.959> on<00:12:51.199> zoom<00:12:51.639> on

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee met on March 13, 2025, and took up several firearms and fireworks measures. On SB 227, which would create an illegal fireworks enforcement division in the Department of Law Enforcement and appropriate funds, DLE supported the bill, saying fireworks enforcement has become a full-time job requiring dedicated staff rather than a collateral-duty task force. Members discussed whether the bill and the related task force bill were both needed; DLE said yes, explaining that the new division would provide full-time state employees while the task force funding covers interagency costs such as transportation, storage, overtime, and personnel. Testimony on SB 227 was reported as 12 in support and 6 in opposition. On SB 222, which would fund the illegal fireworks task force and extend its sunset to June 30, 2030, DLE and the Honolulu Police Department supported the measure, emphasizing continued enforcement pressure and interagency coordination. An opponent from the Libertarian Party of Hawaii argued the bill was a waste of time, criticized fireworks prohibition as cultural overreach, and performed a song in opposition. Representative Shimizu asked about results from the extra enforcement effort, and DLE said enforcement has driven up street prices and made investors think twice, which they described as a goal of pricing people out of the market. The chair reported 13 testimonies in support and 6 in opposition. The committee then heard SB 1324, a more comprehensive fireworks bill that would revise definitions and penalties, create first- and second-degree fireworks offenses, add infractions, and increase penalties for serious injury or death. DLE and the Attorney General strongly supported it, saying the bill would improve enforcement, address black-market activity, and help prosecutors when fireworks have already exploded and evidence is destroyed. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing existing laws already punish these offenses and that the real issue is enforcement; the office also raised constitutional concerns about the bill’s concurrent civil infraction and criminal trial process. Honolulu Police supported the bill, while the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office said the alternative definitions would help in cases involving exploded versus seized fireworks. The chair noted 17 testimonies in support, 7 in opposition, and 3 comments, and members discussed whether the bill could be amended to address the public defender’s concerns. The committee also began hearing SB 308, which would expand the state’s magazine-capacity restrictions to firearms with detachable magazines over 30 rounds, with a grandfathering provision for certain magazines obtained before January 1, 2026. DLE supported the bill as a fair balance that would grandfather existing magazines while preventing new high-capacity acquisitions. Opposition testimony from Jerry Yuan of the Pool, Oil, Rifle, and Pistol Club argued the proposal was another shifting restriction and opposed magazine bans generally. The hearing continued with additional testimony not fully captured in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• that's an accurate<02:12:02.079> fear<02:12:02.599> in<02:12:02.760> the<02:12:
• /c><02:12:25.199> our<02:12:25.400> own<02:12:26.079> opinions<02:12:26.520>
• appropriate<02:12:28.000> question<02:12:28.440> thank<02:12:28.559> you<02:12:
• there<02:12:33.920> any<02:12:34.079> other<02:12:34.320> questions<02:12:34.599
• <02:12:36.480> seeing<02:12:36.719> none<02:12:36.960> then<02:12:37.159>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Public Safety Committee held a hearing on House Bill 433, which would appropriate $4 million for Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation re-entry services to connect offenders with community-based services. Director Tommy Johnson said the department supports the bill’s intent but noted the governor’s executive budget already includes $4 million for the same purpose and asked that the measure defer to that budget. Supporters, including the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, Community Alliance on Prisons, and the ACLU, backed the funding but urged that it be tied to a clear re-entry plan, performance measures, transparency, and regular reporting to the legislature. They emphasized that re-entry should begin at intake and involve community partnerships, housing, treatment, employment, and family reunification services. Committee members questioned the department about current re-entry services, pre-trial detainees, and how the new funds would be used. Johnson said the department’s current statewide re-entry budget is about $1.5 million to $1.7 million, separate from the larger Corrections Program Services Division budget for in-facility programs. He described the proposed $4 million as supporting a mix of services, including a pilot apprenticeship program, substance abuse treatment, navigator or warm-handoff services, and short-term transitional housing. He also said the department already tracks performance outcomes in its annual report and can provide a matrix showing the intake-to-discharge process, program contracts, and volunteer organizations. The discussion also covered pre-trial detainees, electronic monitoring, and mental health services. Johnson said the department has limited jurisdiction over pre-trial detainees but works with courts to seek supervised release when possible; he noted that many requests are denied, though electronic monitoring has improved release rates somewhat. On mental health, he said the jail is not an ideal therapeutic setting for people found unfit to proceed and suggested a secure community-based step-down facility run by the Department of Health for those needing care above what the jail can provide but below forensic-level treatment. No vote or final action on the bill was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Gau gave the ultimate sacrifice in January of last year when he selflessly dove into swelling waters
• On that fateful evening in January of 2024, uh, Gau saw his fellow SEAL Team Three member fall into the
• the 10,000 men and women of Naval Special Warfare that Petty Officer Gage Ingraham's actions on 11 January
• On January 11th, 2024, Gauge was deployed with the US Naval Special Warfare unit consisting of SEALs,
• And his efforts ultimately saved the lives of 12 people.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:12:13.600> and<01:12:13.840> that<01:12:14.080> way<01:12:14.960> we<
• :16.560> um<01:12:18.000> some<01:12:18.239> sort<01:12:18.480> of<01:12:
• <01:12:24.239> Any<01:12:24.480> other<01:12:24.800> further<01:12:26.239>
• With<01:12:27.440> none,<01:12:28.320> vice<01:12:28.560> chair,<01:12:28.960>
• permitting delays<01:12:50.320> by<01:12:50.560> building<01:12:50.880> a<01:12

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered several bills focused on economic development, tourism, business climate, and related policy areas. On HB 1943, which would support a DBEDT office in Korea, DBEDT and the Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in support, emphasizing Korea’s importance as a market for investment, trade, and tourism and the value of helping small and midsize Hawaii businesses access Asian markets. A later witness also tied the proposal to broader free-trade and APEC-related goals. The committees heard no opposition on that measure. The committees then heard HB 1612 and HB 1614, both supported by multiple organizations and agencies. Testimony for HB 1612 stressed Hawaii’s weak business climate and the need for policies that improve economic growth and competitiveness; the Hulamua Collaborative cited survey results showing only 19% of respondents viewed Hawaii as a good place to do business. HB 1614 also drew support, with HTC saying its focus is on economic growth. For HB 1968 and HB 1967, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the University of Hawaii, the Chamber of Commerce, and Hulamua Collaborative largely stood on written testimony in support; the hearing notes reported nine supporters and one opponent on HB 1968, and seven supporters with one comment on HB 1967. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on HB 1589, a bill to create dementia training and recognition for businesses. Testifiers included a private citizen sharing a personal family story, the Alzheimer’s Association, and DBEDT. Supporters said the measure would help families affected by dementia, reduce stigma, and make businesses more dementia-friendly. DBEDT said the issue would be better handled by an agency with dementia expertise, while the Alzheimer’s Association said it could provide training at no cost and suggested amendments to shift implementation toward the Executive Office on Aging and to use the term “dementia business champion.” The final major topic was HB 1608, involving a space-related project and financing. Phoenix Space testified that the bill would help launch responsive space access operations at Hilo International Airport, create local jobs, and support partnerships with Hawaii institutions, while another supporter said the project could diversify the economy. A committee member raised a timing concern, noting bond cap capacity was already allocated through 2028, and the witness said they were willing to work on a solution. The hearing also included HB 1850 on capital gains taxation, where supporters argued the bill would make the tax system fairer by increasing taxes on investment income, while the Chamber of Commerce opposed it. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• In January many of us stood together united in Los Angeles and members there introduced several of these
• Members, the January 2025. five LA County wildfires destroyed 18,000 structures and displaced over 150,000
• That underlying affordability crisis was exacerbated in January when devastating wildfires resulted in
• Number 12, gets us to file item number 13, Assembly Bill 493 by Assemblymember Harabedian.
• Currently, RD 108's authority to participate in hydropower projects is set to expire on January 1.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > authorizer<00:12:14.000> who<00:12:14.160> fails<00:12:14.480> to<00:12
• <00:12:18.320> Um<00:12:18.800> that<00:12:19.040> is<00:12:19.200> subject
• > are<00:12:25.600> found<00:12:26.160> um<00:12:26.399> or<00:12:27.200>
• or<00:12:32.079> an<00:12:32.320> authorizer<00:12:32.880> not<00:12:33.120>
• :57.600> um<00:12:57.760> so<00:12:58.000> this<00:12:58.160> kind<00:12:

Bills: HF3487, HF3421

Keywords: anonymous reporting, school safety, education, crisis intervention, threat reporting, early literacy, reading instruction, teacher preparation, teacher candidates, teacher licensure, educator licensing, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, PELSB, field experience, supervised practicum, evidence-based reading, science of reading, literacy methods, teacher training, preservice teachers

Transcript Highlights:

• c> bill's<00:12:26.959> provisions<00:12:28.399> and<00:12:29.200> uh<00:12:
• :30.079> to<00:12:30.240> sections<00:12:30.720> 4<00:12:31.200> 8<00:12:
• 11 14 uh<00:12:33.920> and<00:12:34.880> and<00:12:35.279> 14<00:12:35.600>
• <00:12:56.639> to effective date of this measure to effective date of this measure to January
• <00:12:58.880> Any<00:12:59.200> discussion? January 1, 2027. Any discussion?

Bills: SB3326, SB2911

Keywords: renewable energy, energy storage, cost reduction, public utilities commission, Hawaii energy policies, intoxicating liquor, direct shipment, breweries, distilleries, Hawaii, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard SB 3001 on artificial intelligence in a joint Commerce and Consumer Protection/Labor and Technology hearing. Testimony included support from the Department of Education and Google, comments from the Office of Consumer Protection and the Attorney General’s office, and late opposition from Agentic LLC. The Attorney General raised constitutional and vagueness concerns and suggested clarifying amendments, while Google said the bill’s risk-based approach and proposed amendments could help establish industry-wide safety standards for minors. The committees recessed and then voted to pass SB 3001 with amendments, adopting DCCA/OCP recommendations on data minimization for minors and UDAP clarity, the Attorney General’s proposed clarifications and deletions, and Google’s nonconflicting amendments; the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050. The vote passed unanimously among members present, with some members excused. The Commerce and Consumer Protection committee then took up several previously heard measures in decision-making. SB 2045 on combat sports passed with amendments reflecting DCCA and boxing commission recommendations, including clarifying the on-site medical professional requirement, reporting duties, promoter payment, removal of the combat sports registry and ambulance requirement, and other technical changes; the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050. SP 2347 on the residential landlord-tenant code passed with amendments striking landlord requirements so OCP could work on a multilingual tenant-rights notice, and SP 2495 on consumer protection passed with amendments requiring OCP to publish an annual report on potential code violations. SB 2777 on insurance was deferred to February 17, 2026 for further decision-making. At a later CPN decision-making agenda, SB 2471 and SB 2829, both relating to the powers of artificial persons, passed with amendments clarifying the preamble, removing language about foreign artificial persons, and making other consistency and non-substantive changes; both effective dates were moved to January 1, 2027. SP 2033 on renewable energy also passed with amendments clarifying the definition of grid-ready homes, cost-sharing provisions, applicability to interconnecting customers, and safety/certification compliance, with the effective date deferred to July 1, 2050. In each case, the committee voted to adopt the recommendations without objections from members present. The committees also heard SB 3000 on insurance, which would authorize the Attorney General to bring civil actions to recover costs and losses tied to climate-attributable harm and future climate risk, including costs incurred by state insurance-related entities. The Insurance Division and Attorney General’s office offered comments seeking clarification and warning about redundancy, implementation issues, possible representation of private insurers, and concurrent litigation concerns. Supporters, including the Center for Climate Integrity, a resident testifier, Sierra Club, and Green America, argued the bill would help shift insurance costs to fossil fuel companies responsible for climate harms and address rising premiums and nonrenewals in Hawaii. Opponents, including the American Petroleum Institute, argued the bill singled out one industry, raised constitutional concerns, and should be deferred because related climate litigation is already pending. The transcript ends with the committee continuing testimony and discussion on SB 3000 and then moving into SB 3326 on energy, where the consumer advocate and Hawaiian Electric opposed the bill’s proposed separation of generation from transmission and distribution, while the PUC stood on written testimony, Retail Merchants of Hawaii supported it, and Life of the Land raised concerns about assumptions and the need for more substance.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.720> uh<00:12:01.480> we<00:12:01.600> also<00:12:01.839> have<00:12:
• <00:12:55.600> which<00:12:55.720> is<00:12:55.920> vital<00:12:56.600> to
• <01:12:04.040> 309<01:12:04.639> HMS<01:12:05.199> 5<01:12:06.120> HMS
• > 103<01:12:10.679> 001<01:12:11.560> sex<01:12:11.880> trafficking<01:12
• office<01:12:30.639> of<01:12:30.840> homeless<01:12:31.320> and<01:12:31.800><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

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• <00:12:43.440> So<00:12:43.600> I<00:12:43.839> think<00:12:44.000> that<
• perspective<00:12:51.920> and<00:12:52.160> what<00:12:52.399> the<00:12:52.560
• :53.440> that<00:12:53.680> we<00:12:53.920> need<00:12:54.000> to<00:12:
• So moving<00:12:56.560> forward<00:12:56.880> for<00:12:57.120> the<00:12:57.360

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the June 20, 2025 minutes, with several members abstaining, and then adopted the consent calendar after removing items 223 and 224 under tab five, item 222 under tab six, and item 231 under tab seven. The committee also noted that an old business item related to YDC claims administration would be removed at a future meeting because the fiscal year had closed and no further committee action was needed. The main substantive discussion centered on Department of Health and Human Services requests. Item FIS-223 would fund a shared database between the Department of Education and HHS to identify children eligible for the summer EBT program; members asked whether it could also help with Medicaid or school reimbursement tracking, but the witness said the item was specifically for summer EBT and that broader integration questions would need follow-up with Education and Medicaid staff. The committee then adopted the item, with Representative Mooney voting no. Item FIS-224 concerned the phrase "high quality services" in child care-related funding; HHS said the standards come from the federal Office of Child Care, and the committee adopted the item. Item FIS-222 related to Money Follows the Person; HHS explained it is a 100% federally funded program that supports transitions from institutions to community living with services such as housing navigation, furnishings, and case management. Members questioned the scale and cost of the program, and HHS said the initial federal award was $5 million, with additional federal IT funding later approved; the committee adopted the item, again with Representative Mooney voting no. Under tab seven, the committee discussed item 231 involving ARPA funds and the YDC project. The Department of Administrative Services explained that recent Treasury guidance allows leftover ARPA dollars from approved projects to be repurposed only for additional work on already approved projects, not new projects. Members asked about whether the project was over budget and whether some items had been in the original plan; officials said the work reflected add alternates from the original bid and that the project was on track to meet the deadline. The committee adopted the item. The meeting then moved to the audit presentation on the New Hampshire Liquor Commission’s fiscal year 2024 management letter, which identified 13 internal control comments, including two material weaknesses, largely tied to the new NextG system. Recommendations included strengthening controls, formal risk assessment, reconciliations to New Hampshire First, cash receipt controls, subsidiary ledgers, SOC reports for vendors, internal audit functions, lease accounting, gift card breakage reporting, and IT security and access controls. The Liquor Commission said it concurred with most findings, described the system transition as successful overall, and said remediation would continue; committee members asked for estimated completion dates for audit findings and discussed the need for more regular follow-up on audit issues and budget monitoring.

Transcript Highlights:

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• :41.199> that<01:12:41.320> are<01:12:41.600> doing<01:12:42.639> uh<01:12
• > okay<01:12:47.960> I<01:12:48.040> can<01:12:48.199> answer<01:12:48.480
• answer it now um<01:12:49.639> so<01:12:50.639> the<01:12:51.080> what<01:12:51.239
• > sets<01:12:51.520> us<01:12:51.760> apart<01:12:52.360> in<01:12:52.520

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• >> What<00:12:14.639> What<00:12:14.959> have<00:12:15.120> we<00:12:15.279
• <00:12:16.639> It's<00:12:16.800> just<00:12:16.959> a<00:12:17.120> beautiful
• :12:26.639> be<00:12:26.880> here.
• She's<00:12:27.519> just<00:12:28.000> um<00:12:28.240> running<00:12:28.560>
• That's<01:12:36.320> why<01:12:36.480> we're<01:12:36.719> using<01:12:36.960>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee met on January 23, 2026, to approve prior minutes and receive an update from the Department of Health and Human Services. The main presentation focused on “Project Compass,” an internal cross-department effort to prepare for changes to Medicaid and SNAP eligibility. Department staff said the goal is to maintain continuous coverage for eligible people, align policy, operations, communications, legal, finance, and eligibility work, and use the new integrated New HEIGHTS system to streamline implementation. They emphasized outreach to beneficiaries, providers, managed care organizations, and other partners, and said temporary manual workarounds had already been used to stay in compliance with fast-moving SNAP changes. Members questioned how the department would avoid repeating the costly outreach effort used in a prior Medicaid work-requirement rollout. Department officials said they are focusing on ex parte processes, sharing eligibility information across programs, and using community partners to reduce duplicate contacts and paperwork. They also said the department is monitoring the SNAP error rate closely, expects automation and a planned system contract amendment to help reduce it, and noted that current error rates are trending downward and remain below the national average. Questions were also raised about possible future SNAP restrictions on certain foods; the department said it can implement whatever the legislature directs, but that defining and administering such restrictions would be complex. The commissioner and CFO then outlined the department’s budget reduction plan. They said the department has begun implementing required “back of the budget” reductions for fiscal year 2026, using contract savings and not cutting existing services where possible. Examples included dental and home-visitation contracts, where spending was adjusted based on utilization and projected need. Officials said they had already written down a little over $15 million in prior-year encumbrances, but that this one-time source will not be available next year, making fiscal year 2027 more difficult. They also explained the difference between legally required back-of-budget cuts and lapse, and said staffing remains a major challenge because vacancies have increased and customer-facing service levels are strained. Dr. Jonathan Ballard then began an update on opioid overdose fatalities, presenting the latest medical examiner data and describing the long-term rise in deaths after fentanyl entered the illicit drug supply, with a peak in 2017 and a later increase in 2022. The transcript cuts off before his full presentation and any further committee action beyond discussion of the minutes and receipt of the department updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• The hour of 12 noon having arrived, the House will come to order.
• An annual report dated March 2025 to January 26 from the Pennsylvania Island Trade Commission of the
• An annual report dated March 2025 to January 26 from the Pennsylvania Island Trade Commission of the

Summary: The House convened at noon with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then proceeded to routine legislative business. The Transportation Committee reported House Bill 2227 and Senate Bill 1377, and the Judiciary Committee reported House Bill 1434, House Bill 2273, Senate Bill 45, Senate Bill 111, Senate Bill 1235, and Senate Bill 1259, with several bills reported as amended. The House also received multiple bill referrals, including Senate Bill 482 to Aging and Older Adult Services; House Bills 2672 and 2674 to other committees; several Senate bills to Judiciary; and House Resolution 581 to Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness. The chamber received a series of reports, including a Joint State Government Commission report on recruitment and retention challenges for police, corrections, and prosecutors, along with annual reports from the Pennsylvania Island Trade Commission, the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing, the General Building Contractors Association, the Affordable Housing Center of Pennsylvania, the Judicial Conduct Board, and the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority. The House also received notice that the Senate had passed House Bill 1667 with amendment and requested concurrence. On motions from the Majority Leader, House Bill 2460 was recommitted to the Committee on Appropriations, and House Bills 2146, Senate Bills 971, 972, and 1259, along with House Resolutions 165 and 462, were removed from the tabled calendar and placed on the active calendar. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn and stood adjourned until Saturday, June 27, 2026, at noon, unless sooner recalled by the Speaker.