Transcript Highlights:

• :32:06.960><c> in</c><00:32:07.200><c> opposition</c><00:32:07.760><c> and</c><00:32:07.919><c> I</c>
• > also</c><00:32:11.519><c> add</c><00:32:12.519><c> to</c><00:32:13.519><c> request</c><00:32:14.159
• pet process<00:32:24.000><c> I'm</c><00:32:24.159><c> here</c><00:32:24.320><c> as</c><00:32:24.440><
• 32:34.279><c> the</c><00:32:34.399><c> state</c><00:32:34.559><c> of</c><00:32:34.720><c> Hawaii</c><
• /c><00:32:37.000><c> to</c><00:32:37.159><c> put</c><00:32:37.320><c> a</c><00:32:37.519><c> face</c>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services committee heard extensive testimony on HB 1194 HD2, a bill to regulate midwifery and require accredited education for licensed midwives. Supporters, including the Midwives Alliance of Hawaii, ACOG, a pediatrician, and several licensed midwives, argued the bill would improve maternal and newborn safety, clarify the definition of midwife, strengthen accountability, and align Hawaii with national education standards. They said accredited training is necessary to avoid gaps in knowledge and to support safe transfers and collaboration with hospitals. Opponents, including many midwives, parents, cultural practitioners, and community groups, argued the bill would restrict access to care, criminalize traditional and apprenticeship-based midwifery, and undermine reproductive autonomy and Native Hawaiian and other cultural birthing practices. Several asked for amendments to preserve a birth attendant exemption, the PET/portfolio pathway, and cultural and religious protections. Others said the bill would disproportionately harm rural, Indigenous, and low-income families by making training and licensure less accessible. The committee also heard testimony from state and county entities and professional organizations, with some standing on written testimony and others offering brief comments. The chair repeatedly reminded testifiers of the one-minute limit and the possibility that final decision-making would be deferred if quorum was lost. The transcript does not show a final vote or action taken during this segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.600><c> if</c><01:32:00.719><c> we</c><01:32:00.880><c> can</c><01:32:01.239><c> obviously</c><01
• ><c> so</c><01:32:03.760><c> with</c><01:32:03.960><c> that</c><01:32:04.119><c> members</c><01:32:04.520
• chair<01:32:08.760><c> on</c><01:32:09.000><c> House</c><01:32:09.199><c> Bill</c><01:32:09.520><c>
• recommendation<01:32:11.320><c> is</c><01:32:11.440><c> to</c><01:32:11.679><c> pass</c><01:32:11.880
• c> chair</c><01:32:13.400><c> and</c><01:32:13.560><c> vice</c><01:32:13.760><c> chair</c><01:32:13.960

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Energy and Environmental Protection Committee met on February 13, 2025, after a brief recess for a concurrent hearing. The committee heard testimony on several measures, including HB 332 on recycling and lithium-ion batteries, HB 256 on environmental protection and federal air standards, HB 348 on single-use plastics in lodging establishments, HB 810 on noise pollution and helicopter-related civil actions, HB 505 on Red Hill coordination, HB 975 on carbon sequestration incentives, and HB 974 on utility financing and step-in agreements. Testimony was generally supportive on HB 256, HB 348, HB 505, HB 975, and HB 974, while HB 332 drew both support and opposition, including concerns from the Consumer Technology Association about battery recycling policy. On HB 975, OPSD supported the program but urged language to prevent use for carbon offsets, and the committee discussed how the program would be monitored and reimbursed. On HB 974, the chair summarized extensive amendments addressing reserve fees, revenue definitions, trust funds, default procedures, and customer credits, while noting the Consumer Advocate’s changed view that a reserve fee may not be constitutionally required. In decision making, the committee adopted amendments and recommended passage for HB 332, converting it into a working group to study recycling of small- and medium-format lithium-ion batteries, with members from state agencies and industry and a note that an appropriation may be needed. HB 256 was passed with amendments to clarify compliance with federal law unless standards become more stringent. HB 348, HB 810, and HB 505 were each passed as is. HB 975 was passed with amendments, including language to prevent use of the program for carbon offsets and a note that dollar amounts would be blanked out and addressed in the committee report. HB 974 was also passed with amendments after the committee reviewed the proposed changes and discussed the reserve fee issue. The committee additionally noted that HB 1476 had previously been deferred and would remain deferred, and the meeting concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:32:15.440><c> there's</c><00:32:15.679><c> just</c><00:32:15.840><c> a</c><00:32:16.080><c> few
• <c> still</c><00:32:18.640><c> u</c><00:32:18.799><c> missing</c><00:32:19.360><c> that</c><00:32:19.679
• </c><00:32:43.120><c> The</c><00:32:43.360><c> A20</c><00:32:44.159><c> adds</c><00:32:44.480><c> a</
• Uh it<00:32:47.519><c> also</c><00:32:47.919><c> would</c><00:32:48.320><c> restrict</c><00:32:49.600
• down</c><01:32:02.000><c> the</c><01:32:02.159><c> the</c><01:32:02.480><c> chain</c><01:32:02.719><c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1099, amending Title 12, Chapter 6, Article 6, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section
• Title 12, Chapter 6, Article 6, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section 12-651.01, relating to civil
• House Bill 1452, amending Title 41, Chapter 1, Article 5, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section
• By your vote of 32 ayes, 19 nays, and 9 not voting, you have passed.
• Senate Bill 1635, amending Title 13, Chapter 25, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section 13-2519,

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> all</c><01:32:04.400><c> you</c><01:32:04.560><c> had</c><01:32:04.719><c> to</c><01:32:04.880><
• ><c> you</c><01:32:06.080><c> had</c><01:32:06.239><c> to</c><01:32:06.400><c> do</c><01:32:06.480><c
• > was</c><01:32:06.719><c> throw</c><01:32:06.960><c> up</c><01:32:07.120><c> throw</c><01:32:07.440>
• ><01:32:23.920><c> a</c><01:32:24.159><c> warning</c><01:32:24.400><c> from</c><01:32:24.639><c> the<
• the future, but<01:32:25.280><c> the</c><01:32:25.440><c> past</c><01:32:25.679><c> shows</c><01:32:

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the corrected journal, and heard several announcements about upcoming committee meetings, events at the Capitol, and recognitions, including Music Therapy Day, Black History Month activities, adoptable puppies, and a Colorado Agricultural Forum. Members also celebrated Representative Story’s birthday and recognized the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) for its long-running support of arts, culture, science access, and economic impact in Colorado. The House adopted Senate Joint Resolution 12, designating February 20, 2026, as Colorado FFA Day, by a vote of 64-1 with one excused. The chamber then moved to special orders for several bills. The first major bill considered was House Bill 1017, which would prohibit insurers from receiving criminal restitution unless they are direct victims. Sponsors argued the bill prioritizes human victims, prevents restitution from becoming an unpayable burden on low-income defendants, and clarifies the law in response to court concerns and stakeholder feedback. Opponents argued it would shift costs to taxpayers and policyholders and could increase civil litigation and insurance premiums. An amendment, L005, was adopted to clarify the bill’s scope, and the bill then passed as amended. The House also took up House Bill 114, concerning minimum lot size and local land-use rules. An amendment, L002, was offered to prohibit certain local lot frontage, setback, open-space, or coverage requirements that would effectively prevent construction of a single-family home on a 2,000-square-foot residential lot. Supporters framed the measure as protecting housing access, while opponents argued it would override local land-use decision-making and public hearing processes. The transcript ends during debate on a substitute motion related to the amendment, before final action on House Bill 114 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> uh</c><00:32:08.559><c> there's</c><00:32:08.880><c> also</c><00:32:09.039><c> a</c><00:32:09.279
• that should<00:32:14.240><c> be</c><00:32:14.399><c> in</c><00:32:14.559><c> parody</c><00:32:14.960
• Uh secondly,<00:32:18.080><c> uh</c><00:32:18.240><c> we</c><00:32:18.720><c> are</c><00:32:19.519><c
• <00:32:32.159><c> bodies</c><00:32:32.480><c> in</c><00:32:32.640><c> general</c><00:32:32.880><c> to
• Uh<00:32:36.080><c> and</c><00:32:36.559><c> uh</c><00:32:36.799><c> I'd</c><00:32:37.039><c> be</c><

Bills: HB644, HB1802, HB1569, HB1619, HB1620, HB1730, HB1749

Keywords: PFAS, single-use plastics, environmental health, food ware, pollution reduction, HB1802, conservation banking, conservation bank, mitigation banking, compensatory mitigation, incidental take permit, incidental take license, habitat conservation plan, HCP, DLNR, BLNR, Board of Land and Natural Resources, endangered species recovery committee, threatened species, endangered species

Summary: The committee heard several environmental and energy bills, beginning with HB 644 on single-use plastics. DLNR and DOH supported the measure, and environmental advocates said it would reduce plastic waste in oceans and landfills. Testifiers urged the bill to avoid weakening existing county ordinances, and some supported delaying implementation to use up inventory, while Upstream opposed compostable-plastic exemptions and urged prompt passage. Committee members asked whether reusable and refillable foodware could be added to the PFAS prohibition, and Upstream said that would be consistent with the bill’s goals. The committee then took up HB 1802 on conservation mitigation banks, HB 1569 on microfiber filters for newly manufactured washing machines, and HB 1619 on electric vehicle infrastructure. HB 1802 drew mostly agency testimony from DLNR, with opposition testimony noted from environmental groups, and members discussed whether suggested amendments would address concerns. HB 1569 received limited testimony, with support from the Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition and opposition from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. HB 1619 was supported by the PUC, Hawaiian Electric, the Department of Transportation, and several advocacy groups; Earthjustice said the bill was needed to address a widening EV charging shortfall and described the funding increase as relatively small compared with the benefits. The committee also heard HB 1620, which would increase the barrel tax to fund the EV charging rebate program. The State Energy Office and PUC offered comments, while the Tax Foundation of Hawaii opposed the special-fund approach and said the bill should also address the non-petroleum fossil-fuel portion of the barrel tax. Earthjustice and youth transportation advocates supported the measure, and the chair asked for information on unused hydrogen fueling subaccount funds; PUC said no hydrogen program funds had been deployed and estimated the balance was likely around $2 million, with exact figures to be provided later. Finally, the committee heard HB 1730 on wastewater systems, which would create a wastewater technical advisory group and fund positions at DOH. DLNR, DOH, OPSD, UH, and several environmental groups supported the bill, emphasizing cesspool pollution, affordability, and the need for more staffing and technical assistance. Testifiers suggested amendments to create a separate cesspool conversion implementation working group and debated the size and composition of the advisory group, including whether to include outside engineers and whether SHIP should be on the panel. No votes were taken during the hearing segment provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• they</c><00:32:07.639><c> can't</c><00:32:07.919><c> afford</c><00:32:08.720><c> the</c><00:32:08.880
• ><00:32:11.200><c> go</c><00:32:11.320><c> to</c><00:32:11.480><c> work</c><00:32:11.799><c> right</c
• </c><00:32:13.320><c> they</c><00:32:13.639><c> graduate</c><00:32:14.639><c> and</c><00:32:14.799><c
• :32:20.159><c> the</c><00:32:20.279><c> CPA</c><00:32:21.200><c> exam</c><00:32:22.200><c> um</c><00:
• :32:40.480><c> this</c><00:32:40.679><c> bill</c><00:32:41.039><c> so</c><00:32:41.240><c> thank</c><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 117 on condominiums. Testifiers were split: reserve-study professionals and the Community Associations Institute opposed tying reserve requirements to assessed value, arguing reserve studies should be based on actual components and costs and that the bill could lead to over- or under-collection. Condominium owners and advocates supported the bill, saying some associations are not completing reserve studies or are failing to provide audits and adequate funding, and urging stronger fiduciary accountability. A member later asked about compliance rates, and a witness said he was not aware of any association that had failed to do a reserve study, estimating compliance at well over 95 percent, likely close to 100 percent. The committee then took testimony on HB 544 on pet insurance, which drew support from the Attorney General’s office and the Insurance Division with comments about contract-impairment issues, as well as support from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association and the Hawaiian Humane Society. Testifiers said the bill would help consumers understand and use pet insurance as veterinary costs rise. HB 983 on certified public accountants also drew mostly support, with the Hawaii Society of CPAs and the Hawaii Association of Public Accountants offering conditional support and proposed amendments. Public accountants said the bill could help address a shortage of CPAs and expand pathways into the profession, while some speakers cautioned that the language needed clarification and that public accounting experience should be tied to CPA-firm work. An instructor from UH West Oahu said students cannot afford the extra credits currently required and would benefit from a more accessible pathway. The committee also heard HB 1050 on Title 24, with DCCA supporting the measure and no opposition or questions. The discussion then moved to HB 256 HD1 on environmental protection and incinerator emissions. The Department of Health offered comments, while Energy Justice Network and Climate Protectors Hawaii supported strengthening the bill, warning that it could weaken existing standards at H-Power unless amended to preserve stricter state rules and require modern pollution controls. A member questioned the Department of Health about H-Power’s permits and whether additional controls would be required if federal rules change; the department said permits are reviewed every five years and that the facility currently meets state and federal requirements, while EPA rules remain in a public comment process. Finally, the committee heard HB 1051 HD1 on energy efficiency portfolio standards, with support from the Consumer Advocate, State Energy Office, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaii Energy. The committee then heard HB 350 HD1 on energy, where the State Energy Office supported the bill, Solar Ray Corporation offered conditional comments urging any new mandated water-heating technology to meet the same efficiency level as existing solar thermal systems, and the Kauai Climate Action Coalition testified in support. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so then we struck out 29 through 32.
• That's the very vague section, and this is... ...struck out 29 through 32.
• We point it right back to Chapter 7, Title 30, Title 32, to custody. So, um, there's a lot on this.
• This legislation amends Chapter 9, Title 18, Idaho Code, by the addition of a new section to be known
• This legislation amends Chapter 9, Title 18, Idaho Code, by the addition of a new section to be known

Summary: The committee first approved the February 16, 2026 minutes and then voted to send two gubernatorial appointments to the floor with recommendations for confirmation: Terry Kirkham to the Commission of Pardons and Parole and Paula Garay to the Sex Offender Management Board. Brian Marks appeared for reappointment to the Sex Offender Management Board and answered questions about his background and the board’s work, including a planned tiered sex offender registry proposal for a future session; the committee said it would vote on his reappointment later. The committee also delayed action on Judge Conneroli’s appointment because of technical issues. It then voted to print several RSs, including one dealing with mandatory minimum rape sentencing and others related to commerce and committee rules. The committee spent most of its time on House Bill 668, which would revise Idaho’s child custody interference law by creating a graduated penalty structure, adding affirmative defenses, and requiring law enforcement to verify the child’s location when a report is made. The bill’s sponsors said it was intended to address repeated custody-order violations and give police and prosecutors clearer guidance, while supporters described personal experiences with lost parenting time. Opponents, including the Idaho Chiefs of Police Association and the Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association, argued the bill would place family-court judgments on patrol officers, require too much field investigation, and create inconsistent enforcement; they also raised concerns about the 24-hour felony threshold and the new citation process. After discussion, the committee voted on a motion to send the bill to the floor but then held House Bill 668 in committee for further work. The committee then advanced several other bills. House Bill 696, which clarifies the definition of sexual contact in correctional settings to address alleged abuse of incarcerated women, received supportive testimony from a university women’s group and an individual advocate, and was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 602, which codifies that Idaho courts will not apply foreign law in certain disputes involving Idaho residents, also passed to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 683, which clarifies where a sex offender is considered to reside and removes a care-facility exemption near schools and daycares, was supported by the Idaho Sheriffs’ Association and the Sex Offender Management Board and was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee also heard House Bill 685, which would enhance penalties for crimes committed while wearing a mask to conceal identity; the Idaho Chiefs of Police supported the bill, but members raised questions about the law-enforcement carveout and whether the language was overbroad, and the discussion was not concluded in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Remove lines 32 through 40 and insert an amendment.
• Remove lines 32 through 40 and insert an amendment.
• This does not override the chapter in Florida law that currently oversees energy policy.
• I've shifted to now Chapter 377.601.
• Chapter 377. Representative Jock, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for two fallen service members, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum call, and several recognitions, including law enforcement officers and visiting students and advocates. Members then adopted the special order report and moved into the special-order calendar. The first major item was HB 7031, the annual tax package, which was explained as a broad measure covering sales tax holidays, property tax changes, tax credits, pari-mutuel tax reductions, vacation-rental tax collection, and decoupling from federal tax changes. Members asked about the fiscal impact of decoupling and the firearm-accessories holiday; supporters emphasized fiscal caution and the package’s mix of consumer and housing provisions, while opponents objected to the gun-related tax holiday. The bill passed 105-2. The House then passed CS/CS/CS HB 1177 on Space Florida and spaceport operations 107-0, with supporters saying it would strengthen Florida’s competitiveness in commercial aerospace. CS for SB 246 on specialty license plates also passed unanimously after a strike-all amendment that added several new plates, revised the Fraternal Order of Police plate, and tightened specialty-plate financial and nonprofit requirements. CS HB 697 on drug prices and coverage passed 100-0 after supporters said it built on prior PBM reforms by requiring fairer pharmacy reimbursement and limiting forced losses on drugs. CS/CS HB 1263 on the Office of Insurance Regulation passed 109-0 after an amendment clarifying fingerprinting requirements, and CS/CS HB 527 on insurance claim denials passed 100-0 with a requirement for human review before claims are denied or reduced solely by AI. The House also passed CS HB 1449 on the statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program 100-0 after narrowing the bill to out-of-network emergency services and claims at or below $50,000. CS HB 93 on protection from surgical smoke passed 178-0 after extensive emotional debate, with supporters describing it as a long-sought patient and worker safety measure requiring smoke evacuation systems in hospitals and surgical centers. Later, CS HB 1217 on prohibited governmental greenhouse-gas policies passed 29-0 after questions clarified that it would bar net-zero policies and related funding arrangements but not general energy efficiency or incidental emissions reductions; opponents argued it would preempt local climate and resilience efforts, while supporters said it protected energy reliability and affordability. The House then began debate on CS/CS HB 1461 on advanced nuclear reactors, with sponsors describing a framework for licensing and oversight of small modular and microreactors and supporters arguing it would help meet future energy demand and improve reliability.

Transcript Highlights:

• Melanie Chesney is here with us, and she is planning to retire after 32 years of dedicated public service
• In those 32 years, as you might imagine, she has had numerous accomplishments and impacts, which I suspect
• my dear friend, Lindsay, for giving me the opportunity to serve the great state of Arizona for the 32
• Okay, the first question we address in Chapter 1 of the audit report is whether fund monies were spent
• Accordingly, much of the information we report in chapter 3 of the report, and what I'll cover in the

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Wheeler, looking at the section here on page four of the bill 32-105 for the temporary
• It is what we were trying to do is go to a consolidated chapter that governs all background checks.
• It's all now going to state it in the single chapter that would be created by this, by this bill.

Summary: The House Health and Welfare Committee met with a quorum and first considered RS 33-166, a code cleanup bill to repeal the final remaining section of the county medical indigent program, which had already been repealed in 2022. One member raised concern about removing the section entirely in case the program ever needed to be reinstated, but the sponsor said the bill was simply final cleanup requested by counties. The committee voted to introduce the bill. The committee then took up RS 33-186, which would require hospitals that accept Medicaid to add a self-reporting immigration-status question to admission forms and to submit quarterly data to the Department of Health and Welfare on admissions, emergency visits, and uncompensated care by immigration category. Members questioned administrative burden, redundancy, and whether the information would be reliable, but the sponsor said the purpose was transparency and data collection on hospital utilization and costs. The committee voted to introduce the bill. House Bill 494 was presented next as a measure to move existing background-check rules into statute, with the sponsor saying it would not add new checks or costs but would help preserve FBI cooperation and provide clearer legislative oversight. Department staff said background checks cost $70 per person and confirmed sex-offender registry checks would remain part of the process. The committee voted to send the bill to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. House Bill 531 updated Idaho law to allow schools to administer epinephrine through modern delivery systems, including nasal spray, rather than only EpiPens. Testimony from a parent, a school nurse, and an Idaho PTA representative supported the update, while one parent asked that the bill be broadened so blood glucose monitoring could be provided when prescribed for conditions other than diabetes. The sponsor said he was open to working on that issue in a separate bill, and the committee then voted to send HB 531 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. At the end of the meeting, a member invited the committee to a Medicaid listening session later that day, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Code, to revise a provision regarding remedies for employee actions and proof required, amending Chapter
• communications with the legislature and to provide protections for such communications, amending Chapter
• to acknowledge judges Dave Grattan and Molly Husky, who will retire later this year after a combined 32

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• bill now exempts law enforcement officers licensed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement under Chapter
• during that process to ensure that these operators are set up to operate in compliance with the new chapter
• New chapter.
• to file a claim in small claims court if an association is not complying with the provisions of Chapter
• Green Council, Texas Chapter, and we are on this bill.

Bills: SB383, SB1012, SB1181, SB1705, SB2075, SB2221, SB2586, SB2864, SB2994

Keywords: SB 383, ERCOT, Texas Utilities Code, interconnection, wind power facility, offshore wind, coastal wind, nearshore wind, Gulf of America, Texas coast, three marine leagues, electric grid, transmission line, distribution facility, renewable energy, battery storage, energy storage, grid access, power grid, electric service

Summary: The committee took up a long list of pending bills before moving to several bills on the day’s posting. It reported favorably SB 438, SB 512, SB 647, SB 648, SB 715, SB 758, SB 1964, SB 2121, SB 2145, SB 2167, SB 2330, SB 2349, SB 2443, SB 2629, SB 2702, SB 1495, and SB 2268, with several of those adopted from committee substitutes. Some measures were sent to the local and uncontested calendar, while others were reported to the full Senate. Votes on the pending-business bills were generally strong, though SB 715 and SB 2330 drew recorded opposition; SB 647 and SB 648 had one member present not voting because of confusion over the deed-related bills. A major discussion centered on SB 715, which would establish a reliability standard and penalties/incentives for generation resources. Senator Sparks said the committee substitute would avoid unfairly penalizing existing dispatchable generation, allow wind and solar to qualify through storage or backup power, give the PUC flexibility to set standards and phase in the program, and exempt switchable units. Critics raised concerns that it could raise consumer costs and destabilize the market, while supporters argued it would improve reliability. The committee substitute was adopted and the bill was reported out 6-4. The committee also heard testimony on SB 2330, dealing with payroll deduction for association dues, where the author said the bill would end state involvement in dues collection except for first responders covered by meet-and-confer agreements. Members questioned why teachers and other employees were treated differently, and the bill was reported out 6-5. Other notable bills included SB 2864 on building-integrated photovoltaics, SB 1012 on sale of surplus state property, SB 2221 on fraudulent UCC filings, SB 1705 regulating cryptocurrency kiosks with licensing, transaction limits, fee caps, and a 72-hour hold, SB 1181 on combative sports licensing, SB 2586 on HOA transparency, SB 2075 as a TDLR cleanup bill, and SB 383 restricting offshore wind interconnection based on impacts to shipping, wildlife, and coastal interests. Several of these were left pending after testimony, with SB 1705 drawing both law enforcement support and industry concerns over the fee caps and limits.

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.440><c> been</c><00:32:01.679><c> something</c><00:32:01.919><c> that</c><00:32:02.039><c> we</c>
• something that we could have looked<00:32:02.600><c> at</c><00:32:02.760><c> as</c><00:32:02.919><c>
• ><c> Baker</c><00:32:07.240><c> thank</c><00:32:07.399><c> you</c><00:32:07.440><c> for</c><00:32:07.559
• <00:32:09.480><c> of</c><00:32:10.480><c> kind</c><00:32:10.600><c> of</c><00:32:10.760><c> the</c> I
• :11.480><c> this</c><00:32:11.720><c> case</c><00:32:12.480><c> I</c><00:32:12.639><c> think</c><00:32

Bills: HF3

Keywords: legislative auditor, reporting, accountability, state finance, executive agency oversight, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:32:39.039><c> if</c><00:32:39.360><c> Republicans</c><00:32:40.000><c> Medicaid</c><00:32:40.480>
• </c><00:32:42.000><c> Yet</c><00:32:42.320><c> Republicans</c><00:32:42.880><c> think</c><00:32:43.279
• ><c> the</c><00:32:47.120><c> best</c><00:32:48.000><c> use</c><00:32:48.240><c> of</c><00:32:48.480>
• Members<02:32:57.439><c> of</c><02:32:57.600><c> the</c><02:32:57.840><c> judiciary</c><02:32:58.720>
• ,<03:32:19.279><c> it</c><03:32:19.520><c> will</c><03:32:19.760><c> qualify</c><03:32:20.560><c> as<

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, May 8, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> by</c><02:32:02.000><c> the</c><02:32:02.160><c> chair</c><02:32:02.479><c> and</c><02:32:02.640
• ><c> demand</c><02:32:14.560><c> for</c><02:32:14.800><c> division</c><02:32:15.120><c> of</c><02:32:
• :15.840><c> in</c><02:32:16.080><c> the</c><02:32:16.240><c> house</c><02:32:16.479><c> or</c><02:32:
• ><02:32:25.600><c> on</c><02:32:25.840><c> appropriations</c><02:32:26.640><c> or</c><02:32:26.880><c
• :32:41.359><c> the</c><02:32:41.520><c> bill</c><02:32:41.760><c> as</c><02:32:42.000><c> amended</c>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:01.039><c> There</c><00:32:01.279><c> is</c><00:32:01.440><c> a</c><00:32:01.679><c> new</
• </c><00:32:04.880><c> Sarah,</c><00:32:05.200><c> I</c><00:32:05.279><c> I</c><00:32:05.600><c> don't
• Sarah, I I don't mean<00:32:06.000><c> to</c><00:32:06.159><c> cut</c><00:32:06.320><c> you</c><00:32
• Will you<00:32:09.919><c> please</c><00:32:10.159><c> keep</c><00:32:10.399><c> your</c><00:32:10.640
• &gt;&gt; I<00:32:17.279><c> am</c><00:32:17.519><c> about</c><00:32:17.760><c> to</c><00:32:17.919><c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :20.480><c> also</c><00:32:20.799><c> stand</c><00:32:21.120><c> our</c><00:32:21.519><c> in</c><00:32
• <00:32:23.840><c> this</c><00:32:24.080><c> particular</c><00:32:24.559><c> bill.
• We<00:32:25.200><c> find</c><00:32:25.440><c> this</c><00:32:25.679><c> bill</c><00:32:26.000><c> to<
• It allows families<00:32:30.320><c> to</c><00:32:30.559><c> choose</c><00:32:30.880><c> one</c><00:32
• 00:32:32.480><c> category</c><00:32:32.880><c> and</c><00:32:33.039><c> the</c><00:32:33.279><c> type

Bills: HB2488, HB2456

Keywords: disability, communication access, deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, healthcare, sign language interpreters, auxiliary aids, weight loss, GLP-1 drugs, obesity, Medicaid, healthcare costs, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HP 1972, which would create a nonrefundable family caregiver tax credit, and on a related tax measure to increase the existing dependent care tax credit. Supporters of HP 1972, including AARP, the Executive Office on Aging, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and others, said unpaid caregivers are essential to keeping kūpuna and other loved ones at home and described significant out-of-pocket costs. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation raised technical concerns, including the need to avoid overlap with existing credits and to prevent double-dipping. The department said taxpayers can claim credits to the extent allowed, but recommended explicit language barring the same costs from being claimed under more than one credit. No vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair moved the bill along after questions. The committee then heard HP 1975, which would repeal the sunset on the state rent supplement program for kūpuna. AARP, Catholic Charities Hawaii, the Executive Office on Aging, and others supported making the program permanent, saying it helps low-income older adults avoid eviction and homelessness and allows them to remain in affordable housing. Catholic Charities described clients who were paying unsustainable shares of income for rent before receiving the supplement. Members also shared a constituent example of an elderly retiree who needed the subsidy to stay housed. Written support was noted from additional organizations and individuals. Next, the committee took up HB 1706, which would expand Medicaid prospective payment reimbursement to include mental health services furnished in federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics by mental health professionals under supervision. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill, and DHS said it appreciated the intent to address workforce shortages and expand training, but cautioned that unlicensed professionals cannot currently bill Medicaid and that a state plan amendment would be needed, with limited precedent for approval. Members asked about the likelihood and timing of federal approval and whether the bill could help rural areas; DHS said approval is uncertain and the process can take time, though it saw possible alignment with the state’s rural health transformation efforts. The committee also discussed HB 546, a three-year health coverage continuity pilot program for people losing Medicaid coverage. DHS, the Attorney General’s office, DCCA, Catholic Charities, the University of Hawaii, and others testified, with DHS warning that federal changes could increase uninsured rates and that the state may need to act quickly. Catholic Charities and others emphasized the risk to Medicaid recipients, including homeless and near-elderly residents, while DHS explained the state’s existing premium assistance program for certain immigrants and compared it to the proposed pilot. The excerpt ends during discussion of that comparison, with no vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• So what it does is it moves IDAPA 15 to Idaho Code 38 and specifically Chapter 15.
• And just quickly going through the bill, it moves the definitions throughout the chapter to the definition
• It does move things around a little bit so it flows better in Chapter 15.
• We gathered a research advisory committee that has 32 members that are made up of all sorts of folks,

Summary: The committee began by introducing several RS drafts and sending them to print by unanimous voice vote. It then heard the gubernatorial reappointment of Dave Bobbitt to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission. Bobbitt described his background in banking and lifelong hunting and fishing in Idaho, and said his priorities include wolf and grizzly bear delisting and more state control over wildlife management. Senators asked about wolf depredation, population goals, hunting technology rules, and federal involvement in wolf management. The chair said the confirmation would not be voted on until the next meeting. The committee next considered House Bill 502, which would move Idaho Forest Products Commission provisions from administrative rule into statute and consolidate related definitions, nomination, chair/vice-chair, and assessment requirements in the code. Senator Harris said the bill was mainly a codification and streamlining measure with no material policy change. The bill was moved to the floor with a do pass recommendation. The committee also heard House Joint Memorial 9, urging Congress to reaffirm FLPMA as the primary authority for federal land management and exchanges. Support testimony came from J.R. Simplot Company representative Elizabeth Kreiner, who described a long-running land exchange dispute and argued the memorial would preserve certainty for western land exchanges. The memorial was sent to the floor with a do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee received an update from Idaho Water Resources Research Institute Director Kendra Kaiser on the institute’s funded research and priorities. She said the institute had distributed more than $500,000 across Boise State, Idaho State, and the University of Idaho, and that water scarcity, technology/monitoring, and water quality were the main statewide research themes. She highlighted projects on snowpack and streamflow forecasting, flood forecasting, harmful algal blooms, managed aquifer recharge, monitoring gaps, East Snake Plain water supply modeling, and Lake Pend Oreille management. Senators asked about curtailment forecasting, the Snake River Basin Study, and how the research would help tributary water users. Kaiser said the institute’s curtailment analysis was for early planning only and that results would be posted publicly and shared through presentations and advisory groups.

Transcript Highlights:

• So what it does is it moves IDAPA 15 to Idaho Code 38 and specifically Chapter 15.
• And just quickly going through the bill, it moves the definitions throughout the chapter to the definition
• It does move things around a little bit so it flows better in Chapter 15.
• We gathered a research advisory committee that has 32 members that are made up of all sorts of folks,

Keywords: 989, all