Transcript Highlights:

• :01.200> Am<00:35:01.359> I<00:35:02.160> am<00:35:02.400> I<00:35:03.040
• <00:35:21.520> that<00:35:21.920> that<00:35:22.079> is<00:35:22.240> an<
• > way<00:35:22.800> to<00:35:22.960> to<00:35:23.280> get<00:35:23.359>
• The reason<00:35:25.280> that<00:35:25.440> I<00:35:25.599> asked<00:35:25.839><
• c> of<00:35:27.599> this<00:35:27.839> year,<00:35:28.160> less<00:35:28.400

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House File 3819 was heard and ultimately re-referred to the Judiciary Committee after the committee adopted the author’s A1 amendment and then defeated a DE1 amendment. The bill, as described by Chair West, is aimed at strengthening integrity in state child care assistance and other public programs by requiring annual disaggregated fraud reporting, making certain inspections unannounced and in person, tying inspectors to electronic attendance records, extending data retention for video footage from 28 to 90 days, requiring cameras at entrances and exits for centers receiving more than $500,000 in CCAP and/or early learning scholarship funds, adding an extra licensing visit for those higher-funded centers, and restoring perjury penalties for false attendance records. West said the changes were intended to address fraud, improve accountability, and protect assistance for families who need it. Public testimony was largely opposed. Child care providers and advocates argued the bill would impose expensive, unfunded surveillance and compliance burdens on small businesses, blur the line between fraud enforcement and licensing/safety regulation, and disproportionately target providers serving low-income families and families of color. Several testifiers said cameras and retention requirements would be costly, technically burdensome, and invasive, and warned the bill could deter providers from participating in CCAP and discourage families from using assistance. One testifier supported stronger child protection measures in principle but said the bill should focus on funding, training, and wages rather than surveillance. Another parent testifier opposed the bill on privacy and discrimination grounds and urged investment in child care instead. Representative Hansen offered the DE1 amendment, which would have created a task force to study child care surveillance and develop recommendations on safeguards such as encryption and breach notification. Hansen argued the committee was not equipped to design cybersecurity policy on its own and that the issue of child sexual abuse material required urgent, bipartisan attention. Chair West opposed the amendment, saying task forces often do not produce meaningful change and that the bill already addressed the issue. The committee voted on the DE1, and it failed on a tied vote. After that, the committee voted to re-refer House File 3819, as amended, to the Judiciary Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.160> are<00:35:00.400> under<00:35:01.760> the<00:35:02.960> um<00:35
• <00:35:05.280> and<00:35:05.520> rehabilitation,<00:35:06.400> it<00:35:06.640><
• , it is up to<00:35:07.200> the<00:35:07.440> department<00:35:07.680> of<00:35:
• > "Well,<00:35:18.960> this<00:35:19.119> is<00:35:19.200> a<00:35:19.359
• <00:35:20.320> We're<00:35:20.480> not<00:35:20.640> going<00:35:20.720>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety held an informational briefing on best practices for medical or compassionate release programs used by correctional systems nationwide and how Hawaii’s current approach compares. Kristen Johnson of the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission introduced Molly Crane of Families for Justice Reform, noting that the commission, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the Hawaii Paroling Authority have all been involved in developing proposed legislation, though the bill itself was written by community advocate Bob Merse. Crane described FAM’s work on justice reform and said the group has studied compassionate release programs across the country, including federal reforms, to help Hawaii align with best practices. Crane argued that compassionate release is intended for people who are too ill or cognitively impaired to pose a public-safety risk and who are often the most expensive and resource-intensive people to incarcerate. She said Hawaii is the only state without a compassionate release statute and currently relies on an agency policy, which she described as complex and slow. She cited examples of severe medical cases in custody, including people with advanced dementia, multiple sclerosis, kidney failure, and hospice needs, and said the burden on correctional medical staff, overtime, off-site transport, and specialized care can consume a disproportionate share of staff time and state resources. She also said the recidivism rate for this population is under 1 percent, citing Vera Institute research. Members asked about the source of the recidivism figure, how a statute would streamline the process, and why the issue had not advanced in the past. Crane said the proposed bill would reduce layers in the process by moving cases from the medical director to the director and then to the Hawaii Paroling Authority, with a target timeline of about 30 business days from petition to hearing. Johnson said prior efforts failed in part because the agencies most affected were not included early in drafting and revision, and she said one attempt was vetoed, another was removed in conference committee, and another passed one chamber but did not advance. Johnson also explained that incarcerated people’s medical care is paid entirely by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, with no private insurance or Medicaid/Medicare coverage while incarcerated, making severe cases a direct burden on state funds. No votes or formal actions were taken because the briefing was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• 35:02.960> at<00:35:03.599> 11:00<00:35:04.160> and<00:35:04.800> uh<00:35
• So please take<00:35:14.480> a<00:35:14.640> look<00:35:14.800> at<00:35:14.880>
• :22.079> weighing<00:35:22.480> in<00:35:22.720> on<00:35:23.520> um<00:35
• <00:35:27.040> Recognizing<00:35:27.520> the<00:35:27.760> chair<00:35:27.920
• c> to<00:35:58.160> us<00:35:58.320> so<00:35:58.560> we<00:35:58.720> can

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, February 20, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The Maryland House met in session with 122 members present, received the journal, introduced several House bills and Senate Bill 37, and referred bond initiatives and executive nominations to committee. The chamber then took up a series of third-reading bills. House Bill 146, concerning on-site wastewater system inspection and pumping requirements and implementation dates, drew extended debate. Supporters described it as a consumer protection and water-quality measure, while opponents argued it would add significant costs to home sales and rentals, especially in rural areas. After discussion of septic-system costs, enforcement, and the pace of replacement approvals, the bill passed 93-36. House Bill 220, dealing with individual water submeters, also prompted debate over a $1 monthly administrative fee and a provision affecting unpaid water bills in eviction proceedings; members clarified that the eviction language had been struck by floor amendment. Some members argued the bill could raise housing costs, while the sponsor said it mirrored existing electric and gas submetering law. The bill passed 95-34. House Bill 236 on blood-testing timing for contestants before the State Athletic Commission passed 130-0, House Bill 241 extending sunset provisions for state boards and commissions passed 130-0, House Bill 242 on unemployment insurance confidentiality passed 130-0, House Bill 259 revising the Maryland Community Investment Venture Fund passed 120-10, and House Bill 308 on private mailboxes for associations passed 120-2. During the floor session, members also discussed septic-system policy more broadly, including the cost of inspections, the need for timely repairs, and whether government should intervene in real-estate transactions. One member explained that a floor amendment had removed a disputed provision from HB 220, which is why it did not appear in the reprint. The House also received a gubernatorial message with executive nominations, referred it to House Rules, and then heard committee and subcommittee announcements about upcoming votes, budget hearings, and caucus meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• > use<00:35:08.359> the<00:35:08.440> money<00:35:08.760> to<00:35:08.960>
• Um<00:35:19.480> and<00:35:20.359> I<00:35:20.520> want<00:35:20.760> to<
• you for<00:35:22.880> your<00:35:23.760> service<00:35:24.480> to<00:35:24.640>
• I<00:35:27.120> don't<00:35:27.400> know<00:35:27.480> if<00:35:27.600> you
• , but your<00:35:32.040> work<00:35:32.720> and<00:35:32.840> your<00:35:33.000>

Bills: HF1338

Keywords: Inspector General, Office of the Inspector General, state oversight, government accountability, fraud, waste, abuse, audit, investigation, subpoena, whistleblower, public integrity, transparency, state agencies, executive branch, public funds, taxpayer funds, law enforcement oversight, public safety programs, advisory council

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:14.720> Uh,<00:35:14.960> again,<00:35:15.280> Greg<00:35:15.520>
• I I was up<00:35:22.320> late<00:35:22.480> at<00:35:22.720> night<00:35:23.119>
• Um, I<00:35:26.640> have<00:35:26.800> a<00:35:26.960> concern<00:35:27.280>
• with<00:35:27.599> this<00:35:28.000> bill<00:35:28.400> as<00:35:28.640>
• <00:35:33.280> I<00:35:33.520> do<00:35:33.680> serve<00:35:33.920> as

Bills: HB1697, HB1678, HB1679, HB2282, HB1940, HB1671, HB1481, HB2015, HB2207, HB2486

Keywords: natural hair braiding, registration, Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Act, public health, sanitation, cumulative voting, associations, unit owners, board of directors, elections, Hawaii Revised Statutes, condominium, association meetings, electronic voting, proxy voting, mail voting, insurance, premium increase, policy cancellation, licensing

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1697, which would exempt natural hair braiders from licensing requirements under certain conditions. The DCCA Board of Barbering and Cosmetology said it recognizes braiding as within the scope of cosmetology practice but warned that a broad exemption could create consumer protection gaps, especially around sanitation training, tool use, and enforcement. Supporters from the Institute for Justice and the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii argued the current licensing regime is overly burdensome and unrelated to braiding, citing the 1,250-hour training requirement, high tuition costs, barriers for low-income entrepreneurs, and the fact that many other states already exempt braiders. Committee members asked whether a standalone sanitation course or similar training could address the board’s concerns, and the board said it would bring that idea back for discussion. The committee also noted 16 written testimonies in support and 2 in opposition. The committee then took up HB 1678, relating to condominium and planned community association elections using cumulative voting. Supporters, including the Hawaii State Association of Parliamentarians, said the bill would clarify that cumulative voting applies to all candidates, including write-ins, and would help resolve confusion in association elections. One testifier urged the committee to remove proxy voting, calling it an abuse of power in some associations, while another asked whether cumulative voting and proxies could be manipulated to stack votes. In response, the parliamentarian explained that cumulative voting and proxy voting are different, that proxies simply allow someone to vote on another’s behalf, and that existing deadlines and counting procedures reduce opportunities for abuse. Testimony also emphasized that electronic or mail voting can be secure and efficient, and that the bill would make the process clearer and more democratic. Finally, the committee heard testimony on HB 1679, which would clarify an association board’s authority over electronic meetings, electronic voting, voting without a meeting, and mail voting without a meeting. Supporters said the measure would clean up statutory language, make electronic voting optional, and fix problems created by a 2024 change that made written-consent timing rules difficult to use for association actions. They also said the bill would clarify that proxies are only used at meetings, not for actions taken without a meeting. One opponent argued the bill needs further amendment because electronic voting is not well defined and could be abused, and questioned the neutrality of parliamentarians testifying on condominium bills. No votes were taken on any of the measures during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• > uh<00:35:17.000> the<00:35:17.160> benefit<00:35:17.599> of<00:35:17.760
• necessity um<00:35:21.240> avoiding<00:35:22.240> uh<00:35:22.359> being<00:35:
• > something<00:35:39.760> like<00:35:40.000> that<00:35:40.720> so<00:35:
• c><00:35:44.520> going<00:35:44.599> to<00:35:44.760> continue<00:35:45.280>
• > some<00:35:46.520> solutions<00:35:46.920> to<00:35:47.119> that<00:35:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:00.520> Uh<00:35:00.760> while<00:35:01.440> I<00:35:01.480> know<
• Uh while I know we<00:35:01.760> have<00:35:01.880> a<00:35:01.920> little<00:35
• <00:35:03.280> to<00:35:03.320> make<00:35:03.480> just<00:35:03.720> one
• /c><00:35:09.400> we<00:35:09.520> do<00:35:09.720> great<00:35:10.040> stuff
• :35:13.720> is<00:35:13.840> kind<00:35:14.120> of<00:35:14.200> the<00:35

Keywords: Technology - Room 409, 5 March, 2026; 8:00 A.M., 925, all

Summary: ATS and Gartner presented preliminary findings from the feasibility study required by Senate Bill 2267, which directed ATS to establish a CIO Council, study statewide data exchange feasibility, develop a phased implementation plan, and report progress to the legislature. ATS said the CIO Council has already met several times and has heard from other states, including Tennessee and Ohio, with Georgia expected to follow. Gartner explained that it interviewed about 17 agencies and was also gathering input from other states and market research to identify Mississippi’s current data-sharing landscape and possible paths forward. Gartner’s main findings were that Mississippi agencies strongly prioritize data security and compliance, but that this focus has also contributed to silos, point-to-point integrations, and inconsistent data definitions across agencies. The presenters said the state lacks a central legal framework and common standards, so agencies rely on individual memoranda of understanding. They emphasized that other states have generally not built “everything at once,” but instead started with specific outcomes such as citizen services, fraud detection, or reporting, then created statewide legal frameworks, common standards, and governance structures, often led by a chief data officer or similar office. The discussion also highlighted examples from other states, including Utah’s single portal for services and Maryland’s 360-degree citizen view for caseworkers. Gartner said Mississippi should first decide what outcome it wants from a data exchange and suggested that the effort should be framed as information sharing rather than moving all data into one central repository. Members and presenters discussed the need for foundational standards, a chief data office, and change management, including agency “change champions,” to build trust and participation over time. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational, and the presenters said the remaining CIO Council work would help prioritize use cases for the final feasibility report.

Transcript Highlights:

• we request<00:35:24.720> for<00:35:24.960> them<00:35:25.119> to<00:35:25.359><
• /c><00:35:27.119> procedures<00:35:27.520> and<00:35:27.760> that<00:35:27.920><
• /c><00:35:28.960> at<00:35:29.599> um<00:35:29.760> for<00:35:30.000> each
• Then<00:35:32.880> there's<00:35:33.119> the<00:35:33.280> on-site<00:35:33.839>
• 35:44.079> to<00:35:44.320> go<00:35:44.480> in<00:35:44.640> and<00:35:44.880

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The commission met to review and amend the minutes from its previous meeting, correcting the date, several spelling and wording errors, and clarifying references to a scholarship fund and a member’s title. The minutes were then approved as amended, with some members abstaining because they were not present at the prior meeting. The chair then turned to the commission’s work plan under SB 57, emphasizing the need to prioritize the statutory topics and identify which issues require additional research, documentation, and possible spreadsheets. Members discussed a broad range of special education cost drivers and policy questions, including student referral rates, why students are classified as other health impaired, whether referrals increased after COVID school closures, intervention processes before referral, the cost of services required under IEPs and 504 plans, differences between federal law, state law, and DOE rules, reporting of special education costs, out-of-district and residential placements, district sharing of resources, dispute resolution, graduation rates, and adult learning outcomes. Several members raised concerns that school environments, mental health, bullying, and possible overidentification may be contributing to rising special education numbers and costs, while others cautioned that some reported district percentages may be inflated or unclear because of how the data are counted. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 742, which would eliminate prorated special education aid when state appropriations are insufficient and require the governor to draw a warrant to cover shortfalls. Representative Ames explained that the bill had been recommended for interim study because the commission is already examining special education costing, and he highlighted the gap between FY24 special education costs of about $977.1 million and state aid of $33.9 million for catastrophic aid, $67.4 million for differentiated aid, and $50.8 million in federal IDEA funds, leaving local districts to cover about $825.1 million. He argued the commission should ultimately make clear that both the federal government and the state should contribute more. The Department of Education, through Melissa White, answered questions about data and oversight. She said special education counts come from IEPs entered into the state system using SASIDs, that DOE monitors districts through both desk audits and on-site visits, and that billing is checked against the services listed in each student’s IEP. She also said DOE’s special education work is largely federally funded, with roughly $56.7 million received through IDEA this year and about $49.1 million flowing through to LEAs, while the department retains a small amount for administration and statewide support activities. Members also discussed how adequacy calculations use special education counts from the state system and how those figures are reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.560> so<00:35:00.760> if<00:35:00.839> you<00:35:01.000> would<00:35:
• 00:35:03.119> that<00:35:03.560> first<00:35:03.720> of<00:35:03.800> all
• > in<00:35:08.280> work<00:35:08.599> at<00:35:08.800> that<00:35:09.119>
• <00:35:20.599> to<00:35:20.839> come<00:35:21.720> um<00:35:21.920> we
• 35:49.000> I<01:35:49.080> do<01:35:49.280> want<01:35:49.560> folks<01:35

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :09.680> in<00:35:09.920> the<00:35:10.160> agency<00:35:10.640> is<00:35
• <00:35:37.040> much<00:35:37.200> for<00:35:37.359> your<00:35:37.520> time.
• Thank you.<00:35:44.800> Does<00:35:45.040> anyone<00:35:45.440> else<00:35:45.760
• <00:35:48.800> Seeing<00:35:49.119> none,<00:35:49.359> that'll<00:35:49.599>
• :00.239> and<01:35:00.480> all<01:35:00.639> of<01:35:00.800> those<01:35

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• we request<00:35:24.720> for<00:35:24.960> them<00:35:25.119> to<00:35:25.359><
• /c><00:35:27.119> procedures<00:35:27.520> and<00:35:27.760> that<00:35:27.920><
• /c><00:35:28.960> at<00:35:29.599> um<00:35:29.760> for<00:35:30.000> each
• Then<00:35:32.880> there's<00:35:33.119> the<00:35:33.280> on-site<00:35:33.839>
• 35:44.079> to<00:35:44.320> go<00:35:44.480> in<00:35:44.640> and<00:35:44.880

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The commission met to approve the November 21, 2025 minutes, making several clerical corrections before adopting them as amended. The edits included adding the date, correcting a misspelled name, clarifying references to a scholarship fund representative’s title, removing an incorrect “DOE” reference, and fixing a few wording errors. The minutes were approved with one abstention from members who were absent. The bulk of the meeting focused on organizing the commission’s work under SB 57 and identifying which special education cost issues should be prioritized for research and reporting. Members discussed a long list of topics, including student referral rates, why students are classified as other health impaired, increases in referrals since school closures, interventions before referral, costs of non-medically necessary services in IEPs and 504 plans, differences between federal and state requirements, reporting of special education costs, out-of-district and residential placements, dispute resolution, Medicaid and insurance use, graduation rates, and adult learning participation. Several members emphasized the need to combine or narrow topics and to gather better data before the report due July 1, 2026. Representative Ames highlighted HB 742, which would eliminate prorated special education aid payments when state appropriations fall short, and explained that the Education Funding Committee recommended interim study. He argued that local districts are bearing too much of the cost and that the state and federal governments should provide more support. Other members raised concerns about rising special education identification rates, possible overidentification, school climate and mental health factors, bullying, staffing, speech therapy access, and residential placements. One member cautioned that DOE website numbers may be inflated or at least difficult to interpret because of how students are counted. Department of Education staff then explained how special education data and costs are monitored. They said student counts are tied to IEPs and SASIDs in the state system, districts are checked through both desk audits and on-site monitoring, and billed services are compared against IEP requirements. They also described IDEA funding, noting that most DOE special education staffing is federally funded, with a large share of federal money flowing through to local education agencies and the remainder supporting administration, monitoring, and training initiatives. Members discussed whether more staff and more robust oversight would improve accuracy and accountability.

Transcript Highlights:

• > 3<00:35:19.800> we<00:35:19.880> got<00:35:19.960> to<00:35:20.040>
• > about<00:35:21.680> leaf<00:35:21.920> blowers<00:35:22.359> not<00:35:
• > I<00:35:25.560> would<00:35:25.800> ask<00:35:26.040> that<00:35:26.160>
• > all<00:35:26.960> of<00:35:27.079> the<00:35:27.200> noise<00:35:27.880>
• > and<00:35:28.119> I<00:35:28.320> I<00:35:28.400> get<00:35:28.520> it<

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 205 HD1 and HB 480 HD1 on workers’ compensation. Testifiers from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and the Department of Human Resources Development supported the bills, with DLIR saying HB 205 would codify and regulate nonprescription over-the-counter drugs at a reasonable rate, and DHRD saying HB 480 would encourage timely and accurate assessments of injured workers’ physical abilities. No opposition was raised on those measures, and the committee moved on without votes or amendments noted. On HB 331 HD1 relating to permits, the University of Hawaiʻi, the Department of Education, and the Hawaii School Facilities Authority supported the bill, while the Board of Water Supply and Greg Mikan opposed it. Supporters did not elaborate much beyond standing on written testimony, but the School Facilities Authority asked that renovations be added to the definition of repeatable projects. Opponents argued the Department of Planning and Permitting is understaffed and that bypassing or speeding the permitting review process could create problems, especially for projects requiring proper engineering review. No action was taken beyond hearing testimony. The committee also heard HB 72 HD1 on pharmacy technician regulation, with the Board of Pharmacy offering comments and the Hawaii Pharmacist Association, Walgreens, and Mōʻiliʻili Drugs supporting the measure. Supporters said pharmacy technicians already perform essential duties such as vaccinations, compounding, inventory, and dispensing, and argued Hawaiʻi is the only state without an active managed list of practicing pharmacy technicians. On HB 139 HD1 regarding insurance, the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs offered comments, and the Hawaii Society for Clinical Oncologists supported the bill, arguing fertility preservation coverage should not conflict with federal law or the prepaid health care system. On HB 32 HD1 relating to cannabis, the Attorney General and Department of Health raised concerns about allowing purchase before certification is approved, while the Hawaii Cannabis Industry Association supported the bill and suggested lowering the purchase limit from 2 ounces to 1 ounce; the Department of Health said its average turnaround is two to three business days, with about 20% of applications returned for incompleteness and an internal expedited process for certain cases. Later, the committee heard HB 470 HD1 on noise, with the Department of Health supporting the goal of reducing noise pollution but cautioning that regulating intermittent noise like string trimmers is complicated, while the Retail Merchants of Hawaiʻi opposed the bill as a hardship for small businesses and questioned the practicality of battery-powered equipment. Ted Bolan supported the measure, saying it would not ban gas leaf blowers but would require quieter models over time. The committee then heard HB 534 HD1 on labeling requirements, where DLNR and the Department of Agriculture offered comments and several fishing and consumer groups supported the bill. Testimony focused on seafood origin labeling, especially raw tuna used in poke and sushi, with DLNR explaining the bill was being narrowed to avoid federal preemption and to avoid unintentionally covering canned tuna or other processed products. Finally, the committee heard H47 HD1 on aquaculture, with the Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, and the Agribusiness Development Corporation supporting the measure; no votes were taken on any bill during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:12.640> Let's<00:35:12.960> all<00:35:13.200> come<00:35:13.359> together
• President, I move<00:35:24.720> that<00:35:24.880> the<00:35:25.040> Senate<00:35
• <00:35:29.040> President,<00:35:29.359> I<00:35:29.599> second<00:35:29.760>
• If there<00:35:32.240> are<00:35:32.400> no<00:35:32.560> objections<00:35:33.040
• the members,<00:35:33.839> the<00:35:34.079> Senate<00:35:34.400> will<00:35:34.560

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:03.280> and<00:35:03.599> it<00:35:03.839> just<00:35:04.560> you<
• you know we're<00:35:05.200> we're<00:35:05.440> removing<00:35:05.839> a<00:35:
• <00:35:08.000> heard<00:35:08.240> testimony<00:35:08.640> on<00:35:08.880><
• <00:35:14.079> taxes<00:35:14.640> to<00:35:14.880> save<00:35:15.119> a<
• <00:35:22.000> of<00:35:22.160> the<00:35:22.240> bill,<00:35:22.400> but

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• > of<00:35:10.240> the<00:35:10.320> matter<00:35:10.480> is<00:35:10.720
• <00:35:13.280> in<00:35:13.440> the<00:35:13.599> past<00:35:13.760> few<
• <00:35:14.720> have<00:35:14.880> been<00:35:15.040> floods<00:35:15.440>
• <00:35:16.880> And<00:35:17.040> do<00:35:17.119> you<00:35:17.280> know<
• Um, and<00:35:27.920> then<00:35:28.160> we<00:35:28.320> have<00:35:28.480>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :16.160> last<00:35:16.400> bill<00:35:16.560> on<00:35:16.680> this<00:35
• <00:35:21.280> House<00:35:21.520> Bill<00:35:21.760> 1168<00:35:22.440>
• :35:23.760> it<00:35:23.880> out<00:35:24.160> with<00:35:24.280> a this
• <00:35:31.560> um<00:35:31.800> for<00:35:32.000> purposes<00:35:32.359>
• <00:35:33.280> we'd<00:35:33.440> like<00:35:33.599> to<00:35:34.000> um<

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education heard five bills and later took up one joint Housing/Higher Education measure. On SB 1146 SD1, relating to the Alaw Canal, testimony from DLNR and UH was in support of funding an action plan and pre-engineering concept plan to address debris management and water quality in the watershed; members discussed the cost burden on DLNR and the possibility of identifying upstream sources of debris. On SB 1232 SD2, relating to wastewater systems, the Department of Health, DHHL, and several advocacy groups supported a three-year pilot program at UH’s Water Resources Research Center to test new wastewater technologies, with witnesses saying it could help certify cheaper alternatives and reduce cesspool upgrade costs. On SB 119 SD1, relating to nursing, witnesses supported funding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Maui College. On SB 865 SD1, relating to agriculture, UH CTAHR, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and many island agricultural groups supported funding for a Kona Cooperative Extension position, with testimony and committee discussion favoring an extension agent over an administrative support role. On SB 1487 SD1, relating to UH revenue bonds, UH supported authorizing revenue bonds for priority capital projects, and members asked for clarification that the measure was a preliminary authorization rather than a specific spending plan. In decision-making, the committee recommended passing SB 1146 SD1, SB 1232 SD2, SB 119 SD1, SB 865 SD1, and SB 1487 SD1 with House Draft 1 amendments, mainly to change defective dates to 7/1/3000 and, for SB 865, to upgrade the position to an extension agent. Votes were unanimous in favor on the measures, with one recusal noted on SB 865 and some members excused on other votes. The committee then recessed and later reconvened for a joint House Housing/Higher Education hearing on SB 1553 SD2, relating to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. DHHL asked that the bill be deferred because due diligence was incomplete and more discussion was needed with UH and other stakeholders; UH said it was coordinating access to the property and described its current and future use. Both committees agreed to defer the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• > net<00:35:15.520> or<00:35:15.680> or<00:35:15.920> a<00:35:16.160>
• <00:35:31.520> The<00:35:31.760> House<00:35:32.000> position<00:35:32.400><
• all<00:35:39.520> retirees<00:35:40.560> funded<00:35:40.960> out<00:35:
• And<00:35:46.160> secondly,<00:35:47.520> that<00:35:47.760> is<00:35:48.000>
• <00:35:53.040> of<00:35:53.599> half<00:35:54.400> of<00:35:54.640> the

Bills: SF0032, SF0010, SF0001, HB0001

Keywords: 911 services, emergency response, grant funding, next generation technology, government accountability, public safety, mental health, detention, competency evaluation, treatment, contractual agreements, Wyoming, budget, funding, education, wildfire prevention, healthcare, community colleges, grants, economic development

Transcript Highlights:

• :35:01.040> want<00:35:01.119> to<00:35:01.280> move<00:35:01.359> along,
• <00:35:17.200> talked<00:35:17.440> and<00:35:17.599> of<00:35:17.680> course
• You've answered<00:35:19.839> a<00:35:20.000> few<00:35:20.160> of<00:35:20.320>
• them<00:35:20.480> and<00:35:20.720> I<00:35:20.880> have<00:35:21.200><
• 35:34.160> can<00:35:34.400> look<00:35:34.560> at?

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:23 Approve Minutes from January 15, 2026- 00:01:03 Kentucky State Police Update on SERVS- 00:01:47 Adjournment- 00:54:18, 958, all

Summary: The committee received an update from Kentucky State Police on the SERVE radio system project, with David Barker and consultant Brandon Marshall explaining progress across multiple phases. They reported that Mayfield PD fire/EMS and Graves County Sheriff are fully operational on the system, Phase 2 is 77% complete with 48 existing sites finished and 13 new sites pending acquisition, and Phase 3A remains funded but not yet complete. They also said router upgrades are complete, radio dispatch positions and mobile/portable rollout are complete, and microwave replacement is nearly finished, with one remaining site delayed by weather. A major part of the discussion focused on why the project has taken so long and why equipment is being purchased before some sites are built. KSP said the project began as a radio system upgrade but expanded as they discovered additional infrastructure needs, including routers and microwave links that were not in the original scope. They explained that equipment must be purchased in advance to match versions and preserve warranty coverage, and that older existing tower sites are being refurbished rather than replaced to make use of existing public-safety infrastructure. They also said all expenditures are tracked in inventory and accounting records and that the project remains transparent. Members pressed for a master plan and timeline, with Representative Smith arguing the project needs clearer structure and fewer layers of decision-making. KSP acknowledged the need for a timeline, said they had plans but not a full timeline earlier, and stated that if the remaining funding is approved they expect to complete the remaining existing sites and 25 new sites by June 30, 2027. They said 56 new-build sites remain, identified as the yellow-dot sites on the maps, and that some sites may be able to use existing Demar/National Guard tower locations. The committee did not take a vote on the project during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Yeah.<00:35:02.160> Well,<00:35:02.400> I<00:35:02.480> I<00:35:02.800>
• Um, so if there's<00:35:19.200> a<00:35:19.359> larger<00:35:19.760> bill<00:35:
• :35:21.359> it<00:35:21.599> kind<00:35:21.760> of<00:35:21.920> doesn't
• 00:35:22.960> this<00:35:23.520> portion<00:35:23.839> is<00:35:24.079> in
• c> it<00:35:27.359> or<00:35:27.520> if<00:35:27.680> you're<00:35:27.839>

Bills: HF4075, HF3826, HF3825, HF3827, HF3459, HF3711, HF4200, HF3908, HF3712

Keywords: firearm restrictions, domestic violence, public safety, court orders, criminal convictions, identity theft, subpoena authority, fraud, statute of limitations, financial crime, victim notification, expungement, criminal justice, plea agreements, minor victims, identification protection, stalking, crime data, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, law enforcement grants

Transcript Highlights:

• > to<00:35:23.520> show<00:35:23.800> up,<00:35:24.160> and<00:35:24.320>
• I think it<00:35:34.120> would<00:35:34.200> be<00:35:34.320> a<00:35:34.440>
• <00:35:43.080> think<00:35:43.600> some<00:35:43.800> of<00:35:43.880> the
• 35:48.080> it's<00:35:48.200> part<00:35:48.400> of<00:35:48.480> a<00:35
• <00:35:50.240> And<00:35:50.400> it<00:35:50.520> is<00:35:50.680> a<

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on draft constitutional amendment language from Representative Holland to create universal pre-trial release except in certain circumstances and eliminate cash bail. Representative Holland said the proposal is intended to make Minnesota’s pre-trial system fairer and more equitable by basing detention decisions on public safety and due process rather than a person’s ability to pay, and noted that a separate bill would later provide the detailed framework for an intentional release-and-detention system. He emphasized that no action would be taken at this hearing. Testifiers in support included Joshua Page of the University of Minnesota and the Pre-Trial Justice Minnesota Coalition, Alicia Gransee of the ACLU of Minnesota, Jess Palia of Violence Free Minnesota, and Ramsey County Attorney John Choi. Supporters argued that cash bail creates unequal treatment, contributes to racial disparities, harms families and communities, and does not reliably improve court appearance or public safety. They cited research and coalition findings about high pre-trial detention rates, overrepresentation of Black and American Indian Minnesotans, the impact of detention on housing and employment, and the need for courts to use individualized risk assessments, conditional release, and services instead of money-based release decisions. Palia focused on domestic violence cases, saying cash bail can pressure survivors to pay for abusers’ release and that current hearings often give little time to victim safety concerns. During member questions, concerns were raised that the amendment could remove an important tool for judges in the middle range of cases. Choi responded that conditional release and other protections could still be built into implementing legislation, and Page said detention would become an option but many cases would still involve conditional release and support services. He also argued there is no evidence that money itself motivates court appearance and said cash bail often shifts costs to low-income family members, especially women of color. The hearing ended without any vote or formal action, with members and testifiers noting that further legislation and discussion would follow if the amendment advances.