Transcript Highlights:

• But as far as the bidding and award, it’s bid under, you know, Chapter 30, but I’ll let Aaron Fox, who
• Albany's winning bidder under Chapter 30B, and you give consideration to minority-owned businesses in
• Alongside 14 peers, I partnered with the Lewis D.
• Seventy percent, or 14 of their last 20 clearances, were cleared with a DNA match.
• We began this journey a very long time ago, 14 years ago.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. Representative David Linsky supported HB 3383, which would designate the song “Roadrunner” as the official rock song of Massachusetts, describing its Boston roots and cultural significance. Representative Sean Garberle supported HB 3335 on public access to historical records, arguing that records from state institutions should be released after 75 years and that families and researchers should be able to identify people buried in unmarked graves at former state institutions. Representative Rodney Elliott and Lowell officials supported HB 4138, authorizing easements for a Lowell sewer separation project; they said the project is needed for Clean Water Act compliance, will reduce combined sewer overflows into the Merrimack River, and must proceed quickly to meet SRF and consent-decree timelines. Committee members asked about Article 97, the location and scope of the easement, environmental justice impacts, and minority/small business participation in construction. The committee also heard extensive testimony on Senate 2183 and its House companion, which would elevate the Massachusetts National Guard to a cabinet-level position reporting directly to the Governor. Senators Mike Moore and John Velis, along with the National Guard Association’s Matthew McKenna, argued the change would reduce bureaucracy, improve communication and readiness, and reflect the Guard’s broad domestic and military missions. Velis cited the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home tragedy as an example of a breakdown in communication, while committee members said they wanted more information, including input from the Governor’s office and Guard leadership, before acting. The committee noted the distinction between state-controlled and federalized Guard missions and said it would continue reviewing the issue. Senator Liz Miranda and a large panel of survivors, advocates, and Northeastern law students testified in support of S. 2174 and S. 2177, which would create an office and task force on unsolved homicides, allow families to petition for case review after three years, require written responses, and establish a tip line, database, and dedicated funding. Witnesses described long-standing lack of communication, low clearance rates, and the disproportionate impact on Black and Brown communities. Senator Becca Rausch also testified on S. 2210, extending public records law to the governor and Legislature, and S. 2207, creating stronger information-governance and records-retention standards; she said both would improve transparency and reduce waste. The transcript does not reflect any votes taken during the hearing, though chairs repeatedly indicated support for moving some bills favorably and said the committee would continue reviewing the National Guard proposal.

Transcript Highlights:

• Originally,<00:14:13.360> under<00:14:13.600> both<00:14:13.839> of<00:14:13.920
• 14:39.040> this<00:14:39.279> bill<00:14:39.440> would<00:14:39.680> also
• the<00:14:41.040> death<00:14:41.199> of<00:14:41.279> a<00:14:41.440>
• <00:14:48.240> just<00:14:48.560> one<00:14:48.800> tenant<00:14:49.199> to
• > neither<00:14:56.000> of<00:14:56.079> the<00:14:56.240> statutes<00:14

Bills: HF4207, HF3639, HF3981, HF3064, HF2123

Keywords: housing aid, local housing trust, funding projects, income provisions, technical changes, landlord regulations, tenant rights, minor children, lease agreements, eviction, privacy protection, housing, lease termination, medical care, death, infirmity, landlord obligations, St. Paul, public housing, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency

Transcript Highlights:

• At this time, we will go back to Tab 1, and we will take up Senate Bill 14 related to relief of Jose
• Bill 14 related to relief of Jose Correa by Miami-Dade County by Senator Rodriguez.
• Senate Bill 14 is a settled claims bill for the relief of Jose Correa for injuries sustained due to the
• Senator Rodriguez, having waived closed, Lisa, please call the roll on Senate Bill 14.
• By your vote, Senate Bill 14 will be reported favorably.

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met with a quorum present and took up several bills, beginning with SB 762 on offices of criminal conflict and civil regional counsel. The committee adopted a strike-all amendment that removed a one-year sunset and a reporting requirement to the legislature. Senator Martin and regional counsel Itan Emotin explained that the bill would allow regional counsel offices to handle certain capital conflict cases, with the goal of reducing very high defense costs while maintaining adequate representation. After questions about whether referrals would be optional, compensation, and possible impacts on quality of defense, the committee reported CS for SB 762 favorably by a 9-1 vote. The committee then considered two uncontested local claims bills. SB 16, relating to relief of Heroberto A. Sanchez Mayan by the City of St. Petersburg, described serious injuries allegedly caused during an arrest and transport by police; counsel for the claimant appeared in support. President Gates spoke against the claims-bill process but said he would support the victim if the bill’s passage were in doubt. The bill was reported favorably 9-1. SB 14, relating to relief of Jose Correa by Miami-Dade County, involved a pedestrian struck by a county bus; the county had admitted fault and settled the case. The bill was reported favorably 9-1, and SB 24, a $500,000 settlement for Lourdes and Edward Latour against Miami-Dade County, was also reported favorably 9-1. Finally, the committee took up SB 208 on land use and development regulations. Senator McLean presented a negotiated strike-all amendment that would make development application fees more transparent and cost-based, tie them to direct and reasonable indirect review costs, and set subjective compatibility standards for residential projects, with carve-outs for PUDs, master plan communities, and historic districts. Multiple stakeholders appeared or waived in support, including 1,000 Friends of Florida, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, AARP, counties, cities, and planning and conservation groups. The amendment was adopted, and CS for SB 208 was reported favorably 10-0. The committee then adjourned after recording Senator DeSigley’s vote on SB 762.

Transcript Highlights:

• I move for the approval of the House Journal for the 70th day, Thursday, May 14, 2026, and I ask for
• from Greene County has moved for the approval of the House Journal for the 70th day, Thursday, May 14
• Moving on to the next chapter in life has always been hard for me, but this chapter is ending and, hopefully
• But thank you for sharing this chapter with me. Thank you, lady. Thank you, lady.
• So while this chapter comes to a close, the work is far from over.

Summary: The House met on the final day of session with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal by a 126-0 vote. Most of the early floor time was devoted to points of personal privilege, with members and the Speaker offering extended tributes to departing colleagues, House staff, law enforcement, military service, and the work of the chamber. Several members also used the occasion to reflect on their careers, thank constituents and families, and discuss issues such as property tax reform, police service, mental health, and bipartisan cooperation. The House then took up Senate messages and committee reports, followed by several bills and resolutions. Senate Substitute for House Bill 2636, dealing with mortgage modification and related consumer protections, was adopted 142-1 and finally passed 144-1. Senate Substitute for House Bill 2397, concerning water district dissolution and related safeguards, was adopted 129-16 and finally passed 127-17. Senate Substitute No. 2 for House Bill 2576, a naming and commemorative bill adding observances and memorial highways/bridges, was adopted 136-4 and finally passed 134-6. The chamber also received Senate action on Senate Bill 1408 and Senate Joint Resolution 87, and committee reports recommended passage on several deferred measures. The House also debated Senate Joint Resolution 95, which proposed creating a constitutional Show Me Prosperity Fund as a sovereign wealth fund intended to eventually eliminate state-imposed taxes through long-term investment returns. Supporters argued it would promote fiscal sustainability and long-term prosperity, while opponents warned that it would lock away money during a period of projected budget shortfalls and could leave the state unable to access funds when needed. The resolution was discussed at length with questions about funding mechanics, investment authority, and emergency access, but the transcript provided does not include a final vote on the resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• :14:12.880> depending<00:14:13.279> on<00:14:13.440> what<00:14:13.680> tier<
• c> are<00:14:14.720> um<00:14:14.880> that<00:14:15.120> payout<00:14:15.440
• :17.120> impact<00:14:17.440> to<00:14:17.920> uh<00:14:18.079> to<00:14:
• <00:14:20.639> So<00:14:21.120> by<00:14:21.360> by<00:14:21.760> doing
• > who<00:14:24.560> chose<00:14:24.880> to<00:14:25.600> um<00:14:26.160>

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:11 Legislative Proposal: Representative Blanton: 01:12 • House Bill 220 Approval of Minutes: 10:07 Legislative Proposal: Senator Nunn: 10:24 • Sick Leave Flexibility for School District Employees Adjournment: 34:35, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Representative John Blanton’s bill on pension spiking and Kentucky Public Pension Authority administration. Blanton said the measure would make a prior court-related pension-spiking fix retroactive to July 1, 2022, so employees who retired between that date and the court ruling would be treated the same as those covered by the earlier legislation. KPPPA staff said they did not think the bill would go beyond the Court of Appeals ruling, but noted it could prompt requests from people who retired before July 1, 2022. Members asked about how many retirees might be affected, whether the language was narrow enough, and whether the bill could open the door to additional claims; Blanton estimated roughly 1,000 retirees would need review, with fewer actually impacted. No vote was taken on the bill in the excerpt. The committee then heard Senator Matt Nunn and Scott County Schools Superintendent Billy Parker present a proposal allowing school districts to offer teachers and other employees a voluntary payout for unused sick days. Supporters said the idea could improve attendance, reduce substitute costs and classroom disruptions, help retain younger teachers, and potentially lower long-term retirement-related costs because the payout would not count toward pension compensation. They emphasized the program would be optional for districts and employees, would require teachers to keep at least 15 sick days in reserve, and would be district-funded rather than a state cost. Members raised questions about budget impact, tax treatment, pension effects, and whether the incentive would actually change behavior; the bill sponsor and witnesses said the payout would be taxed like other compensation and would not affect TRS or CERS benefits. One member requested reporting on how the program would be used, and the sponsor said he would be open to adding that. The sponsor also noted a later committee-substitute change would allow use of accumulated sick leave for observance of religious holidays not otherwise on the school calendar, with a personal statement from the employee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um and we<00:14:48.800> just<00:14:48.959> felt<00:14:49.279> that<00:14:49.839>
• > current<00:14:51.360> makeup<00:14:51.680> that<00:14:51.920> we<00:14:
• >> Good.<01:14:55.280> Thank<01:14:55.440> you<01:14:55.600> for<01:14:55.920
• > my<01:14:58.480> name<01:14:58.560> is<01:14:58.719> Bill<01:14:58.960>
• I'm<01:14:59.360> a<01:14:59.520> major<01:14:59.760> with<01:14:59.840> the<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair<00:14:24.560> and<00:14:24.800> we're<00:14:24.959> gonna<00:14:25.800>
• /c><00:14:30.399> just<00:14:30.639> keep<00:14:30.720> it<00:14:30.880> brief
• to reer<00:14:33.440> um<00:14:33.600> that<00:14:33.839> would<00:14:34.160>
• :14:35.279> to<00:14:35.360> work<00:14:35.519> on<00:14:35.839> something
• :14:11.600> you<01:14:11.920> can<01:14:12.080> see<01:14:12.239> a<01:14

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:43.680> our<00:14:43.800> nine<00:14:44.200> uh<00:14:44.480> cohorts<
• > is<00:14:47.320> coming<00:14:47.640> up,<00:14:48.160> and<00:14:48.320
• But<00:14:54.760> also<00:14:55.200> earlier<00:14:55.520> that<00:14:55.640>
• <01:14:02.440> Chapter a compliance order section in Chapter a compliance order section in
• Chapter 177.<01:14:04.320> This<01:14:04.520> would<01:14:04.680> provide<01:14

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um<00:14:40.960> my<00:14:41.120> name<00:14:41.280> is<00:14:41.400> Mason
• <00:14:45.680> Colonel<00:14:46.000> since<00:14:46.240> 1988,<00:14:47.440>
• licensed<00:14:48.080> barber,<00:14:48.960> and<00:14:49.080> the<00:14:49.160>
• and those<01:14:13.520> sort<01:14:14.040> of<01:14:14.120> things<01:14:14.400>
• 14:22.200> you<01:14:22.320> know,<01:14:22.560> on<01:14:22.720> the<01:

Keywords: 00:00 Call to Order 02:45 Roll Call 05:25 Cosmetologists 13:48 Barbers 01:16:06 Adjournment, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• been<00:14:15.360> put<00:14:15.560> to<00:14:15.720> the<00:14:15.959><
• Secretary of the<00:14:16.920> Senate<00:14:17.880> one<00:14:18.040> of<00:14:
• > because<00:14:32.720> and<00:14:32.839> so<00:14:33.079> I<00:14:33.199>
• > in<00:14:39.000> addition<00:14:39.480> to<00:14:39.839> it<00:14:40.040
• > vote<00:14:56.399> I<00:14:56.720> might<00:14:56.959> or<00:14:57.199>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• bicentennial activities on the economy of the state of Texas, and then the Commission will be... and the chapter
• I remember when I was 14... years old and the Bicentennial celebration of 1776 in 1976.
• difference for other children who are going to remember this huge celebration like I do from when I was 14
• Chairman and members, the Rosenwald schools are an essential chapter of Texas and American history.

Bills: HB370, HB738, HB2935, HB3227, HB4103, HB5259, SB519, SB1350, SB1247, SB1248, SB2112, HCR81, HCR83, HCR84, HCR59, HCR109, HCR111, HCR135, SCR6

Keywords: HB 370, Events Trust Fund, Texas events funding, sports eligibility, women's sports, girls' sports, biological sex, transgender athletes, sex-segregated sports, athletic competition, event subsidies, tourism funding, site selection organization, anti-trafficking plan, female athletes, public funding, economic impact, sports policy, Rosenwald Schools, historical preservation

Transcript Highlights:

• c> and<00:14:02.639> now<00:14:03.360> on<00:14:03.600> line<00:14:03.920>
• There's<00:14:12.560> an<00:14:12.880> increase<00:14:13.519> in<00:14:14.519>
• And then<00:14:21.680> there's<00:14:22.000> a<00:14:22.720> increase<00:14:23.040
• of 1,500,000 each<00:14:24.800> bianium<00:14:25.600> to<00:14:25.839> the<00:14
• Also looking<01:14:00.239> for<01:14:00.400> ways<01:14:00.640> to<01:14:00.800>

Bills: HF3228, HF2441

Keywords: workers' compensation, insurance programs, employee protection, Minnesota statutes, safety regulations, prevailing wage, certified payroll, payroll reporting, construction contracts, public works, project registration, labor standards, contractor compliance, subcontractor reporting, state government, Department of Administration, Commissioner of Labor and Industry, Metropolitan Council, highway construction, public construction

Transcript Highlights:

• Officer<00:14:48.160> El<00:14:48.720> Edel<00:14:49.560> Miro<00:14:50.560>
• ><01:14:01.840> us<01:14:02.080> received<01:14:02.480> as<01:14:02.719> kids
• It's<01:14:19.600> just<01:14:19.840> a<01:14:20.000> bill<01:14:20.320> on
• c><01:14:20.560> Capitol<01:14:20.960> Hill,<01:14:21.360> but<01:14:21.520>
• restore<01:14:25.199> the<01:14:25.360> rule<01:14:25.679> of<01:14:25.840>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, May 15, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:04.680> in<00:14:04.839> terms<00:14:05.199> of<00:14:05.800> the<
• other<00:14:13.399> um<00:14:14.440> agencies<00:14:15.440> like<00:14:15.600><
• > use<00:14:18.639> and<00:14:18.759> so<00:14:19.000> we<00:14:19.120>
• herd<00:14:21.040> to<00:14:21.279> create<00:14:21.600> an<00:14:21.800>
• :14:11.199> okay<01:14:11.719> one<01:14:11.840> of<01:14:11.960> my<01:14

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 114, concerning employment in the State Historic Preservation Program, drew support from DLNR, which said the measure would help retain qualified archaeologists, architects, and other professionals by preserving current pay levels for a limited number of positions. Members raised concerns about expanding exempt positions and the effect on union coverage, and DLNR said it was also working with DEHRD on longer-term reclassification issues. No vote was taken on the bill in the portion provided. HB 12, relating to tort liability, drew strong opposition from the Hawaii Association for Justice, which argued the bill would create overly broad immunity for landowners, conflict with Hawaii’s comparative fault framework, and undermine existing recreational liability law. Supporters said it would reduce liability concerns and encourage landowners to allow hiking, hunting, search-and-rescue training, and firearms-related uses on private land. The committee then moved on without any recorded vote in the excerpt. The committee also discussed HB 29 on counties, but no county representative was present, and members questioned whether the proposal should instead proceed through condemnation if it involved a forced sale. HB 175 on property maintenance received DLNR comments that the bill should be narrowed to noxious weeds and that fire-related provisions were more properly handled by county fire departments and the State Fire Marshal. HB 331 on permits drew support from several state agencies, but the Honolulu Board of Water Supply opposed it unless “repetitive construction” was defined more clearly; members and agencies discussed narrowing the bill to avoid unintended impacts on water and utility infrastructure. The committee also heard strong support for HB 3 on North Shore beach management, HB 309 on fish ponds, and HB 306 on water code penalties, though the Board of Water Supply raised concerns about increased fines and suggested an alternative governor’s bill and clearer administrative rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• :08.279> you<00:14:08.519> if<00:14:08.639> you<00:14:08.720> don't<00:14
• <00:14:10.639> problem<00:14:11.040> yes<00:14:11.519> thank<00:14:11.680>
• > in<00:14:17.120> your<00:14:17.680> in<00:14:18.680> 11<00:14:19.120>
• ><00:14:28.519> something<00:14:28.800> that<00:14:29.199> people<00:14:30.199><
• :30.440> need<00:14:30.600> to<00:14:30.800> jump<00:14:31.040> on<00:14:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1 and SB 1561 on vegetation management near utility lines and wildfire prevention. Testimony focused on requiring DLNR to create and update wildfire hazard maps, setting vegetation-trimming responsibilities for property owners near rights-of-way and utility lines, and authorizing utilities to enter property to remove hazardous vegetation. DLNR, the PUC, and Hawaiian Electric all testified, with Hawaiian Electric asking for clearer access language, after-the-fact notification in imminent-risk situations, and liability limits. Committee members discussed balancing wildfire response with property rights and the need for clearer responsibility and enforcement, including on easements and utility poles. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1 pass with amendments, incorporating comments from testimony, and SB 1561 was deferred. The next major item was SB 640 on artificial intelligence disclosures. The bill would require businesses and individuals in commercial transactions to clearly disclose when consumers are interacting with an AI chatbot or similar technology, and it would create private rights of action and penalties. TechNet, the Office of Consumer Protection, and the Chamber of Commerce raised concerns about vague definitions, overbroad application, enforcement, and the private cause of action; the Chamber also argued the bill could burden small businesses that use AI tools for routine functions. In response to questions, OCP said the measure was ambiguous as to who it applies to and that the remedies and treble-damages provisions were unclear. The committee recommended SB 640 be deferred. The committee also heard SB 454 on prorating the rental motor vehicle surcharge tax when a vehicle is rented for only part of a day. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii said the proposal would make the tax system fairer but more complex and would require better recordkeeping by rental companies; the Department of Taxation and Enterprise Mobility also submitted comments. Senator Melby noted possible effects on the special highway fund and said that could affect his vote. The measure was referred onward, with the discussion indicating it would proceed to Ways and Means. Finally, the committee heard SB 1272 on towing, which would create a licensing framework for tow companies. Testimony from tow-industry representatives strongly supported the measure, describing unlicensed or noncompliant operators, poor insurance practices, and the need for accountability and consumer protection. They said a licensing board would give regulators a clearer enforcement avenue and help ensure fair treatment of vehicle owners. The hearing ended before a final action was taken on SB 1272 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:14:04.680> first<00:14:04.880> of<00:14:05.120> these<00:14:05.639> uh
• uh major Revenue<00:14:07.279> sources<00:14:07.680> is<00:14:07.839> the<00:14:
• c> types<00:14:23.160> of<00:14:23.360> fuel<00:14:23.880> such<00:14:24.079
• 14:36.079> of<00:14:36.600> indexing<00:14:37.600> that<00:14:37.759> was
• <00:14:39.040> in<00:14:39.560> 2023<00:14:40.480> legislation<00:14:41.480>

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Transportation Working Group met on January 15, 2025, with Chair John Kosnik opening by saying the committee expected to pass a transportation bill this year and emphasizing efficient use of transportation revenues, maintenance of roads and transit, and safety. Members and staff introduced themselves, and several representatives noted their interest in roads, bridges, and regional transportation needs. Kosnik also said he had spoken with Representative Kel about leadership arrangements and stressed that bipartisan support would be needed for a transportation bill. House Fiscal Staff’s Andrew Lee and House Research’s Matt Burus then gave an overview of transportation finance, focusing mainly on highways and transit. Burus explained Minnesota’s highway funding structure, including the constitutional Highway User Tax Distribution Fund and the related Trunk Highway Fund, County State-Aid Highway Fund, and Municipal State-Aid Street Fund. He reviewed the main revenue sources: the motor fuels tax, motor vehicle registration tax, motor vehicle sales tax, portions of the general sales tax tied to auto parts, vehicle rentals and leases, and the retail delivery fee. He noted several changes from 2023 legislation, including indexing of the gas tax, creation of the Transportation Advancement Account, and the retail delivery fee, which began in July 2024 and therefore would affect fiscal year 2025 rather than the fiscal 2024 data shown. The presentation also covered how highway dollars flow through constitutional formulas, including the 95/5 split from the Highway User Tax Distribution Fund, with the 5 percent set-aside used for town roads, town bridges, and flexible highway purposes such as turnbacks. Burus distinguished trunk highway bonds from general obligation bonds and explained that both are debt-financing tools for transportation projects, but with different repayment sources and uses. No votes or formal actions were taken at this informational meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• to<00:14:04.399> October<00:14:04.880> one<00:14:05.360> of<00:14:05.600>
• <00:14:07.519> Replace<00:14:07.920> line<00:14:08.320> 30<00:14:08.880>
• This act<00:14:12.480> shall<00:14:12.800> become<00:14:13.120> effective<00:14:
• :51.600> the<00:14:51.760> cities<00:14:52.000> in<00:14:52.160> the<00:14
• If they<00:14:53.040> do<00:14:53.199> it<00:14:53.279> on<00:14:53.440> the<

Bills: HB185, HB378, SB28, HB400, SB155, HB312, HB185, HB378, SB28, HB400, SB155, HB312

Keywords: appropriation, transportation, judicial system, funding, state budget, Pickens County, local act, vehicle tag fee, registration fee, issuance fee, motor vehicle registration, license plate, replacement tag, transfer tag, renewal fee, county revenue, earmarked funds, ambulance service, emergency medical services, EMS

Transcript Highlights:

• That's<00:14:37.960> up<00:14:38.160> from<00:14:38.560> about<00:14:39.240>
• So,<00:14:42.960> although<00:14:43.200> we've<00:14:43.360> been<00:14:43.480><
• <00:14:47.120> increased<00:14:47.400> the<00:14:47.480> SALT<00:14:47.720><
• <00:14:51.440> the<00:14:51.520> PTE<00:14:51.920> tax<00:14:52.240> had<
• notified taxpayers<00:14:55.400> in<00:14:55.520> the<00:14:55.640> late<00:14:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:14.959> Yeah,<00:14:15.279> just<00:14:15.519> in<00:14:15.680> short
• c><00:14:18.800> a<00:14:18.959> million<00:14:19.279> dollars<00:14:19.519>
• 22.720> still<00:14:22.880> be<00:14:23.040> able<00:14:23.199> to<00:14:
• <00:14:25.760> that<00:14:26.399> um<00:14:26.639> the<00:14:26.800> CNU<
• <00:14:46.320> I<00:14:46.560> want<00:14:46.639> to<00:14:46.800> know

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh<00:14:04.920> but<00:14:05.120> that<00:14:05.600> the<00:14:06.000> my
• :14:16.520> of<00:14:16.640> that<00:14:17.320> uh<00:14:17.640> elements
• Um we<00:14:30.880> had<00:14:31.400> heard<00:14:32.520> from<00:14:32.839>
• one<00:14:33.079> of<00:14:33.360> the<00:14:34.000> uh<00:14:34.200> GMs
• > in<00:14:51.760> the<00:14:51.920> event<00:14:52.520> it<00:14:52.880>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard HB 649, which would create a small boat harbor commercial vessel special fund and raise mortgage fees on commercial vessels to fund harbor improvements. DLNR stood on written testimony in support, while the Ocean Tourism Coalition, Activity and Attractions Association of Hawaii, Calypso Charters, and a local commercial operator all opposed the bill, arguing that the fee increase would burden thin-margin businesses without fixing procurement and staffing problems and that the bill’s fee language and fund allocations were too vague. A DLNR witness also noted a prior bill, HB 2477, had sought to broaden the fee base to more ocean operators statewide rather than increase the percentage. No vote was taken on HB 649 during the portion shown. The committee then heard HB 2599 on aquatic protection, which would prioritize ecosystem integrity and use of best available science in managing aquatic resources and set coral reef resilience goals. DLNR supported the measure, and a testifier from the public urged stronger coral goals for Oahu and a broader framework including water quality, herbivore management, fishery management, enforcement, and coral restoration. There was no opposition or vote shown on HB 2599 before the committee recessed to a joint hearing. In the joint Economic Development and Tourism / Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts hearing, members heard HB 2118 on transferring the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission from DAGS to DBED, HB 2474 on authorizing non-binding international cooperative agreements, HB 1863 on creating an honorary ambassador to Canada, HB 1943 on out-of-state DBED offices and export promotion, and HB 2604 on a performing arts ticket surcharge. Testimony was generally supportive for HB 2118, HB 2474, HB 1863, and HB 1943, with questions focused on agency placement, sister-state relationships, and the rationale for overseas offices. HB 2604 drew opposition from the Tax Foundation and others, who argued the surcharge functioned as a tax and would make arts participation more expensive; the chair recommended deferring it. During decision-making, both committees passed HB 2118, HB 2474, HB 1863, and HB 1943 with amendments, including technical changes and revised effective dates. For HB 2474, the amendments were described as clarifying definitions for sister-state and international cooperative agreements, allowing relationships with national governments, and preserving legislative approval and transparency. HB 1943 was amended to require an office in Laoag City, Philippines, rather than a non-existent DBED Philippines office. HB 2604 was deferred. After the joint session, the Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts committee resumed and heard HB 2395 on permits for taking marine deposits and HB 2361 on administrative support for the Kahului Bay Regional Council, both of which drew only DLNR written testimony and no further action in the excerpt. The committee then began HB 1823 on Coastal Zone Management Act exemptions, with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs testifying first, but the transcript cuts off before further testimony or action.