Transcript Highlights:

• </c> share this research. share this research.
• And three object codes relate to the district share, the employer share of payments for health-related
• </c> is this is just the employer paid share is this is just the employer paid share and<01:07:36.120
• be or the employee share employer share be or the employee share beyond<01:20:32.280><c> that</c><01
• Um they shared how they have larger Um they shared how they have larger class<01:24:39.360><c> sizes<

Bills: HF3119

Keywords: teacher compensation, educational staff, unlicensed staff, minimum wage, inflation adjustment, education finance, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Of course, that's the state share, is what you said, correct?
• </c><00:27:32.760><c> So,</c> share is what you said, correct? So, share is what you said, correct?
• </c><00:47:24.320><c> as</c> health such as what I just shared as health such as what I just shared as
• They have to be approved by CMS to prevent the contingent cost share.
• disproportionate share program The disproportionate share program supports<01:49:23.040><c> 27</c><01

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Friday, and I'm committed to sharing Friday, and I'm committed to sharing that<00:07:42.000><c>
• Um, I want to also just share real open.
• Seeing none, thank you for sharing your story.
• </c> Seeing none, thank thank you for sharing Seeing none, thank thank you for sharing your<00:34:35.040
• </c><00:59:03.920><c> your</c> to thank you for coming to share your to thank you for coming to share

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> with our campuses in in shared interest. with our campuses in in shared interest.
• I I did want to share some things with<01:01:09.920><c> you.
• <01:07:53.320><c> that</c><01:07:53.680><c> share</c><01:07:53.800><c> share</c><01:07:53.920><c> that
• </c><01:07:54.280><c> So</c> share that share share that with you.
• So share that share share that with you.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Artificial Intelligence Task Force met and adopted the prior minutes before turning to AI in education. Jeff Gagne of the Southern Regional Education Board described SREB’s Commission on AI in Education, which has organized its work into committees on policy, K-12 instruction, postsecondary instruction, and skills development. He highlighted eight commission recommendations covering statewide AI networks, targeted guidance for different user groups, professional development, standards and curricula, local capacity assessments, risk management, procurement, and AI-ready workforce skills. He also emphasized that states need more specific guidance for students, teachers, faculty, administrators, and parents, and that training is essential because many educators have not been prepared to use AI in instruction. Gagne also summarized two recent SREB reports: one on AI-ready workforce skills and one on AI use in K-12 classrooms. The workforce report recommends embedding AI across standards, strengthening computer science and digital learning standards, collaborating with industry and workforce agencies, building AI competencies into training and upskilling, providing educator professional development, and monitoring readiness. He said the report identifies three skill areas: success skills, industry baseline skills, and technical skills. The classroom guidance report promotes responsible AI adoption, with four pillars focused on increasing cognitive demand, streamlining teaching and administrative work, supporting personalized learning, and developing ethical AI users. He also noted that the report includes an AI procurement tool for school districts. Members thanked Gagne for providing outside examples and resources. One member noted JCPS has an introductory AI professional development offering for educators. Gagne said Kentucky’s David Couch serves on the SREB commission and that the commission’s member list and reports are available on SREB’s website. The committee then heard from Travis Powell of the Council on Postsecondary Education, who said CPE had surveyed campuses and found that Kentucky institutions have broadly embraced AI in teaching, research, student services, and administrative operations. He said all institutions have AI-focused degrees, minors, or courses, and many are integrating AI into general education and across disciplines. Powell also said CPE is considering an AI consortium and that campuses are using AI in research partnerships and applied work, while continuing to focus on ethical and effective use.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> individuals through care sharing individuals through care sharing technology.<00:02:26.760><c> We
• </c> has created its own care sharing has created its own care sharing technology,<00:03:01.200><c> who
• Fitzsimmons, for sharing that.
• Fitzsimons, for sharing Thank you, Ms. Fitzsimons, for sharing um<00:22:32.840><c> that.
• </c> Minnesota Food Share March campaign. Minnesota Food Share March campaign.

Bills: HF1660, HF1824, HF1926, HF1002, HF994, HF1915, HF1336

Keywords: children, youth programming, needs assessment, community engagement, state funding, education, funding, school districts, state budget, rural schools, food support, Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches, food shelves, grant funding, Minnesota FoodShare, early childhood, Head Start, education funding, developmental programs, literacy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:29.080><c> the</c> We can share some concerns the We can share some concerns the department
• </c> prorated share? prorated share?
• And if they can't share the data with the legislative branch directly, that they can share it with the
• </c><00:30:42.560><c> you</c> And they can share with you And they can share with you so<00:30:43.920
• </c> I'm hoping that we will be able to share I'm hoping that we will be able to share that<00:50:04.320

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee received an update from the LBA on three audits related to education programs. Christine Young reported that the special education audit is in report-writing, with 44 of 81 observations completed, and that a draft is expected early in the third quarter with a final report later in the summer. She also said the doorway program audit has a draft report with 12 observations, auditee responses were received May 14, an exit conference was held May 18, and the report is now expected to be presented at the June fiscal committee meeting. The bulk of the discussion focused on the education freedom accounts audit and a proposed expansion of scope. Beulah Skids explained that the original audit, required by the 2022 law creating the EFA program, would be expanded to examine whether students were New Hampshire residents at enrollment and throughout participation, and whether records of educational attainment satisfied program requirements. She described the current work, the draft cooperation agreement being developed with the Department of Education and the Children’s Scholarship Fund, and the department’s concerns about the audit period and the term "educational progress," which the LBA said it would revise. The committee discussed that the expanded work would depend on a written agreement giving the LBA access to needed records, policies, and staff, with the Department of Education potentially serving as an intermediary for data access. Members raised concerns about the scope period and data access. Senator Lang asked that the residency review be limited to the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years, rather than the broader 2022-25 period, because those years captured the major program expansions; the committee appeared to agree, with clarification that the reference was to school years, not fiscal years. Members also discussed reconciliation of EFA funds, noting that the department has agreed to reopen rulemaking to make reconciliation more frequent so unused funds can be returned to the state sooner. Several members expressed frustration that access to data had been delayed, while LBA staff said the cooperation agreement is intended to prevent further roadblocks and that the AG’s office could review it if needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you can share that data, that would be great.
• , let alone a significant share of the bond cap.
• Thanks for sharing that.
• Can you share a little bit more about that?
• Can you share a little bit more about that? What is that number?

Summary: Assembly Budget Subcommittee 5 on State Administration heard two housing-related trailer bill items tied to the Governor’s reorganization plan. The first item would codify the creation of a new Housing and Homelessness Agency and a Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency structure; the second would further streamline the state housing finance system by creating a Housing Development and Finance Committee and reserving most private activity bond capacity for affordable housing. Administration officials said the changes are intended to reduce duplication, speed awards to construction, and make housing funding more predictable and efficient. Agency leaders described recent housing investments and implementation steps, including work groups, coordination with Finance, the Controller, and the Treasurer’s Office, and development of new guidelines and staffing. Members raised concerns about limited funding, the need for better program-by-program outcome data, youth homelessness, excess sites, and fraud prevention. The Interagency Council on Homelessness presented new three-year action plan metrics, including goals to increase exits from unsheltered homelessness to 70% and move more people into permanent housing, while also noting current performance data and quarterly public reporting. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said it had no concerns with the first trailer bill, but supported the general concept of the second while recommending changes, including removing or revising the proposed 50% bond-cap floor for the new committee and adding attention to 9% and state tax credits. Public commenters, including local governments, nonprofit developers, housing authorities, and advocacy groups, largely supported the reorganization and streamlining goals, but several urged stronger protections for deeply affordable housing, earlier reallocation of unused bond authority, continued access to 9% credits, and more funding for housing programs. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the chair closed item one and moved to item two after member and public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• government agencies which serve our beneficiaries and ensuring that we're really doing our best to share
• We really want, um, what we're doing to be data driven to be able to share out information about how
• We really want, um, what we're doing to be data driven to be able to share out information about how
• </c><00:04:33.199><c> um</c> we're really doing our best to share um we're really doing our best to share
• out information about how to share out information about how disparities<00:04:56.560><c> are</c><00

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs met in decision-making sessions on March 18 and considered several House bills. On HB 576 HD2, the chair proposed an amendment clarifying that the bill would not apply to transfers of Hawaiian Homes lands under the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920, including lease conditions for 99-year terms; the committee adopted the recommendation to pass with amendments, with one no vote. On HB 606, the chair recommended passing the bill with amendments and a committee report requesting a $50 million appropriation; that recommendation was also adopted, again with one no vote. HB 1408 was recommended for indefinite deferral, and no discussion was recorded before adjournment. In a later portion of the meeting, the committee heard testimony on HB 410, which was described by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs as its budget request. OHA testified in strong support, saying the measure would help advance its strategic plan, reduce disparities affecting Native Hawaiians in health, housing, economic development, and education, and improve transparency and data-driven oversight. The committee noted additional support and opposition testimony counts on other measures, including HB 871 and HB 1091, and then moved into decision-making. The committee ultimately adopted the chair’s recommendations to pass HB 410 HD1 unamended, HB 871 HD1 unamended, and HB 1091 HD1 as is. Senator Ihara was noted as excused for part of the later voting. The meeting concluded with no further testimony or discussion and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• On behalf of myself and the Minnesota Farmers Union, who invited me today, I'm glad to share my support
• I'm here today to share my support for additional bonding authority for the RFA because they're beginning
• today<00:03:50.519><c> I'm</c><00:03:50.680><c> glad</c><00:03:50.879><c> to</c><00:03:50.959><c> share
• my support for additional bonding share my support for additional bonding Authority<00:04:20.840><c>
• So thank you for the opportunity to share my experience with RFA programs, and I hope this bill earns

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• If you have longer thoughts to share, please submit them in writing.
• Thank you for sharing this. Thank you so much, and thank you for sharing this.
• I'd like to share two numbers with you: 70 and 5.
• Thank you for your testimony and for sharing your approach and your concerns.
• Altman talk about the cost sharing, but removing the cost sharing for patients—those co-pays and deductibles—which

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery held a public hearing on 14 bills focused on insurance, parity, opioids, behavioral health access, and mental health system reform. Chair Mindy Domb and Vice Chair Robyn Kennedy outlined hearing procedures and noted the committee would accept written testimony. The hearing featured testimony from legislators, providers, advocates, and behavioral health organizations, with most speakers urging favorable reports on the bills they addressed. A major topic was psychiatric collaborative care, including H. 222/S. 1390, which would raise reimbursement for collaborative care codes to at least Medicare levels and allow billing outside the MassHealth primary care subcapitation model. Supporters said the model improves access, outcomes, and cost savings by embedding behavioral health in primary care, and several witnesses described successful implementation in practices and schools. Committee members asked questions about how the model works, what specialties use it, barriers to adoption, and whether copays, deductibles, and subcapitation rules should be changed. Witnesses also supported related innovation legislation, including H. 2224, which would create a mental health innovation fund and support nontraditional trauma-healing approaches. Other bills discussed included H. 2212, which would require prescribers to discuss opioid and pain-medication risks, alternatives, and addiction/overdose concerns with patients or guardians; H. 2232 and H. 2233, which would address equitable payment and equitable access for behavioral health providers serving MassHealth patients; and S. 1406, which would add opioid maintenance treatment information to MassPAT and allow patient-authorized access to that information. Witnesses also strongly backed S. 1399, which would set targets to increase behavioral health spending within the overall health care cost benchmark, arguing that Massachusetts underinvests in behavioral health and that greater investment could reduce emergency, hospitalization, homelessness, and criminal justice costs. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded after testimony and committee questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We know you share this commitment to supporting local businesses and thriving...
• We know you share this commitment to supporting local businesses and thriving downtowns.
• I'm going to share...
• Let me share a local perspective to supplement what Allie has put on the record for the MMA.
• We'd like to share our concerns about H. V...

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a public hearing on a wide range of alcohol, liquor licensing, and hemp-derived beverage bills. Early in the hearing, there was a procedural dispute when Senator Jacob Oliveira attempted to testify virtually on S. 279; the House chairs declined to recognize virtual testimony from a committee member, and Senator Pavel Payano instead read prepared remarks supporting the bill to return liquor license authority to municipalities. The committee then heard testimony on H. 437/S. 279 from the Massachusetts Municipal Association and Cohasset Town Manager Christopher Senior, both of whom argued that local control would streamline licensing, better match modern community needs, and support downtown economic development. A Lexington business owner also supported local licensing flexibility for a paint-and-sip business seeking a beer and wine license. The committee also heard extensive testimony on hemp-derived beverage regulation, including H. 357 and S. 222. Supporters from the Commonwealth Beverage Coalition and Theory Wellness said the products are already widely available in unregulated settings, including gas stations and smoke shops, and argued for a regulated framework with age limits, testing, labeling, and local public health funding. The Massachusetts Brewers Guild supported regulation of low-dose hemp beverages but asked that breweries be allowed to participate using their existing retail and distribution rights. The Guild also supported H. 478, which would allow limited self-distribution by pub breweries, saying it would reduce inefficiency and help small breweries grow. Several bills modernizing alcohol licensing laws were also discussed. Representative Ruel supported H. 477, describing it as a cleanup measure that would remove the contiguous-premises requirement, add a character standard for applicants, and extend public notice periods. Representative Sangiolo testified in support of H. 3893, a local liquor-license bill tied to economic development and new businesses in Lexington, including a movie theater, coffee shop, and paint studio. Fable Brewing Company also supported the local license bill, saying the licenses are needed before they can finalize leases and open. The committee then heard opposition from the Massachusetts Package Stores Association and several retailers, who warned that the retail tier is under pressure from oversaturation, declining revenues, and expanded competition, and opposed a long list of bills they said would further weaken existing stores or the three-tier system. At the end of the hearing, Representative McKenna testified in support of H. 437 and S. 279, emphasizing municipal autonomy and the importance of on-premises licenses for restaurants and other economic-development projects. The chairs noted that additional written testimony could still be submitted on bills that did not receive in-person testimony. The hearing concluded with a motion by Representative Sangiolo, seconded by Representative LeBoeuf, to close the hearing, which passed by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next to share, I'll go really fast. Can you share the Fortified Home reports?
• You know, I'm thinking just better shingles, but if you could share what other things?
• Next to share, I'll go really fast. Can you share the Fortified Home reports?
• You know, I'm thinking just better shingles, but if you could share, what other things?
• I'll be happy to give you a copy of the report. shingles, but if you could share, what other things?

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Each year, when I wish a people happy Nowruz, I share it.
• Each year, when I wish a people happy Nowruz, I share these words.
• Another story that was shared was the true power of Pro Tem Burton.
• I think many of us share the same word that John Burden loved, and I will I think many of us share the
• I shared that goal with so many of you, including our pro tem emeritus.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and welcomed numerous former legislators to the floor. The body then moved through the daily file, including several resolutions recognizing cultural observances and a memorial tribute to former President Pro Tem John Burton. Senator Padilla also moved file item 24 to the enacted file, and the Senate announced upcoming committee and budget subcommittee meetings later in the day. The chamber adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 133, recognizing California Down Syndrome Awareness Month and Day, after remarks from Senator Grayson about the contributions and dignity of people with Down syndrome and the importance of support systems for individuals and families. The Senate also adopted SCR 134 recognizing Nowruz and the Afghan American community, with remarks from Senator Wahab and support from Senator Kaverya, and adopted SCR 139 recognizing Afghan American Heritage Month. Each resolution passed by roll call vote with no opposition. A major portion of the session was devoted to an adjourned-in-memory tribute to former Senate President Pro Tem John Burton. Senators from both parties and several former members offered personal recollections emphasizing Burton’s advocacy for foster youth, working people, and marginalized Californians, as well as his blunt style and political influence. Members highlighted his legislative legacy, his later work through the John Burton Advocates for Youth, and his role in shaping California politics and San Francisco. The Senate concluded the tribute, invited members to a reception, and announced that it would remain in recess before reconvening later in the week.

Transcript Highlights:

• We share the author's goal of protecting student privacy.
• And if someone wanted to share their SATs or test scores, that information can be provided.
• They can share it.
• And that's especially important given who some of this information is being shared with.
• But I mean, there has to be some unintended consequences. shared.

Summary: The Assembly Judiciary Committee heard several bills focused on public safety, privacy, animal welfare, and elder protection. AB 634 by Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez would ban the manufacture, distribution, and sale of tianeptine, described as “gas station heroin,” with supporters citing addiction and hospitalization risks and noting the bill had been narrowed to civil penalties and research exceptions. AB 1159 by Senator Addis would expand student data privacy protections to higher education and limit how ed tech companies use student information, including a narrow private right of action; supporters emphasized student privacy and opponents warned it could chill innovation and create litigation risk. AB 1382 by Assemblymember Castillo would prohibit the sale of genetically modified animals for cosmetic purposes, with supporters pointing to animal welfare and shelter overpopulation concerns and opponents seeking a narrower exemption for glowfish and other already regulated aquatic species. The committee also heard AB 871, which would strengthen reporting and training requirements for financial institutions responding to suspected elder financial abuse and scams, including reporting to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and encouraging rapid client reporting. Supporters said the bill could help recover funds and improve pattern detection across jurisdictions, while one member raised concerns about duplication with existing suspicious activity reporting and bank procedures. In discussion, members generally supported the bill but noted the need to refine it; the author said it was intended as a practical step to improve existing processes. All four bills were moved out of committee with do pass recommendations, with AB 634, AB 1159, AB 1382, and AB 871 each passing on recorded votes after discussion and amendments. The committee also adopted consent calendar items and ended with a recognition of Republican caucus judiciary consultant Daryl Thomas, who is retiring after more than 20 years of service.

Transcript Highlights:

• So now we'll share some of those themes that have arisen through our conversations with the committee
• So we'll share those four broad areas for consideration.
• So we'll share those four broad areas for consideration.
• Do you have any information on those processes just to share with us? Yes, I do.
• As we wrap up, sharing our sort of last planned steps here, which is on stakeholder engagement.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Committee met with a quorum, approved the previous meeting minutes, and heard an update from Garty Consulting on the interim study of legislative term limits. The consultants outlined their research plan and preliminary themes, including loss of institutional knowledge, shifts in power toward executive agencies and lobbyists, reduced long-term policy capacity, faster leadership turnover, and recruitment/support challenges. They also described possible recommendation categories ranging from constitutional and statutory changes to procedural and cultural adjustments. Committee members asked about how other states repealed term limits, how the public survey would address perceptions of term limits, and how stakeholder focus groups would be selected. The committee also heard a presentation from NCSL on term limits in other states, including examples from Nevada, Montana, and Colorado, with discussion of training programs, staffing changes, annual-session debates, bill limits, and impacts on decorum and leadership continuity. Several members requested follow-up data on part-time versus full-time legislatures, taxpayer costs, and nonpartisan staff devoted to oversight. The committee then considered revisions to the legislature’s workplace harassment policy and related forms. Legislative Council explained changes that clarified the definition of harassment, added captions for readability, extended several deadlines, allowed informal resolution before a review panel is appointed, clarified the role of Legislative Council in intake and documentation, and updated confidentiality/open-records language. Members, especially Senator Hogan, said the revisions better formalize the role of counsel and provide a less intimidating path for resolving complaints. The committee adopted the revised policy and forms by roll call vote. Finally, the committee approved a motion to enter executive session at 1:00 p.m. to review the results of a capital threat assessment and discuss legislator security, citing the applicable open-meetings exemptions. Members were instructed to limit discussion to the stated purpose and not take final action until returning to open session.

Transcript Highlights:

• FOLLOW-UP QUESTION TO STEP UP, IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING BASED ON THE DATA, THANK YOU FOR CONTINUING TO SHARE
• IS THAT CORRECT AND IF IT IS, PLEASE ONCE AGAIN SHARE WITH US YOUR AUTHORITY TO DO THOSE BACK PAYMENTS
• PANEL, BEFORE WE MOVE ON TO THE FTC AND MEMBERS, I DO WANT TO SHARE I WILL HAVE MAJOR BEFORE WE MOVE
• ON TO THE FTC AND MEMBERS, I DO WANT TO SHARE I WILL HAVE MAJOR CONCERNS OVER THOSE 32,840 STUDENTS WHO
• THEY SHARE THAT WITH US.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:06:44.880><c> We're</c> we're we're happy to share those.
• We're we're we're happy to share those.
• </c> prevent behavioral challenges in shared prevent behavioral challenges in shared living<00:32:14.880
• </c><01:12:55.920><c> up</c> is doing okay but I have to share up is doing okay but I have to share up
• No matter want to share this with you.

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:00 Approve Minutes from November 13, 2025- 00:00:55 RiverLink Tolling Operations for Louisville Bridges-Quarterhill Testimony- 00:01:48 Staff Report on Veterans’ Centers- 00:26:45 Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs Response to Staff Report- 0:58:53 Adjournment- 1:18:00, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from the November 13, 2025 meeting and then heard testimony from Quarter Hill, the tolling subcontractor for RiverLink on the Indiana-Kentucky bridge system. Quarter Hill described its role in back-office support and call center operations for the Lincoln, Kennedy, and Lewis and Clark bridges, and said the contract began in 2021 with go-live in September 2023. The company reported that revenue has increased since it took over, customer service response times have improved, and it has been operating at a loss because the contract was based on outdated transaction estimates and did not account for higher-than-expected volume and added support costs. Members questioned Quarter Hill about the role of consultants, the low reported collection rate, and why the company was leaving the contract. Quarter Hill said a single large consulting engineering firm had been hired to help shape the RFP and contract, but argued that consultants and overly detailed requirements can create disputes and hinder efficient service. On collection rates, the company said the reported 85% rate reflects the absence of registration holds and other enforcement tools, and that the remaining unpaid tolls are the hardest to collect. The company also said it had lost significant money on the contract and had reached a change order and termination agreement, while emphasizing that the system itself was functioning well. The committee then received a staff report on Kentucky veterans centers. Staff said quality of care is generally high and staffing has improved, but reported occupancy figures are misleading because they are based on certified beds rather than functional capacity after conversions to single-occupancy rooms and capital projects. The report said actual occupancy is closer to 85% than the commonly reported 56%, and that increasing occupancy would not necessarily increase revenue because the state’s cost of care exceeds reimbursement and private-pay revenue. Recommendations included adopting functional occupancy reporting, continuing the move to single-occupancy rooms, reviewing modernization needs at Thompson Hood, including Eastern Kentucky in planning, and referring the Radcliffe HVAC procurement and installation to the Auditor of Public Accounts and Attorney General for review.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have many I can provide and share with you.
• First, I'm going to share some background on the central registry.
• Thank you for sharing. No, thank you for sharing your story. Thank you.
• With sharing this peek into my life, I'm not asking for your sympathy.
• I share this committee's goal of preventing exploitation.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our members have shared concrete examples of what this would mean.
• And the ad that the author shared is just one example of how this has gone... Thank you.
• We've shared amendments with the author's office.
• it to TikTok, you're sharing your data to TikTok.
• So I think I shared with you my concern.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:31.599><c> a</c> sheriff's departments, and we share a sheriff's departments, and we share
• Uh Ernie, you wanted to share it.
• </c> successors and interests to share water. successors and interests to share water.
• And that's all we can share for now.
• And that's all we can share sentency. And that's all we can share for<01:30:44.719><c> now.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several measures. SB 2723, which would designate April 27 as State Sheriff’s Day, was supported by the Department of Law Enforcement and a long-serving sheriff, who described the historical roots of Hawaii’s sheriffs in the Kingdom of Hawaii and said the bill would recognize that legacy. HGA submitted written comments, and there was no opposition or vote taken on the measure during the excerpt. The committees then heard SB 17 on wildfire mitigation. The Public Utilities Commission, DLNR, the State Fire Council, OPSD, the Attorney General’s office, and Kamehameha Schools all testified, mostly in support of the bill’s intent but with suggested amendments. Several witnesses said the bill should better define the working group’s structure, staffing, and funding, and the Attorney General noted constitutional concerns about placing the group outside a principal department and pointed out possible overlap with Acts 302 and 303 from the prior year. Committee members questioned whether SB 17 duplicated earlier wildfire legislation, and witnesses generally said it did not directly conflict but overlapped with existing efforts. On SB 2358, which would require reimbursement for search-and-rescue costs when people leave trails and enter closed areas, the State Fire Council and the Hawaii SAR Alliance testified in opposition or caution, arguing that reimbursement could deter people from calling for help and that Hawaii’s SAR system still has structural and administrative gaps. A committee member asked whether other jurisdictions had used similar measures without discouraging rescues; the Fire Council said Kauai has a similar law but it has not resulted in invoices being sent. No action was taken in the excerpt. The final measure discussed was SB 2475 on Red Hill remediation funding and reimbursement from the Department of Defense. The Board of Water Supply, DLNR, and other testifiers supported the bill, emphasizing the need for long-term research, monitoring, and cleanup, while also noting the unique groundwater conditions and the importance of keeping the funds focused on Red Hill contamination response. Committee members asked about existing federal and state funding, whether the state had received any direct federal money, and what would happen if reimbursement is not obtained. DLNR said it was still working through the reimbursement mechanism and that some federal funding had gone to the Red Hill registry, but not directly to the state for this purpose.