Transcript Highlights:

• that's a we're making this major change that's a we're making this major change that's a major change
• yeah well it's a change major change yeah well it's a change major change yeah well it's a change because
• change the law at all it just well it change the law at all it just well it change the law at all it
• SRO they most definitely so yeah yeah SRO they most definitely so yeah yeah SRO they most definitely
• definition you're it up I don't I don't definition you're it up I don't I don't definition you're it

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, by simply changing the definition alone, you've just said what hemp is.
• So, by simply changing the definition alone, you've just said what hemp is.
• the um um about the definition is the um um it<04:16:55.440> changes<04:16:55.960> it<
• Um, as you heard from the Division of Enforcement, all that did was really change the definition, but
• <04:27:18.360> the that did was really change the that did was really change the definition

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the definition of way and we didn't change the definition of motor vehicle.
• the definition of way and we didn't change the definition of motor vehicle.
• This changes that to when your headlights are on, when your wipers are on, which is a clear definition
• This changes that to when your headlights are on, when your wipers are on, which is a clear definition
• This changes that to when your headlights are on, when your wipers are on, which is a clear definition

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 758, which would establish a study committee on airport operation hours and possible noise abatement measures, including whether New Hampshire should prohibit departures between midnight and 6 a.m. The sponsor said the committee would examine the pros and cons and consult stakeholders. The Bureau of Aeronautics testified neutrally, noting that New Hampshire has 25 public airports, 12 with federal funding and grant assurances that may require them to remain open during those hours, and that cargo operations, including at Manchester, commonly occur overnight. Members also discussed existing noise abatement programs and how mitigation is determined by noise contours and FAA funding decisions. No vote was taken; the chair closed the hearing after testimony. The committee then heard House Bill 489, allowing voluntary emergency workers to use rear-facing blue lights on private vehicles when responding to emergencies. The sponsor said the bill corrects an oversight in existing law, would not cost the state or towns money, and would improve visibility and safety, especially in rural areas. Supportive testimony from a volunteer responder emphasized that blue lights help cut through fog, snow, and nighttime conditions, and that the bill would only add a single rear-facing blue light to existing red, amber, and white emergency lighting. The New Hampshire State Police opposed the bill, arguing that expanding blue lights to private vehicles would confuse the public and desensitize drivers to blue lights, which are associated with law enforcement. The hearing closed without action. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 533, which the sponsor and State Police clarified is actually two separate changes: one authorizing civilian automotive equipment inspectors to assist with vehicle inspection work, and another expanding language in motor carrier enforcement to include new entrant safety audits and compliance reviews. The State Police explained that civilian inspectors are hired and trained through the department and that any findings of state-law violations would be referred to troopers; they also said the new motor carrier language was requested to satisfy federal audit concerns about right of entry. The New Hampshire Motor Transport Association said it had no position if the civilian inspectors were not doing commercial truck inspections, but would oppose the bill if they were. Members asked about the difference between audits and compliance reviews, and the State Police said audits are for newer carriers and are non-enforcement, while compliance reviews look for violations. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 533. After a brief reset, the committee opened House Bill 594, which would repeal an alternate definition of “way” for the driving-after-suspension statute. The sponsor said the change was requested by the Department of Justice. Representative Erica Leon opposed the repeal, explaining that the prior language was intended to avoid criminalizing people who mow lawns or perform similar work near property edges while suspended, but she worried the repeal could create a loophole allowing driving on places like highway medians. Members questioned whether the issue was limited to mowing or broader vehicle use on property edges, and Leon said she would work with agencies to clarify the language so it protects lawful mowing without allowing misuse. No vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• with DAB's uh request for um changing. with DAB's uh request for um changing.
• Okay. bathroom in the Capitol to change her bathroom in the Capitol to change her baby.<00:18:35.840>
• But I mean, is the definition the >> Yeah. But I mean, is the definition the same? same?
• the same definition. the same definition.
• I spent three decades in changed.

Bills: SB2094

Keywords: toxic chemicals, environmental action levels, public notice, environmental safety, pollution control, Hawaii State Constitution, public participation, government transparency, environmental health, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 2094, which would require state agencies monitoring environmental toxins and pollutants to establish environmental action levels and limit changes to those levels without meeting procedural requirements. The chair recommended passing the bill with amendments, including inserting estimated costs for a secure portal website and webinars into the committee report and deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050. The motion passed unanimously among those voting, with excused members noted. The committee then considered several other measures and adopted recommendations to pass them with amendments, generally adding technical and clarifying changes and setting a defective date of 2525. SB 2862 was amended to broaden the preamble, make additional appointees confirmable, clarify reporting requirements for gubernatorial appointees, and was held for further discussion. SB 2781 on lei production created a working group to review existing studies and conduct a statewide study of Hawaii’s floriculture industry. SB 3015 adopted California’s definition of PII, applied it to government agencies and political subdivisions, created a private cause of action, and required a compliance report. SB 3230 removed a categorical prohibition on certain third-party project management procurements while preserving state oversight responsibility, in line with procurement office requests. The joint GVO Health and Human Services agenda then focused on two related bills requiring universal changing accommodations in public restrooms. SB 2932 would apply to new state building construction beginning July 1, 2026, and testimony from disability advocates, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others supported the measure while asking for language clarifying that the requirement applies only where technically feasible and, in some cases, only to state-managed buildings. SB 2268 was described as broader, extending beyond government buildings into the private sector and including a private right of action; witnesses supported the concept but raised implementation concerns, especially for smaller businesses, and requested the same technically infeasible language and other clarifications. Both bills were advanced with amendments, and the committee noted adoption of the recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section one will amend the definition of Group G member and the definition of normal retirement date.
• So the first three changes are to fix an error in the definition regarding the date of employment for
• group G member and the definition of group G member and the definition<00:08:52.080> of<00:08
• :09:18.160> includes definition of normal retirement includes definition of normal retirement
• are to fix an error in the changes are to fix an error in the definition<00:10:10.640> regarding<

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the definition over time.
• changing the definition over time. changing the definition over time.
• What this language change does is it asks the advisory council to include in their report suggested definitions
• What this language change does is it asks the advisory council to include in their report suggested definitions
• This policy change blurs that line. This policy change blurs that line.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House resumed consideration of H.606 on firearm procedures and first took up Section 3 and its effective dates. A member from Northfield spoke at length in support, arguing the provision is narrowly tailored, based on actual dangerousness rather than mental illness alone, and is more limited than federal law because it applies only to specific court findings and is temporary, with rights restorable upon recovery. The House then approved Section 3 and its effective dates, approved the remainder of the Judiciary Committee report, and ordered third reading. The chamber then moved through third readings and passed H.385 on remedies and protections for victims of coerced debt, H.556 on exceptions to the state minimum wage, H.559 on the parole board, H.723 on posting of land, and H.757 on manufactured homes and limited equity cooperatives. On H.814, relating to neurological rights and AI in health and human services, the House adopted an amendment offered by the member from Burlington that required the advisory council to include proposed definitions for neurotechnology, artificial intelligence, and related terms in its report; the House Health Care Committee reported the amendment favorable 11-0-0, and the bill then passed. H.816, regulating the use of artificial intelligence in the provision of mental health services, also passed, as did H.927, technical corrections for the 2026 session. The House then took up H.930 on chronic absenteeism. The committee member from Manchester described the bill as an AOE proposal responding to high post-pandemic absenteeism rates and their impact on learning, and outlined provisions adding definitions, updating compulsory attendance language, requiring a state model policy, strengthening notification and truancy procedures, and preserving existing penalties. The member said the Education Committee heard from a wide range of education and child welfare witnesses and passed the bill 11-0. After a brief clarification on the absences section, the House proceeded toward third reading of H.930.

Transcript Highlights:

• normal in every business process change that I've gone through in my career.
• normal in every business process change that I've gone through in my career.
• normal in every business process change that I've gone through in my career.
• normal in every business process change that I've gone through in my career.
• > be<00:26:32.640> individual It it would definitely be individual It it would definitely

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from its June 30 meeting and then considered Capital Project 2515, a request from the Pease Development Authority Division of Ports and Harbors to spend up to $125,000 from the Harbor Dredging and Pier Maintenance Fund to replace a deteriorated 99-foot floating dock at Rye Harbor. Acting Director Richard Hartley said the dock is used for passenger loading and unloading for charters and whale-watching tours and is in poor condition. Representative Edgar moved approval, Representative Wiler seconded, and the motion carried. The committee then received several informational items, including quarterly and maintenance reports from the Department of Administrative Services, the Community College System of New Hampshire, and the Pease Development Authority. It also heard a presentation from the Department of Health and Human Services on Capital Project 2516, the Beneficiary Service Improvement project supporting closed-loop referrals and related systems. DHHS described the project as a mix of Medicaid enterprise functions and New Hampshire Care Connections tools, including provider modules, third-party liability, event notifications, and closed-loop referrals to connect health and human service providers. Officials said the project is largely federally funded, with capital funds representing only part of the overall effort. Members asked about the accounting breakdown, prior committee review, provider participation, patient experience, and public response. Representative Burr questioned whether the project had been fully presented previously and raised concerns about the scope and necessity of the $8 million effort; DHHS responded that earlier work was discussed in other committees and that the current presentation covered only capital funds. Senator Waters asked about user response and patient experience, and DHHS said feedback has been generally positive but the system is still in design and implementation. In response to questions about participation, DHHS said 84 providers are currently on the network and clarified that a “provider” generally means an individual organization or health system, not each individual clinician. The committee also set its next meeting for December 9 at 9:00 a.m. at Granite Place, Room 228, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• to the definition of employee for this. to the definition of employee for this.
• There are a couple of changes.
• couple also recommended changes. couple also recommended changes.
• Does everybody understand the changes? changes? changes?
• amend with the uh the changes? amend with the uh the changes?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• know, make some changes to it, whatever. know, make some changes to it, whatever.
• . definitions. definitions.
• Do the AAFCO definitions have a corresponding definition for each of these? No.
• definitions for what's being provided. definitions for what's being provided.
• I mean, not these definitions... definitions and and so we already have a definitions and and so we already

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the first thing is to make those changes.
• And so I do think that the change in owner, change in operator, change in project site, these are overarching
• Those aren't project-changing or project-shifting changes.
• That is, by definition, a change of requirement, not necessarily a change of the way that it's been done
• What this regulatory change is designed to do, it's not trying to change the definition of a capital

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any additions, corrections, or changes to the minutes?
• The legislature enacted the benefit in 2013, and last year members made changes to move toward licensure
• The definition of fraud is different from what is defined in the administrative rule.
• And so that's where that definition comes from.
• And that's where the fraud definition in rule is.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:19:09.400> the information and has also changed the information and has also changed the
• <01:04:05.839> Bonafide Farmers there's a definition Bonafide Farmers there's a definition
• again the definition exemptions again the definition<01:04:37.839> of<01:04:38.000> Bon
• Yes, definitely in support of that.
• Yes, definitely in support of that.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Agriculture and Environment hearing on January 27, 2025, took up multiple measures, beginning with a proposed constitutional amendment, HB 559, to recognize a right to clean water and air, a healthful environment, climate, native ecosystems, and beaches. The Attorney General’s Office testified with concerns that the amendment’s broad language could create challenges for future legislatures and environmental enforcement, while the Climate Commission and DLNR supported it. Environmental and advocacy groups, including Climate Protectors Hawaii, 350 Hawaii, Greenpeace Hawaii, and others, strongly supported the measure, arguing it would strengthen decision-making and protect Hawaii’s natural resources. Committee members raised questions about how the amendment would interact with existing constitutional protections and recent litigation, and the AG’s office said the proposal could lead to broad judicial interpretation and possible liability issues. The hearing then moved on without a recorded vote on this bill. The committee next heard SB 552, which would establish a healthy soils program in the Department of Agriculture and require annual reporting and funding. The Climate Change Commission supported the bill, and the Department of Agriculture said it stood on its submitted testimony but noted existing commissions and the greenhouse gas sequestration task force already address similar objectives, suggesting SB 552 may duplicate current efforts. Agricultural and environmental advocates, including the Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and others, supported the concept of a consolidated healthy soils program, saying it would better organize existing efforts, improve access for producers, and support conservation practices. The Agribusiness Development Corporation said it would support either DOA or ADC administering the program, and committee discussion focused on implementation, program overlap, and whether the bill should better integrate existing compost reimbursement and related efforts. The final measure discussed in the excerpt was SB 678, which would create an Agricultural Development Food Security Special Fund, dedicate a portion of the environmental response, energy, and food security tax to it, and appropriate funds equal to 3% of the state budget for agriculture. The Department of Agriculture strongly supported the bill, saying the funding would align with its goals and help support farmers and ranchers. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Department of Budget and Finance raised concerns that the proposed special fund may not meet statutory criteria. Farm and industry groups generally supported the measure but suggested changes, including adding uses related to local food sourcing, distribution, and biosecurity. Committee members questioned the scale of the appropriation, noting it could amount to roughly $250 million and a major increase in DOA’s budget, and discussed whether the department could realistically implement such a large program. The hearing ended with testimony counts noted for the measures heard, and the chair indicated the committee would reconvene later for any unfinished business.

Transcript Highlights:

• We definitely don't want late doing it.
• encourage others to use that definition encourage others to use that definition when<00:03:53.519
• I think the change the legislature made last year with morphed images was a big change and a positive
• But I appreciate the overall definitions.
• >> I just wanted to say from the definition >> I just wanted to say from the definition

Keywords: AIR Task Force - Room 409, 13 January, 2026; 3:00 P.M., 925, all

Summary: The January meeting of the AIR Task Force focused on reviewing a draft report on artificial intelligence and discussing how to move forward with future work. Ted Booth and Matthew Holmes explained that the report is intended to lay a foundation by describing AI-related challenges, what Mississippi has already done, and possible steps for future reports, since the task force will continue meeting in coming years. Members were invited to suggest edits and improvements, including on how the group communicates by email and how to keep the process efficient given everyone’s schedules. A major topic was whether the task force should recommend a statutory definition of artificial intelligence. The chair said a bill needed to be filed quickly and asked members to review the definition on page five of the report. Booth read the definition, which tracks federal language describing a machine-based system that makes predictions, recommendations, or decisions using machine and human inputs. Members generally agreed the definition was solid and noted that it could be amended later as the field evolves. The task force also discussed the broader legislative approach to AI. Members said the issue is fluid and that they do not want to regulate too early or duplicate existing law. They noted that current criminal statutes, including recent changes related to morphed images, appear to cover AI-related crimes for now, and the attorney general’s office reported no current loopholes or need for tweaks. Homeland Security likewise had no recommendations for new legislation. The chair said the report would be submitted to leadership if there were no objections, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• They shall review and change the guidelines every three years.
• Number four, it changes the chair to be selected by the board.
• The second the definition area of the bill.
• I think that we need to be very careful because I haven't compared these definitions to definitions that
• Well, because I think that there are definitions, I hadn't looked at the definitions and assumed that

Bills: SB324, HB395, HB222, HB310, HB285, HB144, HB251, HB380

Keywords: parole, pardons, paroles board, board of pardons and paroles, Alabama criminal justice, sentencing reform, prison reform, reentry, recidivism, risk assessment, validated risk and needs assessment, supervision, probation, parole denial, parole reconsideration, medical parole, violent offense, nonviolent offense, law enforcement member, board appointments

Transcript Highlights:

• using that uh definition. using that uh definition.
• . definition. definition.
• So it's using the definition within the definition to define the definition.
• Is definition to define the definition.
• I just read that<00:57:09.839> definition. that definition. that definition.

Bills: SF0087, SF0088, SF0092

Keywords: felony, law enforcement, police officer, criminal penalties, public safety, sex offender, child care facility, residency restrictions, criminal law, sex offenders, child care facilities, legislation, false claims, civil penalties, state accountability, whistleblower protection, fraud prevention, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this amendment changes line 95 to 96 to use the federal definition of a provider of information
• And then in ’96, it changed, and it was a subtle change, but it was an important change.
• Why that narrowing, or why that change in definition? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Your bill talks about it makes changes to the definition of, and my colleagues were talking about a little
• , why that narrowing or why that change of and definition?

Summary: The committee heard several bills on commerce, tourism, labor, technology, and public safety. SB 1666, by Senator Graal, would adopt Florida’s version of UCC Article 12 to address commercial transactions involving digital assets such as cryptocurrency, blockchain, smart contracts, and NFTs; after a technical amendment, it was reported favorably. CS/SB 480, by Senator DiCeglie, would create affordable health coverage options for farmers and ranchers through a nonprofit agricultural organization model similar to Tennessee’s; supporters said it would expand access in rural areas, while opponents and some senators raised concerns about ACA protections, preexisting conditions, and state fiscal impacts. The committee also approved CS/SB 1172, which expands business development incentives for veterans and military spouses, including procurement preferences, fee waivers, tax exemptions, and an entrepreneurship program, after an amendment expanding hiring preferences for military spouses was adopted. The committee then took up SB 1400, which creates a process for removing nonconsensual AI-generated sexual deepfakes from covered online platforms within 24 to 48 hours and subjects noncompliant platforms to penalties under Florida’s deceptive trade practices law; an amendment carved out internet service providers, and the bill was reported favorably. SM 1488, a memorial urging Congress to create a sovereign wealth fund, drew opposition from a public school teacher who questioned its necessity and constitutionality, but it still passed. CS/SB 922, dealing with employment agreements, would strengthen enforcement of certain non-compete and garden leave agreements for employees with access to sensitive information; critics argued it would restrict workers and innovation, while supporters said it protects trade secrets and high-paying jobs. After an amendment, it was reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1252, which would create a statewide system for sharing pawn and secondhand dealer data among law enforcement agencies, with an initial feasibility study cost estimated at $250,000 and questions raised about enforcement if agencies do not participate. Finally, CS/SB 1776, under the Whistleblower’s Act, would require advance notice and an opportunity to cure alleged violations, narrow retaliation and disclosure definitions, and limit claims when another statutory remedy exists; members questioned whether the changes could reduce employee protections or allow employers time to destroy evidence, but the bill was still under debate as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said his understanding is that this legislation you're proposing has changed the definition of person
• He said his understanding is that this legislation you're proposing has changed the definition of person
• He said his understanding is that this legislation you're proposing has changed the definition of person
• He said his understanding is that this legislation you're proposing has changed the definition of person
• the definition of proposing has changed the definition of person<01:15:47.560> and<01:15:47.679

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• abusive practices this simple change abusive practices this simple change will<00:26:15.600>
• To start with, the definition of private equity doesn't seem to be a workable definition, and it would
• So, again, I'm willing to change the dates, change those kinds of things.
• those to to change the dates change those to to change the dates change those kinds<01:50:08.960
• uh between this list of your definition uh between this list of your definition of<02:01:04.920>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Updating the definition section of statute to reflect changes made to suspension in other areas of statute
• Updating the definition section of statute to reflect changes made to suspension in other areas of statute
• Updating the definition section of statute to reflect changes made to suspension in other areas of statute
• Updating the definition section of statute to reflect changes made to suspension in other areas of statute
• Updating the definition section of statute to reflect changes made to suspension in other areas of statute

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we should change<00:09:25.120> that change that change that to<00:09:27.360> all<00
• complete than this definition.
• So it's really definition is.
• He said they also changed related services and referenced IDEA because there were only a few definitions
• might need to be what other definitions might need to be changed<01:14:46.239> or<01:14:46.480

Keywords: 1191, senate, all