Transcript Highlights:

• room today is open for attendance of this hearing, and this morning we are in Room 444 at the State Capitol

Summary: The Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee met as a subcommittee and heard three youth-sports safety bills. AB 310 would require youth sports organizations to have written emergency response plans for cardiac emergencies, maintain and test AEDs, and ensure coaches have training in AED use and CPR. The author and supporters, including the Eric Paredes Save a Life Foundation and the California chapter of the American College of Cardiology, argued the bill would save lives and build on last year’s AED requirement. Youth soccer organizations opposed the bill’s broader AED mandate on cost grounds, saying compliance could total millions statewide and could force higher dues, while asking for grants, liability protections, and public-field AED installation. The committee discussed costs and funding options, then passed AB 310 on a 9-0 vote. The committee then considered AB 437, which would add sports-related injuries, including head injuries, to the health and safety information the CIF must report to the Legislature and Governor. Support came from the California chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians, and there was no opposition. Members said the measure would improve reporting on athlete safety and accepted technical amendments. AB 437 was approved 9-0 as amended. Finally, AB 708 would allow parents to choose soft-shelled helmet add-ons for youth football to reduce concussion risk. The author described the bill as a parental-choice and safety measure, noting studies showing reduced concussion risk. Members praised the bill as a common-sense alternative to banning the sport and emphasized that it would let families choose additional protection. There was no opposition, and the committee passed AB 708 9-0. The committee also adopted a consent calendar item with amendments before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• One announcement: the Kentucky Soybean Association is feeding us today over in Room 113 of the Capitol

Keywords: 00:00 – Introduction 00:20 – Attendance Roll Call 1:32 – Discussion of HB 24 03:00 – Roll Call Vote 04:00 – Discussion of HB 304 07:19 – Roll Call Vote 08:54 – Discussion of HB 186 09:46 – Roll Call Vote 11:00 – Discussion of HB 315 13:09 – Roll Call Vote, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, heard brief announcements, and moved quickly through four House bills. House Bill 24, as amended by a committee substitute, would raise the audit threshold for conservation districts from $750,000 to $1 million and also clarify that temporary roads, highways, and structures may be built on certain easements if they are removed when work is complete. The substitute was adopted, the bill passed on a roll call vote, and a title amendment was also adopted. House Bill 304, presented by Rep. Ryan Bivens with support from the Kentucky Soybean Association, would adjust soybean checkoff language so the state checkoff could rise from one-quarter to one-half percent if the federal checkoff ever ends, keeping funding levels effectively the same and allowing the state board to continue promotion, research, and education work. Members asked about the cost impact on farmers, and sponsors said there would be no added cost because the language is intended as a backup to match the current federal rate. The bill passed unanimously with favorable expression. House Bill 186 would streamline rules for churches and nonprofits providing food to homeless shelters or people displaced by declared natural disasters, reducing regulatory barriers for safe, wholesome food service. The sponsor argued current requirements are too restrictive for simple food distribution. The bill passed. House Bill 315, with a committee substitute, would protect agricultural land from entities tied to designated hostile governments, while also allowing some land to be used or leased for research purposes; the sponsor noted the substitute reflected prior work and concerns from bankers about lien priorities, which he said he would address later on the floor. The committee substitute was adopted and the bill passed unanimously. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 1907, south of the Capitol, a new building was constructed, and we moved into a room that's still

Bills: SB67, HB295, SB104

Keywords: veterans affairs, Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, State Board of Veterans Affairs, commissioner, Governor appointment, oversight board, veterans services, veterans benefits, state veterans homes, veterans cemeteries, Alabama Veterans Home Trust Fund, veteran service officers, district managers, assistant commissioners, county veterans offices, military veterans, disabled veterans, elderly veterans, veterans organizations, American Legion

Transcript Highlights:

• Our members will be back at the Capitol tomorrow.

Transcript Highlights:

• Clearly today was Black Entrepreneurs Day here at the Capitol. We were at the rally.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House Republican leaders in Minnesota held a press availability focused on the ongoing absence of Democratic members from the House and the resulting inability to organize the chamber. They said it was day 21 of Democrats not showing up, argued that the situation was harming Minnesotans, and tied the impasse to broader issues including fraud cases, declining reading scores, and challenges facing poultry producers affected by avian flu. Republicans said they were continuing to meet among themselves, with constituents, and with interest groups, but that committee work and public testimony were being delayed by the stalemate. The leaders described negotiations with Democrats as ongoing but said there had been no meaningful movement from the other side. They said they met that morning, planned to meet again later in the afternoon, and hoped for a substantive offer. They also said they were open to discussing common-sense changes, including ways to compel attendance, and noted that recall petitions against absent DFL House members were reportedly being prepared by the state party. One Republican said the party was committed to passing a budget on time but warned that Democrats’ posture could threaten state government later in the year if the dispute continued. A separate issue discussed was a lawsuit over Secretary of State Steve Simon’s refusal to recognize motions made by the smaller number of members present. Republicans said the motion at issue remained on the desk and that the Minnesota Supreme Court was scheduled to hear the case on Thursday. They also discussed the possibility of a special election in House District 40B and said March 17 could be a key date if that election occurs. The group ended by saying they hoped to have more to report at a press conference the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• You're exactly right: this is not only complex on the surface, but at each complexity within that surface
• You're exactly right: this is not only complex on the surface, but at each complexity within that surface
• You learned something every day. service but at each com complexity service but at each com complexity
• You're exactly right: this is not only complex on the surface, but at each complexity within that surface
• You're exactly right: this is not only complex on the surface, but at each complexity within that surface

Keywords: Meeting start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:15 HB 537 Discussion 00:01:30 HB 537 Vote 00:05:15 HB 695 Discussion 00:07:00 HB 695 Vote 00:23:15 HJR 31 Discussion 00:27:40 HJR 31 Vote 00:29:55, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 537, as amended by PHS 1, which was described as a technical measure needed to ensure Kentucky can receive opioid settlement funds despite changes in bankruptcy court orders. The sponsor and Attorney General’s office explained that the bill does not change the settlement formula or substantive terms, but adjusts the mechanism for receiving the money. After brief discussion, the committee adopted PHS 1 and then passed HB 537 out favorably on a 17-0 vote, with one member recording attendance after arriving late. The committee then considered House Bill 695, also amended by PHS 1, a Medicaid stabilization bill. The sponsor said the measure is intended to hold the program steady while the legislature gathers more information and awaits work by a future Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board. The bill would limit new waivers, state plan amendments, and coverage expansions; require reporting and record retention; create a Kentucky Medicaid Pharmaceutical Rebate Fund; direct certain behavioral health and managed care changes; and include an emergency clause. Members raised questions about the rebate fund, work requirements, and whether the bill could affect coverage or funding, while supporters emphasized transparency, data collection, and preventing new expansions until oversight is in place. Several members spoke in favor of the bill’s goals but expressed caution about micromanaging a complex program and about possible unintended consequences for beneficiaries. Representative Fleming stressed the need for stronger oversight and noted the potential fiscal impact of federal Medicaid changes. Representative Stevenson voted pass, saying the committee should let the new oversight board handle the issue, and Representative Gentry also passed, citing concern about overreach and the burden of data collection. The committee ultimately reported HB 695 favorably on a 16-1 vote with three pass votes. Afterward, members recorded additional yes votes on HB 537 for the record.

Transcript Highlights:

• SNF availability, long-term care bed availability, complex wounds—these are a real challenge.
• But on the other end of the spectrum, shelters are not an appropriate setting where complex medical needs
• night shelter we quickly noticed that there was another gap in the community and people with very complex
• As many of you know, we pride ourselves in taking care of some of the complex patient population that
• We encounter this with three typical scenarios: patients who exhibit aggressive behaviors due to complex

Summary: The meeting focused on hospital “avoidable days” and the difficulty of discharging medically stable patients who still need post-acute placement or social services. Presenters from Saint Anthony Hospital Midtown, the Oklahoma Hospital Association, City Care, and OU Health described common barriers including lack of skilled nursing, rehab, long-term care, behavioral health, and hospice placements; insurance prior authorization delays; Medicaid and Social Security eligibility delays; guardianship and Adult Protective Services bottlenecks; limited home health and private duty nursing; and the challenge of placing unhoused, uninsured, or medically complex patients. Several speakers emphasized that these delays reduce bed availability, increase emergency department boarding, contribute to staff burnout, and expose patients to hospital-acquired conditions and other harms. The testimony included multiple examples of patients remaining in acute care for days, weeks, or even months after being medically ready for discharge, including patients awaiting guardianship, disability determinations, or placement in facilities willing to accept them. Speakers also highlighted special populations such as patients with behavioral health or substance use disorders, medically fragile children, patients with criminal histories, and unhoused individuals who need respite or hospice care. City Care described its planned 40-bed medical respite facility, set to open in 2027, as a way to provide clinical support and housing navigation for patients too sick to recover on the street or in shelters. Witnesses recommended policy and system changes such as standardizing preauthorization protocols, expanding rural swing-bed and home-based services, increasing public guardianship resources, improving data collection on homelessness, expanding private duty nursing hours, and creating more placement options for complex patients. They also suggested better coordination between hospitals, DHS, APS, the Health Department, and post-acute facilities, including a database of facility services to improve discharge planning and keep patients closer to home. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the transcript, but the chair indicated the issue would require collaboration across multiple agencies and partners.

Transcript Highlights:

• complex families in the state of Minnesota.
• <00:07:50.240> Families complex community collapses.
• that has protected medically complex that has protected medically complex children<00:08:23.440>
• services are for children with complex services are for children with complex medical<00:16:19.600
• children with complex health needs. children with complex health needs.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We understand that it is a very complex issue.
• Highly complex, but again, I think from the standpoint of what Mr.
• Highly complex, but again, I think from the standpoint of what Mr.
• Highly complex, but again, I think from the standpoint of what Mr.
• <00:24:59.000> in there a little bit of complexities in there a little bit of complexities

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Dilwith with the Kaimuki, McKinley, Roosevelt Complex Area.
• <00:12:23.280> Area District's Castle Kahuku Complex Area District's Castle Kahuku Complex
• I would also like to recognize David Adler, Leeward District's Nanakuli Waianae Complex Area Teacher
• the Nanakuli Waianae Complex Area. the Nanakuli Waianae Complex Area.
• and a National Career have complex and a National Career Academy<00:14:57.640> Coalition<00:14

Bills: HB1800, HB2095, HB1158, HB1518, HB1752, SCR23, SCR24, SCR25, SCR26, SCR27, SCR28, SCR29, SCR30, SCR31, SCR32, SCR33, SCR34, SCR35, SCR36, SCR37, SCR38, SCR39, SCR40, SCR41, SCR42, SCR43, SCR44, SCR45, SCR46, SCR47, SCR48, SCR49, SCR50, SCR51, SCR52, SCR53, SCR54, SCR55, SCR56, SCR57, SCR58, SCR59, SCR60, SCR61, SCR62, SCR63, SCR64, SCR65, SCR66, SCR67, SCR68, SCR69, SCR70, SCR71, SCR72, SCR73, SCR74, SCR75, SCR76, SCR77, SCR78, SCR79, SCR80, SCR81, SCR82, SCR83, SCR84, SCR85, SCR86, SCR87, SCR88, SCR89, SCR90, SCR91, SCR92, SCR93, SCR94, SCR95, SCR96, SCR97, SCR98, SCR99, SCR100, SCR101, SCR102, SCR103, SCR104, SCR105, SCR106, SCR107, SCR108, SCR109, SCR110, SCR111, SCR112, SCR113, SCR114, SCR115, SCR116, SCR117, SCR118, SCR119, SCR120, SCR121, SCR122

Keywords: supplemental appropriations, state budget, Hawaii budget, biennial budget, capital improvement projects, CIP, general fund, special fund, green fee, special land and development fund, clean energy revolving loan fund, agricultural development revolving fund, community grants, nonprofit grants, Office of Community Services, housing, affordable housing, homelessness, health care, mental health

Transcript Highlights:

• There's also a rise in complex, co-occurring medical conditions.
• The average client has Will arise in complex, co-occurring medical conditions.
• So the pilot was the complex discharge pilot.
• The pilot was the complex discharge pilot that was funded two years ago.
• So, the pilot was the complex discharge pilot that was funded two years ago.

Summary: The committee met for what was described as its final meeting, with members and staff reflecting on the work of the Joint Legislative Executive Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care and noting that future work would likely shift to standing health and wellness committees. The meeting began with introductions and then moved into updates on major initiatives that originated from the committee, including Washington Cares, the Dementia Action Collaborative, and Medicaid long-term care programs. Presenters emphasized that these efforts were developed through long-term legislative-executive collaboration and were intended to help Washington prepare for the state’s aging population. On Washington Cares, DSHS described the program’s development from a 2014 research effort to its 2019 enactment, premium collection beginning in 2023, portability improvements in 2024, and 2025 changes including a grandfathered opt-out fix and a framework for supplemental private long-term care insurance. The agency said benefits are expected to go fully live next summer, with a pilot of up to 400 applicants planned for next January. On dementia policy, the Dementia Action Collaborative reported on the state dementia plan, Project ECHO training for providers, and pilot dementia-capable community programs at area agencies on aging, citing preliminary results that about 85% of family caregivers said services helped people remain at home. DSHS also reviewed Medicaid Transformation Project initiatives, including Medicaid Alternative Care, Tailored Supports for Older Adults, presumptive eligibility, and health-related social needs benefits such as rental assistance, nutrition support, and home modifications. The committee then heard an emerging issues panel from ombuds and disability advocates. Patricia Hunter of the long-term care ombuds program raised concerns about staffing shortages, resident rights, surveillance technology, private equity ownership of facilities, and illegal discharges or evictions. Betty Sweeterman of the Developmental Disabilities Ombuds discussed people stuck in hospitals without medical need, gaps in behavioral health services for people with developmental disabilities, and the need for better workforce training. Todd Carlyle of Disability Rights Washington urged expansion and bundling of community supports such as PACT, GOSH, and peer bridgers to reduce repeated institutionalization and support discharge from inpatient psychiatric settings. Provider and labor panels followed, with nursing home, assisted living, supported living, and union representatives all emphasizing workforce shortages, low wages, Medicaid rate inadequacy, case management bottlenecks, behavioral health complexity, and the need for more flexible care models and stronger accountability for rate increases. No formal votes were taken; the meeting ended with public comment on manufactured housing and closing remarks thanking staff and participants for the committee’s work.

Transcript Highlights:

• we call experience a learning problem based learning involves students working in groups to solve complex
• But when layered with disparate complexities, it becomes even more intricate.
• Those with severe mental health or complex medical needs.
• Those who remained tend to have more cute and complex needs.
• The FCC understands that there are solutions being discussed for addressing this complex complex issue

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Problem-based learning involves students working in groups to solve complex problems, and case-based
• Youth with complex needs like Lucas now make up a larger proportion of those we serve.
• Youth with complex needs like Lucas now make up a larger proportion of those we serve.
• Level 5 serves children with complex medical conditions requiring skilled care.
• The FCC understands that there are solutions being discussed for addressing this complex issue.

Summary: The committee heard three presentations focused on child welfare workforce development and the needs of children in Florida’s dependency system. First, the Florida Institute for Child Welfare described its Grow Center and related initiatives, including academic curriculum enhancements, simulations, virtual reality training, coaching, on-demand learning, advanced certifications, and the planned Tallahassee learning lab opening in January 2026. Members asked about conflict resolution, domestic violence, addiction, and microcredentials; the presenter said the institute is expanding training in those areas and is working with DCF to align advanced certifications with the department’s career ladder. The Department of Children and Families then presented on the Continue the Mission initiative, which recruits veterans, military spouses, and former law enforcement officers into CPI, API, and case management roles. DCF said it has held more than 240 hiring events and hired 372 such workers since launch, while also improving recruitment and retention through higher starting pay, streamlined hiring, rebranding, wellness supports, and enhanced pre-service training. Senators asked about PTSD concerns, staffing levels, caseloads, hotline vacancies, and salaries; DCF said it had not seen direct PTSD issues from the hiring effort and provided figures including a $50,000 starting salary for CPIs, $37,000 for APIs, and average caseloads of 12 to 15 investigations for CPIs and about 10 for APIs. Finally, DCF discussed the increased acuity of children in the dependency system, explaining that fewer children are entering care overall but those who do often have more complex behavioral, mental health, developmental, or medical needs. The department highlighted a new Behavioral Qualified Residential Treatment Program (BQRTP) designed for youth who need more intensive support than traditional foster or group home settings but do not require inpatient psychiatric treatment; one facility is licensed with 12 of 14 beds filled, and DCF said it is seeking funding for placement for 230 youth total. Members pressed for details on licensure timelines, standards, funding, and the handling of crossover youth and lockouts, and DCF said it uses braided funding and works with DJJ, APD, and lead agencies through local and state review teams. A representative of the Florida Coalition for Children also testified, saying the issue is complex and multi-year, and that the coalition is working on possible legislative and programmatic solutions. The committee took no formal votes and adjourned after the presentations and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:05:07.919> area one proposal to repeal the complex area one proposal to repeal the complex
• Notably, not a single complex area superintendent testified.
• Instead, principals were mobilized in mass by the complex area superintendent who appoints them.
• Notably, not a single complex matters.
• Notably, not a single complex area<00:06:46.400> superintendent<00:06:47.199> testified.

Bills: SB2347, SB2911, SB2033, SB2158, SB2993, SB2778, SB2672, SB2014, SB3144, SB3096, SB3097, SB2968, SB2363, SB3154, SB2400, SB3313, SB2896, SB3279, SB2614, SB2687, SB2754, SB2549, SB3325, SB2658, SB2659, SB2602, SB2611, SB2877, SB3063, SB2615, SB3232, SB2875, SB3272, SB2854, SB3203, SB2803, SB2804, SB3302, SB3229, SB2969, SB2412, SB2657, SB2880, SB2540, SB2414, SB3142, SB3202, SB2281, SB2852, SB2272, SB2479, SB2589, SB2936, SB2720, SB2730, SB2749, SB2688, SB2798, SB3040, SB3107, SB3010, SB3109, SB3140, SB3187, SB2057, SB2377, SB3048, SB3083, SB3182

Keywords: tenant rights, landlord obligations, housing crisis, eviction prevention, multilingual access, intoxicating liquor, direct shipment, breweries, distilleries, Hawaii, renewable energy, grid-ready homes, interconnection process, electric utility, energy independence, surcharge, customer access, energy storage, smart inverters, veterinary workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• the House still hasn't complied with the 2022 law passed by this body to honor the men and women of Capitol
• dedicated to those officers, to their patriotism and sacrifice, has not yet been installed in the Capitol
• Is it too much for the leadership of this body to have the decency to acknowledge that the Capitol Police

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 2, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm sorry, I've hosted for three years a cruise to the Capitol...
• I've hosted for three years a cruise to the Capitol.
• greeting is... ...and in fact one of my cousins, who is a lowrider, is going to be coming to the Capitol

Bills: HB2003, HB2057, HB2109, HB2111, HB2112, HB2114, HB2256, HB2259, HB2317, HB2323, HB2398, HB2443, HB2446, HB2574

Keywords: driver education, instruction permit, underage drivers, motorcycle licenses, traffic regulations, special plates, centennial, Arizona Department of Transportation, vehicle registration, commercial discounts, Arizona Centennial, distracted driving, portable wireless communication devices, motorcycles, traffic safety, civil penalties, driver license, examinations, motorcycle awareness, public safety

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from New Core Steel on its Arizona operations, emphasizing its Kingman facility, recycled-scrap steel production, high-paying jobs, safety improvements, veteran hiring, community investments, and support for infrastructure projects. Members asked about safety gains, expansion plans, scrap sources, and average pay. The company said it has invested heavily in Arizona and asked legislators to consider local steel and manufacturing when funding transportation and infrastructure projects. The committee then took up several bills. HB 2574 would delay ADOT enforcement of a traffic judgment while an appeal is pending; the sponsor and a witness said it would close a due-process gap, and it passed 7-0. HB 2057 would lower the fee for Arizona Centennial special plates for fleet vehicles to encourage more purchases supporting the Arizona Mining, Mineral, Natural Resource Education Museum; it also passed 7-0 after discussion about possibly expanding the concept to other specialty plates. HB 2109 would raise penalties for repeat distracted-driving violations and add an enhanced penalty when a violation results in a motorcycle crash. The sponsor and motorcycle advocates argued stronger fines are needed, but several members also wanted an education component; the committee agreed to work on a COW amendment and the bill passed 7-0. HB 2317, which would bar local governments from prohibiting cruising, drew strong testimony both for and against: supporters framed cruising as cultural and historical, while opponents from neighborhoods and law enforcement described congestion, blocked streets, sanitation issues, and safety concerns. The chair held the bill for further work. The committee also heard HB 2003, which would lower the age to get an instruction permit to 15 and extend permit periods and supervised-driving requirements; the sponsor and a motorcycle advocate said more supervised time would improve teen safety, while some members expressed concern about lowering the age and wanted to discuss changes before moving it forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a lot going on in the Capitol this week, and so we're having this meeting remotely.
• There's a lot going on in the Capitol this week, and so we're having this meeting remotely.
• That one we are able to be in a room in the Capitol, the one that we've traditionally used for commission

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Legislative Commission on Cybersecurity met remotely on January 8, 2026, approved the minutes from October 27, 2025 by voice vote, and confirmed a quorum was present. The main presentation came from the Minnesota National Guard’s cyber coordination cell, with Lieutenant Colonel Brian Morgan describing the unit’s mission to prepare Guard cyber forces for state or federal cyber support, including domestic emergencies like the St. Paul ransomware incident and broader federal activations. Morgan outlined three main lines of effort: optimizing cyber force training for likely threats, building relationships with state, federal, academic, and local partners, and equipping deployable incident-response tools. He said the coordination cell is not itself the incident response team, but serves as the planning and coordination office for military cyber response, maintaining equipment at Cedar Street Armory that can provide out-of-band connectivity and be deployed quickly. He also described partnerships with Minnesota IT Services, CISA, the FBI, Metro State University, and international/state partners such as Norway and Croatia, along with participation in major exercises and conferences. The presentation emphasized the St. Paul response as a model for coordination, noting the Guard’s role in mission coordination, operational support, public affairs support, and lessons learned. Morgan said the Guard has conducted more than 200 engagements with partner institutions in 2024-2025 and uses outreach to educate counties and other entities on how to request Guard cyber support, comparing the process to requesting assistance for a fire or flood. In response to a question from Representative Bonner, he highlighted the long-standing relationship with Metro State University and its practical role in training cyber personnel, including operational technology training and a credit-transfer pathway toward a master’s degree.

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee on Transportation to order here at the Hawaii State Capitol in Room 430.
• Committee on Housing, Transportation, for decision-making on our 10:30 a.m. agenda here in the State Capitol
• Representative Quinlan is saying, I think we are trying to adopt new concepts and legislation at the Capitol

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation heard a 10 a.m. agenda covering a range of transportation, liability, harbor, and bicycle-related bills. Testimony was mixed on several measures: HB 263, which would exempt full-time college students from vehicle weight tax, drew opposition from the Department of Transportation and others; HB 135, authorizing general obligation bonds to purchase property on the North Shore of Oʻahu, had support; HB 860, granting immunity to the state or county for repairs on roads with disputed jurisdiction, drew support from DOT, DLNR, and the City and County of Honolulu but opposition from the Hawaii Association for Justice; and HB 996, which would abolish joint and several liability for government entities in highway-related civil actions, also drew strong opposition from the Hawaii Association for Justice and support from the Attorney General’s office and DOT. The committee also heard HB 1167, an emergency appropriation for motor carrier enforcement, and HB 1259, which would remove the need for an engineering study before reducing speed limits within 10 mph of the current limit; both had support from DOT and related groups. HB 1156 and HB 960, both related to harbor financing and capital advancement contracts, were supported by DOT, with DOT explaining that higher bond and contract ceilings were needed because project costs have increased since the limits were set decades ago. HB 142, exempting certain nonprofit community-based transportation providers from motor carrier regulation, and HB 914, creating a water carrier inflationary cost index mechanism and allowing PUC exemptions, also received support from multiple stakeholders, with the Consumer Advocacy Division noting that the inflationary adjustment issue was already active in a rate case. The committee also took testimony on several electric bicycle and micromobility bills. HB 486 would restrict where electric bicycles may operate, prohibit unsafe operation and removal of speed-limiting devices, and fund a safety education campaign; it drew opposition from the Hawaii Bicycling League and several individuals, with one supporter. HB 435 would redefine and classify electric bicycles, raise the minimum operating age, and add registration and use rules; it was supported by DOT and the Hawaii Bicycling League, with one individual opposing. HB 958 would regulate motorized bicycles and electric micromobility devices, require helmets for minors, and fund a coordinated education campaign; it drew support from the City and County of Honolulu, Council Member Tyler Dos Santos-Tam, and the Hawaii Bicycling League, but opposition from Moped Doctors and others, who argued the bill could harm the moped industry and that more study was needed. After testimony, the committee recessed and then reconvened for decision-making. In decision-making, the committee deferred HB 263 and HB 996. It passed HB 135, HB 860, HB 1167, HB 1259, HB 1156, and HB 960 with amendments, generally adopting HD1 versions, making technical changes, and setting effective dates to July 1, 3000 for the amended measures. The chair explained that HB 263 was deferred because a blanket tax exemption for one class could create inequities and a tax credit might be a better approach. HB 996 was deferred because the chair said the state’s long-standing policy of ensuring safe roads and maintaining accountability for highway design and maintenance remained important. For HB 960, the chair said the current contract caps were too low for modern harbor projects and that higher limits would improve flexibility and efficiency. The committee also noted Representative Cochran was excused for the remaining votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• So when people are thinking about the youth needs, the family needs, there is a complexity... ...when
• So here's where that Venn diagram and the complexity of our conversation can be illustrated.
• And so I just want to sort of add a layer of complexity. And I’m sorry for that.
• ... ...but programs that can work with kids who have very complex medical presentations, right?
• And yeah, I definitely understand the complexity.

Keywords: 907, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 16.800> industrial and they say the political industrial and they say the political industrial complex
• 46:18.560> of<00:46:18.640> the<00:46:18.800> aisle<00:46:19.440> that complex
• on both sides of the aisle that complex on both sides of the aisle that we<00:46:19.920> can<
• Uh, there is a group of people here at the Capitol that want to have a constitutional amendment to, uh

Bills: HF4348, HF4186, HF4202, HF4455, HF3884, HF3883, HF3882, HF3881, HF2688, HF3295, HF3862, HF3362, HF4242, HF3798

Keywords: HF4186, Minnesota local government finance, housing and redevelopment authority, HRA, public investment authority, qualifying government, State Board of Investment, SBI, index mutual fund, multifamily housing development, long-term equity investment, investment-grade fixed income, federally insured securities, government-sponsored entities, municipal investing, local government investments, housing finance, public funds, investment policy, risk of loss