Transcript Highlights:

• barbers in<00:35:09.440> the<00:35:09.599> streamlining<00:35:10.320> of<00:35:
• c> far<00:35:20.640> as<00:35:20.800> if<00:35:21.040> they<00:35:21.200>
• <00:35:22.640> I<00:35:22.880> mean,<00:35:23.040> a<00:35:23.200> lot
• <00:35:25.359> book<00:35:25.599> work,<00:35:26.079> but<00:35:26.400> when<
• it comes<00:35:26.960> down<00:35:27.359> to<00:35:27.599> sitting<00:35:27.920>

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 5 February, 2026; 8:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first heard from the Board of Registration for Foresters, which said it is self-funded through applications and renewals and receives no general fund support. The board requested a budget increase from $62,755 to $77,035, mainly for technology upgrades to its database and website, a social media presence, and about $3,000 more for board travel. Members asked about contractual expenses, staffing, renewals, reserves, and office location; the witness said most renewals are now online, the board has a reserve but he did not know the exact amount, and the board is leased space in the Robert E. Lee Building. No vote was taken, and the chair moved on to the next agency. The Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists then presented its budget and operational needs. The board described its 10-member structure, three employees, and oversight of about 4,450 social workers and 210 marriage and family therapists. It explained that a prior $50,000 deficit appropriation was approved too late to spend, and asked to include that amount in the current budget for technology upgrades and equipment. The board also requested salary increases, additional travel funds, money for out-of-state compact participation, more contractual funds for database enhancements and digitizing records, and one additional computer. Members questioned the board about its large cash balance, staffing, office location, and the social work compact; the board said it has about $1 million in cash, is in leased space at Old River Place, and needs database changes to support the compact. No action or vote was taken. Finally, the Cosmetology and Barbering Board discussed major licensing and regulatory changes and its budget request. The board said it had already adopted a passing score for the licensure exam, ended the practical exam, extended testing approval periods, removed barriers to temporary work permits, and opened a path for apprenticeships, mobile establishments, and online licensing software. It also described recommendations in SB 2566, including a low-income first-license fee waiver, sanitation warnings, reduced education and instructor-hour requirements, and removal of some display requirements. The board said these changes had already led to new applications and test signups. On the budget side, it said it was withdrawing a prior request for $6,340 for practical-exam contractors because that exam was eliminated, but still sought $120,000 for certified mail, $49,000 for recruitment and retention salaries, and continued flexibility for possible live-streaming requirements under pending legislation. Senators asked whether the practical exam had been eliminated and whether the board could still ensure competency and inspections; the board said skills are still assessed through program completion and theory testing, and it asked to retain inspector positions because it oversees roughly 6,000 to 6,500 licensed shops and salons with only two inspectors.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:35:00.000> And<00:35:00.240> let's<00:35:00.480> not<00:35:00.720> forget
• <00:35:03.119> This<00:35:03.280> is<00:35:03.440> the<00:35:03.760> same
• <00:35:17.040> Do<00:35:17.280> we<00:35:17.440> really<00:35:17.760> want
• Equally<00:35:24.079> damaging,<00:35:25.119> the<00:35:25.440> bill<00:35:26.000
• <00:35:47.200> This<00:35:47.440> bill<00:35:47.680> limits<00:35:48.079>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, March 27, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :35:24.000> why<00:35:24.079> I'm<00:35:24.240> asking<00:35:24.480> you<
• <00:35:29.440> we<00:35:29.760> never<00:35:29.920> put<00:35:30.079> her
• She<00:35:30.640> ended<00:35:30.800> up<00:35:30.880> passing<00:35:31.200>
• took<00:35:33.280> her<00:35:33.440> back<00:35:33.520> to<00:35:33.800>
• But as as being<00:35:36.160> the<00:35:36.480> financing<00:35:37.520> um<00:35

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard HCR 66, which asks the State Building Code Council to update the state building code to allow point access block construction for residential buildings up to six stories. Testimony was generally in support, including from Housing Hawaii’s Future, the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, and OPSD, with one registered opponent. No questions were raised, and the joint committee later adopted a recommendation to pass the resolution as is. Because the housing committee lacked quorum at that time, final action on the resolution was deferred to the housing-only agenda. On the housing-only agenda, the committee first heard HTR 78, which states the intent that housing projects qualifying for credits under Act 31 remain eligible for those credits after the act’s repeal. Testimony was in support from HHFTC and the DIY chapter, and there were no questions or opposition noted. The committee then took up Governor’s Message 592, confirming Lisa Darcy to the HPHA board. Support came from HPHA board members and several individuals, and Darcy said she accepted the nomination and emphasized her experience and interest in HPHA’s work. Members questioned her about the HPHA board’s oversight role, the 10,000-unit RFQ, and media coverage of Kuhio Park Terrace relocations; she said she supports the project, values transparency, and would push for better context and accountability, though some members felt she had not directly answered concerns about on-the-ground oversight. The committee also heard Governor’s Message 736, confirming Grant Chun to the HHFDC board. Support testimony highlighted his experience in nonprofit housing, real estate, and leadership roles, and Chun said he was pleased to serve the state. Members asked about his residence and his perspective on senior care at Hali Makua, where he said his family found the care compassionate and thorough, while noting staffing shortages. The transcript ends before any final vote on the housing-only items is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:02.240> And<00:35:02.640> also<00:35:03.040> at<00:35:03.280> some
• ><00:35:10.640> is<00:35:11.520> it's<00:35:11.839> I'm<00:35:12.000> going
• <00:35:13.440> It's<00:35:13.680> part<00:35:13.839> of<00:35:14.000> the
• > endeavor<00:35:18.960> to<00:35:19.599> among<00:35:19.920> other<00:35
• So<00:35:33.680> I'm<00:35:33.920> sorry<00:35:34.079> to<00:35:34.400> kind<

Bills: HF751, HF3550, HF3764, HF1490

Keywords: parental notification, school safety, bullying, harassment, violence, prohibited conduct, student discipline, charter school, school district, data practices, student privacy, parent rights, guardian notification, school incident reporting, cyberbullying, restraint, reasonable force, anti-bullying policy, school administration, student conduct

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:20.480> to<00:35:20.560> help<00:35:20.720> me<00:35:20.960> get
• People<00:35:22.320> that<00:35:22.560> rape<00:35:22.880> children<00:35:23.119
• I'm<00:35:25.119> going<00:35:25.200> to<00:35:25.359> get<00:35:25.440> in
• If you tell<00:35:27.839> on<00:35:27.920> me,<00:35:28.079> we'll<00:35:28.240>
• <00:35:50.160> I<00:35:50.480> I<00:35:50.560> I<00:35:50.720> I<00:35:51.280

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :35:02.520> a<00:35:02.600> fine<00:35:02.920> of<00:35:03.040> not<00:35
• Subsection<00:35:08.920> 1128<00:35:10.080> has<00:35:10.280> been<00:35:10.400>
• <00:35:16.480> to<00:35:16.640> use<00:35:16.800> the<00:35:16.920> term<
• 26.960> that<00:35:27.120> in<00:35:27.240> the<00:35:27.360> case<00:35:
• 35:17.720> to<02:35:17.840> you<02:35:18.000> just<02:35:18.720> one<02:35

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:

• And<00:35:12.080> what<00:35:12.280> if<00:35:12.480> all<00:35:12.720> of
• <00:35:21.520> When<00:35:21.680> key<00:35:21.880> terms<00:35:22.200> vary
• To<00:35:35.760> the<00:35:35.840> bills<00:35:36.040> before<00:35:36.440> us
• <01:35:30.560> And<01:35:30.680> so<01:35:31.040> you<01:35:31.200> are
• 01:35:33.320> before<01:35:34.160> it<01:35:34.200> comes<01:35:34.480> onto<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:09.359> It<00:35:09.520> should<00:35:09.680> be<00:35:10.000> all
• It should be all of us.<00:35:11.200> Um<00:35:11.760> and<00:35:12.000> I<00:35
• > a<00:35:24.880> digit<00:35:25.200> for<00:35:25.440> a<00:35:25.760>
• for a a a copy<00:35:26.480> of<00:35:26.640> a<00:35:27.119> book,<00:35:27.359
• <00:35:36.240> They<00:35:36.560> figured<00:35:36.800> out<00:35:36.960>

Bills: HF3698, HF4243, HF4239, HF4241, HF4242, HF4240

Keywords: libraries, electronic books, digital audiobooks, licensing agreements, public access, campaign finance, elections, political contributions, disclosure, reporting thresholds, economic interest statements, financial disclosure, ethics, public officials, local officials, metropolitan governmental unit, metropolitan area, candidate filings, principal campaign committee, political committee

Transcript Highlights:

• :35:05.200> homelessness<00:35:05.680> or<00:35:05.839> are<00:35:06.000> at<
• This is Midtown<00:35:08.800> Manor<00:35:09.440> uh<00:35:09.599> up<00:35:09.760
• > and<00:35:40.079> 80%<00:35:40.640> of<00:35:40.800> the<00:35:40.960><
• The agency<00:35:44.480> has<00:35:44.720> worked<00:35:45.119> very<00:35:45.520
• And<01:35:20.239> it's<01:35:20.480> through<01:35:20.639> this<01:35:20.719>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:06.880> was<00:35:06.960> on<00:35:07.119> the<00:35:07.280> GOP
• I don't<00:35:11.680> know<00:35:11.839> for<00:35:12.079> sure,<00:35:12.320>
• :35:19.520> probably<00:35:19.760> will<00:35:20.079> have<00:35:20.320> hard
• Um,<00:35:28.079> and<00:35:28.400> it's<00:35:28.640> not<00:35:28.880> fun,
• <00:35:34.240> that<00:35:34.560> task<00:35:34.960> in<00:35:35.200> front

Bills: HF2446, HF2563, HF2444

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:16.320> Do<00:35:16.480> we<00:35:16.640> have<00:35:16.720> any
• <00:35:17.760> Is<00:35:17.920> it<00:35:18.079> possible<00:35:18.320> to
• <00:35:26.640> Um,<00:35:27.440> and<00:35:28.000> we<00:35:28.720> um
• like there<00:35:31.280> was<00:35:31.440> a<00:35:31.680> we<00:35:31.920>
• 35:56.720> of<00:35:56.800> us<00:35:56.960> as<00:35:57.119> we<00:35:57.359

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:11.480> was<00:35:12.040> uh<00:35:13.040> a<00:35:13.200> glance<
• > 26<00:35:17.920> and<00:35:18.160> 27<00:35:19.160> which<00:35:19.280>
• > us<00:35:20.560> right<00:35:21.119> now<00:35:22.119> um<00:35:22.920>
• :35:30.640> do<00:35:30.960> anticipate<00:35:31.560> that<00:35:31.800> this
• will revert<00:35:37.160> back<00:35:37.320> to<00:35:37.560> the<00:35:37.720>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee received an informational presentation from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education on the State Grant program and governor-recommended changes, with some discussion of North Star Promise. Staff explained that State Grant is the state’s largest financial aid program, intended to promote college access and choice for students with the highest financial need, and that it works alongside Pell Grants. They reviewed program eligibility, award calculation, and participation rules, and noted that the program serves a large share of low- and middle-income students, including many dependent students, student parents, BIPOC students, and adult learners. They also described how awards and spending are distributed across public and private institutions and how the agency projects spending using enrollment, tuition, and FAFSA data. A major focus was the current fiscal-year deficit in State Grant. Staff said the program is experiencing a shortfall driven by higher-than-expected enrollment, more students with greater financial need, and major FAFSA formula changes that increased the number of applicants with zero or negative student aid index values. They said the office has already rationed awards where allowed and imposed a FAFSA deadline for spring awards, and does not expect to fund some awards. Officials explained that if the program projects a surplus, they typically adjust the living and miscellaneous expense allowance to spend down funds; if it projects a deficit, they can increase student and family responsibility to reduce award sizes, but the program must stay within its appropriation. Senator Duckworth asked several questions about whether unused funds could be transferred between State Grant and North Star Promise, and how the two programs are treated. Staff said State Grant funds revert to the general fund at the end of the biennium, while North Star Promise uses a special revenue account, and that transfers may be possible but would need clarification under current authority. They referenced a prior legislative transfer from North Star Promise funds to cover a shortfall in the Fostering Independence Grant and said they would follow up on the exact transfer authority. No votes or formal actions were taken during the presentation and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• with that<00:35:23.920> we<00:35:24.000> don't<00:35:24.160> allow<00:35:24.480
• the US Congress<00:35:29.320> where<00:35:29.520> they<00:35:29.640> can<00:35:
• /c><00:35:30.960> things<00:35:31.200> behind<00:35:31.480> them<00:35:31.720>
• c> have<00:35:32.480> that<00:35:33.480> we<00:35:33.640> will<00:35:33.839>
• :35:35.320> bills<00:35:35.839> which<00:35:35.960> are<00:35:36.760> are

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was the first session of a newly created House Education Funding Committee, which also handles career technical education and higher education legislation. The chair explained that the committee was split off from the larger education committee because of the high volume of bills in the prior biennium, and said its focus would be on education funding policy and related fiscal issues. He noted that the committee had already reviewed major topics with the Department of Education, including the foundation formula, building aid, career technical education, special education aid, catastrophic aid, and higher education funding, and that chancellors from the university and community college systems were scheduled to appear later that morning. The bulk of the meeting was an orientation on committee procedures and decorum. The chair reviewed attendance and replacement rules, hearing procedures, time limits for testimony, and how the committee would handle crowded hearings, early bills, and fiscal notes. He emphasized that hearings are not debates, that sponsors and co-sponsors may present but should not use their position to dominate questioning, and that the chair controls whether additional technical questions are asked of witnesses. He also stressed neutrality, saying members should not display buttons or placards or engage in running debates with testifiers, and that the committee should treat all testimony respectfully regardless of party or viewpoint. Additional housekeeping guidance covered security procedures, use of cell phones and computers during hearings, breaks and hydration in the dry hearing rooms, and courtesy toward the clerk and other staff. The chair also asked members to notify leadership in advance of absences and explained that some bills may require larger rooms or overflow arrangements. No votes were taken and no bills were acted on during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:01.680> approval<00:35:02.160> on<00:35:02.400> the<00:35:02.640>
• Um >> because<00:35:30.000> I<00:35:30.240> think<00:35:31.119> like<00:35
• :32.960> I'm<00:35:33.200> just<00:35:33.440> kind<00:35:33.680> of<00:35
• we<00:35:38.880> did<00:35:39.040> have<00:35:39.280> some<00:35:39.839>
• :35:52.560> the<00:35:53.920> system<00:35:54.240> there<00:35:54.480> at

Keywords: 00:02 EEC – State-Owned Dams 21:07 EEC – Grid Resilience Grant Funds 37:24 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee heard presentations from the Department for Environmental Protection and the Office of Energy Policy on Kentucky’s state-owned dam repair program and the electric grid resilience program. Commissioner Tony Hatton explained how state dams are defined and classified under Kentucky law, the criteria used to prioritize repairs or decommissioning, and the status of several projects funded in the last biennium. He said the department is using a design-bid-build process, with major work planned or underway at Willisburg Lake, Big Bone Lick State Park Dam, Clemens Lake Dam, Marion County Sportsman’s Dam, Chinoa Lake Creek/Canning Creek Dam, and Lake Malone, and that $0.5 million is reserved for routine repairs. He also described the timeline and cost pressures, noting that construction seasons and bid uncertainty can affect schedules and estimates. Members asked several questions about whether the estimates were current, how accurate the bids tend to be, why the process takes so long, and whether it would be better to fund design separately before construction. Hatton said the estimates are the best current engineering estimates, that costs often stay within about 10% but can vary, and that the overall process is usually closer to two years than four, though delays can occur. He also said all of the allocated dam funds must be available before bids can be let. The committee discussed whether design work can become stale if construction is delayed. Kenya Stump then updated the committee on Kentucky’s electric grid resilience program under federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding. She said Kentucky has received years one through three of the five-year program and has allocated funds to state park electric systems and municipal utilities, with years four and five not yet received. She identified Ken Lake State Park and Kentucky Dam Village as the two state park projects in progress, and Owensboro, Princeton, Williamstown, and Hopkinsville as the municipal projects selected through a competitive process. She said the projects are under contract or in final negotiations, with municipal construction expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026 and finish by the end of 2026, and explained that the work includes line, pole, transformer, meter, and outage-management upgrades. Members asked about the relationship between this program and prior park appropriations, the timing of agreements with Parks, and whether the park systems could eventually be transferred to the local electric cooperative; Stump said the park agreements are imminent and that the upgrades are intended to bring the systems up to code so the cooperative can maintain them. No votes were taken, and the chair adjourned the committee until the following Wednesday, with a possible time change to avoid a scheduling conflict.

Transcript Highlights:

• > right<00:35:18.400> I<00:35:18.440> mean<00:35:18.839> I'm<00:35:18.960
• 35:22.240> 50-50<00:35:22.800> split<00:35:23.160> but<00:35:23.880> not<
• 00:35:24.160> fair<00:35:24.440> for<00:35:25.320> it<00:35:25.480> to do
• > the<00:35:43.880> bill<00:35:44.119> for<00:35:44.320> all<00:35:44.599
• c><00:35:50.839> they<00:35:50.960> have<00:35:51.079> a<00:35:51.240> dock

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on HB 982 HD1, a wildfire-related measure aimed at creating a wildfire recovery fund and a financing structure to address future catastrophic wildfire liability. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Division of Consumer Advocacy, and the Public Utilities Commission submitted comments and were available for questions. Supporters included IBW Local 1260, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, Clearway Energy Group, Hawaiian Electric, Par Hawaii, and others, while Charter Communications and the Hawaii Association for Justice opposed or raised concerns. Life of the Land supported the bill but urged changes to the definition of a catastrophic wildfire and noted concerns about prudency review language. IBW Local 1260 asked to restore language from the original draft, and Charter warned the bill could impair existing contract and indemnity rights unless amended. A major focus of the hearing was Hawaiian Electric’s position on the HD1 version. Hawaiian Electric strongly supported the original bill but objected to the HD1 requirement for an additional $500 million shareholder contribution, arguing it was not feasible and could delay or prevent the fund from operating. The company said the bill would help protect customers and improve credit ratings by creating a dedicated revenue stream and a bankruptcy-remote financing structure, which it said would lower borrowing costs over time. Members questioned how the $1 billion securitization amount was chosen, whether credit rating agencies had indicated it was sufficient, and how the bill would work in bankruptcy; Hawaiian Electric said the amount was a balance among interests, not based on a specific agency directive, and that it would follow up on bankruptcy questions. Opponents and skeptics raised concerns about liability caps, the new claims process, and unclear language on damages above the fund’s limits. The Hawaii Association for Justice argued the bill limits victims’ remedies and gives too much authority to the new entity without clear guardrails. Committee members also pressed Hawaiian Electric on comparisons to California, the feasibility of the shareholder contribution, and whether alternative capital-raising or divestiture options had been considered. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided; testimony and questioning continued with follow-up information requested from Hawaiian Electric and others.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.800> very<00:35:01.040> very<00:35:01.280> big<00:35:01.440> is<00:35
• :35:03.359> need<00:35:03.440> to<00:35:03.599> do<00:35:03.680> is<00:35
• <00:35:10.240> Um<00:35:10.480> and<00:35:10.640> there<00:35:10.880> all
• <00:35:13.359> um<00:35:13.520> I<00:35:13.760> appreciate<00:35:14.160>
• :35:45.040> in<00:35:45.119> fact<00:35:45.280> are<00:35:45.520> we<00:35

Bills: HF4598, HF4884, HF3732

Keywords: workers' compensation, Minnesota workers' compensation, Workers' Compensation Advisory Council, reinsurance association, Workers' Compensation Reinsurance Association, WCRA, occupational disease, presumption, first responders, firefighter cancer, PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder, police officer, paramedic, emergency medical technician, correctional officer, security counselor, public safety dispatcher, temporary total disability, permanent partial disability

Transcript Highlights:

• to put my financial<00:35:18.440> life<00:35:18.880> on<00:35:19.200> on<00:35:
• <00:35:25.960> I'm<00:35:26.119> hopeful<00:35:26.520> if<00:35:26.680> we
• go<00:35:27.320> toward<00:35:27.960> this<00:35:28.079> trend<00:35:28.400
• 00:35:30.359> this<00:35:30.520> year<00:35:30.720> I<00:35:30.839> think
• /c><00:35:31.880> look<00:35:32.079> at<00:35:32.280> something<00:35:32.800>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :35:11.760> working<00:35:12.040> group<00:35:12.480> for<00:35:12.960> a
• global<00:35:15.960> war<00:35:16.160> on<00:35:16.280> terror<00:35:17.240>
• on<00:35:17.520> a<00:35:17.640> global<00:35:18.080> war<00:35:18.359>
• > memorial<00:35:19.280> on<00:35:19.359> the<00:35:19.440> grounds<00:35
• Uh<00:35:32.040> aloha,<00:35:32.359> Chair<00:35:33.000> uh<00:35:33.160><

Bills: HCR92, HCR46, HCR172, HCR147, HCR112, HCR100, HR84, HR42, HR139, HR104, HR92

Keywords: automated external defibrillator, AED, cardiac arrest, state buildings, health education, public health, lifeguards, first responders, public safety, ocean safety, emergency response, Hawaii, workers' compensation, auditor, procurement audit, compliance, Department of Human Resources Development, transparency, accountability, medical care

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh<00:35:05.520> we<00:35:05.680> stand<00:35:05.839> a<00:35:06.079> written
• > want<00:35:07.040> to<00:35:07.119> highlight<00:35:07.359> a<00:35:07.520
• :35:10.400> it's<00:35:10.640> about<00:35:10.800> supporting<00:35:11.280> R
• My apologies.<00:35:18.880> Uh<00:35:19.119> the<00:35:19.359> SBIR<00:35:20.079
• Just<00:35:26.640> to<00:35:26.800> give<00:35:26.880> you<00:35:26.960> an

Bills: HB1813, HB2429, HB2423, HB1996, HB1851, HB2546, HB2028, HB2583, HB2490, HB2545, HB2114, HB1859, HB2534, HB2474, HB1863, HB2475

Keywords: taxation, general excise tax, use tax, exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, tax expenditure, tax expenditure evaluation, tax credit review, tax incentive, tax exemption, use tax exemption, income tax credit, DBEDT, Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism, Department of Taxation, fiscal oversight, budget accountability, tax policy, revenue loss, public spending

Summary: The committee opened with HB 1813 on taxation and HB 2429 on tax expenditure evaluation, taking mostly written testimony and limited oral discussion. On HB 2429, the Tax Foundation and Department of Taxation raised privacy and federal-law concerns, warning that the bill could require taxpayers to file duplicative returns and could risk disclosure of federal tax information if released publicly. Members and witnesses discussed using anonymized or summary reporting instead of individual public release, with the department saying summarized data would be preferable and that the state can ask for the information as a policy matter, but individual public release could create problems. The committee then heard HB 2423 HD1 on biodiesel, where Pacific Biodiesel said it can supply all biodiesel needed for B5 in Hawaii without imports and asked to move the implementation date earlier to November 2027 to allow rollout planning. HB 1996 HB1 on hearing aids drew broad support; a disability access representative said earlier insurance-based efforts had run into administrative problems and that this bill would immediately lower costs for consumers. HB 1851 HD1, also related to hearing aids, received support from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, while the Tax Foundation argued the program would be better funded directly rather than through the tax system, citing overhead costs and blank provisions that should be filled in before passage. On HB 2546, the research activities tax credit, HCDC said the credit supports long-term R&D and should be converted from a first-come, first-served system to proration so more applicants receive some benefit; the agency described the credit as helping companies move from idea to commercialization and noted the state is leaving potential jobs and federal dollars on the table. HB 2028 HD1, relating to Labor Day for construction workers, drew support from labor representatives who said it recognizes construction workers and helps offset cost-of-living pressures, while the Tax Foundation opposed it as an industry-specific subsidy and flagged technical issues with undefined terms and blank credit amounts. The committee also heard HB 2583, HB 2490, HB 2545, HB 2114, and HB 1859 HD1. HB 2490, concerning coastal erosion at Mokuhiki Bay, received strong support from a temple representative who described severe shoreline loss, years of temporary emergency work, and the need for a long-term, nature-based solution in coordination with state agencies. HB 2545, involving HCDC and SBIR commercialization, was supported as a way to turn R&D into economic development; HCDC said it had more applications than it could fund and that the bill could help create high-wage jobs. HB 2114, the Hawaii Benefits Hub, received comments from ETS and DHS emphasizing support for the concept but cautioning that operational, policy, cybersecurity, and data-sharing standards must be carefully aligned. HB 1859 HD1 on workforce development drew strong support from workforce and philanthropic groups, who said Hawaii faces a long-term gap between projected living-wage jobs and the number of young people entering the workforce, and argued the bill would create durable infrastructure for coordination and long-term planning. No formal votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

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• come<00:35:39.079> in<00:35:39.480> and<00:35:40.040> dictate<00:35:40.760>

Bills: HF1, HF1754, HF1809, HF1478

Keywords: Office of Inspector General, inspector general, legislative audit, fraud prevention, waste and abuse, public funds, grant oversight, state grants, grant management, whistleblower protection, retaliation, subpoena power, data practices, government transparency, accountability, law enforcement referrals, sanctions, debarment, payment withholding, public assistance fraud