Transcript Highlights:

• > of<00:12:12.639> you<00:12:12.800> may<00:12:12.959> you<00:12:13.079><
• 12:15.920> colleagues<00:12:16.279> join<00:12:16.519> me<00:12:16.600> in
• <00:12:17.720> to<00:12:17.880> Our<00:12:18.079> House<00:12:18.240> of<
• madam speaker<00:12:38.560> all<00:12:38.720> the<00:12:38.839> way<00:12:39.000
• Sharon<00:12:45.600> toiki<00:12:46.600> who<00:12:46.760> is<00:12:47.040>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House convened with a roll call showing 48 members present and three excused, then deferred reading of the journal. There were no messages from the Governor or Senate communications. The session featured numerous introductions recognizing the annual secondary student conference, with members welcoming more than 150 students from 28 public schools, along with teachers, advisers, and other visitors from schools across the state. Under reports of standing committees, Representative Todd moved to adopt standing committee reports Nos. 23 through 29 and advance the accompanying House bills to second reading and referral to the designated committees; Representative Moriwaki seconded, and the motion carried. Members then offered brief positions on several bills, including one dealing with evidence preservation and parental notification, and another prohibiting fines, fees, or court costs against people adjudicated for offenses committed as minors. Testimony and comments reflected both support and opposition, with some members reserving their position and others opposing the measures; concerns raised included the need for clearer parental-notification standards and objections to eliminating penalties for juvenile offenses. The House also considered a bill limiting court-ordered community service for minors to no more than 72 hours, with some members reserving and others opposing. After discussion, the motion on the committee reports was carried by voice vote. There were no resolutions for action, and all other resolutions were referred to print. The House then adjourned until 12:00 noon Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• 12:09.720> at<00:12:09.880> the<00:12:10.000> war's<00:12:10.400> end.
• Tragically,<00:12:12.080> three<00:12:12.400> of<00:12:12.520> their<00:12:12.680
• 00:12:21.000> in<00:12:21.200> service<00:12:21.880> and<00:12:22.040> are
• It<00:12:49.120> is<00:12:49.240> important<00:12:49.800> to<00:12:49.920> share
• > when<00:12:51.920> so<00:12:52.120> much<00:12:52.360> of<00:12:52.480>

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, March 9, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate opened with an invocation by Reverend Rodney Hudson, who was introduced by the Senator from the 40th District and recognized for his work as a pastor, teacher, and community leader in West Baltimore. The chamber also welcomed several district night visitors, AFSCME members, and a new group of student pages from schools across the state. The Senate then took up a resolution honoring the Maryland Council for Social Studies and its Social Studies and Civics Educator Award recipients, with remarks praising their work in education and a unanimous celebratory vote. The named honorees included educators recognized for elementary and secondary social studies, new teacher of the year, instructional leader of the year, a related organization professional, and civic education educator of the year. The Senate also adopted a resolution recognizing the women of the 6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion during Women’s History Month. The sponsor highlighted the battalion’s all-Black, overseas World War II service, its work clearing a massive mail backlog for troops, and the racism and sexism the women overcame. The resolution honored the service and legacy of the unit and was approved unanimously. In addition, the Senate passed Senate Bill 56, authorizing external data sharing by the Maryland Longitudinal Data System Center for multi-state reporting, and Senate Bill 100, concerning early voting centers and bus stops, both by 44 affirmative votes. Later, a late-filed bill was introduced after suspension of the rules: Senate Bill 1006, the Maryland State Flag Protection Act, a constitutional amendment intended to protect the state flag in the constitution. The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. The session concluded with caucus announcements, including a Democratic caucus meeting the next morning, a Republican caucus meeting at 8:30 a.m., and notice of a Jewish Caucus event marking the 200th anniversary of the Jew Bill. The Senate then adjourned until March 10 at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:01.840> it<00:12:02.040> could<00:12:02.280> be<00:12:02.400> an
• >> Well,<00:12:24.720> a<00:12:25.120> building<00:12:25.480> permit<00:12
• Um,<00:12:33.560> so<00:12:33.800> the<00:12:34.000> permit<00:12:34.480> may
• <00:12:37.720> Um,<00:12:38.040> to<00:12:38.160> do<00:12:38.400> some
• So, it<00:12:44.120> that's<00:12:44.600> not<00:12:44.960> really<00:12:45.320>

Bills: HB1743, HB2122, HB1756, HB1837, HB1729, HB2559

Keywords: owner-builder, exemption, housing crisis, contractor, leasing restrictions, affordable housing, construction, regulations, teacher housing, housing vouchers, teacher retention, Hawaii Department of Education, hard-to-staff schools, housing, first-time home buyers, savings account, tax deductions, homeownership, savings accounts, tax deduction

Summary: The House Housing Committee heard testimony on several housing-related bills. HB 1743 would expand the owner-builder exemption by repealing a leasing restriction and requiring notice when a leased residential structure was built by an unlicensed contractor. Subcontractors Association of Hawaii and the Contractors Licensing Board opposed the bill, warning it could encourage unlicensed contracting and weaken consumer protections, while Hawaii Realtors, Housing Hawaii’s Future, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, BIA Hawaii, and others supported it as a way to increase housing flexibility. After questions about whether licensed electrical and plumbing work would still be required, the committee voted to pass HB 1743 with amendments and a defective date. The committee also heard and advanced HB 2122 HD1 on teacher housing, which would create a teacher housing assistance program using vouchers from the teachers housing revolving fund. Testimony included support from the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, Housing Hawaii’s Future, the Democratic Party of Hawaii Education Caucus, and individuals, with the Office of Collective Bargaining in opposition and the Department of Education offering comments. The bill was voted out as is. The committee then considered HB 1756 and HB 1837, both updating the individual housing account program to reflect current housing prices; supporters including Housing Hawaii’s Future and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs said the limits were outdated and needed inflation adjustments, and HB 1756 was passed with amendments while HB 1837 was deferred as nearly identical. HB 1729 would disallow the state home mortgage interest deduction for second homes. Hawaii Realtors opposed it, while Housing Hawaii’s Future supported it as a way to prioritize first-time homebuyers and reduce competition from second-home buyers. The chair noted a possible revenue savings estimate and the committee passed the bill with amendments, with several reservations. Finally, HB 2559 would prohibit real estate brokers from marketing residential property to limited exclusive groups of buyers, which the Office of Consumer Protection said needed an enforcement clarification and the Realtors said could affect some legitimate private-listing situations. The chair proposed replacing the outright ban with a disclosure requirement for private listings, and the committee passed HB 2559 with amendments. The hearing then adjourned after the chair thanked members, staff, and the public.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:12:34.400> bill<00:12:34.600> in<00:12:34.720> a<00:12:34.760> floor
• <00:12:35.640> are<00:12:35.920> many<00:12:36.280> models<00:12:36.760>
• <00:12:39.640> focus<00:12:40.120> on<00:12:40.600> the<00:12:40.760> details
• So<00:12:43.839> my<00:12:44.080> friends, it<00:12:47.320> has<00:12:47.480>
• I hope to<00:12:49.280> stay<00:12:49.440> in<00:12:49.560> touch<00:12:49.800><

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Robbins delivered a farewell-style floor speech reflecting on her service in the Minnesota House, thanking her family, staff, House support staff, and colleagues. She highlighted her work in the minority, saying she often advanced policy by working across the aisle and helping insert language into other members’ bills. She specifically mentioned efforts on a cell phone policy bill for schools, domestic violence and Minnesota Corporation-related issues, and constituent-service work involving firefighters, pensions, and agency navigation. She also praised the House institution itself, the staff who keep it running, the page and internship programs, and the House librarians. A major theme of her remarks was the value of civility, personal relationships, and bipartisan trust, including support for the Civility Caucus and informal relationship-building among members. She urged colleagues to limit the number of bills, spend more time in committee on substantive debate, and focus on institutional details that improve legislative work. In the latter part of the speech, Robbins argued for limited government, decentralized power, and solutions rooted in local communities rather than expanding bureaucracy. She said state government had grown too large and linked that concern to the fraud committee’s lessons. She closed with personal faith references, a Bible verse, and a quote from Ronald Reagan about limited government, and the chamber responded with applause.

Transcript Highlights:

• [clears throat]<00:12:01.200> Uh,<00:12:01.440> we're<00:12:01.680> giving<00:12
• > a<00:12:03.040> shout<00:12:03.200> out<00:12:03.279> to<00:12:03.440><
• 00:12:11.440> all<00:12:11.600> be<00:12:11.760> the<00:12:11.920> judge<
• > I<00:12:24.160> I<00:12:24.480> think<00:12:24.560> it's<00:12:24.880><
• c> vital<00:12:25.200> that<00:12:25.440> we<00:12:25.760> find<00:12:26.000

Keywords: 00:00 - Call to Order/Roll Call 01:26 - Discussion of 26RS HB 6 17:45 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 6 20:20 - Discussion of 26RS HJR 50 22:30 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HJR 50 23:19 - Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 6, as amended by a committee substitute, which was described as a broad child care reform package developed through a multi-stakeholder collaborative. The substitute added a two-year pilot program for off-base child care at Fort Campbell and Fort Knox, beginning July 1, 2026, and making the bill an emergency measure for that purpose. Sponsors said the bill focuses on long-term reforms to affordability, quality, and access, including modernization of the All Stars quality rating system, creation of micro centers, support for children with special needs, child care data and transparency measures, CCAP improvements, and changes to the employee child care assistance partnership (ECAP). Testimony explained that micro centers are intended to fill gaps such as rural, third-shift, drop-in, and partnership-based care, would initially be limited to 10 statewide with no more than two per county, and could serve 4 to 24 children under a more flexible regulatory framework. Members also discussed whether family child care homes like the “Miss Barbara” model fit the bill; sponsors said they are not micro centers, but the bill includes other provisions to support family child care homes. Questions also focused on ECAP, which was described as a tri-share model in which employers contribute, the state matches for eligible employees, and the employee pays the remainder; sponsors said the bill privatizes ECAP first before considering expansion to teachers or public employees. House Bill 6 passed favorably by a vote of 12-0-1, and the title amendment passed. The committee then took up House Joint Resolution 50, also sponsored by Representative Heavrin. The resolution asks the Kentucky Auditor’s office to study the administrative regulations, statutes, agency policies, and processes affecting the opening and operation of licensed and certified child care services, with particular attention to the All Stars program. The sponsor said the goal is to identify opportunities for change through a thorough third-party review, noting that the All Stars system has been in place for about 10 years and that many child care rules are tied to federal funding and cannot be changed quickly. The resolution passed unanimously by a vote of 13-0. The meeting concluded with notice of the next committee meeting and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• > need<00:12:08.360> to<00:12:08.560> and<00:12:08.680> the<00:12:08.800>
• just<00:12:14.519> want<00:12:14.600> to<00:12:14.760> confirm<00:12:15.079>
• 00:12:17.480> uh<00:12:17.680> good<00:12:17.880> with<00:12:18.000> the
• 00:12:28.160> wow am wow am wow Megan<00:12:30.800> come<00:12:30.920> on<00:12:
• to make any comments<00:12:32.560> on<00:12:32.720> this<00:12:32.839> at<00:12

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > but<00:12:10.480> I<00:12:10.639> I<00:12:10.959> want<00:12:11.040>
• to<00:12:11.200> make<00:12:11.360> a<00:12:11.600> point<00:12:11.760>
• :14.880> our<00:12:15.040> faith<00:12:15.279> in<00:12:15.519> to<00:12:
• And<00:12:35.279> this<00:12:35.440> is<00:12:35.680> proof<00:12:36.079> in<
• I deplore<00:12:39.920> you<00:12:40.079> to<00:12:40.240> amend<00:12:40.639>

Bills: SB2885, SB2174, SB2925, SB2798, SB2320, SB2800, SB1230, SB2706, SB3233, SB2405, SB2350, SB2169, SB3320

Keywords: coconut rhinoceros beetle, invasive species, biosecurity, green waste, environmental management, agriculture, quarantine, pest control, transport regulations, Hawaii Revised Statutes, coconut trees, tax credit, natural management, Hawaii, environment, agricultural enforcement, agricultural theft, farm theft, crop theft, commodity theft

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2885 SD1, which would create mandatory handling and storage rules for commercial and residential coconut rhinoceros beetle host material beginning in 2027, with penalties and an effective date. Support came from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, DLNR, Maui County Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Testifiers generally said the bill would help reduce CRB spread, though some urged additional science-backed methods, better coordination, and technical or cost-share support for smaller operations. Hawaiian Earth Recycling recommended amendments to align the bill with existing Department of Health/EPA composting rules, add other materials that can harbor CRB, allow future approved treatment methods, and replace the bill’s 60-day turning requirement with existing pathogen-reduction standards. One individual supported the goal but argued the state’s CRB strategy has lacked community and cultural consultation and should include a cultural advisement role. Department witnesses said enforcement would rely on inspection and an educate-before-regulate approach, and they noted the challenge of creating enough drop-off sites, especially in rural areas. The committee then took up SB 2174 SD2, which would authorize the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to declare an emergency quarantine, halt operations in affected areas for 96 hours with possible extension, quarantine suspected pest areas, issue notices and compensation to affected farmers, and adopt interim transportation rules for materials that may harbor high-impact invasive species. The department and DLNR supported the measure, emphasizing the need for fast action in the first hours of an invasion. Hawaii Farmers Union supported the compensation provisions but asked for stronger communication with producers and a post-action report to the Board of Agriculture after about 90 days to evaluate effectiveness and economic impacts. In response to questions, department staff said the bill would be a short-term, department-only quarantine authority distinct from the governor-declared biosecurity emergency authority enacted previously, and that it could serve as an intermediate step. They also said outreach would need to be done through farm organizations such as Farmers Union, Farm Bureau, and Cattlemen’s groups. The final measure discussed was SB 2925 SD1, relating to coconut trees. The bill would recognize coconut trees as a source of food and water and a cultural treasure, require rules for coconut tree seed banks, require signage identifying landscape palms where applicable, set labeling standards for non-consumable landscape palms, and create an income tax credit for consumable coconut trees maintained through natural management practices. The transcript ended before testimony or action on this bill was completed, and no vote was taken on any of the measures discussed in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• > you've<00:12:06.320> added<00:12:06.480> some<00:12:06.639> more<00:12:
• there.<00:12:09.023> [snorts]<00:12:09.440> Uh<00:12:10.160> and<00:12:10.399><
• <00:12:21.279> So<00:12:21.760> about<00:12:22.079> 55%<00:12:22.720> of<
• Um so to<00:12:27.200> say<00:12:27.360> that<00:12:27.519> you're<00:12:27.760>
• :12:30.000> probably<00:12:30.240> good<00:12:30.399> to<00:12:30.560> have

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:09.600> Hopkins<00:12:10.040> has<00:12:10.280> the<00:12:10.320>
• But,<00:12:17.800> I<00:12:17.840> would<00:12:18.000> recommend<00:12:18.520>
• > that<00:12:19.960> we<00:12:20.080> don't<00:12:20.280> encumber<00:12:
• Just a question.<00:12:29.600> I<00:12:29.720> see<00:12:30.360> the<00:12:30.520
• Um<00:12:37.800> can<00:12:38.040> you<00:12:38.200> explain<00:12:39.040> the

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committee discussed a higher education attainment-goals bill and several related amendments. Members first reached agreement on funding changes: one amendment redirected money for fraud-prevention software for MnSCU and $5,000 for trees in Bemidji, and another moved $570,000 for workforce development-related funding. Members noted the use of general fund dollars to cover a FIG shortfall and expressed support for addressing fraud prevention while also saying MnSCU should be made whole in the next biennium. Both amendments were adopted. The main policy debate centered on an amendment updating the statewide attainment goal and related P-20 partnership language. Senator Um Ruebain proposed returning the attainment goal from 75 percent to 70 percent, and members discussed whether the bill’s expanded reporting and coordination duties would create costs for the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Nonpartisan staff and Commissioner Olsen said the Office of Higher Education and the P-20 partnership expected no costs, while DCYF’s fiscal note assumed reporting and staffing costs. After discussion, DCYF indicated it would absorb the costs, but some members still objected to expanding the partnership and creating additional bureaucracy. Members also debated whether early childhood and K-12 subgoals should be included as part of the attainment-goals framework. Supporters said aligning early childhood, K-12, and higher education goals is necessary to improve postsecondary attainment, while opponents argued the committee should focus on existing higher education goals and basic K-12 achievement. The committee ultimately adopted the Senate language on the attainment-goals section as amended, including the change back to 70 percent and revisions directed by staff to ensure the correct references were updated. The A12 amendment on pregnant and parenting students was also adopted earlier in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• They supported me<00:12:32.399> as<00:12:32.560> I<00:12:32.800> discovered<00:12
• the<00:12:34.720> skills<00:12:35.200> I<00:12:35.440> had<00:12:35.680>
• <00:12:50.560> hopefully<00:12:50.959> inspire<00:12:51.440> others<00:12:51.680
• /c><00:12:57.360> Minnesota<00:12:57.839> because<00:12:58.079> it<00:12:58.240>
• > I'm<00:12:58.720> a<00:12:58.880> testament<00:12:59.200> to<00:12:59.360

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:07.560> This<00:12:07.760> is<00:12:07.920> our<00:12:08.040> 3:00
• > us<00:12:17.680> for<00:12:18.320> a<00:12:18.400> joint<00:12:18.960><
• We just have<00:12:21.760> one<00:12:21.960> item<00:12:22.240> on<00:12:22.360>
• We're<00:12:28.040> in<00:12:28.120> conference<00:12:28.480> room<00:12:28.680>
• :12:31.080> streamed<00:12:31.440> live<00:12:31.680> on<00:12:31.800> the

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2455, HD2, relating to employment practices. Testimony was limited, with support from the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women and UPW; the committee noted nine support, zero opposition, and zero comments. No vote was taken on this bill during the portion provided. The committee then took up House Bill 2165, HD2, relating to the Hawaii Employment Security Law. DLIR supported the measure but requested an amendment moving language in Section 2 from subsection A to subsection C to preserve the legal structure. Members questioned DLIR about a January 8 U.S. Department of Labor letter and whether the bill would keep Hawaii in conformity with federal unemployment insurance requirements. DLIR said the federal guidance requires the state to remove the carve-out for labor-dispute claimants, though unions with hiring halls and members in good standing could still be exempt from work-search requirements under an authorized list. UNITE HERE Local 5 opposed the bill and said the current law already gives the department discretion to exempt striking workers. The committee recessed the bill before any final action was taken in the portion shown. In the joint hearing with Commerce and Consumer Protection, the committees heard House Bill 1509, HD2, relating to workers’ compensation. DLIR supported the bill, DHER offered comments and requested an amendment, UPW supported it, and one Zoom testifier described personal experience with delayed care and urged faster decisions. After testimony, the committees voted to pass the bill with amendments. The adopted amendments restored the 7-day treatment-plan deadline from 10 days, changed the effective date to January 1, 2077, and struck the proposed $500 fine for employers who fail to respond within 10 days. Back in the Labor and Technology agenda, the committee heard House Bill 1515, HD2, also relating to workers’ compensation, with testimony noting seven in support, one in opposition, and one comment, but no action was taken in the excerpt. The committee also heard House Bill 1514, HD2, relating to workers’ compensation vocational rehabilitation plans. A Zoom testifier opposed the bill, arguing the 120-day timeline was unrealistic for complex cases. DLIR said the bill would give the director discretion to extend the vocational rehabilitation plan timeline beyond 120 days with no cap on extensions, and the committee noted five support, four opposition, and zero comments. Finally, the committee began House Bill 2458, HD3, relating to surveillance pricing. OCP said it stood on written testimony, while supporters argued the bill would prevent corporations from using personal data to set prices, especially for groceries. Retail and grocery interests opposed the measure, saying it was too broad and could restrict loyalty programs, promotions, and discounts; one witness asked that a loyalty-program exemption be restored.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:12:08.080> or<00:12:08.360> other<00:12:08.600> income<00:12:09.000> of
• <00:12:12.760> measured<00:12:13.160> in<00:12:13.320> whole<00:12:13.680>
• <00:12:18.200> Nothing<00:12:18.600> in<00:12:18.760> this<00:12:19.000>
• > And<00:12:35.960> I<00:12:36.000> will<00:12:36.160> not<00:12:36.360><
• Article<02:12:56.760> 12,<02:12:57.200> protection<02:12:57.680> in<02:12:57.760

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.800> second<00:12:01.200> is<00:12:01.519> a<00:12:01.760> new<00:12:
• for<00:12:04.480> projects<00:12:04.800> at<00:12:05.040> Fort<00:12:05.279>
• >> Have<00:12:06.720> those<00:12:07.600> uh<00:12:08.000> the<00:12:08.240
• <00:12:15.600> What<00:12:15.920> name<00:12:16.240> change<00:12:16.639>
• >> What<00:12:18.959> what<00:12:19.360> weren't<00:12:19.839> what<00:12:

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :12:11.600> years,<00:12:11.920> keep<00:12:12.079> them<00:12:12.160> above<
• :12:19.200> me,<00:12:19.519> Representative<00:12:19.920> Hansen,<00:12:20.800>
• 21.120> opened<00:12:21.440> up<00:12:21.760> on<00:12:22.000> 2433<00:12
• of<00:12:23.920> this<00:12:24.160> for<00:12:24.560> South<00:12:24.720
• I<00:12:32.160> said<00:12:32.720> that<00:12:32.959> will<00:12:33.200>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:07.920> what<00:12:08.160> is<00:12:08.320> good<00:12:08.560> for
• 11.600> going<00:12:11.680> to<00:12:11.839> work<00:12:12.000> on<00:12:
• > going<00:12:14.160> to<00:12:14.320> be<00:12:14.399> bills<00:12:14.720><
• > are<00:12:15.279> going<00:12:15.360> to<00:12:15.440> be<00:12:15.600>
• <00:12:37.600> Get<00:12:37.839> them<00:12:38.000> on<00:12:38.160> the<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So, would this<00:12:05.360> be<00:12:05.760> duplicitous<00:12:06.480> in<00:12
• Um, thank<00:12:08.079> you<00:12:08.240> for<00:12:08.399> the<00:12:08.560>
• sure<00:12:35.279> that<00:12:35.839> we<00:12:36.240> always<00:12:36.560>
• Uh, specific<00:12:56.160> to<00:12:56.399> what<00:12:56.720> this<00:12:57.120
• /c><00:12:58.560> is<00:12:58.720> an<00:12:58.880> audit<00:12:59.200> and

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first opened with brief remarks about a member’s recovery and then heard House Bill 518, which would require the commissioner of Health and Human Services to provide a detailed annual report of all costs related to DCYF. The sponsor, Representative Erica Layon, said the bill was intended to improve transparency, clarify how much time and money are spent on DCYF work versus other departmental work, and help future discussions about staffing, resources, and whether DCYF should remain within DHHS or become a separate department. She said the department could likely produce the report without additional cost, though she was open to adjusting the reporting date and possibly adding more detail about federal mandates. Former Representative Betty Gay and several members supported the bill as a way to better document costs and procedures, while DCYF Director Marie Nunan said the department was not taking a position on the bill, already has many policies and operating procedures, and believed it could comply without a fiscal note. Members raised questions about whether the reporting requirement duplicated existing oversight, whether it should apply to other agencies, and whether the report should include federal funding mandates. Some suggested that a broader review or subcommittee on DCYF might be more useful than a single reporting bill. In executive session, the committee voted 15-1 to retain HB 518, so it will not go on the calendar. Members said they wanted more time to discuss the bill, watch the budget process, and consider whether the reporting requirement could be implemented informally or through a broader oversight effort. The committee then moved on to House Bill 775, which was introduced by Representative Jodi Nelson as a measure to support supervised visitation centers. Dr. Scott Hampton testified in favor, describing the loss of visitation centers since 2019, the role of supervised visitation in protecting children and vulnerable parents in domestic violence cases, and the potential benefits for child safety, crime prevention, and family preservation.

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:12:03.120> the<00:12:03.440> Tax<00:12:03.839> Foundation<00:12:04.320>
• /c><00:12:09.279> cap<00:12:09.920> as<00:12:10.240> one<00:12:10.399> of
• Um, section<00:12:23.200> 179<00:12:23.680> is<00:12:23.839> just<00:12:24.079><
• 12:29.120> to<00:12:29.440> continue<00:12:29.839> to<00:12:30.000> grow.
• 01:12:00.880> a<01:12:01.040> fee<01:12:01.280> or<01:12:01.440> a<01:12:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:12:15.440> thank<00:12:15.560> you<00:12:15.639> for<00:12:15.800> taking
• question<00:12:16.720> so<00:12:17.279> uh<00:12:17.440> similarly<00:12:18.440>
• <00:12:21.079> out<00:12:21.639> the<00:12:22.160> uh<00:12:22.320> sustaining
• Schmid no<00:12:54.079> other<00:12:54.360> questions<00:12:54.839> thank<00:12
• is<00:12:57.800> there<00:12:58.240> anyone<00:12:58.680> else<00:12:59.279

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 180, which concerns critical incident stress management teams. Representative Mark PR, the bill sponsor, proposed an amendment to add a definition of “team leader” and to clarify that teams may or may not be affiliated with a municipality. He argued that a certification test offered by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation is unnecessary and too expensive at $400, since team members are volunteers who already receive training and continuing education. Committee members asked about the training structure and certification language, and the sponsor explained that the teams are self-certified and that the amendment was intended to clean up the bill’s language. The committee then voted on HB 180 in executive session. Amendment 0261H was adopted 11-0, and the bill was then moved as amended and passed 11-0. The committee placed the bill on consent. Later, the committee heard House Bill 438, sponsored by Representative Timothy Horan, dealing with immigration detention and related state policy. Horan described the bill as an update to earlier legislation and said it would codify best practices, prohibit state cooperation with mass deportation efforts, bar for-profit operation of immigration detention facilities, and require Executive Council approval before the governor could deploy the National Guard for immigration deportation activities. Committee members questioned whether the bill could be read as authorizing detention facilities and discussed the relationship between the state and Strafford County Jail. An amendment presented on behalf of Representative Patrick Long was described as a technical rewrite that removed several sections and changed language, but the hearing ended before any vote was taken on HB 438.

Transcript Highlights:

• to which<00:12:02.160> of<00:12:02.480> those<00:12:02.800> those<00:12:03.120>
• >> And<00:12:07.120> um<00:12:08.000> just<00:12:08.240> just<00:12:08.480
• Chairman,<00:12:11.120> just<00:12:11.680> more<00:12:12.000> kind<00:12:12.240>
• <00:12:21.680> And<00:12:22.160> um<00:12:23.519> I<00:12:23.760> think
• we<00:12:28.079> have<00:12:28.320> found<00:12:28.639> the<00:12:28.959>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:12:03.440> able<00:12:03.680> to<00:12:04.640> implement<00:12:05.040> the
• money in<00:12:05.519> the<00:12:05.680> way<00:12:05.760> that<00:12:06.000>
• > we<00:12:06.399> choose<00:12:06.720> to<00:12:06.880> use<00:12:07.040>
• Uh as<00:12:08.560> is<00:12:09.279> we<00:12:09.440> do<00:12:09.680> see
• ><00:12:09.839> a<00:12:10.000> need<00:12:10.160> that<00:12:10.399> there

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1525, which would appropriate funds to counties to open more voter service centers for in-person voting, provide money to the Office of Elections to print and mail the voter information guide to all registered voters, and support a public outreach campaign to increase voter participation. The Office of Elections supported the bill and estimated costs of a little over $2 million to print and mail the guide and about $178,000 for outreach, noting it spent about $441,000 on election advertising in 2024. Testimony from advocacy groups including Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action, Common Cause Hawaii, and Indivisible Hawaii strongly supported the measure, emphasizing access for neighbor island voters, people with disabilities, new voters, and voters who need ballot assistance. County election officials from Honolulu, Maui, and Kauai provided comments or testimony that were more cautious. They said additional funding would be welcome, but staffing and logistics remain major constraints, especially for election-day service centers. Honolulu’s city clerk said funding alone would not necessarily solve long lines, while Maui’s county clerk explained that voter service centers require trained seasonal employees, extensive training, and the ability to handle many ballot styles. Maui also described its current pop-up sites, including Hana, as expensive but necessary for remote communities, and said the county is already running at bare minimum staffing. Members asked questions about who decides how many service centers are opened, how staffing is handled, and whether there is a middle-ground model between the old precinct polling places and the current voter service center system. Honolulu explained that county clerks make those decisions under current law and that the county has tried pop-up sites in addition to its main centers. The discussion also noted that in 2024 most voters used vote by mail, while a smaller number used early in-person voting or final-day service centers. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.