Transcript Highlights:

• years and years and years?
• And I appreciate that, and I know the folks in that area do as well.
• And in that case, the state assumed intent and was wrong.
• the microphones and just state your name and your position, and then you are recognized to answer that
• Chair to, If you will come up to one of the microphones and just state your name and your position, and

Bills: HB1268, HB3041, HB3075, HB3378, HB3463, HB3619, HB3620, HB3624, HB3722, HB4335

Keywords: retirement, public employees, deferred option plan, service credit, contributions, distributions, credit card transactions, payment methods, service charge, consumer rights, financial regulation, rounding, cash payments, public finance, Oklahoma Common Cents Act, political subdivision, science and technology, research, board appointments, emergency legislation

Transcript Highlights:

• And, okay, you’re right.
• years and years?
• And I appreciate that. And I know the folks in that area do as well.
• And I think with this And I think with discussions that you and I have out often, that we know we want
• If you will come up to one of the microphones and just state your name and your position, and then you

Bills: HB1268, HB3041, HB3075, HB3378, HB3463, HB3619, HB3620, HB3624, HB3722, HB4335

Keywords: retirement, public employees, deferred option plan, service credit, contributions, distributions, credit card transactions, payment methods, service charge, consumer rights, financial regulation, rounding, cash payments, public finance, Oklahoma Common Cents Act, political subdivision, science and technology, research, board appointments, emergency legislation

Summary: The Government Oversight committee opened with prayer and then took up a series of bills, many related to census preparation, election administration, municipal oversight, and state/local regulatory policy. Leader Lawson presented three census and mapping measures: HB 3619 updated the state geographic information one-stop initiative and authorized leaf-off aerial surveys to support a single boundary map layer; HB 3620 created the 2030 Complete Census Count Committee; and HB 3624 repealed a statute tied to meandering waterways and county boundary interpretation. All three passed, with HB 3619 and HB 3624 receiving unanimous support and HB 3620 passing 13-2. Chairman Bowles presented HB 3463 to modernize municipal audit procedures for small communities under 2,500 population, emphasizing transparency and accountability; it passed 16-0. Floor Leader West presented HB 3041 on credit-card surcharge rules for retailers. Members debated whether the bill’s cap language was really a cap or a notice threshold, and an amendment to raise the percentage from 2% to 4% was ultimately withdrawn so the language could be fixed later; the bill still passed 19-0. Pro Tem Moore’s HB 4335, aimed at preventing a patchwork of local pet-shop and pet-breeder bans while preserving statewide standards, drew questions about preemption and enforcement but passed 13-6. Representative Hildebrandt’s HB 3075 created a penny-rounding rule for cash transactions by public entities, allowing rounding to the nearest nickel; it passed 18-0. Representative Ranson’s HB 3378 made a temporary change to the Oklahoma Science and Technology Research and Development Board’s terms to address delays in grant timing, and it also passed 18-0. Representative Crosswhite Hader’s HB 3722 would require incomplete voter registration applications to be returned rather than defaulted to “independent/no party,” prompting extended debate with the State Election Board about voter intent and processing; it passed 15-3. Finally, Vice Chair Hays presented HB 1268, which adds a DROP option to the pension system for EMTs, county jailers, and assistant sheriffs with a five-year cap; it passed 13-4. The committee adjourned after announcing a Thursday meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Ms.
• When you shift that oversight from nursing programs away from the board and hand it over to general higher
• If programs fall below educational standards such as NCLEX pass rates, required clinical hours, and simulation
• For clarity, I taught at a nursing program, and I am licensed as a nurse.
• It's not easy getting through some of these education programs, and to have your whole career taken from

Bills: HB2408, HB2434, HB2725, HB2728, HB2729, HB2730, HB2731, HB2732, HB2733

Keywords: nursing board, regulatory actions, disciplinary actions, expungement, healthcare professionalism, controlled substances, prescription monitoring, opioid crisis, healthcare regulations, patient safety, prescription drugs, opioids, healthcare, pain management, utilization controls, AHCCCS, Department of Economic Security, social services, welfare programs, vocational rehabilitation

Transcript Highlights:

• And, Mr.
• You ought to get in your car right now and go drive down there and see what you see and come back and
• And they come up with their cuts and we come up with our cuts and we see where they're cutting and we
• And we gave them 80/20. And in the 80/20, and they've talked to a couple other state employees.
• And we gave them 8020. And in the 80-20, and they've talked to a couple other state employees.

Bills: SB190, HB247, HB2, HB8

Keywords: cancer treatment, revenue bonds, Gila Regional Medical Center, Nor-Lea General Hospital, healthcare funding, capital outlay, capital projects, appropriations, reversion, encumbrance, reauthorization, reappropriation, general fund, capital development and reserve fund, tribal infrastructure project fund, Department of Finance and Administration, DFA, state board of finance, severance tax bonds, tax-exempt bonds

Summary: The committee reviewed drafting instructions and spending sheets for House Bill 2, focusing on both recurring and nonrecurring appropriations, reserve levels, and several late changes. Staff explained that the package would leave reserves around 28% under the current scenario, with the possibility of rising to about 30% if a separate natural disaster reform bill is enacted. Members discussed how disaster funding would be handled through a replacement Section 8 and the appropriation contingency fund, and whether the operating reserve could be tapped with explicit authorization. There was also clarification on fund types, including other state funds and interagency transfers, and on how line items were reflected in the spreadsheets. A major point of debate was how to offset additions by reducing funding elsewhere. Members discussed shifting money from the state fair/multipurpose arena request, the Office of Natural Resources Trustee, and other capital items to accommodate changes. Several senators raised concerns about cutting the Office of Natural Resources Trustee too deeply and about the purpose of those funds, including possible land purchases and floodplain mitigation in Ruidoso. The committee also discussed whether the state fair money should be reduced, with some members supporting a $25 million restoration and others preferring to leave the executive’s request intact. Staff noted that some reductions were not true cuts but swaps or offsets, such as moving local road money and using excess capital outlay reserves. Other corrections and policy items were addressed, including an increase for UNM and NMSU stadium funding, a correction to a project distribution on line 105, and funding for the Health Council. Members also noted that the public employee 1% raise was no longer funded because recurring capacity was used elsewhere, and that no COLA was included. After discussion, Senator Woods moved to adopt the drafting instructions, Senator Gonzalez seconded, and the motion passed without objection. The committee then directed staff to prepare a catch-up cleanup version of House Bill 2 for later review and said House Bill 8 would be taken up the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the January 15th Law and Justice Committee.
• Compared to other masks that would prevent against smoke and other inhalation apparatus.
• And as Dr. King would always say, To protect and serve. And as Dr.
• and we appreciate and value their leadership and partnership.
• Thank you. in cities of all sizes and we appreciate and value their leadership and partnership and we

Bills: SB5865, SB5880, SB5912, SB5855, SB6011, SB6009, SB5868, SB5974

Keywords: garnishment, debt, form standardization, financial protection, legal processes, toxicology testing, laboratories, accreditation, public health, standards, indigent defense, task force, criminal justice, legal aid, public defense, face coverings, law enforcement, public safety, civil liberties, court security

Transcript Highlights:

• People are just living on a boat out there and dumping their trash and their waste.
• to get these boats and remove them and get them out of the lake.
• And unfortunately, it does take it from Texas Parks and Wildlife.
• All we're asking for is $600,000 a year, and I think that would be stable funding for this program.
• their removal and disposal.

Bills: HB4538, HCR89, HCR142, SCR1, SB2139

Keywords: vessel registration, derelict vessels, waterways, removal fee, Parks and Wildlife Department, General Land Office, HCR 89, official state gun, cannon, Texas state symbol, Texas Revolution, Battle of Gonzales, Come and Take It, Alamo, San Jacinto, Twin Sisters, Angelina Eberly, Texas history, historical preservation, heritage tourism

Transcript Highlights:

• They were created back in the early 1900s, some in the late 1800s, and they have easements throughout
• to develop environmental programs and infrastructure related to groundwater.
• to develop environmental programs and infrastructure related to groundwater.
• Uh, and this program provides landowners a viable option to keep their land in ag production, and HB
• 2018 will ensure that this program places an emphasis on conserving actual farms and ranches.

Bills: HB2018, HB1633, HB1689, SB612, SB3058

Keywords: agricultural conservation, land preservation, environmental protection, wildlife habitat, Texas Farm and Ranch, groundwater conservation district, Texas Water Code, water permit, permit amendment, groundwater permit, water rights, aquifer, well registration, exempt wells, beneficial use, water conservation, groundwater quality, well plugging, Hill Country Priority Groundwater Management Area, surface water resources

Summary: The Senate Water, Agriculture, Rural Affairs Committee heard several bills focused on groundwater management, water infrastructure, and agricultural land conservation. SB 612 would limit certain water districts in Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy counties from charging developers pipeline construction fees above actual, documented costs; the committee substitute removed a developer challenge mechanism to preserve district discretion over construction standards. HB 1633 would require groundwater conservation districts to consider registered exempt wells when reviewing or amending permits, and testimony from landowners, district representatives, and advocacy groups largely supported the bill as a way to protect domestic and livestock wells from drawdown caused by large export projects. HB 1689 would clarify that export fee revenues may be used for well operability, alternative water supplies, and aquifer monitoring, including through interlocal cooperation, and HB 3058 would give the Post Oak Savannah Groundwater Conservation District authority to use export fees for county road improvements and environmental programs tied to well inspection and groundwater management. HB 2018 would clarify that the Texas Farm and Ranchland Conservation Program is intended to purchase conservation easements only on working agricultural lands, with support from cattle raisers and Farm Bureau representatives. The committee also considered HB 29, which would require large water systems to validate water loss audits and submit mitigation plans; a committee substitute removed the water-loss threshold and adjusted the timeline for more detailed validation. Public testimony on the bills was generally supportive, with several witnesses describing declining well levels, road damage from export projects, and the need to preserve agricultural land and local water supplies. The committee adopted committee substitutes and voted favorably on HB 29, HB 1689, HB 2018, SB 612, and SB 3058, recommending several of them for the local and uncontested calendar; HB 1633 was left pending awaiting a committee substitute.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's too early in the morning for me. Um, but so ...early in the morning for me.
• and 13 in total.
• It's pushed by social media ads and so on and so forth.
• And to do that work. And finally, here's our real concern.
• And you know that piece.

Bills: HB332, HB166, SB336, HB447, HB244

Keywords: computer science, K-12 education, public schools, graduation requirement, digital literacy, coding, programming, STEM, artificial intelligence, AI, computational thinking, technology education, computer literacy, high school credit, middle school, elementary school, teacher training, professional development, distance learning, virtual school

Transcript Highlights:

• And you are with state long-term care ombudsman program, and you are a neutral. on the bill?
• Thank you Alexis And you're with Texas Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and you are neutral on the bill
• So, and I'm all for a grant program. I've got pictures of Oprah.
• on strengthening families to prevent child abuse and neglect.
• I actually worked on childcare issues when I was a member the early 2000s, and they were thriving and

Bills: HB741, HB 1199, HB2070, HB2402, HB2542, HB2665, HB2789, HB3096, HB3396, HB3595, HB3747, HB4116, HB4127

Keywords: child welfare, relative caregiver, monetary assistance, Department of Family and Protective Services, child custody, family law, emergency power, nursing facilities, assisted living, generator requirements, health and safety, emergency generators, power outage, emergency generator, assisted living facilities, power source, child abuse, neglect registry, court findings, Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• , personnel, and providers. and ICF IID program providers by Representative Noble. is there objection
• And so we're having to back up and it's postpone and trial six months.
• that y'all are already supposed to, and it just seems to be a training problem, and, and the And I'm
• Charges to include membership-based discount programs in Medicaid the term usual and refers to the price
• Currently 360,000 Texans are. for both Medicare and Medicaid, relying on both programs to cover their

Bills: HB741, HB 1199, HB2070, HB2402, HB2542, HB2665, HB2789, HB3096, HB3396, HB3595, HB3747, HB4116, HB4127

Keywords: child welfare, relative caregiver, monetary assistance, Department of Family and Protective Services, child custody, family law, emergency power, nursing facilities, assisted living, generator requirements, health and safety, emergency generators, power outage, emergency generator, assisted living facilities, power source, child abuse, neglect registry, court findings, Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• We're glad to have her with us, and she will mostly, of course, be working with Brandy and getting all
• In 2023, Florida challenged that and passed a law... challenged that and passed a law similar to this
• Okay, we have a motion and a... Okay, we have a motion and a second to adopt this amendment.
• There's a motion and a second to adopt it and the bill. and a second to adopt it and the bill.
• Committee, and since we have started with Mr. England and Mr.

Bills: HB2, HB27, HB54, HB49, HB58, HB40, HB38, HB43, HB2, HB27, HB40, HB38, HB43, HB54, HB49, HB58

Keywords: vaccination, parental consent, minors, medical consent, guardian approval, sex offender, employment, first responder, childcare, public safety, juvenile protection, emergency orders, child custody, court authority, abuse and neglect, firearm possession, law enforcement, criminal penalty, concealed carry, Alabama law

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mz0oUn4TYmM, 2026-06-21T07:17:03+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, MEETING START 00:00 ROLL CALL 00:48 DISCUSSION WITH THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS; LAURIE GIVENS, AOC DIRECTOR, JIM DALEY, CAMPBELL COUNTY JAILER, 01:41 ELIZABETH LUCAS, IMPLANTATION TECHNICAL SERVICES & COURT SERVICES DIRECTOR. THE AOC ADDRESSED FUNDING AND UPDATES TO COURT SYSTEM PROCEDURES SUCH AS VIDEO ARRAIGNMENT & CONFERENCE CALLS. THERE WILL BE 432 COURTROOMS THAT WILL BE EQUIPPED TO CONDUCT THESE TECHNOLOGICAL SERVICES FOR INMATES. THE ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY HAS SAVED COUNTIES MONEY ON THE TRANSPORTATION COST OF INMATES. THERE ARE MULTIPLE PILOT PROGRAMS BEING CONDUCTED AT THIS TIME INCLUDING; DIVORCE FORMS PILOT & SMALL CLAIMS COURT PILOT. HB 238 & HB 244 HAS ENABLED VARIOUS PROGRAMS TO BE ENACTED IN SEVERAL COUNTIES IN KY, AND FUNDS FOR STAFF TRAINING ON THE PROGRAMS., 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• And the committee substitute changes the approach for increasing access to this choice program.
• It is the parents who access the program and keep their child in the private school who are saying by
• Let me say up front that I really do appreciate that program and what it allows for those students who
• And just like when we first passed the tax credit program, it took us a year to sit down with the Tax
• This is essentially like the voucher program for child services and that we'll be foregoing.

Bills: SB683, SB1579, SB1389, SB1387, SB1390, SB1391, SB2063, SB1829, SB2060, SB1842, SB1398, SB1212, SB2158, SB102

Keywords: education, tax credit, student support, private school, Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit, financial assistance, homeschooling, qualified expenses, property tax, valuation increase, taxpayer rights, homestead, protest process, school choice, tuition assistance, income limits, parental choice, accreditation, sales tax, motor vehicles

Summary: The Revenue and Taxation Committee considered a long series of bills, many dealing with tax credits, property taxes, and tax administration. Early action included Senate Bill 1579, which creates a taxpayer bill of rights for ad valorem tax assessments by sending taxpayers a plain-language notice of existing rights; it passed 12-0. Senate Bill 683, as amended, expanded the parental choice tax credit to cover certain supplemental educational services for private-school students, including tutoring and summer learning programs, but drew concerns about broad language and unequal treatment of public-school students; it passed 8-3 with one member not voting. Senate Bill 1389 proposed a $25 million increase in the parental choice tax credit cap; supporters said the program is nearing its limit and should grow gradually, while opponents cited lack of outcomes data and benefits flowing disproportionately to higher-income families and metro counties. It passed 10-2. The committee also advanced several tax and property-related measures. Senate Bill 1387 would allow a sales tax refund when a vehicle is sold within six months of a purchase, even without a trade-in, and passed 10-2. Senate Bill 1390 extended and removed a cap on funding for the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and related agencies, passing unanimously. Senate Bill 2063 would require the State Treasurer to publish more information about unclaimed property online; the Treasurer’s office opposed it over privacy and burden concerns, but the bill passed 7-3. Senate Bill 1829 reduced the motor vehicle excise tax on manufactured homes to align more closely with the tax burden on traditional homes, and passed 8-2. Senate Bill 1842 would let county treasurers offer a 12-month installment prepayment plan for ad valorem taxes; it passed 9-1. Several other bills were debated on policy and accountability grounds. Senate Bill 1391 would require private schools participating in the parental choice tax credit to administer state tests and report results; supporters framed it as accountability for public tax dollars, while opponents argued it would undermine private-school autonomy and school-choice goals. It failed 5-7. Senate Bill 1398 created a capped tax credit for donations to certain nonprofits serving foster care, pregnancy resource centers, therapeutic care, and anti-trafficking efforts; members asked for clearer outcome measures, but it passed 8-2. Senate Bill 1212, addressing selective property appraisals in some counties, passed 9-1. Senate Bill 2158 would extend favorable tax treatment to health care sharing ministry contributions, and passed 8-2. Senate Bill 102 clarified when remote workers and certain short-term workers owe Oklahoma income tax, with discussion focused on athletes, entertainers, public figures, and contract workers; it passed 10-0. Finally, Senate Bill 2060, a governor-requested housing infrastructure bill creating master development districts, was still being refined but passed 6-4 to keep it moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• report detailing its operations, activities, programs, and services for the preceding fiscal year.
• These programs include the Washington World Fellows Program, Boundless Washington, and Compassion Scholars
• These funds must be applied to projects, programs, and functions that are not funded by the Legislature
• And for that reason, SSB 5825 is of structural significance to the future of these programs, and I urge
• And simply put, it's the administrative fix that we need to sustainably continue the programs that you

Bills: SB6084, SB6137, SCR8406, SB5892, SB5863

Keywords: elections, double voting, voting twice, multiple voting, same-day election, primary election, general election, special election, cross-state voting, ballot fraud, election fraud, voter misconduct, RCW 29A.84.660, State v. Padilla, civil infraction, class C felony, Secretary of State, Washington elections, election law, voter eligibility

Transcript Highlights:

• And so that's what 3279 does.
• documents, and then it prevents some contracting incidents and provides some remedies.
• and facilitated or supported experiments at and damage absolutely.
• We've got debates, and we've got the debate against and in favor.
• Everything tells us that men and women, male and female, are equally as important and made the way that

Bills: HB3620, HB3942, HB3279, HB3378, HB3383, HB3413, HB3414, HB3415, HB3420, HB3130

Keywords: 2030 census, complete count committee, census outreach, decennial census, enumeration, population count, hard-to-count populations, hard-to-enumerate areas, State Data Center, Oklahoma Census, multilingual campaign, public outreach, school-based outreach, community organizations, minority groups, ethnic minorities, language minorities, self-response rate, census awareness, federal census

Transcript Highlights:

• And so that's what 3279 does.
• interest documents, and then prevents some contracting incidences there and gives some remedies.
• And a second. Thank you. We have a due pass. Thank goodness. And a second.
• And so, ...partially because we continue to criminalize and attack them and put a target on them.
• And you use the word encourage.

Bills: HB3620, HB3942, HB3279, HB3378, HB3383, HB3413, HB3414, HB3415, HB3420, HB3130

Keywords: 2030 census, complete count committee, census outreach, decennial census, enumeration, population count, hard-to-count populations, hard-to-enumerate areas, State Data Center, Oklahoma Census, multilingual campaign, public outreach, school-based outreach, community organizations, minority groups, ethnic minorities, language minorities, self-response rate, census awareness, federal census

Summary: The committee first handled housekeeping, announcing that House Bill 4276 would be laid over until the third week and moving Representative Lawson’s bill to the top of the agenda. HB 3620, creating a 2030 census complete count committee, was presented and passed by due pass. HB 3942, which updates the state’s tax incentive evaluation process by directing reports to LOFT and requiring comparisons to other incentives and strategic economic goals, also passed due pass after brief discussion about whether all tax incentives, including the parental choice tax credit, would be reviewed. Representative Pfeiffer presented HB 3279, a follow-up public corruption measure that clarifies conflict-of-interest disclosure requirements and sets a $25,000 threshold for certain purchase orders; it passed due pass. After Vice Chair Woolley took over, HB 3378 passed 7-0 to stagger OCAST board terms after all members had expired at once. HB 3383, setting a 14-hour limit on required work in a 24-hour period for state employees with emergency carve-outs, passed 6-1 after questions about law enforcement and emergency-service exceptions. Several transparency and procurement bills from Representative Strom also passed unanimously: HB 3413 requires agencies to report outsourced jobs and consulting outcomes, HB 3414 adds accounting-system reporting for contract type and invoice location for intangible assets, HB 3415 requires subcontractor reporting and post-contract assessments, and HB 3420 requires justification for sole-source purchases and limits pilot or proof-of-concept contracting to 12 months. The most contentious measure was HB 313 by Representative Kevin West, which restricts state agencies, employees, contractors, and public institutions from using state funds to perform, facilitate, refer, or encourage gender transition procedures. Opponents argued it intrudes into private medical decisions, could affect adults as well as minors, and may worsen health outcomes or create vague enforcement problems; supporters said it protects minors from harmful, life-altering procedures and prevents state dollars from supporting them. After extended debate, the committee passed HB 313 by a 7-2 vote. The meeting then adjourned, with one more committee meeting announced for the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• and policy under the CZM program, appropriates funds, and establishes a position. >> SB 2401, uh, up
• Early public-facing disclosure is the appropriate and responsible approach.
• Early public-facing disclosure is the appropriate and responsible approach.
• Early public-facing disclosure is the appropriate and responsible approach.
• Good afternoon again. safety, agencies, and taxpayers. Early safety, agencies, and taxpayers.

Bills: SB2982, SB2367, SB2818, SB2944, SB2022, SB2240, SB2986, SB2547, SB2401, SB3031, SB3035, SB3032

Keywords: foreign influence, campaign finance, contributions, state elections, transparency, election integrity, Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor, Ala Wai Harbor, DLNR, BLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Board of Land and Natural Resources, state boating facility, small boat harbor, public-private partnership, PPP, marina management, harbor lease, fast lands, submerged lands

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 2982 on campaign finance, which would prohibit foreign entities and foreign-influence businesses from making contributions and expenditures. The Attorney General’s office testified first, followed by the Campaign Spending Commission, which supported the bill but asked for clarification on constitutional review authority and additional implementation time for certifications, forms, and procedures. Common Cause also supported the measure, arguing it would help protect elections from dark money and foreign influence. No vote was taken. The committee then took up SB 2367 on a state boating facilities lease program for the Ala Wai small boat harbor. DLNR supported the bill, while UPW opposed it, warning about privatization of a public asset and possible job displacement. Several members of the public supported the concept but urged amendments to protect public access, affordability, youth ocean programs, and state employee jobs. Committee members questioned DLNR about the scope of the lease, the role of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and whether public access and existing concessions would remain protected. DLNR said current leases would remain, the board would retain approval authority, and employees would not necessarily be displaced, but members indicated more discussion and possible amendments were needed. For SB 2818 on boating penalties, DLNR testified in support and there was no opposition testimony. The committee also heard SB 2944 on conservation, which would require wildlife viewing guidelines that substantially conform to NOAA guidance and reporting requirements; DLNR said it stood on its written testimony. SB 2022 on water code penalties drew support from DLNR’s Commission on Water Resource Management, which said the bill’s two-tiered penalty structure would preserve deterrence while keeping the current $5,000 penalty for first-time or non-harmful violations. The Board of Water Supply submitted comments, and Ulupono Initiative supported the measure as a needed enforcement tool. Committee members discussed whether the higher penalty ceiling should be phased in and asked for stakeholder input on the amount of the penalties. Finally, the committee began SB 2240 on land use, which would require water availability certification from the Commission on Water Resource Management before a district boundary amendment proceeds to the Land Use Commission. DLNR supported the bill and said it often reviews project documents that lack sufficient information on water needs and availability, so the measure would allow earlier review and comment. The committee also indicated it would seek amendments and further feedback on the water penalty bill before it moved to the next committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:19:12.080><c> and</c> participate more in the program and participate more in the program and
• And we're still there, operating Head Start, Early Head Start, a youth drop-in center, and a family and
• And this program definitely helps address that.
• And this program definitely helps address that.
• back and volunteer in our program.

Bills: HB1721, HB1714, HB1718, HB1732, HB1740, HB1777, HB1842, HB1919, HB1701, HB1923, HB1741, HB1734, HB1739

Keywords: housing, expedited permits, insurance, indemnification, construction, affordable housing, executive compensation, Hawaii housing finance, legislative approval, low-income housing, moderate-income housing, mixed-use development, transit-oriented development, TOD, county powers, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, HHFDC, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, DHHL, affordable housing credits

Summary: The House Housing Committee met on February 4 and heard testimony on several housing measures, beginning with HB1721, which clarifies insurance, indemnification, and certificate-of-occupancy requirements for expedited permits. Testimony on HB1721 was uniformly supportive from the American Council of Engineering Companies, the Grassroot Institute, and individual testifiers, who said the bill would fix insurance issues for design professionals and encourage more participation in the expedited-permit program. No opposition was heard and no questions were raised. The committee then heard HB1714, which would raise salary caps for the executive director and deputy executive director positions at the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation and allow more autonomy in personnel matters, including employment contracts. HHFDC supported the bill, saying greater flexibility is needed to recruit and retain staff and that current pay ceilings are not the main issue because the agency lacks operating funds to reach them. The Department of Human Resources Development offered comments and raised concerns about autonomous personnel authority and employment contracts, saying state personnel matters are governed by existing statutes and collective bargaining rules; the Hawaii Public Housing Authority also offered comments, and one board member and one individual opposed the measure. Members questioned whether performance-based pay or existing incentive policies could address retention instead of statutory salary changes. The committee also heard HB1718, which would make permanent county authority to facilitate mixed-use developments and issue county bonds for low- and moderate-income housing projects. Support came from OPSD, HHFDC, the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Housing and Land Management, and Housing Hawaii’s Future, all emphasizing that permanent authority is needed to finance long-term mixed-use and transit-oriented projects. A member asked whether the sunset provision would make bonding impractical, and the city representative agreed that temporary authority would make financing difficult because development takes time. Later, the committee took up HB1732, establishing the Kamina Homes program to fund counties’ purchase of voluntary deed restrictions from eligible buyers. The Department of Taxation and several groups, including HHFDC, AARP Hawaii, the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, Hawaii Realtors, Holomua Collaborative, and others testified, with most supporting the bill as a way to help local families remain in Hawaii and age in place. Holomua said a recent survey found 75% of 3,200 working families were considering moving, and argued the bill could preserve housing for local residents. Members asked about the bill’s 8% cap on deed-restriction cost and why the program focuses on residency rather than resale restrictions; the bill’s proponents said the cap allows flexibility for county negotiations and that the measure is aimed at workforce preservation rather than land-trust-style appreciation limits. Finally, the committee heard HB1740, which would modify a prior HHFDC housing pathway by reducing the qualified-resident requirement from 100% to 80% and allowing more flexibility for long-term rental instead of owner occupancy. HHFDC and Holomua Collaborative supported the change, saying the earlier 100% requirement had produced no developments or applicants and that the revised standard would make projects more feasible while still preserving housing for local residents. The committee did not take final votes on these measures during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And and you know, Senator, happen.
• The governor and her turnaround program took, and I've heard me say this before, that it turned, and
• c> took</c><00:16:40.320><c> and</c><00:16:40.560><c> he</c> and her turnaround program took and he and
• her turnaround program took and he he'sard<00:16:41.440><c> me</c><00:16:41.600><c> say</c><00:16:41.839
• </c><00:16:44.880><c> program</c> and it's and her turnaround program and it's and her turnaround program

Bills: HB245, SB16, SB59, SB62, SB79, SB88, HB245, SB16, SB59, SB62, SB79, SB88

Keywords: inhalants, controlled substances, butyl nitrite, nitrous oxide, amyl nitrite, health, public safety, SB16, four-point restraint, hog-tie, hog tie, prone restraint, law enforcement, police, sheriff, use of force, restraint techniques, positional asphyxia, arrest procedures, detention

Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment removes references and requirements related to an expired program.
• myself and the PDC.
• And that's why there's the phased-in timeline and some of that flexibility.
• back and forth.
• And you did correct it at executive order. And this is a follow-through.

Bills: SCR8406, SB5825, SB5842, SB5863, SB5840, SB5827, SB5968

Keywords: civic health, community engagement, committee reestablishment, public participation, governance, Washington State Leadership Board, WSLB, gift acceptance, grants, endowments, private funding, public funding, fundraising, state board, youth leadership, civic engagement, leadership development, Washington World Fellows, sports mentoring, Boundless Washington