Transcript Highlights:

• PROVIDES ALL ORGANIZATIONS RECEIVE ANNUAL PROCEEDS FROM SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES SUBJECT TO SPECIFIED AUDIT
• THEY ARE AUDITED BY THE FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION FDOT, COMMISSION FOR TRANSPORTATION DISADVANTAGE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:54:02.280> and<00:54:02.400> during<00:54:02.720> audit<00:54:03.040> if<
• /c><00:54:03.160> we<00:54:03.280> see<00:54:03.520> that Audits and during audit
• if we see that Audits and during audit if we see that something<00:54:03.880> is<00:54:04.000
• Representative Davids responded that there is not targeting of certain areas; these are random audits
• A fiscal note has been requested for House Bill 4 with the 2A amendment, and it is in process right now

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• To ensure everyone can view, process.
• competitive processes, grant processes. competitive processes, grant processes.
• Um there continues to be a this process.
• <00:59:16.880> to um that hadn't begun that process to um that hadn't begun that process to
• peer review process. peer review process. The<01:54:47.599> Mary<01:54:48.000> C.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, the local warrant article process.
• So it works out, it's fine. then we went through the process with then we went through the process with
• <00:38:39.920> which turn into an opt out press process which turn into an opt out press process
• . processed. processed.
• plan proc plan process that we correct. plan proc plan process that we correct.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Where is the disconnect there, and how does that process happen?
• Um, the de novo is in process of application review, and I think we're hopeful that that will join our
• We are<00:47:33.040> in<00:47:33.200> the<00:47:33.359> process<00:47:33.520>
• in the process of training some staff<00:47:34.720> and<00:47:34.880> we<00:47:35.040>
• So I look forward to this process, and that's kind of why we wanted to have you all come today so we

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:15 Department of Insurance Update 00:01:39 Department of Financial Institutions Update 00:37:07 Insurance Industry Update 00:54:50 Credit Union Industry Update 01:10:53, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the September 16 minutes, and then received an update from Insurance Commissioner Sharon Clark and staff on the Department of Insurance. Clark reviewed department activity, including growth in premium volume and licensing, consumer complaints and recoveries, and a rise in fraud referrals. She said the department has 66 open fraud cases and described common schemes such as staged auto accidents, inflated repair or cleanup charges, and roofing scams. She also said the department’s investigators often prepare strong cases but face reluctance from local prosecutors, especially in Fayette and Jefferson counties, to pursue them. Clark reported favorable workers’ compensation news, saying rates will decrease 9.7% next year for the 20th straight year. She contrasted that with a difficult property insurance market driven by storms, reinsurance costs, inflation, labor shortages, and litigation, but said Kentucky’s market remains relatively stable, citing the Kentucky Fair Plan’s small number of policies. She then warned of significant 2026 health insurance premium increases on the exchange: 16.1% for Molina, 23% for Anthem, and 37% for WCare, after CareSource withdrew. She said the rates were reviewed by actuaries and found fair, but that the biggest pressure point is the scheduled expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, which she said could leave about 90% of exchange enrollees facing a compounded increase. Members questioned Clark about fraud prosecution, the number of people in commercial versus public coverage, and the impact of expiring subsidies. Clark said the prosecution issue is mainly with Commonwealth attorneys and that rural counties are more cooperative than urban ones. She also said the health market is individually rated and that older enrollees would be hit harder, while the loss of tax credits could push some people out of the marketplace. One member asked about the attorney general’s recent opinion on SB 188, the PBM bill; staff said attorneys were still reviewing it. Clark closed by noting that Kentucky’s fraud and towing/storage legislation has become a model for other states.

Transcript Highlights:

• issue by simplifying the jury excusal process for our aging population.
• So as you can see, you know, the process is just not working.
• A responsive self-petition process can change that.
• That process can be used if CPS has not, or is not willing to, investigate the case.
• A child's unverified application alone triggers this process.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• with data, and there's a lot of other states in the country that are a bit further along in this process
• > and<00:08:00.800> I<00:08:00.960> think<00:08:01.039> it along in this process
• and I think it along in this process and I think it would<00:08:01.280> be<00:08:01.440> really
• the uh the... ...weren't even processing the applications, and this authority allows us to do that.
• We appreciate you for compliance audits.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 3025, relating to medical debt, with multiple organizations and individuals, including the Office of Wellness and Resilience, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Queens Health Systems, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Aloha Care, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction, Hawaii Data Collaborative, and Hawaii Appleseed, all speaking in support. No opposition was heard, and the member present had no questions. The committee then took up SB 3199, which would establish a mental health emerging therapies task force. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with speakers including veterans, clinicians, researchers, and advocacy groups describing personal experiences with PTSD, depression, traumatic brain injury, and treatment-resistant conditions, and arguing that Hawaii should prepare for regulated access to emerging therapies such as MDMA, psilocybin, ketamine, and ibogaine. The Department of Health and some medical organizations provided comments, and one opposition witness was called but not present. The chair noted broad support, especially from veterans, and no vote was taken during the excerpt. The final measure discussed was SB 3324, relating to Medicaid. The Department of Human Services, Department of Health, Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Aloha Care, and numerous care-provider and aging/disability organizations testified in support, while one witness was in opposition and several others offered comments. The discussion then moved to SB 2563, relating to homelessness, where the Department of the Attorney General offered comments on specific sections and recommended adopting suggested amendments if the bill proceeds. Additional testimony on SB 2563 began with support from several individuals, including Shelby Pikachu, who emphasized the severity of homelessness and related social problems in the community.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and we also just have our audit was done by the external firm that does it with again no findings
• Um and we also just have um our uh audit Um and we also just have um our uh audit was<01:01:38.960
• And so there's a trueing up process that takes place within a few months after the end of the state's
• And so there's a trueing up process<01:08:09.440> that<01:08:09.760> takes<01:08:10.000
• takes place within a few process that takes place within a few months<01:08:11.200> after<01:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 155, which drew a lengthy debate over an amendment to delay implementation until tax year 2027. Supporters said the delay would give lawmakers time to see whether projected revenues materialize and to reconsider the policy if needed; opponents argued it would reduce money available to services and local governments at a time of tightening revenues. Members also discussed broader revenue trends, including tobacco, rooms-and-meals, real estate transfer, and lottery revenues, and disagreed over whether tax cuts tend to increase revenue. The committee adopted amendment 2025-2983H on an 11-9 vote, then voted 11-9 to report HB 155 ought to pass as amended. The bill was sent to the consent calendar, with a majority and minority report to be filed. The committee then considered HB 224, with members expressing concern that the bill would redirect money collected for one purpose to another and should receive more study. A motion for interim study was made and seconded, and the committee approved interim study unanimously, 20-0, sending HB 224 to the consent calendar. Next, the committee took up SB 83, which the Lottery described as a vehicle for technical corrections to gaming law. The Lottery requested changes to remove a bond cap, reconcile inconsistent free-play/promotional-play language, redirect problem-gambling funds to the Commission on Addiction Treatment and Prevention, and revise background-check language after the FBI declined to conduct checks under the existing wording. The committee adopted amendment 2025-2984 unanimously, 20-0, then voted 20-0 to report SB 83 ought to pass as amended and placed it on the consent calendar. Finally, the committee began work on HB 524, a bill to repeal the New Hampshire Vaccine Association. Representative Yuli said members had received many emails and calls both supporting and opposing the program and that he had questions about transparency and the dollars involved. The transcript cuts off before any vote or further action on HB 524.

Transcript Highlights:

• THIS WAS NOT AN EASY PROCESS AND THERE WERE MANY CHALLENGES ALONG THE WAY.
• I SPENT TIME ON PEOPLE WHOSE LIVES ARE FAR HARDER THAN MINE WHO HAVE THE THOUGHT PROCESS AND APPROACH
• WHAT IS THE TIMELINE FOR THE NEW MODERNIZATION OF THE SYSTEM THOUGHT PROCESS HAPPENING WITH THIS TASK
• AND WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE AS FAR AS THE INVOLVEMENT IN THE PROCESS?
• YOUR VISION, THOUGHT PROCESS, WHY YOU WANT TO BE APPOINTED TO THE BOARD.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They would go through the very long... process that it takes actually for something to happen.
• We tried to streamline the process. this bill and make it more transparent.
• That's where we are in the process. And to elect better judges, we have to have candidates.
• So judicial pay plays into the democratic process and the true cure for our weakness in the judicial
• We do have some weakness in our judiciary is the democratic process.

Bills: SB260, SB263, SB293, SJR18

Keywords: school safety, Foundation School Program, education funding, student allotment, Texas education, SB 263, Texas franchise tax, cost of goods sold, COGS, broadcasters, television broadcasting, radio broadcasting, media tax, broadcast license, FCC, 47 C.F.R. Part 73, 47 C.F.R. Part 74, film production, television production, tax deduction

Transcript Highlights:

• They would go through the very long process that it takes actually for something to happen.
• And so we participate in the political process.
• That's, that's where we are in the process.
• And so judicial pay plays into the democratic process and the true.
• Around then, you know, the electoral process around bail is already highly politicized.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, we're not saying that they're not doing their jobs, but we see a hole in the process.
• Yeah, we're not saying that they're not doing their jobs, but we see a hole in the process.
• understand that there are some processes understand that there are some processes that<00:40:03.359
• What is the end result or the expected outcome as part of that process?
• Uh so I complete its rulemaking process.

Bills: SB2198, SB2140, SB3055, SB3090, SB3091, SB3092, SB2761

Keywords: workforce development, craftspersons, skilled trades, artisan, craftsmanship, trade recognition, award program, DLIR, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Meilleur Ouvrier de France, vocational education, career pathways, cultural preservation, workforce excellence, apprenticeship, Hawaii trades, economic diversification, public nominations, governor awards, historically significant venue

Transcript Highlights:

• Normally, last session we've been upfront approving the audits and so on so that they'd be online as
• Normally, last session we've been upfront approving the audits and so on so that they'd be online as
• Seeing none, we have no audit on the calendar.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on May 16, 2025, and first adopted a rules-and-procedures change extending online audit approval timelines for American Rescue Plan items through December 2026 and bipartisan infrastructure law items through June 30, 2027. The committee then approved the April 18 minutes and adopted the consent calendar with several items removed for separate discussion, including items from Tabs 4, 6, and 7. On Tab 4 item 2511, members questioned why the state was paying utility costs for the Laconia property while it is being sold. Commissioner Charlie Arlinghaus explained the budget line covered utilities generally, not just heat, that some buildings still require minimal heating, and that the main increase was tied to the Winnipesaukee River Basin Project wastewater charges. He said the charges had risen sharply, the property sale would eventually trigger a utility true-up at closing, and he would provide additional analysis. The committee then adopted the item. On Tab 4 item 25115, the Department of Justice said funding for a temporary fourth pathologist was removed from the 2026-2027 budget because it was no longer needed, and the committee adopted the item. On Tab 6 item 25126, Department of Health and Human Services officials explained the Medicaid managed care “withhold” as a performance incentive: about 2% of capitation payments are held back, then redistributed based on quality and operational metrics, with unearned amounts staying with the state until the end of the program and subject to actuarial requirements. They said the approach has improved performance and helped with Medicaid unwinding outreach, reducing enrollment by about 11,000 people in the past year. The committee adopted the item. On Tab 7 item 25139, the Department of Energy said it no longer needed an additional position because existing staff could handle the work, and the item was adopted. The committee also adopted regular-calendar items 25114 and 25131, noted that one regular-calendar item had been withdrawn, set the next meeting for June 20 at 11:00 a.m. in Room 100 of the State House, and adjourned after a motion and second.

Transcript Highlights:

• have uh reporting and auditing have uh reporting and auditing requirements<01:47:31.080> built
• Delay doesn't help the process.
• Delay doesn't help the process.
• Delay doesn't help the process.
• Delay doesn't help the process.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several transportation and consumer-related bills. HB 496, relating to mamaki tea labeling, drew support from the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Weights and Measures, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, which said the bill would help protect a culturally important crop and the Hawaii brand. Members questioned Agriculture about staffing and whether the bill was being used to reopen a package-labeling inspection branch; the department said it currently has no Oahu inspectors for that function but has a place for an additional inspector. No opposition was registered on the measure. HB 978, relating to electric utilities, and HB 1316, relating to DLNR/park reservations, were also heard. HB 1316 received support from State Parks, and members discussed where reservation fees would go and whether the statewide reservation system for three parks would cover its costs; the committee indicated a change would be made so fees go to the special fund. HB 914, relating to water carriers, drew support or comments from the PUC, Department of Agriculture, Department of Transportation, Young Brothers, and the Hawaii Harbor Users Group. The main discussion focused on the proposed automatic rate-adjustment mechanism tied to the GDP price index, with members asking for alternative index ideas and questioning whether the PUC already had authority to adopt such a mechanism. Young Brothers said the measure would provide clarity and help recover inflationary costs, while the chair raised concerns about repeated rate increases and asked for further testimony on possible alternative indices. HB 1161, relating to transportation and road usage charges, received support from the Insurance Division, DOT, and the State Energy Office, with comments from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Hawaii Food Industry Association. Members asked whether counties need state authorization to adopt mileage-based charges and why the bill included funding for implementation; DOT said it is helping counties build the data collection and billing system and that Honolulu is handling much of the collection work. A question was also raised about whether plug-in hybrids would be covered, and DOT said vehicles under the federal electric-vehicle definition would be included. HB 1301, relating to transportation network companies, drew opposition from the Hawaii Association for Justice, Lyft, and Uber, all arguing that classifying TNCs as common carriers and changing liability rules would raise costs, reduce access, and disrupt the current statewide framework. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our processes and procedures.
• So what we do is they have to go through a little bit of a process. A registration process.
• Not only that, there were about 12 rule changes in that process.
• And that's all the processes of drawing the balls.
• It requires people to do auditing.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the gaming compact amendment process.
• Making the process known and accessible is a priority.
• Making the process known and accessible is a priority.
• Like, how does the compact changes—what's the process by which all of these changes happen?
• Oh, then the tribe will refer it on after they go through their process of approval as well.

Summary: A joint hearing of the Senate Business, Financial Services and Trade Committee and the House State Government and Tribal Relations Committee was held on an amendment to the Puyallup Tribe of Indians Gaming Compact. The Washington State Gambling Commission and Puyallup Tribal representatives described the compact as a restatement of the tribe’s 1996 agreement, updated to reflect prior amendments and current gaming operations. Commission staff outlined several changes, including authorization for electronic table games, extension of credit with customer-protection safeguards, removal of per-facility limits, changes to wager limits, a stepped increase in the tribe’s player-terminal allocation, and new licensing/eligibility/registration and definitions appendices. They also noted added provisions on responsible gaming, non-smoking areas if smoking is offered, emergency-services access, and community commitments. Puyallup Tribal leaders gave extensive testimony on how gaming revenue has supported tribal self-governance, cultural preservation, education, housing, health care, elder services, youth programs, environmental protection, and charitable giving. They said gaming revenue has funded tribal facilities, a school, a longhouse, housing projects, a funeral home, health and behavioral health services, substance-use treatment, and donations to nonprofits and local public health efforts. Tribal economic development staff also described diversification efforts funded by gaming, including businesses in hospitality, fuel, construction, manufacturing, logistics, and a planned terminal partnership with the Northwest Seaport Alliance. The casino CEO emphasized responsible gaming, compliance, self-exclusion tools, staff training, and a problem-gambling campaign. Committee members asked about the compact negotiation process and the state’s interests. Gambling Commission staff explained that compact changes are negotiated under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, with the governor’s office, commissioners, and ex officio members providing policy input, and that the current hearing was required within 30 days of completion of the state process. Staff said the commission would hold a public meeting on Thursday to take comment and then vote whether to forward the restated compact to the governor or return it for further negotiation. No public testimony was signed up at the hearing, and no vote was taken by the legislative committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• function and and have a dispute auditing function and and have a dispute saying<01:06:10.559> we<
• <01:06:21.119> for<01:06:21.359> that what the resolution process for that what the
• resolution process for that would<01:06:21.839> be.
• I mean, I think first this bill doesn't address the enrollment process that we have, but I think I've
• I mean, I think first this bill doesn't address the enrollment process that we have, but I think I've

Bills: HF3490, HF4040

Keywords: education finance, scholarship-granting organizations, charitable purposes, student scholarships, nonpublic schools, K-12 education, tax credit, advance payment, Minnesota tax law, child education expenses, taxpayer assistance, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We make sure that we have a clean audit every year. We are not on at-risk.
• And we are in the process of making. Our request for $6 million from the Navajo Nation.
• So we're still trying to dream through that process.
• Even IAD's processes, it'd be great.
• Our application process includes a student... as well as a family interview.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've given up a lot in this process.
• Months, and that was going to be a process that he had to learn.
• HB 138 is the result of that process.
• Was that addressed at all in your thought processes, Madam Chair?
• That happens in this legislative process all the time.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the theme of this meeting was that most of them had a pretty good audit.
• We've seen a lot of those, and we're trying to just get to where no emergency contracts get into the process
• Out for being into the process sooner, so that we don't operate under emergencies.

Bills: HB25, HB108, HB109, HB111, HB112, HB113, HB117, HB118, HB119, HB120, HB121, HB122, HB124, HB126, HB127, HB128, HB129, HB130, HB131, HB25

Keywords: emergency services, 911, local districts, joint operations, contracting, HB108, Alabama Sunset Law, sunset reauthorization, board continuation, speech-language pathology, audiology, licensing board, professional regulation, healthcare regulation, occupational licensing, speech therapist, speech pathologist, audiologist, Sunset Committee, Code of Alabama 1975