Transcript Highlights:

• period of months or years, and at the end of the period of time that you pay me, I'll give you the deed

Committee: House Judiciary, Rules and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• They also file fraudulent deed transfers with probate offices, and they actually transfer the property

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• And the current law is that the statute of limitations does not start until the deed.

Transcript Highlights:

• to3 million for any<00:27:23.840><c> emergency</c><00:27:24.320><c> maintenance</c><00:27:24.799><c> deeds

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Protection, Tourism, and Energy received an update from Kentucky State Parks and the Finance Cabinet on the status of major capital projects funded through recent legislative appropriations. Commissioner Mark Keelin, Deputy Commissioner Chris Perry, and Finance Cabinet/DECA representatives described progress on campground upgrades, utility and broadband improvements, building systems repairs, life-safety work, accommodations and hospitality renovations, pool and beach projects, playgrounds, golf course improvements, marina work, and wastewater upgrades across the state park system. They emphasized that Kentucky has 44 state parks and that the funding has supported completed work and projects still under construction or in design. The presentation highlighted funding tied to House Joint Resolution 76, House Joint Resolution 56, and House Bill 6. Parks reported roughly $72 million invested to date, with 66 projects completed and 17 under construction, including campground renovations at sites such as My Old Kentucky Home, Kin Lake, Carter Caves, Cumberland Falls, and others; broadband projects at several campgrounds; electrical grid resilience work at parks including Kentucky Dam Village and Kin Lake; and completed life-safety upgrades such as lock systems. Officials also noted pool and beach work, ADA improvements, lodge and guest room renovations, marina replacements, and wastewater plant upgrades. DECA said it currently manages 1,335 active capital projects statewide, including 149 for Parks, and credited additional project management capacity and regular coordination meetings for accelerating delivery. Committee members asked for a copy of the presentation and pressed the department for more detailed accounting of House Joint Resolution 56, including how much money remains, which projects are complete, and whether current appropriations are sufficient to finish the listed work. The department also requested a larger maintenance pool appropriation of $40 million for the next budget, arguing that routine and emergency maintenance needs across 44 parks exceed current resources and that preventative maintenance would reduce long-term costs. No votes were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• As Jocelyn Sanchez, I'm here on behalf of Deeds, Not Words.

Bills: SB10 , SB16 , SB6 , SB 6 , SB 10 , SB 16

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• And I understand that $457,000 is not affordable for ownership for a lot of people. >> You should say
• :46:29.400><c> not</c><01:46:29.640><c> affordable</c><01:46:30.240><c> for</c><01:46:30.440><c> ownership
• </c><01:46:31.000><c> for</c><01:46:31.120><c> a</c> is not affordable for ownership for a is not affordable
• for ownership for a &gt;&gt; you<01:46:30.520><c> should</c><01:46:30.720><c> say</c><01:46:30.880><
• So, we cannot fund an infrastructure project on state lands without an ownership interest in it.

Transcript Highlights:

• say, condos are often times more affordable than single-family homes and provide a pathway to home ownership
• c><00:19:51.039><c> home</c> produce provide a pathway to home produce provide a pathway to home ownership
• </c> ownership, especially for young people. ownership, especially for young people.
• For our friends who are maybe watching at home, condominium is a form of ownership.

Committee: Senate Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it, you know, so wouldn't they be dictating, um, and then what percentage of all home ownership has
• then it's much lower amount required. >> Um, and then I was going to ask what percentage of home ownership
• going to ask what percentage<00:36:15.119><c> of</c><00:36:15.440><c> home</c><00:36:15.680><c> ownership
• </c><00:36:16.160><c> in</c><00:36:16.400><c> Hawaii</c> percentage of home ownership in Hawaii percentage
• of home ownership in Hawaii is<00:36:17.599><c> um</c><00:36:17.760><c> backed</c><00:36:18.079><c>

Summary: The joint committees held an informational briefing on efforts to expand insurance capacity in Hawaii’s property market, especially for condominium and homeowners coverage. The Insurance Commissioner reviewed the background: a legislative task force, the governor’s emergency proclamation in August 2024, and Senate Bill 1044 in May 2025 led to new condo insurance products. He said the work over the past two and a half years was producing positive results and introduced representatives from HPIA and HHRF/HHR to provide updates. HPIA’s board chair and its administrator described the organization’s history, structure, and current products. HPIA said it was created in 1991 as a residual market for homeowners insurance, now writing four residential products: HO2 homeowners, renters, HO6 condo unit owners, and dwelling fire. They reported policy counts have grown again as admitted-market carriers tightened underwriting, and they discussed financial pressure from reinsurance costs, though those costs had declined in 2025 after different purchasing decisions. They also said the market has become more favorable overall, with some capacity returning and deductibles beginning to ease. Members focused much of their questioning on HPIA’s proposed higher dwelling limits. HPIA explained that the current $450,000 limit for homeowners and dwelling fire was set in 2023, but agents are now asking for a higher limit in the $650,000 to $750,000 range because construction costs have risen and many policies are not being submitted when the limit is too low. HPIA said it has the authority to raise the limit through a filing with the Insurance Division and expects more submissions if the cap increases. They also discussed the shift in the book of business from roughly 70% lava-zone coverage to closer to a 50/50 split between lava and non-lava risks. HPIA outlined strategic initiatives: a new policy administration system that went live October 1 and now allows online payments, online claims reporting, and electronic notices; a filed request to raise the homeowners and dwelling fire limit to $650,000 effective March 1 for new business and April 1 for renewals; an increase in the HO6 condo unit owners limit from $5,000 to $100,000; and a planned commercial property all-other-perils-excluding-hurricane condo product targeted for filing by January 31. No votes were taken, and the meeting was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• While I'm happy to say that Indiana is one of the most affordable states for home ownership in the country
• If we are here to help more Americans achieve the dream of home ownership, we must make it easier to
• the dream to help more Americans achieve the dream of<01:50:26.400><c> home</c><01:50:26.639><c> ownership
• 27.440><c> we</c><01:50:27.760><c> must</c><01:50:28.080><c> make</c><01:50:28.239><c> it</c> of home ownership
• , we must make it of home ownership, we must make it easier<01:50:28.719><c> to</c><01:50:28.880><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• there any concern that this exemption will just pretty much incentivize investors rather than home ownership
• something that I'm trying to do every single day in helping some other people realize the dream of home ownership
• that we are making our state more affordable and allowing everyone to have the opportunity for home ownership
• It also requires fingerprinting for individuals in the organization, ownership, or operation of an insurer
• It also requires fingerprinting for individuals in the organization, ownership, or operation of an insurer

Summary: The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for fallen Oviedo Officer Jimmy Serrano-Torres, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Chief Joseph Tuminelli as law enforcement officer of the day. The chamber approved the journal and adopted the special order report, and the Speaker announced a schedule change canceling the floor on Monday and starting Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. The main business was CS for HB 7033, the House tax package, presented by Rep. Duggan. He described a broad set of tax changes, including the previously passed sales tax rate reduction from 6% to 5.25%, exemptions for certain bullion sales, changes to tourist development tax (TDT) use, property tax administration updates, affordable housing-related exemptions, repeal of the aviation fuel tax, delayed natural gas fuel tax implementation, corporate income tax changes, and other provisions. Debate focused heavily on the TDT section and the bill’s property tax relief structure. Amendments to preserve local flexibility or remove the TDT restrictions were offered and debated; one Duggan amendment was adopted to allow local governments to keep 25% of TDT revenues for general use while directing 75% to property tax relief, and another amendment requiring audit certification of compliance was also adopted. A combined reporting amendment offered by Rep. Eskamani to close corporate tax loopholes was debated at length but failed. On final passage, supporters argued the bill provides immediate, permanent tax relief and affordability help, while opponents said it diverts tourism dollars away from local needs and could harm tourism-dependent counties and services. CS for HB 7033 passed the House 78-29. The chamber then took up CS for CS for HB 1221 on local option taxes, which would give local governments more control over certain local taxes and, as presented, redirect TDT revenues toward property tax relief with some local flexibility. After questions and amendments, including a Miller amendment allowing 25% of TDT revenue for general purposes and another accountability amendment, the bill moved to final debate. Members split sharply: supporters framed it as immediate tax relief and local accountability, while opponents warned it would undermine tourism marketing, infrastructure, and county budgets. The transcript ends during closing debate on HB 1221, before final passage is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• very narrowly tailored expansion of the eligibility, one that certainly makes sure that current ownership
• <00:41:35.040><c> that</c><00:41:35.920><c> uh</c><00:41:36.079><c> current</c><00:41:36.480><c> ownership
• </c> makes uh sure that uh current ownership makes uh sure that uh current ownership arrangements<00:
• This credit is important to me because as a beginning farmer, I hope to achieve the dream of farm ownership

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• to people not only being able to maintain their home insurance coverages, but it's also hurt home ownership
• which again is putting strain on family budgets, individuals' budgets, and is a barrier to home ownership
• ><c> well</c><00:14:27.320><c> because</c><00:14:27.600><c> as</c><00:14:27.720><c> you</c> home ownership
• as well because as you home ownership as well because as you know<00:14:28.480><c> it</c><00:14:28.600
• it's becoming a real ownership it's becoming a real problem<00:14:54.279><c> so</c><00:14:54.480><c>

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a non-germane amendment to HB 297 that would create the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program. Insurance Commissioner DJ Beton, joined by department staff, explained that the proposal is intended to help homeowners afford insurance by funding proactive home improvements that reduce risk and improve insurability. He said the program would be funded by the first $1 million collected annually from the insurance premium tax, with grants of up to $10,000 available on a first-come, first-served basis. Beton described the problem as rising homeowners insurance premiums, hard-market underwriting, nonrenewals, and the resulting shift to more expensive surplus lines coverage. He said eligible projects could include roof fortification, exterior improvements, flood-related foundation work, and removal of hazardous trees or limbs. He cited similar programs in other states, especially Alabama, Louisiana, and North Carolina, as evidence the model can work and noted that industry representatives were present in support. He also said the program would use means testing aligned with the Department of Energy’s weatherization program to target lower-income applicants. Members asked about the non-germane process, who would administer the program, and how the bill would prevent misuse of grant funds. The commissioner said the department would administer the program using one repurposed existing position, with Treasury handling fund flow through an MOU. Staff explained that applicants would have to show completed work through a signed contract, itemized work, and a sworn contractor affidavit, with some upfront payment allowed for materials and the remainder paid after completion. The chair and members discussed that the amendment is being attached to a different bill only to move the proposal through committee and on to House Finance for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are going to open up the hearing for HB 251, which is allowing the ownership of certain squirrels
• The bill is allowing the ownership of certain squirrels and raccoons, and here today to introduce the
• </c><04:18:05.199><c> of</c> that prohibit the private ownership of that prohibit the private ownership
• </c><04:22:06.359><c> of</c> have legalized you know pet ownership of have legalized you know pet ownership
• I was the sponsor of a bill to legalize ownership of Quaker parrots, so I don't need to tell you the

Summary: The committee first held a work session on HB 505, which would allow the sale of freeze-dried foods produced in homestead food operations. Members raised concerns about the bill’s broad language, especially the provision stating freeze-dried food would not be considered potentially hazardous. Several suggested narrowing the bill to specific products such as processed foods, berries, fruit, dairy products, ice cream, or vegetables, and requiring use of commercial freeze-drying equipment rather than dehydrators. There was also discussion of oxygen absorbers, moisture control, sanitation, and whether the issue should be handled in statute or rules. By the end of the discussion, members generally agreed the topic should be treated in a separate section of law rather than folded into the existing homestead food license, and the chair said the matter would be sent to the food safety subcommittee, with the possibility of a study committee if more time was needed. The committee then moved to HB 277, a technical correction to the animal cruelty statutes. Representative Bixby explained that current law refers to a “colt,” which applies only to male baby horses, leaving fillies unaddressed; the bill would replace “colt” with “foal” and make related wording changes so the restriction applies to any horse under 90 days old not being nursed by its dam. The New Hampshire Farm Bureau testified in support, saying the change was requested to clarify and modernize the statute and that the issue had been identified during work on related animal cruelty legislation. No votes were taken in the portion provided. The chair recessed the work session until 11:00 a.m. and announced that Representative Ktoa would take over the hearing on HB 277.

Transcript Highlights:

• the reservation where if a crime happens to occur on a boundary um or in land that may have been deeded
• c> boundary um or in land that may have boundary um or in land that may have been<02:08:00.719><c> deed
• <c> to</c><02:08:01.920><c> a</c><02:08:02.159><c> non-tribal</c><02:08:02.800><c> member</c> been deed
• or sold to a non-tribal member been deed or sold to a non-tribal member long<02:08:03.440><c> in</c>

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Tribal Relations

Transcript Highlights:

• President, I was not encouraged by the answers that we got from DEED on this program.
• encouraged by the answers that we got encouraged by the answers that we got from<03:47:12.239><c> deed
• </c><03:47:12.560><c> on</c><03:47:12.800><c> this</c> from deed on this from deed on this program.<03

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 130, Task Force to Study Deed Fraud, Amendment Number One.
• Senate Bill 778, Clinical Research Pharmacies and Clinical Trials Permits and Ownership, favorable.
• Senate Bill 778, Clinical Research Pharmacies and Clinical Trials Permits and Ownership, favorable.

Transcript Highlights:

• and they are attempting to use what I would call a perverse definition of the internet to claim ownership
• and they are attempting to use what I would call a perverse definition of the internet to claim ownership
• and they are attempting to use what I would call a perverse definition of the internet to claim ownership
• and they are attempting to use what I would call a perverse definition of the internet to claim ownership
• To use a what I would call a perverse definition of the internet to claim ownership of that speech inside

Bills: HB0070 , HB0043 , HB0103 , HB0157 , HB0092 , SF0092

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• No one, not gun owners and not those who oppose gun ownership, no one wants those tragedies to occur.
• No one, not gun owners and not those who oppose gun ownership, no one wants those tragedies to occur.
• No one, not gun owners and not those who oppose gun ownership, no one wants those tragedies to occur.
• No one, not gun owners and not those who oppose gun ownership, no one wants those tragedies to occur.
• No one, not gun owners and not those who oppose gun ownership, no one wants those tragedies to occur.

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Health Services met to approve the June 18 minutes and hear introductory remarks from new Cabinet Secretary for Health and Family Services Dr. Steven Stack and new Department for Public Health Commissioner Dr. John Langfeld. Both described their backgrounds and emphasized a shared focus on using health data to improve quality, coordination, and outcomes across Kentucky. They highlighted the Kentucky Health Information Exchange (KHI) as a central tool for connecting hospitals, labs, providers, public health systems, Medicaid, and other state and federal data sources, and said the system supports notifications, immunization records, surveillance, and care coordination. They also outlined priorities such as continued investment in KHI, stronger interoperability, privacy protections, and expanded analytic capacity to turn data into action. Committee members then asked about COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and informed consent, particularly for pregnant women and children. Dr. Stack said informed consent should come through a licensed health care provider, that Kentucky did not mandate the COVID vaccine, and that the evidence still supports vaccination for high-risk groups, including pregnant women, citing professional medical guidance. A follow-up exchange focused on concerns about past vaccine policies and the need for patients to receive full information before making decisions. Senator Heron asked how KIPRC/KIPR could be used to address firearm injuries. Dr. Langfeld said the key opportunity is to make data more real-time and usable for day-to-day response, while Dr. Stack said the department would continue its long-standing partnership with KIPRC and noted his view that gun violence is a public health emergency. He added, however, that because firearms are a deeply divided issue, the Department for Public Health’s current role is mainly to make data available for authorized research rather than to take a broader policy role. No votes or formal actions beyond approving the minutes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• firearms, specifically pertaining to the .50 caliber and higher firearms, where it allows for the ownership
• ><01:04:57.960><c> allows</c><01:04:58.520><c> for</c><01:04:59.039><c> the</c><01:04:59.200><c> ownership
• </c><01:04:59.799><c> of</c> where it allows for the ownership of where it allows for the ownership of
• and Identification Division of the Honolulu Police Department, said that the bill allows for the ownership
• supports efforts to ensure these types of exceedingly dangerous weapons are not available for civilian ownership

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee met on March 13, 2025, and took up several firearms and fireworks measures. On SB 227, which would create an illegal fireworks enforcement division in the Department of Law Enforcement and appropriate funds, DLE supported the bill, saying fireworks enforcement has become a full-time job requiring dedicated staff rather than a collateral-duty task force. Members discussed whether the bill and the related task force bill were both needed; DLE said yes, explaining that the new division would provide full-time state employees while the task force funding covers interagency costs such as transportation, storage, overtime, and personnel. Testimony on SB 227 was reported as 12 in support and 6 in opposition. On SB 222, which would fund the illegal fireworks task force and extend its sunset to June 30, 2030, DLE and the Honolulu Police Department supported the measure, emphasizing continued enforcement pressure and interagency coordination. An opponent from the Libertarian Party of Hawaii argued the bill was a waste of time, criticized fireworks prohibition as cultural overreach, and performed a song in opposition. Representative Shimizu asked about results from the extra enforcement effort, and DLE said enforcement has driven up street prices and made investors think twice, which they described as a goal of pricing people out of the market. The chair reported 13 testimonies in support and 6 in opposition. The committee then heard SB 1324, a more comprehensive fireworks bill that would revise definitions and penalties, create first- and second-degree fireworks offenses, add infractions, and increase penalties for serious injury or death. DLE and the Attorney General strongly supported it, saying the bill would improve enforcement, address black-market activity, and help prosecutors when fireworks have already exploded and evidence is destroyed. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing existing laws already punish these offenses and that the real issue is enforcement; the office also raised constitutional concerns about the bill’s concurrent civil infraction and criminal trial process. Honolulu Police supported the bill, while the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office said the alternative definitions would help in cases involving exploded versus seized fireworks. The chair noted 17 testimonies in support, 7 in opposition, and 3 comments, and members discussed whether the bill could be amended to address the public defender’s concerns. The committee also began hearing SB 308, which would expand the state’s magazine-capacity restrictions to firearms with detachable magazines over 30 rounds, with a grandfathering provision for certain magazines obtained before January 1, 2026. DLE supported the bill as a fair balance that would grandfather existing magazines while preventing new high-capacity acquisitions. Opposition testimony from Jerry Yuan of the Pool, Oil, Rifle, and Pistol Club argued the proposal was another shifting restriction and opposed magazine bans generally. The hearing continued with additional testimony not fully captured in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Commerce, to which was referred Senate Bill 162, FN, an act relative to restrictions on acquisition of ownership
• relative to restrictions on acquisition relative to restrictions on acquisition of<00:28:01.840><c> ownership
• </c><00:28:02.320><c> controlling</c><00:28:03.039><c> occupancy</c> of ownership controlling occupancy
• of ownership controlling occupancy interest<00:28:04.360><c> in</c><00:28:04.519><c> Real</c><00:28:
• concern, specifically the CCP, Russia, North Korea, Iran, and Syria, or their agents, from acquiring ownership