Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker and body, we come in with 30% reserves.
• million in the operating reserve.
• Speaker, and body, we come in with 30% reserves.
• in the operating reserve.
• Speaker, gentlemen, this is probably at least 2% above what our reserves in real liquid reserves were

Bills: HB95, HB111, HJR1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM3, HM11, HM14, HM15, HM21, HM34, HB2, HB32, HB33, HB61, HJM2, HM23, HM24, HM26

Keywords: HB95, additional judgeship, district court, judicial district, First Judicial District, Second Judicial District, district judges, court administration, judicial staffing, caseload, access to justice, New Mexico courts, judiciary, judge vacancy, court backlog, state courts, water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order

Summary: The House convened with quorum, offered an invocation and pledges, and then moved through a series of memorials, recognitions, and announcements. House Memorial 49, declaring February 4, 2026 UNM Day, was taken from the Speaker’s table, explained, and debated at length. Members from both parties and several guests praised the University of New Mexico for its role in education, health care, research, public service, and workforce development, with special recognition of President Garnett Stokes, interim provost Barbara Rodriguez, and Health Sciences leaders and students. The memorial highlighted UNM’s enrollment, degrees awarded, scholarship support, patent activity, and the UNM Hospital and Health Sciences Center. It passed 70-0. House Memorial 48, declaring February 4, 2026 Valencia County Day, was also brought forward and passed unanimously. Supporters described Valencia County’s history, culture, economic growth, and traditions, including the annual matanza, Route 66 heritage, and major employers and development projects. Members from the county and local officials were recognized, and the memorial emphasized both historic communities and current business and infrastructure expansion. House Memorial 50, declaring Lincoln County Day, was introduced by title and placed on the Speaker’s table, but not taken up for final passage during this segment. The chamber also recognized the Artesia Bulldogs football team for winning another state championship, Del Norte High School’s class of 1966 on its 60th anniversary, and a number of guests tied to nursing, education, and local community service. Several members used announcements to highlight nurses, school programs, and local events, including a Legislative Sportsman’s Caucus invitation and a reminder that the day was the final day to file bills with the clerk. The session closed with continued announcements and guest introductions, reflecting a day focused heavily on community recognition and celebratory memorials rather than substantive legislation beyond the memorial votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• created in that first year of implementation, a portion of that excess revenue went directly into the reserve
• investment critical for the continued success of the T. $300 million will go toward replenishing the T's reserves
• We will also be taking an additional $58 million from the Student Opportunity Act Reserve Fund to help
• We will also be taking an additional $58 million from the Student Opportunity Act Reserve Fund, We will
• also be taking an additional $58 million from the Student Opportunity Act Reserve Fund to help meet

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted two ceremonial resolutions: one commemorating the dedication of the Woburn Battle Road Memorial as part of the Massachusetts 250th celebration, and another recognizing May 1-7 as Elks National Youth Week. The chamber then took up House Bill 4005, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill using FY24 Fair Share surtax surplus funds, and ordered it to a third reading before later considering it for passage to be engrossed. During debate on the bill, the House heard a lengthy presentation in support of the proposal, which would direct about $828 million to transportation and $353 million to education. The transportation spending was described as primarily supporting the MBTA, including workforce and safety funding, reserve replenishment, station and infrastructure improvements, reduced fares, and reimbursement for tunnel closure costs, along with smaller amounts for regional transit authorities and unpaved roads. The education side included additional special education circuit breaker funding, vocational school capital, early education workforce supports, early literacy, universal school meals, higher education endowment matches, Green School Works, and ESOL waitlist reduction, with the Inspector General directed to review circuit breaker cost controls. Members then debated several amendments. One amendment related to a school athletics policy was modified by a further amendment calling for DESE analysis before implementation; both the further amendment and the underlying amendment as amended were adopted. A transportation amendment to shift $50 million from MBTA funding to Chapter 90 municipal roads was supported by members emphasizing rural road needs but was rejected on a roll call, 25-120. Another transportation amendment adding at least $300,000 for Route 93 mitigation costs in Medford was adopted, 133-20. The bill itself then passed to be engrossed on a roll call, 140-14. The House also observed moments of silence for former First Lady Kitty Dukakis and for victims of the Santo Domingo nightclub collapse, and later adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. before adjourning in memory of former Representative Philip W. Johnston.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you look on page one, line 17, the state of Idaho asserts its sovereignty and reserves all powers
• The state of Idaho asserts its sovereignty and reserves all powers not expressly granted to the federal
• You know that as well as I. asserts its sovereignty and reserves all powers not expressly granted to
• I just wanted to add one thing on line 34, page 1: the phrase excluding Federal Reserve water rights,
• I just wanted to add one thing on line 34, page one, the phrase excluding Federal Reserve water rights

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from Wednesday, February 25th. It then considered several RS measures focused largely on cleanup or technical changes: R.S. 33439, which removed duplicative language; R.S. 3344.4, which updated the Children’s and Library Protection Act by adding an “adolescent minor” definition and narrowing harmful-material provisions; R.S. 33470 C1, which clarified that a fire protection subdistrict commissioner must be an elector residing in that subdistrict; R.S. 32895, which removed obsolete treasurer securities-lending code; and R.S. 32900, which repealed outdated liquor-code sections. Each of these RS measures was introduced by motion and approved by voice vote, though R.S. 32900 drew questions about why certain liquor-related provisions were being removed and was noted as likely needing further explanation from the Liquor Division. The committee then took up House Bill 650, a proposal by Representative Boyle to codify Idaho’s view of federalism and state sovereignty. Boyle said the bill was intended to reaffirm constitutional limits on federal power, not to invalidate federal law, and argued it would help Idaho assert its rights in disputes with the federal government. Support came from the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation and several members who said the state should push back against federal overreach. Opponents raised concerns that the bill could be read as secessionist, create new legal presumptions and standards, conflict with tribal sovereignty, and lead to costly litigation. Some members also questioned whether the bill was already covered by the Tenth Amendment. After debate, the committee voted on a due-pass motion for House Bill 650. The motion passed 11-2, with Representatives Church and Haas voting no. The chair closed by praising the committee for a civil and thoughtful discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll be happy to answer any questions and reserve the right to close.
• I'm happy to answer any questions the committee might have and respectfully reserve the right to close
• I'm happy to answer any questions, reserve my right to close. Members, any questions?
• I mean, I reserve the right to close.
• Otherwise, I respectfully reserve the right to close. I believe we have two witnesses as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• That I respectfully ask for your support of House Bill 4350 and reserve my right to close.
• We'll reserve your right to close. The chair calls Devin Viner.
• I reserve my right to close. Happy to answer any questions. All right, thank you.
• Thank you, and we'll let you reserve your right to close.
• Thank you, and we'll let you reserve your right to close.

Bills: HB240, HB2097, HB2731, HB3087, HB3234, HB3319, HB3394, HB3687, HB4105, HB4205, HB4350, HB4462, HB4642, HB4801, HB5403

Keywords: quorum, tax levy, county governance, local government, population regulations, quorum requirement, Texas counties, population threshold, deputy sheriff, civil service, law enforcement, appeals process, sheriff's department, HB 2731, roadside vendors, solicitors, county regulation, border counties, Mexico border, Transportation Code

Summary: The subcommittee on county and regional government heard a long agenda of county-related bills, with most measures left pending after testimony. HB 2097, by Rep. Martinez, would let counties that opt in use an independent hearing examiner instead of a civil service commission for certain deputy sheriff discipline appeals; the bill drew support from CLEET’s Robert Leonard, who said it would be fairer and faster, and it was left pending. HB 4642, by Rep. Gonzalez, would require counties that contract with out-of-state jail facilities to include Texas jail-standard protections and oversight; Gonzalez, detainee Jess Hampton, his wife, Texas Jail Project’s Krish Kundu, and TCJS director Brandon Wood all discussed deaths and poor conditions in Louisiana facilities, staffing shortages, and the need for guardrails and data collection. The bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4350, by Rep. Capriglione, allowing peace officers to request redaction of personal information from online real property records. Supporters said officers face targeted threats and should have protections similar to judges; a title industry witness warned about preserving the integrity of land records. The bill was left pending. HB 3687, by Rep. Harless, would require county fire marshals in counties over 100,000 to meet training and certification standards within set timeframes; Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie Christensen supported professionalization, and the bill was left pending. HB 4105 would let very large counties give a local-bid preference for construction and infrastructure contracts, and HB 4205 would require pay parity for similar law enforcement ranks within large counties; both were supported by Harris County officials and constables and left pending. Later, the committee heard HB 5403, which would repeal a special rule limiting Dallas and Tarrant county sheriffs’ control over commissary funds; the author said it would remove an outdated population bracket, and the bill was left pending. HB 4462 would require large counties to allow elected officials named in civil suits to seek outside counsel and have a role in settlement decisions; supporters argued county attorneys and commissioners court can have conflicts of interest, while questions focused on who qualifies and whether the bill could complicate settlements. The bill was left pending. Finally, HB 240, by Rep. Swanson, would restore a five-member quorum requirement for Harris County tax levies, effectively preventing tax action without all commissioners present and defaulting to the no-new-revenue rate if quorum is not met; urban counties opposed it as a potential budget obstruction, while supporters said it protects taxpayers and representation. That bill was also left pending. The transcript ends as the committee begins HB 3319, which would create a civil service system for constable department employees in large counties, but the discussion is cut off before testimony or action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any reservations? Are there any notes? Chair recommendation has been adopted.
• Are there any reservations? No? The non-chair recommendation has been adopted.
• Are there any reservations? No? The non-chair recommendation has been adopted. Okay, thank you.
• Are there any reservations? Seeing none, the chair recommendation has been adopted.
• Are there any reservations? Seeing none, the chair recommendation has been adopted.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard and discussed three nominations to the 911 Board: Matthew Kurara (Governor’s Message 505), Re Mahuna (Governor’s Message 614), and Rebecca Liberman/Weberman (Governor’s Message 661). Kurara, a Honolulu Police Department communications captain, said he would bring PSAP and dispatch experience to the board, with a focus on Next Generation 911, better coordination among PSAPs, and recruiting and retaining telecommunicators. Mahuna, a longtime Hawaiʻi Police Department officer and current board member, emphasized his emergency-response experience during disasters on the Big Island and his support for improving communication through Next Generation 911, including the new joint call center on Hawaiʻi Island. Liberman, the board’s VoIP representative and a Charter/Spectrum government affairs director, said she was continuing her second term and would keep working on legislative and government issues, including the statutory change removing “enhanced” from the board’s name to better support Next Gen efforts. Members asked each nominee about rural coverage, redundancy, training, broadband, radio-system limitations, and how Next Generation 911 would affect service in places like Puna and other rural areas. The nominees generally said the system is designed with redundancy so service would revert to backup systems if new technology fails, and that the main challenges in rural areas are often broader communications or radio issues rather than 911 itself. Kurara and Mahuna both said each PSAP currently handles much of its own training, though there is interest in more standardization and national best practices. Liberman explained that VoIP calls generally work over the internet and may benefit from Next Gen, but that location/address issues for some internet-based calling services may still need further review. The committee also discussed public education about text-to-911, the use of technologies such as FirstNet, and whether the E911 special fund ceiling needed to be raised again. Mahuna said he did not see a current need to raise the ceiling further. Written testimony was received in support of all three nominees, including support from public officials, law enforcement, county agencies, and private individuals. No opposition testimony was noted, and the chair said decisions would be made later with the other nominees.

Transcript Highlights:

• attention because the center's expenditures substantially exceeded its revenues and one substantial reserve
• Reserves are declining precipitously.
• Senator Fukunaga reserves. Senator Hashimoto votes aye. Senator Fevella votes aye. Measure adopted.
• Thank you, and with that I believe that’s the end of our agenda for today. reservations Senator Hashimoto
• hi reservations Senator Hashimoto hi Senator<00:59:16.839><c> FLL</c><00:59:17.480><c> hi</c><00:59:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Higher Education met on February 6 and began with decision-making items. SB 663, concerning additional positions for the University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, was deferred again after the chair said the university’s response did not include the requested details on vacant positions, recruitment status, and fill dates. The chair said the committee needed the full information before considering new positions, and the university apologized for treating the request as informal rather than a formal committee inquiry. The committee then discussed SB 672, relating to capital improvement projects for the Y. Manalo Research Station. University representatives said the project had been identified late because of timing and that they were still developing a broader plan for SEAR research facilities. The chair questioned how the project fit within the university’s existing Board of Regents-approved CIP priorities and whether any current priorities should be displaced. The university said it could not unilaterally reprioritize the budget, and the measure was deferred pending better direction on how it fits into the overall plan. For SB 557, which would require the John A. Burns School of Medicine to direct a study on physician and dentist recruitment and retention for Maui, the committee heard strong testimony in support from Maui health care providers and community representatives. Supporters described severe shortages of physicians and dentists, long waits for care, and the need for housing, loan repayment, scholarships, transportation, and telehealth support to retain providers. The university said it was willing to help and suggested the work could be done through existing rural health and AHEC efforts. The bill was kept alive for further work, with the chair encouraging the parties to develop a plan. The committee also heard SB 1107, establishing a medical education position at JABSOM to support ECHO-style mentorship and guidance programs. The university opposed the bill, saying it did not believe the measure addressed a problem that needed fixing and that Hawaiʻi already has five ECHO clinics administered through the Hawaiʻi State Rural Health Association, not JABSOM. The committee then took up SB 1204, concerning integration of the Kakaʻako medical school and cancer center. University leadership asked for time to develop a plan and timeline, possibly with an external consultant, and requested the bill be withdrawn. The chair expressed skepticism, citing long-standing concerns about the cancer center’s finances and planning. Testimony included support from the American Cancer Society and a patient who warned that integration could jeopardize the cancer center’s NCI designation and clinical trials, while a university vice president said the NIH P30 grant does not require the cancer center and medical school to remain separate and that many NCI centers are integrated. No final votes were taken on the measures discussed in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> house to forbid it the Federal Reserve house to forbid it the Federal Reserve says<01:21:42.560>
• </c> 1994 the so this Federal Reserve 1994 the so this Federal Reserve Document<01:27:16.639><c> Speaks
• Secondly, as an exhibit, see, there's a reserve account.
• <02:05:15.719><c> bank</c> reserve bank reserve bank account<02:05:18.960><c> now</c><02:05:19.960><c
• </c> sterile uh Reserve sterile uh Reserve account<02:05:53.840><c> what</c><02:05:54.040><c> this</c

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard testimony on House Bill 167, a PFAS-related measure to add ski, snowboard, and boat wax to the state’s list of banned consumer products containing PFAS. The sponsor said the product is already banned in many other places, alternatives exist, and the concern is that these products go directly into water rather than landfills. She cited high PFAS levels in several New Hampshire lakes and argued the bill would help stop further contamination. A member of the public also described personal experience with ski wax products disappearing from the market, suggesting PFAS may have been the reason. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 167. The committee next opened a hearing on House Bill 312, dealing with college athletes’ name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. Representative Moffett explained the bill was prompted by the U.S. Supreme Court’s NCAA v. Alston decision and was modeled on New Jersey law. He said the bill would prevent colleges from restricting NIL compensation, require athletes to use licensed attorneys or registered sports agents, and limit certain endorsements involving addictive drugs, adult entertainment, firearms, and weapons. He framed the measure as a proactive response to a changing college sports landscape and noted possible future conflicts involving schools, agents, and endorsements. Committee members raised several concerns and suggested changes. One member questioned the bill’s exclusion of two-year institutions, another objected to the weapons restriction, and others asked how the bill would affect scholarships. The sponsor said the intent was to protect scholarships, especially athletic scholarships, and clarified that need-based scholarships were not meant to be affected. He also acknowledged discomfort with the endorsement restrictions and said the committee might want to broaden or revise the language. The hearing remained open for further consideration, with no vote taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then they also look at reserves as a measure of financial health again.
• And then they also look at reserves as a measure of financial health again.
• And then they also look at reserves as a measure of financial health again.
• news on this front, but there is a lot of movement back east to change the structure of the Federal Reserve
• Recession or... ...but there is a lot of movement back east to change the structure of the Federal Reserve

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee met to hear a JFAC budget presentation from Keith Bybee and Senator Scott Groh on the state’s general fund outlook and budget process. Bybee explained the difference between revenues and appropriations, emphasized structural balance, and reviewed how budget growth over the past decade has been driven largely by policy choices in areas such as public schools, higher education, Medicaid, public defense, and tax relief. He also described how sales tax distributions have increasingly been directed to specific programs and local aid, reducing the share available to the general fund. A major focus was the fiscal outlook for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Bybee said current revenue projections are below last year’s legislative forecast, leaving a much smaller ending balance than expected. He outlined the governor’s budget approach, which relies on a 3% holdback, one-time money, and redirected interest earnings rather than rainy day funds, and noted that several proposed reductions would require policy changes that had not yet been introduced. Senators asked about the confidence in revenue and conformity estimates, the use of one-time funds versus stabilization reserves, and the impact on Idaho’s AAA bond rating. Senator Groh summarized JFAC’s concerns about uncertainty, the widening gap between revenues and expenses, and the risks of relying on one-time money. He said JFAC planned to vote on a 3% governor holdback and had asked agencies to identify 1% cuts for fiscal year 2026 and 2% cuts for fiscal year 2027. No formal votes were taken by the committee in this meeting, and the meeting adjourned after the budget presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• few, uh, uh, pieces of clarifying, uh, language, and at this time, I, we'll take any questions and reserve
• Chairman and members, I have a witness here that can answer questions, and I respectfully reserve the
• Otherwise, Chairman, I reserve my right to close. All right, thank you, Represent Davis.
• to adhere to the standard in all custody cases, and members, I'm happy to answer any questions or reserve
• If not, I reserve my right to close. Any questions of Representative? Members, um.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll take any questions. and reserve my right to close. All right. Thank you.
• Chairman and members, I have a witness here. that can answer questions and I respectfully reserve the
• Otherwise, Chairman, I reserve my right to close. All right. Thank you, Representative Davis.
• And members, I'm happy to answer any questions or reserve my. Right to close. All right.
• If not, I reserve my right to close. Representative members, not hearing any.

Bills: SB387, SB1335, HB1671, SB1760, SB1839, SB1923, HB1928, HB4942, HB5628, HB5642, HB1980

Keywords: judicial bond, guardianship, probate law, county judge, statutory county court, estates, inheritance, representative duties, court authority, personal representative, retroactive child support, parentage, genetic testing, family code, child's conception, incapacitated persons, court proceedings, guardianship fees, estate management, probate

Transcript Highlights:

• Reserve my right to close. You bet. OK, uh, we're gonna go real fast this morning.
• Thank you, and I reserve my right to close.
• With that, I yield to any questions and reserve my right to close.
• And, uh, I do have a witness if you need it, and I reserve the right to close.
• I do have a witness if you need it, and I reserve the right to close.

Transcript Highlights:

• I, too, would like to say yes for now and reserve my right for more questions and research.
• We've been able to get a lot of relatives home to different reservations across that nation.
• I will be a no right now and reserve my right to change my vote on the floor. Thank you. Senator.
• So I reserve it and no for now. Madam Chair, may I explain my vote?
• I'm going to vote aye for right now and reserve my right to on the floor. Thank you.

Bills: SB1051, SB1114, SB1115, SB1122, SB1132, SB1162, SB1169, SB1171, SB1172, SB1173, SB1174, SB1175, SB1179, SB1188, SB1233, SB1236, SB1242, SB1316, SB1368

Keywords: SB1051, Arizona hospitals, immigration status, patient intake, admission forms, registration forms, health care reporting, uncompensated care, emergency department, lawfully present, undocumented immigrants, noncitizen patients, hospital funding, Arizona Department of Health Services, ADHS, border security, health care institutions, patient privacy, medical access, immigration policy

Transcript Highlights:

• How did that reserve come? Thank you. ...reserve of $66 million. How did that reserve come?
• So we at one time built up almost a $70 million cash reserve. Right now the cash reserve is down...
• We at one time built up almost a $70 million cash reserve.
• Right now the cash reserve is down to $44 million.
• what I know, have no reservations about having done so for my health.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then took up several procedural motions, including suspending House rules for three legislative days and replacing conference committee members on Senate Bill 2282 and SCR 4007. The chamber also recognized visiting student groups from Grafton/Pleasant Valley and Shiloh School. Later, the House agreed to several conference committee reports and moved a number of measures through final passage or final disposition. House Bill 1428, which would have created a sales tax exemption for clothing sold by thrift stores or nonprofit corporations, drew extensive debate over tax policy, revenue loss, and possible conflicts with streamlined sales tax rules. Supporters argued it would help lower-income shoppers and nonprofit thrift stores, while opponents said it created an unfair advantage and could reduce state and local revenue. The conference report was adopted, but the bill ultimately failed on final vote, 37-54. House Bill 1440, relating to cigar lounges, was amended in conference and then passed 75-17. House Bill 1460, concerning adult foster care for private-pay adults, electronic monitoring, and a legislative study, was also adopted and passed overwhelmingly, 91-1. The House then passed Senate Bill 2224, which revises gaming commission structure and gaming stamp requirements, adds Attorney General enforcement provisions, and includes a $25,000 general fund appropriation, by a vote of 88-0. Senate Bill 2327, which expands uses of the agriculture diversification and development fund and appropriates $15 million to it, passed 74-17 after a member was excused from voting due to a personal interest. Senate Bill 2267, creating a regulatory framework for on-site wastewater treatment systems and shifting licensing authority to the Department of Environmental Quality, passed 82-10, and Senate Bill 2276, addressing joint water resource boards for cross-county projects, passed 90-1. The most contentious debate centered on Senate Bill 2160, which would move the state employee health plan from grandfathered status to a non-grandfathered ACA-compliant plan and appropriate about $6.6 million for the transition. Supporters said it would give the PERS board more flexibility, expand preventive and other benefits, and potentially slow premium growth without charging employees premiums. Opponents warned it could raise out-of-pocket costs, add mandated benefits, and shift costs to employees, while also arguing the bill had not been adequately studied. After extended debate, the House passed SB 2160 by a vote of 55-37. The chamber also concurred in Senate amendments to House Bill 1318, a pesticide labeling bill, and placed it on final passage, but the transcript ends before the final vote on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we trust fund reserve account.
• And the reason we did reserve account.
• </c> to provide enough money in those reserve to provide enough money in those reserve accounts<00:11
• So we leave the reserve account alone.
• And then we created the additional reserve accounts.

Bills: HB0075, HB0128

Keywords: virtual currency, kiosk, financial institutions, regulation, Wyoming Money Transmitters Act, penalties, severance tax, oil production, tax exemption, energy sector, economic impact, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, with reservations, I agree with the council. Senator Wielechowski. Aye.
• And so, reservations, I agree with the council. council. council.
• reservations? reservations?
• Are there any no votes or reservations? No, only because of the salary.
• </c> Are there any no votes or reservations? Are there any no votes or reservations? &gt;&gt; No.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard several Senate bills. SB 2149 would exempt paternity proceedings involving allegations of domestic abuse from mediation and clarify the domestic abuse mediation exemption in divorce cases. The Department of the Attorney General and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the measure but recommended technical and conforming changes, including updating references from HRS Chapter 584 to 584A and aligning the language more closely with the Uniform Mediation Act. Members discussed whether the bill’s wording could limit who may bring a support person to mediation, and the chair suggested the intent was to preserve survivor choice while avoiding ambiguity. No vote was taken in the portion heard. SB 2203 would create an offense for law enforcement officers using masks or personal disguises. The Office of the Public Defender, ACLU of Hawaii, Legal Clinic, and many other supporters argued the bill would improve transparency, accountability, and public trust, while still allowing safety exceptions. Law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Law Enforcement, Honolulu Police Department, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, raised concerns about operational needs, undercover and auxiliary units, body cameras, and possible supremacy clause issues if the bill is aimed at federal officers. The chair noted the bill appeared likely to move forward and asked agencies and advocates to work on possible amendments; testimony count was reported as 114 in support, 3 opposed, and 2 comments. SB 2251 would appropriate funds for the victim witness assistance program in the City and County of Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The prosecutor’s office supported the bill, saying it would replace shortfalls from declining federal funding and help maintain victim services and rights information. A former program director also testified in support. When asked, the office said it would not object to a simple reporting requirement. The committee then moved on to SB 2311, which would address claims against the state and add reporting and timing requirements; the Department of the Attorney General testified with concerns and recommendations, and members began questioning current practices for handling claims and settlements.

Transcript Highlights:

• School Care does not assess members because we manage rates and reserves prudently.
• </c> reserves. Risk pooling is not insurance. reserves. Risk pooling is not insurance.
• </c> because we manage rates and reserves because we manage rates and reserves prudently.<00:30:58.320
• Specifically, the need for critical oversight in setting reserves to maintain solvency.
• </c><04:29:23.439><c> These</c> reserves to maintain solveny. These reserves to maintain solveny.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 297 and a new amendment, 2462, which combined the original Senate bill with the Carson amendment and added a proposed alternative regulatory system, RSA 420R. The chair and members discussed that the amendment was intended to give the Senate what it had asked for while also creating a dual system for public entity risk pools. Members asked whether the new structure would affect ownership or governance of health trusts, and the chair explained that 420R would be a separate regulatory statute while existing 420J-style arrangements could remain in place. The committee also noted that a paragraph had been accidentally deleted from the amendment and that another amendment would be prepared to correct it, with the subcommittee recessed while that was done. Public testimony focused on School Care, represented by Executive Director Lisa Ducette, who opposed the shift to Department of Insurance oversight under 420R. She argued that public entity risk pools are not insurance companies, that they are accountable to member entities and taxpayers, and that the proposed dual regulation would add unnecessary costs through examinations, higher reserves, and additional accounting requirements. She said the change could threaten tax-exempt status and create an uneven playing field, and she urged the committee to support SB 297 with the Carson amendment instead of moving to 420R. Committee members questioned whether the amendment would actually affect pools that stayed under the Secretary of State model, and one member cited support from the New Hampshire Municipal Association for the dual system. The discussion then shifted to amendment 245 on ambulance reimbursement and contracting timelines. Members reviewed a provision giving insurers 45 days and ambulance providers 60 days in the contracting process, and one member suggested making both periods 60 days. The chair and others said the current language was intentional and part of a broader compromise aimed at ending balance billing and forcing insurers to establish reimbursement rates. Members noted that the measure was unusual and that its effects would be reviewed over the next two years, with one member saying the bill would likely be difficult to roll back later. No final vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:37:16.880><c> policy</c> because you do have the reserve policy because you do have the reserve
• </c> you know 2 months of operating reserves you know 2 months of operating reserves and<01:37:29.440
• But I think we agree with them: reserves are... ...reserves are.
• And so we created a centralized reserve where we took the money that was already designated as reserve
• It is not okay because if you're talking about these investments... reserve where we're having a reserve

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• disasters that have hit our state over the past year and a half that's resulted In 380 million of our reserves
• You will come into the session with this recommendation with reserves north of 30.
• And the other thing that's really important about it is that they are real reserves.
• and efficiency in both the recurring budget and the non-recurring budget, leaving you with over 30 reserves

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are reserves incorporated into consideration for this? No? I'm seeing no. Go ahead.
• But no, there was no debt service reserve.
• If you're asking whether the hospitals that applied are sitting on reserves, they're not.
• There weren't built-in reserves when we were analyzing these hospitals.
• You can think of working capital as sort of like the reserves.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health heard updates on five health-related budget items. First, members reviewed state support for distressed hospitals and health facilities. The California Health Facilities Financing Authority and HCAI described the Distressed Hospital Loan Program as a lifeline for 16 hospitals, many of which remain financially strained and are expected to seek loan forgiveness rather than repayment. Speakers cited reduced contract labor, new service lines, strategic partnerships, and the reopening of Madera Hospital as signs of progress, but also warned that federal policy changes under H.R. 1 will likely increase uncompensated care and pressure emergency departments. Public commenters from hospital, dental, and consumer groups supported additional funding, including a request to refresh the program with another $300 million. The committee then heard HCAI’s update on the California Rural Health Transformation Program, a five-year federal initiative funded at $233.6 million for California. HCAI said the program will focus on rural care models, workforce development, and health technology, with grants to be rolled out on a fast timeline and all funds obligated by October 30, 2026. Members raised concerns about rural provider capacity to apply for grants, and HCAI said it will use a third-party administrator, a technical assistance center, webinars, and other supports to help applicants. HCAI also presented its budget request for the health care payments database, seeking ongoing non-General Fund support to continue operations and expand data, including pharmacy benefit manager data. The Emergency Medical Services Authority presented three budget change proposals: funding to replace disaster medical services fleet vehicles, funding for IT security work, and additional positions for HR, enforcement, and legal workload. A member also raised concern that EMSA has not yet completed the annual ambulance rate reporting required by AB 716, and EMSA said it remains committed to the requirement but lost prior funding through later budget reductions. Covered California reported that it is still finalizing its own budget, but expects a lower operating budget due to efforts to reduce baseline costs and align spending with actual expenditures; it also projected enrollment declines tied to the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, H.R. 1, and federal rule changes, while noting that revenues may still rise because premiums are expected to increase. Finally, the Department of Managed Health Care outlined budget proposals tied to menopause coverage and education, PBM licensure and enforcement under AB 116 and SB 41, credentialing reforms under AB 1041, and prior authorization reporting under SB 306. Public testimony generally supported the menopause and PBM proposals, while also urging clearer language and attention to Medi-Cal parity. The hearing concluded after public comment, including additional advocacy for sickle cell services and rural health workforce funding.