Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Pearl for the vote of 5 to Z. Senator Pearl for the committee. committee. committee.
• Senator McU for the committee.
• Senator Lang for the committee.
• Senator Apprentice for the to zero. Senator Apprentice for the committee. committee. committee.
• Senator Alchiller for the five to zero. Senator Alchiller for the committee. committee. committee.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now the senator from Chittenden Central District has moved that the committee of six be appointed by
• >> Now the senator from Chitten Central >> Now the senator from Chitten Central District<
• Windsor District, Senator White; the senator from Windsor District, Senator Major; and the senator from
• <00:02:48.400> The Windsor District, Senator White. The Windsor District, Senator White.
• 02:50.480> Senator senator from Windsor District, Senator senator from Windsor District, Senator

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill S210 was introduced on January 7, 2026, by Senators.
• Senator from Chitten. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Senator from Windsor.
• >> Senator from Rutland. >> Senate Government Operations will not meet today. >> Are there any further
• Seeing none, the senator from Chittenden is moved that the Senate stand in adjournment until 1:00 p.m

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Committee on Rules and Administration is called to order.
• policies, Senate Senate specific policies, Senate compensation<00:02:13.760> procedures<00:02
• advisory committee um and with senate advisory committee um and with senate council<00:10:35.120
• > serve<00:21:50.799> on senator, Senator Gustoson, to serve on senator, Senator Gustoson,
• Senator Papis moves to adopt the subcommittee on committees appointment list dated January 6, 2026.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules and Administration met virtually on January 6, 2026, and took up four administrative policy items. Darren Hoff, Senate Human Resources Director, presented updates to the Legislative Coordinating Commission benefit book, including insurance changes tied to SEGIP, mental health and substance use office visit cost sharing, dental plan updates, dependent eligibility clarifications, a new voluntary legal services benefit, a 17% increase in Medicare premiums, and multiple leave-policy revisions to conform with the new paid leave law and other employment rules. Senator Pappas moved adoption of the benefit book with the LCC’s November 10, 2025 changes and staff technical corrections, and the motion passed. Secretary Tom Bern described a proposed Senate Policy 1.56 allowing written rules of conduct for visitors in Senate spaces, aimed at setting clear expectations for behavior such as not blocking hallways or using shouting and profanity, while being developed with consultation to address First Amendment concerns. Senator Marty moved adoption, and the committee approved the policy. Council Lexi Stangle then presented a change to Senate Policy 2.47 on severe weather emergencies that would allow employees who work remotely on severe weather days to accrue compensatory time with supervisor approval; Senator Johnson moved adoption, and the motion passed. The committee also considered a modernization of the Senate information systems policy. Secretary Bern and staff explained that the policy had not been substantially updated in about 20 years and was being condensed and updated to reflect current technology and practices. The revisions reduced the policy from 29 pages to 10, removed obsolete references, added a purpose statement, clarified email inspection and hardware/software procedures, updated website rules and accessibility guidance, and removed the secondary member page option. Senator Coleman moved adoption of the Senate information systems update, and it was approved. After the Rules Committee adjourned, the Subcommittee on Committees met and approved two appointments: one public member to the Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources through December 31, 2030, and Senator Gustafson to the Financial Crimes Advisory Board Task Force. Members asked about the task force’s scope and the public appointee’s background; staff explained the task force advises on identity theft and financial crimes, and identified the public appointee as Sha Lang of Preston, Minnesota. Senator Pappas moved adoption of the appointment list, and the subcommittee approved it before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ruth, the senator designate.
• The committee on appointments has met and makes the following appointments: Government Operations: Senators
• We now have SR 18, Senate resolution relating to concurrently conducting electronic committee meetings
• , the provisions of permanent Senate Rule 32A regarding committee meetings shall be in effect through
• The following bills having failed to meet crossover and been referred to the Senate Committee on Rules

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you very much, Senator Santo >> Good.
• <00:52:24.000> Anoi healthcare act that Senator Anoi healthcare act that Senator Anoi resuscitated
• Especially health committee, right? >> I'm sorry.
• I know Senator that's of particular interest to your district.
• I know Senator that's of communities.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing by the Health and Human Services and Commerce and Consumer Protection committees focused on projected impacts to Hawaii consumers from federal changes affecting Med-QUEST and the ACA marketplace, including the loss of ACA premium tax credits, OBVA/HR1-related Medicaid changes, immigrant eligibility restrictions, and new Medicaid work/community engagement requirements. Committee members noted the meeting was being streamed live and emphasized the need to explain potential coverage losses affecting a significant share of the state population. Med-QUEST administrators reported current enrollment at 390,766, about 27% of Hawaii’s population, and broke that down into major groups including roughly 128,000 ACA expansion adults and about 52,000 parent/caretaker relatives. They said the expansion adult population would be most affected by the new federal requirements, which will shorten renewal periods from 12 months to 6 months and impose community engagement rules beginning in late 2026 and 2027. They described the work requirement as 80 hours per month of work, community service, work program participation, or half-time education, with an income-based pathway tied to $580 per month at the federal minimum wage; they also noted a long list of exemptions, but said many details are still awaiting federal guidance and rulemaking. The administrators said federal changes to immigrant eligibility would eliminate Medicaid coverage for certain noncitizen categories, with an estimated 1,200 to 2,400 people affected, though about 200 may remain covered through a state-funded program for otherwise eligible individuals. They also said marketplace subsidies would no longer be available for some immigrants under 100% of the federal poverty level starting January 1, 2026, with further restrictions expected in 2027. For Hawaii overall, they estimated the new Medicaid work and renewal rules could push an additional 19,000 to 38,000 people into uninsured status, with another estimated 6,000 at risk from the six-month renewal process alone. Members asked about how exemptions would be determined, especially for medically frail and seriously mentally ill individuals, and administrators said they were still awaiting detailed federal rules and were working on data-matching and verification processes to reduce coverage losses.

Transcript Highlights:

• Democrats committee hearings have Senate Democrats committee hearings have Senate Democrats had<
• Senator Rasmusson." "I don't sit on the Human Services Committee.
• >> Senator<01:26:23.199> Coop. >> Senator Coop. >> Senator Coop.
• Senator Aki. comments. Senator Aki.
• Senator Kubec. >> Thank you, Senator Marty. Senator Kubec.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the premiere first edition for the 2026 session of the Hawaii Senate Committee on Government
• Other members of the committee will be joining us, but I do have my member, Senator Sharon Moriwaki,
• So, very glad to have you, Senator.
• >> Thank you, Senators. >> Thank you, Senators.
• >> words,<01:25:51.120> Senator? >> words, Senator? >> words, Senator?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Government Operations held an informational briefing with the State Procurement Office on its small business procurement program. SPO staff described the program’s purpose as expanding access to state contracting for small businesses, including veteran-, Native Hawaiian-, and women-owned firms, and said they are seeking to make the current five-year initiative permanent before it ends in June 2027. They reported outreach efforts, a new website and newsletter, statewide surveys, draft administrative rules, and a 38% increase in small business registrations in the HANS database. They also explained that the program is intended to support outreach, education, certification, compliance, and a statewide database to connect agencies with qualified small businesses. Committee members focused heavily on whether the program is producing measurable contract awards, not just registrations. The chair and senators questioned the definition of “small business,” noting that SPO currently relies on SBA standards in HANS and is considering a Hawaii-specific definition based on employees, revenue, and Hawaii residency. Members raised concerns that the data showed only a small number of registered businesses receiving awards and that the database does not yet track awards well enough to evaluate performance. SPO responded that the database has had funding gaps, that the position was only filled in February 2025, and that the agency is still building the system and rules needed to track outcomes accurately. A major theme was how to make the program more effective for very small or “micro” businesses and how to reduce the complexity of state procurement. Members discussed the difference between set-asides and bid preferences, with SPO explaining that set-asides are generally tied to RFPs and preferences to IFBs. The committee suggested that future rules should make participation easier, provide more training and hand-holding, and possibly create pathways for micro businesses or groups of small businesses to bid together. No votes or formal actions were taken; the briefing ended with the committee asking SPO to provide more performance data and clearer information on outreach results and database contents.

Transcript Highlights:

• It takes the Senate. It takes the House. It takes the governor to sign the bill. the budget.
• So we're on a path in the Senate. I believe we'll have support.
• I think it's Senate Bill 1025, but I may be correct on that number. to play.
• What Senate Bill 1025 said, you must put above the ballot language.
• Senator Johnson. Okay.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Chair of the Judiciary Committee. Uh, other members of the committee may join us later.
• JDC committee page.
• JDC committee page.
• <00:27:59.120> and Senator Hironu and Senator Shots and Senator Hironu and Senator Shots and
• 24.320> and Good afternoon, Senator Rhodess and Good afternoon, Senator Rhodess and everyone.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee held an informational briefing on the impact and legality of federal immigration enforcement efforts in Hawaii, with Chair Carl Rhodes framing it as the sixth and final interim briefing in a series on the rule of law and local effects of federal actions. He said the discussion would focus on due process concerns, questioning and detention of citizens and lawful immigrants, free speech issues, and pressure on state and local law enforcement, and noted the issues may be revisited in the 2026 regular session. There was no public testimony or committee vote; only invited speakers presented. Dr. Amy Agayani opened by arguing that immigrants are integral to Hawaii’s history, economy, and communities, and contrasted that with what she described as harmful narratives portraying immigrants as criminals. She cited figures that one in five Hawaii residents is foreign-born, that immigrants make up about 20% of the labor force and over 27% of entrepreneurs, and that roughly 40,000 people in Hawaii are undocumented, many of whom may have pathways to legal status but face language, information, and court barriers. She also said federal enforcement has expanded beyond undocumented immigrants to include citizens and lawful residents, and warned that attacks on birthright citizenship and visa categories could affect many families. Matina Mock of the legal clinic emphasized the complexity of immigration law and the severe lack of legal representation, noting a nationwide backlog of 11.3 million immigration-related applications and 3.4 million court cases, plus about 1,400 pending immigration cases in Honolulu with only two immigration judges. She said Hawaii has only six or seven nonprofit immigration legal service providers, and that represented clients are far more likely to obtain relief. Mock described a recent case involving a lawful student visa holder who was transferred among multiple federal facilities before being brought to Honolulu without clear notice, which she said illustrated due process violations. She also said ICE activity in Hawaii has sharply increased, with about 150 arrests from January to July 2025, a 380% increase over the same period in 2024, and that many detainees have no criminal record. Stephanie Haro Sevilla and another clinic fellow described 2025 enforcement as a major shift driven by a January executive order, the end of prior limits on arrests in sensitive locations, and arrest quotas they said require 3,000 arrests per day nationwide. They said this has led to arrests without warrants or probable cause, broader targeting of people with minor offenses or no criminal history, and the use of resources from other federal agencies and local law enforcement for civilian immigration enforcement. They also said the federal detention center in Honolulu is holding roughly 40 to 80 civilian detainees on any given day, often in conditions they characterized as prison-like, and warned that the current escalation could eventually affect lawful permanent residents and naturalized citizens. The speakers urged the public to support immigrant-rights advocates and local protective policies and funding measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• it over to Senator Pratt. it over to Senator Pratt.
• I represent Senate District 54, which is most of Scott County, and I'm the Republican lead on the Senate
• Finance Committee.
• single seat in the house and the senate single seat in the house and the senate is<01:20:36.480>
• anything can move in those committees. anything can move in those committees.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, it being a little later than the appointed time, we'll get an open committee hearing for the Senate
• Ways and Means Committee.
• It's been moved by Senator Donovan, seconded by Senator Rebecca Perkins Boas to move into executive session
• Seconded by Senator Penton, seconded by Senator Perkins Woka.
• Senator Penton, seconded by Senator Senator Penton, seconded by Senator Perkins<00:13:05.279> Woka

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any questions from the committee? >> Senator. >> Thank you, chair.
• Waters<00:05:07.280> uh with Senator Lang and Senator Waters uh with Senator Lang and Senator
• We have any questions from the committee. Senator Perkins, welcome. >> Thank you, Chair.
• It's a joint committee, the committee.
• committee? committee?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I opened the hearing here on the Senate Ways and Means Committee, and due to inclement weather, I'm going

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the lead Democrat on the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Senator Smith is an incredible member
• of that committee.
• You could do—but you know Senator McConnell is— He is Senator McConnell.
• And of course, I will, as the ranking member on the agriculture committee, although Senator Boseman is
• >> he's Senator McConnell. >> he's Senator McConnell.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As Senator France alluded to, this bill, this committee hearing, is about the middle family tax cuts
• As Senator France alluded to, this bill, this committee hearing, is about the middle family tax cuts
• As Senator France alluded to, this bill, this committee hearing, is about the middle family tax cuts
• We in the Senate<01:08:10.079> Energy<01:08:10.400> Committee<01:08:10.799> twice
• ><01:08:11.200> passed<01:08:12.000> a Senate Energy Committee twice passed a Senate Energy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Fukunaga followed by Senator Rhodess.
• Senator Fukunaga followed by Senator Rhodess.
• Senator Fukunaga followed by Senator Rhodess.
• Senator Fukunaga followed by Senator Rhodess.
• Senator Rhodess.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs held an informational briefing on violent crime clearance rates and what resources law enforcement and prosecutors need to improve them. Chair and members noted there would be no public testimony. The briefing was led by Marshall Clement of the Council of State Governments’ Justice Center, with later participation expected from state and county law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies. Clement argued that solving violent crime is a systemwide issue, not just a local police function, and said clearance rates have declined nationally over decades for homicide, rape, aggravated assault, and robbery. He said Hawaii’s reported data, limited to Oʻahu and Kauaʻi, shows overall violent crime rates are lower than the national average and have been relatively flat with a pandemic-era spike followed by declines in 2023 and 2024. He reported that Hawaii’s overall violent crime solve rate fell from about 52% in 2014 to about 40% in 2024, with 2024 rates of 50% for homicides, 48% for aggravated assaults, and 26% each for rapes and robberies. He also estimated unsolved cases over the past three years at about 17 homicides, 3,300 aggravated assaults, 1,200 rapes, and 1,700 robberies. Members asked about victim and witness support, staffing shortages, the Denver example, whether clearance rates include cases not prosecuted, and whether HPD’s size or structure might affect solve rates. Clement said support can include victim-witness programs and coordinators that help maintain cooperation and trust, especially where clearance rates are low. He said resources, training, technology, and detective caseloads matter, citing Boston, Denver, and Omaha as cities that improved solve rates through relatively low-cost operational changes; he highlighted Denver’s increase in non-fatal shooting clearance from 39% to 65% in seven months after dedicating more resources. He said he had no research showing that breaking up a large department would improve solve rates, and noted that clearance data can include exceptional clearances such as victim noncooperation, prosecutorial declination, or a suspect’s death. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Community Services and the lieutenant governor for helping us craft this measure and, of course, our Senate
• House and Senate for all of their input and their assistance in making sure that the committee received
• :02:23.840> for members of the house and senate uh for members of the house and senate uh for
• in making sure that the the committee in making sure that the the committee received<00:02:29.760
• And that is why the committee And that is why the committee prioritized<00:03:29.200> healthcare

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The hearing was an informational briefing on Act 310, which set aside $50 million for nonprofit and community organizations facing uncertainty, especially amid federal funding disruptions. Speakers thanked Aloha United Way for handling applications, as well as the governor, lieutenant governor, House and Senate leadership, and legislative staff for helping craft the measure and review more than 200 applications totaling over $150 million in requests. They noted the funding was intended as a safety net for organizations serving at-risk populations and those that had lost federal support, with priority given to healthcare, human services, education, the arts, and food distribution. The co-chair then presented the recommended award list, describing it as aimed at programs with broad reach and high impact. The list included a large number of nonprofits and community providers across the state, such as food banks, health centers, youth and family services, domestic violence and legal aid organizations, cultural and educational groups, and hospitals. Several of the larger awards mentioned included Hui Food Bank, Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island, West Hawaii Community Health Center, The Food Basket, and multiple Maui and Oahu service organizations. After the full list was read, the chair asked for discussion or objections. Hearing none, the committee adopted the list of nonprofit awards as read. The briefing then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the executive session for the State Senate Education Committee.
• Uh, if you'll remember from the joint hearing held with the Senate Education Funding Committee, members
• Um, in order to avoid the necessity of going to conference committee, Senator Ward asked me to work with
• ,<00:11:27.839> Senator going to conference committee, Senator going to conference committee
• >> Senator<00:57:57.440> second. >> Senator second. >> Senator second.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The oath will be taken by Senator-elect Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger from Senate District 47 and Senator-elect
• Ann Rest and Senator John Marty.
• Senator Anne Rest and Senator<00:04:21.919> John<00:04:22.240> Marty.
• <00:04:25.199> He's the president of the Senate. He's the president of the Senate.
• <00:08:01.199> I Minnesota Senate. Welcome to you both. I Minnesota Senate.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all