Video & Transcript Research : 'Interstate 12'
Page 191 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 2/11/25
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- :08.839>
we <00:12:08.959>do <00:12:09.200>receive <00:12:09.519>a <00:12: - >
67 <00:12:13.440>or <00:12:13.760>76 <00:12:14.399>excuse <00:12:14.720> - <00:12:26.199>
financial <00:12:26.680>aid <00:12:27.040>or <00:12:27.839> - <00:12:31.279>
a <00:12:31.519>a <00:12:31.680>really <00:12:32.000>lean < - <00:12:33.040>
uh <00:12:33.199>agency <00:12:33.800>with <00:12:34.120>just<
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Ways and Means General Fund Committee Feb 4th, 2026
Ways and Means General Fund
Transcript Highlights:
- >> It's<00:12:01.760>
uh <00:12:01.920>I <00:12:02.079>believe <00:12:02.240 - >> So<00:12:05.760>
that's <00:12:06.079>an <00:12:06.320>additional <00:12 - >> Chairman<00:12:11.760>
Lee, <00:12:11.920>you <00:12:12.079>have <00:12: - <00:12:13.920>
Do <00:12:14.079>we <00:12:14.240>have <00:12:14.320>a - >> No,<00:12:18.560>
we <00:12:18.720>haven't <00:12:18.880>even <00:12:19.040
Keywords:
Gulf of America, name change, state compliance, educational materials, local resources, historical reference, age verification, parental consent, consumer protection, app store regulations, data privacy, Internet filters, digital safety, minors protection, civil liability, device manufacturers, obscenity, aircraft tax, aviation tax, sales tax exemption
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:12:04.240>
don't <00:12:04.440>believe <00:12:05.120>me <00:12:06.120> - >
and <00:12:10.440>that's <00:12:10.880>relative <00:12:11.240>to <00:12: - ><00:12:42.560>
we <00:12:43.480>have <00:12:43.680>the <00:12:43.880>opinion - <00:12:45.519>
been <00:12:46.399>uh <00:12:47.399>uh <00:12:47.680>they< - <00:12:48.920>
they <00:12:49.079>gave <00:12:49.240>us <00:12:49.399>a
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 03/16/26
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- our<00:12:19.920>
perspective <00:12:20.360>on <00:12:20.480>Senate <00:12:20.720 - Fresh<00:12:22.880>
Energy <00:12:23.160>supports <00:12:23.520>the <00:12:23.600 - <00:12:38.800>
This <00:12:38.920>serves <00:12:39.160>the <00:12:39.240> - Because<00:12:46.560>
they <00:12:46.640>cost <00:12:46.960>less <00:12:47.160>- <00:12:54.720>
For <00:12:54.839>some <00:12:55.000>households, <00:12:55.600 - <00:12:54.720>
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- > reported<00:12:32.440>
missing <00:12:32.800>persons <00:12:33.280>in <00:12 - <00:12:37.360>
missing <00:12:37.760>females <00:12:38.280>according <00:12:38.720 - Last<00:12:44.440>
year, <00:12:44.760>732 <00:12:46.080>indigenous <00:12:46.680 - persons went missing<00:12:47.960>
in <00:12:48.040>Minnesota <00:12:49.080>and - In<00:12:54.640>
2025, <00:12:56.120>there <00:12:56.240>was <00:12:56.440>128
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, and approved the previous day’s journal. It then moved through routine business including second reading of Senate File 4612, first reading of House Files 5112 through 5118, and a Senate message stating the Senate would not concur in House amendments to Senate File 4760, a public safety bill, and requested a conference committee.
Representative Novotny moved that the House accede to the Senate’s request, and the motion prevailed. The Speaker appointed Representatives Novotny, Witty, Moller, and Feist to the conference committee on Senate File 4760. The House also approved non-controversial motions on the desk.
During member announcements, Representative Buck marked National Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Day, citing state data on missing Indigenous persons and homicides and noting Minnesota’s Office of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives and related license plate funding. Members were encouraged to wear red in recognition of the day. Representative Long announced Democratic caucus plans after session, and Representative Niska announced the Rules Committee would meet after adjournment and moved to adjourn until 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2026; both adjournment motions prevailed.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (01/29/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Um the<00:12:24.240>
other <00:12:24.560>fee <00:12:25.279>uh <00:12:25.600>statutes - <00:12:27.040>
bill <00:12:27.519>is <00:12:27.839>that <00:12:28.079>the - haven't<00:12:44.160>
been <00:12:44.639>those <00:12:44.959>fees <00:12:45.200> - >
those <00:12:56.800>are <00:12:56.959>the <00:12:57.120>the <00:12:57.519 - :12:40.960>
I <01:12:41.360>came <01:12:41.520>up <01:12:41.760>with <01:12
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (11/03/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- sure<00:12:02.800>
that <00:12:03.120>we <00:12:03.360>are <00:12:03.680> - we are as close to<00:12:04.560>
the <00:12:04.800>front <00:12:04.959>of <00:12: - Um,<00:12:07.440>
also <00:12:08.160>what <00:12:08.399>we <00:12:08.560>did< - /c><00:12:09.200>
is <00:12:10.079>um <00:12:10.399>we <00:12:10.800>tied - :12:22.000>
makes <00:12:22.240>any <00:12:22.560>changes <00:12:22.959>to
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Investing in People / Supporting Small Businesses / New Senator Elected May 4th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:12:06.560>
With <00:12:06.800>me <00:12:06.880>now <00:12:07.040>is <00:12:55.839>- who says<00:12:09.760>
getting <00:12:10.079>back <00:12:10.240>to <00:12:10.399>- Senator,<00:12:14.240>
welcome <00:12:14.399>to <00:12:14.480>Senate <00:12:14.800- >
don't <00:12:50.720>have <00:12:50.880>a <00:12:51.120>ton <00:12:51.360- um
in <00:12:56.160>visiting <00:12:56.560>with <00:12:56.720> - who says<00:12:09.760>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 3/3/26
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- :00.000>
to <00:12:00.240>even <00:12:00.560>begin <00:12:00.880>to <00:12 - And<00:12:11.200>
it <00:12:11.440>was <00:12:11.519>not <00:12:11.839>just <00:12:44.320>- 00:12:26.240>
damage <00:12:27.360>at <00:12:27.680>their <00:12:28.000>homes - > that
I <00:12:44.560>would <00:12:44.720>have <00:12:44.959>< - 00:12:26.240>
- We asked<00:12:50.720>
folks <00:12:51.120>not <00:12:51.440>to <00:12:51.600>
Summary:
The committee opened with quorum and decorum reminders, then approved the minutes from February 26, 2026. Members briefly set aside a planned follow-up on GO students from Minnesota State after being told the questions had been fully answered, and moved on to Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College’s storm damage presentation.
Bemidji State President John Hoffman and facilities staff described the June 21 derecho that hit Bemidji, causing widespread roof, window, tree, and infrastructure damage across both campuses and the surrounding community. Hoffman said the institutions were already recovering from pandemic-era enrollment and budget losses, but had improved new student enrollment, retention, fundraising, and deficits before the storm. He emphasized that the campuses were well insured, but that restoring the tree canopy and campus character would take far longer than repairing buildings. Facilities worker Brent Steinmets gave a personal account of the storm response and cleanup, describing days of chainsaw work, debris removal, window repairs, and stump grinding, and noting that many employees were also dealing with damage at their own homes.
Members asked what kind of funding request was being made, and Hoffman said Chair Duran was preparing a bill tied to the storm damage and reforestation needs, while alumni had already raised more than $80,000 through a “Replanting Our Roots” campaign. He said the institutions had spent about $50,000 in deductible costs and another $25,000 in unreimbursable overtime, and had hired a landscape architect to plan reforestation. Members also asked about enrollment growth and staffing reductions; Hoffman said overall enrollment was up a little more than 2% since fall 2022, new student enrollment had risen 17%, NTC headcount was up 75%, and the campuses had reduced about 30% of instructional faculty and close to 30% of overall employees while reorganizing programs and administration. Discussion also focused on preserving liberal arts and applied liberal arts offerings, with Hoffman saying the institutions were emphasizing critical thinking, communication, citizenship, interdisciplinarity, and human intelligence alongside workforce training. No vote was taken on the storm-related funding proposal during the meeting.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- , that<00:12:09.600>
is <00:12:09.760>a <00:12:10.000>serious <00:12:10.560>and - And<00:12:13.440>
the <00:12:13.600>sheriffs <00:12:13.920>of <00:12:14.079>Wyoming - And<01:12:12.400>
I <01:12:12.560>think <01:12:12.800>even <01:12:13.040>the< - that<01:12:16.400>
it's <01:12:16.640>number <01:12:16.960>two <01:12:17.280 - When we<01:12:30.800>
go <01:12:30.960>in <01:12:31.199>together <01:12:31.520>
Bills:
SF0101
Keywords:
Second Amendment, firearm regulation, state legislation, public safety, civil penalties, 916, all
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 111 May 4th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:12:08.719>
of <01:12:08.880>a <01:12:09.040>member <01:12:09.280>to - Are<01:12:12.640>
there <01:12:12.800>any <01:12:13.040>no <01:12:13.280>votes - Minority<01:12:17.760>
Leader <01:12:18.800>Kirk <01:12:19.199>Meyer <01:12:20.480- c><01:12:50.000>
19 <01:12:50.560>eyes, <01:12:50.960>16 <01:12:51.280>no, - <01:12:52.239>
and <01:12:52.480>zero <01:12:52.719>excused, <01:12:53.520>the - Are<01:12:12.640>
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Another<00:12:00.280>
$2 <00:12:00.560>million <00:12:00.880>for <00:12:01.640>- <00:12:16.640>
for <00:12:17.120>the <00:12:17.240>Macalester <00:12:17.880><- :12:38.280>
that <00:12:38.480>sets <00:12:38.800>aside <00:12:39.960>um - <00:12:48.720>
And <00:12:48.960>that <00:12:49.160>is <00:12:49.280>done - <00:12:51.839>
5% <00:12:52.440>that <00:12:52.640>is <00:12:52.760>in - <00:12:16.640>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House children and families panel OKs HF633 2/18/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- value<00:12:34.839>
exclusion <00:12:35.360>which <00:12:35.519>I <00:12:35.600> - >
rely <00:12:37.199>on <00:12:37.839>so <00:12:38.120>I <00:12:38.279> be <00:12:39.240>clear <00:12:39.519>that <00:12:39.800>the <00:12:40.199- <00:12:46.240>
result <00:12:46.760>of <00:12:47.240>a <00:12:47.399>property - <00:12:52.720>
um <00:12:52.839>by <00:12:52.959>the <00:12:53.079>fact
Summary:
The committee took up House File 633, which would provide property tax relief for in-home family child care providers. An amendment was adopted first that converted the bill from a state-paid credit into a 50% market value exclusion. The author explained the bill as a way to reduce property tax burdens on family child care homes, stabilize a shrinking sector, and help preserve child care capacity, especially in rural areas. He cited declining numbers of licensed providers, rising costs, and long-term losses in family child care slots.
Public testimony was generally supportive. A family child care provider’s relief provider described rising costs for utilities, insurance, and taxes, and said home-based care remains important for families who do not want center-based care. A representative from Leading Care Public Policy said family child care is in crisis, emphasized the continuity and community connection of home-based care, and supported the bill as a way to equalize support for providers. Members also discussed the policy choice between a credit and an exclusion, with some arguing a credit would be more targeted and equitable, while the author said the exclusion was the most practical way to move the bill forward.
House Research explained that because the bill is structured as an exclusion, most of the benefit would be shifted to other local taxpayers rather than paid by the state, though there could be a small state cost through increased property tax refunds. Members raised concerns that the exclusion would interact with homestead exclusions and might favor higher-value homes, while supporters argued it would directly lower costs for child care providers and could help expand capacity. The committee closed testimony and voted to re-refer House File 633, as amended, to the Committee on Taxes, where the motion prevailed.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House passes omnibus transportation bill, HF14, during 2025 special session 6/9/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:12:18.959>
to <00:12:19.200>do <00:12:19.600>and <00:12:19.839>I'm - There's<00:12:29.839>
an <00:12:30.000>amendment <00:12:30.320>at <00:12:30.480><- The clerk<00:12:31.360>
will <00:12:31.600>report <00:12:31.839>the <00:12:32.000- Niska<00:12:34.880>
moves <00:12:35.120>to <00:12:35.279>amend <00:12:35.600>- The<00:12:37.440>
amendment <00:12:37.760>is <00:12:37.920>coded <00:12:38.399> - There's<00:12:29.839>
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (03/03/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- >
in <00:12:09.000>Statute <00:12:09.600>in <00:12:10.079>RSA <00:12:10.839 - and special<00:12:31.079>
duty <00:12:31.680>pay <00:12:32.680>well <00:12:32.800 - it just<00:12:36.800>
it <00:12:36.920>just <00:12:37.199>changes <00:12:37.600> - :12:56.040>
make <00:12:56.120>sure <00:12:56.320>I'm <00:12:56.440>on <00 - <00:12:57.920>
on <00:12:58.120>page <00:12:58.320>seven <00:12:58.600>of
Summary:
The committee reviewed selected House Bill 2 provisions, focusing first on the group two pension reform language and whether it matched prior legislation and the fiscal note. Members discussed two main issues: the treatment of extra and special duty pay in the pension calculation for employees hired before 2011, and the annuity multiplier after 15 years of creditable service. Several members said the HB 2 language was intended to restore prior law and protect against pension “spiking,” while others worried the draft and fiscal note may not have fully reflected current law, potentially affecting the cost estimate. The discussion repeatedly emphasized the need to avoid underfunding or double counting and to make sure Finance had the correct actuarial assumptions. No vote was taken; the committee agreed to flag the issues for Finance and to clarify the fiscal note.
Members also discussed the vested-rights language, which was described as an explicit definition of vesting and a restriction on future legislative changes to compensation calculations after three years of service. Some viewed it as a policy protection with no immediate fiscal impact, while others noted it had been included in prior legislation and should be clearly understood before the bill moved forward. The committee also briefly referenced prior pension legislation, including House Bill 436 and House Bill 727, and noted that HB 2 was being used to carry forward related pension repair provisions.
The committee then turned to an OPLC-related section transferring building, plumbing, electrical, and fuel gas inspector positions from OPLC to the Department of Safety’s Fire Marshal’s office. Testimony explained that the nine inspector positions are funded from the licensing fund, and that the move was justified as a public-safety function better aligned with the Fire Marshal’s mission because the inspections are statewide code-enforcement work rather than facility-specific licensing work. The discussion ended with a note that the remaining HB 2 changes run through 2034 and a brief announcement about memorial arrangements for C.J. Gerard.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- And<00:12:09.560>
I <00:12:09.600>would <00:12:09.760>also <00:12:10.040>add< - note that<00:12:12.640>
sort <00:12:12.800>of <00:12:12.880>says, <00:12:13.200> - 00:12:14.760>
this <00:12:14.960>this <00:12:15.120>may <00:12:15.320>add - And um<00:12:20.240>
when <00:12:20.400>this <00:12:20.520>bill <00:12:20.680> - , federal<00:12:21.960>
rule <00:12:22.160>making <00:12:22.480>was <00:12:22.640
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing<01:12:13.440>
none, <01:12:14.080>House <01:12:14.400>Bill <01:12:14.719>< - >> House<01:12:19.040>
Bill <01:12:19.440>945, <01:12:20.320>delegate <01:12 - ><01:12:26.400>
vice <01:12:26.560>chair <01:12:26.640>of <01:12:26.800>the - law,<01:12:47.120>
MDH <01:12:47.760>must <01:12:48.080>consult <01:12:48.400>- <02:12:01.679>
on <02:12:01.920>a <02:12:02.079>job, <02:12:02.320>but <02 - law,<01:12:47.120>
Summary:
The Senate convened on the final day of session, heard an invocation, recognized guests and pages, and outlined a tentative plan for multiple sessions and breaks through the day. The chamber then took up several messages between the Senate and House, including a refusal to concur in House amendments to Senate Bill 311 on the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and the appointment of conferees, as well as a House message on House Bill 9007 establishing a conference committee on third-degree assault.
The Senate also considered a series of second-reader bills. House Bill 6, requiring MHEC to collect data on pregnant and parenting students, was amended to exempt Maryland Global Campus and limit certain provisions to public senior higher education institutions and community colleges before being ordered to third reading. House Bill 182, concerning replacement of faithless electors, was amended to conform with Senate Bill 237 and then passed. House Bill 575, creating excused absences for student civic engagement, drew the most discussion; senators asked about the definition of civic engagement, county discretion, and whether students could use the bill for repeated protests. The floor leader explained that county boards would retain discretion and that the bill would not require weekly absences. The bill’s two amendments were adopted and it was sent to third reading.
Additional measures passed with little or no opposition. House Bill 640 revised boards, commissions, and reporting requirements; House Bill 1335 required an independent study of IT and cybersecurity staffing and pay; House Bill 587 created a work group to review transportation procurement procedures; House Bill 854 established a nonpublic special education school renovation program; and House Bill 898 adjusted economic development provisions, including VLT proceeds and film tax credit language, after questions about the general fund impact. The Senate also advanced House Bill 1247 on Prince George’s County tax increment financing for an immersive entertainment venue, with amendments making it an emergency bill and addressing zoning and outdoor advertising issues.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:12:02.240>
We <00:12:02.360>do <00:12:02.560>feel <00:12:02.840>that< - :12:07.280>
funding <00:12:07.760>and <00:12:07.880>this <00:12:08.000>is - is important that<00:12:08.680>
it's <00:12:08.840>in <00:12:08.960>there <00:12: - <00:12:11.760>
But <00:12:11.920>we <00:12:12.160>we <00:12:12.320>can - :12:58.440>
that <00:12:58.680>if <00:12:58.839>we <00:12:59.000>do <00:12 - :12:58.440>
Keywords:
teacher pay, teacher salaries, salary step increase, annual increment, longevity step, public school teachers, public charter school teachers, collective bargaining, Hawaii Department of Education, teacher retention, teacher recruitment, cost of living, educator compensation, public employee bargaining, appropriation, salary schedule, school staffing, teacher shortage, HB1888, Hawaii
Summary:
The committees heard three measures, beginning with HB 1890 HD3, which would provide automatic step increases and a COVID-era retention bonus for teachers. Supporters included HSTA, the Democratic Party’s Education Caucus, and a student who said higher pay and predictable salary growth would help retain teachers in Hawaii. The Department of Education supported the intent but asked that the bill be expanded to cover all department employees. The Attorney General’s office said the draft needed clarification to avoid conflict with Chapter 89 and to make clear any funding was subject to legislative appropriation. The Office of the Public Defender and B&F testified in opposition, and committee members questioned whether the step increases were already in the current contract and whether the bill was needed. HSTA said the current contract includes automatic step increases subject to funding, but argued the bill was still needed because funding is not guaranteed and the measure would codify the policy. HSTA also said the COVID bonus would apply only to active teachers who worked during the pandemic and estimated the total cost at roughly $150 million to $200 million over four years. No vote was taken in the portion provided.
The committee then took up HB 1888 HD3, which would require DOE and charter schools to report harassment incidents and strengthen penalties for harassment of educational workers from a petty misdemeanor to a misdemeanor. DOE supported the bill and suggested narrowing language about assisting workers with temporary restraining orders, saying that function would be better handled through the Attorney General’s pilot program. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing the harassment language was overly broad, vague, and potentially unconstitutional, and that existing assault and terroristic threatening statutes already protect educational workers. HSTA, the State Commission on the Status of Women, and several individual testifiers supported the measure, describing increased intimidation and harassment of teachers and other school staff, especially since COVID. The Special Education Advisory Council opposed the bill’s language on “disrupting and interfering” with school functions, saying it could chill parents of students with IEPs from advocating for their children. Testimony was split, with the chair noting 20 in support and 16 in opposition in the portion shown.
A final witness, Michelle Pestana, testified in opposition based on her family’s experience with special education services, describing alleged seclusion and restraint of her daughter and expressing concern that DOE testimony in prior hearings had targeted special education parents. Her remarks were cut off as time expired. The transcript ends before any committee action or vote on HB 1888 was taken.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Elections, Const. Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs (2-27-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- :12:15.320>
addresses <00:12:15.720>are <00:12:15.920>not <00:12:16.240>on <00:12:20.839>- > our
home <00:12:21.079>address <00:12:21.440>is <00:12:21.560 - the papers<00:12:22.360>
that <00:12:22.480>are <00:12:22.720>filed <00:12:23.079 - :48.440>
form <00:12:48.839>for <00:12:49.040>the <00:12:49.160>same <00:12 - :12:52.800>
more <00:12:53.160>people <00:12:53.360>to <00:12:53.519>be <00
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Elections, Constitutional Amendments and Intergovernmental Affairs met with a quorum and considered two election-related bills. The committee first took up House Bill 684, sponsored by Representative Jennifer Decker, and adopted a committee substitute. Decker described the bill as a “continuous improvement” measure developed with election officials, clerks, legislators, and citizens. She walked through provisions addressing precinct officer staffing in vote centers, notice to school districts when schools are used as voting centers, absentee ballot replacement when a ballot is not received, retention and disposal timelines for election-related video surveillance, permanent voting assistance certifications, write-in candidate deadlines and posting restrictions, candidate filing details, witness requirements, public posting of candidate information, felony voting language, and school district closure rules for voting locations. Members discussed the school-related provision, the handling of mail-in ballots, and a committee-substitute change removing credit cards and debit cards as acceptable voter ID. Supportive comments emphasized election integrity and the collaborative drafting process. The committee then voted to report HB 684 favorably.
The committee next considered House Bill 699, sponsored by Representative DJ Johnson, which would add a pre-certification verification process for candidate filings. Johnson said the bill was intended to prevent ineligible candidates from appearing on the ballot by requiring election officials to verify that a candidate’s residence is in the correct jurisdiction and, in partisan races, that the candidate is registered with the party sought, with appeals going to circuit court. He argued the current system relies on costly legal challenges after filing errors occur. During discussion, Representative Hancock voted no, saying the bill would create an unnecessary administrative burden and that filing paperwork should remain a basic responsibility of candidates, while other members voted yes. The committee ultimately reported HB 699 favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
TOU/WAL Joint Public Hearing - Thu Mar 20, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
tell <00:12:12.639>I'll <00:12:12.800>ask <00:12:12.920>you <00:12:13.000- um please know that<00:12:15.440>
we <00:12:15.560>do <00:12:15.720>have <00:12: - testimony<00:12:17.920>
um <00:12:18.160>because <00:12:18.639>this <00:12:18.760 - to<00:12:23.680>
testify <00:12:24.600>in <00:12:24.760>that <00:12:24.920>< - >
note <00:12:25.680>that <00:12:25.800>your <00:12:25.920>written <00:12:
Summary:
The joint hearing of the House Committees on Tourism and Water and Land was held on March 20, 2025, on SB 1396 SD3 HD1, which would raise transient accommodations tax revenues beginning in 2027, impose a $20 per-night tax on stays booked through loyalty or rewards points, and dedicate funds to DLNR for natural resource protection, management, and restoration. The Office of the Governor, DLNR, DBEDT, the Hawaii State Energy Office, Tax Department, Hawaiian Home Lands, HI-EMA, the Climate Advisory Team, Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, HCDA, the Hawaii Ocean Legislative Task Force, Resource Legacy Fund, KUA, and the Hawaii Tourism Authority all testified in support or with comments, generally emphasizing the need for dedicated funding for environmental stewardship, resilience, wildfire and climate preparedness, and community-based projects. Several supporters cited polling showing broad visitor willingness to pay additional fees to protect Hawaiʻi’s resources, and DLNR and the Attorney General noted the bill aligns with broader state land-management and fire-safety priorities.
Opposition came from the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi and the Maui Chamber of Commerce, which argued the bill unnecessarily raises the TAT, places more burden on visitors and visitor-dependent businesses, and could harm Maui’s still-recovering economy. The Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaiʻi initially marked opposition but then said it had misunderstood the bill’s relationship to another measure and asked to resend testimony. Expedia Group did not oppose the TAT increase itself but raised operational concerns about the new tax on loyalty-point redemptions, calling it novel and difficult to administer. The American Hotel Lodging Association and Hawaiʻi Hotel Alliance were listed as having no comments present.
Testifiers also suggested amendments, including dedicating the revenues to a special fund, ensuring community grants, and clarifying administrative provisions. One testifier urged the bill be used to fund hurricane shelters and stronger building standards, while another emphasized that the measure should support people and disaster resilience as well as environmental protection. During questions, members asked for the polling methodology and for a breakdown of current TAT allocations; staff indicated they could share the survey memo and began identifying existing statutory remittances. No vote or final committee action was taken during the excerpted portion of the hearing.