Transcript Highlights:

• :52.720><c> modeling</c><00:49:53.160><c> that</c><00:49:53.280><c> has</c><00:49:53.440><c> looked</
• what<00:49:54.079><c> does</c><00:49:54.240><c> the</c><00:49:54.359><c> investment</c><00:49:54.799>
• <c> mean</c><00:49:55.040><c> I'm</c><00:49:55.119><c> not</c> what does the investment mean I'm not
• 49:55.760><c> healthcare</c><00:49:56.119><c> part</c><00:49:56.280><c> the</c> talking about the healthcare
• > you</c><00:49:57.920><c> know</c><00:49:58.160><c> proximity</c><00:49:58.640><c> to</c> health obviously

Bills: HF2090 , HF982 , HF2229

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: higher education, scholarship, financial aid, state grant, tuition assistance, Pell grants, student retention, education equity, disabled veterans, veterans' dependents, dependent children, college affordability, books and fees, University of Minnesota, public colleges, Office of Higher Education, veterans benefits, military families, permanent disability, 100 percent disability

Transcript Highlights:

• All those<00:49:10.079><c> in</c><00:49:10.240><c> favor</c><00:49:10.640><c> say</c><00:49:10.960><c
• The eye<00:49:13.920><c> has</c><00:49:14.160><c> it</c><00:49:14.400><c> and</c><00:49:14.559><c> the
• c><00:49:17.520><c> there</c><00:49:17.680><c> any</c><00:49:17.920><c> discussion</c><00:49:18.400><
• > on</c><00:49:19.680><c> the</c><00:49:19.839><c> consent</c><00:49:20.559><c> calendar?
• The<00:49:21.680><c> motion</c><00:49:22.000><c> before</c><00:49:22.319><c> the</c><00:49:22.480><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• There are 51 Excel Centers across the nation, and 49 operate through a combination of state education
• And a few demographics to touch on: 77% of our students are female, many with children. 49% are Hispanic
• We found that participants saw a 49% decline in criminal charges in the first year, and this persists
• Slide 49. This says other state local funds include $4.5 million for the Excel Center.
• Slide 49. This says other state local funds include $4.5 million for the Excel Center.

Summary: The House and Senate Education Committee first approved minutes from February 2 and 3, then took up an interim study proposal on adult education and the Excel Center model. Representatives from Goodwill Industries of Arkansas, the Excel Center network, and the University of Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunities testified that roughly 300,000 Arkansans over age 19 lack a high school diploma or GED, and argued that the Excel Center provides a supported diploma pathway for adults who struggle with GED testing. Witnesses highlighted wraparound services such as free child care, transportation assistance, tutoring, life coaching, and career services, and cited outcomes including high retention, growing enrollment, and research showing higher employment and earnings and lower criminal justice involvement for graduates. Committee members raised questions about the state’s role, existing adult education programs, and how the study would be structured; the motion to adopt the ISP passed, though there was some procedural disagreement about when questions should have been taken. The committee then heard a detailed adequacy funding overview from BLR staff Katie Walden and Adrian Beck on Arkansas K-12 education finance. They reviewed national funding principles and explained Arkansas’s system, including state and local revenue sources, the Public School Fund, the Educational Excellence Trust Fund, the Educational Adequacy Fund, and the Facilities Partnership Program. Staff said K-12 state and local revenues totaled $6.6 billion in 2025, with foundation funding making up the largest share of district and charter funding, followed by additional, categorical, and supplemental funds. They also explained the matrix-based foundation formula, the role of the uniform rate of tax, and how categorical and supplemental funds support areas such as alternative learning, English learners, special education high-cost cases, teacher salary equalization, declining enrollment, and student growth. Members asked several follow-up questions about how specific funding categories are defined and used, including student support staff, instructional aides, special education high-cost occurrences, ALE funding, teacher salary equalization, and the inclusion of Excel Center amounts in state-local funding totals. Staff said some of those details would be addressed in a later presentation and offered to provide additional records, including district lists and historical information. The meeting ended after the funding overview, with no additional votes or actions beyond the ISP adoption and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We created 49 new work groups, commissions, etc., in the last two years, and every one of these costs
• We created 49 new work groups, commissions, etc., in the last two years, and every one of these costs
• > create that in the last two years we create that in the last two years we created created created 49
• 10:48.200><c> groups</c><00:10:48.760><c> commissions</c><00:10:49.399><c> Etc</c><00:10:50.120><c> 49
• </c><00:10:50.920><c> in</c> 49 new work groups commissions Etc 49 in 49 new work groups commissions

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.160><c> uh</c> other family businesses in which uh other family businesses in which uh the<00:49:
• 02.160><c> the</c><00:49:02.880><c> sons</c><00:49:03.200><c> and</c><00:49:03.359><c> daughters</c><
• 00:49:03.760><c> are</c><00:49:04.000><c> earning</c> the the sons and daughters are earning the the
• sons and daughters are earning an<00:49:04.559><c> income</c><00:49:05.040><c> for</c><00:49:05.359><
• c> the</c><00:49:05.599><c> parents</c><00:49:06.720><c> and</c><00:49:06.960><c> we</c><00:49:07.200

Bills: HB19 , HB170 , HB171 , HB173 , HB174 , HB19 , HB170 , HB171 , HB173 , HB174

Committee: House Children and Senior Advocacy

Keywords: Ebony Alert, missing youth, public safety, law enforcement, racial equity, HB170, supplemental appropriations, Education Trust Fund, Alabama education budget, school funding, K-12 education, local boards of education, textbook adoption, school buses, school safety, charter schools, summer programs, afterschool programs, reading intervention, college and career readiness

Transcript Highlights:

• $49 in direct<00:10:13.440><c> visitor</c><00:10:13.800><c> spending</c><00:10:14.519><c> and</c><00
• :56.760><c> you</c><00:49:56.880><c> know</c><00:49:57.160><c> Lake</c><00:49:57.400><c> Barkley</c><
• 00:49:57.839><c> and</c><00:49:57.920><c> the</c> um you know Lake Barkley and the um you know Lake Barkley
• and the renovations<00:49:58.640><c> going</c><00:49:58.920><c> down</c><00:49:59.160><c> there</c><
• 00:49:59.440><c> but</c><00:49:59.880><c> uh</c><00:50:00.720><c> um</c> renovations going down there

Summary: The committee met for its second Budget Review on Economic Development, Public Protection, Tourism, and Energy and first approved the minutes from the prior meeting. Members then heard a presentation from the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet and the Kentucky Department of Tourism on the 1% tourism marketing fund. Witnesses explained that the fund supports statewide tourism promotion, advertising, research, regional marketing, and matching grants to local tourism commissions, and that it cannot be used for capital construction. They reported that the General Assembly and governor increased appropriations in the 2024 session, adding $3 million in FY25 and $7 million in FY26, and set aside funding for the Kentucky Mountain Regional Recreation Authority, the National Quilt Museum, and the Southern Kentucky Tourism Initiative. Tourism officials emphasized that Kentucky tourism is a major economic driver, citing 2023 figures of $13.8 billion in economic impact, 79.3 million visitors, $9.7 billion in direct spending, more than 95,000 jobs supported, and nearly $1 billion in state and local tax revenue. They said the department now uses targeted digital and over-the-top advertising in selected domestic and international markets, with 62% of media placements digital and 80% of the budget spent out of state. Members asked about market selection, how the department measures return on investment, and what attracts visitors from places such as Dallas, Orlando, Toronto, and Washington, D.C.; officials said research shows a mix of family visits, outdoor recreation, and varied Kentucky offerings, and that 81% of overnight visitors are repeat visitors. They also discussed the potential impact of tariffs and trade tensions on bourbon-related tourism and international visitation, especially from Canada, and officials said they were monitoring the situation with U.S. Travel Association and Brand USA. The committee then heard from Kentucky State Parks officials on capital projects funded through HJR 76, HJR 56, and House Bill 6. They said they are providing quarterly project reports and have been meeting regularly with the Finance Cabinet’s engineering and contract staff. The presentation focused on campground utilities, broadband, and structural upgrades, including $40 million for campground improvements across the park system, with completed bathhouse renovations at Barren River and Nolin Lake and additional projects underway or in planning. Officials said the work is based on camper survey feedback, such as requests for better Wi-Fi, sewer and electric upgrades, frost-free spigots, and improved site layouts, and noted that the My Old Kentucky Home campground project is under construction and expected to be completed by spring 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• :54.280><c> give</c><00:49:54.480><c> us</c><00:49:54.600><c> that</c><00:49:54.840><c> charge</c><00
• :49:55.240><c> that</c><00:49:55.360><c> we'll</c><00:49:55.520><c> make</c> just give us that charge
• that we'll make just give us that charge that we'll make sure<00:49:55.960><c> as</c><00:49:56.120><
• c> chairman</c><00:49:56.520><c> that</c><00:49:56.680><c> we'll</c><00:49:57.200><c> we</c><00:49:57.560
• we we do want<00:49:58.240><c> to</c><00:49:58.320><c> get</c><00:49:58.520><c> good</c><00:49:58.760

Summary: The committee opened with quorum and housekeeping, then began setting interim topics for discussion. The first major topic was trapping, including prior legislation on mandatory trapper education and trapping setbacks. The Game and Fish director said the department had already gone through a trapping reform process in 2018-2019 and was prepared to testify on those issues again, noting that the commission had previously wanted legislative authority for them. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on a proposed non-motorized trail user fee. Supporters argued it could help fund trail systems and match state trail grants, citing demand for professionally built trails and examples from other states. Testimony estimated potential revenue at roughly $150,000 to $250,000 annually, depending on the model, while noting enforcement would likely rely on an honor system. Committee members discussed possible alternatives and related ideas, including using good neighbor authority with federal land managers and looking at motorized trail funding models. The director said the concept was not yet ready for immediate passage but was worth continued discussion. The committee also briefly discussed fishing outfitter issues, with the co-chair noting a prior bill had passed and that the current board still exists, but more data would be needed later in the interim. Another topic addressed ticket scalping and fake tickets at Jackson’s rodeo, which the sponsor said was affecting visitors and could warrant broader state discussion. The State Archives topic proposed expanding the digital archive and requiring agencies to use it, with added resources for local governments; staff said it would improve security, access, and storage efficiency. The committee then discussed problematic gaming and program funding, but noted a pending bill to create a separate statutory select committee on gaming, so the topic may be better handled there if formed. The final major discussion was the Game and Fish budget. The director said employee compensation increases had raised salary costs from about 40% to 60% of the budget, while overall revenue had not kept pace, forcing cuts to habitat and research work. She warned the department could reach a critical budget point by 2030. Committee members and the Wyoming Wildlife Federation supported a deeper interim review of the department’s finances and possible new revenue sources, with the director suggesting a three-meeting structure: first to lay out the budget outlook, then to discuss additional revenue options, and finally to consider what future generations may have to pay.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sustainable<00:49:41.359><c> Energy</c><00:49:41.839><c> Hawaii</c><00:49:42.319><c> with</c><00:49:42.559
• :45.760><c> Protections</c><00:49:46.400><c> Hawaii,</c><00:49:46.880><c> Ted</c><00:49:47.200><c> Bolan
• <c> then</c><00:49:50.559><c> it</c><00:49:50.720><c> looks</c><00:49:50.960><c> like</c><00:49:51.119
• it looks like we have an additional additional additional four<00:49:54.559><c> individuals</c><00:49
• :55.119><c> in</c><00:49:55.440><c> support,</c><00:49:56.400><c> 18</c><00:49:56.800><c> in</c> So,

Bills: HB1924 , HB2121 , HB1928 , HB1979 , HB1650 , HB1543 , HB1981 , HB1982

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to waste, recycling, and environmental review. On HB 1924, which would establish a mattress stewardship program, the Department of Health said it stood on written testimony and offered comments, while Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition and one individual supported the bill and the International Sleep Products Association opposed it. No questions were raised and the committee moved on. A large portion of the hearing focused on HB 2121, which would prohibit the sale of disposable vapes in Hawaii. The Department of Health supported the measure but suggested the bill may be better placed in a different part of state law because the cited waste-management section regulates products after consumption, while still praising the effort to remove disposable vapes from the market and environment. Testimony in strong support came from the Coalition for Tobacco Free Hawaii Youth Council, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii COPD Coalition, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center, the City and County of Honolulu, and many individuals; supporters emphasized youth vaping, toxic waste, lithium battery fire risks, and environmental harm. There was at least one opposing individual and the International Sleep Products Association was listed in opposition. The committee noted there were many written testimonies and no immediate vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 1928 on the deposit beverage container recycling program. The Department of Health stood on written testimony. The Solid Waste Task Force of Hawaii Environmental Change Agents and Upstream supported the bill but urged amendments to better integrate reuse and reusables, strengthen enforcement, clarify definitions, and protect existing redemption centers. The Hawaii Food Industry Association supported the concept of a backdrop program but preferred strengthening the existing program and raised concerns about undefined fees, existing infrastructure, and future audit costs. The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii supported the bill, and the chair said the measure needs work and that decision-making would occur in a few days. Finally, the committee took up HB 979 on environmental review and HB 1650 on environmental assessments. For HB 979, OPSD offered amendments, HCDA supported the bill but suggested clarifying the affordable-housing definition, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative supported it, and Earthjustice was asked about the court process for environmental challenges; the chair asked about shortening the challenge period and the relationship between environmental court, the intermediate court of appeals, and the Supreme Court. For HB 1650, OPSD and the State Historic Preservation Division stood on written testimony, OHA asked to retain historic sites, and several groups and individuals testified in support or opposition. Opponents argued that removing Wiki special district and historic sites from Chapter 343 trigger language would weaken environmental review and risk impacts to iwi kūpuna and historic resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• Clerk, please report Senate Bill 49, please.
• President, I move for final passage of Senate Bill 49 as amended.
• We just completed passage of Senate Bill 49.
• :43.040><c> Senator</c><03:49:43.439><c> Maize</c><03:49:43.840><c> Bledsoe,</c> &gt;&gt; hi.
• Senator<03:49:54.960><c> Neil,</c> Senator Neil, Senator Neil, Senator<03:49:57.680><c> Neus,</c> Senator

Bills: HB567 , HB776 , HB2 , HB568 , HB619

Transcript Highlights:

• So, do<00:49:00.000><c> we</c><00:49:00.160><c> have</c><00:49:00.319><c> any</c><00:49:00.559><c> guard
• </c><00:49:00.880><c> rails</c><00:49:02.160><c> in</c><00:49:02.400><c> terms</c><00:49:02.720><c> to
• <c> sure</c><00:49:03.200><c> that</c><00:49:03.359><c> the</c><00:49:03.599><c> money</c><00:49:03.760
• is actually going<00:49:04.319><c> to</c><00:49:04.400><c> be</c><00:49:04.640><c> used</c><00:49:05.839
• ><c> for</c><00:49:06.160><c> what</c><00:49:06.400><c> they</c><00:49:06.960><c> intend</c> Senator

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.720><c> um</c><00:49:02.079><c> session</c><00:49:02.720><c> during</c><00:49:03.040><c> regular<
• And then we also also also ch<00:49:08.880><c> made</c><00:49:09.119><c> it</c><00:49:09.280><c> so</
• c><00:49:09.359><c> that</c><00:49:09.839><c> um</c><00:49:11.280><c> lobbyists</c><00:49:11.839><c>
• were not allowed<00:49:12.400><c> to</c><00:49:12.640><c> contribute</c><00:49:13.520><c> uh</c><00:
• </c><01:49:01.600><c> Um</c><01:49:02.639><c> would</c><01:49:02.880><c> anyone</c><01:49:03.199><c>

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2246, which would expand public financial disclosure requirements. The State Ethics Commission strongly supported the bill, saying broader disclosure could help restore public trust and potentially deter corruption, and it offered a clarifying amendment to make clear the requirement applies to board and commission members rather than all employees of listed agencies. Several organizations and individuals also testified in support. A committee member asked about the amendment, and the commission explained it was intended as a clarification rather than a substantive change. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2250, which would add homeless facilities to the locations covered by the drug-free-zone offense for promoting controlled substances. The Public Defender opposed the measure, arguing that many homeless facilities are unmarked and not easily identifiable, creating notice, fairness, and due process concerns and risking arbitrary enforcement. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying it targets distributors rather than users, that notice can be proven through evidence, and that the law is aimed at protecting vulnerable people in shelters and similar facilities. In questioning, senators asked how homeless facilities would be identified and whether the bill would cover all shelter models; the prosecutor said the definition is cross-referenced in statute and must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii and other groups testified in opposition, while several service and advocacy groups testified in support. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2325, which would allow courts to review and potentially reduce sentences for certain juvenile offenders after 15 years if the person is not a danger to the community. Judiciary staff said the court supports the bill’s intent but noted Hawaii’s indeterminate sentencing structure leaves no alternative sentence for a court to reduce to, suggesting the measure may need structural sentencing changes or could instead be directed to the Hawaii Paroling Authority. Public defender representatives and youth-justice advocates supported the bill, emphasizing rehabilitation, adolescent brain development, trauma, and the need for a meaningful opportunity for release. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :50.000><c> the</c><01:49:50.239><c> person</c><01:49:50.480><c> who</c><01:49:50.719><c> spoke</c><01
• who spoke uh previously regarding<01:49:52.880><c> the</c><01:49:53.119><c> credit</c><01:49:53.360>
• <c> rating</c><01:49:53.679><c> of</c><01:49:53.760><c> the</c><01:49:53.920><c> pool</c> regarding the
• :54.480><c> mandate</c><01:49:54.800><c> of</c><01:49:54.880><c> the</c><01:49:54.960><c> pool</c><01
• </c><01:49:56.239><c> Um,</c><01:49:56.639><c> I</c><01:49:56.880><c> disagree</c><01:49:57.360><c> with

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• :48.319><c> Fischer,</c><00:49:48.640><c> and</c><00:49:48.800><c> members</c><00:49:49.040><c> of</c
• committee.<00:49:50.079><c> My</c><00:49:50.240><c> name</c><00:49:50.400><c> is</c><00:49:50.559><c>
• My older<00:49:52.480><c> sister,</c><00:49:52.800><c> Amara,</c><00:49:53.359><c> passed</c><00:49:53.680
• away in April<00:49:54.559><c> 2023,</c><00:49:55.680><c> just</c><00:49:55.920><c> before</c><00:49
• 2023, just before Minnesota passed the<00:49:57.280><c> world's</c><00:49:57.599><c> most</c><00:49:57.839

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:49:02.119><c> that</c><00:49:02.319><c> this</c><00:49:02.520><c> legislature</c> important it is
• ><c> investments</c><00:49:04.359><c> in</c><00:49:04.599><c> the</c><00:49:04.799><c> Cannabis</c> make
• ><00:49:06.040><c> in</c><00:49:06.440><c> 2023</c><00:49:07.440><c> it</c><00:49:07.640><c> generated
• in 2023 it generated a $4 billion<00:49:08.920><c> doar</c><00:49:09.280><c> in</c><00:49:09.559><c>
• re</c><00:49:09.920><c> uh</c><00:49:10.040><c> in</c><00:49:10.200><c> legal</c><00:49:10.520><c> states

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.520><c> risky</c><00:49:01.160><c> something</c><00:49:01.640><c> cuz</c><00:49:01.920><c> he</c>
• he he came<00:49:03.319><c> with</c><00:49:03.599><c> nothing</c><00:49:04.119><c> I</c><00:49:04.200
• ><c> mean</c><00:49:05.119><c> and</c><00:49:05.240><c> he</c><00:49:05.400><c> expects</c> came with
• 49:06.160><c> approve</c><00:49:06.520><c> or</c><00:49:06.680><c> something</c><00:49:06.880><c> no<
• </c><00:49:08.480><c> go</c><00:49:08.599><c> ahead</c><00:49:08.960><c> um</c><00:49:09.200><c> um</

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:00.760><c> Um</c><00:49:00.960><c> the</c><00:49:01.280><c> the</c> you that compares air
• Um the the one<00:49:01.880><c> major</c><00:49:02.360><c> utility</c><00:49:02.800><c> that</c><00:49
• :02.920><c> has</c><00:49:03.080><c> not</c><00:49:03.400><c> come</c><00:49:03.600><c> in</c> one major
• 49:04.040><c> HLF</c><00:49:04.520><c> tariff</c><00:49:05.240><c> is</c><00:49:05.520><c> Big</c><00
• <00:49:06.880><c> but</c><00:49:07.080><c> they</c><00:49:07.240><c> have</c><00:49:07.440><c> a</c><

Bills: SB8

Committee: Joint Natural Resources & Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> in</c><00:49:02.720><c> these</c><00:49:03.520><c> uh</c><00:49:04.079><c> naturally</c> residents
• home uh<00:49:08.720><c> units</c><00:49:09.520><c> houses</c><00:49:10.720><c> um</c><00:49:11.119>
• ><c> are</c><00:49:13.440><c> able</c><00:49:13.680><c> to</c><00:49:13.760><c> stay</c><00:49:13.920
• to stay in those homes.<00:49:14.720><c> So</c><00:49:15.040><c> with</c><00:49:15.200><c> that</c><
• 00:49:15.760><c> um</c><00:49:16.079><c> I</c><00:49:16.400><c> would</c><00:49:16.559><c> note</c><00

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.559><c> Concepts</c><00:49:02.559><c> uh</c><00:49:02.760><c> particularly</c> discriminatory Concepts
• uh particularly discriminatory Concepts uh particularly Banning<00:49:04.319><c> required</c><00:49:
• 04.880><c> courses</c><00:49:05.400><c> that</c><00:49:05.559><c> teach</c><00:49:06.440><c> uh</c> Banning
• > Concepts</c><00:49:08.240><c> or</c><00:49:08.520><c> research</c> discriminatory Concepts or research
• discriminatory Concepts or research about<00:49:09.319><c> discriminatory</c><00:49:10.160><c> concept

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Postsecondary Education met to consider House Bill 4, relating to postsecondary education. Before taking up the bill, the committee adopted a committee substitute. The substitute removed language creating a private right of action and immunity provisions, added a definition of “indoctrinate,” revised language tied to the Attorney General, and added a new section directing the Auditor of Public Accounts to review compliance every four years. If an institution is found out of compliance, it would have 180 days to cure the issue or become ineligible for formula funding increases in the following fiscal year, with an opportunity to petition the Attorney General. The substitute also added language barring licensing authorities from requiring diversity, equity, and inclusion training as a condition of initial or renewal licensure. Representative Decker presented the bill as an effort to end what she described as unconstitutional DEI practices in Kentucky’s postsecondary system and to refocus colleges on academic instruction, equal opportunity, and affordability. She argued that DEI offices and initiatives have cost taxpayers heavily and have not improved enrollment outcomes for low-income and underrepresented students. Michael Frasier, testifying in support, framed the bill as an equal-protection measure rather than simply an anti-DEI bill, saying it targets preferential treatment and discrimination while exempting traditional civil-rights compliance offices such as Title IX, disability, and other anti-discrimination functions. He also argued that the bill aligns with recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent and that Kentucky should shift toward socioeconomic-based approaches. Several members raised concerns about the bill’s assumptions and effects. Representative Willner questioned the claim that DEI initiatives caused enrollment declines and asked why the state would not make such programs more inclusive instead of eliminating them. Representative Stalker argued that the bill ignored decades of exclusion in higher education and asked what would replace DEI efforts aimed at closing achievement gaps and preventing brain drain. Supporters responded that the bill addresses unconstitutional preferences and that the state should move toward equal treatment and socioeconomic factors rather than race-based criteria. After discussion, the committee substitute was adopted, and the committee continued consideration of House Bill 4.

Transcript Highlights:

• It should be Section 28-32-49. It deals with the review by the Supreme Court.
• That's correct, but there's a separate section that deals with review by the Supreme Court in 28-32-49
• So if we add that 28-27-49, you're okay with that? 32-49. 32. Okay, so you have that. Okay.

Committee: House Judiciary

Summary: The subcommittee met on Senate Bill 2224 and reviewed the latest Legislative Council draft, version 1006, which incorporated prior changes including the Christensen amendment, the executive session language, and a 30-day deadline for the Attorney General to issue an order. The Attorney General’s office then explained its proposed amendment, which would clarify that hearings could be held under existing administrative hearing procedures, apply the same process to all violations, and preserve the current appeal structure. The office also raised concerns about the bill’s requirement that hearings be video recorded and broadcast live, noting possible technology and budget limitations. Representative Koppelman responded that the purpose of the bill was to ensure a timely, transparent process and avoid long delays before a sanctioned party could get to court, arguing that the Legislative Council draft better addressed due process concerns. Representative Henderson agreed and said the draft version improved transparency and established a clearer timeline. During discussion, a cross-reference in the appeal section was identified as incorrect and was corrected to refer to Section 28-32-49 rather than Chapter 28-27, with clarification that the appeal path should remain tied to the Attorney General’s administrative determination. The committee then amended the motion to include the corrected cross-reference and approved the Legislative Council version 1006 as amended. The vote was unanimous, and the bill was prepared to be taken back to committee the next morning for further action. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

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Bills: SB1166 , SB888 , SB2387 , SB2471

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The committee heard SB 1166 SD2, a bill on insurance and climate-related damages that would authorize the Hawaii Property Insurance Association and, in amended versions discussed during testimony, other public and private entities to pursue civil actions to recover losses tied to climate disasters and extreme weather. DCCA’s Insurance Division and the Department of the Attorney General raised legal concerns, saying the bill’s scope may not fit the insurance code section being amended, that it could create subject-matter and title issues, and that some subrogation language may be duplicative of existing rate-filing practice. Lawyers for Justice opposed the measure, arguing it conflicts with existing subrogation law and recent Hawaii Supreme Court rulings that treat the judicial lien process as the exclusive remedy. The American Petroleum Institute also opposed, warning the bill would add liability and litigation risk for companies operating under existing permits and could undermine energy reliability and investment. Supporters said the bill would help shift climate-related insurance costs away from residents and onto fossil fuel companies and other responsible parties. Testimony in support came from the Polluters Pay Hawaii Coalition, Center for Climate Integrity, Hawaii Island Council, Our Hawaii, Sierra Club of Hawaii, and others, who described recent flooding, storm damage, rising premiums, non-renewals, and underinsurance as evidence of a worsening climate-driven insurance crisis. Several supporters urged amendments to give the Attorney General explicit authority to recover insurance-related losses for the Hurricane Relief Fund, HPIA, and private insurers, and to ensure recovered amounts benefit policyholders. Committee members questioned whether HPIA is a private entity, whether the Attorney General could represent it, whether the bill could create double recovery or affect pending climate litigation, and whether insurers would have standing or damages if they are only paying contractual claims. The committee then took up SB 888 SD2, a consumer protection bill that would restrict smart household security device operators from sharing user data with law enforcement without consent or a judicial order, and would bar conditioning device use on such consent. The Office of Consumer Protection testified in support and said an Illinois law could serve as a useful template for exceptions to the warrant requirement. An individual supporter said the measure would protect immigrant communities, judges, and others from surveillance and misuse of private data. No vote was taken during the portion of the meeting provided, and the chair noted additional written testimony submitted in support of SB 1166.