Transcript Highlights:

• It includes support for state financial reporting, as well as a cash flow analysis for the State Investment
• You said other states have these people covered in their plans.
• And I don't expect other states are moving to do this as well.
• We're bringing a proposal, a study session on the ad hoc...
• I think that has state control of the next month. Okay.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> and he can only speak for the state >> and he can only speak for the state police
• or six years ago we decided as a state or six years ago we decided as a state to<01:03:46.079>
• <01:43:20.960> committee entire bill uh into a study committee entire bill uh into a study
• <01:46:00.639> we<01:46:00.800> are, state, for how small of a state we are, state,
• <01:51:35.600> it suggest perhaps interim studying it suggest perhaps interim studying it

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• does on the off year of the state.
• So the first year, the state representatives and the state senators will be working on the state budget
• So before we do Secretary of State.
• >> I'll move interim study. >> I'll move interim study.
• then we could always move interim study. then we could always move interim study.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It resembles the measures on solar decommissioning taken in other states, neighboring states like Tennessee
• > uh states, neighboring states like uh states, neighboring states like uh Tennessee,<00:01:36.000
• ,<00:16:03.040> the<00:16:03.199> state The state has the SRF, the state The state
• . state. state.
• , and that the state gas is under the State Fire Marshal's office.

Keywords: Energy - Room 210, 2 February, 2026; 4:15 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee took up several energy, utility, and infrastructure bills. Bill 2527 on solar decommissioning was presented as a landowner consumer-protection measure that would set statewide baseline requirements for solar lease agreements, preserve some freedom of contract, preempt duplicative local rules, and protect landowners from reclamation costs; after no questions, it was moved and passed. The committee also discussed changes to the Gulf Coast Regional Utility Act in HB 2058 and HB 2309, including new first-right-of-refusal language, prohibitions on unauthorized service, civil penalties and enforcement tools, and legislative intent language aimed at preventing duplication and protecting public investment; both were adopted as committee substitutes and passed. HB 2018 was amended to extend similar oversight to water systems, and it was reported after questions about the scope of the change. Several bills focused on water and wastewater oversight. SB 2311 and SB 2312 would create statewide A-to-F grading systems for drinking water and wastewater systems, require annual public reporting, and direct the health and environmental agencies to adopt objective scoring rules; both were passed. SB 2526 would create a Mississippi Rural Water Oversight Committee, require rate studies, capacity studies, and asset management plans for water associations, and provide staffing and funding support from existing revolving-fund resources; it was adopted as a committee substitute and reported, with supporters saying it would help identify and assist troubled associations. The committee also heard a bill creating the Metro Jackson Water Authority, allowing a lease of city system assets, special revenue bonds to refinance legacy debt, and supplemental revenue sources such as sanitation fees and possibly sales tax revenues; the sponsor said no general fund money would be used, and the bill was reported. The committee also advanced HB 2641, which was stripped down to a study committee on wind turbine facilities, grandfathered existing projects, and imposed a moratorium on new construction until the study is completed; members asked about existing projects and were told current projects under construction would not be penalized, and the committee substitute passed. SB 2783 would make targeted definition changes to BEAD-related broadband grant programs so remaining federal funds could support other state initiatives, including AI workforce training, and it was reported after questions about future federal guidance. Finally, HB 2787 would add propane to the school gas-leak testing statute; the sponsor said the inspections would not require additional state funding because propane dealers and the State Fire Marshal’s office already handle the checks, and the bill passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:07.200> that about uh a truck parking study that about uh a truck parking study that
• parking uh as we were doing this study parking uh as we were doing this study and<00:08:00.160><
• in other states across the border?
• some of the cost of this to the state? some of the cost of this to the state?
• for State Farm Insurance.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Transportation approved the minutes from its September 16 meeting and then heard a presentation from Jason Sawala, deputy state highway engineer with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, on rest areas and truck parking. He described Kentucky’s system of eight welcome centers, 14 rest areas, and four truck havens, and said the Cabinet spent just over $12 million in fiscal year 2025 to operate and maintain those facilities. He also explained that the Cabinet’s truck parking study found truck parking demand has increased 24% since 2012, driven by just-in-time delivery, stricter hours-of-service and electronic logging requirements, and fewer drivers. Sawala said the study looked not only at Cabinet-owned facilities but also private truck stops and lots, and identified unmet parking demand across the state, especially at 1:00 a.m. He noted that 11 sites, mostly existing rest areas, weigh stations, or welcome centers, were identified as promising expansion locations, with estimated project costs in the $30 million to $36 million range in 2022 dollars. He said the Cabinet is working on design and project development for those sites and is seeking federal funding opportunities where available. Members raised concerns about safety, congestion, and trucks parking on ramps or in residential areas, and several asked about funding, charging for parking, and whether autonomous vehicles might reduce future demand. Sawala said the 820 public rest-area spaces are marked spaces only, that he was not aware of any state charging for public truck parking, and that federal programs can help fund some expansions. He also said he was not aware of local-government parking programs offhand but would look into it. Members generally emphasized the importance of truck parking for safety, commerce, and avoiding burdens on local communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• . state. state.
• uh I like the idea of of interim study. uh I like the idea of of interim study.
• I don't think we need to study it. I think a lot of people are studying this.
• state, so it's not a huge deal. state, so it's not a huge deal.
• There is no state tax. There is no state fee. This is a self-funded program.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, I move interim study on HR 34. Representative Plant moves interim study.
• study. Is there a second for that? study. Is there a second for that?
• interim study? interim study? >> Thank<00:53:50.800> you,<00:53:51.280> Mr.
• I feel will support um interim study.
• <01:12:32.480> and we can move this to interim study and we can move this to interim study

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ATVs and OHVs in the state of New Hampshire, their economic impact for the state is over $400 million
• Thank you very much. the state quote unquote I mean the the the state quote unquote I mean the the state
• state in the state Geographic District state in the state house<01:25:31.920> then<01:25:32.520
• To go back to what the state did, they actually did what the state wanted them to do.
• To go back to what the state did, they actually did what the state wanted them to do.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the state.
• > that<00:07:25.440> the<00:07:25.680> state issues and um the state that the state
• for the state.
• for the state. for the state. >> Follow<00:15:20.320> up.
• So I'm wondering, could in terms of study look at it from a municipal as well as a state point of view

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard testimony from State Treasurer Monica Misipelli on House Bill 1042, which would increase the contingent credit limit for the BFA. She explained that under RSA 66 the state’s debt capacity is capped at 10% of unrestricted revenue, and that guaranteed debt counts in the calculation even though it is not direct debt. She said the state currently has about 65% of its capacity used, roughly $120 million of remaining room, and that raising the BFA contingent credit limit from $200 million to $450 million would reduce that capacity. She noted the state’s debt-to-revenue ratio is about 4.2%, that the state’s credit rating is not immediately affected by the guarantee program unless the state actually has to assume the liability, and suggested unused guarantee authorizations, such as one for the Peace Development Authority, could be reviewed in the future. Members asked whether a credit guarantee affects bonding ability like actual debt, what the usual debt level is relative to the statutory cap, and whether the increase would crowd out future capital borrowing. Misipelli answered that guarantees are included in the formula and do affect available capacity, though the current ratio remains manageable. She also said she had been using a $120 million benchmark for capital budget planning and was now modeling $130 million in future state debt. When asked whether the full $250 million increase was necessary, she deferred to the BFA, saying the question should be answered by the agency. James Key Wallace, executive director of the New Hampshire BFA and interim commissioner of Business and Economic Affairs, then testified in support of the bill. He said the request was driven by larger project costs over the last several decades, with construction inflation causing guarantees to be used up in bigger chunks, and by the fact that the BFA has been close to its current cap. He said the agency does not use taxpayer funds, has never had a payout on a guarantee in nearly 35 years, and requires collateral, reserves, and an 80% loan-to-value buffer. He told members the Senate had a similar bill to raise the limit to $400 million and that the BFA considered that range acceptable. In response to questions, he said a smaller increase such as $150 million would cover known transactions but might not provide enough runway for future opportunities, and he confirmed the bill was brought at the BFA’s request. He also said businesses consider housing availability when deciding whether to locate in New Hampshire, since housing and workforce are key location factors. At the end of the work session, the chair closed House Bill 1042 and opened House Bill 241, a bill on health insurance coverage of pain management services for chronic pain. Representative Nagel began introducing the bill and asked for copies of the treasurer’s debt-capacity report, but the transcript cuts off before any further action on HB 241.

Transcript Highlights:

• not have a state share. not have a state share.
• What will it cost the state?
• What will it cost the state? What will it cost the state?
• outside of the state of New Hampshire. outside of the state of New Hampshire.
• <01:23:20.480> I'll<01:23:20.719> come studies, good studies, not and I'll come studies

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• An act to create a temporary State Commission to study and make recommendations...
• An act to create a temporary State Commission to study and make recommendations concerning the incidence
• An act to amend the State Finance Law in relation to requiring events held by the state or on state property
• So in the United States, a number of other states have enacted similar packaging EPR laws.
• And I'm curious: Has a study been done to determine the impact this bill will have on New York State

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The New York State Senate Finance Committee met with Senator John Liu presiding for Chair Liz Krueger, joined by members of the majority and minority. The committee considered a broad agenda of bills covering agriculture, public health, technology, taxation, corrections, education, housing, transportation, and civil rights. Among the measures discussed were a youth agriculture entrepreneurship summer employment program, a Bronx asthma study commission, a statewide multi-factor authentication requirement for governmental entities, a tax on noise emissions from certain helicopter and seaplane flights, a requirement that state events serving alcohol include New York-produced alcohol, a veterans and service members alternative resolution program, packaging reduction and recycling infrastructure legislation, limits on certain debt-collection practices involving foreign sovereign debt, commissary rules in correctional institutions, school energy performance contract recovery periods, a senior rent cap tied to income, a dental health demonstration project, farm succession planning, Operation SNUG gun violence prevention grants, expanded breast cancer screening coverage, direct Medicaid billing for creative arts therapists, a vacant storefront registry, academic credit for volunteer firefighters and EMTs, a plan to expand wheelchair-accessible vehicles outside New York City, STAR exemption notification, restrictions on certain tropical hardwoods in state contracts, a PSC guidebook on gas and electric rate making, gender-affirming care coverage and anti-discrimination provisions, and state leave for Civil Air Patrol members on airport-assigned missions. Most of the meeting focused on the packaging reduction and recycling infrastructure bill, which drew extended debate. Supporters said the bill had been revised after months of discussion with industry, included waivers for food safety and federal-law conflicts, and could save local governments money through producer responsibility funding. Opponents argued it would raise costs, harm food packaging flexibility, threaten food safety, and hurt manufacturers and small businesses, citing examples from dairy, meat, and coffee businesses. The sponsor’s representative said the bill had been updated and that some small businesses would be exempt, while acknowledging not all concerns were resolved. The committee also discussed the fiscal impact, with testimony that upfront state costs would be reimbursed and localities could see savings. Several other bills prompted brief policy discussion, including the helicopter/seaplane noise tax, where staff explained it would be assessed per ticket or up to $200 per flight and exempt quieter aircraft meeting DOT standards, and the sovereign debt/claims bill, where a senator warned it could drive financial activity out of New York. The committee also heard concerns about the packaging bill’s effect on New York food manufacturers and the availability of waivers. After discussion, the committee voted to report the bills; the transcript indicates the measures passed, generally with some members recorded as without recommendation or opposed, and all listed bills were moved to the floor before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a small the United States.
• studies showing the masks studies we had studies showing the masks were<01:14:47.360> no<01:14
• I'm uh State...
• That's a state uh which is a state body.
• employers in the state.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• um real estate tax rate in the state. um real estate tax rate in the state.
• per t for teachers uh across the state. per t for teachers uh across the state.
• study would be needed to do that work. study would be needed to do that work.
• state expenditures by um 708 million. state expenditures by um 708 million.
• 1799 is not a study.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• States. States.
• It does require the full economic and workforce impact study and allows the state to enact mitigation
• there are state fees. This would prevent there are state fees.
• study later. study later.
• The first is Senate File 4273, Senator Hoffman State Patrol Compensation Study as amended.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The state receives an allocation.
• The state receives an allocation. It's a very small allocation compared to the rest of our state.
• We've seen it in other states.
• It was a study that I asked the state forester and several others to be a part of.
• work in state government.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in their state. in their state.
• state right now due to lost bets? state right now due to lost bets?
• ,<02:22:00.240> there's<02:22:00.960> anti-studies studies, there's anti-studies studies
• specific studies right now. specific studies right now.
• Those are those are studies not studies.

Bills: HB2118, HB2473

Keywords: business development, arts, cultural affairs, Hawaii, commissions, administrative transfer, funding appropriation, Hawaiian culture, sense of place, land management, environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several bills related to permitting and economic development. On HB 2603, relating to permits, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development said it supported the measure with comments. Committee discussion focused on the fact that the state’s facilitated permit process appears to have been rarely or never used, the need to identify specific projects that would use it, and whether DBEDT would need dedicated staffing to administer it. DBEDT said it had found no projects under the current process, had no capacity to run the program as structured, and estimated it would need about 7 to 9 FTEs, including permitting, coordination, data, systems, and possibly legal support. The chair suggested exploring a staff assignment and comparing the concept to federal FAST-41-style expedited permitting. On HB 2140, relating to essential permitting positions, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development again supported the bill with comments. Testimony and questioning centered on a pilot program to help counties pay competitively for permitting staff. A DBEDT representative said the issue of competitive pay affected both county and state permitting offices and that the bill was intended as a temporary pilot, though a more permanent solution would be preferable. When asked how counties would fund the salary support, the witness said that was not yet discussed with the counties and agreed to follow up. The committee also noted the bill applies to participating counties. On HB 2598, relating to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, the State Procurement Office and HTDC offered comments, and the Department of the Attorney General raised constitutional concerns. The AG said the bill’s residency-based certification requirements, when tied to procurement, could implicate the dormant Commerce Clause, and that the required 1% contribution tied to state contracts raised unconstitutional-conditions concerns. In questioning, the AG characterized these as legal risks rather than automatic lawsuits. The committee did not take a vote. The committee then heard HB 2141, relating to state enterprise zones. Taxation, DBEDT, HCDA, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, and HTDC testified in support, while the Tax Foundation noted the program was intended to help economically depressed areas create jobs. HTDC said the bill would help preserve the Maui Research and Technology Center’s enterprise-zone status after rezoning. Committee discussion focused on whether the enterprise zone program is being used effectively, how the bill might attract businesses to areas where the state is investing, and whether the program’s labor requirements are too burdensome for new businesses. DBEDT explained that the program requires a 10% workforce increase in the first year, which must be sustained, and said it promotes the program through county coordinators and in-person outreach. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do need to serve across the state.
• of the state of Florida would become a compact state.
• There are now 30 other compacts states.
• The Office of Medical one I use now to try to link the seed to sale state off that the state that gives
• And because, you know, we saw the state doses.

Transcript Highlights:

• That study, there's, there's no parallel to that study.
• I, I know that that study in particular actually, and correct me if I'm wrong, but that study in particular
• Um, the state, the state doesn't have a neutral choice though Representative Morales, they take the child
• That study did say that. Guess what. Minors do not undergo permanent changes in the United States.
• Was that surgery performed legally in the United States? Yes, legally. In what state?

Bills: HB 2646, HB 3941, HB 5153, HB 5155, HB 5394, HB 1106, HB 426, HB 4529, HB 3984, HB 4273, HB 1097, HB 3940, HB 1941, HB 4377, HB 3153

Keywords: child care, task force, high-quality care, affordability, prekindergarten partnerships, foster care, transitional living, Medicaid reform, youth assistance, independent living, services for youth, employment training, educational support, mental health services, health care, public health, child health program, reimbursement, local health entities, maternal health

Transcript Highlights:

• The study that Aaron oversaw looked at every soil rating system that applies to the State of Hawaii and
• But again, long overdue, as I stated earlier, and now this study, I don't think, did have a dollar value
• The study that Aaron oversaw looked at every soil rating system that applies to the State of Hawaii and
• But again, long overdue, as I stated earlier, and now this study, I don't think, did have a dollar value
• <01:05:24.359> uh stated earlier uh and now this study uh stated earlier uh and now this study

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Water and Land Committee heard several measures related to DLNR, coastal management, and public lands. SB 561, which appropriates funds for conservation enforcement equipment for the Oʻahu branch of DOCARE, drew broad support from DLNR and multiple organizations, with the chair noting 18 supporters and no opposition. SB 465 would require DLNR to study the carrying capacity of Kīkiʻola Small Boat Harbor on Kauaʻi and report to the Legislature; DLNR supported the intent but suggested the study be timed with an ongoing $41 million capital improvement project. Senator Kouchi explained the bill was meant to close a permit loophole that has allowed operators to increase passenger capacity without additional approval, while one testifier opposed the measure as unnecessary and late. Supporters included county and community representatives, while some written testimony opposed it. The committee also heard SB 1456, which broadens the definition of beach restoration to include work on eroded beaches and degraded dune systems, including sand management, native vegetation, and removal of abandoned materials. DLNR, the University of Hawaiʻi, and other testifiers supported the measure as an administrative update. SB 1460 would require BLNR lease extensions to use updated forms reflecting current leasing practices; DLNR supported it as an administrative bill. SB 1517 would authorize public land leases for recreational residential use by public lottery limited to county residents. DLNR supported the bill, and Chipper Wiman and others testified that it would help preserve Kauaʻi’s historic recreational cabins and create fairness for local families; the committee also heard concerns about older cabins, market-based auction prices, and the need to keep these leases affordable for residents. The committee then heard SB 1511, which would prohibit vessels longer than 75 feet from entering Honoliʻi Bay, with an exemption for government vessels; DLNR and at least one additional testifier supported it. SB 1019 would allow the Ocean Stewardship Special Fund to be used for beach restoration planning and grants to nonprofits for cleanup, but DLNR said that purpose fit better under the separate Beach Restoration Special Fund, and the Ocean Tourism Coalition opposed the bill on that basis. Finally, SB 1457 would authorize DLNR to issue interim rules on commercial and recreational water sports equipment use for up to two years; DLNR described it as an adaptive-management tool for changing conditions, while multiple water-sports operators and residents opposed it, arguing it would reduce public participation, expand agency power, and target the foiling community. The hearing closed with the chair noting heavy opposition to SB 1457, including 88 written testimonies against it and only a few in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:40:30.720> senator record my name is supran state senator record my name is supran state
• > in it's a committee to study the Pala of in it's a committee to study the Pala of in Hospice
• This study commission is essential because it will allow the state to take a comprehensive look at gaps
• It is therefore important for the state to study access to palliative care for brain injury survivors
• to for the state to study access to for the state to study access to paliative<01:15:28.520> care

Keywords: 1191, senate, all