Transcript Highlights:

• possess the necessary infrastructure possess the necessary infrastructure resources<00:09:17.600
• Most of our members are focused on developing community-scale projects, but they also develop utility-scale
• Community solar can be developed within, call it, 18 to 24 months, and it's using existing infrastructure
• <00:53:53.000> life one will not finish the development life one will not finish the development
• continue to have um private development continue to have um private development in<01:39:36.719>

Bills: HF2103, HF2793

Keywords: energy, renewable energy, ammonia, hydrogen, certificate tracking, funding, environment, community solar, energy policy, sustainability, solar garden program, regulation sunset, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• For years, cities and counties have reviewed development proposals to ensure they align with infrastructure
• I can honestly say it's not just for one developer.
• I can honestly say it's not just for one developed.
• So I am mindful of municipalities from my childhood extorting development and developers on particular
• It is surrounded by development.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1134, which would extend and clarify the use of qualified private providers and computer-based tools in the building permit and inspection process for residential solar energy systems. The sponsor said the bill is intended to reduce long delays in solar permitting and make the process faster and cheaper; Senator Pizzo questioned whether the problem was limited to specific local governments, and a late-filed amendment clarifying the word “application” was adopted. After brief testimony from an industry representative supporting the measure, the committee reported the bill favorably, with Senator Pizzo voting no. Next, the committee considered SB 784, dealing with issuance of addresses and parcel identification numbers for plats and new development. The bill sets a 14-day timeframe, and an amendment was adopted that would allow use of a private provider if the deadline is missed and would bar fee collection if the local government fails to act within five business days. County representatives said they wanted to keep working on the bill and raised concerns about the private-provider language and the short deadlines, while several senators discussed whether the process should be handled earlier on the front end. The committee then reported the bill favorably. The committee also passed SB 1738 on transportation concurrency, which would let counties that previously opted out of concurrency opt back in by maintaining current levels of service. SB 1080, a local government land regulation bill, was described as a measure to speed development approvals by setting stricter timelines, limiting repeated information requests, and imposing penalties for noncompliance; local-government testimony opposed it as a loss of local control, while builders supported it. After debate, SB 1080 was reported favorably. SB 1260, which clarifies county constitutional officer budget procedures and creates an appeal process for clerks and supervisors of elections similar to sheriffs, was also reported favorably after members discussed possible adjustments to avoid burdening county budget negotiations. Finally, the committee took up SB 420, as amended by a strike-all, which would prohibit counties and municipalities from adopting or funding DEI-related ordinances, policies, programs, offices, or contracts, and would expose officials to misfeasance/malfeasance claims and local governments to lawsuits. The sponsor said the amendment removed retroactive language, delayed the effective date, and added definitions and contract-certification requirements, but many senators and public speakers argued the bill was overbroad, vague, and would chill local efforts such as Black History Month, women-owned business programs, minority contracting, and community outreach. Supporters said it would ensure merit-based government action and consistency with state standards. The amendment was adopted, but the bill drew extensive opposition testimony and debate over its scope and potential conflict with federal and state law.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a lot more room to continue to develop, nurture, and provide a place for boys and men of color
• It is essential infrastructure that organizes and aligns... The role is not just nice to have.
• A Men has developed a concept model that has been successful at the California community colleges.
• This commission gives the infrastructure to actually change outcomes. Hello, everybody.
• So please invest in early education, early childhood, and developing mental health.

Summary: The Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color held its second hearing, focused on cradle-to-college-and-career pipelines and education. Members opened with remarks emphasizing bipartisan support, the need to address opportunity gaps, and the committee’s prior hearing in Los Angeles, which helped generate legislation. The chair framed the day around school safety and discipline, community schools, and college/career pathways, and noted that public comment would be included at the end. In the first panel, witnesses described persistent disparities in school discipline and policing, even as suspension rates have declined statewide. Dr. David Turner cited reductions in suspensions tied to reforms such as bans on willful defiance suspensions, but warned that Black and Native boys remain disproportionately suspended and that “ghost suspensions” and police referrals still push students out of class. Other advocates called for stronger accountability, more restorative and culturally rooted practices, and greater investment in community-based supports. Members asked about the role of state and local policy, rural versus urban differences, and how to measure which interventions work best. The second panel centered on community schools. Advocates from Californians for Justice, Reclaim Our Schools LA, MILE, and the Sierra Health Foundation argued for the governor’s proposed $1 billion ongoing investment in the California Community Schools Partnership Act. They said community schools improve attendance, reduce suspensions, strengthen belonging, and create shared decision-making with families and students. Panelists described the role of community school coordinators, the importance of authentic partnerships, and the need to track informal discipline practices. Committee members pressed for a plain explanation of community schools and heard that the model is intended to be a high-return equity strategy that can save the state money over time. The final panel addressed college and career pathways. Speakers from the California Faculty Association, UC Student Association, Brotherhood Crusade, A Men, and Improve Your Tomorrow highlighted barriers facing Black, Latino, Native, and other boys and men of color in higher education, including financial aid gaps, weak transfer pathways, underinvestment in student support, and low campus belonging. They urged continued funding for community schools, expanded dual enrollment and ELOP access, and support for mentorship and culturally responsive programs. Public commenters echoed support for community schools and youth investment, including calls to redirect prison spending toward education and prevention. The chair closed by thanking the panelists, reflecting on his own school struggles and the role of mentorship, and adjourned the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• In developing our fiscal year 27 and 28 schedule, we considered our current staffing levels, follow-up
• As part of the state single audit, we routinely select and audit the Child Care and Development Fund
• Consideration of request for a special audit of the Child Care and Development Fund. Mr.
• But the item says consideration of request for a special audit of the Child Care and Development Fund
• Other items will take more time to correct as they involve developing board policies.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The department will also develop a promotional campaign in partnership with local chambers of commerce
• The department will also develop a promotional campaign in partnership with local chambers of commerce
• It focuses on business development reclassification of high-capability people.
• developing and implementing regional comprehensive economic development strategies, by providing grant
• They also help us with transportation and other critical infrastructure that we may have.

Summary: The Commerce and Tourism Committee heard and favorably reported several bills. SB 1672 removed duplicative state provisions related to labor pools; CS/SB 940 prohibited third-party sale of restaurant reservations without the restaurant’s consent; and CS/SB 1820 made changes to motor vehicle manufacturer and dealer franchise law, including disclosure of performance measures, anti-retaliation protections, and limits on franchise termination or nonrenewal. The committee also approved CS/SB 324, creating a revolving loan program to help small businesses affected by prolonged public works construction, and SB 936, which creates a recurring three-year study of the effects of AI, robotics, and automation on Florida’s workforce and economy. SB 1322, the Florida Rural Jobs Act, was amended and reported favorably to encourage private investment in rural small businesses through a state tax credit program. The committee also reported favorably on CS/SB 910, which regulates for-profit veterans’ benefit assistance services, and CS/SB 656, which extends protections from extraordinary collection actions to all bill-of-care payment actions by hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers. The committee spent substantial time on CS/SB 1264, a broad Department of Commerce agency bill. The strike-all amendment added or revised provisions on Secure Florida, the RISE venture capital tax credit program, data center tax exemptions, business development classifications, military land transfers, and other economic development matters, while also repealing regional planning councils from statute. That repeal drew extensive opposition from local officials and regional council representatives, who argued the councils are important for emergency management, grant writing, planning, and support for small and rural communities. Supporters of the amendment said the councils could continue locally without state statutory involvement. After debate, the amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably, though Senators Davis and Smith voted no. The committee also considered CS/SB 1238, which would tighten reemployment assistance rules by disqualifying claimants who fail to meet job-search requirements or refuse work, and by adding verification and reporting requirements. Supporters framed it as adding guardrails and preventing fraud, while opponents argued Florida’s unemployment system is already difficult to access and that the bill would add unnecessary barriers and costs. Despite opposition from labor and advocacy groups, the bill was reported favorably, with Senators Smith and Arrington voting no. Finally, the committee unanimously recommended confirmation of Alexis Yarborough and John Gilbert to the Board of Supervisors of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so DOH is right now soliciting, developing a list of folks who'd be interested.
• And so DOH is right now soliciting, developing a list of folks who'd be interested.
• Infrastructure.
• So to do that, you need substantial road infrastructure.
• That infrastructure is essential, and these partnerships are necessary in order to build that infrastructure

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from the Environment Department on PFAS contamination in private wells in La Cienega, Santa Fe County. Staff said the plume likely came from historic use of firefighting foam associated with airport and National Guard fire-training activities, with possible additional contribution from septic systems and consumer products. They described the contamination as affecting about 200 private wells, the short-term response of providing residential filters through a $2 million legislative appropriation, and ongoing work to define the plume’s full extent, identify responsible parties, and consider longer-term regional water solutions. Members asked about filter costs, replacement schedules, disposal of used cartridges, follow-up testing, health studies, and whether cleanup or containment had begun; the department said cleanup would follow once the plume is fully mapped and that DOH is soliciting interest in a blood study. The committee also discussed the need to track disposal of PFAS filters and the possibility of broader statewide capacity for similar work. The committee then took up abandoned uranium mine cleanup. NMED and EMNRD staff reviewed the new uranium mine reclamation program created by HB 164, the state dashboard tracking sites, and the FY26 appropriation of $20 million for neglected contaminated sites, of which $12 million is being used for neglected uranium mines and the remainder for other contaminated sites. They said six contractors were hired, three priority sites in Grant County are moving forward quickly, and additional sites are being prepared for possible FY27 work. Members pressed for details on how funds are spent, why the revolving fund remains unfunded, how federal, state, tribal, and landowner requirements are coordinated, where contaminated material will be moved, and whether cleanup could also address homes built with contaminated materials. Staff said the work is governed by multiple regulatory layers, that the state is seeking an additional $25 million for FY27-FY28 plus a time extension, and that partnerships with tribes would require longer-term agreements. The committee also discussed federal cleanup efforts and the new Good Samaritan law, with members urging stronger advocacy for New Mexico sites, including tribal lands, and asking whether the Attorney General should pursue legal action against federal parties responsible for legacy contamination. Staff explained that some sites are already covered by settlement funds tied to responsible parties, while neglected sites are those with no responsible party and no other cleanup program. The committee then heard from EMNRD on Class VI carbon sequestration primacy. Staff said New Mexico currently has no operating Class VI wells, about 27 Class II acid-gas injection wells are operating, and only a small number might be candidates for conversion. They explained that the state’s primacy application would require more public outreach than federal rules alone, and that cost estimates for post-injection site care are based on long planning horizons, with some costs borne by operators and some by the state after closure. No votes were taken on the substantive items discussed; the committee approved the prior meeting minutes and took a brief recess between presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so workforce development, as Senator Roy said, is very important to me in economic development.
• And so workforce development as Senator Roy, Channel and Port of Houston area.
• And so workforce development, as Senator Roy said, is very important to me in economic development.
• And then just a broader conversation, because this is an infrastructure session.
• , infrastructure, infrastructure.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee held its first hearing of the 89th regular session, adopted nearly identical committee rules from the previous legislature by a 15-0 vote, and began review of Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-27. Chair Huffman outlined the budget framework, emphasizing conservative spending, a $332.9 billion all-funds budget, and major priorities including property tax relief, public education, border security, health and human services, transportation, energy, and water infrastructure. She also introduced committee and leadership staff and described the hearing schedule and public testimony procedures. Comptroller Glenn Hager presented the biennial revenue estimate, saying the state has $194.6 billion available for general-purpose spending, including a $23.8 billion ending balance, but warned that revenue growth is returning to more normal levels and that lawmakers should avoid using temporary spikes for ongoing commitments. Senators questioned him extensively about the Economic Stabilization Fund cap, sales tax trends, inflation, and whether the state should consider raising the cap or using severance-tax revenues differently. Hager said the Rainy Day Fund is expected to hit its cap, which would leave more severance-tax revenue in general revenue, and he stressed that infrastructure needs remain significant. The Legislative Budget Board then gave a detailed overview of SB 1 and the budget’s major components. LBB staff explained that the bill includes continued funding for the Foundation School Program, $850 million for the Texas State Technical College endowment, $1.3 billion for the Texas University Fund, $6.5 billion for border security, salary increases for correctional officers and state troopers, $3 billion for dementia research, higher community attendant wages, expanded community-based care, $5 billion for the Texas Energy Fund, and funding to clear volunteer fire department grant backlogs. They also outlined supplemental priorities such as water infrastructure, retirement legacy payments, rail grade separations, wildfire aircraft, and emergency facilities, and said the current controlling budget limit is the tax spending limit. A major portion of the hearing focused on property tax relief. LBB explained that prior-session relief grew from an expected $18 billion to $22.7 billion because of higher-than-anticipated property values and interactions among hold-harmless provisions, and that SB 1 continues and expands relief with $51 billion in total property tax relief, including $3 billion more for compression, $3 billion to raise the homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000, and a $500 million placeholder for business tax relief. Senators discussed the automatic nature of some of these costs, the effect of the non-homestead circuit breaker, the role of federal COVID funds, and the need to maintain school finance commitments if the state continues to compress school tax rates.

Transcript Highlights:

• planning department to retain the word required in the South Maui community plan as it relates to infrastructure
• to ensure that development does not occur without adequate supporting infrastructure.
• planning department to retain the word required in the South Maui community plan as it relates to infrastructure
• to ensure that development does not occur without adequate supporting infrastructure.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs met on March 27 to hear six resolutions. The first pair, SCR 39 and SR 23, urged Maui County’s planning department to retain the word “required” in the South Maui community plan so development would not proceed without adequate infrastructure; with no testimony or questions, the committee voted to pass both unamended. The second pair, SCR 82 and SR 65, called on Maui County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite planning, funding, and construction of a permanent replacement for the Kadi Palolo Bridge, but because there was no testimony, the chair deferred those measures. The final pair, SCR 95 and SR 78, asked Maui County to study the feasibility of a universal basic income program for residents and businesses affected by the 2023 Maui wildfires. Emma Hayenrik testified in strong support, saying the fires devastated lives and that UBI could provide immediate financial relief and support recovery. After hearing oral and written testimony, the committee voted to pass both resolutions unamended, with no objections.

Transcript Highlights:

• and contained within the Division of Community Development.
• We are now recognized as the number one talent development state in the nation by Lycaste.
• But but the kinds of investments that you've made, infrastructure and environmental resiliency, every
• The folks at select the folks that are involved in economic development.
• Diverting resources that could otherwise be allocated to research development and expansion.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have the Santa Ana Star here, our land development corporation across the road, Tamaya Ventures.
• We started our development in 1983 with the start of the Santa Ana Star Casino.
• We have infrastructure in the ground, so we are ready to go.
• When we talk about maintenance, we're not talking about rebuilding infrastructure.
• Development in that slide number six. And really what this is going to impact is consultation.

Transcript Highlights:

• When Florida's research and development tax credit was created in 2011, it was capped at $9 million.
• This bill raises the cap for the research and development tax credit in Florida from $9 million to $50
• Shortly after purchase, the puppy developed a serious liver condition.
• The first part relates to the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program.
• It imposes mandatory surveillance infrastructure that Florida has long rejected.

Summary: The Committee on Commerce and Tourism considered a series of bills affecting tax policy, workforce development, business regulation, consumer protection, rural development, and artificial intelligence. SB 1076 would raise Florida’s research and development tax credit cap from $9 million to $50 million beginning with the 2027 allocation, and it was reported favorably. CS/SB 1266 would create a cybersecurity experiential internship and clearance-readiness program with the Department of Commerce and Cyber Florida; an amendment removed an appropriation from the bill, and the committee reported it favorably. SB 554, a broad update to Florida’s not-for-profit corporation law, was also reported favorably after supportive testimony from Florida Bar representatives. SB 1004, aimed at protecting buyers of dogs and cats from deceptive sales and predatory financing practices, received strong support from animal welfare advocates and was reported favorably. SB 1074, which provides rounding rules for cash transactions if pennies are unavailable, was likewise reported favorably. SB 214, expanding the rural community definition to include special districts in rural counties for economic development purposes, was reported favorably. SPB 7030, a public records exemption tied to Department of Legal Affairs investigations, was adopted as a committee bill and favorably reported. The committee also heard extensive discussion on SB 998, the Department of Commerce package. The bill would modernize the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program, clarify rural community eligibility for certain unincorporated areas, exempt military entities from a reverter clause on land conveyances, and revise E-Verify enforcement procedures. Members questioned the E-Verify provisions, including penalties, protections for workers incorrectly flagged, and the treatment of gig workers. Senator Smith opposed the bill, arguing it creates unequal treatment between employers and immigrant workers, while Senator Wright supported the military-related provisions. Despite the debate, SB 998 was reported favorably, with Senators Bracy Davis, Smith, and Errington voting no. The committee also took up SB 482, an “Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights” that would create consumer protections for companion chatbots, require parental consent and access for minors, mandate periodic disclosures that users are interacting with AI, restrict certain uses of personal data and likenesses, and give the Attorney General enforcement authority. The bill drew both support and criticism: supporters emphasized child safety, transparency, and consumer protection, while opponents raised concerns about privacy, broad definitions, lack of audit mechanisms, and the absence of a private right of action for adults. Senators Smith and Davis urged clearer definitions and stronger accountability, but both said the bill was a starting point. The committee reported SB 482 favorably. The meeting ended with recorded affirmative votes requested by Senators Yarbrough, Wright, and Davis on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act. the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act.
• <02:59:19.279> that reliable fuels and infrastructure that reliable fuels and infrastructure
• c><03:00:46.880> it Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act, it Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act
• would eliminate, reduces infrastructure would eliminate, reduces infrastructure costs<03:02:21.279
• ,<03:17:35.840> and with clean energy development, and with clean energy development, and

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:06:40.520> That<00:06:40.720> two<00:06:40.800> hundred infrastructure.
• That two hundred infrastructure.
• So there was a lot of letdowns that way, but again as we were developing that legislation we saw a lot
• <00:08:25.120> that but again as we were developing that but again as we were developing that
• Making sure that our infrastructure is the best that it can possibly be.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The interview reviewed the Minnesota Senate session with a focus on bipartisan accomplishments and the challenges of a divided chamber. The senator highlighted the creation of an independent Office of the Inspector General as a major fraud-fighting win, along with the “Take It Back Act,” which would require fraudsters to forfeit 100% of stolen proceeds. He said lawmakers also refined fraud-response measures so legitimate service providers, including those serving Minnesotans with disabilities, would not be unnecessarily cut off while investigations proceed. Another bipartisan measure discussed was a consumer protection bill for homeowners associations and common interest communities, intended to give property owners more protection against overzealous enforcement while preserving community rules. The senator said these bills reflected growing working relationships across the aisle and noted the importance of trust-building, especially with many retirements ahead in the Senate. The conversation also covered affordability and tax relief. The senator said the caucus helped secure a one-year reduction in vehicle tab fees, worth about $254 million to taxpayers, alongside a $1.2 billion bonding bill, and also backed other tax relief items such as pass-through entity tax changes, Section 179-related business tax relief, and property tax relief. He said these were negotiated at the end of session and did not reduce funding for roads and bridges. On contentious issues like gun violence prevention and immigration enforcement, he said some broad packages contained useful bipartisan elements but were derailed by controversial provisions and party-line politics. He described the session overall as “50/50,” saying Republicans wanted more emphasis on taxpayers, education, public safety, and economic growth, and argued that Minnesota’s education performance needs urgent improvement. He closed by stressing that the main lesson of the session was the value of relationships and service, and he encouraged incoming senators to focus on constituents rather than themselves.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our greatest need is regular, reliable funding dedicated to renewing existing buildings and infrastructure
• Students come here for a hands-on learning opportunity with lab work, product development, and real-world
• most important bond funding you give us, but it also seems to be the first that gets cut in the development
• Trajectory, how do you keep that access, but also maintain the facilities and the infrastructure?
• long-term strategies to address its aging prison infrastructure.

Bills: HF3220

Keywords: school safety, school security, emergency access, law enforcement access, master key box, secure key box, entry device, school grants, education finance, Department of Education, charter schools, school districts, cooperative units, appropriation cancellation, one-time appropriation, school safety plan, emergency preparedness, public safety, school building security

Transcript Highlights:

• may choose to adopt a one-time solution this year or something temporary to give you more time to develop
• Developing an ongoing solution isn't going to be easy for this.
• take that action, we agreed to create Syrup as a $1 billion fund to help accelerate clean energy development
• Infrastructure.
• Get to their destinations due to unsafe pedestrian infrastructure.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you're a potential developer and you want to develop energy to meet all of our very, very rigorous
• If you're a potential developer and you want to develop energy to meet all of our very, very rigorous
• If you're a potential developer and you want to develop energy to meet all of our very, very rigorous
• If you're a potential developer and you want to develop energy to meet all of our very, very rigorous
• <01:09:04.279> in the amendment the A4 developed in the amendment the A4 developed in collaboration

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Minnesota Senate Energy Committee heard Senate File 426, authored by Senator Icorn, which would remove the 100-megawatt cap on hydropower for purposes of qualifying as an eligible energy technology under Minnesota law. Supporters said hydropower is carbon-free, reliable, flexible baseload power that can help Minnesota meet its 100% carbon-free electricity goal by 2040. Testifiers from Missouri River Energy Services and Minnesota Power described existing hydropower resources, including allocations from federal Missouri River dams, Minnesota hydro stations, and Manitoba Hydro, and argued that the bill would preserve and expand options for clean energy development. Several members raised concerns about the bill’s purpose and potential environmental impacts. Senator McEwen questioned why the size limit should be removed without specific proposed projects or more information about the need for larger dams, citing concerns about fisheries, water resources, and land use. Senator Port and others asked about costs, environmental effects, and where new projects might be built. In response, supporters said the bill is intended to open the door to future projects and allow agencies to review proposals through existing permitting and environmental processes, rather than approving any specific dam. Committee members offered mixed reactions. Senator Frentz said he supported the concept but recommended laying the bill over for further discussion and possibly sending it to the Environment Committee, noting environmental concerns and the need for more conversation. Senator Gruenhagen strongly supported the bill, arguing that it merely lifts a cap while leaving permitting and review requirements in place. Senator Hoffman also supported the bill, saying current policy blocks consideration of new projects and that the change would allow regulators to evaluate proposals on their merits. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the bill was left open for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Infrastructure causes that.
• So the but the tank that houses the retardant material there's an infrastructure involved with keeping
• Chair calls Bryant Clayton, director of the Broadband development office. Good.
• Um, there is the possibility in the future that, uh, perhaps the broadband infrastructure fund could
• Are you, first of all, are you aware of a problem that has, has developed in Medina County about pole

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, there's an infrastructure involved with keeping that stuff. stirred and ready to load an airplane
• Bryant Clayton, Director of the Broadband Development Office. Thank you. Good.
• The record shows you're Bryant Clayton, and you're representing the broadband development. office.
• There is the possibility in the future that perhaps the broadband infrastructure fund could be used.
• First of all, are you aware of... a problem that has developed in Medina County about pole attachment

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , to repeal the Reentry Advisory Council and Offender Rehabilitation Workforce Development Act.
• , relative to the definition of critical infrastructure.
• The bill keeps the current fee schedule in place until a new one is developed through rulemaking.
• community development.
• community development.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• applies to residential development applies to residential development within<00:53:27.920> Tod
• <01:36:15.960> of from Building Trades and developers of from Building Trades and developers
• president Economic Development president Economic Development government<01:38:24.920> communiations
• de um their contractor or the developers de um their contractor or the developers like<01:42:13.480
• Also, leave certification of available infrastructure up to the applicant.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Housing held a public hearing on January 31 and heard testimony on a series of housing and building-code bills. The first major item, HB 1 relating to building codes, drew sharply divided testimony. Supporters, including BIA Hawaii, Grassroot Institute, Dr. Horton, and several builders and trade groups, argued the current code-adoption process is slow, fragmented, and costly, and that reform would help housing production. Opponents, including Sierra Club Hawaii, AIA Hawaii, ICC, and labor representative Kiko Bosi, said the bill would weaken public safety, reduce statewide consistency, and could leave tenants and first responders at greater risk. No vote was taken during the hearing, and members asked questions about the effect of a governor’s emergency proclamation suspending the Building Code Council and about county authority over code amendments. The committee then heard HB 745 and HB 1321, both also relating to building codes. Grassroot Institute supported both measures, saying the system is broken and needs streamlining, while BIA Hawaii and others emphasized the cost burden of repeated code updates. Opponents, especially Bosi and ICC, argued that the bills would undermine the State Building Code Council’s role, create confusion, and prioritize cost over safety; Bosi also said labor should be included in any code discussions. Members questioned whether counties can remove state code provisions and whether the state code already supersedes county codes, and one member noted the need for clarity and consistent enforcement rather than a wholesale overhaul. Later, the committee heard HB 284 on housing, HB 761 on county permitting and inspection, and HB 738 on historic preservation. HB 284 drew support from several housing and real estate groups, while DLNR opposed it. On HB 761, HHFDC supported the bill, DLNR warned that the proposed changes could jeopardize Hawaii’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program, DAGS said it would likely need to duplicate county permitting staff, and the Department of Planning and Permitting opposed it; Grassroot Institute and NAIOP supported it. For HB 738, HHFDC, DLNR, Grassroot Institute, Hawaii YIMBY, NAIOP, and others supported the measure, with Grassroot and NAIOP suggesting clarifications so expedited review would also cover mixed-use projects and better define the scope of work. The transcript does not show any final votes or committee action on these bills during the hearing.