Transcript Highlights:

• You got the final vote on this? Okay, not yet.
• If it doesn't want term limits, they can vote no. But it's not a decision. It can vote for them.
• I want the people to vote for it.
• They want to be able to vote on it.
• The people actually voted it.

Bills: HR217, HB66, HB204, HB208, HB326, HB472, HB483, HB484, HB793, HB1051, HB1080, HB1087, HB1111, HB1215, SB78, SB148

Keywords: rent stabilization, affordable housing, cost burdened, Louisiana housing, housing policy, emergency rental protections, Alexandria, municipal ordinances, administrative adjudication, code enforcement, housing violations, building codes, zoning, nuisance ordinances, vegetation ordinances, sewerage, drainage, licensing, permits, local government

Summary: The committee met on April 29 and heard a series of local bills affecting municipal and parish governance, blight enforcement, planning boards, and other local issues. Early actions included adopting a three-minute rule due to the late hour and deferring several bills that were not to be heard that day. House Bill 483 was voluntarily deferred, while House Bill 484 on the New Orleans Regional Business Park was amended and reported favorably. House Bill 78 on the Shreveport Downtown Development Authority was amended to correct a district reference and then reported favorably. House Bill 66, expanding Alexandria’s administrative adjudication authority for ordinance violations, was supported by the city and reported favorably. House Bill 326, requiring the Tickfaw police chief to reside in the village, was also reported favorably. The committee then took up several Shreveport blight-related bills. House Bill 1051, dealing with demolition of dilapidated residential property, was amended to allow the city to rely on reports from code enforcement, fire, police, or other public safety officials, and was reported favorably. House Bill 1080, a similar measure for condemned commercial property, was also reported favorably, with the sponsor noting he would consult the city attorney before floor debate. Senate Bill 148, allowing Lake Charles to pay a modest per diem to planning commission members by local ordinance, was reported favorably. House Bill 208, which would let St. Helena Parish voters decide whether to impose term limits on parish governing authority members, drew opposition from the police jury and failed on a recorded vote, 3-10. The committee also considered House Bill 1215 on the disposition of historical statues and monuments, adopting an amendment to prevent transferred monuments from being placed back in the parish where they were removed, and then reporting the bill favorably as amended. House Bill 793, a contested bill addressing subdivision plats filed without parish approval and the running of prescription, generated extensive testimony from the author, parish officials, the McCormicks, and a former appellate judge; the committee ultimately reported it favorably, with the author saying he would keep working on the language and send it to the Law Institute. Finally, House Bill 472, authorizing local rent stabilization measures during declared emergencies, was amended to limit any local ordinance to the duration of a governor-declared emergency, tie increases to CPI, and cap the measure at 365 days; the bill remained under discussion with questions about its relationship to existing price-gouging laws and whether the committee should wait for a broader study.

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote of ten ayes and one present, you have voted do pass House Bill 1853.
• But, I mean, if you're going to vote in one location, you can't vote in multiple states.
• you choose to vote.
• So using the voting, they could be registered to vote in more than one place.
• I will vote for this.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• At SB 327, vote change: Ta from no to not voting. All right. So, updated vote count, 8-0.
• Ta: Not voting. Wallis: No. Zbur: Not voting. Thank you, members. Thank you. Aye.
• Taw, not voting. Wallace? No. Wallace not voting. Zabur. Not voting. Not voting.
• Patterson: Not voting. Burner: Aye. Calderon: Not voting. Chen: No. Davies...
• Patterson: Not voting. Burner: Aye. Calderon: Not voting. Chen: No.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on utility affordability, transparency, clean energy, and consumer access. SB 327 would bar investor-owned utilities from using ratepayer funds to oppose municipal utility formation and would clarify the Public Advocates Office’s authority to inspect utility books; supporters framed it as a ratepayer protection and accountability measure, while utilities and industry groups raised concerns about municipalization language and data-request procedures. After discussion about the scope of the bill and existing guardrails from prior legislation, the committee voted SB 327 out on a due pass as amended basis to Appropriations, with the roll left open and later updated to 12-2. SB 1350, a hydrogen bill, would allow renewable portfolio standard credit for power plants using green hydrogen in turbines. The author and supporters said it would help California meet clean energy goals, support the Lancaster hydrogen project, and create jobs, while opponents, especially environmental groups, warned about NOx emissions, the risk of paper transactions, and the need for stronger safeguards on feedstocks and delivery. Members discussed amendments already taken and the need for continued work on environmental protections; the committee passed the bill 14-0 to Natural Resources. SB 868 would create a framework for plug-in or balcony solar devices for renters and others without rooftop solar, with safety standards and a cap on system size. Supporters said it would lower bills and expand access to solar, while utilities and some others raised safety and backfeed concerns and asked for more review through existing interconnection processes. The author and witnesses said the devices are small, non-exporting, and covered by safety certifications; the committee approved the bill 17-0, later updated to 18-0, and sent it to Appropriations. SB 1233 would require additional disclosure about utility cash on hand, capital structure, and related information in existing reports to help inform rates and affordability. Utilities opposed the measure as duplicative of existing proceedings and potentially delay-inducing, while supporters said it would improve transparency for ratepayers. The committee passed SB 1233 10-3 to Appropriations. The committee also dispensed with the consent calendar, passing the remaining consent items, including SB 925, SB 667, SB 952, SB 742, SB 929, SB 943, and SB 1138, and noted that SB 905 had been pulled from the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• All those in favor of House Bill 682, vote aye. All those opposed, vote nay.
• vote aye. All those opposed, vote nay. vote aye. All those opposed, vote nay.
• Uh, we are ready for the vote. All those in favor of the bill, vote aye.
• Explain my vote. the committee sub vote aye. Those the committee sub vote aye.
• register a yes vote on House Bill 607. register a yes vote on House Bill 607.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:04 Roll Call 00:00:14 HB 682 Discussion 00:01:41 HB 682 Vote 00:03:10 HB 731 Discussion 00:04:33 HB 731 Vote 00:06:26 HB 607 Discussion 00:09:24 HB 607 Vote 00:32:15 Adjournment 00:34:12, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, Vice Chair, for the vote.
• Seeing none, Vice Chair, for the vote.
• Seeing none, Vice Chair, for the vote. Vice Chair, for the vote. Okay, any reservations? Any no's?
• Seeing none, Vice Chair, for the vote.
• <00:29:46.480> okay seeing none Vice chair for a vote okay seeing none Vice chair for a vote

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services heard a series of gubernatorial nominations and board appointments, mostly to health-related advisory councils and commissions. Nominees testified briefly about their backgrounds and reasons for serving, including Melanie Lao for the Fuel Tank Advisory Committee; Asana Saragosa Torres and Jessica Stevens for the State Council on Mental Health; several nominees for the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee, including S. Brian, Jacob Pelo, Patrick Winfield Lougher, Dr. An Young, Marin Anka, and Kenneth Faria; Roxanne Row for the Hawaii County Health Planning Council; Lewis Johnson and Susie Schulberg for the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs; Mariah Nicholls and Evan Nakatsuka for the State Rehabilitation Council; and Co Woly for the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation board. Testimony in support came from the Department of Health, the Executive Office on Aging, the Department of Human Services, Hawaii Youth Services Network, Hawaii Family Caregiver Coalition, and other individuals and organizations, with several nominees emphasizing lived experience, rural health access, mental health advocacy, EMS experience, or community service. One nomination, GM 522 for Melanie Lao, drew favorable comments about her qualifications and written responses. GM 572, Roxanne Row’s nomination to the Hawaii County Health Planning Council, was the only item that raised concern because the committee had not received her questionnaire answers directly; after questioning, the chair deferred decision-making on that nomination until March 5 pending receipt of the answers. The committee also noted a title correction for GM 548, changing the reference from an advisory board to the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee. At the end of the meeting, the committee voted to advise and consent on all nominations except GM 572, which was deferred. The adopted recommendations covered GM 522, 523, 525, 526, 540, 541, 548, 575, 576, 577, 579, 629, 630, 631, and 633. The meeting then adjourned after congratulating the nominees and inviting them to remain for a group photo.

Transcript Highlights:

• to support this bill with a vote of yes. to support this bill with a vote of yes.
• The first electronic vote will be conducted as a 15-minute vote.
• fiveminute votes. fiveminute votes.
• Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a five-minute vote.
• This is a fiveminute vote.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, April 27, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I vote yes. our hands in the pie too. So with that, I vote aye. Thank you. Representative Bolt?
• A voice vote on the motion, please. All right. A voice vote. A voice vote on the motion, please.
• And with that, I vote aye. Thank you. And with that, I vote aye. Thank you.
• vote present today.
• to them so I vote yes today being able to vote no on the floor if it does not get fixed.

Bills: HB2107, HB2588, HB2946, HB2950

Keywords: SNAP, nutrition assistance, fast food, vitamins, waiver, food policy, municipal planning, homeowner association, building permits, single-family home, property rights, design standards, development fees, municipalities, infrastructure, public services, annual reporting, property development, tourism improvement area, TIA

Summary: The Rural Economic Development Committee first took up HB 2950, which would allow governing bodies to approve tourism improvement areas to promote lodging and tourism as an economic development tool. Supporters from the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association, Visit Yuma, and Visit Phoenix said tourism is a major economic driver, especially in rural communities, and argued the bill would give local areas a voluntary, industry-led way to market themselves, attract visitors, and support jobs without raising taxes on residents. Members discussed tourism in places such as Yuma and other rural destinations, and the committee voted 7-0 to give HB 2950 a do pass recommendation. The committee then heard a presentation on rural economic development centered on Lucid Motors’ investment in Pinal County and its partnership with Central Arizona College. Speakers from the Arizona Commerce Authority, Central Arizona College, and Lucid described workforce training programs, including the Drive48 accelerator, which they said has helped train workers for advanced manufacturing jobs and raised local incomes. The committee read proclamations recognizing both Lucid Motors and Central Arizona College for their contributions to job creation, workforce development, and economic growth in rural Arizona. Finally, the committee considered HB 2946, which would revise development fee requirements, including changes affecting the timing and administration of fees and a prohibition on charging development fees for accessory dwelling units. The sponsor and housing advocates said the bill was intended to help address housing affordability and give developers more predictable costs, while city and league representatives opposed it, arguing it would shift costs from growth to existing taxpayers and interfere with local infrastructure planning. After adopting an amendment that removed county-related provisions and made clarifying changes, the committee passed HB 2946 on a 4-1 vote with two members present, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• legal fees under the P00 resolution that was adopted by this committee on February 6, 2025, when the vote
• Item 13.4 provides a 68-vote standard for two motions that can come up on the floor: one is to adjourn
• <00:10:17.560> of<00:10:17.680> at appealed uh the affirmative vote of at appealed
• Germain item 13.4 uh provides a 68 vote Germain item 13.4 uh provides a 68 vote standard<00:10:25.839
• <00:10:39.120> of<00:10:39.279> 68 house by the vote of 68 house by the vote of 68

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Fine: BY YOUR VOTE SB 1760 IS REPORTED FAVORABLY.
• BY YOUR VOTE CS FOR SB 1202 IS REPORTED FAVORABLY.
• BY YOUR VOTE CS FOR SB 312 IS REPORTED FAVORABLY.
• THE LAW THAT WAS VOTED ON PROTECTS AN EMPLOYEE.
• BY YOUR VOTE CS FOR SENATE BILL 440 IS REPORTED FAVORABLY.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Senator, thank you so much for this bill, and I appreciate it and glad to vote. very proud to vote
• And I vote... I'm going to go back to Senator Wheeler wants to explain his vote.
• And Senator Elkins would like to explain his vote. Thank you, Mr. Chair. The reason I voted...
• Senate Bill 99 is reported favorably. to vote Yes Mr chair I'd like to cast an to vote Yes Mr chair I'd
• And Senator Elkins would like to explain his vote. Thank you, Mr. Chair. The reason I voted...

Keywords: Roll Call 00:13 Approval of Minutes 00:44 SB 99 Discussion 03:30 SB 99 Vote 12:45 Administrative Regs 17:56, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and heard a personal privilege statement praising Transportation Cabinet staff for helping a constituent obtain a Kentucky Uniform ID in time to board a cruise. The chair also recognized special guests and noted a page for the day. The main bill taken up was Senate Bill 99, with a committee substitute adopted before discussion. Senate Bill 99, sponsored by Senator Douglas, would strengthen Kentucky’s distracted-driving laws by prohibiting the use of personal communication devices to write, send, or read texts while operating a motor vehicle, with exceptions for emergency or public safety use and certain reporting or medical situations. The committee substitute clarified that GPS use remains allowed, including for younger drivers, and the bill also bars anyone under 18 from using a device in any manner while driving, sets a $100 fine with no points, and imposes a 90-day license revocation for minors. Supportive testimony and comments emphasized pedestrian and roadway safety, the dangers of distracted driving, and the bill’s alignment with existing CDL-related restrictions. After discussion, the committee voted on Senate Bill 99 by roll call and reported it favorably with the committee substitute attached. Members explaining their votes said the measure would save lives, reflected practices already used in trucking and bus operations, and was a reasonable enforcement approach similar to prior seat belt laws. The committee then received an informational update on five Transportation Cabinet administrative regulations, which were described as updates for federal compliance, signage standards, truck weight-limit renumbering, an OHV pilot program extension, and expanded electronic review of title applications; no substantive objections were raised. The meeting concluded with discussion of adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I expect there'll be a motion and a vote. Thank you, Senator McNurney.
• Just respectfully ask for an aye vote. All right, thank you very much.
• I'll vote when the time is appropriate. All right, thank you very much.
• I'll vote when the time is appropriate. All right, thank you very much.
• And with that, I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met and heard a series of bills and one resolution, with the chair first outlining the consent calendar and the committee’s testimony rules. Senator McNerney presented SJR 18, a resolution condemning Citizens United and urging limits on corporate spending in elections; he argued that corporate and foreign money distort democracy, and Senator Reyes voiced support. No opposition testimony appeared. The committee then heard AB 2305, which would bar private equity firms, hedge funds, and other corporate lenders from influencing litigation decisions and treat such conduct as unauthorized practice of law. The author and Consumer Attorneys of California said the bill closes loopholes that allow outside financial interests to affect case strategy and settlements; the Civil Justice Association of California also supported it, while the International Legal Finance Association said it was neutral after amendments. AB 1977 followed, a Secretary of State-sponsored bill to clarify and correct the Online Notarization Act so remote notarizations can be implemented by 2030; the Secretary of State’s office and notary groups supported it, and there was no opposition. Assembly Member Rogers presented AB 1657, which would allow domestic violence survivors to seek temporary restraining orders without first giving notice to the restrained person, arguing that notice requirements can increase danger and delay protection. AB 1801, by Assembly Member Lee, would tighten public notice and hearing requirements for local contracts involving private immigration detention facilities, closing loopholes that had allowed rushed approvals; immigrant rights and civil rights groups supported it. Assembly Member Patel’s AB 2179 would extend e-filing and remote appearance options to workplace violence restraining orders, with support from local governments, prosecutors, unions, and other groups. Assembly Member Hart’s AB 1875 would let courts shorten or waive the six-month divorce waiting period for domestic violence survivors, with support from domestic violence advocates and several other organizations. After testimony, the committee took up votes. AB 2179 and AB 1875 both passed unanimously, AB 2305 passed 12-0, AB 1657 passed 12-0, AB 1801 passed 10-2, and AB 1977 passed 8-2. SJR 18 was adopted 10-2. The consent calendar also passed unanimously. The committee then adjourned until the following Tuesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if you were counting on that, vote.
• So at the appropriate time, I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
• Respectfully ask for an aye vote.
• Respectfully ask for an aye vote.
• That has nine votes. It is out. No, that has nine votes. It is out.

Summary: The committee considered several coastal, climate, and air quality measures. Senator Laird presented SCR 136 marking the 50th anniversary of the Coastal Act and Coastal Conservancy Act, and SJR 12 opposing the federal offshore oil and gas leasing program; both drew broad support from environmental groups, local governments, and other advocates, with no opposition heard. Senator Padilla presented SB 10, requiring state climate plans to include gender impact assessments, with supporters arguing climate harms fall disproportionately on women and LGBTQ+ people; the bill also drew no opposition in the hearing. Senator Padilla also presented SB 675 to restructure the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District board and expand public transparency, while supporters cited severe air quality problems and opponents raised concerns about unfunded mandates, consultation, and impacts on local permitting and economic development. Senator Allen presented SB 1229 to limit disaster-rebuild coastal permit exemptions when replacement structures would newly impede coastal access or sensitive protections, with supporters saying it would prevent investor abuse of post-disaster rebuilding rules. After testimony, the committee took up the measures and recorded votes. SCR 136, SJR 12, SB 10, SB 675, and SB 1229 all advanced on party-line or near-party-line votes, with some members voting no on the more regulatory measures. The consent calendar was also approved, including ACR 157, SB 899, SB 949, SB 963, SB 1008, SB 1207, SB 1428, and SJR 5. All of the listed measures were sent onward, generally to Appropriations, and the committee concluded its hearing after the roll calls.

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion fails with insufficient votes on the House side.
• I recommend a no vote on the motion. I recommend a no vote on the motion.
• >> The motion fails with insufficient votes >> The motion fails with insufficient votes
• I would like a roll call on this vote I would like a roll call on this vote and and and >>
• The motion fails with insufficient votes The motion fails with insufficient votes on<00:12:52.400

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committee took up a series of conference amendments to House File 4188. The A24 amendment, described by nonpartisan staff as a technical change to data-sharing language, was modified on the floor to delete everything after the reference to section 295.52, then adopted. The A17 amendment, which adjusted effective dates in a previously enacted liquor bill so several provisions would take effect July 1 instead of August 1, was also adopted after staff noted it affected the happy hour provision and two other liquor-related sections involving coolers/nonalcoholic beverages and resorts. The A20 amendment, which changed notification language and directed penalties into a victim’s crime account, and the A22 amendment, a set of technical corrections requested by the Department of Commerce on reinsurance administration, were both adopted. The A23 amendment, adding residential mortgage originators and servicers into chapter 58, was likewise adopted. The committee then considered several Senate provisions. A motion to adopt Senate Article 4, sections 8 through 12, which would prohibit the sale of cats and dogs in pet stores with a grandfather for existing businesses, was debated and failed on a roll call because it did not receive enough House-side votes. A separate motion to adopt Senate Article 4, section 35, dealing with paddle wheel prizes and the maximum value of merchandise prizes for paddle tickets, also failed for lack of sufficient House-side support. Another Senate motion to adopt Article 4, sections 13 through 14, which would restrict minors’ access to chat bots and create Attorney General enforcement and a transition period, was discussed at length. Supporters framed it as a consumer protection measure, while Chair O'Driscoll raised concerns about enforceability and broader AI-related policy needs; the motion failed on a roll call. After the failed motions, the committee recessed to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Clerk, lock machine, the members will vote. Clerk, count the votes: 44 "aye", 0 "no".
• Clerk on the lock machine, the members will vote. Court votes. HB2200 has... Court votes.
• Vote. Clerk lock machine, record votes 10-10. BR has been adopted.
• See the members vote. Clerk, machine record votes. Clerk, machine record votes. 10 I, Z nay.
• Vote clerk, record vote 102, ayes, and noes on HB35. HB35 has passed. Mr.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing no discussion, please open the vote.
• German votes, Iurner votes, I George votes, Hardin votes, Iuart votes. No, no, that's fine.
• With all members currently voting, close the vote. Please declare the vote.
• Taff, Please open the vote. Both George votes, Hardin votes, I Stewart votes.
• Present, have voted. Declare the vote. A representative with nae zero with 9 ye zero nays.

Bills: SB1767, SB1859, SB1767, SB1859

Keywords: alcoholic beverages, shipping, retailers, legal compliance, civil penalties, interstate regulation, enforcement, cyber crime, fraud unit, digital evidence, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, investigative powers, financial deception, ransomware, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll take a voice vote on that.
• I know it won't flip the vote, but I was thinking that I was voting against the amendment because I actually
• But that's explaining my vote, at least. Go ahead, Vice Chair Ostlie.
• At the request of a committee member who wants to change their vote.
• We will go ahead and take the vote.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee reconvened to hear a revised version of Senate Bill 2385, with Representative Casper walking through changes made in consultation with the bill sponsor and agency counsel. He explained that the amendments restored language on change of ownership and license transfer for mobile home parks, recreational vehicle parks, and campgrounds; removed a proposed $5,000 civil penalty and returned the violation penalty to an infraction; extended the correction period before disciplinary action to 30 days with possible additional time for good-faith compliance; and removed the tenant right of first refusal, leaving park sales to willing buyers and sellers. Casper said the changes simplified the bill and addressed concerns raised earlier in committee. Members asked about how licenses would work after a sale, and Casper said a transferred license would continue for the current year, but the new owner would need to reapply annually. He also said all participating parties and the Attorney General’s counsel were amenable to the amendments. The committee adopted the Casper amendments by voice vote and then moved to a do pass as amended recommendation. The first roll call on the amended bill was confusing because several members were absent, and the committee briefly discussed whether to wait for Representative Ruby and whether votes should be repeated. Members explained their earlier no votes, with Representative Koppelman saying he had intended to vote against the amendment rather than the bill, and Representative Schauer citing concerns about provisions affecting park owners and evictions. After waiting briefly, the committee retook the vote and approved SB 2385 as amended on a 7-3-4 roll call. Representative Casper was asked to carry the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
• I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
• Vote yes on AB 1940. Thank you.
• We urge your aye vote. Thank you.
• I respectfully urge a vote on AB 2346. Thank you. Thank you. ...urge and I vote on AB 2346.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with extensive testimony on AB 1557, AB 1770, AB 2075, AB 1864, and AB 1709. AB 1557 would clarify e-bike power limits and set lower speed restrictions for Class 1 and 2 e-bikes; the author and police chiefs framed it as a youth safety measure in response to severe injuries and deaths, while bicycle industry representatives warned it could conflict with federal standards and disrupt California businesses. AB 1770 would place large health care service plans’ binding arbitration under Attorney General oversight and require compliance with the California Arbitration Act; supporters described patient harm and biased arbitration, while Kaiser Permanente and the Civil Justice Association said they were still reviewing amendments and had concerns. AB 2075 would require fire suppression equipment to be kept on or near tractors and other work sites to prevent wildfire spread, and AB 1864 would require screening of gene synthesis orders to prevent misuse for bioterrorism; both were presented as common-sense safety measures, with AB 1864 drawing support from biosecurity experts and some industry groups raising amendment concerns. The most extensive discussion was on AB 1709, which would prohibit social media accounts for users under 16 on platforms with harmful addictive features and create an e-safety commission. The author and supporters argued that social media companies intentionally design addictive products that harm children’s mental health, citing internal company documents, research, and recent court rulings; teen, medical, and advocacy witnesses described cyberbullying, addiction, and other harms. Opponents, including EFF and other civil liberties and industry groups, argued the bill is overbroad, violates the First Amendment, increases data collection, and could cut off access to community and information for youth, especially LGBTQ+ youth and other vulnerable groups. Committee members raised questions about out-of-state users, parental use, dark web harms, and how to preserve community resources for teens; the author said the bill targets platform design rather than speech and emphasized continued work with stakeholders. No final votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided. The chair repeatedly noted that motions would be taken later when quorum and agenda timing allowed, and several authors asked for aye votes or said they would continue working with opponents on amendments and clarifications.

Transcript Highlights:

• be a House vote.
• regardless of what the House vote regardless of what the House vote is<00:06:19.080> well
• on it then to then reconsider a the vote on it then to then reconsider a vote<00:29:30.399> and
• thinking how quickly could you just vote thinking how quickly could you just vote on<01:11:33.600
• <01:13:10.239> on committee does an official a vote on committee does an official a vote on

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division II work session focused on organizing the committee’s remaining budget work and reviewing a set of recommended changes to House Bills 1 and 2. Mr. Landrian explained the committee’s tracking sheets and draft amendment package, noted that the division was being asked to find roughly $200 million in reductions, and said the governor’s lottery proposal in House Bill 2 could help offset part of that target. Members also discussed how revenue estimates tied to fee changes would be handled, with the chair saying the committee could seek Ways and Means input but would ultimately decide the estimates itself. The committee then considered four mostly technical amendments to House Bill 2. It voted unanimously to delete Section 81, which duplicated CCSNH dual and concurrent enrollment language already moving in House Bill 192; to delete Sections 143 and 144, which duplicated police standards and training extra-duty language already in House Bill 778; to adopt a correction to Section 151 that removed an inadvertently repeated sentence; and to delete Section 178 because the same Lottery Commission language already appears in House Bill 1. The committee also agreed to approve Section 4 of House Bill 1, the Lottery Commission boilerplate language, while deferring action on Section 2 of House Bill 1 until the university and community college budget is settled. A substantial portion of the meeting was spent planning upcoming work sessions and discussing possible revenue measures. The committee planned to invite Fish and Game on Monday to review a large set of follow-up materials and to discuss a possible amendment requiring hunters and trappers to pay the license fee before taking free training classes, with a second chance to retake the class if needed. Members also discussed possible fee adjustments for Safety and Fish and Game, including using dedicated-fund fees to reduce reliance on general funds and help stabilize the Highway Fund and Fish and Game Fund. The chair emphasized that all actions were recommendations until the committee’s final deadline and encouraged members to review draft language carefully before voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, Vice Chair, for the vote please. Voting on HB 548 HD1.
• Seeing none, Vice Chair, for the vote please. Voting on HB 563 HD1.
• Seeing none, Vice Chair, for the vote please. Voting on HB 563 HD1.
• Seeing none, Vice Chair, for the vote please. Voting on HB 563 HD1.
• <01:43:22.080> hb44<01:43:23.320> three vote please HD1 voting on hb44 three vote please

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 707, which would create a state income tax deduction for contributions to Hawaii 529 college savings accounts and conform state law to federal changes allowing 529 funds to be used for K-12 expenses. The Department of Taxation said it could administer the bill as written. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the measure but asked that ABLE accounts be included and that the program title be changed; the Department of Taxation indicated the title issue could be a problem because the bill’s expanded purpose may not fit the current program name. No vote was taken. The committee then heard House Bill 617, which would fund a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges. UH Community Colleges supported the bill, and Maui nursing staff testified that faculty recruitment is challenging but manageable, clinical placements are available, and the campus already has a statewide RN-to-BSN pathway; they said the new program would create two tracks, including a four-year BSN option. Members also heard support from several organizations, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, nursing groups, and health care associations. No action was taken. Next were several UH-related measures. HB 718 would fund faculty and staff positions at the John A. Burns School of Medicine; the dean and other supporters testified in favor. HB 1279 would create a medical education liaison position tied to Project ECHO; the Attorney General raised constitutional concerns about statewide concern and grant standards, while an individual witness supported the concept but suggested the bill should focus on liaison/support functions rather than program administration. HB 1169 would consolidate conference center revolving funds, and HB 1168 would authorize up to $800 million in UH revenue bonds; UH’s CFO said both were procedural/housekeeping measures and supported them. On HB 1168, members questioned debt service, possible uses, and whether deferred maintenance would be included; the CFO estimated annual debt service could be about $33 million to $41 million at current rates, said likely uses could include student housing and research facilities, and said deferred maintenance was not the current strategy. The CFO also explained that revenue bonds require both legislative authorization and a Board of Regents resolution approving the project and amount. Finally, the committee heard HB 548, which would authorize revenue bonds and appropriations to acquire the St. Francis School campus for UH Mānoa. UH supported the bill but noted the property is privately owned and not known to be for sale. A supporter described the site as a unique 11-acre parcel contiguous to the main campus and urged the committee to seize the opportunity for future generations. No vote or final action was taken on the bills in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do we have any inquiries before we take the vote? Seeing none, Madam Clerk, please call a vote.
• Madam Clerk, please call the vote. Chair Cupps. Yes. Vice Chair Mayhew.
• Seeing none, Madam Clerk, please call a vote. Chair Cups? Yes. Vice Chair Mayhew.
• By your vote of 10 yes, yes, zero no. You West.
• Madam Clerk, vote of eight yes, two no. You have do pass Senate Bill 999.

Keywords: 959, house, all