Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:12:00.600> I<00:12:00.640> do<00:12:00.839> say<00:12:00.960> Division
• c> was<00:12:03.120> in<00:12:03.240> here<00:12:03.400> and<00:12:03.480>
• name change<00:12:05.240> and<00:12:05.320> I'll<00:12:05.440> say<00:12:05.560
• <00:12:06.800> I<00:12:06.880> can<00:12:07.120> up<00:12:07.240> here
• And<00:12:09.440> the<00:12:09.520> higher-ups<00:12:10.360> laid<00:12:10.640><

Keywords: Continuation of today's legislative session, beginning at 7:45 pm., 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :11.160> next<00:12:11.399> line<00:12:11.680> is<00:12:11.800> an<00:12:
• <00:12:22.760> significantly<00:12:23.480> over<00:12:23.800> that<00:12:24.199>
• > 20<00:12:28.959> Mill<00:12:29.199> ion<00:12:29.560> 22<00:12:30.120><
• :12:31.959> change<00:12:32.440> in<00:12:32.680> that<00:12:32.920> line
• <00:12:34.160> Grants<00:12:35.160> but<00:12:35.560> Federal<00:12:36.040><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from the University System of New Hampshire chancellor on the system’s budget, enrollment, finances, workforce role, and response to federal policy changes. The chancellor said the governor’s recommended budget would reduce university system funding by about $16.5 million over the biennium, or roughly 8.3%, and asked that state funding be held at the governor’s level. She described planned cost reductions already underway, including lower headcount, reduced benefits and retirement contributions, property sales, and lease reductions, and said the system expects to remove about $20 million from its cost structure in fiscal year 2026. A large portion of the discussion focused on enrollment and finances. The chancellor said fall 2024 enrollment was about 23,000, with New Hampshire enrollment increasing for the first time since 2013, and noted that the system remains a major workforce pipeline, with about 3,000 graduates entering the state workforce each year. She explained that net tuition has fallen over time because of declining enrollment and increased financial aid, while research grants and contracts have grown significantly. She also walked through endowment funding, explaining that payouts are based on a 12-quarter rolling average and are intentionally smoothed to reduce volatility; members asked for follow-up information on payout comparisons, administrative salaries, headcounts, and compensation per student. Members questioned the university about the relationship between state support, tuition, endowments, and research spending. The chancellor said the system has used state capital support to leverage major investments, including the UNH Life Sciences building, Plymouth’s Hyde Hall, and the Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center, and described partnerships with businesses such as Lonza and regional manufacturers. She also explained a long-running New Hampshire 529-related revenue stream that has built endowment support for scholarships, and said the system’s endowment now totals about $988 million. In response to questions about possible cuts, she said the system is considering academic program sharing, consolidation of specialties, online delivery, AI-assisted administrative efficiencies, and footprint reductions, but declined to name specific programs. The committee also discussed DEI-related issues and federal grants. The chancellor said the system is reviewing executive orders and a U.S. Department of Education Dear Colleague letter, and that general counsel is working through websites, programs, and more than 1,200 federal grants to ensure compliance. She said the system spends about $3 million on what it calls DEI-related offices and services, but emphasized that these services include disability support, veteran support, Title IX, ADA, and employment-law compliance, and that the system does not have race-based programs, separate housing, or separate graduation ceremonies. She reported that the system had received stop-work orders on four federal grants totaling about $700,000 and warned that reductions in federal direct or indirect costs could affect research, jobs, and innovation.

Transcript Highlights:

• 25<00:12:26.240> to<00:12:26.480> 30%<00:12:26.959> within<00:12:27.279>
• > sure<00:12:34.639> that<00:12:35.200> if<00:12:35.519> this<00:12:35.680
• consider<00:12:37.760> it<00:12:37.920> that<00:12:38.160> we<00:12:38.320>
• > it's<00:12:49.680> just<00:12:49.839> one<00:12:50.000> of<00:12:50.160
• <00:12:52.720> All<00:12:52.800> right,<00:12:53.120> Senator,<00:12:53.680>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > that<00:12:28.720> many<00:12:29.040> of<00:12:29.120> us<00:12:29.360>
• families at<00:12:37.360> the<00:12:37.519> center<00:12:37.680> of<00:12:37.839
• > to<00:12:40.000> know<00:12:40.079> that<00:12:40.320> even<00:12:40.560
• in tough situations<00:12:41.680> and<00:12:41.920> we<00:12:42.079> are<00:12:
• > Congress<00:12:46.000> are<00:12:47.040> shoveling<00:12:47.600> at<00:12:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All<00:12:15.560> right,<00:12:15.720> we<00:12:15.800> have<00:12:15.920> a<
• <00:12:20.600> Any<00:12:20.800> opposed<00:12:21.320> vote<00:12:21.560>
• The<00:12:22.640> ayes<00:12:22.839> do<00:12:23.040> have<00:12:23.280> it.
• So,<00:12:24.680> we<00:12:24.800> do<00:12:25.040> have<00:12:25.320> the
• :27.200> 27<00:12:27.920> as<00:12:28.120> amended<00:12:28.560> by<00:12

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:54 Roll Call 00:01:17 SB 192 Discussion 00:03:31 SB 192 Vote 00:05:41 SB 312 Discussion 00:07:17 SB 312 Vote 00:09:56 SB 27 Discussion 00:11:27 SB 27 Vote 00:15:51 SB 149 Discussion 00:16:55 SB 149 Vote 00:19:35 SB 133 Discussion 00:21:17 SB 133 Vote 00:23:41 SJR 62 Discussion 00:25:04 SJR 62 Vote 00:27:28 SJR 75 Discussion 00:28:31 SJR 75 Vote 00:31:56 Adjournment 00:34:30, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So<00:12:09.920> that's<00:12:10.160> our<00:12:10.280> request<00:12:10.760>
• > us<00:12:11.720> the<00:12:11.800> funding<00:12:12.120> for<00:12:12.240
• <00:12:17.360> so<00:12:17.520> that<00:12:17.640> we<00:12:17.760> as<00
• <00:12:25.040> Um<00:12:25.880> we<00:12:26.360> we<00:12:26.520> do<
• :01.080> I<01:12:01.160> had<01:12:01.280> talked<01:12:01.520> to<01:12:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.079> more<00:12:01.040> had<00:12:01.279> a<00:12:01.440> much<00:12:
• c><00:12:10.639> of<00:12:10.880> that,<00:12:11.200> a<00:12:11.519> grand
• 00:12:18.000> and<00:12:18.079> a<00:12:18.240> half<00:12:18.399> or work
• So what this<00:12:21.920> bill<00:12:22.160> does<00:12:22.560> as<00:12:22.800
• to uh um<00:12:42.079> to<00:12:42.480> to<00:12:42.800> pass<00:12:42.959>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:12:17.680> enter<00:12:18.040> and<00:12:18.240> operator<00:12:19.160>
• 12:29.560> a<00:12:29.680> 42<00:12:30.160> megawatt<00:12:31.160> 168<00
• hour<00:12:32.680> um<00:12:33.279> photovoltaic<00:12:34.279> and<00:12:34.480
• c> is<00:12:39.079> important<00:12:39.440> to<00:12:39.639> us<00:12:39.839
• > enable<00:12:44.519> us<00:12:44.680> to<00:12:44.839> do<00:12:45.160>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several energy and environmental bills. On HB 974, which would authorize state step-in agreements for certain power purchase agreements and create a trust fund/reserve mechanism, the Attorney General’s office raised concern that the state should not incur liability beyond the trust fund. The Division of Consumer Advocacy said it had comments but did not take a position, while the Public Utilities Commission, Ameresco, Hawaiian Electric, and other industry groups supported the measure, saying it would help developers secure financing for renewable projects and improve reliability. Hawaiian Electric said the bill would not use state funds and that its proposed reserve account would be held in trust and returned to customers if unused. Committee members questioned whether the reserve would raise customer costs; Hawaiian Electric said the amount would be small and would be offset by avoiding higher financing costs, while Consumer Advocacy suggested the language should be strengthened to ensure unused funds are fully returned. The committee then heard HB 338, which would clarify that premium interest-rate adjustments for non-fossil fuel generation are just and reasonable and allow the PUC to include them in rates. DCCA and the State Energy Office supported the bill, and the PUC also supported it. Hawaiian Electric opposed unless amended, arguing the PUC already has discretion and warning the bill could weaken competitive procurement by encouraging higher bids tied to the utility’s credit rating. DCCA said the concern was that developers might not seek the best financing if premium rates are recoverable, but said Hawaiian Electric’s suggested amendment requiring clear and convincing evidence of unavoidable financing-cost increases would help. Members also asked about refinancing and whether developers could later lower debt costs after locking in a premium rate; DCCA said that ability exists and suggested a time limit or review mechanism. For HB 337, which would direct the PUC to establish standards requiring utilities to remove certain fossil-fuel costs from the rate base when adding renewable resources, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Hawaii Clean Power Alliance, and the State Energy Office supported the measure. Hawaiian Electric opposed it, saying it misunderstood utility cost recovery and could threaten grid reliability because fossil plants provide ancillary services such as voltage regulation and balancing, not just energy. Hawaiian Electric pointed to its integrated grid plan and recent fossil-unit retirements as evidence of ongoing transition, and asked the committee to defer the bill and leave oversight to the PUC. The committee also heard HB 879 on cesspool conversions, which would raise the maximum grant from $20,000 to $30,000 and add DOH positions; DHHL, DOH, environmental groups, Hawaii Realtors, and others supported it, while DOH discussed staffing needs and the practical effect of the higher grant cap. The committee also began HB 379 on requiring denitrification capacity for certain wastewater systems near shorelines or groundwater, with DLNR testifying in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that >> I<00:12:28.720> don't<00:12:28.880> have<00:12:29.040> any<00:12
• If<00:12:50.399> we<00:12:50.560> give<00:12:50.800> up<00:12:50.959> this
• 12:29.360> in<02:12:29.520> TANIF<02:12:30.079> it<02:12:30.239> can<02:12
• ,<03:12:25.120> but<03:12:25.680> 9<03:12:25.920> to<03:12:26.160> 12
• And on the 20th also<03:12:28.720> 9<03:12:28.960> to<03:12:29.200> 12.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: House Finance Division 3 met in work session and opened with procedural remarks from the chair about the committee’s schedule, deadlines, and recommendation options, noting the meeting was advisory and no votes were expected. The first bill discussed, House Bill 1569, concerned repealing the directive to sell the Anna Philbrook Center for Children property in Concord. Testimony from DHHS and New Hampshire Hospital focused on whether the property could be subdivided, the relationship to Senate Bill 572, the status of the city of Concord’s first right of refusal, and the practical effects of a sale. Witnesses said the $5 million sale estimate was a budget assumption, that moving staff and equipment would create some relocation costs, and that the center had required significant recent maintenance and renovation spending. Members also discussed the number of transitional housing beds at the site, the temporary nature of those beds, and whether the property should remain available given hospital workforce and service needs. The committee then turned to House Bill 661, which had been recommitted for further review after new information emerged. The chair summarized federal developments, including a December 2025 ACF letter and a related executive order, as well as a federal HHS press release about states diverting foster youths’ Social Security survivor benefits. Representative Walner explained that amendment 3055H had been drafted to move the bill forward in smaller steps, with a fiscal note requested on the amendment because the original bill was viewed as too large and expensive. Members discussed whether the committee had received copies of the amendment and whether federal guidance or funding had changed the policy landscape. The discussion also included broader questions about foster youth benefits and whether federal action would support state implementation. One member cited ACF language stating that only 11 states had enacted policies to stop interception of survivor benefits and that technical assistance would be available to the remaining states. The meeting remained in work-session mode throughout, with no votes taken and no final recommendations made during the portion provided. The chair indicated the committee could return to the bills later in the month.

Transcript Highlights:

• > I<00:12:01.079> wanted<00:12:01.360> to<00:12:01.560> run<00:12:02.440>
• <00:12:06.040> you'd<00:12:06.240> be<00:12:06.399> a<00:12:06.519> good<
• <00:12:13.440> I<00:12:13.560> spent<00:12:13.920> time<00:12:14.120> with
• <00:12:15.720> the<00:12:15.839> Hollis<00:12:16.199> Women's<00:12:16.519><
• on February 21st<00:12:25.480> the<00:12:25.639> last<00:12:25.880> time<00:12:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, leaves of absence, guest introductions, and memorial remarks honoring former Representative Carolyn Gargas of Hollis, who was remembered for her long House service, work on child and family issues, and community involvement. The House then adopted a consent calendar and approved a motion to withdraw House Bill 431, which would have created a commission to review draft rules on minimum standards for public school approval and state academic standards; the motion failed after a roll call vote, so the bill remained in play. The House next took up House Bill 109-FN, relative to false reports to law enforcement. The majority supported the bill as a way to add penalties for knowingly false reports about law enforcement officers, arguing officers deserve protection from false accusations and that the knowingly standard is a high bar. The minority opposed it as duplicative of existing law and warned it could chill legitimate complaints against police. After debate and a division vote, the majority committee report of ought to pass was adopted, 198-173. The House also considered House Bill 218-FN, which would provide victims of crime a free police report. The committee amendment changed the bill so victims would receive a written confirmation that a crime occurred rather than the initial police report, to avoid conflicts with right-to-know law and active-investigation confidentiality. Supporters said the change was a small but important clarification agreed to by law enforcement and domestic violence advocates, while opponents argued the original language was already workable and that the floor amendment was unnecessary. A division vote was requested on the amendment, and the transcript ends during that debate before the final outcome on HB 218 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• on our<00:12:01.839> website<00:12:02.640> and<00:12:02.880> we<00:12:03.120>
• > go<00:12:03.279> over<00:12:03.440> a<00:12:03.680> whole<00:12:03.839>
• > data<00:12:05.279> uh<00:12:05.360> which<00:12:05.680> includes<00:12:
• :12:18.399> side<00:12:18.639> and<00:12:18.800> I<00:12:18.959> do<00:12
• :12:23.279> as<00:12:23.519> best<00:12:23.760> we<00:12:24.000> can<00:12

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:08.079> it<00:12:08.200> turns<00:12:08.440> out<00:12:09.160> but
• <00:12:14.600> I<00:12:14.760> know<00:12:14.959> of<00:12:15.760> a<
• condition<00:12:17.360> where<00:12:17.560> they<00:12:17.639> are<00:12:17.800
• 12:19.839> needs<00:12:20.480> this<00:12:20.760> treatment<00:12:21.480> and
• insurance<00:12:27.160> can<00:12:27.440> still<00:12:27.720> not<00:12:28.040><

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• anybody<00:12:08.839> yeah<00:12:09.279> is<00:12:09.399> there<00:12:09.600>
• > can<00:12:14.519> stand<00:12:14.760> up<00:12:14.959> please<00:12:15.279
• <00:12:24.160> um<00:12:25.160> I<00:12:25.920> uh<00:12:26.160> oppose
• this bill<00:12:27.720> strongly<00:12:27.959> oppose<00:12:28.199> this<00:12:
• <00:12:31.639> there<00:12:31.760> should<00:12:32.079> be<00:12:32.399>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 347 relating to goats. The Department of Land and Natural Resources offered comments and said its Division of Forestry and Wildlife was available to answer questions. Testimony on the bill was largely opposed, with speakers arguing it would amount to a “free-for-all” rather than game management and urging deferral. DLNR responded that bag limits can be adjusted by area and game management unit under adaptive management rules, and that hunters typically take out their catch. No vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 1278, on which DLNR testified in support. The record in the excerpt does not include discussion of the bill’s substance beyond the department’s support, and no action or vote is shown. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on HB 144, relating to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority and proposed exemptions from Sunshine Law requirements during the transition period. The authority’s vice chair testified that the body is a startup agency with a complex transition from the University and needs to be able to discuss strategic planning, operational formation, and other day-to-day matters with more than two members present. Opponents, including the Public First Law Center, Hawaiʻi Environmental Alliance, and community members, argued the bill would cut the public out of the deliberative process, allow decisions to be hashed out in private, and set a poor transparency precedent. One testifier also raised cultural and environmental concerns about Mauna Kea. Committee members questioned whether existing law and narrower guardrails could address the authority’s concerns, and the authority said it had already proposed a narrower alternative but the bill returned in similar form. The excerpt ends before any final committee action on HB 144 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• R, um, reached<00:12:12.399> out<00:12:12.560> to<00:12:12.720> us<00:12:13.040
• We had a couple<00:12:17.360> meetings<00:12:18.160> um<00:12:18.320> with<00:12
• <00:12:22.320> um<00:12:22.480> into<00:12:23.200> account<00:12:23.519>
• > put<00:12:24.160> the<00:12:24.320> bill<00:12:24.560> together,<00:12:
• 12:44.079> of<00:12:44.320> state<00:12:44.959> out<00:12:45.120> of<00:12

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• On line<00:12:01.079> 397,<00:12:02.079> actually<00:12:02.480> 398<00:12:03.120
• Uh, and<00:12:15.360> then<00:12:15.600> line<00:12:16.000> 406<00:12:17.000>
• c><00:12:20.399> are<00:12:20.560> being<00:12:20.800> included<00:12:21.120>
• And all of<00:12:23.920> the<00:12:24.079> funds<00:12:24.480> are<00:12:25.040>
• <00:12:42.000> the<00:12:42.320> language<00:12:42.720> of<00:12:42.959> the<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:05.000> The<00:12:05.120> day<00:12:05.480> illness<00:12:05.880>
• The day<00:12:09.160> death<00:12:09.440> in<00:12:09.520> the<00:12:09.640>
• These<00:12:14.640> leaves<00:12:14.880> of<00:12:15.000> absence<00:12:15.320
• The<00:12:19.440> house<00:12:19.640> will<00:12:19.760> attend<00:12:20.000>
• <01:12:01.480> would<01:12:01.600> be<01:12:01.720> subject<01:12:02.160>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm<00:12:58.079> opening<00:12:58.399> the<00:12:58.639> executive<00:12:59.200
• <03:12:08.960> 0<03:12:09.279> degrees<03:12:09.680> like<03:12:09.840> it
• <03:12:11.120> Um<03:12:11.920> road<03:12:12.160> postings<03:12:12.640>
• :18.319> cut<03:12:18.479> less<03:12:18.720> or<03:12:19.040> cut<03:12:
• 03:12:30.560> put<03:12:30.800> people<03:12:31.040> on<03:12:31.279> hold.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.520> And<01:12:01.760> so<01:12:01.920> we<01:12:02.159> would<01:12:
• Uh any comments before<01:12:13.199> we<01:12:13.360> move<01:12:13.520> to<01:12
• Uh Madam<01:12:15.120> Chair,<01:12:15.440> these<01:12:15.760> are<01:12:16.400
• :19.920> make<01:12:20.000> sure<01:12:20.159> that<01:12:20.320> we<01:12
• <01:12:24.560> Um,<01:12:25.040> so<01:12:25.280> I<01:12:25.600> really<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You<00:12:17.839> only<00:12:18.160> have<00:12:18.320> to<00:12:18.480> be
• c><00:12:18.639> in<00:12:18.800> the<00:12:18.959> school<00:12:19.279> one<
• <00:12:25.920> may<00:12:26.240> decide<00:12:26.639> that<00:12:26.880>
• :12:32.560> or<00:12:32.800> I'm<00:12:33.120> 18<00:12:33.519> years<00:
• <00:12:34.639> the<00:12:34.880> chance<00:12:35.120> of<00:12:35.360> me

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity met in September 2025, established a quorum, introduced new member Larry Forester, and approved the minutes from the August 26 meeting. The main presentation came from Warren County Public Schools Superintendent Rob Clayton and Assistant Superintendent Sarah Johnson, who discussed the district’s work serving English language learners and multilingual students, including immigrant and refugee families. They said Warren County now serves roughly 5,500 multilingual students out of about 19,000 total, representing about 92 languages and 90 countries, with 57 certified multilingual teachers, a GO Center, migrant and refugee advocates, and the state’s first international high school. The presenters emphasized that the district welcomes immigrant families and that students and parents generally value public education, but they described major challenges tied to accountability and funding. They explained that multilingual students are tested after one year in the system, even though many need more time to become proficient in English and grade-level standards, and they argued that current graduation-rate rules can unfairly penalize schools when transient students enroll briefly and then leave. They also said the cost of serving this population has risen sharply, with special revenue and especially general-fund spending increasing substantially over the past decade, prompting the district to reallocate resources from EL teacher assistants toward translation technology and additional certified staff. Committee members asked questions about how long-term multilingual students compare with the general student body and whether the district’s data show similar graduation outcomes. Clayton said he did not have the specific comparison data at hand but believed students who stay K-12 generally reach proficiency. He and Johnson asked legislators to consider giving students more time before accountability measures apply and to shift some graduation accountability from individual schools to the district level for highly transient populations, while still maintaining accountability. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• :11.160> who<00:12:11.320> trying<00:12:11.560> to<00:12:11.680> get<00:12
• <00:12:13.160> of<00:12:13.279> the<00:12:13.440> state<00:12:14.040> it's
• > we're<00:12:21.079> ready<00:12:21.399> we<00:12:21.600> prepare<00:12:
• <00:12:23.320> happen<00:12:24.279> and<00:12:24.800> even<00:12:25.000> if
• but if things<00:12:27.320> are<00:12:27.480> happening<00:12:27.800> in<00:12:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Human Services and Homelessness heard two SNAP-related bills on March 13, 2025. SB 960 SD1 would appropriate funds to DHS to improve SNAP administration, including additional positions. Testimony from Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Food Industry Association, AARP Hawaii, Hawaii Appleseed, and many others strongly supported the measure, emphasizing high food insecurity, the importance of SNAP federal dollars, and the need to reduce delays and improve access. DHS said vacancies and retention are the main barriers, with staffing shortages statewide across processing centers. The department described efforts such as wikiwiki hiring, bringing back retired workers, using interns, and improving call center efficiency, and said it had requested a 5% performance incentive package estimated at about $1.1 million per year, though that request did not make the governor’s budget. Members asked about vacancy counts, staffing distribution, and how the bill would interact with other SNAP funding; DHS said some funding was tied to the new eligibility system and that staffing requests would need to be separate. The committee did not take final action on the bill in the portion heard. The committee then heard SB 961 SD1, which would require DHS to adjust minimum certification periods and participate in the Elderly Simplified Application Project. Supporters, including AARP Hawaii, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii Food Industry Association, and additional organizations and individuals, said the bill would reduce red tape, help kūpuna, and ease administrative burden. DHS supported the concept but said the current legacy system cannot automate these changes and that any implementation would require manual processing until the new system is in place. DHS and committee members discussed the risk of higher error rates and timeliness problems with manual processing, noting the department had recently been assessed a $1 million penalty for high payment error rates and was already in corrective action for timeliness. Members also discussed the anticipated fall 2026 rollout of the new system and whether the bill should be delayed until then; DHS said it preferred to assess the new system first before pursuing waivers and related changes. The committee then moved on to the next measure after the discussion.