Transcript Highlights:

• of Representatives, your Standing Committee on Rules begs leave to report that it has carefully examined

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Meanwhile, we have more than doubled the amount of three-panel examinations that we have had to order
• 900 exams per year, and most of these examiners are in their 60s and 70s and about to retire.
• are making for doing the three-panel examination.
• Right now there’s about six examiners available to do about 900 exams per year, and most of these examiners
• are making for doing the three-panel examination.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• captive insurance companies that are not risk retention captive insurance companies are subject to examination
• no later than 5 years after licensure and any additional examination at the discretion of the insurance
• subjects captive insurance companies that are not risk retention captive insurance companies to examination
• no later than 5 years after licensure and any additional examination at the discretion of the insurance
• subjects captive insurance companies that are not risk retention captive insurance companies to examination

Bills: SB2876, SB3253, SB2125, SB2781, HB549, HB1768, SB2053, SB2494, SB2851, SB3073, HB1678, HB1721, HB2475, HB2246, HB1667, HB1516, SB2532, SB3131, SB3154, HB2297, HB1737, SB2143, SB2398, SB2623, HB1740, HB1920, HB1682, SB2153, SB3140, HB1515, SB2835, HB2282, SB3083, SB2031, SB2519, SB2667, SB2140, SB2544, SB2069, SB2697, SB874, SB2043, SB888, SB2721, HB2152, HB1334, HB2385, HB1643, HB2314, HB1688, HB1692, SB2568, SB2983, SB2108, SB3136, HB1959, SB3156, HB1511, HB1753, HB1824, HB2137, HB1810, HB2279, HB2309, HB1548, HB2078, HB2293, SB3262, SB2169, SB2607, SB2964, SB3255, HB2576, HB1481, HB1864, HB1550, SB2818, SB3067, SB2061, HB1728, HB1881, HB2361, HB2395, HB1823, SB2050, SB2397, SB2175, SB2852, SB847, SB3001

Keywords: natural hair braiding, hair braiding, braids, braider, braiding license, cosmetology, barbering, barber board, Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, registration, licensure exemption, sanitation training, health and safety, hair extensions, cornrows, twists, locks, protective hairstyles, beauty industry, occupational licensing

Transcript Highlights:

• second look at how well we are doing at helping people obtain mental health and substance abuse examinations
• such as 988 Florida Lifeline continue to show a 96% diversion rate from an involuntary Baker Act examination
• Someone to call for 988 mobile response teams continue to achieve a 78% diversion from Baker Act examinations
• providers said in the survey that we just recently got results for that clarifying the 72-hour examination
• period improved their ability to complete examinations and discharge planning on time, while 45% noted

Summary: The Human Services Subcommittee met to receive an update from the Florida Department of Children and Families on implementation of House Bill 7021, which revised the Baker Act and Marchman Act and was funded with a $50 million appropriation. Deputy Assistant Secretary Bill Hardin reported that the department has updated reference guides, training, administrative rules, and forms; launched regional behavioral health collaboratives; and created the Office of Children’s Behavioral Health Ombudsman. He said early data show continued declines in Baker Act use, high diversion rates from involuntary examinations through 988, mobile response teams, and care coordination, along with generally positive provider feedback on changes such as allowing psychiatric nurses to initiate emergency treatment orders and clarifying the 72-hour examination period. Hardin also described Marchman Act changes, including a streamlined petition process, remote testimony, improved discharge planning, and a new annual data report. He said the department has completed or is completing multiple training courses for providers and law enforcement, and has adopted or is finalizing numerous rules and forms. He reported that the regional collaboratives are identifying common statewide needs such as service capacity, resource sharing, funding flexibility, and peer support, while the ombudsman office is handling complaints and helping families navigate services. Members asked about whether the current funding is sufficient, future budget needs, outreach for the new ombudsman office, and services for juveniles. Hardin said DCF has posted legislative budget requests for additional forensic FACT services and short-term residential treatment beds, including children’s beds, and noted the ombudsman office is staffed with two FTEs and supported through existing complaint-management and regional systems. He said outreach is being done through regional collaboratives and coordination with other agencies, especially the Department of Education, and that juvenile transport and placement issues have improved with the new law. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The request will allow the crime lab to pay up to $300,000 to medical examiners working within the facility
• The request will allow crime lab to pay up to $300,000 to medical examiners working within the facility
• Up to $300,000 to medical examiners working within the facility.
• Maybe just for staff: Are the existing employees, medical examiners, already above $300,000?
• The $300,000 rate was approved last year, and the existing examiners are already there.

Summary: The committee met and took several budget-related items out of order. It first approved a revised Auditor’s Office letter and amendment that reduced requested salary and match increases to 10 percent for operations and UCP, and then approved a revised Lieutenant Governor’s Office request that kept positions at line-item maximums while revising regular salary and match appropriations to a total increase of $99,876. Both items passed without objection. The committee then considered a member amendment from Senator Rice to Senate Bill 30 affecting the Governor’s Office. The amendment would eliminate one Governor senior advisor position, reducing authorized positions from 59 to 58 and cutting regular salaries and matching funds by a total of $264,895. Senator Rice argued the change was warranted because of concerns about former Corrections Secretary Joe Profury’s conduct, transparency, and refusal to appear before Joint Performance Review. Members debated the relevance of the amendment to current duties, whether the governor could still hire the individual in another role, and whether a Board of Corrections member could speak. After discussion, the committee rejected the amendment on a roll call vote. Under regular business, the committee approved an OPM request to reinstate a labor market rate at the crime lab so it can recruit two medical examiners, with pay up to $300,000 for those positions. Members also approved Arkansas State University-Jonesboro’s request for 11 positions tied to the new veterinary medicine school, including clinic, lab, communications, mental health, and administrative roles. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• conference committee report, House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 994, begs leave to report, examines
• Fiscal Review reports its deferred Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1553, begs leave to report, examines
• Fiscal Review reports its deferred Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 913, begs leave to report, examines
• Review reports its deferred House Committee Substitute, Senate Bill 1652, begs leave to report, examines
• Senate Committee Substitute, Senate Committee Substitute, Senate Bill 890, begs leave to report, examines

Summary: The House took up a series of conference committee reports and third-read Senate bills near the end of session, with several members also recognizing House drafters and research staff. The chamber first adopted and finally passed Senate Joint Resolution 87, which drew debate over whether the measure would remove the City of St. Louis sheriff as an elected office; supporters said the change also applied to other charter governments, while opponents argued it reduced local autonomy. The report and final passage both succeeded on 95-46 votes. Members then adopted and finally passed Senate Bill 973, a package combining a wholesaler/real estate transparency measure with a land bank provision. Senate Bill 1421, a broad public safety bill, was also advanced after a motion to exceed the conference differences; supporters highlighted provisions on clean slate, masked intimidation, prosecuting attorney salaries, fentanyl, gift card fraud, unmanned aircraft, and other public safety items. The conference report passed 116-18, the bill finally passed 110-25, and the emergency clause for the drone-related portion passed 136-5. The House also adopted and finally passed Senate Bills 835 and 1111, a combined conference report that included insurance consumer protections, court administration updates, treatment court and judgeship provisions, a St. Louis civil case surcharge, and the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act. Senate Bill 1408 was stripped back to a single issue authorizing MoDOT to consider raising rural interstate speed limits from 70 to 75 mph, and it passed 93-46. Senate Bill 913, extending several agriculture tax credits and adding a short line railroad credit, prompted extended debate over tax credits, budget pressures, and whether such incentives should be extended now or later; a proposed child tax credit amendment was withdrawn, and the bill ultimately passed 107-30. The House then began debate on Senate Bill 1553, a critical minerals and pharmaceutical manufacturing incentive bill, with supporters framing it as a jobs and supply-chain security measure and opponents raising questions about tax incentives and local impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to continue to examine.
• We need to continue to examine.
• We need to continue to examine.
• We need to continue to examine.
• We need to continue to examine.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Tax Expenditure Review Commission met on June 17, 2026, approved the January 20, 2026 minutes, and then adopted updated commission procedures. The procedural changes, presented by Legislative Budget Office Director Christian Larson, required a quorum of voting members to complete evaluations before a formal recommendation vote, and allowed members to bundle or unbundle tax expenditures for voting. The commission approved the revised procedures by roll call vote, with five ayes and four excused. The commission then reviewed member evaluation summaries for tax expenditures presented in December 2025 and January 2026. It first considered the alcoholic beverage tax credits for small brewers and microdistilleries, and after discussion voted to recommend repeal of those two expenditures, while leaving the small winery credit for a later meeting because it lacked enough member responses under the new procedures. The vote on the repeal recommendation passed 4-1, with Commissioner Marquart voting no. The commission next approved the lawful gambling bundle, which included bingo, raffle, and related exemptions. Larson reported that most members recommended continuation for each item, and the commission voted to recommend continuing all six lawful gambling expenditures. It then reviewed the residential utility services bundle—residential heating fuels, residential water services, and sewer services—where members generally favored continuation but several noted possible modifications or caps for higher-income users; the commission voted to recommend continuation of the bundle. Finally, the commission reviewed the data center equipment sales tax exemption, which Larson said had an estimated annual revenue loss of $95 million and was intended to create jobs in construction and data center industries. Members raised questions about its effectiveness and whether the exemption should be modified or capped, but the commission ultimately voted to recommend continuation. The meeting concluded with these recommendations set to be included in the commission’s 2026 annual report.

Transcript Highlights:

• for the federal regulators to improve the examination practices by assigning experienced examiners,
• , examinations, examinations, including<03:22:29.520> the<03:22:29.760> federal<03:22:30.239
• the examination practices by assigning<03:22:34.479> experienced<03:22:35.200> examiners,<
• /c> assigning experienced examiners, assigning experienced examiners, minimizing<03:22:37.279> unnecessary
• Today because of examination cycle.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• starting with HB 141, State Group Insurance Program Coverage for Diagnostic and Supplemental Breast Examinations
• Examinations by Representative Woodson. You're recognized to explain your bill.
• which is entitled State Group Insurance Program Coverage for Diagnostic and Supplemental Breast Examination
• which is entitled State Group Insurance Program Coverage for Diagnostic and Supplemental Breast Examination
• Once they are diagnosed and have to go for supplemental examination, and they don't have the out-of-pocket

Summary: The Health Care Facilities and Systems Subcommittee met and heard two bills. HB 141, by Rep. Woodson, would require the state group insurance program to cover out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations for covered employees, with the goal of improving early detection and reducing the chance that patients skip follow-up imaging because of cost. Woodson described her personal experience with breast cancer screening and emphasized that the bill would help state employees get recommended mammograms, MRIs, ultrasounds, and related tests without financial barriers. The American Cancer Society and Cancer Action Network supported the bill, and several members spoke in strong support, citing the importance of early detection and employee retention. The committee voted 15-0 to report HB 141 favorably. The committee then heard CS for HB 839, by Rep. Booth, which would shorten the period for health insurers to seek overpayment claims against participating psychologists from 30 months to 12 months, aligning psychologists with other health care providers and applying to claims on or after January 1, 2026. Booth said the change would improve access to mental health care by encouraging more psychologists to participate in insurance networks. The Florida Psychological Association appeared in support, and there was no debate. The committee voted 15-0 to report the bill favorably. At the end of the meeting, the vice chair, ranking member, and chair each offered brief remarks thanking members and staff for their work during the session. The chair noted the committee had focused on implementation and oversight issues and described the process as member-driven. The meeting then adjourned by motion to rise.

Transcript Highlights:

• urging the Real Estate Commission to allow for the administration of the real estate salesperson examination
• administration of the real estate administration of the real estate salesperson<00:25:26.320> examination
• <00:25:27.120> in<00:25:27.240> the<00:25:27.399> Japanese salesperson examination
• in the Japanese salesperson examination in the Japanese language<00:25:28.120> for<00:25:28.320
• So, as such, we are requesting that we have strong consideration to translate these examinations from

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on April 1 at the State Capitol and heard four measures. HCR 45/HR 38 urged the Public Utilities Commission to support transferring regulatory authority over motor carriers, water carriers, and other transportation means to the Department of Transportation; both the PUC and DOT testified in support, and members discussed that the resolution was largely symbolic because statutory changes would still be needed. HCR 58/HR 54 requested a geothermal energy working group; the Consumer Advocate, PUC, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and Life of the Land supported it, while Students for Justice in Palestine at UH opposed it, citing an active injunction, environmental risks, and the need to prioritize Native and local community voices. Members asked about the injunction and community representation, and the PUC said it would support including Hawaiian community members in the working group. HCR 91/HR 87 sought insurance coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices; a 14-year-old amputee testified in support, describing the need for sports prosthetics and arguing that coverage should allow people with limb loss to participate fully in school and athletics. HCR 102/HR 98 urged the Real Estate Commission to allow the salesperson exam to be administered in Japanese for timeshare sales; the Real Estate Commission opposed, while ARDA supported it, arguing there is a shortage of bilingual real estate professionals and that Japanese-language testing would help the timeshare industry and Japanese visitors. Members questioned the limited-license concept and public protection concerns, and the committee later amended the measure to a limited real estate salesperson’s license for timeshare sales, changing the target from Japanese-speaking visitors to Japanese nationals, before passing all four measures out of committee, with HCR 102 passing with amendments and the others passing as is.

Transcript Highlights:

• testing facilities around the state and the challenges that they have fully staffing the existing examiner
• <00:04:04.000> to<00:04:04.239> conduct<00:04:04.640> more third-party examiners
• to conduct more third-party examiners to conduct more road<00:04:05.239> tests<00:04:05.959><
• the existing examiner the existing examiner positions<00:04:47.680> and<00:04:47.800>
• It is vital that our examiners remain impartial and don't have any conflict of interest when administering

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• requirements, and fingerprinting is adopted, which follows federal guidelines. 601 KAR 23:050 is examination
• c><00:21:22.559> colon<00:21:22.880> 050<00:21:23.799> is<00:21:24.039> examination
• and 601 KR 23 colon 050 is examination and 601 KR 23 colon 050 is examination of<00:21:24.720>
• 35.919> to and other means to expand our ability to and other means to expand our ability to examine
• examine examine licenses<00:21:38.200> other<00:21:38.440> than<00:21:38.640> just<

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:

• And then we also support the forensic nurse examiner programs to pay for their administrative costs,
• not just reimburse them for their examinations.
• We had some high-profile cases that we were working, and the latent print examiner actually had very
• very large sheets of plastic that she had to examine for fingerprints, and it required laying those
• So it basically limited the firearms examiner from doing any casework during that time frame in that

Summary: The committee met to review the Attorney General’s budget and related agency operations, beginning with Legislative Council staff walking members through compliance reports and a blue-sheet base budget document. Staff highlighted current-biennium items such as FTE changes, one-time appropriations, litigation funding, opioid settlement receipts, continuing appropriations, and major special and federal funds. Members asked for clarification on items including the Missing Indigenous People Grant Fund, the Internet Crimes Investigation Fund, and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit grant funding. Assistant Attorney General Clare Ness then gave an overview of the office’s structure, staffing, and budget pressures. She emphasized the office’s broad statutory duties, the value of its legal services to state and local government, and concerns about attorney pay lagging behind other agencies. Members discussed whether attorney compensation should be benchmarked more consistently across state government and whether some legal work could be consolidated within the AG’s office. Ness also addressed questions about AG opinion turnaround times, boards-and-commissions training, the new-and-vacant FTE pool, operating expense cuts, office leases, and the state’s criminal justice information systems. The crime lab presentation drew significant attention. Director Jennifer Penner described severe space, safety, and infrastructure problems at the current lab, including cramped work areas, glycol leaks, outdated fire and burglar alarms, air-handling limits, and equipment failures that have delayed toxicology work. She said the 2024 study projected a much larger facility would be needed and that the preferred location would be near the current health department site, but in a new building. Members asked about possible evidence risks, backlog status, and whether the proposed building would solve the current problems; Penner said it would and noted backlogs have improved overall, though some delays remain. The committee also heard from the new Medicaid Fraud Control Unit director, who described the unit’s civil and criminal work, federal-state funding split, and examples of fraud such as billing for services not provided or upcoding. The gaming division reported continued growth in charitable gaming and e-tabs, with members expressing concern about large trust-account balances, site competition, and possible misuse of proceeds. Finally, BCI outlined its caseload, cybercrime work, missing Indigenous persons task force, and the surge in CSAM cyber tips; members asked about AI-generated CSAM, and the AG’s office noted that last session’s law increased penalties and expressly allowed AI-generated CSAM to be prosecuted like other CSAM. No formal votes or actions were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• This allows us to be more comprehensive in our regulatory review for an examination of this magnitude
• This examination will assess whether State Farm has complied with California's consumer protection laws
• Closer examination of this intervenor process has raised several concerns so far.
• Closer examinations of this intervener process has reeled several concerns so far.
• In the incoming weeks, my staff is expected to file the department's ongoing financial examination of

Summary: The Assembly Insurance Committee held its fifth oversight hearing on the California Department of Insurance’s Sustainable Insurance Strategy (SIS), with Commissioner Ricardo Lara providing an update on implementation. Lara said the department has finalized major reforms, including new catastrophe modeling tools, faster rate review procedures, use of forward-looking data tied to mitigation, and modernization of the FAIR Plan. He argued the strategy is intended to improve insurance availability in wildfire-prone areas, increase transparency, and stabilize the market, while also criticizing consumer intervenor groups and saying the department will tighten rules on intervener compensation and relevance. Members questioned Lara about when the SIS would begin producing visible market changes, how long rate filings would take to approve, and what the FAIR Plan modernization would mean for consumers’ costs. Lara said catastrophe model approvals should be completed by the end of the month, insurers are expected to begin submitting SIS filings in the coming weeks, and rate reviews have already been reduced from 281 days to 71 days. He also discussed a new market conduct investigation into State Farm’s handling of wildfire claims, ongoing complaints about smoke-damage claims, and a newly created smoke claims and remediation task force to develop standards. Lara said the department has helped more than 12,000 wildfire survivors, with over 38,000 claims filed and more than $17 billion paid, and that it is also working with other western states on underinsurance issues. Public commenters from the insurance industry, homebuilding, and insurance brokerage sectors largely supported the SIS and the department’s efforts, saying the reforms are needed to restore availability and stability. They emphasized the importance of timely rate approvals, FAIR Plan solvency, and greater transparency, and several noted that member companies are preparing to use the new filing process. The hearing ended without a vote or formal action, though members and the commissioner discussed ongoing legislative needs, including AB 226 and possible future FAIR Plan transparency measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Respondent will have Judge Happily: An opportunity to cross-examine any of the petitioner's witnesses
• So what we just witnessed was what's called direct examination.
• They're going to get to cross-examine the witness where the husband's attorney is going to try to poke
• This new volume, cross-examination of a witness. Husband's Attorney: Thank you, Your Honor.
• Judge: Is there any cross-examination? Attorney: Just briefly, Your Honor. Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• examiner with their test, which is exclusive, which is fine.
• examiner with their test, which is exclusive, which is fine.
• <00:31:35.600> being in their board of dental examiners being in their board of dental examiners
• > test,<00:31:37.919> which<00:31:38.159> is the examiner with their test, which
• is the examiner with their test, which is exclusive,<00:31:39.440> which<00:31:39.679> is<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is to the part of the bill on sensitive examinations.
• These injection procedures are authorized by the National Board of Examiners since 2012.
• These injection procedures are authorized by the National Board of Examiners since 2012.
• These injection procedures are authorized by the National Board of Examiners since 2012.
• These injection procedures are authorized by the National Board of Examiners since 2012.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• in the courtroom 30 something years, I personally take great care when it comes to having to cross-examine
• in the courtroom 30 something years, I personally take great care when it comes to having to cross-examine
• There are some studies within the State Auditor reports that do examine that aspect.
• There are some studies within the State Auditor reports that do examine that aspect.
• that aspect do you know whether examine that aspect do you know whether or<00:30:23.080> not<

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee opened its first hearing of the 2025 session with procedural instructions about testimony limits, Zoom participation, written testimony, and a reconvening date if needed. It then heard SB 200 on speedy trials. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing it could create conflicts of interest for prosecutors, potentially make victims or witnesses quasi-parties to criminal cases, force traumatizing testimony on continuance motions, and unfairly delay trials for in-custody defendants. A World Care representative supported the bill and urged broader protections for minors, disabled people, and seniors. The chair also pressed the public defender to suggest improvements, emphasizing that the bill was driven by victims and families. No vote or final action was taken on SB 200. The committee next took up SB 8 on jury duty exemptions for health professionals. Testimony was strongly supportive from nurses, physicians, and disability advocates, who said APRNs and other nurses are in short supply and that jury service can disrupt patient care, especially in rural and neighbor island areas. One witness suggested expanding the exemption to include registered nurses as well as APRNs, while a senator raised concerns about blanket exemptions for non-practicing APRNs and suggested a time limit. The bill remained under discussion with no final action reported. The committee then heard SB 144 on chiropractic, with the state chiropractic board offering comments and the Hawaii State Chiropractic Association supporting the measure as a way to address workforce shortages and provide students more hands-on clinical experience. A World Care witness also supported the bill after clarifying her remarks. The chair then moved to SB 107 on medical informed consent, where the Hawaii Medical Board opposed the bill and the Healthcare Association of Hawaii and Queen’s Health System offered comments, citing concerns about duplicative standards. A support witness proposed expanding the bill to better address combined mental and physical health conditions. Finally, SB 189 on breast cancer screening drew support from the Hawaii Medical Association, Hawaii Radiological Society, Queen’s Health Systems, and others, while the Insurance Division raised concerns about possible insurance mandate defrayment and the need for a sunrise analysis. Senators also asked about local demographic data and coverage impacts; the chair indicated decision-making would be deferred to another day.

Transcript Highlights:

• . examination. examination.
• offense of excessive speeding or habitually driving while intoxicated to pass a driver's license examination
• I'd like to suggest that the re-examination in part two of the bill be completed as ordered by the court
• > the suggest recommend that require that the suggest recommend that require that the re-examination
• in part two of the bill re-examination in part two of the bill um<00:19:57.000> be<00:19:57.160

Bills: SB888, SB2479, SB2489, SB2519, SB2521, SB2527, SB2575, SB2591, SB2611, SB2665, SB2667, SB2695, SB2697, SB2713, SB2730, SB2751, SB2765, SB2795, SB2797, SB2806, SB2812, SB2818, SB2835, SB2849, SB2851, SB2896, SB2922, SB2970, SB2972, SB2973

Keywords: SB888, Hawaii, consumer protection, smart home security, smart household security device, home security camera, video doorbell, Ring, Nest, connected devices, internet of things, IoT, privacy, data privacy, law enforcement access, police requests, search warrant, judicial warrant, subpoena, emergency disclosure

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met in decision-making only session and took up a long list of Senate bills, mostly advancing them with either no amendments or committee amendments. Early measures included SB 888, which bars smart household security device operators from sharing user data with law enforcement without consent or a warrant, and SB 2479, which allows certain defendants to seek reduced sentences based on family violence, dating violence, or child abuse history; both were adopted, with SB 2479 amended for technical and procedural changes. The committee also adopted SB 2489 on invasive species provisions in Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity leases, SB 2519 on Law Enforcement Standards Board deadlines, SB 2521 and SB 2527 on CDL-related exemptions and training/policies for emergency personnel, and SB 2575 on firearm-related mandatory minimum penalties, which was amended to clarify scope and set a far-future effective date. Several transportation and public safety bills were also approved. SB 2591 created a Waikiki refuse-collection pilot program; SB 2611 expanded criminal trespass rules for school premises to weekends and holidays, though one member raised concerns about use of school property as a park; SB 2665 required driver-license renewal applicants with recent citations to complete a road-safety course, later narrowed to moving violations only; SB 2667 restricted towing vehicles from far-left lanes; SB 2695 clarified crosswalk duties; SB 2697 prohibited driving on shoulders except in limited cases; and SB 2812 required driver testing on dangers posed by larger vehicles, with court-ordered timing for re-examination. Most of these measures passed unanimously or with one or more members recording no votes or reservations, but they were still adopted. The committee also advanced SB 2713 on restricting certain pesticide use near elderly care facilities, SB 2730 on warrantless arrest and detention factors for petty misdemeanors and violations, SB 2765 on condominium foreclosure rental income, SB 2795 on flag display rights in housing associations with health and safety carve-outs, SB 2797 on gift card fraud, SB 2806 on real estate listing restrictions, SB 2818 on boating and ocean recreation penalties, SB 2835 on liquor licensing and education funding, SB 2849 on public meeting notice requirements, SB 2851 on a deafness designation for vehicle registration, SB 2896 lowering the commercial driving age to 18, SB 2922 on cooperative association definitions, SB 2970 on state contracting conflicts involving relatives, SB 2972 on temporary Oahu spearing restrictions for certain fish, and SB 2973 on banning jug-line fishing. A few bills drew objections over breadth or penalties, especially the boating and fishing measures, but the committee still adopted the recommendations. SB 2751 on workers’ compensation prescription drug rules was deferred indefinitely, and the meeting ended with the chair noting upcoming joint and committee meetings for the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• course of our audit examination. course of our audit examination.
• In<00:27:41.919> our<00:27:42.159> examination<00:27:42.960> we<00:27:43.279>
• we tested 100% of the In our examination we tested 100% of the assets.<00:27:46.080> We<00:27
• U again the results for all of those<00:28:02.720> examinations<00:28:03.440> for<00:28
• :03.600> all<00:28:03.760> those Those examinations, for all those inspection items, were

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on February 20, 2026, first approving the minutes and then adopting the consent calendar as amended, with item 26045 removed for separate consideration. The committee then heard item 26045 from the Department of Health and Human Services on the Real Health Transformation Grant for Go North. HHS explained that the first-year award is $204 million, with most funds passed through to Go North and only limited administrative and audit costs retained by HHS. Members asked about staffing, procurement, the program’s spending plan, and whether future grant amounts would be fixed. HHS said Go North will administer the grants, staffing is expected to be about 20 positions, procurements will be competitive, and future awards will depend on federal review of performance and spending. The commissioner said the money is intended to create transformative changes that must be sustainable after the grant period. The committee then approved the item. The committee next took up regular calendar item 26041 from HHS and adopted it without discussion. It also approved two adjusted items on tab 11, FIS26028 and FIS26029. Item 26027 from the Department of Transportation was adopted as well. Item 26034 from the Department of Corrections was withdrawn, and members noted that any request for new overtime money would be closely scrutinized, especially given the tight budget and the need to explain how existing salary funds were being used. Committee staff said they would follow up with Corrections on vacancy rates, available funds, and other class lines and provide answers to the committee. The committee then received audit presentations on the state’s college savings plans, including the Unique College Investing Plan and the Fidelity Advisor 529 Plan. Auditors reported clean opinions, no material weaknesses, no audit adjustments, and no unadjusted items requiring reporting. The State Treasurer said the plans are performing well, now total more than $32 billion in assets under management, and are expected to generate about $20 million in revenue this year, with the proceeds supporting scholarship programs for low-income students. The committee placed the audits on file and released them in the usual manner. In other business, members set the next Fiscal Committee meeting for Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., and then adjourned.