Transcript Highlights:

• Doctor Emily Cloy graduated from the University of South Alabama with a doctorate in clinical and counseling
• As a transplant to Oklahoma from Alabama, she continues to work on expanding psychological care for Oklahomans

Bills: HB3522, HB4300, HB4359, HB4363, HB3467, HB2987, HB3076, HB4427, HB3026, HB3288, HB3315, HB3711, HB3885

Keywords: alcoholic beverages, ABLE Commission, licensing, regulation, annual reporting, child care, criminal history, background checks, child safety, Oklahoma laws, advisory committees, statewide assessments, student testing, testing window, end-of-year testing, Oklahoma Academic Standards, Oklahoma School Testing Program, State Board of Education, grade 3-8, alternate assessment

Transcript Highlights:

• There is an existing law entitled the Alabama Scrap Tire Environmental Quality Act, and what HB 145..
• Basically, you got like Highway 10 up in Wilcox County near the Alabama River. Yes, sir.

Bills: SB46

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Code and provisions of the sanitary code.
• Code and provisions of the sanitary code.
• Speaker, Senate Bill 39 by Senator Mizell to enact Title 37, licensure, massage therapist, provide for
• Representative Villio moves to table the title.
• Motion to table the title, so ordered. Madam Clerk.

Bills: HR295, HR296, HR297, HR298, HR299, HR300, HR301, HR302, HR303, HR304, HR305, HR306, HR307, HCR115, HCR116, HCR117, HR286, HR287, HR288, HR290, HR291, HR292, HR293, HR294, SCR61, SCR68, SB121, SB250, SB348, SB444, SB485, HR252, HR253, HCR96, HCR103, HCR108, SB268, SB283, SB414, HCR98, HR179, HR223, HR225, HR274, HCR89, HCR26, HB250, HB265, HB339, HB427, HB445, HB463, HB468, HB606, HB639, HB649, HB665, HB746, HB781, HB853, HB861, HB872, HB886, HB916, HB937, HB1054, HB1068, HB1117, HB1237, HB74, HB108, HB956, HB1085, HB1137, HB75, SB39, SB99, SB111, SB112, SB124, SB134, SB174, SB189, SB190, SB201, SB233, SB236, SB258, SB270, SB273, SB288, SB307, SB313, SB320, SB321, SB325, SB326, SB331, SB339, SB341, SB345, SB346, SB347, SB353, SB357, SB359, SB387, SB393, SB401, SB415, SB419, SB422, SB426, SB435, SB437, SB440, SB451, SB464, SB470, SB487, SB488, SB495, SB504, SB505, SB518, SB523, HR84, HB646, HB998, HB1191, SB78, SB81, SB97, SB100, SB109, SB123, SB125, SB208, SB385, SB479, SB56, SB163, SB197, HB901, HR20, HR74, HR168, HCR65, HCR71, HB284, HB302, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB625, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1240, HB1255, SB82, SB89, HB134, HB258, HB359, HB782, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB149, SB382, SB441

Keywords: Energy Caucus, Louisiana House of Representatives, energy policy, fossil fuels, oil and gas, natural gas, renewable energy, solar, wind power, nuclear power, legislative caucus, industry group, economic development, state legislature, House resolution, energy sector, victims' services, criminal justice, Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Act No. 370

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think<00:37:11.599> we're<00:37:11.760> in<00:37:11.839> a<00:37:12.000>
• ><00:37:13.599> a<00:37:13.760> lot<00:37:13.839> of<00:37:13.920> these<
• And<00:37:20.320> I<00:37:20.480> don't<00:37:20.640> we<00:37:20.880> don't<
• <00:37:22.320> able<00:37:22.480> to<00:37:22.640> do<00:37:22.800> it
• we're in<00:37:42.160> a<00:37:42.400> little<00:37:42.560> age<00:37:42.800>

Bills: HB1694, HB1695, HB1986, HB1797, HB1879, HB2034

Keywords: sustainable aviation fuel, tax credit, greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, Hawaii, economic development, carbon footprint, aviation sector, renewable fuels, local production, energy resilience, agricultural innovation, job creation, clean fuel standard, alternative fuels, carbon intensity, emission reduction, greenhouse gases, transportation, autonomous vehicles

Summary: The committee opened by explaining hearing procedures, including a two-minute oral testimony limit and that decision-making would follow after testimony. It then took up SB 20008, which would set 55 mph as the maximum speed limit on all parts of the DKI/Saddle Road highway. The bill’s introducer described it as a response to safety concerns and noted prior public opposition when the speed limit was lowered from 60 mph; the Hawaii Police Department was listed in opposition, while DOT and several individuals testified in support. No vote was taken during the portion provided. The committee next heard SB 20009, requiring new plates/tags or emblems for used motor vehicles transferred between private individuals, and SB 2026, which would require drivers approaching stationary vehicles on the shoulder or roadside to slow down and, if necessary, change lanes. The Attorney General supported SB 2026 but recommended narrowing and clarifying the language by removing references to shoulder/roadside, collision or mechanical problem, and other limiting definitions so the duty would apply more broadly and be easier to enforce; AAA and OMA also supported the measure. Members discussed the practical need for a mandatory move-over rule, especially for roadside workers and tow operators, and the committee heard concerns about enforceability on two-lane roads and in accident scenes. SB 2053 was then heard, authorizing electronic signatures on supporting documents used to transfer ownership of total-loss vehicles to insurers without notarization and requiring insurers to indemnify the finance director for claims arising from those electronic title issuances. The Hawaii Insurers Council, Copart, the City and County of Honolulu, and others supported the bill, with Copart describing it as a modernization that would reduce delays for total-loss settlements; technical amendments were requested. The committee also heard SB 2172, which would allow all-terrain vehicles to operate at night if equipped with lights and a slow-moving vehicle emblem, adjust helmet requirements, define utility terrain vehicles, and include ATVs in motor vehicle insurance law. DOT said it could support the bill only if limited to low-speed areas, and the insurance industry warned it could create a new insurance scheme; the City and County of Honolulu opposed while the Hawaii Farm Bureau and an individual supported. Finally, SB 2253 was introduced to expand first-degree negligent injury to include injuries negligently inflicted by intoxicated drivers, with DOT, county prosecutors, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office in support; Honolulu prosecutors said they would oppose a proposed amendment because they wanted the language to preserve the offense as a lesser included offense tied to negligent homicide.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I have<00:37:12.880> with<00:37:13.119> me<00:37:13.359> today<00:37:14.000>
• this<00:37:42.480> and<00:37:42.720> I<00:37:42.960> haven't<00:37:43.200><
• :44.400> like<00:37:44.720> this<00:37:45.119> in<00:37:45.440> the<00:37
• This<00:37:48.000> is<00:37:48.079> a<00:37:48.240> VFW<00:37:48.880> statement
• Department of Veterans Affairs under Title 38, United States Code, or Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Our high school, elementary, those are all teachers involved because the title is that retirement for
• They are largely technical amendments moving enactment of these provisions from Title 6 of the Revised
• Statutes to Title 51.
• Statutes to Title 51.
• And then also, this is a Title 49, CPR exists in Title 49.

Bills: HB12, HB42, HB205, HB222, HB324, HB325, HB350, HB416, HB482, HB610, HB749, HB797, HB807, HB821, HB979, HB992, HB1193

Keywords: survivor benefits, law enforcement, reserve officer, auxiliary officer, public safety, phased retirement, Teachers Retirement System, faculty retention, administrative fees, public postsecondary education, Medicaid, dental coverage, healthcare access, medical necessity, Louisiana Department of Health, judicial salaries, judges, judiciary compensation, cost of living adjustment, COLA

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee met on April 21, 2026, and advanced a series of bills, many with amendments to address fiscal concerns. Early actions included HB 350, which would extend the French immersion school Ecole Pointe-au-Chien from fourth through eighth grade; members emphasized the importance of preserving French language and culture in Terrebonne Parish, adopted an amendment making the bill subject to appropriation, and reported it favorably as amended. HB 749, dealing with the Louisiana Tuition Trust Authority’s administration of ABLE, START, and START K-12 savings programs after the LOSFA cyber incident, was amended to make provisions effective upon contract execution and then reported favorably. HB 979, which raises the survivor benefit for law enforcement officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty from $250,000 to $350,000, drew support from the governor’s office and law enforcement groups; members discussed fiscal impacts and inflation, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also advanced HB 42 creating a phased retirement option for public postsecondary employees in the Teachers’ Retirement System, and HB 12 extending survivor benefits to reserve officers killed in the line of duty, both reported favorably after supportive testimony from law enforcement representatives. The committee then took up HB 324 on judicial salaries. Chairwoman Villio proposed making the 2024 and 2025 supplement stipend permanent and adding COLAs, but Vice Chairman Zeringue offered an amendment to remove future COLAs after members clarified which year’s increase was already funded in the judiciary budget. After discussion about long-term state obligations and judicial compensation levels, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 205, which revises compensation for election commissioners, generated extensive testimony from clerks of court and the Secretary of State about staffing shortages, 19 years without a raise, and the need to recruit and retain poll workers; the bill was amended to allow local governing authorities to supplement pay by up to $100 per election and was reported favorably. Members also approved HB 325, which revises TOPS Tech eligibility and, through amendment, allows part-time students to qualify beginning in 2026-2027 using excess TOPS funds; HB 807, creating a Workforce Instructor Capacity Investment Program to help recruit technical instructors; and HB 222, requiring Medicaid coverage for dental procedures needed before certain medical treatments, with supporters arguing it could prevent more expensive emergency care. Later, the committee reported favorably HB 992, requiring student identification numbers for children in certain early childhood programs, after the Department of Education said it could implement the change without additional staff or cost. HB 821, moving the Louisiana Center for Safe Schools to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement Administration, was amended with technical changes and reported favorably as amended. Finally, HB 797, creating the Bayou Gold Program to certify certain gold storage and custody standards, was amended to move the program into Title 51 and to tie standards to recognized industry benchmarks such as COMEX and the London Bullion Market Association; the bill drew at least one opponent after an initial supportive presentation and was still under consideration when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our high school, elementary, those are all teachers involved because the title is that retirement for
• Statutes to Title 51.
• Statutes to Title 51.
• We are enacting in this bill to the public record section in Title 44.
• And then also, this is a Title 49—CPR exists in Title 49—and so that’s why this is before the committee

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 350, which would extend the grade levels at Ecole Pointe-au-Chien from fourth through eighth grade. The sponsor and several members emphasized the school’s importance to Terrebonne Parish, French immersion, and school choice. An amendment was adopted making the bill subject to appropriation, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. Members then approved House Bill 749, which authorizes the Louisiana Tuition Trust Authority to contract with a program manager for certain savings programs, including ABLE, START, and START K-12, in response to a prior cyber incident and to improve security and customer service. An amendment simplified the bill’s effective-date language so provisions would take effect upon execution of the contract. The bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee also advanced House Bill 979 to increase the survivor benefit for law enforcement officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty from $250,000 to $350,000. Testimony from the governor’s office said the increase could be covered within existing appropriations and that the amount was consistent with inflation since the benefit was last set. The bill was reported favorably. Later, House Bill 42 creating a phased retirement option for public post-secondary employees in the Teachers’ Retirement System was reported favorably, and House Bill 205 to allow local clerks of court to supplement election commissioner pay by up to $100 per election was also reported favorably after extensive testimony about staffing shortages and stagnant pay. The committee additionally reported favorably House Bill 12 extending survivor benefits to reserve officers killed in the line of duty, and House Bill 324 on judicial salaries, after amending it to remove future COLA provisions and leave only the permanent stipend increase.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:37:03.280> not<00:37:03.440> even<00:37:03.599> little,<00:37:04.000>
• So, under United States Code Title 18 section 921, um it lists off what qualifies as a uh a form of domestic
• So, under United<01:32:31.280> States<01:32:31.600> Code<01:32:31.920> Title<01:
• 32:32.320> 18<01:32:32.880> section<01:32:33.280> 921, United States Code Title
• 18 section 921, United States Code Title 18 section 921, um<01:32:35.199> it<01:32:35.520>

Bills: HF3465, HF3782, HF4075, HF391, HF3946, HF2976, HF3350

Keywords: theft, vulnerable adults, public safety, penalties, Minnesota statutes, chemical irritants, law enforcement, transparency, building owners, tenant rights, notification, remediation, firearm restrictions, domestic violence, court orders, criminal convictions, firearms prohibition, gun surrender, order for protection, protective order

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:37:27.040> I<00:37:27.280> want<00:37:27.440> to<00:37:27.520> thank<
• > state<00:37:33.440> and<00:37:33.760> for<00:37:33.920> all<00:37:34.079
• you<00:37:34.800> were<00:37:34.960> able<00:37:35.119> to<00:37:35.280>
• As you know,<00:37:37.200> uh<00:37:37.359> your<00:37:37.680> colleges<00:37:38.079
• <00:37:41.760> to<00:37:42.079> taking<00:37:42.400> care<00:37:42.720> of

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><01:37:13.840> like<01:37:14.000> to<01:37:14.080> see<01:37:14.239> the
• >> Yep.<01:37:18.480> And<01:37:18.719> I<01:37:18.880> know<01:37:18.960>
• > wants<01:37:21.760> to<01:37:21.920> hear<01:37:22.080> it<01:37:22.239
• it back and uh<01:37:23.280> the<01:37:23.520> members<01:37:23.840> want<01:37
• :24.000> to<01:37:24.080> hear<01:37:24.320> this<01:37:24.800> uh<01:37:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• President, I move to amend House Bill 3941 by restoring the title by Senator Hall.
• Restore title with the permission of the chair. Will there be questions on the amendment?
• And I believe I have a restore title amendment. Clerk, will read. Mr.
• President, I move to amend House Bill 4118 by restoring the title by Senator Hall.
• Restores title with the permission of the chair. One of the questions on the amendment.

Bills: HB2894, HB3418, HB3415, HB3413, HB3414, HB3416, HB3417, HB3419, HB3420, HB1739, HB1752, HB1979, HB2941, HB2992, HB3075, HB3086, HB3177, HB3269, HB3278, HB3279, HB3497, HB3644, HB4432, HB3720, HB3849, HB3882, HB3919, HB3941, HB4118, HB4141, HB4268, HB4342, HB4428, HB4429, HB4434

Keywords: HB2894, Oklahoma Rural Jobs Act, rural jobs, rural investment, tax credit, capital investment tax credit, state tax credits, economic development, rural fund, rural investor, qualified investment, eligible business, Department of Commerce, rural business, investment certification, tax liability, credit cap, workforce development, small business finance, rural development

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas both the boys and girls teams achieved an undefeated 2026 season and earned the titles of
• President, I move to amend House Bill 3941 by restoring the title by Senator Hall.
• Restore the title with permission of the chair. Will there be questions on the amendment?
• I believe I have a restore title amendment. Clerk will read. Mr.
• President, I move to amend House Bill 4118 by restoring the title by Senator Hall.

Bills: HB2894, HB3418, HB3415, HB3413, HB3414, HB3416, HB3417, HB3419, HB3420, HB1739, HB1752, HB1979, HB2941, HB2992, HB3075, HB3086, HB3177, HB3269, HB3278, HB3279, HB3497, HB3644, HB4432, HB3720, HB3849, HB3882, HB3919, HB3941, HB4118, HB4141, HB4268, HB4342, HB4428, HB4429, HB4434

Keywords: HB2894, Oklahoma Rural Jobs Act, rural jobs, rural investment, tax credit, capital investment tax credit, state tax credits, economic development, rural fund, rural investor, qualified investment, eligible business, Department of Commerce, rural business, investment certification, tax liability, credit cap, workforce development, small business finance, rural development

Summary: The Senate began with ceremonial recognitions for several student groups and community visitors, including Carl Albert High School’s boys and girls swim teams, the Lady Titans basketball team, and the Choctaw High School speech and debate team. Senators and coaches highlighted the teams’ state championships, academic achievements, and perseverance, and the chamber also welcomed visiting groups from Aline, Owasso, and Tulsa County. After the presentations, the Senate returned to general order and took up a series of House bills. Among the measures considered, House Bill 3720 expanded the Local Food Freedom Act by raising the gross annual sales threshold for local food establishments from under $75,000 to $250,000; it passed 39-4. House Bill 3849 updated the Oklahoma mentoring children of incarcerated parents program and passed 42-1. House Bill 3882 created a revolving fund for industrial and lake access improvement projects and passed 33-9, then also passed the emergency clause 39-4. House Bill 3919 reduced county free fair association boards from nine members to five to address quorum problems and passed 45-0. House Bill 3941 codified a pay raise for a court secretary and passed 45-0, including its emergency clause. House Bill 4118 updated the family caregiver tax credit and passed 44-1. House Bill 4141 removed the sunset on the statewide sexual assault nurse examiner coordinator position and passed 45-0. The chamber also debated several policy bills more extensively. House Bill 4268 created a growth-based teacher compensation program using Oklahoma Teacher Empowerment Funds and restored a $5,000 stipend for national board-certified teachers; it passed 45-0 and its emergency clause also passed 45-0. House Bill 4342 allowed prior instances of domestic violence or abuse to be admitted as propensity evidence in court, with supporters saying it would help interrupt the cycle of abuse and opponents raising due process concerns; it passed after debate. House Bill 4428 required public pension plans to base proxy voting decisions solely on financial considerations, and House Bill 4429 required proxy advisors to disclose when recommendations were not based on financial analysis; both passed after debate, 35-8 and 37-7 respectively. Two Rule 7-9 motions to pull House Bills 4422 and 4423 from committee and place them on general order failed by recorded vote. The Senate then announced Denim Day for domestic violence and sexual assault awareness, noted a few final reminders, and adjourned until April 29, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do introduce your name and your title, who you represent, and then go. Mr.
• the order Mike Curtinbach with ADE Mike are you here there we are do introduce your name and your title
• It conforms the Arizona state statutes to the Internal Revenue Code retroactive to tax year 2025 to reflect

Bills: HB4154, HB4155, HB4156, HB4157, HB4158, HB4159, HB4160, HB4161, HB4162, HB4163, HB4164, HB4165, HB4166, HB4167, HB4168, HB4169, SB1847, SB1848, SB1849, SB1850, SB1851, SB1852, SB1853, SB1854, SB1855, SB1856, SB1857, SB1858, SB1859, SB1860, SB1861, SB1862

Keywords: general appropriations act, state budget, biennial budget, appropriations, fiscal year 2026, fiscal year 2027, budget bill, spending authority, state spending, agency funding, public funds, executive budget, education funding, health and human services, public safety, transportation funding, legislative appropriations, budget resolution, state finance, government operations

Transcript Highlights:

• Clerk has a title amendment. Senator Maynard moved to amend the title of the bill.
• Clerk has a title amendment. Senator Grady moved to amend the title of the bill.
• The clerk has a title amendment. Senator Grady moved to amend the title.
• Clerk has a title amendment. Committee on Finance moved to amend the title.
• Clerk has a title amendment. Committee on Finance moved to amend the title.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:37:08.960> And<00:37:09.200> if<00:37:09.440> there<00:37:09.680> is<
• ><00:37:20.000> to<00:37:20.400> come<00:37:20.560> up<00:37:20.800> with
• <00:37:20.960> a<00:37:21.280> pathway<00:37:22.480> and<00:37:22.800> a
• > building<00:37:32.480> code<00:37:32.800> council we know the state building code
• council we know the state building code council uh<00:37:34.320> has<00:37:34.720> been

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:37:15.920> They<00:37:16.160> ought<00:37:16.240> to<00:37:16.320> be
• <00:37:19.680> He<00:37:19.920> has<00:37:20.160> cut<00:37:20.400> off
• <00:37:35.200> Speaker,<00:37:35.520> I<00:37:35.680> ask<00:37:35.839> my
• <00:37:39.040> Our<00:37:39.520> policy<00:37:39.920> should<00:37:40.160>
• c> of<00:37:44.960> the<00:37:45.119> people<00:37:45.280> to<00:37:45.520><

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Short title.
• Criminals, by definition, and by our own code, are not supposed to... ...and by our own code, are not
• And this is in section what, 37 or something like that, section 7. Senator Woods.
• I have a vote of 37 in the affirmative, zero in the negative.
• I have a vote of 37 in the affirmative, zero in the negative.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 841, although it's titled expropriation is dealing with landman code of conduct.
• House Bill 841, although it's titled expropriation, is dealing with landman code of conduct.
• But if you look in line three in the title, it says to establish a code of conduct.
• Code of conduct for the landman.
• The intent is certainly not to go all the way back in the chain of title.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard HCR 80 by Representative Domangue, which expressed support for private property rights and reviewed the 2025 landman code of conduct. Domangue described concerns about aggressive landmen and expropriation threats, then voluntarily deferred the resolution so Chairman Geymann could present his bill. The committee then took up HB 841, also on expropriation procedures and landman conduct. Geymann explained the bill was aimed at how expropriation negotiations are conducted and enforced, not at whether expropriation is allowed, and cited a recent dispute involving a pipeline right-of-way and threatening letters to landowners. A video of affected landowners was played, and members from industry and landowner groups discussed the need for fair compensation and better communication. The committee adopted two amendment sets to HB 841. The first set made technical changes, removed some court-cost language, broadened the code of conduct to all certificate holders, added a prohibition on threatening landowners with court costs and attorney fees, shortened the response period for offers, and clarified that the rules apply across energy types rather than only carbon capture. The second amendment set added graduated fines for violations, required the Department of Conservation and Energy to collect the fines, and directed the department to post violators on its website. After support testimony and no opposition, HB 841 was reported favorably as amended. The committee next considered HB 621 by Representative Coates, which requires recycling of decommissioned renewable energy infrastructure to the extent practical. An amendment clarified that existing DEQ recycling rules apply. Members raised concerns about decommissioning language, costs, and whether the bill overlapped with existing hazardous-waste and universal-waste rules. Coates agreed to remove the bill’s last sentence on decommissioning costs and add an effective date of January 1, 2027. DEQ explained that many components are already covered under federal and state universal-waste rules, and industry witnesses said solar recycling is feasible and already occurring. HB 621 was then reported favorably as amended. Finally, the committee heard HB 595 by Representative Jacob Landry, which addresses local permits that impede natural resource development, especially road permits affecting Haynesville shale operations. An amendment clarified that local governments may not unreasonably interfere with permitted activity and that road permits not acted on within 30 days are deemed approved. Supporters said delayed parish permits can stall rigs, reduce investment, and hurt royalty owners, while opponents warned the bill could further erode local authority, including in carbon capture matters. Police jury representatives said they were willing to keep working on the issue and suggested a 30- to 45-day target for permit decisions. HB 595 was reported favorably as amended. The committee then began HB 1191 by Representative Landry, creating a certificate of compliance process for oilfield and exploration and production sites, with testimony that it could help clear environmental liability and bring properties back into commerce; the bill was still under amendment and questioning when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:37:18.040> road<00:37:18.319> usage<00:37:18.640> charge<00:37:18.960> I
• c> plug<00:37:25.240> any<00:37:25.560> anything<00:37:25.880> that's<00:37:
• c><00:37:32.920> I<00:37:33.000> can<00:37:33.119> check<00:37:33.280> for
• 37:36.040> which<00:37:36.920> I<00:37:37.000> think<00:37:37.160> that's
• <00:37:38.680> but<00:37:38.800> they'll<00:37:38.960> also<00:37:39.119>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several transportation and consumer-related bills. HB 496, relating to mamaki tea labeling, drew support from the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Weights and Measures, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, which said the bill would help protect a culturally important crop and the Hawaii brand. Members questioned Agriculture about staffing and whether the bill was being used to reopen a package-labeling inspection branch; the department said it currently has no Oahu inspectors for that function but has a place for an additional inspector. No opposition was registered on the measure. HB 978, relating to electric utilities, and HB 1316, relating to DLNR/park reservations, were also heard. HB 1316 received support from State Parks, and members discussed where reservation fees would go and whether the statewide reservation system for three parks would cover its costs; the committee indicated a change would be made so fees go to the special fund. HB 914, relating to water carriers, drew support or comments from the PUC, Department of Agriculture, Department of Transportation, Young Brothers, and the Hawaii Harbor Users Group. The main discussion focused on the proposed automatic rate-adjustment mechanism tied to the GDP price index, with members asking for alternative index ideas and questioning whether the PUC already had authority to adopt such a mechanism. Young Brothers said the measure would provide clarity and help recover inflationary costs, while the chair raised concerns about repeated rate increases and asked for further testimony on possible alternative indices. HB 1161, relating to transportation and road usage charges, received support from the Insurance Division, DOT, and the State Energy Office, with comments from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Hawaii Food Industry Association. Members asked whether counties need state authorization to adopt mileage-based charges and why the bill included funding for implementation; DOT said it is helping counties build the data collection and billing system and that Honolulu is handling much of the collection work. A question was also raised about whether plug-in hybrids would be covered, and DOT said vehicles under the federal electric-vehicle definition would be included. HB 1301, relating to transportation network companies, drew opposition from the Hawaii Association for Justice, Lyft, and Uber, all arguing that classifying TNCs as common carriers and changing liability rules would raise costs, reduce access, and disrupt the current statewide framework. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :37:36.640> we<00:37:36.760> would<00:37:36.960> not<00:37:37.280> be be
• 00:37:37.920> loan<00:37:38.280> money<00:37:38.520> to<00:37:38.720> these
• /c><00:37:42.119> providing<00:37:42.560> funds<00:37:42.920> to<00:37:43.079>
• > is<00:37:45.960> a<00:37:46.079> resident<00:37:46.560> of<00:37:46.680
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Keywords: 00:00 -- Introduction 00:13 – Attendance Roll Call 08:25 – Discussion of HB 315 23:45 – Roll call vote on HB 315 26:35 – Discussion of HB 356 46:30 – Roll call vote on HB 356, 958, all

Summary: The House Agriculture Committee first spent much of the meeting recognizing the large number of 4-H and FFA students and guests in attendance, with members from several counties introducing their groups and praising the programs for developing future agricultural and civic leaders. Comments emphasized the value of youth involvement in agriculture, leadership, and public speaking, and several members noted their own 4-H or FFA backgrounds. The committee then took up House Bill 356, and adopted a committee substitute before hearing testimony on the revised measure. House Bill 356, sponsored by Representative Carney, would create the Kentucky Urban Youth Agriculture Initiative, expanding the original urban farming concept into broader agricultural education, agribusiness, advocacy, and work-ready skills. The substitute removed the requirement that participants have access to farmland, lowered the age floor from six to five, broadened participation, and established a pilot program with implementation left to Cooperative Extension. Supportive testimony came from a 4-H student and Kentucky 4-H representatives, who described how the program helps youth explore many interests and removes barriers for urban students. Members from both parties praised the bill as a way to reach more youth and strengthen agricultural education. The committee approved House Bill 356 as amended by the committee substitute on a roll call vote, with all members present voting yes. The committee then heard House Bill 315 from Representative Sharp, a foreign adversary land bill intended to limit certain foreign entities’ ability to purchase Kentucky land. Before member questions, Tim Shank of the Kentucky Bankers Association testified in opposition to one section of the bill, saying banks already screen borrowers through federal systems and that Section 8’s reference to an Attorney General lien for “actual costs” was too vague. He warned the language could create uncertainty for mortgage holders and potentially affect credit availability for farmers. Representative Sharp said he had just learned of the concern and may need to work with the Attorney General’s office to address it. He also said the bill was largely the same as last year’s version, except for the removal of a leasing-related paragraph, and the committee began discussion of the bill after that testimony.