Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:02.320> to<00:12:02.640> remain<00:12:02.959> here<00:12:03.200> lawfully
• and to<00:12:03.920> have<00:12:04.320> these<00:12:04.640> pathways<00:12:05.120
• > but<00:12:11.519> we<00:12:11.680> do<00:12:11.839> have<00:12:12.000><
• > to<00:12:15.200> serve<00:12:15.440> us<00:12:15.760> in<00:12:16.000><
• to<00:12:30.639> the<00:12:30.880> right<00:12:31.040> to<00:12:31.279>

Bills: HB1849, HB2000, HB1753, HB1511, HB276, HB1513, HB2188, HB1876

Keywords: licensing, professional license, individual taxpayer identification number, immigration, state residency, right to repair, wheelchairs, consumer protection, repair providers, device documentation, HB1753, Hawaii Social Media Data Deletion Act, social media, account deletion, data deletion, privacy, consumer privacy, personal information, sensitive personal information, data retention

Summary: The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on February 10, 2026, and heard testimony on several bills. HB 1849 relating to licensing drew comments from DCCA’s Professional and Vocational Licensing Division and the Hawaii Real Estate Commission, both of which stood on written testimony. The Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights testified in strong support, emphasizing that some immigrants, including DACA recipients, are already contributing in Hawaii and that the state should help create pathways for them to remain and advance professionally. No vote or final action was taken on HB 1849 during the portion shown. The committee then heard HB 2000, the wheelchair right-to-repair bill. Encart opposed the measure, arguing that repair delays are largely driven by insurance prior authorization and that wheelchair repairs involve FDA-regulated medical devices where improper repairs could create health risks. Peter Fritz testified in support, saying the bill was modeled on similar laws in other states and that he had personal experience through his sister’s use of a wheelchair. Members questioned whether repairs done outside insurer networks might not be reimbursed, and Fritz said that was a concern but that the need for timely repair outweighed it. The committee also discussed HB 1753 on social media, where DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection supported the bill but suggested an amendment to the definition of personal information. On HB 1511 relating to consumer protection, DCCA’s Insurance Division supported the bill, while the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association offered comments seeking to preserve legitimate manufacturer and dealer communications about vehicles, warranties, recalls, and related services. The committee also took up HB 276 HD1 and HB 1513 on condominiums. The Hawaii Real Estate Commission offered comments on HB 276 HD1. For HB 1513, the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority supported the bill, but DCCA’s Insurance Division opposed it, warning that diverting HHRF funds could weaken reinsurance arrangements and raise premiums for consumers who rely on the fund. Members questioned whether the proposed condo loan program would need HHRF money and whether the amounts in the bill were necessary, and the division said it opposed using HHRF for that purpose. The committee also heard HB 2188 on housing, where OCP supported the measure and the Hawaii Association of Realtors raised concerns about conflicts with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the use of tenant screening reports, noting that a working group is already addressing landlord-tenant issues. Members asked OCP to research how other states handle similar laws and whether additional language is needed to avoid federal conflict. Finally, on HB 1876 relating to mental health, the Department of Health’s Adult Mental Health Division supported the bill but said it remains opposed to harmful, non-evidence-based treatment modalities; Pride at Work Hawaii also testified in strong support. No final votes or committee decisions were reported in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• :12:02.000> and<00:12:02.240> then<00:12:02.399> it's<00:12:02.560> just<
• 12:08.399> of<00:12:08.560> New<00:12:08.639> Hampshire<00:12:08.959> do
• <00:12:09.600> taxes,<00:12:10.160> but<00:12:10.399> other<00:12:10.560>
• And so again, if<00:12:14.800> we're<00:12:14.959> going<00:12:15.040> to<00:12:
• :12:16.240> it,<00:12:16.399> I<00:12:16.639> said<00:12:16.959> 50%<00:12

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So<00:12:11.960> uh<00:12:12.280> I<00:12:12.360> know<00:12:12.520> this
• <00:12:13.000> uh<00:12:13.080> you<00:12:13.200> folks<00:12:13.440> will
• have a<00:12:13.720> lot<00:12:13.880> of<00:12:13.960> input<00:12:14.280>
• <00:12:22.120> So<00:12:23.000> uh<00:12:23.440> I<00:12:23.520> got
• :48.720> very<00:12:49.560> I<00:12:49.640> feel<00:12:49.920> very<00:12

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee opened its sixth and final interim meeting with roll call, quorum confirmation, approval of the prior minutes, and a brief change in agenda order to preserve quorum and accommodate presenters’ schedules. Members then moved through several proposed health-related items with limited discussion, and the chair noted the committee would reconvene in January for further conversation. The first substantive item was a proposal relating to utilization controls for non-opioid analgesics in Medicaid. Senator Gerald Neal and Tara Hyde of People Advocating Recovery argued that pain parity is needed so patients can access non-opioid options without prior authorization or step therapy barriers, especially in acute pain situations and for people in recovery. Senator Berg supported the concept and suggested expanding the approach to other prescriptions by allowing physicians to explain why step therapy is inappropriate at the time of prescribing; another member cautioned against unintended cost increases if non-opioid drugs are used as add-ons to opioids. The committee then heard a proposal on physician assistants from Senator Scott and Andrew Rutherford of the Kentucky Academy of Physician Assistants. They described a shift from a supervisory to a collaborative practice model, with practice scope set at the practice level, limited Schedule II prescribing authority under guardrails, and permission for PAs to perform driver’s license vision testing. Supporters said the changes would improve rural access, reduce administrative burden, and align Kentucky with neighboring states; a question from Representative Bratcher focused on experience requirements and how the proposal compares with nurse practitioner rules. No vote was taken. Finally, Representative Nancy Tate, Adia Wuchner, and Representative Jason Nemes introduced a 2026 proposal aimed at “protecting vulnerable people.” They described a broad package focused on abortion pill trafficking, marketing to minors, commercial surrogacy, assisted suicide, and organ procurement safeguards, arguing that current law leaves gaps and that additional criminal and civil penalties are needed. The presentation was informational only, with no action taken before the meeting ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• > a<00:12:28.800> lot<00:12:28.959> more<00:12:29.199> more<00:12:29.480>
• serving<00:12:35.120> a<00:12:35.279> record<00:12:35.680> number<00:12:
• :37.279> which<00:12:37.399> is<00:12:37.519> what<00:12:37.639> we<00:12
• :58.639> bank<00:12:58.920> and<00:12:59.199> a<00:12:59.320> food<00:12:
• 01:12:41.239> Miss<01:12:41.440> ly<01:12:41.920> I<01:12:42.040> I<01:12

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:12:06.480> would<01:12:06.679> be<01:12:06.880> invited<01:12:07.280> to<
• with<01:12:08.400> other<01:12:08.800> services<01:12:09.560> like<01:12
• :12:20.199> to<01:12:20.440> get<01:12:20.760> that<01:12:21.080> process
• 12:43.960> for<01:12:44.159> the<01:12:44.280> LBA<01:12:44.920> to<01:12
• ><03:12:25.200> 12<03:12:25.720> to<03:12:26.040> work<03:12:26.319> on<03

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.040> slide<00:12:00.399> to<00:12:00.560> give<00:12:00.720> us<00:12
• it would<00:12:06.720> be<00:12:07.320> even<00:12:07.600> better<00:12:08.040>
• if<00:12:08.200> we<00:12:08.360> could<00:12:08.760> see<00:12:09.160><
• > if<00:12:15.800> if<00:12:15.880> you<00:12:15.959> don't<00:12:16.120>
• 01:12:06.000> I<01:12:06.159> I<01:12:06.239> do<01:12:06.480> want<01:12

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a Division 3 budget work session focused on the Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Economic Stability. Karen Hebert, the division director, and Nathan White, DHHS chief financial officer, walked members through the governor’s operating budget pages and a briefing book, explaining that the division was consolidated in 2018 and serves programs aimed at financial stability, poverty reduction, child care access, and related supports. Members repeatedly asked for clearer breakdowns of general fund spending, historical growth since consolidation, and how the division’s broad mission areas map onto specific budget lines. A major portion of the discussion centered on the Bureau of Child Development and Head Start collaboration and the child care subsidy program. Hebert said the child care scholarship/subsidy helps low- and moderate-income families access daycare so parents can work, attend school, or receive treatment, and that eligibility is based on state median income up to 85%. She reported a 45% increase in utilization, 4,032 children receiving daycare support as of the end of January, and about 15% of eligible children being served. She also described the quality improvement system “Granite Steps for Quality,” with 160 providers enrolled out of 717 licensed programs, and noted that 1,200 child care professionals added credentials in the last year. Members pressed for cost-benefit information, asking for data on how much the state pays, how many providers and children are served, and whether the department could quantify unmet need. The witnesses said some projects were funded with short-term ARPA child care dollars and that detailed cost data for specific examples, such as the Gorm Community Learning Center expansion, would need to be looked up. They also explained that the child care fund is a federal block grant with required spending set-asides of 9% for quality, 3% for infants and toddlers, and up to 5% for administration, and that unused funds remain available. The committee also reviewed slide 10’s accounting units, including that the Child Care Workforce Fund is 100% general funds and was created as a priority item under HB 2 from the 2024 session, while some other child care-related units are 100% federal funds.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:06.480> So<00:12:06.720> have<00:12:07.120> in<00:12:07.279> your<
• <00:12:08.320> did<00:12:08.480> you<00:12:08.560> find<00:12:08.800> any
• <00:12:11.360> state<00:12:11.519> that<00:12:11.839> would<00:12:12.079>
• <00:12:22.480> Chair,<00:12:22.639> and<00:12:22.880> thanks<00:12:23.040>
• And<00:12:37.760> we<00:12:37.920> just<00:12:38.160> had<00:12:38.399> a

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > that<00:12:19.440> three<00:12:19.720> of<00:12:19.800> them<00:12:20.000
• <00:12:24.160> Please<00:12:24.440> give<00:12:24.600> them<00:12:24.800>
• <00:12:26.200> Uh<00:12:26.520> they're<00:12:26.720> in<00:12:26.920> the
• I<00:12:31.480> guess<00:12:31.720> it's<00:12:31.839> a<00:12:31.920> balcony
• <00:12:34.960> a<00:12:35.040> plea<00:12:35.440> warm<00:12:35.800> welcome

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with ceremonial readings and announcements, including a pledge of allegiance and a House Concurrent Resolution recognizing April 2026 as the Month of the Military Child in Vermont. Members also welcomed guests in the gallery, including military families, Vermont Library Association leaders Daisy Benson and Amy Williams, a legislative intern, delegates from North Macedonia under the Open World Program, and Norwich University students. Several caucus and event announcements followed, including a reception for an art exhibition, caucus meetings, and a legislative cabaret notice. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 89, relating to expanding survivor benefits. Committee members explained that the bill would extend the existing emergency personnel survivor death benefit to additional categories of workers, including law enforcement officers, certain corrections employees, family services workers, and certain state-operated mental health employees, with a prospective effective date of July 1, 2026. The House General and Housing Committee reported the bill favorably 10-0-1, and the Appropriations Committee reported 11-0-0, noting there was no new money in the bill and that the fund currently had enough for one claim. The House voted to propose the bill to the Senate as amended and ordered it to third reading. The House also considered House Bill 626 on sexual extortion, voyeurism, and nonconsensual disclosure of sexually explicit images. The Senate amendment added enhanced penalties for voyeurism involving victims under 18, with higher penalties for repeat offenses. After hearing from the Defender General, prosecutors, sheriffs, and the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, the House Judiciary Committee recommended concurrence 10-0-1. The House agreed to concur in the Senate proposal of amendment, and third reading was ordered. At the end of the session, the House adjourned on a voice vote until Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• contribution of<00:12:14.959> more<00:12:15.120> than<00:12:15.199> $100<00:12:
• > period<00:12:18.360> to<00:12:18.480> a<00:12:18.560> candidate<00:12:18.920
• > way<00:12:26.000> is<00:12:26.120> the<00:12:26.240> same<00:12:26.399>
• /c><00:12:29.000> for<00:12:29.199> first<00:12:29.360> up<00:12:29.560> is
• 00:12:37.440> members<00:12:38.120> um<00:12:38.760> this<00:12:38.880> is

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills covering criminal justice, elections, and wildfire-related settlement funding. HB 103 would raise the age cutoff for life-without-parole eligibility from 18 to 21; supporters included the Public Defender and others, while prosecutors and some others opposed it. HB 11 would allow civil claims against people or businesses profiting from sexual exploitation or sex trafficking; it drew mostly support but was not ready for a vote and was deferred for further questions. HB 132 would expand a state-initiated expungement pilot to include possession of any Schedule V substance; the Public Defender, ACLU, and oversight groups supported it, with one opponent, and committee questions focused on what substances and how many cases would be affected. HB 145 would require the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center to transmit expungement orders to the Judiciary to implement Act 159; the Judiciary and Public Defender supported it, and members discussed technical issues involving multiple defendants and multiple charges. HB 369, a campaign finance housekeeping bill on excess cash contributions, and HB 408, which aligns voter registration-by-mail deadlines with current law, both received support and no opposition of note. The committee also heard HB 1175, which creates appropriations and a trust fund for Maui wildfire settlement claims; the Attorney General’s office, Maui County Council, and Tax Foundation supported it, while one senator said he would vote no because of concerns about House leadership. HB 386, which conforms drug possession thresholds for methamphetamine, heroin, morphine, and cocaine, was supported by law enforcement and prosecutors. HB 134 would require electronic filing of nomination papers; the Elections Office supported it but asked that any convenience fee be authorized in statute, while one witness opposed it over security and cost concerns. After testimony and questions, the committee took up decision-making and passed HB 103 with amendments, deferred HB 11, and passed HB 132, HB 145, HB 369, HB 408, HB 1175, HB 386, and HB 134, with HB 134 amended to clarify no additional charge for electronic filing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I<00:12:02.600> think<00:12:02.839> that<00:12:03.000> actually<00:12:03.400>
• Personally,<00:12:31.240> I<00:12:31.400> think<00:12:31.600> this<00:12:31.720>
• > and<00:12:33.120> I'm<00:12:33.240> not<00:12:33.839> but<00:12:34.520>
• at this point,<00:12:35.040> this<00:12:35.400> I<00:12:35.480> would<00:12:35.600
• > be<00:12:35.839> all<00:12:35.920> right<00:12:36.120> with<00:12:36.240

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um<00:12:29.920> and<00:12:30.480> uh<00:12:30.720> this<00:12:31.040> is
• <00:12:32.399> on<00:12:33.040> page<00:12:33.760> 21<00:12:34.320> relating<
• to immunity<00:12:35.279> and<00:12:35.519> this<00:12:35.680> is<00:12:35.760>
• > that<01:12:07.920> are<01:12:08.080> occurring<01:12:08.800> and<01:12:
• 12:34.639> the<02:12:34.800> other<02:12:34.880> on<02:12:35.119> that.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• you<00:12:00.200> need<00:12:00.440> this<00:12:00.600> bill<00:12:00.880><
• Or<00:12:04.240> is<00:12:04.320> this<00:12:04.480> kind<00:12:04.640> of
• Yeah,<00:12:06.839> the<00:12:06.960> bill's<00:12:07.240> not<00:12:08.000>
• ><00:12:11.280> the<00:12:11.600> there<00:12:11.800> is<00:12:12.200> this
• > that<00:12:13.560> uh<00:12:13.640> it'll<00:12:14.000> it'll<00:12:14.160

Bills: SB2433, SB2047, SB2425, SB3045, SB2761, SB3001, SB2852, SB2471

Keywords: condominium governance, education trust fund, unit owners, real estate, dispute resolution, financial obligations, community representation, pharmacy benefit managers, maximum allowable cost, transparency, drug pricing, insurance commissioner, contracting pharmacies, healthcare, substance use disorder, SUD, addiction treatment, behavioral health, mental health, rehabilitation

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2433 SD1 relating to condominiums, which would direct the condominium education trust fund toward educational resources for unit owners and require the Real Estate Commission to ensure owners’ interests are represented in funded activities and related rulemaking. Supporters, including the Hawaii Real Estate Commission and a condominium owner advocate, said owners need a seat at the table in condo governance and education efforts. Committee discussion focused on whether the bill was necessary, with the Real Estate Commission indicating it could already use the trust fund for owner education and that owners are already considered stakeholders, though not through a specific commission seat. No vote was taken during the excerpted discussion. The committee then took up SB 2047 SD2 HD1 on pharmacy benefit managers, which would set requirements for maximum allowable cost reimbursement, allow reverse-and-rebill claims after successful appeals, and authorize fines for violations. The Insurance Division offered comments, the Hawaii Pharmacists Association supported the measure with amendments and suggested future PBM reform funding, and Kaiser Permanente requested a technical amendment. A committee question raised whether the staffing and resource request for implementation was too large for a bill focused only on MAC pricing, and the witness said he would provide more data to the next committee. No final action was shown. Next was SB 2425 SD2 HD1 on health insurance and substance use disorder treatment, requiring insurers to honor written assignments of benefits to SUD providers and prohibiting anti-assignment clauses. Supporters described patients being unable to access treatment because of high out-of-pocket costs and said direct payment would reduce harm for people in recovery. HMSA opposed the bill but said it would begin direct payments to non-participating SUD facilities effective March 27, while continuing to object to the assignment-of-benefits portion because of fraud and balance-billing concerns; the Hawaii Association of Health Plans also opposed. Members questioned HMSA about reimbursement mechanics and why the bill was needed if coverage policies were already changing. Finally, the committee heard SB 3045 SD1 HD1, which would require coverage of continuous glucose monitors and related supplies, including for Medicaid managed care, under certain conditions. DHS and the Insurance Division offered comments, while SHPDA, Hilo Benioff Medical Center Foundation, and others supported the bill, citing inconsistent access and a case in which a woman allegedly died after being denied a CGM. HMSA said it already covers medically necessary CGMs and had updated its policy in 2025 for type 1 and insulin-dependent patients, but it raised concerns about expanding mandated coverage to type 2 and gestational diabetes and about supply impacts. The committee also discussed whether the bill duplicated existing coverage standards and why it had been introduced repeatedly. No votes or final dispositions were included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• We<00:12:13.040> have<00:12:13.200> 30<00:12:13.519> judges<00:12:13.920> and
• I<00:12:16.240> have<00:12:16.399> been<00:12:16.480> a<00:12:16.639> judge
• c><00:12:16.880> for<00:12:17.200> 12<00:12:17.519> years,<00:12:18.000> almost
• > years<00:12:18.720> as<00:12:18.880> a<00:12:19.040> chief<00:12:19.279
• > and<00:12:26.880> for<00:12:27.200> 14<00:12:27.519> years<00:12:27.839

Bills: HF3874, HF3875, HF3378

Keywords: judicial funding, Chief Justice security, fiscal year 2028, court system, judicial branch, judiciary, court notices, restitution, child protection, publication process, human services, Optum reports, data privacy, transparency, legislative oversight, 1183, house

Summary: The committee approved the March 3 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Minnesota Judicial Branch on House File 3874, which was laid over for possible inclusion in a finance bill. State Court Administrator Jeff Shorba and Chief Judge Michael Fritz testified in support of a supplemental funding request focused on judicial branch safety and security, along with funding to cover the employer share of Minnesota Paid Leave costs. Shorba said the branch is seeking help because it did not receive funding for paid leave in the last session and is having to hold positions open to absorb the cost. The safety and security request included five parts: personal data protection for judges and court administrators, home security, two additional staff positions for threat assessment and coordination, security for the chief justice at public events, and a revived courthouse security grant program for counties. Testimony emphasized rising threats and incidents involving judges and court staff, including examples of doxing, home surveillance, and threats involving litigants, and cited increases in reported incidents, threats, and disturbances. Fritz said the branch’s current response system is stretched and that more law-enforcement-trained staff would improve coordination and response. Members questioned why the judicial branch should receive state funding for paid leave when private employers must absorb the cost, and Shorba responded that the branch was excluded from end-of-session funding decisions and that the mandate should be funded for all branches of government. Members also asked about the threat-response process and whether local law enforcement should be used more directly. Another concern raised was whether State Patrol troopers assigned to judicial security would have the training needed for criminal-code enforcement, and Shorba said the branch is discussing that issue with the State Patrol. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• What are you What<01:12:09.280> are<01:12:09.400> you<01:12:09.520> going<01:12:
• c><01:12:12.680> phase<01:12:13.000> three<01:12:13.440> of<01:12:13.520> the
• <01:12:19.600> wait<01:12:19.880> it's<01:12:20.120> it's<01:12:20.280> a
• Phase three<01:12:25.960> is<01:12:26.280> the<01:12:26.680> the<01:12:26.960>
• <01:12:31.120> in<01:12:31.280> one<01:12:31.920> or<01:12:32.840> was

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Unfortunately, we<00:12:06.040> are<00:12:06.120> seeing<00:12:06.440> more<00:12
• 00:12:07.880> are<00:12:07.960> not<00:12:08.120> even<00:12:08.360> yet<
• 00:12:14.520> devastation<00:12:15.160> that<00:12:15.280> has<00:12:15.640>
• Uh we<00:12:24.960> have<00:12:25.080> members<00:12:25.360> of<00:12:25.440>
• :12:26.760> as<00:12:26.920> is<00:12:27.040> custom<00:12:27.400> of<00:

Bills: SCR21, SCR75, SCR50, SCR149, SCR47, SCR163, SCR169, SCR170

Keywords: healthcare, rural clinic, feasibility study, access to care, community health, Volcano community, Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation, emergency services, health assessment, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, health care, interdepartmental collaboration, public awareness, support services, education, health insurance, affordable healthcare, working group, Hawaii Health Plan, Medicaid expansion

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:01.519> This<00:12:01.760> issue<00:12:02.000> was<00:12:02.240> also
• We<00:12:06.560> recommended<00:12:07.040> the<00:12:07.279> commission<00:12:07.600
• We<00:12:43.760> found<00:12:44.000> the<00:12:44.160> commission's<00:12:44.560
• <01:12:05.280> to<01:12:05.440> the<01:12:05.760> IT<01:12:06.320> plan,<
• <01:12:25.360> So<01:12:25.520> we<01:12:25.679> both<01:12:25.920> see

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met to hear the Legislative Budget Assistant Office’s performance audit of the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights. Auditors said the commission was inefficient and ineffective in investigating discrimination complaints and closing cases in a timely manner during fiscal years 2020 through 2023. The report contained 25 observations; the commission fully concurred with 24 and concurred in part with one. Auditors highlighted major problems with case processing delays, inaccurate case data, lack of a case management system, weak strategic planning and risk assessment, outdated and disorganized policies, confidentiality issues, expired administrative rules, fee-setting practices, incomplete financial-interest filings, and failure to complete required reports and reconciliations. Two recommendations, involving complaint screening and conciliation, may require legislative action. Several observations focused on the commission’s intake and investigation practices. Auditors said complaints may have been screened out before docketing, potentially preventing commissioner review required by statute, and that the investigation process lacked clear rules and guidance. They also found investigators were assigned non-investigative tasks, training was inadequate, interview requirements were unclear, supervisory duties were burdensome, and confidential information was not always protected by encrypted email. The audit recommended clearer administrative rules, better internal controls, more focused staffing, a supervisory investigator position, and improved training and documentation. Commission representatives said they had already made progress on several items since the audit began, including posting overdue biennial reports and moving toward a case management system expected to go live in June. They said they were working with EEOC counterparts and legal counsel, but emphasized staffing shortages and high turnover, noting the commission currently had nine people working out of 15 authorized positions, with three investigator vacancies and a vacant paralegal position. Committee members thanked the auditors and commission staff, discussed the history of the audit request, and raised concerns about how long the recommended corrective actions might take. The committee took no vote or formal action during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The<01:12:06.080> Senate<01:12:06.400> will<01:12:06.640> come<01:12:06.719>
• >> Sorry.<01:12:18.400> The<01:12:18.640> committee<01:12:18.880> has<01:12
• Will<01:12:21.120> the<01:12:21.280> clerk<01:12:21.520> please<01:12:21.679>
• following<01:12:28.480> attached<01:12:28.800> bills<01:12:28.960> being<01:12:
• >> 12:45. >> 12:45. >> 12:45.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.000> I<00:12:00.240> would<00:12:00.480> like<00:12:00.640> to<00:12:
• <00:12:10.720> This<00:12:10.959> is<00:12:11.360> these<00:12:11.600> are
• :45.440> to<00:12:45.760> clean<00:12:46.000> up<00:12:46.240> and<00:12:
• 12<00:42:32.000> or<00:42:32.240> 13? 12 or 13? 12 or 13? 12. 12. 12.
• So I I move um item<04:12:48.640> 12 item 12 item 12 1328.<04:12:51.560> Uh,<04:12:52.560

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met in Division 3 work session on HB 2 and began by noting a delayed start to allow the Legislative Budget Assistant to finish a large packet of updated amendments and revisions. The chair said the goal for the day was to move as many items as possible, with any cleanup deferred to a Friday follow-up. Members also discussed the process for handling public and department testimony on selected items before votes. Several early amendments were taken up and voted on. The committee unanimously recommended items dealing with repealing the liquor transfer to the alcohol fund and redirecting liquor-related revenue to the general fund, and it also approved an amendment revising Granite Advantage funding so there would be no automatic transfer from the liquor fund, instead using a general fund appropriation. Members then approved repealing the foster grandparent program by a 5-4 vote, and later approved an amendment requiring DHS contractors to comply with the patients’ bill of rights by a 9-0 vote. The committee also approved incorporating House Bill 94 on Medicaid coverage of circumcision by a 5-4 vote, while deferring the Wick Farmers Market Nutrition Program repeal for more discussion. The committee spent substantial time on the youth risk behavior survey amendment. Supporters said the change was intended to clarify opt-out procedures and ensure parents, guardians, and students are clearly notified that they may opt out without negative consequences. Some members raised privacy concerns and said the language could add administrative burden, but the amendment was ultimately recommended to Finance by a recorded vote of 8-1. Another amendment on civil rights and contractor standards for DHHS was discussed but not voted on after concerns were raised about vague enforcement language and possible penalties. The committee also struck amendment 1026 as redundant, with members noting related work in existing law and Senate Bill 134, and then moved on to other items, including a revised equity/access-related amendment that was postponed for later discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:21.760> Um,<00:12:22.480> some<00:12:22.639> of<00:12:22.720> the<
• Um,<00:12:32.079> I<00:12:32.320> think<00:12:32.399> that<00:12:32.639> will
• <00:12:32.800> help<00:12:33.040> out<00:12:33.360> in<00:12:33.760> a
• a lot of<00:12:34.160> our<00:12:34.880> uh<00:12:35.120> different<00:12:35.600
• <00:12:52.000> one<00:12:52.720> uh<00:12:53.120> we<00:12:53.360> were

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:12:13.399> the<00:12:13.560> next<00:12:13.800> couple<00:12:14.040> of
• pots um as we<00:12:23.399> do<00:12:23.800> that<00:12:24.800> I<00:12:24.920>
• :43.399> see<00:12:43.720> that<00:12:44.600> what<00:12:44.720> we<00:12
• <00:12:47.519> they<00:12:47.680> typically<00:12:48.480> are<00:12:48.639><
• <00:12:58.240> fill<00:12:58.519> out<00:12:59.199> as<00:12:59.279> it

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee received an overview from Chris of the Legislative Budget Assistance Office on how it will estimate unrestricted revenues for the General Fund, Education Trust Fund, Highway Fund, and Fish and Game Fund. He explained that the committee’s work is based on current law, not pending bills, and that the estimates will feed into a House resolution and an amendment to House Bill 1, the operating budget. He also described the broader budget process, including how House and Senate estimates are reconciled, how surplus statements account for revenue changes from enacted bills, and how a committee of conference could resolve differences later in the session. No votes were taken. Members then asked about why the Education Trust Fund was running below plan. Chris said the shortfall appeared to be driven largely by business taxes, including differences in the BET/BPT split and improved tax-processing systems that better track where business tax payments belong. Representative Orr also asked about tobacco tax collections and out-of-state sales; Chris said tobacco revenue was likely overestimated in 2023 based on COVID-era patterns, with more people smoking at home, and noted that e-cigarette tax revenue goes to the General Fund while cigarette taxes are split between the General Fund and Education Trust Fund. He said he did not have a specific estimate for cross-border sales. Commissioner Lindsay St. Pierre of the Department of Revenue then began a deeper dive into the department’s role and the taxes it administers. She reviewed the department’s mission, organizational structure, taxpayer services, and the tax policy and legislative analysis staff who prepare fiscal notes and testify on bills. She noted that the department administers about $2.9 billion in revenue across major taxes such as business taxes, meals and rooms, and utility property tax, and that the figures being discussed were preliminary because the annual report had not yet been issued. The discussion was informational only, with no formal action taken.