Transcript Highlights:

• :00.920> then<00:12:01.200> I<00:12:01.440> also<00:12:01.720> take<00:12
• :01.959> all<00:12:02.600> the<00:12:03.600> and<00:12:04.240> all<00:12:
• :05.040> and<00:12:05.200> I<00:12:05.360> create<00:12:05.639> the<00:12
• 00:12:26.560> assistant<00:12:26.920> for<00:12:27.120> all<00:12:27.240> the
• :08.760> on<01:12:08.880> the<01:12:09.000> floor<01:12:09.320> who<01:12

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was an introductory organizational session for the House Legislative Administration Committee. Chair Greg Hill and Vice Chair Vanessa Sheen welcomed members, introduced the new clerk and committee staff, and described the committee as generally nonpartisan and focused on bills on their merits. They also noted that many bills are handled on a consent calendar after discussion, and that the committee often works closely with staff, House counsel, and the House clerk on procedural matters. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on committee operations and expectations: how committee reports should be prepared and submitted, the use of electronic submissions, scheduling hearings, and the need for clear bill placards at the witness table for livestream viewers. Members discussed the committee’s calendar, including a proposed conflict with the governor’s budget address, and ultimately settled on moving the remaining hearings to February 19. The chair also emphasized advance notice for absences or amendments, and said executive sessions can be scheduled as time allows under current rules. House Clerk Paul Smith testified about his role as a nonpartisan officer and said he would be providing informational testimony on a bill affecting a law he sponsored years ago, as well as on a forthcoming PSLF-related bill for legislators. He also spoke about legislative customs, precedents, and the value of parliamentary procedure. The chair concluded with guidance on decorum: arrive on time, avoid interruptions during testimony, keep food out of the room, use electronic devices discreetly, and route questions through the chair for clarification rather than debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:12:30.200> I<00:12:30.280> think<00:12:30.440> the<00:12:30.560> chief
• That's<00:12:34.400> a<00:12:34.440> greater<00:12:34.760> problem<00:12:35.200>
• <00:12:39.240> um<00:12:39.600> a<00:12:39.680> pretty<00:12:39.920> high
• > of<00:12:40.640> our<00:12:40.720> calls<00:12:41.080> depending<00:12:
• ><00:12:48.200> at<00:12:48.240> least<00:12:48.560> measure<00:12:48.960> it

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :12:01.519> zoning<00:12:01.920> regulation<00:12:02.480> that<00:12:02.880>
• :04.000> I'll<00:12:04.240> make<00:12:04.480> one<00:12:04.720> up<00:12
• <00:12:16.079> We<00:12:16.320> would<00:12:16.480> be<00:12:16.560> up
• should I break at 12 12:30? should I break at 12 12:30?
• 12:40.720> but<03:12:40.880> it<03:12:41.120> is<03:12:41.200> a<03:12:41.359

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for the<00:12:01.680> worker<00:12:02.000> to<00:12:02.160> try<00:12:02.320>
• > to<00:12:02.480> turn<00:12:02.720> around<00:12:03.120> and<00:12:03.519>
• <00:12:14.000> I<00:12:14.079> hope<00:12:14.160> that<00:12:14.320> was<
• So, there's nothing<00:12:22.959> in<00:12:23.200> here<00:12:23.360> that<00:12
• I just I<00:12:28.240> just<00:12:28.399> want<00:12:28.560> to<00:12:28.639>

Bills: HF1918, HF2305, HF897, HF2191, HF2617, HF2551, HF2137

Keywords: HF1918, Department of Children Youth and Families, DCYF, child welfare, foster care, out-of-home placement, permanency planning, relative search, noncustodial parent, kinship care, family preservation, African American Child and Family Well-Being, racial disproportionality, maltreatment reporting, educational neglect, truancy, school attendance, Great Start compensation, child care provider payments, TEACH early childhood program

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:12:46.480> Jerry,<00:12:47.040> a<00:12:47.120> Representative<00:12:47.760
• <00:12:51.240> him<00:12:51.360> before,<00:12:51.640> but<00:12:51.760>
• > got<00:12:52.160> to<00:12:52.200> spend<00:12:52.440> much<00:12:52.640><
• 12:53.960> the<00:12:54.040> stories<00:12:54.560> and<00:12:54.920> know
• was<00:12:55.320> quite<00:12:55.560> a<00:12:55.600> character<00:12:56.040>

Keywords: MS House Floor - 20 February, 2026; 9:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with a prayer led by page Trayson Pierce, introduced by Representative Robert Sanders, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The chamber established a quorum, dispensed with reading the journal, and reported no select committee reports, no resolutions/petitions/memorials, and no guest introductions. The Speaker then moved to the calendar after unanimous consent to dispense reading of bill introductions. On the Rules Calendar, the chairman called up items 1 and 2 in block, then items 3 through 8, all of which were House resolutions. Each group was adopted by voice vote, with the first block recorded as 122 yeas and 0 nays. Item 9, House Resolution 62, was taken up separately to commend the life and legacy of former Representative Edwin Jerome “Jerry” Wilburn; it was also adopted by voice vote. Immediate release was requested for the resolutions, and there was no objection. Announcements noted upcoming committee meetings: Judiciary B on Monday at 2:00 p.m. in room 113 and Wildlife after adjournment on Monday in room 114. By unanimous consent, one member’s vote on HB 1936 from the previous day was changed from yes to no. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until Monday at 4:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mr.<00:12:01.040> Speaker,<00:12:01.279> I<00:12:01.440> move<00:12:01.519> a
• <00:12:01.680> recess<00:12:02.000> to<00:12:02.079> the<00:12:02.160> call
• <00:12:04.640> the<00:12:04.720> call<00:12:04.800> of<00:12:04.959> the
• <00:12:05.440> those<00:12:05.600> in<00:12:05.760> favor<00:12:06.000> say
• The<00:12:10.880> house<00:12:11.120> stands<00:12:11.360> in<00:12:11.519> recess

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• c> deal<00:12:32.800> and<00:12:32.959> that<00:12:33.040> was<00:12:33.199>
• 12:34.399> made<00:12:34.600> sense<00:12:34.839> to<00:12:35.279> to<00:
• 00:12:37.839> of<00:12:38.120> us<00:12:39.040> together<00:12:39.440> want
• <00:12:42.320> the<00:12:42.519> spending<00:12:42.959> and<00:12:43.199>
• :47.320> we<00:12:47.399> don't<00:12:47.600> have<00:12:47.720> a<00:12:

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House DFL leaders announced that they had reached a power-sharing agreement with Republicans to organize the Minnesota House and begin the session. They said the deal seats Rep. Brad Tabke, sends election contests to the Ethics Committee, requires 68 votes to create a vacancy, and provides for Republican committee chairs while moving to co-chairs and equal membership once the chamber is tied. They also said the agreement includes limits on the speakership, shared control of rules and conference committees, and a GOP chair for the Oversight Committee; members were to be present in the chamber that day to establish a quorum, with committees starting work Monday. Leaders framed the agreement as protecting the will of voters in Shakopee and statewide, and said Democrats had denied quorum to stop what they described as an attempted Republican power grab. They said the deal was essentially the same as an earlier offer, including conceding the speakership, and thanked negotiators from both parties. In response to questions, they said the breakthrough came after the Minnesota Supreme Court’s quorum ruling and that Republicans had not been ready to seat Tabke or share power before then. During the question-and-answer portion, leaders described the agreement as constraining the speaker’s powers, requiring bipartisan support for bills leaving committee and for floor action, and limiting unilateral procedural control. They said the arrangement would force both sides to be present and negotiate, with no bill reaching the floor without bipartisan cooperation. They also said the House would proceed that afternoon with the election of Speaker Lisa Demuth, followed by implementation of the power-sharing agreement, and that they expected the session to move forward under the new framework.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:08.200> on<00:12:08.360> site,<00:12:09.320> um<00:12:09.600> but<
• <00:12:10.040> distinct,<00:12:10.839> and<00:12:11.280> there's<00:12:11.560
• :12.280> for<00:12:12.480> youth<00:12:13.040> um<00:12:13.200> and<00:12
• :12:35.000> residential<00:12:35.680> units,<00:12:36.400> off<00:12:36.640>
• Uh<00:12:45.280> moving<00:12:45.600> on<00:12:45.760> to<00:12:45.880> slide

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: Division Three of the Finance Committee met in work session on April 20, 2026, to consider Senate Bills 481, 603, and 663, with the discussion focused primarily on SB 481, relative to the sale of the Sununu Youth Services Center property. The chair explained that the bill was advisory only and that the committee’s recommendations would go to full Finance on April 27. For SB 481, members reviewed conflicting provisions in the prior budget law about whether sale proceeds should go to the general fund or the Youth Development Center Claims and Administration Settlement Fund, and the bill was described as a compromise that would direct proceeds to the general fund before June 30, 2027, and to the settlement fund after that date. It was noted that the settlement fund had originally received about $20 million and had roughly $10 million remaining. The committee also received an extensive update from DCYF Director Marie Noonan on the new Youth Development Center in Hampstead. She reported that construction remained on schedule, with major structural and interior work complete, substantial completion expected in late summer or early fall 2026, and occupancy anticipated in early 2027. The presentation highlighted the facility’s design features, including single-occupancy bedrooms, sensory rooms, an education wing, medical and clinical suites, visitation space, a gym, and multiple outdoor courtyards, all intended to support a trauma-informed setting. Members asked about the facility’s funding, square footage, fencing, and scanner; staff said the building is about 34,000 square feet, funded entirely with federal ARPA state recovery funds to date, and that the scanner is on site but not yet operational pending policy and staff training. Committee members also raised concerns about the facility’s design and security. In response, DCYF said some concrete walls are required for structural and safety reasons, but they are being painted to maintain a brighter environment, and that the fencing will be about 15 feet high with privacy netting because the campus is shared with Hampstead. Officials said the new facility is legislatively limited to a maximum of 12 youth, while the current center can house 12 to 18, and emphasized that courts ultimately determine placements. No votes or final actions were taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• 12:40.640> be<01:12:41.440> looked<01:12:41.760> at<01:12:41.920> much out
• So,<01:12:52.800> the<01:12:52.960> 85th<01:12:53.320> percentile<01:12:54.360><
• 12:55.640> done<01:12:55.800> in<01:12:55.880> the<01:12:55.960> 1960s<01
• Um but<03:12:10.400> this<03:12:10.560> isn't<03:12:10.760> the<03:12:10.840>
• type of bill and and<03:12:14.400> one<03:12:14.600> of<03:12:14.680> the<03:12

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: House Transportation opened public hearings on three Senate bills and discussed a fourth scheduling issue. On SB 499, which would change Traffic Safety Commission reporting requirements, the sponsor’s representative said the bill would require annual aggregated data on the causes of traffic collisions in New Hampshire and recommendations to address them. Members asked about the added Trauma Medical Review Committee seat, and a representative explained that it is a longstanding state board of emergency and trauma professionals; the bill had already been amended and passed unanimously earlier in the process. On SB 500, concerning restroom access for certain commercial motor vehicle operators, the sponsor and trucking-industry supporters said the measure arose from concerns raised by female truck drivers and was intended to require larger commercial facilities with available public or employee restrooms to allow truck drivers to use them when there are no public safety concerns. Supporters from the New Hampshire Motor Transport Association said driver shortages make it important to recruit and retain women, and that lack of bathroom access is a significant barrier. Committee members asked about the scope of the problem and whether the issue affected male and female drivers differently. The committee then heard SB 559, which would reduce the minimum allowable speed limit on locally controlled roads. Supporters, including bicyclists and the Bike-Walk Alliance, testified that lower speeds improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, citing personal crash experiences and national guidance supporting lower urban speed limits where warranted by traffic or engineering studies. They emphasized the bill would not mandate lower limits statewide but would give towns local discretion. Members questioned whether the group would support 15 mph limits and how congestion and travel-time concerns were weighed. A Department of Transportation official testified neutrally, saying the agency had no formal position but had concerns about public perception and possible spillover to unnumbered state roads. The chair also noted an earlier scheduling problem that prevented immediate executive action on a bill until later in the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• In<00:12:07.600> the<00:12:07.680> event<00:12:07.839> of<00:12:08.000> a
• c> will<00:12:11.279> be<00:12:11.440> posted<00:12:11.760> for<00:12:11.920
• And<00:12:22.160> if<00:12:22.399> I<00:12:22.560> could<00:12:22.720> just
• c><00:12:22.800> ask<00:12:23.040> to<00:12:23.200> if<00:12:23.360> you're
• <00:12:30.079> So,<00:12:30.399> please<00:12:30.560> address<00:12:30.880><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee met on February 5 and heard testimony on a long agenda of transportation-related bills. Early measures included HB 2392, which would create an employer tax credit for transportation demand management benefits; HB 2462, which would bar auto manufacturers and dealers from charging post-sale fees for already-installed hardware; and HB 2423, which would require diesel sold for on-road use to contain at least 5% biodiesel. HB 2392 drew support from the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization and one individual, with the Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation offering comments. HB 2462 drew support from DCCA and one individual, while the Alliance for Automotive Innovation opposed it. HB 2423 drew comments from the Hawaii State Energy Office and Hawaii Farm Bureau, support from Pacific Biodiesel and the Hawaii Transportation Association, and a question from the chair about whether biodiesel is exported; the witness said production stays local. The committee also heard HB 1771 on voluntary carbon offsets for air travel, HB 2081 on requiring firefighters exempt from CDL rules to follow equivalent alcohol and substance abuse policies, HB 2334 on allowing the Department of Transportation to assume NEPA responsibilities for certain projects, and HB 2336 on DOT agreements with the Department of Defense for work at military installations using federal funds. HB 1771 drew comments from Life of the Land warning that carbon offsets are often unreliable and could create liability, while Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines offered comments. HB 2081 received support from DOT, county human resources offices, fire departments, and county officials, with the Hawaii Firefighters Association in opposition. HB 2334 was supported by DOT, and the director said other states using NEPA assignment can complete projects in about half the time. HB 2336 was supported by DOT, HIEMA, DBEDT’s military relations office, and the Hawaii Military Affairs Council; the committee discussed the administrative fee as a way to recover costs under an intergovernmental agreement. The most extensive testimony centered on HB 1666, which would limit new motor vehicle markups above 5% of MSRP and require recordkeeping. Multiple dealer groups and the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association opposed it, arguing it would threaten dealership operations, especially in Hawaii’s high-cost market and for vehicles without an MSRP. The committee also heard HB 2375 on uniform towing and parking enforcement standards on state and leased lands, including notice, disability protections, payment safeguards, and public reporting; DLNR, DAGS, and several advocacy groups testified, with strong public support and concerns about towing practices and ADA compliance. HB 2415, which would appropriate funds for crosswalks near school properties, drew support from DOT, DOE, and the Hawaii Bicycling League, and the committee discussed how counties would request projects and how funding would be allocated. Finally, HB 2451, which would move Hawaii toward fare-free public transit beginning in 2027 and create a dedicated funding source through a petroleum tax increase, received broad support from DOT, the Energy Office, public health and advocacy groups, and many individuals; DOE testified that it currently uses about $2.1 million for student bus passes and that the program is tied to savings from inactive school bus routes.

Transcript Highlights:

• in custody<00:12:50.199> so<00:12:50.399> then<00:12:50.560> we<00:12:50.680>
• :12:07.920> capacity<01:12:08.920> right<01:12:09.040> now<01:12:09.199> to
• 60%<01:12:23.440> of<01:12:23.560> the<01:12:23.679> folks<01:12:23.880>
• <01:12:27.239> of<01:12:27.520> that<01:12:28.080> and<01:12:28.280> not<
• <01:12:28.800> percentage<01:12:29.199> some<01:12:29.320> of<01:12:29.440><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the ramp program<00:12:00.800> is<00:12:01.120> funded<00:12:01.600> by<00:12
• >> Yes,<00:12:03.920> that<00:12:04.160> was<00:12:04.240> the<00:12:04.640
• > um<00:12:05.279> that<00:12:05.600> in<00:12:05.839> a<00:12:06.000>
• <00:12:07.839> of<00:12:07.920> our<00:12:08.079> dockets,<00:12:08.560> we
• <00:12:16.560> And<00:12:16.959> last<00:12:17.200> on<00:12:17.440> our<

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee heard House File 3912, as amended, and the author moved that the bill be laid over for consideration in a future omnibus bill. The amendment was adopted without objection. Representative Holland described the bill as an energy affordability measure that would bar utilities from charging certain fees during the cold weather rule for customers above 50% of state median income, prohibit reconnection fees after shutoff for nonpayment, and create a framework for regulating late fees. He argued that late fees are often high, compound monthly, and disproportionately burden low-income households, citing utility debt and disconnection figures and noting that the need for relief is concentrated in greater Minnesota. Annie Levenson Faulk of the Citizens Utility Board supported the bill, saying reconnection fees and late fees fall on households already struggling to pay for essential service. She said reconnection fees should be treated as part of the cost of doing business and that late fees should be limited to a reasonable approximation of actual carrying costs, with protections for low-income customers. She also said the issue is already being considered in utility rate cases before the Public Utilities Commission, but that legislative action is still appropriate. Nick Martin of Xcel Energy and Katherine O'Donnell of CenterPoint Energy opposed the bill in its current form while emphasizing their companies’ commitment to affordability and customer assistance. Xcel said the bill would shift reconnection costs to other customers and could undermine a proposed arrears management program funded by late payment charges; Xcel also noted that the PUC is already reviewing these issues in its rate case. CenterPoint said it already offers extensive outreach, payment plans, and assistance programs, does not charge late fees once a customer is on a payment plan, and that its reconnection fee does not fully cover costs. After testimony and brief discussion, the chair noted the helpful information from utilities, the author said he was open to further work on the bill, and the bill was laid over.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:14.880> to<00:12:15.200> the<00:12:15.360> state.
• :12:24.560> Dan<00:12:24.959> Blamberg,<00:12:25.920> Dean<00:12:26.160> of
• Jefferson,<00:12:29.839> and<00:12:30.160> Vice<00:12:30.480> President<00:12:31.120
• 32.079> And<00:12:32.320> last<00:12:32.560> but<00:12:32.880> not<00:12:
• <00:12:39.760> Will<00:12:40.079> the<00:12:40.320> guest<00:12:40.560> of

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional by Representative Ken Wells, who reflected on his father’s approach to news and argued that reducing time spent watching it could improve people’s well-being. After the Pledge of Allegiance, the chamber took up five new bills: H.891 on the definition of harassment in Title 16, H.892 on school attendance requirements, H.893 creating a municipal emergency shelter program and reimbursing municipalities for emergency housing costs, H.894 prohibiting snowmobiles on the BB Spur Rail Trail, and H.895 on secondary enforcement of certain motor vehicle violations. Each was read for the first time and referred to the appropriate committee; H.566, concerning sealing postcharge court diversion records, was referred to Ways and Means under House Rule 35A. The House also read H.C.R. 166, a congratulatory resolution honoring the Pick and Shovel in Newport City on its 50th anniversary. A member from Newport City spoke in support, describing the store’s history and the Hamlet family’s long service to the community, and invited the family to the chamber. Additional announcements recognized Vermont Law and Graduate School’s 50th anniversary and congratulated Vermont athletes, including Ben Ogden and Paula Moltzan, with one member correcting the record on Moltzan’s event. The House also voted to move H.403, relating to fair labor and housing standards for agricultural workers, from General and Housing to Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry. In the day’s only floor action on legislation, H.611, miscellaneous provisions affecting the Department of Vermont Health Access, was taken up on third reading and passed. The House then announced caucus meetings and other events, including a producer night hosted by the Agency of Agriculture, and adjourned by motion until Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• So<00:12:08.880> lie<00:12:09.200> heap<00:12:09.600> is<00:12:10.160> um
• > it's<00:12:13.680> a<00:12:13.839> block<00:12:14.160> grant<00:12:14.399
• > and<00:12:16.720> um<00:12:17.519> then<00:12:17.839> is<00:12:18.320><
• > I'm<00:12:21.920> going<00:12:22.000> to<00:12:22.079> turn<00:12:22.240
• c> to<00:12:23.920> talk<00:12:24.160> a<00:12:24.399> little<00:12:24.480><

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Energy met for a public hearing and presentation on the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). After approving the minutes, members heard from Shannon Hall of the Department for Community Based Services and Rick Baker of Community Action Kentucky, who explained that LIHEAP is a 100% federally funded block grant used in Kentucky to help low-income households pay home energy bills, prevent utility disconnects, and support weatherization and crisis assistance. Hall outlined the program’s income eligibility limits, the fact that payments go directly to vendors or utilities rather than households, and the program’s funding levels, including $43.4 million spent in federal fiscal year 2025 and an anticipated $58 million for federal fiscal year 2026. The presenters described LIHEAP’s main components: fall and spring subsidy programs, winter crisis assistance, and weatherization. They gave participation figures for recent program cycles, including tens of thousands of households served in each component, and explained that weatherization prioritizes elderly, disabled, households with children, and high-energy-burden homes. They also noted that weatherization is carried out in partnership with the Kentucky Housing Corporation and includes repairs and efficiency measures such as insulation, air sealing, and safety checks. Rick Baker described Community Action Kentucky’s role as the statewide administrator through 23 local community action agencies, emphasizing their presence in all 120 counties and their local board structure. Members praised Baker’s long service and the program’s importance for families facing high energy costs, especially in coalfield areas. One member asked for clarification on a slide reference to “Assurance 16,” but the transcript cuts off before the answer is completed. No votes or other committee actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:02.079> If<00:12:02.240> not,<00:12:02.480> the discussion?
• <00:12:03.600> One<00:12:03.839> day<00:12:04.000> notice<00:12:04.320> is
• Mr.<00:12:15.360> President,<00:12:15.600> I<00:12:15.760> move<00:12:15.920
• <00:12:49.680> is<00:12:49.920> hereby<00:12:50.320> given carried.
• > of<00:12:52.000> STR<00:12:52.800> 136<00:12:53.440> HD2.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:08.880> President,<00:12:09.440> and<00:12:09.560> thank<00:12:09.800
• :12:17.640> to<00:12:17.720> report<00:12:18.120> to<00:12:18.240> members
• Before<00:12:27.480> the<00:12:27.600> Rules<00:12:27.880> Committee<00:12:28.280
• :30.320> this<00:12:30.520> bill<00:12:30.760> to<00:12:30.880> the<00:12
• From<00:12:36.800> the<00:12:36.920> Rules<00:12:37.240> Committee<00:12:37.600>

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, a roll call, and confirmation that a quorum was present, then moved to committee reports. The main floor debate centered on a Rules Committee report involving the referral of a sports betting bill. Senator Rasmussen and others argued the bill should go first to the State and Local Government Committee because gambling falls within that committee’s jurisdiction, while Senator Franzen, Senator Klein, and others defended the Rules Committee’s 6-2 decision to send it to Commerce, emphasizing committee discretion and past referral practice. After clarification that the vote was only on adopting the committee report, the Senate rejected the report by a vote of 22-44. The Senate then handled second readings of a slate of Senate and House bills and introduced two new Senate files: SF 4759, eliminating Cesar Chavez Day, referred to State and Local Government, and SF 4760, changing employment/occupation rules related to criminal convictions, referred to Judiciary and Public Safety. In motions and resolutions, several bills were re-referred with little or no opposition: SF 2689 was moved from State and Local Government to Judiciary and Public Safety but failed on a 30-35 vote; SF 4194 was moved from Taxes to Health and Human Services; SF 4274 was moved from Judiciary and Public Safety to Transportation; SF 4332 was moved from Environment, Climate, and Legacy to Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development; and SF 4592 was moved from Judiciary and Public Safety to Jobs and Economic Development. SF 4455 was also given a second reading and placed on General Orders. The session ended as the Senate moved into special orders.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.160> would<00:12:00.360> do<00:12:00.480> it<00:12:01.480> put<00:12:
• :02.040> of<00:12:02.120> that<00:12:02.279> what<00:12:02.360> they<00:12
• say<00:12:06.720> we<00:12:06.839> could<00:12:07.000> have<00:12:07.200>
• > if<00:12:10.120> we<00:12:10.240> fix<00:12:10.519> it<00:12:10.720>
• 55.000> are<00:12:55.240> things<00:12:55.480> we<00:12:55.639> see<00:12

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:03.040> gentoman<00:12:03.480> to<00:12:03.760> provide<00:12:04.000>
• ><00:12:38.800> has<00:12:39.000> done<00:12:39.720> to<00:12:39.959> secure<
• border<00:12:40.959> is<00:12:41.160> incredible<00:12:41.800> the<00:12
• 00:12:52.639> such<00:12:52.880> Point<00:12:53.240> as<00:12:53.360> we
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Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

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• <00:12:16.199> of<00:12:16.480> Hawaii<00:12:17.480> utilities<00:12:18.040>
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Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard testimony on Senate Bill 897, which would create a Wildlife Liability Trust Fund within DCCA for administrative purposes. The chair opened by noting the hearing had to end by noon because of floor session, and that written testimony would be considered if not all witnesses could speak. Testimony included support from DCCA, the Attorney General’s office, the Public Utilities Commission, Charter Communications, Ulupono Initiative, AES Hawaii, Hawaiian Electric, Clearway Energy Group, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, Hawaiian Telcom, and IBW Local 1260, with opposition or concerns from the Hawaii Association for Justice and some others. Hawaiian Electric strongly supported the bill and asked for amendments, saying the fund would help address wildfire liability, protect customers and the economy, and support restoration of investment-grade credit; it also proposed a larger shareholder contribution and said the bill was part of a broader effort to raise settlement funds and improve grid safety and resiliency. Committee members focused heavily on whether the bill would actually lower costs for ratepayers and improve credit ratings. DCCA said there was a nexus between limiting liability, creating a sufficiently large wildfire fund, and transparent mitigation requirements, but acknowledged there was no guarantee of a credit-rating improvement or precise estimate of rate impacts. Members questioned Hawaiian Electric about the assumptions in its cost comparisons, the 30-year securitization structure, and whether funding could be shifted later to shareholders after credit was restored. Hawaiian Electric responded that the bill assumes the fund is paid through securitization, that removing that presumption could undermine the credit-rating benefit, and that its models suggest credit-spread savings could offset the customer charge over time; it also said it would follow up with additional analysis. The company and Ulupono both described the measure as a difficult but potentially necessary way to socialize wildfire risk and avoid a larger crisis later. The Hawaii Association for Justice opposed the bill’s liability caps and raised concerns about consumer rights, oversight discretion, statute-of-limitations changes, and evidence rules. Hawaiian Telcom suggested amendments to clarify compliance with FCC pole-attachment agreements. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided, and members indicated they wanted more analysis before being comfortable with the bill’s long-term ratepayer impacts.