Transcript Highlights:

• I respectfully urge your aye vote. Thank you.
• The vote is currently three ayes, one no, Chair voting aye. McKinner: Aye. That has four.
• It is currently four ayes to one no, Chair voting aye. McKinner not voting. So that's four.
• It is currently four ayes to one no, Chair voting aye. McKinner not voting. So that's four.
• The consent calendar, current vote, is the consent calendar, current vote, The consent calendar.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I respectfully urge your aye vote. Thank you.
• We'd ask for you to vote no. Thank you.
• The vote is currently three ayes, one no, Chair voting aye. McKinner: Aye. That has four.
• It is currently four ayes to one no, Chair voting aye. McKinner not voting. So that's four.
• The consent calendar, current vote is the consent calendar, current vote is...

Summary: The Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee heard three main bills after initially lacking a quorum and deferring the consent calendar. SB 501 by Senator Allen would expand California’s battery extended producer responsibility program to include medium-format batteries, such as those used in e-bikes, lawn equipment, and portable power systems. Supporters from local governments, recycling groups, environmental organizations, and battery stewardship interests said the bill would reduce fire risks, improve collection and recycling, and close a gap in existing law. One industry witness sought clarification about off-highway vehicles and a battery association requested guardrails for mixed battery formats; the California Retailers Association moved from opposition to neutral after discussions with the author. SB 1125 by Senator Menjivar would create a statewide, state-funded low-income drinking water rate assistance program administered by the State Water Resources Control Board, contingent on funding. The author and supporters said many Californians face water debt and that the bill would help address affordability while working around Proposition 218 limits on local ratepayer-funded assistance. Water districts, local governments, environmental justice groups, and conservation organizations testified in support, and there was no opposition. SB 1259 by Senator Blakespear, as amended, would require refineries to provide advance information on closure, cleanup costs, and timelines to help communities plan for refinery transitions and remediation. Supporters, including the City of Benicia, environmental justice groups, and advocacy organizations, argued that communities need transparency before closures occur and that other energy sectors already provide similar planning information. Opponents from labor, petroleum, and business groups argued the bill was unnecessary, burdensome, and could discourage refinery investment or signal premature decline of the industry. After extensive debate, the committee voted to pass SB 1259 as amended to the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee, and also approved SB 501 and SB 1125; the consent calendar items SB 1253 and SJR 13 were adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote, show CS for HB 5015 reported favorably.
• By your vote, show CS for HB 5201 reported favorably.
• By your vote, show CS for SB 26 reported favorably.
• And by your vote, S.J.R. 174 is reported favorably.
• Vote me in the affirmative on tabs 13. Vote me in the affirmative on tabs 13, 14, 16, 17, and 18.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met with a quorum present and took up a long agenda of House and Senate bills, many of them conforming or “orphan” measures that were amended with delete-all or strike-all amendments to place them in conference posture. Among those reported favorably were HB 5015 on the State Group Insurance Program, HB 5009 creating the Florida Accountability Office, HB 5013 on state-funded property reinsurance, HB 5201 on state financial accounting, HB 5203 on the Capitol Center, and HB 5501 on documentary stamp tax distributions. The committee also approved SB 1292 on public records exemptions for certain email addresses, SB 1290 on highway safety and motor vehicle agency changes, SB 26 on an uncontested claims settlement, SB 176 and SJR 174 on homestead property assessment for flood-mitigation improvements, and SB 1122 on Florida Virtual School procedures. Several substantive bills drew discussion. SB 924, covering fertility preservation services for cancer patients under the state health plan, received supportive comments from members and was reported favorably. SB 1160 expanded health insurance premium coverage for law enforcement officers and their families when catastrophic injury or death occurs in the line of duty or during official training, and it also passed. HB 1662, the Department of Transportation package, established or revised programs involving the Florida Transportation Academy, transportation research, rural transit, airport and seaport accountability, advanced air mobility, landscaping, and HOV lane changes; it was amended after testimony from the Florida Airports Council about landing-fee language and questions from members about AAM and HOV lane implementation, then reported favorably. The committee also heard and approved SB 600, which codifies a statewide manufacturing office and creates a Florida manufacturing promotional campaign and grant framework, and SB 602, the fee bill tied to that campaign. That pair prompted the most extensive debate, with members asking about grant structure, eligibility, oversight, and whether the program could become a “slush fund”; the sponsor and Florida Makes said the program is aimed at small manufacturers, would be subject to rulemaking, and is intended to support training and modernization. SB 602 passed on a mostly party-line vote with Senator Pizzo voting no. At the end of the meeting, members recorded additional votes on selected bills, and the committee adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and vice chair vote I. amendments. Chair and vice chair vote I.
• Seeing none, vice chair for the<00:31:03.679> vote. the vote. the vote.
• Okay, seeing none, vice chair for the vote. Voting on SCR 131 as is.
• Seeing none, vice chair for the vote. Okay. Voting on STR 169 SD1.
• Thank you, everyone. the vote. Voting on STR 197 SD1 to pass the vote.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Culture and Arts heard several resolutions recognizing observances and cultural/historical initiatives. STR 12 SD1 recognized International Dark Sky Week; DLNR and the University of Hawaii discussed the advisory task force structure, with the university agreeing to continue as chair, and the measure was later passed with amendments. STR 112 SD1 requested Honolulu City Hall be lit purple for National Purple Heart Day, but because the resolution could not create a permanent standing request, the committee amended it to apply only to August 7, 2025. STR 131 urged the state to acquire the Hawaii Theatre to preserve its cultural and historic significance and keep it in public use, and STR 169 SD1 asked the state archives to expand outreach and civic engagement; DAGS supported both measures, with the state archivist emphasizing the value of connecting people to documentary heritage and civics education. The committee also considered STR 197 SD1, which recognized June 1 as Indigenous Peoples Day, July 1 as Canada Day, and September 30 as Truth and Reconciliation Day in acknowledgment of ties between Hawaii and Canada. DBEDT supported the resolution, and a member asked about possible tariff impacts on tourism from Canada, with the department saying it would follow up by email. The chair noted there were some individuals in opposition, but no additional testimony was offered during the hearing. After a recess, the committee took up decision-making and adopted all measures. STR 12 SD1 and STR 112 SD1 were passed with amendments, STR 131 and STR 169 SD1 were passed as is, and STR 197 SD1 was passed with amendments including a request that the governor raise a Canadian flag in Hawaii at an appropriate recognition ceremony. The chair closed by noting this was the committee’s last hearing of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• The vote will now occur, and the clerk will call the roll.
• I would respectfully request everybody's vote on this.
• The vote will now occur, and the clerk will call the roll.
• Members, the vote will now occur on House Bill 4358. If you favor the measure, vote aye.
• If you pose the measure, vote nay. Kirkcal coloro.

Bills: HB1782, HB2293, HB3176, HB3544, HB3546, HB3619, HB4358

Keywords: artificial intelligence, education reform, innovation, funding, advisory council, broadband, Oklahoma Broadband Office, broadband access, statewide broadband plan, internet connectivity, grant programs, expansion council, termination plan, Oklahoma, Gas Hub, national laboratory, public-private partnerships, aerospace, high-performance computing, economic development

Transcript Highlights:

• So I obviously recommend an aye vote. Thank you.
• All members vote who desire to vote. Members, this is for co-authors.
• All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
• All members vote who desire to vote. This is for co-authors. Members, this is for co-authors.
• All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call and brief procedural business, including approval of the prior day’s journal, suspension of certain rules for guest introductions, and moving AB 568 to the inactive file. The chamber then recognized several visiting groups, including a fourth-grade class from Marigold Elementary School, representatives of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses and its Royal Court, and students from the University of California Students Association on lobby day. The main floor actions centered on two resolutions. ACR 147 by Assembly Member Lackey designated March 9, 2026 as California Special Olympics Day. Members from both parties spoke in strong support, sharing personal connections to Special Olympics and praising its impact on athletes, families, and volunteers. The resolution received 70 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 89 by Assembly Member Patterson declared March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Speakers emphasized rising colorectal cancer rates among younger adults, the importance of screening, and new testing options including blood tests. The resolution also received 70 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. After the resolutions, Assembly Member Rodriguez offered an adjournment in memory of Bob Yuloa of Chino, a Navy veteran and longtime community servant. The Assembly then announced upcoming committee and floor session dates and adjourned until Thursday, March 12 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Quickly explain my vote. >> yes. Quickly explain my vote. >> Yes. >> Yes.
• I vote yes. people. I vote yes.
• Bill in a yes vote on House Bill 185?
• yes vote for me as well? yes vote for me as well?
• >> Please record a yes vote for me as well.

Keywords: Call to Order 00:00 Roll Call 00:03 HB 185 Discussion 1:00 HB 185 Vote 2:05 HB 455 Discussion 3:30 HB 455 Vote 9:00 Adjournment 10:30, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 185, sponsored by Representative Callaway, which would help people with criminal records return to work by reducing barriers related to occupational licensing. Callaway said Kentucky has roughly 200 licensed occupations and argued the bill would support both individuals and the workforce. Members noted the bill had already passed the House twice and that there were no substantive changes this year. The bill passed the committee cleanly on a roll call vote. The committee then considered House Bill 455, sponsored by Representative Bant, with a committee substitute adopted before the bill vote. The bill would prohibit therapy and psychological services from using AI to independently provide therapy, diagnose mental illness, make therapeutic recommendations, detect emotions, or otherwise replace human judgment in treatment. Bant said the goal was to ensure a human interacts with people dealing with mental illness, while still allowing AI for administrative tasks such as scheduling, reminders, notes, and other authorized functions. She said the substitute clarified that routine automated uses would remain allowed. Several members asked about the scope of the bill and whether it would affect billing, notes, or appointment systems. Bant said the Kentucky Psychological Association had raised concerns about section 32, but she believed the substitute addressed them. She also cited concerns about AI being used in harmful ways and said similar legislation had passed in Ohio and Illinois. The committee substitute was adopted, and House Bill 455 then passed the committee by roll call vote. The meeting adjourned after members recorded additional votes and attendance.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:27:52.000> All vote. All those in favor say I. All vote. All those in favor say I.
• Matsumoto, Garcia, Moroa, Shimizu, and Perrick vote no. Members, have all votes been cast.
• Matsumoto, Garcia, Moroa, Shimizu, and Perrick vote no. Members, have all votes been cast.
• Members, Shimizu, and Perrick, vote no.
• Said bills have all votes been cast.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Vice chair for the vote. Okay. Voting on STR 58, SR 42. Wakai votes yes.
• Vice chair for the vote. Okay. Voting on STR 58, SR 42.
• We are adjourning this joint committee. vote. Okay. Voting on STR 58 SR42. vote. Okay.
• Voting on STR 58 SR42.
• Um, I vote I. Senator Moriwalki I. Um, I vote I.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Health and Human Services heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 58 and Senate Resolution 42, which urge counties to install special-needs recreational playground equipment in parks and playgrounds. Testimony came from the Disability and Communication Access Board, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability Rights Center, Autism Moms of Kona, and a Pacific Disability Center representative, all supporting the resolutions. Several testifiers asked that the term “special needs” be replaced with “access and functional needs,” and one requested language broadening the measure to explicitly include developmentally and intellectually disabled youth. A committee member also discussed the need for inclusion and the benefits of accessible play for all children. After questions, the chairs said they would adopt amendments from the Disability and Communication Access Board, Autism Moms of Kona, and Tina Marie Kira, along with technical, non-substantive changes. Both committees then voted to recommend passage of SCR 58 and SR 42 with amendments, with members voting aye and some excused. The committees then heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 163 and Senate Resolution 132, which request counties to adopt flexible setback requirements for state buildings and facilities to improve land use efficiency and public service delivery. Testimony in support came from the Grassroots Institute and the Department of Accounting and General Services. The chairs moved the resolutions forward with technical, non-substantive amendments, and both committees adopted recommendations to pass SCR 163 and SR 132 with amendments before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• I respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you. Thank you.
• We have a vote of 4 to 0. The bill's on call. We'll take it up. We have a vote of 4 to 0.
• We have a vote of 4-0. The consent calendar is on call.
• The current vote is 3 to 0, with the chair voting aye. Senator Strickland? Aye. Senator Cortese?
• I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, please open the queue for a vote. Vote. Olson, nay. Stiegel, nay.
• Seeing none, please open the queue for a vote. Stiegel, nay. Please declare the vote.
• Seeing none, please open the queue for a vote. I'll vote from my own bill.
• Representative Stiegel votes aye. Representative Olson votes aye. Please...
• Representative Olson votes aye. Please declare the vote. 16 aye, 0 nay.

Bills: SB1265, SB2154, SB1286, SB1365, SB1491, SB1525, SB1581, SB1775, SB1810, SB1884, SB2118, SB2174, SB1771, SB1805, SB1916

Keywords: SB1365, Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act, procurement exemption, competitive bidding, state purchasing, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, tourism department, merchandise for resale, gift shops, lodges, golf pro shops, state parks, restaurant contracting, retail outlets, public procurement, purchasing flexibility, Title 74, emergency clause, presidential electors, vacancies

Transcript Highlights:

• Of the five members on Water and Land, any no votes or votes of reservation?
• /c><01:54:06.960> ey<01:54:07.199> sen votes ey Vice chair votes ey sen votes ey Vice chair
• I<01:57:16.800> Senator votes I Vice chair votes I Senator votes I Vice chair votes I Senator
• any votes or present any no votes any votes or reservations<02:00:36.440> hearing<02:00:36.719
• Any no votes or votes or reservations? Any no votes, votes, or reservations?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees first heard SB 1146, which would appropriate funds to the University of Hawaiʻi to develop an action plan and pre-engineering concept plan for debris management and water quality control in the Ala Wai Watershed. Testimony was largely supportive from DLNR, a UH student, and a special improvement district representative, while one speaker suggested the work should be coordinated with existing efforts to avoid duplication. Committee discussion focused on the multi-jurisdictional nature of the watershed, existing debris-trap work that captures only about 20 to 30 percent of debris, the role of the university in capstone projects and recommendations, and the relationship to the existing Geni project and other community efforts. Members also asked about costs, tracking progress, and the difference between water-quality improvements and the larger debris problem. The committees then voted to pass SB 1146 with amendments, including blanking out the appropriation and deferring the effective date to July 31, 2050. The motion passed in both committees, with votes recorded in support and no opposition noted during the decision-making. The committees also heard SB 321, which would deem certain fee simple privately owned lands transferred to adjacent property owners or community associations if specified conditions are met. Testimony was in support from several individuals, but members raised concerns about the lack of input from counties and the state, and about how the bill might affect roads already used by the public or maintained by local governments. After discussion, the committees voted to advance SB 321 unamended to the next committees, with the measure adopted in both committees despite one recorded no vote in the Water and Land committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• , residents can vote the members vote, residents can vote them<04:52:07.840> out<04:52:08.000>
• vote on HR1.
• Vote no. I vote no here to stop this big ugly bill from moving to the Senate.
• And finally, vote no if you voted yes the first time. is about any of that.
• A recorded vote is ... Did I not have to? Okay. I did. I didn't call the vote.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If not, Senator Chang, I vote yes. If not, Senator Chang, I vote yes.
• Chair votes eye. Thank you. amendments. Chair votes eye. Thank you.
• Vice chair votes with reservations. Vice chair votes with reservations.
• electronic voting, and mail in voting. electronic voting, and mail in voting.
• receiving their full voting rights. receiving their full voting rights.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate committees heard HB 108 HD2, which would allow direct shipment of beer and distilled spirits by certain licensees and require liquor commissions to adopt rules. Most testimony came from craft brewers and distillers in support, who said the bill would help small and fragile producers reach customers, move limited or specialty products that wholesalers do not carry, and maintain relationships with visitors after they leave Hawaii. Supporters also argued that direct-to-consumer shipping would not meaningfully increase underage access because common carriers age-gate deliveries and require adult signatures, and that the measure would supplement rather than replace the three-tier system. Opposition came from the Hawaii Food Industry Association and the Hawaii Liquor Wholesalers Association, which said the bill could create problems with minor access and tax revenue and would allow out-of-state manufacturers to ship directly to Hawaii households. Supporters responded that similar concerns were raised when wine direct shipping was adopted and said the existing shipping and reporting systems can track and tax these sales. Several witnesses, including Maui Brewing, Ola Brew, Koloa Rum, Hana Rum, Koulana Rumworks, Koval Distillery, and the Brewers Association, described their small-batch operations, limited distribution options, and the potential for direct shipping to expand sales and jobs. Committee members questioned witnesses about underage access, tax collection, and the impact on the three-tier system. One witness discussed efforts to protect and potentially scale the Hawaiian spirit Okolehao through geographic and sourcing rules. The transcript does not show a final vote or disposition on HB 108 HD2 in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, Vice Chair, please take the vote. then Vice chair for the vote voting on then Vice chair for the
• /c><01:38:21.520> 239<01:38:22.320> chair's vote please voting on HB 239 chair's vote please
• vote vote please<01:38:49.400> voting<01:38:49.679> on<01:38:49.840> HB<01:38:50.560
• members then Vice chair for the vote members then Vice chair for the vote voting<01:40:00.639>
• ><01:44:10.440> chair's vote voting on HB 1081 chair's vote voting on HB 1081 chair's recommendation

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several Human Services measures focused on Medicaid access, long-term care benefits, home health reimbursement, SNAP administration, trauma-informed child welfare, and child abuse reporting. HP 702 would increase funding for Medicaid in-home services if federal matching funds are secured, and testimony from disability advocates supported the measure as needed to help people with disabilities cover medical expenses. HB 1477, described as a correction to a prior session’s mistake, would clarify that the monthly needs allowance for certain long-term care residents does not replace state supplemental payments and would raise the ceiling by $25 to fix the prior issue and by an additional $20 as a new benefit; DHS supported it with amendments, and the committee indicated it would amend accordingly. HB 713 would fund a DHS rate study for home health services, with the Healthcare Association of Hawaii strongly supporting it and describing rising labor costs, losses on Medicaid patients, and access concerns if agencies cannot keep serving Medicaid clients. HB 1099 would appropriate emergency funds to DHS after a USDA penalty tied to SNAP response times, with supporters including Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Public Health Institute, and others arguing the money should be reinvested in staffing and systems to improve access and avoid further penalties. HB 1079 would direct the Office of Wellness and Resilience and DHS to create trauma-informed assessments and training for Child Welfare Services staff; testimony from state offices and advocacy groups supported it, citing the Mālama ʻOhana Working Group, staff burnout, and the need for a sustainable train-the-trainer model. Finally, HB 239 would narrow when failure to provide a child’s needs constitutes abuse or neglect, but DHS raised concerns that the current wording could broaden abuse findings and leave families in poverty without a clear safety net, while the Honolulu prosecutor’s office opposed it, warning it could weaken mandatory reporting and hinder investigations of child abuse. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided, though the chair said HB 1477 would be amended and several measures were left open for further questions and testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• We should vote on it, and we should vote yes.
• voting no.
• By your vote of 12 aye, one no, 13, I, one no, and one present, you have voted the House Committee Substitute
• By your vote of 16 aye, zero no, you have voted the House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1572 due
• Your vote of nine yes and seven no, with one courageous present, you have voted the House Committee Substitute

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We should vote on it, and we should vote yes.
• voting no.
• By your vote of 12 aye, one no, 13, I, one no, and one present, you have voted the House committee substitute
• By your vote of 16 aye, zero no, you have voted the House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1572 do
• Your vote of nine yes and seven no, with one courageous present, you have voted the House Committee Substitute

Summary: The Committee on Crime and Public Safety met in executive session with a quorum present and considered three measures. For Senate Bill 1652, members adopted a House committee substitute that clarified the bill’s language about creating an office within the Department of Public Safety rather than targeting women and girls directly. The bill, which relates to missing and trafficked women and girls, was then reported do pass by a vote of 12-1, with one member voting no because the bill was not all-inclusive enough for their preference. The committee next took up Senate Bill 1572, a retirement-related measure affecting the St. Louis Police Board and the St. Louis City teachers’ retirement system. Testimony explained that the substitute staggered board appointments, addressed quorum issues after board expansion, clarified overpayment recovery and refunds for small accounts, and made related retirement-system cleanup changes without altering benefit payments. The House committee substitute was adopted and the bill was reported do pass unanimously, 16-0. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 3533, which was amended to remove sports betting language and focus on increasing the riverboat admission fee from $2 to $5.50. Members discussed the fee increase as overdue and noted the revenue distribution to veterans and developmental disability funds, while one member argued the increase was too large and another noted operators could pass the cost to consumers. The House committee substitute was adopted, and the bill was reported do pass by a vote of 9-7, with one member present.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do recommend that the bill be voted do pass.
• That has to be by vote of the people.
• If they vote on it, and I'm looking at the back, if they vote on it, then we have a group that is overseeing
• By your vote of seven ayes and two nos, you have voted do pass House Committee Substitute for House Bill
• By your vote of seven A's and two nos you have voted do pass house committee set for house bill 2379

Summary: The House Ways and Means Committee met in executive session with a quorum present and took up House Bill 2379, first adopting a pre-distributed House Committee Substitute with no amendments. The sponsor explained that the substitute was revised to align with Senate language and would clarify definitions, limit applicability to certain counties, rename the fund the Early Childhood Education Fund, broaden eligible uses to include child care services, move fund custody to the county treasurer, expand eligible recipients, and prioritize children with the greatest financial need. Most of the discussion focused on how the bill would work in practice. Members asked whether the measure created a new tax; the sponsor repeatedly said it did not, but instead would govern how any local sales tax for early childhood education, if approved by voters in St. Louis City or St. Louis County, would be deposited and spent. Supporters said the bill would add transparency and ensure funds are dedicated to early childhood purposes rather than diverted to general revenue or other uses. Some members raised concerns about taxpayers, including seniors, paying a tax from which they would not directly benefit, while others said the bill simply clarifies management of already authorized local tax authority. After discussion, the committee adopted the substitute by voice vote and then voted on the bill itself. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2379 was reported do pass by a roll call vote of seven ayes and two nos. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• President Pro Tem, I rise to explain my vote. Please. For one, I am... ...explaining my vote.
• And so I strongly vote no. Okay, Senator Gonzalez votes no.
• Senator Epstein-Fernandez, Gobildone, Sears, please vote. Sears, please vote. All right.
• Secretary, record the vote.
• Those in favor, vote aye. Those opposed, vote no. The ayes have it. Do you have it? Still ordered.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Vice Chair, please take the<01:34:01.040> vote. the vote. the vote.
• please take the vote. please take the vote.
• please take the vote. please take the vote.
• . vote. vote.
• . vote. vote.

Bills: HB1813, HB2429, HB2423, HB1996, HB1851, HB2546, HB2028, HB2583, HB2490, HB2545, HB2114, HB1859, HB2534, HB2474, HB1863, HB2475

Keywords: taxation, general excise tax, use tax, exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, tax expenditure, tax expenditure evaluation, tax credit review, tax incentive, tax exemption, use tax exemption, income tax credit, DBEDT, Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism, Department of Taxation, fiscal oversight, budget accountability, tax policy, revenue loss, public spending

Summary: The committee opened with HB 1813 on taxation and HB 2429 on tax expenditure evaluation, taking mostly written testimony and limited oral discussion. On HB 2429, the Tax Foundation and Department of Taxation raised privacy and federal-law concerns, warning that the bill could require taxpayers to file duplicative returns and could risk disclosure of federal tax information if released publicly. Members and witnesses discussed using anonymized or summary reporting instead of individual public release, with the department saying summarized data would be preferable and that the state can ask for the information as a policy matter, but individual public release could create problems. The committee then heard HB 2423 HD1 on biodiesel, where Pacific Biodiesel said it can supply all biodiesel needed for B5 in Hawaii without imports and asked to move the implementation date earlier to November 2027 to allow rollout planning. HB 1996 HB1 on hearing aids drew broad support; a disability access representative said earlier insurance-based efforts had run into administrative problems and that this bill would immediately lower costs for consumers. HB 1851 HD1, also related to hearing aids, received support from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, while the Tax Foundation argued the program would be better funded directly rather than through the tax system, citing overhead costs and blank provisions that should be filled in before passage. On HB 2546, the research activities tax credit, HCDC said the credit supports long-term R&D and should be converted from a first-come, first-served system to proration so more applicants receive some benefit; the agency described the credit as helping companies move from idea to commercialization and noted the state is leaving potential jobs and federal dollars on the table. HB 2028 HD1, relating to Labor Day for construction workers, drew support from labor representatives who said it recognizes construction workers and helps offset cost-of-living pressures, while the Tax Foundation opposed it as an industry-specific subsidy and flagged technical issues with undefined terms and blank credit amounts. The committee also heard HB 2583, HB 2490, HB 2545, HB 2114, and HB 1859 HD1. HB 2490, concerning coastal erosion at Mokuhiki Bay, received strong support from a temple representative who described severe shoreline loss, years of temporary emergency work, and the need for a long-term, nature-based solution in coordination with state agencies. HB 2545, involving HCDC and SBIR commercialization, was supported as a way to turn R&D into economic development; HCDC said it had more applications than it could fund and that the bill could help create high-wage jobs. HB 2114, the Hawaii Benefits Hub, received comments from ETS and DHS emphasizing support for the concept but cautioning that operational, policy, cybersecurity, and data-sharing standards must be carefully aligned. HB 1859 HD1 on workforce development drew strong support from workforce and philanthropic groups, who said Hawaii faces a long-term gap between projected living-wage jobs and the number of young people entering the workforce, and argued the bill would create durable infrastructure for coordination and long-term planning. No formal votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.