Transcript Highlights:

• c> um<01:12:06.159> I<01:12:07.360> what<01:12:07.679> was<01:12:07.920>
• c> remember<01:12:10.960> u<01:12:11.040> the<01:12:11.199> testimony<01:12:
• :12:17.120> even<01:12:17.440> if<01:12:18.080> even<01:12:18.320> had<01
• :12:18.480> input<01:12:18.719> but<01:12:18.880> I<01:12:19.120> I they
• Um just<01:12:21.760> thinking<01:12:22.080> of<01:12:22.239> the<01:12:22.480><

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the same<00:12:02.959> public<00:12:03.279> hearing<00:12:03.760> process<00:12:
• <00:12:10.639> So<00:12:10.800> there's<00:12:11.040> guard<00:12:11.360>
• So,<00:12:34.240> for<00:12:34.480> years<00:12:34.800> there's<00:12:35.040>
• Um, that<00:12:44.800> is<00:12:45.120> going<00:12:45.279> to<00:12:45.440>
• to 12%. to 12%.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Well,<00:12:49.440> first<00:12:49.600> of<00:12:49.680> all,<00:12:49.839
• > I<00:12:50.000> don't<00:12:50.160> I'm<00:12:50.320> not<00:12:50.399>
• :50.720> the<00:12:50.800> NRA<00:12:51.279> is<00:12:51.440> a<00:12:51.600
• That<00:12:54.079> would<00:12:54.160> be<00:12:54.240> the<00:12:54.399> first
• Um, I<00:12:58.959> would<00:12:59.200> want<00:12:59.360> to<00:12:59.680> think

Keywords: Meeting start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:32 HB 136 Discussion: 01:46 HB 136 Vote: 05:53 HB 183 Discussion: 07:03 HB 183 Vote: 14:45, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor met with a quorum and considered two bills. Senate Bill 136, sponsored by Vice Chair Frommeyer, made a housekeeping change to unemployment insurance fraud reporting by correcting prior language so suspected fraud is reported to the appropriate county or commonwealth attorney and the U.S. Department of Labor, rather than the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. Members asked about how often local prosecutors pursue these cases and whether the state follows up on clawing back fraudulent payments; the cabinet said it would check on the exact recovery process. Senator Boswell also raised broader concerns about delays and difficulties claimants face in the unemployment insurance system. The committee approved SB 136 unanimously, 11-0, and reported it favorably. The committee then heard Senate Bill 183 from Senator Nunn, which would regulate proxy voting advice by requiring transparency, economic analysis, and disclosure when proxy advisers rely on non-financial factors or give advice inconsistent with a company board’s recommendation. Nunn said the bill is intended to protect Kentuckians’ retirement and investment interests, prevent politically or ideologically driven advice, and create enforcement through Kentucky’s deceptive trade practices law. Senator Clemens questioned how the bill would apply to nontraditional groups and whether the affected firms are registered or regulated; a witness, Chris Nolan, said there is little federal oversight and no Kentucky oversight of proxy adviser firms. Senator Maiden supported the bill, while Senator Thomas opposed it, arguing investors should be free to seek advice based on their own interests and that the bill could chill such advice. The committee passed SB 183 by a 9-2 vote and reported it favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02.240> bar<00:12:03.279> um<00:12:03.440> if<00:12:03.680> there's<00:12
• :12:20.160> accidentally<00:12:20.959> versus<00:12:21.279> a<00:12:21.519> fire
• actually<00:12:37.440> invalid<00:12:37.920> and<00:12:38.160> that<00:12:38.320
• This was<00:12:41.279> later<00:12:41.519> corroborated<00:12:42.079> by<00:12:42.240
• :12:40.880> if<03:12:41.120> not<03:12:41.359> I<03:12:41.600> have<03:12

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on Senate Bill 141, which would create a narrow exception to New Hampshire’s three-year deadline for motions for a new trial when a petitioner has newly discovered evidence, new forensic testing, or new scientific understanding. The prime sponsor’s representative and advocates from the Innocence Project and New England Innocence Project argued the bill is needed to help wrongfully convicted people access the courts, noting that exonerations often take many years and that outdated forensic science has contributed to wrongful convictions. The chair also said he had drafted a proposed amendment for committee review, but it had not yet been formally submitted. Witnesses supporting the bill emphasized that the measure would not guarantee relief, only allow a petition to be filed and reviewed under existing standards. They discussed examples such as arson science, explaining that some convictions were based on forensic methods later shown to be unreliable. Committee members asked about the scope of habeas corpus, whether the bill would create a new cause of action, and whether additional screening or pleading requirements should be added. The supporters said they would be open to requiring a petitioner to plead innocence, but opposed adding more burdensome preliminary procedures or counsel requirements at the filing stage. Thomas Farardi, from the Attorney General’s Office, testified in opposition or with caution, saying the bill was a “solution looking for a problem” because existing habeas corpus and coram nobis procedures already provide avenues for relief, and prosecutors can act when credible new evidence arises. He argued the current draft could invite additional litigation and create a new cause of action, and said he favored more screening before cases proceed. The discussion also touched on whether the statute applies in criminal cases, the current three-year limitation in RSA 526:4, and questions about posthumous petitions and petitions by deported individuals. No vote or executive action was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• > know<00:12:03.399> they<00:12:03.560> did<00:12:03.680> not<00:12:03.880><
• <00:12:11.440> them<00:12:11.600> to<00:12:11.720> do<00:12:11.880> their
• > research<00:12:12.720> and<00:12:12.920> making<00:12:13.120> it<00:12:
• > to<00:12:14.399> exercise<00:12:14.839> their<00:12:15.000> right<00:12
• <00:12:18.160> like<00:12:18.320> to<00:12:18.440> live<00:12:18.839> in<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:12:17.839> And<00:12:18.320> uh<00:12:18.560> as<00:12:18.959> Miss<
• <00:12:23.200> I<00:12:23.360> wouldn't<00:12:23.600> have<00:12:23.760>
• <00:12:28.880> Um<00:12:29.440> she<00:12:29.680> could<00:12:29.760> have
• Okay.<00:12:36.160> And<00:12:36.480> Senator<00:12:36.800> Lz,<00:12:37.440
• Okay,<00:12:57.760> we're<00:12:58.000> going<00:12:58.079> to<00:12:58.240

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We should<00:12:19.279> pay<00:12:19.519> fair<00:12:19.839> prices.
• And that's what we<00:12:21.360> want,<00:12:21.519> a<00:12:21.680> fair,<00:12
• <00:12:23.839> yes,<00:12:24.399> I'm<00:12:24.639> not<00:12:24.880> arguing
• >> Senator,<00:12:33.760> thank<00:12:33.920> you<00:12:34.079> so<00:12:34.240
• >> When<00:12:40.000> it<00:12:40.079> comes<00:12:40.240> to<00:12:40.399

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The segment focused first on Senator John Marty’s bill, SF 3612, which would remove private insurers and HMOs from Minnesota’s state health care programs and replace them with a statewide administrative services model. Marty argued that managed care has created churn, coverage disruptions, and administrative waste in Medicaid and MinnesotaCare, and said the state should instead pay providers directly while investing more in care coordination, case management, and wraparound services through primary care clinics and county-based purchasers. He said the goal is better care, not just savings, though he also cited potential taxpayer savings and pointed to Connecticut as a model. He acknowledged the bill is not expected to become law this year and said a fiscal note and more details are still pending. Marty said the proposal has support from the governor and groups such as the American Cancer Society, but that his current co-authors are all DFL members. He expressed hope for bipartisan support and said the simpler system would also improve fraud detection and transparency. He addressed concerns about insurance-industry jobs by saying workers should be treated fairly and that retraining and dislocated-worker assistance would be part of the transition. He also said the broader goal is universal coverage for all medical needs, including mental health and dental care, without co-pays or deductibles. The second half highlighted Senator Jeff Howe and Minnesota’s Hometown Heroes Assistance Program for firefighters. Howe described the program as a statewide effort for roughly 20,000 career, paid-on-call, and volunteer firefighters that provides up to $20,000 in assistance for occupational illnesses such as cancer and heart disease, along with training, counseling, and family support. He said the program helps firefighters process trauma and has been recognized as the nation’s most comprehensive firefighter well-being initiative. Howe said the most recent version of the bill received unanimous bipartisan support in both chambers, and he suggested future expansions could include retired firefighters and possibly peace officers. The segment also noted a separate therapy approach using retired racehorses to help first responders work through trauma, with participants saying it has helped them stay on the job and manage anxiety and PTSD.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:20.959> that<00:12:21.200> that<00:12:22.079> um<00:12:22.880> could
• c><00:12:23.200> cause<00:12:23.440> a<00:12:23.760> lot<00:12:23.839> of
• > with<00:12:26.079> conflicts<00:12:26.560> in<00:12:26.800> the<00:12:26.959
• separate<00:12:34.320> section<00:12:35.760> um<00:12:36.959> just<00:12:37.200
• quite problematic<00:12:38.720> could<00:12:38.959> lead<00:12:39.200> to<00:12

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee took up a proposed amendment to HP 598, with Nick Norman walking members through changes intended to preserve the existing eviction framework rather than create a separate expedited process. He said the amendment folds the bill’s changes into current law, adds limits on post-judgment motions and continuances, shortens or eliminates certain discretionary stays in default situations, and speeds issuance of notices and writs of possession. The amendment also adds language to RSA 540A to allow action against tenants, family members, guests, or occupants engaging in conduct that damages property or threatens health and safety, and it changes the effective date to 90 days after passage. Norman also said the amendment was meant to reduce frivolous delays and court fiscal impacts. Members raised concerns about several provisions, especially the clause barring discretionary stays after tenant default, the use of the word “immediately” for issuing writs, and the reduction of discretionary stays from 90 days to 60 days. One member asked for clarification on whether any meritorious circumstances should still allow a stay, and another suggested defining a specific timeline for judgments after hearings. Norman responded that the default provision was aimed at cases where tenants do not appear at all, and he said the intent was to prevent abuse of the process. He also discussed the new RSA 540A language as a way to address serious health and safety problems, including unauthorized occupants and hoarding. Other testimony was generally supportive of the amendment as an improvement over the original bill, but several witnesses urged changes. New Hampshire Legal Assistance said it would likely be neutral if recommended edits were made, and suggested clarifying language, preserving the ability to strike defaults, and allowing longer stays by agreement of the parties. That witness and others argued that a 60-day cap could interfere with negotiated move-out agreements and could be too short in some cases, especially for elderly or disabled tenants. There was also discussion of narrowing the new 540A remedy to the specific person causing the problem, while preserving protections for innocent household members, particularly in domestic violence situations. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt; the chair indicated the committee would consider revised language before executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• on this<00:12:20.959> that<00:12:21.200> that<00:12:22.079> um<00:12:22.880>
• could<00:12:23.200> cause<00:12:23.440> a<00:12:23.760> lot<00:12:23.839>
• separate<00:12:34.320> section<00:12:35.760> um<00:12:36.959> just<00:12:37.200
• quite problematic<00:12:38.720> could<00:12:38.959> lead<00:12:39.200> to<00:12
• <00:12:45.920> So<00:12:46.160> we<00:12:46.320> took<00:12:46.959> the

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:12:05.760> doing<00:12:06.000> it<00:12:06.399> just<00:12:06.639> on
• <00:12:08.000> It's<00:12:08.240> it's<00:12:09.120> staggering<00:12:09.600
• c> that<00:12:40.160> we<00:12:40.320> make<00:12:40.399> in<00:12:40.639>
• The funds<00:12:42.079> which<00:12:42.320> come<00:12:42.399> to<00:12:42.560><
• :12:45.600> the<00:12:45.680> the<00:12:46.079> requirement<00:12:46.560> to<

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved contracts 98, 99, and 100 on a roll call vote, with Chairman Douglas voting no but the items still passing. It then took up a Kentucky Department of Tourism contract involving the United Kingdom, France, and Germany/Austria/Switzerland markets. Tourism officials said the state has had similar contracts since 2013, that international visitors spend about six times more per day than domestic travelers, and that the effort supports marketing, public relations, and familiarization trips. The committee approved that contract as well, with Chairman Douglas voting yes after expressing support for tourism promotion. Next, the committee reviewed two Finance Cabinet facilities and support services items involving engineering and architectural services for a specialized lab expansion project. Members discussed why the design work was expensive, and the cabinet explained that the project’s pathogen-related complexity required specialized firms. Chairman Douglas said he believed some architectural and engineering reimbursement rates were too high and should be reexamined, but the committee still approved the items by roll call. The committee then heard from the Attorney General’s office and the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission on an MOA related to substance use disorder funding. Senator Meredith asked how the commission’s work coordinated with behavioral health programs, and staff explained that the commission allocates funds based on applications and includes relevant state officials. The contract was approved. After that, the committee considered behavioral health items: one new 988 chat-and-text contract to expand Kentucky-based crisis response coverage, and a Voices of Hope amendment that doubled funding to continue services into the next fiscal year. Officials said the 988 contract would move more chats and texts in-state, and that the Voices of Hope increase reflected continuation of SAMHSA-funded services; both were approved. Finally, the committee reviewed DCBS contracts, including a food insecurity survey contract with a Kentucky nonprofit and a Building Bridges Initiative training contract. Members questioned whether the food survey group’s advocacy role created a conflict, but DCBS said the organization was chosen for its statewide network and that the cabinet would receive the raw data. For Building Bridges, DCBS said the program began in the fall and provides training and peer mentorship for residential child care providers, with results still too early to assess. Both items were approved. The last set of contracts, under the State Treasurer for the Kentucky Council on Developmental Disabilities, prompted questions about why the funding flowed through the treasurer’s office and about a sexuality-related capacity-building initiative. Staff explained the treasurer serves as the designated state agency for federal DD Act funds, and that the sexuality initiative is part of a broader five-year plan focused on self-advocacy, system change, and capacity building; the committee then moved to approve those contracts as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:12:07.839> make<00:12:08.000> sure<00:12:08.079> that<00:12:08.320> the
• And particularly<00:12:13.680> in<00:12:13.920> light<00:12:14.079> of<00:12:14.240
• :12:16.240> it<00:12:16.399> will<00:12:16.560> be<00:12:16.639> the<00:12
• :17.440> of<00:12:17.600> the<00:12:17.839> murder<00:12:18.079> of<00:12
• The<00:12:47.040> reason<00:12:47.760> the<00:12:48.000> House<00:12:48.320>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:12.160> I<00:12:12.480> wrote<00:12:12.720> to<00:12:13.200> uh
• ><00:12:16.399> you<00:12:16.560> know<00:12:16.720> your<00:12:17.120> your<
• <00:12:28.480> A<00:12:28.720> day<00:12:28.880> later,<00:12:29.279> the
• > letter<00:12:37.360> saying,<00:12:37.600> "No,<00:12:38.000> the<00:12
• <00:12:38.959> They're<00:12:39.279> just<00:12:39.440> being<00:12:39.680><

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A violation<00:12:12.560> of<00:12:12.720> the<00:12:12.959> bill<00:12:13.120><
• to<00:12:17.040> six<00:12:17.279> months<00:12:17.680> incarceration<00:12:18.880
• Amendment number<00:12:45.600> two<00:12:45.839> alters<00:12:46.240> the<00:12:
• Uh<00:12:48.240> there's<00:12:48.639> no<00:12:48.800> fiscal<00:12:49.200>
• I<00:12:53.120> move<00:12:53.279> the<00:12:53.440> amendments<00:12:53.760>

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation by Rabbi Ari Goldstein, whose remarks were journalized at the request of the senator from District 33. The chamber then recognized the doctor of the day, Dr. Maryann Lamont, for her 50 years in medicine and her work in neurology and stroke care, and also thanked a legislative aide, Samantha Briggs, who is leaving for law school. The presiding officer noted a quorum was present and moved into the day’s floor work. The Senate handled several messages and committee reports, including a conference committee appointment on Senate Bill 18, which concerns provisional social work licensure. In Finance, the chamber advanced Senate Bill 246 on Health Services Cost Review Commission member terms, Senate Bill 370 on acupuncture board revisions, Senate Bill 564 creating a Division of Data Protection in the Attorney General’s office and a related work group, Senate Bill 782 on telecommunications infrastructure protections, Senate Bill 808 on health insurance provider panel requirements, Senate Bill 849 on agricultural equipment warranties, Senate Bill 867 on the Maryland Aerospace and Technology Commission, and Senate Bill 982 on mutual insurance holding companies converting back to mutual insurers. Most of these bills were reported favorably with technical or conforming amendments, which were adopted without objection, and each was ordered printed for third reading. The committee also considered several House bills with Senate cross-files or identical measures. These included House Bill 118 on money transmitter licensing, House Bills 339 and 512 on Anne Arundel County Board of License Commissioners compensation, House Bill 1100 on telecommunications infrastructure protections, House Bill 1395 on agricultural equipment warranties, House Bill 1473 creating Maryland’s Future Board, House Bill 226 on Department of Disabilities housing programs, House Bill 278 codifying the Longevity Ready Maryland plan, and House Bill 746 on collaborative care model coverage and cost-sharing limits. In each case, the committee reports were adopted, amendments were approved where offered, and the bills were advanced to third reading or passed for third reading, with no recorded opposition on the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:12:34.600> his<00:12:34.760> peers<00:12:35.120> across<00:12:35.440> the<
• , you had<01:12:05.440> a<01:12:05.520> custody<01:12:06.080> order<01:12:06.600
• As<01:12:08.480> long<01:12:08.840> as<01:12:09.480> Depending<01:12:09.880>
• c><01:12:12.600> leave<01:12:12.800> the<01:12:12.880> state<01:12:13.360> or
• c><01:12:21.480> we<01:12:21.600> don't<01:12:21.960> want<01:12:22.360> is

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.800> wanting<00:12:01.200> to<00:12:02.000> as<00:12:02.240> is<00:12
• >> I<00:12:13.760> think<00:12:14.079> that's<00:12:14.399> why<00:12
• :14.720> the<00:12:14.959> in<00:12:15.120> the<00:12:15.279> bill<00:12:
• 12:34.880> to<00:12:35.120> the<00:12:35.360> house<00:12:35.760> when<00
• <00:12:38.560> amendment<00:12:39.040> to<00:12:39.360> perfect<00:12:39.760

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When<00:12:02.920> I<00:12:02.960> became<00:12:03.360> of<00:12:03.560> age,
• <00:12:05.160> to<00:12:05.240> be<00:12:05.360> a<00:12:05.440> Minnesota
• <00:12:09.120> of<00:12:09.240> 2023<00:12:10.120> at<00:12:10.280> the
• :12:13.360> by<00:12:13.520> exactly<00:12:14.080> 2<00:12:14.360> years.
• 12:24.120> or<01:12:24.760> or<01:12:24.920> use<01:12:25.120> them?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• there for K-12. there for K-12.
• And<00:12:22.720> then<00:12:22.840> establish<00:12:23.360> monitoring<00:12:23.840
• There<00:12:28.160> are<00:12:28.320> three<00:12:28.840> groups<00:12:29.240>
• <01:12:29.040> Um<01:12:29.320> and<01:12:29.440> then<01:12:30.200> we
• <01:12:32.280> in<01:12:32.400> K-12<01:12:33.000> in<01:12:33.080> Kentucky

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Artificial Intelligence Task Force met and adopted the prior minutes before turning to AI in education. Jeff Gagne of the Southern Regional Education Board described SREB’s Commission on AI in Education, which has organized its work into committees on policy, K-12 instruction, postsecondary instruction, and skills development. He highlighted eight commission recommendations covering statewide AI networks, targeted guidance for different user groups, professional development, standards and curricula, local capacity assessments, risk management, procurement, and AI-ready workforce skills. He also emphasized that states need more specific guidance for students, teachers, faculty, administrators, and parents, and that training is essential because many educators have not been prepared to use AI in instruction. Gagne also summarized two recent SREB reports: one on AI-ready workforce skills and one on AI use in K-12 classrooms. The workforce report recommends embedding AI across standards, strengthening computer science and digital learning standards, collaborating with industry and workforce agencies, building AI competencies into training and upskilling, providing educator professional development, and monitoring readiness. He said the report identifies three skill areas: success skills, industry baseline skills, and technical skills. The classroom guidance report promotes responsible AI adoption, with four pillars focused on increasing cognitive demand, streamlining teaching and administrative work, supporting personalized learning, and developing ethical AI users. He also noted that the report includes an AI procurement tool for school districts. Members thanked Gagne for providing outside examples and resources. One member noted JCPS has an introductory AI professional development offering for educators. Gagne said Kentucky’s David Couch serves on the SREB commission and that the commission’s member list and reports are available on SREB’s website. The committee then heard from Travis Powell of the Council on Postsecondary Education, who said CPE had surveyed campuses and found that Kentucky institutions have broadly embraced AI in teaching, research, student services, and administrative operations. He said all institutions have AI-focused degrees, minors, or courses, and many are integrating AI into general education and across disciplines. Powell also said CPE is considering an AI consortium and that campuses are using AI in research partnerships and applied work, while continuing to focus on ethical and effective use.

Transcript Highlights:

• We<00:12:20.760> have<00:12:20.880> had<00:12:21.120> many<00:12:21.400> additional
• The<00:12:25.200> amendment<00:12:25.560> before<00:12:25.960> you<00:12:26.120>
• The<00:12:30.720> bill<00:12:31.040> has<00:12:31.240> changed<00:12:31.520>
• At<00:12:40.560> this<00:12:40.760> point,<00:12:41.120> most<00:12:41.400> of
• With<00:12:44.960> the<00:12:45.040> amendment<00:12:45.440> today,<00:12:45.960

Bills: HF1234, HF3528, HF3672, HF3679, HF3680, HF1944

Keywords: payment transparency, public contracts, contractor rights, government accountability, construction payments, barbering, licensing, examinations, barber schools, public safety, certifications, Barber Examiners Board, data transparency, Legislative Budget Office, state agencies, fiscal notes, public data, standard time, federal law, time zone

Transcript Highlights:

• are growing<00:12:04.280> at<00:12:04.440> a<00:12:04.520> faster<00:12:04.960>
• care<00:12:08.200> that<00:12:08.320> are<00:12:08.400> also<00:12:08.640><
• <00:12:13.120> And<00:12:13.320> so,<00:12:14.320> um<00:12:14.480> if
• that<00:12:16.400> a<00:12:16.600> Is<00:12:16.760> that<00:12:16.920> a
• that<00:12:17.600> Is<00:12:17.720> that<00:12:17.880> a<00:12:18.160>

Bills: HF3415

Keywords: child care, day care, licensed child care center, license-exempt child care, immigration enforcement, ICE, Customs and Border Protection, CBP, USCIS, Department of Homeland Security, DHS, judicial warrant, facility access, sensitive locations, immigrant families, Minnesota Statutes chapter 142B, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• um<00:12:16.839> your<00:12:17.560> Amendment<00:12:18.560> uh<00:12:18.800
• :12:23.279> it<00:12:23.440> a<00:12:23.639> separate<00:12:24.000> part<
• <00:12:24.800> on<00:12:25.000> the<00:12:25.399> infrastructure<00:12:26.399>
• <00:12:30.399> so<00:12:30.560> for<00:12:30.720> instance<00:12:31.040>
• :37.000> or<00:12:37.279> iPad<00:12:37.760> so<00:12:38.040> these<00:12

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with HB 934 on broadband and digital equity. Testifiers from the Lieutenant Governor’s office, the Office of Enterprise and Technology Services, DCCA, the University system, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others generally supported the measure and emphasized the need to coordinate broadband efforts, fund operations, and expand access to high-speed internet, devices, and digital navigation services. The Chamber of Commerce and West Coast Comprehensive Health Center supported the bill but objected to HD1 language excluding broadband infrastructure for retail service, warning it could create unintended consequences and limit community-led or rural projects. The Lieutenant Governor explained the state expects roughly $400 million to $500 million in federal broadband funding, described the bill as consolidating efforts under a broadband office attached to the CIO, and said the office would focus on infrastructure, devices, and training. No vote was taken on HB 934 in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 97 on travel insurance. The Insurance Division said it had no major problem with the product but requested technical changes to align with licensing requirements and noted the bill largely codifies practices already used in the industry. Industry witnesses from Allianz and the U.S. Travel Insurance Association said the measure would create a consistent framework, add consumer protections, and align Hawaii with the NAIC model adopted in many other states. Members questioned whether there was a specific problem the bill was solving, and the division responded that it was mainly a framework and form-review measure rather than a response to a known enforcement issue. The bill was discussed but no final action was reported in the excerpt. HB 448 on technology enablement drew broad support from the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, the Chamber of Commerce, the Food Industry Association, and other business representatives. Supporters said the measure would help businesses use technology such as digital platforms, e-commerce, robotics, and AR/VR to improve competitiveness, especially in tourism and other sectors. Committee members pressed for clearer scope, cost estimates, and assurances that local companies would be used; the agency said it would prioritize local-first contracting, use federal NIST-related support where possible, and estimated an initial request of about $200,000, though it could not give a firm total. Members expressed concern that the plan was still too undefined. The committee then began HB 455 on small business loans, where the Attorney General suggested explaining why a special fund is needed, and a witness from H Collaborative said the bill would help startup businesses that struggle most to access capital.