Transcript Highlights:

• So, how did the what get included into the statute or the proposed statute, um, regarding as a result
• <00:47:11.119> statute the the statute or the proposed statute the the statute or the proposed
• The voters approved the proposal of amendment on March 4, 2025, with a vote of 1,231 to 799.
• The purpose of the bill proposes<00:49:28.640> to<00:49:28.880> approve<00:49:29.200>
• proposes to approve amendments to the charter<00:49:30.240> of<00:49:30.400> the<00:49

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the formal swearing-in and seating of newly appointed Representative Jack Bighgam of St. Albans Town, who was also assigned to the Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry. The chamber then introduced House bills 911 and 912 and referred them to the Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry Committee and the Judiciary Committee, respectively. Several other bills were referred to money committees under House rules, including H.558 and H.775 to Ways and Means and H.632 and H.778 to Appropriations. Members also made announcements recognizing visiting groups, including fire and rescue personnel, community action agencies, 4-H participants, and other guests, along with caucus meeting notices. The House then took up H.907, a Government Operations and Military Affairs Committee bill to review and repeal outdated reporting requirements. The committee explained that the bill categorizes reports into those repealed, those to be reviewed again in four years, and those retained permanently, with an effective date of July 1, 2026. The committee reported unanimous support, and the House ordered the bill to third reading after agreeing to the committee recommendation. Next, the House considered H.205, dealing with agreements not to compete and stay-or-pay provisions. The Commerce and Economic Development Committee described the bill as generally prohibiting non-compete agreements, especially for lower-wage workers, while allowing narrow exceptions, and limiting stay-or-pay provisions to voluntary, reasonable, and clearly disclosed arrangements. During questioning, a member raised concern about a specific carveout for teacher contracts, arguing it could be used to restrict teacher mobility; the presenter said the language was intended to clarify that the bill did not conflict with existing teacher-contract law. The House adopted the committee amendment and ordered the bill to third reading. The House then began second reading of H.639 on genetic data privacy. The committee described the bill as creating strong protections for consumers’ genetic information, requiring express opt-in consent for collection, use, disclosure, transfer, retention, and marketing uses; allowing revocation of consent; requiring deletion of data and biological samples upon request; restricting storage and transfer outside the United States; and prohibiting disclosure to insurers, employers, and most government access without a warrant. The committee also said the bill would impose security requirements and anti-discrimination protections, and the detailed presentation continued as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2010, they decisively rejected Proposition 109, a nearly identical proposal.
• And lawmakers declined to advance similar... ...proposed a nearly identical proposal, and lawmakers declined
• Thank you for your time, and I am happy to answer any questions. ...proposed a nearly identical proposal
• Like the Safari Club, I think the changing, the proposed amendment that Representative Griffin talked
• The bill outlines requirements for an applicant to propose a small land subdivision and requires the

Bills: HB2023, HB2100, HB2147, HB2158, HB2159, HB2162, HB2197, HB2497, HB2787, HCM2006

Keywords: land division, property disclosure, real estate, affidavit, Arizona Revised Statutes, small land subdivision, land use, real estate regulation, county ordinance, water supply requirements, property access, civil penalties, wildlife management, deer permits, private land, landowner rights, human-wildlife conflict, predatory animals, hunting regulations, game and fish

Transcript Highlights:

• We directed staff to take feedback from that meeting and return with a more streamlined proposal that
• The proposal includes.
• If they have somebody that's struggling to put that proposal together, which is difficult.
• One, a proposed mechanism for limiting discretionary capital outlay for water and wastewater projects
• And we would work with our executive and NMFA partners to develop this proposal and bring it back to

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, are you then working on any proposals or requests for very specific to legislators as we convene
• Um, I've, I've proposed and tried to pass subpoena authority to the legislature.
• The prosecutors and the, the budget proposals weren't really aware of it, so try to learn from the 1st
• and come to us with uh, with an appropriations, uh, proposal so that we can deal with that.
• Uh, put forth a good proposal to receive additional federal funding, um.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our capital plan submission includes proposed maintenance pools and capital projects from four departments
• Our capital plan submission includes proposed maintenance pools and capital projects from four departments
• maintenance pools and capital proposed maintenance pools and capital projects<00:03:36.879> from<
• This combined facility proposal<00:15:17.839> is<00:15:18.079> a<00:15:18.240> more<
• efficient use of proposal is a more efficient use of space<00:15:19.680> and<00:15:20.000>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard capital plan presentations from the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, the Personnel Cabinet, and the School Facilities Construction Commission. The Justice Cabinet described its large portfolio of more than 900 facilities across the state and said decades of underfunded maintenance have created a backlog of repairs. Requested projects included a high-acuity mental health treatment facility for juvenile justice youth, two female detention centers to support the regional detention model, major corrections repairs and replacements, a new kitchen at Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex, a new dormitory at the Kentucky Correctional Institute for Women, completion of a new Eastern Kentucky prison, DOCJT training facility upgrades in Richmond and Madisonville, State Police radio system replacement and post construction, a combined Frankfort headquarters/Post 12 facility, and expanded crime lab and storage capacity. When asked about the high cost of the EKCC kitchen project, staff said construction inside an operating facility raises costs and that building a new adjacent kitchen would be more economical in the long run. The panel also asked about Fish and Wildlife officers training at DOCJT; staff said they do and that the training is funded through the CLEFT fund. The Justice Cabinet also said the recently enacted Senate Bill 4’s AI inventory and registry requirements would be part of its enterprise application and AI inventory system work. The Personnel Cabinet requested funding to replace CHRIS, the state’s human resources and payroll system, which supports payroll and benefits for about 48,000 employees and the Kentucky Employee Health Plan for roughly 192,000 members. Staff said the current SAP-based system went live in 2011, is approaching end of support in 2030, and has not received functionality enhancements since 2016. They said the replacement is estimated at $151 million, with most of the cost tied to professional services and software, and that the project would begin in July 2026, go live by July 2030, and require a stabilization period through 2032. In response to questions about outsourcing payroll or reusing existing systems, staff said the complexity of state HR, payroll, tax updates, and integrations with other agencies makes outsourcing or partial reuse impractical. The School Facilities Construction Commission introduced its role in helping all 171 school districts address unmet facility needs, focusing on core school facilities such as roofs and elementary buildings rather than athletic projects. No votes or formal actions were taken during the excerpted discussion; the meeting consisted of presentations, explanations of requested projects, and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• WE ARE ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT THE HOUSES ARE PROPOSING SO WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT AND WE WOULD
• THE PROPOSED CHANGE WOULD MANDATE THE WATER INTO RETURNS TO CONSUMERS OUTSIDE THE MENTALIST POLITY BORDER
• I WAS AMAZING LAST YEAR WHEN SENATOR JONES AND I PROPOSE THE IDEA FOR THE COUNTY WOULD TAKE A LOOK AT
• THIS IS ANOTHER ISSUE FOR SENATOR JONES AND I, BUT THERE WAS A PROPOSAL TO CONSTRUCT COUNTRY'S LARGEST
• Pizzo: THIS IS A REALLY BIG, THIS IS A PROPOSAL TO CONSIDER THE LARGEST WASTE INCINERATOR IN THE NATION

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The proposed budget really places an emphasis on programs and initiatives that provide training to meet
• In addition, the proposed budget includes funding for key initiatives in our state university system.
• And she also moves to accept the Appropriations Committee on Higher Education's budget proposal as a
• How is it impacted by this proposed Project 2025 that the Heritage Foundation has taken credit for?
• And one of your proposed solutions to that culture of speech And one of your proposed solutions to that

Summary: The committee first took up a confirmation for UCF trustee reappointment candidate Mr. Christie, who described his long service on the board, his UCF business-school background, and his focus on strengthening UCF’s financial foundation, workforce alignment, and engineering and technology programs. Members praised his service and asked about UCF’s future direction, including its role in Florida’s space and engineering sectors. He was allowed to leave early for a meeting with the governor. The committee then heard the Higher Education Appropriations budget presentation for fiscal year 2025-26. The chair outlined a proposed $11.5 billion higher education budget emphasizing workforce education, Florida College System operations, career and technical education, the GATE program, nursing education through the Florida Center for Nursing, UF/IFAS agriculture technology, tutoring, autism and neurodevelopment services, student financial aid, and $250 million for state universities through the Board of Governors. Senator Davis asked about line grant flexibility, and the chair said a conforming bill would address details. The committee adopted a motion allowing technical corrections and then adopted the budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Appropriations Committee. The remainder of the meeting focused on confirmations for university boards, especially the University of West Florida, where several nominees were questioned about Title IX compliance, free speech, workforce readiness, military/veteran ties, and prior statements about privatization and higher education. Rebecca Matthews, Rachel Moyah, Ashley Ross, and Adam Kessel each described their backgrounds and goals for UWF; Kessel faced extensive questioning about his past writings on privatization, the GI Bill, and speech suppression, and said he would not recommend privatizing Florida universities and supported veterans’ education benefits. Public testimony on UWF was largely opposed, with speakers arguing the nominees lacked local ties and warning the slate would harm the university and community. The committee also heard from FAMU reappointment nominee Judge Belvin Perry, who emphasized student success, workforce quality, and FAMU’s continued rise, and from UCF nominee Mark Philburn and FSU nominee Peter Jones, both of whom highlighted their professional experience and commitment to student success and prudent stewardship. The meeting extended its time to 6:30 p.m. to continue hearing nominees and public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• The proposed budget really places an emphasis on programs and initiatives that provide training to meet
• In addition, the proposed budget includes funding for key initiatives in our state university system.
• And she also moves to accept the Appropriations Committee on Higher Education's budget proposal as a
• And she also moves to accept the Appropriations Committee on Higher Education's budget proposal as a
• And one of your proposed solutions to that culture of speech...

Summary: The committee first heard a confirmation from UCF trustee reappointee Mr. Christie, who described his background in medical devices and prior board service and said he wanted to help UCF strengthen its financial foundation, workforce alignment, and engineering and technology pipeline. Members asked about UCF’s direction, and he emphasized the university’s role in producing engineers and supporting Florida’s space and technology sectors. The committee then moved to the higher education budget for fiscal year 2025-26, which was presented as an $11.5 billion total budget including local funds and focused heavily on workforce education, nursing, agriculture technology, tutoring, student aid, and university initiatives. Chair Harrell highlighted increases for school district workforce education, Florida College System operations, career and technical education grants, the GATE program, nursing education through USF’s Florida Center for Nursing, UF/IFAS rural and agricultural programs, UCF’s Community School Grant Program, UF’s literacy and tutoring initiatives, autism and neurodevelopment services, full funding for major scholarship programs, and $250 million for state universities through the Board of Governors. Senator Davis asked about line grant flexibility, and Harrell said a conforming bill would address the details. The budget proposal was adopted as a recommendation to the full Appropriations Committee, with staff authorized to make technical corrections. The committee then took up a series of confirmations, beginning with Florida State University reappointee Peter Collins, who emphasized his long FSU ties, leadership on the board, and goal of keeping FSU on a path toward top-10 status and AAU membership. Rebecca Matthews, a new University of West Florida appointee, discussed her education-related volunteer work, Florida Education Foundation service, and interest in supporting UWF’s continued excellence; senators questioned her on Title IX and she said she would support student protections and compliance. Rachel Moyah, another UWF appointee, highlighted her education, school board experience, and priorities of student safety, fiscal discipline, and workforce readiness; she also said she would comply with Title IX and other applicable rules. Ashley Ross, also nominated to UWF, said she would focus on university advancement, military ties, cybersecurity, civil engineering, and strong governance, and agreed that Title IX protections should be preserved and advanced. The most extensive questioning came during the confirmation of Adam Kessel, a UWF appointee and Heritage Foundation fellow, who was asked about prior writings on privatizing public universities, his comments about the GI Bill, and his views on free speech and Project 2025. Kessel said he did not recommend privatizing Florida universities, clarified that his comments about the GI Bill and over-enrollment were about broader higher education policy, and said he supports veterans and the GI Bill. He described his higher education work as focused on civic education, accreditation, student success, tenure, and free speech, and said trustees should improve campus culture through policies, training, and institutional neutrality. Public testimony on UWF was sharply divided: former UWF leaders and community members warned that the new slate of trustees and their vote to make Scott Yenor chair had chilled donations, enrollment, and community trust, while a James Madison Institute representative praised Kessel’s scholarship and thoughtful approach. The committee also heard from FAMU reappointment Belvin Perry, who cited his judicial career and board service and said his goal is to support student success, retain strong faculty and staff, and help FAMU continue rising in national standing. Finally, the committee began hearing from remote appointees, including UCF nominee Mark Philburn, who emphasized his construction, affordable housing, and higher education board experience, and FSU nominee Peter Jones, who described his finance and investment background and long service to FSU boards and committees. The last nominee heard before the transcript ended was Florida Gulf Coast appointee Paul Applegarth, whose audio issues delayed his remarks; he began by noting his prior federal confirmation, military service, and GI Bill-supported education.

Transcript Highlights:

• The result of this was a flat budget proposal, which is before you before the legislature.
• This table details the proposed changes in FY 26 by EDN.
• changes in FY 26 by edn or proposed changes in FY 26 by edn or these<00:48:13.280> are<00:48:
• so that's how they're they're proposal so that's how they're they're addressing<01:14:34.719> it<
• not in agreement with this new proposal not in agreement with this new proposal but<02:53:39.479

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Education held an informational/budget briefing with presentations from the State Library System, the School Facilities Authority, and the Department of Education. The chair opened the meeting by outlining the order of presentations and noting that members would hold questions until after all three agencies had testified. The discussion focused on each agency’s priorities for the upcoming biennium and their budget requests. State Librarian Stacy Aldridge described library usage and services, emphasizing strong demand for physical and digital materials, internet and Wi-Fi access, programs, Kanopy streaming, and PressReader. She highlighted digital literacy classes, RFID self-check and smart shelving improvements, and the role of libraries as community hubs. The library’s budget request included an additional $1.2 million for security guards, $48.484 million for FY 26-27 to support popup libraries during temporary closures and other needs, $500,000 for repair and maintenance, $2 million for Kap planning and design, and $25 million each year for lump-sum capital funding. Mallerie Fujitani said the lump-sum funding is needed to keep roughly 50 projects moving and to avoid delays in construction. School Facilities Authority Executive Director Ricky Fujitani explained the agency’s startup history and its programs for preschools, Central Maui schools, and workforce housing. He said the authority is using standardized, prefabricated, programmatic approaches to speed delivery and improve maintainability, citing prior preschool renovations as a successful model. He reported that of $389 million appropriated, $106 million was released, with $81 million for preschools, $20 million for Central Maui schools, and $5 million for workforce housing; he also noted the workforce housing program was reduced after Maui fire-related reallocations. He said the pilot workforce housing site at Mililani High School has been awarded and pointed to University of Hawaiʻi student housing projects as a model. Superintendent Hayashi then began the Department of Education presentation, introducing DOE leadership and outlining the department’s mission to support academic achievement, character development, and student well-being. He noted the department serves more than 152,000 students in 258 public schools and employs over 42,000 people, with nearly 54% of students facing significant challenges. He framed the budget request around the department’s strategic plan to prepare graduates for college, careers, or military service. The transcript ends during the DOE presentation, before any committee votes or formal actions are taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• The department can their proposed use.
• And and so some of the proposed road.
• <00:28:54.559> So all required under the proposed law.
• So all required under the proposed law.
• bill proposes. bill proposes.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , forward with this proposal, forward with this proposal, I<00:39:17.440> explained<00:39:
• Brian Grudem uh for this proposal. Brian Grudem uh for this proposal.
• 42.240> agencies<02:12:42.960> to proposal, it allows the agencies to proposal, it allows
• > the<02:13:08.560> agency's The proposal also extends the agency's The proposal also extends
• Broadly, the bill proposes the following changes.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• When the regulated for-profit utilities need to up their rates, they make a proposal for what the new
• They get their proposed rate as an interim rate and your bill goes up right away.
• for what the new rates should proposal for what the new rates should be.<00:04:11.200> They<00
• :04:11.439> get<00:04:11.599> their<00:04:11.840> proposed<00:04:12.239> rate
• They get their proposed rate as an be.

Bills: HF4236, HF4122, HF4377

Keywords: public utility, interim rates, utility rates, rate case, general rate case, Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, PUC, rate increase cap, rate freeze, refunds, customer refunds, ratepayer protection, electric utility, gas utility, regulated utility, ratemaking, return on equity, rate base, test year, rate design

Transcript Highlights:

• amendments to their Health's proposed amendments to their rules<00:17:40.640> as<00:17:40.960
• limits access to legal FDA proposal limits access to legal FDA regulated<00:35:11.040> products
• some proposed changes to subsection J. some proposed changes to subsection J. um<00:39:53.680>
• I did want to propose a technical amendment to the bill so that it changed the language in section two
• office of public defenders proposed office of public defenders proposed amendments<01:15:40.560>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint HHS, Agriculture, Environment, Energy, and Intergovernmental Affairs hearing focused first on SB 2262, a pollution and illegal dumping measure. The Department of Health said it stood on its written testimony, and public testimony included support from CARES with suggested amendments to involve the counties in standardized response planning and to address pollution caused by individuals. Members questioned the bill’s fines, where they would go, and how the department would handle carcasses and illegal dumping enforcement. DOH said administrative fines go to the general fund, criminal fines are collected by the Attorney General, carcasses are generally buried by the landowner under existing rules, and DOH mainly regulates solid waste and coordinates with counties and other agencies when violations arise. After discussion, the chair recommended SB 2262 be passed with substantial amendments. The proposed amendments would add DLNR to the task force, deposit all fines into a special fund to support enforcement, allow fines below $5,000 for littering and higher fines for excessive or chronic illegal dumping, and include a January 30, 2050 effective date. The committee adopted the recommendation, with members voting aye. The hearing then moved to the HHS calendar. On SB 2087, relating to health insurance, agencies including DHS, DCCA, the Attorney General, and Labor stood on written testimony, while several advocacy and medical groups testified in support. One Medicaid recipient opposed the bill, arguing the coverage should be immediate rather than phased in over three years. Angela Melody Young supported the bill but urged amendments to prioritize people with disabilities, kupuna, and mothers. Members questioned whether the rural health transformation program could support the bill’s deductible structure; the Department of Human Services said it was unlikely CMS would allow that level of coverage, though rural funds might help in other ways. The committee then moved on to SB 2089, which would expand services eligible for Medicaid prospective payment system reimbursement, hearing support from OHA, DHS, and others, along with testimony about mental health access and training. The transcript also began SB 2106, relating to health and eating disorder prevention, with a student testifying in support and citing youth eating disorder harms, but the discussion was cut off before any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• to today for is presenting a proposal to today for naming<00:59:06.240> the<00:59:06.400>
• So, instead, I would propose that we give it to the Chamber of Commerce, a not-for-profit.
• But because the law when I wrote the proposed legislation in 2003 specifically referred to me owning
• Uh, also the department prepared a fiscal note for the proposed legislation. Uh, a brief history.
• :25:20.880> uh Regarding the proposed legislation, uh Regarding the proposed legislation, uh among

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I know you acknowledged that there was an original proposed rent of $32.45 and it was negotiated down
• >> I believe the current or the proposed facility is 187 West Kentucky 90, which is right on the main
• >> I believe the current or the proposed facility is 187 West Kentucky 90, which is right on the main
• >> I believe the current or the proposed facility is 187 West Kentucky 90, which is right on the main
• >> I I believe the current or the proposed >> I I believe the current or the proposed

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first received several information items, including University of Kentucky reports on medical and research equipment purchases, five school districts’ planned bond issues, and a School Facilities Construction Commission list of prior debt issues. Members then heard and approved an appropriation increase for a federally funded University of Kentucky project at the Central Kentucky Regional Airport in Richmond. The project will construct a terminal building and is tied to EKU’s airport operations and planned flight school; members asked about the public funding, the role of EKU, and possible aviation expansion, and the item was approved by roll call. The committee next approved a University of Kentucky lease purchase for an 85,000-square-foot facility at 415 West Sun Street in Morehead for $6.4 million. UK said the property, formerly the Rowan County Board of Education site, is directly across from UK St. Clair and will be used for multiple purposes; members questioned the quarterly payment structure and why the county preferred not to receive the full amount upfront, but the item was approved. The committee then heard three appropriation increases in the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet: a Fish and Wildlife pump project at Ballard Wildlife Management Area and two Lake Barkley State Resort Park repair projects. Finance staff explained the Lake Barkley increases were mainly to cover construction contingencies after bids came in close to available funding, and the committee approved the action items. Janice Thomas then presented four pool projects requiring no action: HVAC upgrades at the Future Farmers of America Leadership Training Center in Hardinsburg, geothermal and HVAC work at the Kentucky School for the Blind, a Brady Hall HVAC project at the Kentucky School for the Blind, and a renovation of Shanti Hall at Kentucky State University for the School of Engineering Technology. Members asked no substantive questions on those items. Finally, Natalie Broner presented a new CHFS lease in Wayne County and a Transportation Cabinet lease modification in Christian County. The Wayne County lease drew the most discussion, with members questioning the rent, the lack of other bids, and whether another county location might be preferable; CHFS said it maintains county-seat offices statewide and that the Wayne County site would replace an existing office. The Christian County item was described as a replacement site for driver licensing services with renovation costs largely absorbed by the lessor. Both lease items were presented for action after the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• proposal proposal proposer<00:36:39.680> to<00:36:39.920> analyze<00:36:40.400> the
• <00:36:40.640> project's proposer to analyze the project's proposer to analyze the project's
• All of those folks live within a quarter mile of the proposed new building.
• The new proposal adds Carver County.
• economic development and uh our proposal economic development and uh our proposal which<01:28:55.760

Bills: HF1972, HF229, HF1090, HF1084, HF1307, HF1274, HF1609, HF2110, HF211, HF216, HF222, HF224, HF225, HF203, HF206, HF207, HF208, HF227, HF246, HF427, HF466, HF502, HF680, HF971

Keywords: community center, Breckenridge, capital investment, state bonds, economic development, HF229, North Branch Area Hockey Association, Stacy Ice Arena, Chisago County, general fund appropriation, grant, ice arena, hockey rink, youth sports, recreational facility, community arena, nonprofit, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, local infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• But I think it's just fine that we're doing this to see what our DFL friends are proposing, and there's
• and there's a lot friends are proposing and there's a lot more<00:16:06.000> than<00:16:06.279
• Thank you for the opportunity to share our perspective on HF 2274, which proposes a number of reforms
• But it is competitive because they have to apply through the grant proposal process. Thank you, Ms.
• to apply through the grant proposal to apply through the grant proposal process<01:14:00.600>

Bills: HF2274, HF1932

Keywords: taxation, income tax, property tax, corporate tax, homestead credit, local government aid, tax credits, economic development, taxpayer assistance, tax credit outreach, tax preparation, free tax help, IRS, Department of Revenue, general fund appropriation, earned income tax credit, child tax credit, volunteer income tax assistance, VITA, low-income taxpayers

Transcript Highlights:

• It's along this corridor that's being proposed for the Blue Line.
• And there is no proposed underwater tunnel, so that's not the problem.
• And there is no proposed underwater tunnel, so that's not the problem.
• And there is no proposed underwater tunnel, so that's not the problem.
• And there is no proposed underwater tunnel, so that's not the problem.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And then in Senate File 1521, as Senator Pha mentioned, it is proposing to continue that increase that
• bill is proposed bill is proposed uh<00:36:28.520> a<00:36:28.640> onetime<00:36:29.000
• million and this bill is in um proposing million and this bill is in um proposing That<00:37:17.440
• So SF 1453 supports two specific proposals.
• SF 1453 supports two specific proposals.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to also mention that the grant proposal review for HISC funding is actually done by members of
• So I think the proposed funding is going to go towards marine enforcement.
• <00:26:32.320> funding um so I think the the proposed funding um so I think the the proposed
• amendments to section 174 C- proposed amendments to section 174 C- 51.5<00:27:45.799> HRS<00:
• additional use of reuse in proposed additional use of reuse in residential<00:31:55.159> areas

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture, water, invasive species, and land-use bills. HB 299 and HB 1220, both relating to invasive species, drew broad support from the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, DLNR, the Department of Agriculture, C-GAPS, Sierra Club, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, and others. Testifiers said HISC funding fills gaps between agency mandates, supports research and technology, and helps respond to both terrestrial and marine invasive threats. On HB 1220, C-GAPS described a marine anemone infestation in Kāneʻohe linked to aquarium release and said control and restoration would be difficult without the bill’s funding. A committee member asked for tracking information on the species, and the Division of Aquatic Resources said it maintains monitoring data and annual reports. No opposition was noted on either measure. HB 506, relating to conservation enforcement, also received support from DLNR and Malama Pu‘u Ma. Committee discussion focused on the bill’s scope and how the funding would be used. Members asked about a prior boat purchase mentioned in opposition testimony and about whether mainland vendors were being used; the department said it did not buy that boat and that procurement follows the normal state process, with total bid price including delivery, taxes, and other fees. The department explained that the bill’s funding is primarily for marine enforcement work in nearshore fisheries, including herbivore protection around O‘ahu. HB 915, relating to water use, had mixed testimony. DLNR supported alternative water sources and amendments to the water code, while the Department of Agriculture opposed the bill as drafted, saying its irrigation program is designed for non-potable agricultural use and is not structured for residential or mixed-use development. The Department of Health said it needed more information on its reuse guidelines and noted concern about removing the recycled water manager requirement, which it said helps ensure safe operation and maintenance of reuse systems. Members questioned the bill’s preemption language and whether county or state rules would be displaced, and Agriculture suggested county water agencies might be better suited for some of the proposed uses. HB 502, concerning land use, drew support from the Attorney General’s office, the Land Use Commission, Hawaii Realtors, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Farmers Union, with the Department of Agriculture standing on its written testimony. The Attorney General warned that allowing important agricultural lands to be redistricted through a declaratory ruling process could conflict with the state constitution and recommended excluding IAL from the bill. The Land Use Commission said it has an inventory of IAL lands and did not believe the bill would affect them, and it agreed to the suggested protection. Supporters said the bill could help move lands with limited agricultural value into the rural district, reduce pressure on productive farmland, and better align land use with actual farming potential. HB 929, relating to the agricultural land conveyance tax, received comments from the Department of Taxation and opposition from Hawaii Farm Bureau and Hawaii Realtors; Farm Bureau said it supports preserving agricultural land but was concerned about unintended consequences and questioned whether speculative flipping of ag land is a current problem.