Transcript Highlights:

• The date and time is March 11, 2025, at 9:07 a.m.
• to put that in Chapter 12 than in Chapter 13.
• The TEC is undergoing a comprehensive review of its rules to consider, chapter by chapter, whether the
• So let's move to Chapter 28.
• and also violated the Education Code.

Summary: The Texas Ethics Commission met on March 11, 2025, first in executive session and then in open session. The chair announced that, in light of Texas Attorney General Opinion KP-484, the commission would conform its practices to the opinion and move to repeal tolling rules for sworn-complaint deadlines. The chair also said the commission would dismiss 36 pending sworn-complaint cases in which the 120-day settlement deadline had been exceeded, even though the delay had been tolled under prior TEC rules. The commission then set future meeting dates for June 12 and September 17 and approved prior meeting minutes. The commission adopted a new criminal-referral rule clarifying that, once jurisdiction over a complaint is accepted, commissioners may vote to make a criminal referral. It also adopted revised advisory-opinion rules, with a clarifying amendment from a commenter, and republished proposed changes to the definition of “principal purpose” for political committees after staff recommended a 49 percent political-activity threshold and further public input. The commission published for comment proposed changes to ethics training rules, facial-compliance review procedures, late-filing waiver and reduction rules, and sworn-complaint procedures, including tighter discovery limits, a default-order set-aside process, and removal of tolling language inconsistent with KP-484. It also republished Chapter 28 rules on Speaker-candidate reporting. The commission adopted several advisory opinions. It declined to give an affirmative defense on whether certain school-district communications were political advertising because related litigation had already addressed the issue. It reaffirmed that a House member may use donated district-office space if it is not reimbursable with public funds and was accepted before the contribution moratorium. It also concluded that a judge may use political funds for travel to a Navy-hosted event as a local dignitary, that legislators’ use of a corporate aircraft for a border-region fact-finding trip could be permissible but would likely trigger reporting obligations, that a TCEQ commissioner’s revolving-door restrictions apply only to matters actually placed before the commissioner, and that a part-time legislative staffer may not take outside employment assisting a registered lobbyist. The commission then heard and acted on numerous fine-waiver appeals, granting several full waivers or reductions and approving staff recommendations on others, and terminated a number of inactive campaign treasurer appointments. Finally, the executive director briefed the commission on the 2025 legislative session, noting that staffing requests are tied to Sunset recommendations and that the House had preliminarily recommended about half of the commission’s appropriations requests.

Transcript Highlights:

• :24.960> with<01:11:25.440> in<01:11:25.840> trying<01:11:26.159> to<01:11
• <01:11:38.320> um<01:11:38.560> are<01:11:38.960> giving<01:11:39.280> it
• .<01:11:48.480> I<01:11:48.719> just<01:11:48.880> see<01:11:49.120> this
• :56.000> of<01:11:56.239> those<01:11:56.560> kinds<01:11:56.800> of<01:11
• Now, Now, Now, so<02:11:19.040> when<02:11:19.360> you<02:11:19.520> look<02:11:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :11:05.640> to<01:11:05.840> get<01:11:06.120> the<01:11:06.679> L<01:11:
• :11:16.120> questions<01:11:16.400> for<01:11:16.640> the<01:11:16.920> um
• > um<01:11:22.400> thank<01:11:22.520> you<01:11:22.640> for<01:11:22.760>
• being here and<01:11:23.280> for<01:11:23.480> your<01:11:23.800> support<01:11
• 01:11:33.719> that<01:11:33.960> also<01:11:34.320> sitting<01:11:34.840> in<

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Housing held a public hearing on several bills. HB 576, relating to restrictions on the transfer of real property under chapter 201H, drew support from HHFDC and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, which said the bill would waive transfer restrictions that conflict with DHHL’s program implementation. HB 421, relating to contractors, drew opposition from the Contractors License Board and DCCA/RICO, who said the measure would weaken owner-builder restrictions meant to prevent circumvention of contractor licensing laws; Hawaii Roter and the Grassroot Institute supported it. Members questioned whether the bill would still bar resale within a year and whether subcontractors would still need licenses. HB 367, relating to building permits, received support from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Grassroot Institute, with comments from DLNR; testimony urged the bill to be expanded to include zoning permits as well as building permits to avoid confusion, especially on Kauaʻi. HB 826, relating to housing, received mixed testimony. HHFDC and several local and advocacy groups supported it, while the Sierra Club raised concerns about converting agricultural lands to residential use, possible impacts on food security, property values, taxes, and the need to account for public trust and traditional practices. HB 525 also drew support from HHFDC and three individuals, with no opposition noted. HB 252, relating to managing agents, was supported by the Hawaiʻi Council of Community Associations and opposed by the Community Associations Institute and several individuals, who argued that commercial management experience is not the same as condominium management and preferred language tied to industry certifications and a later effective date. HB 709, relating to trespassing, was opposed by the Honolulu Police Department, which said officers would have difficulty verifying ownership or tenancy in the field, that the bill could require a separate enforcement team, and that the sheriff’s division is better suited to handle evictions. Hawaiʻi Realtors and the Grassroot Institute supported the measure. Finally, HB 431 HD1, relating to housing, received broad support from the Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities, HHFDC, DHS, the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, OHA, county housing offices, and multiple nonprofit and political groups. Supporters emphasized the bill’s funding for housing and supportive services, with the homelessness office describing the measure as unprecedented and saying it could help the state cut homelessness in half over the next few years.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.079> that<00:11:00.200> one<00:11:00.519> yes<00:11:00.760> please<00
• :00.159> on<01:11:00.320> the<01:11:00.440> first<01:11:00.719> and<01:11
• getting an eviction<01:11:01.760> filed<01:11:02.159> against<01:11:02.520> you
• <01:11:03.280> and<01:11:03.560> what<01:11:03.800> and eviction filed against you
• > that<01:11:04.840> it's<01:11:05.000> no<01:11:05.239> wonder<01:11:05.600

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas the County Treasurer has collected property taxes and maintained.
• Black history is not a footnote in New Mexico's past; it is a fundamental chapter.
• Now being 11:59 a.m., I move we adjourn until 12:01 p.m. Mr.
• Does it also have a tax in there?
• Seeing no objection, the Senate to stand in recess till. at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><01:11:27.199> this<01:11:27.440> matter<01:11:28.400> to<01:11:28.640> the<
• 6<01:11:35.960> um<01:11:36.960> that<01:11:37.120> will<01:11:37.639> analyze
• <01:11:46.080> advised<01:11:47.040> experiencing<01:11:47.920> some<01:11:48.159
• this is<01:11:52.480> a<01:11:52.679> false<01:11:53.000> alarm<01:11:53.560>
• 11:57.560> so<01:11:57.840> we<01:11:58.000> also<01:11:58.199> want<01:11

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on January 30, 2025, and heard testimony on several condominium-related bills, beginning with HB 70. HB 70 would require a budget summary disclosure for condominiums. Supporters, including Community Associations Institute, a real estate broker, and several condominium owners, said the bill would improve consumer protection by giving owners and buyers a clearer, more understandable snapshot of an association’s financial health and reserve compliance. One supporter noted the bill should help reduce confusion caused by lengthy reserve studies and emphasized the importance of accurate disclosure. A testifier also urged the committee to hear other condominium bills quickly, including measures related to an ombudsman, managing agents, parliamentarians, and attorney’s fees. The committee then heard HB 106, which would change the process for condominium fines and disputes. Phil Nery of CAI and other supporters said the bill would strengthen due process by requiring clearer notice, allowing an internal board appeal, and then permitting small claims court review without attorney’s fees unless the fine is upheld. They argued this would prevent fines from escalating into costly legal disputes and provide a more linear, fair process. Some supporters suggested amendments, including clarifying that the statute controls over association documents and refining refund language. During questioning, members raised concerns about small claims limits and whether associations would be represented by volunteers or attorneys. One testifier initially in support later said he would not support the bill as written after hearing HPD’s concerns. HB 224, relating to property rights, drew opposition from the Department of the Attorney General and the Honolulu Police Department. Both agencies said the bill would improperly push law enforcement into a quasi-judicial role and could short-circuit existing due process procedures for occupants of residences. A realtor who had initially been listed in support changed his position after hearing the opposition testimony. The committee also heard emotional testimony from a resident describing a long-running squatter and utility theft problem at a neighboring property, which he said took years of court action and police involvement to resolve. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:11:32.320> wavered<02:11:33.040> in<02:11:33.360> how<02:11:33.599> he
• <02:11:38.320> up<02:11:38.480> to<02:11:38.639> this<02:11:38.960> microphone
• and say<02:11:40.000> thank<02:11:40.239> you,<02:11:41.599> but<02:11:41.840><
• > that<02:11:46.719> they<02:11:47.040> may<02:11:47.280> understand<02:11
• In<04:11:04.880> fact,<04:11:05.840> we<04:11:06.479> mark<04:11:06.800> the<

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• right now with vacation rental licensees where they have to certify whether their balcony is up to code
• However, in many outside-city areas, customers pay municipal utility taxes approaching 10% imposed by
• These taxes do not support our cost of service, infrastructure, maintenance, or capital improvements,
• National Fire Code.
• Chairman, as far as I'm aware, Senator, that is a unique circumstance under Chapter 180.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a wide range of bills, with several focused on water safety, utilities, and local government transparency. CS/SB 848 on stormwater treatment was explained as clarifying water quality credits and water quality enhancement areas, and it was reported favorably after one support appearance. SB 28, a claim bill for Reginald Jackson against the City of Lakeland arising from injuries caused by a police shooting, was also reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 658 on water safety requirements for rental properties drew extensive testimony in support from child advocacy and drowning prevention advocates, who cited Florida’s high child drowning rates and the disproportionate impact on children with autism; the bill was amended to require front-end certification and remove local add-on authority, then passed favorably. CS/SB 18, a claim bill involving the estate of a deceased minor and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, was reported favorably after questions about the verdict, settlement posture, and who would receive the funds. SB 934 on areas of critical state concern was amended to remove a provision viewed as conflicting with the Live Local Act and then passed favorably. SB 1622, which creates a one-time waiver for certain late-filed financial disclosure fines, also passed favorably with support from an appearance form. SB 1264 on private schools and zoning was reported favorably after members noted ongoing concerns and planned further discussion. CS/CS/SB 260 on electric vehicle storage in towing yards was amended to narrow the bill to storage issues and cap the fee period until inspection; it drew both support and opposition from insurers, fire officials, and vehicle industry representatives, and was reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 1014, dealing with municipal utility service to properties outside city limits, was amended to limit it to residential development and clarify capacity standards, then passed favorably. CS/SB 1102 expanded the local infrastructure surtax to include body camera programs and was reported favorably after an amendment requiring voter approval. Finally, CS/SB 1724 and SB 1566, both on local government utility and budget transparency, were amended and reported favorably despite concerns from cities and counties about implementation costs and burdens.

Transcript Highlights:

• Your file item is next: AB 636, item number 11. Go ahead. When you're ready.
• I pay taxes. I contribute to my community. And I need access to care just like anyone else.
• Tim Madden, representing the California chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians.
• Item number 11, AB 636, Ortega. This is AB 583, item number eight. Sanchez, aye. Quirk-Silva, aye.
• Item number 11, AB 636, Ortega. Item number 11, AB 636, Ortega. Carrillo, aye. Flora, aye.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard a long series of health-related bills, with most measures focused on access to care, administrative simplification, and behavioral health. Early items included AB 583, allowing nurse practitioners to sign death certificates; AB 492, requiring DHCS to notify local governments when new alcohol or drug recovery facilities are licensed; and AB 280, which would tighten provider directory accuracy requirements, add enforcement benchmarks, and allow use of a centralized database. Testimony on AB 280 highlighted the harms of “ghost networks,” while insurers and some provider groups opposed the bill as written, arguing it placed too much responsibility on plans and did not fully address provider-side data problems. AB 280 passed on a roll call vote, and several other bills were placed on consent and approved. The committee also advanced AB 636, expanding Medi-Cal coverage for medically necessary diapers for children up to age 21 and lowering the age threshold for access; AB 1041, streamlining physician credentialing with a uniform form and 90-day review deadline; and AB 787, requiring health plans to help enrollees find in-network providers quickly when directories fail. Supporters of these bills emphasized family financial strain, delays in care, and the burden of administrative red tape, while opponents of AB 1041 and AB 280 raised concerns about provider participation, accuracy, and liability. All three measures were approved and sent to Appropriations. The committee then took up AB 4 and AB 29. AB 4 would allow income-eligible Californians to buy Covered California coverage regardless of immigration status, and AB 29 would authorize Medi-Cal reimbursement for community health workers and doulas conducting ACE screenings. Both bills drew strong support from immigrant-rights, health access, and community-based organizations, and both passed on roll call votes, with AB 4 receiving some no votes. The committee also approved AB 416, which would allow emergency physicians to place 5150 holds in certain circumstances; supporters said it would reduce delays and overcrowding in emergency departments, while Disability Rights California and others warned it could increase unnecessary involuntary hospitalization and transfers to locked facilities. Despite those concerns, the bill passed and was sent onward for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• :11:50.640> and<00:11:50.880> that<00:11:51.040> their<00:11:51.279> vote
• As a result, the tax code will be simplified for 90% of families, turning tax season of dread into a
• <04:11:16.640> And<04:11:16.800> it<04:11:17.120> provides<04:11:17.600>
• us<04:11:19.600> to<04:11:19.840> do<04:11:20.479> so<04:11:20.880> and
• > end<04:11:21.680> this<04:11:21.920> affordable<04:11:22.560> housing<04:11

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 9, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So there are only 11 OTPs in Louisiana. Kentucky, a state with a similar population, has 45.
• He will be in the hospital nine to 11 times a year. Sometimes he gets sick; he’ll spike a fever.
• Members, currently the Administrative Code in the state of Louisiana requires hospital architectural
• Members, currently the Administrative Code in the state of Louisiana requires hospital architectural
• I'm about 11 pages right here. Okay. I got it. You said prescriptive endorsement? Yes. Line 26.

Bills: HB946, HB1093, SB26, SB29, SB30, SB195, SB219, SB222, SB255, SB314, SCR2, SCR22

Keywords: healthcare transparency, hospital pricing, consumer protection, collection actions, fines, naturopathic medicine, Louisiana Board of Naturopathic Medicine, licensing, healthcare, prescriptive authority, natural therapies, opioid treatment, regulation, addiction recovery, state law, SB 29, Act 732, coroner, autopsy, child death

Summary: The committee first heard and favorably reported SB 255, which expands the educational qualifications for psychosocial rehabilitation services to include health sciences and therapeutic recreation degrees, and SB 314, which cleans up prior language on community psychiatric support and treatment services so a limited scope certified social worker license can still be issued even if the applicant is slightly late renewing. Members and witnesses said both bills were intended to improve access to behavioral health services, especially in rural areas, and there was no opposition on either measure. The committee then advanced SB 26, which repeals facility need review for opioid treatment programs to make it easier to open more OTPs in Louisiana, and SB 29, which requires child autopsy reports to include immunization records and access to the LINKS vaccine database. SB 29 drew some concern about whether singling out immunizations could imply causation, but the author and supporters said the bill is only about adding data and that the records would be part of broader medical information. Both bills were reported favorably. Members also reported favorably SB 30, as amended, to allow telehealth for obesity/weight-management treatment with synchronous interaction and other safeguards, though some providers warned the language should not unduly limit future board authority. SB 219 was approved to create an Office of Health and Nutrition within LDH, with testimony from the department, the Alzheimer’s Association, and Pennington Biomedical supporting the focus on nutrition, physical activity, and brain health. SB 222 was reported favorably with amendments to reduce duplicative behavioral health administrative requirements, streamline supervision rules, and expand telehealth for psychosocial rehabilitation. The committee also approved SB 195, the “Danny’s Dose” EMS bill, allowing EMS personnel to administer a patient’s own prescribed time-critical medication in emergencies; testimony from families with rare conditions described life-threatening delays under current rules. Finally, SCR 2 was adopted to update hospital construction standards to the most recent Facility Guidelines Institute edition, and SCR 22 was reported favorably to request a more detailed legislative auditor report on opioid settlement spending and outcomes. The committee then began hearing HB 1093 on naturopathic medicine, with the author proposing a licensing framework under the State Board of Medical Examiners and a large amendment set; members raised questions about scope, prescriptive authority, training, and whether the profession should have its own board, but no final action on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.079> and<00:11:00.560> let<00:11:00.800> them<00:11:01.040> get<00:11
• :11:03.839> to<00:11:04.000> me<00:11:04.079> like sooner.
• > take<00:11:04.959> almost<00:11:05.279> two<00:11:05.519> years<00:11:05.760
• <00:11:11.440> You<00:11:11.600> want<00:11:11.680> to<00:11:11.760> go
• <00:11:13.040> Senator<00:11:13.279> figures,<00:11:13.680> you<00:11:13.760

Bills: SB66, SB74, SB72, SB149, SB168, SB66, SB74, SB72, SB149, SB168

Keywords: University of Montevallo, trustees, board governance, terms of office, quorum, education, teacher support, loan assistance, acute shortage, Alabama teachers, higher education, adult learners, grant program, education funding, eligibility requirements, teacher certification, military veterans, temporary teaching certificate, workforce development, K-12 education

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:11:17.279> year's<00:11:17.600> budget<00:11:18.000> has<00:11:18.399>
• Uh<00:11:28.560> we<00:11:28.880> also<00:11:29.680> have<00:11:29.920> other
• but<00:11:37.279> it's<00:11:37.519> not<00:11:37.760> funded<00:11:38.079><
• There's<00:11:41.040> others<00:11:41.360> of<00:11:41.519> that<00:11:41.680>
• Overall<00:11:44.480> though,<00:11:44.880> I<00:11:45.200> think<00:11:45.600><

Bills: SB61, SB8, SB58, SB60, SB167

Keywords: school psychologist, school psychology, interstate compact, licensure compact, license reciprocity, portable license, equivalent license, professional licensing, psychology board, school mental health, student services, educational services, interstate practice, reciprocal licensing, background check, continuing education, workforce shortage, military spouse, active duty military, compact commission

Transcript Highlights:

• to communicate with a deaf or hard of hearing person, but writing notes on a pen and paper. error code
• You know, one thing about it, there is a little known section of the health and safety code that actually

Bills: HB451, HB645, HB 1041, HB 1151, HB 1155, HB1536, HCR12, HCR12

Keywords: commercial sexual exploitation, child sex trafficking, human trafficking, child welfare, foster care, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, juvenile probation, risk assessment, needs assessment, trauma screening, child abuse prevention, exploitation screening, validated screening tool, evidence-informed tool, conservatorship, juvenile justice, at-risk youth, trafficking prevention, Child Sex Trafficking Prevention Unit

Transcript Highlights:

• By the time of age 11, it was found out that I had Usher syndrome and I would lose my site.

Bills: HB451, HB645, HB 1041, HB 1151, HB 1155, HB1536, HCR12, HCR12

Keywords: commercial sexual exploitation, child sex trafficking, human trafficking, child welfare, foster care, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, juvenile probation, risk assessment, needs assessment, trauma screening, child abuse prevention, exploitation screening, validated screening tool, evidence-informed tool, conservatorship, juvenile justice, at-risk youth, trafficking prevention, Child Sex Trafficking Prevention Unit

Transcript Highlights:

• And then when we go to page 11, it's the same thing. Hold on.
• Page. 11. Yep, line 11, serious harm to others. And then line 17.
• In AOT, you're talking about the same chapter. Yes, the same chapter.
• Okay, and what is the chapter? Sorry, it's 43 1 1. And that's that entire chapter.
• This is still just for the mental health And developmental disabilities code and the ART code as we refer

Bills: SB3, HB70, HB49, HB60, HB151, HB164, SB17, SB35, SB164

Keywords: Public Regulation Commission, PRC, utility oversight fund, public utilities, utility regulation, commissioners, commission staff, chief of staff, ethics, Gift Act, revolving door, post-employment restrictions, consumer complaints, telecommunications, pipeline safety, natural gas pipelines, oil pipelines, license fees, regulatory oversight, administrative cleanup

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Linda Lopez, State Senator, District 11, which is the southwest quadrant of Bernalillo County.
• Hernandez, I am the State Representative for New Mexico House District 4, representing nine Navajo chapter
• public good. are tax-deductible to the extent allowed under IRS law.
• We do not provide tax-deductible appraisals.
• Then you are able to deduct that from your taxes. Thank you. I really appreciate it.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:33.960> 3<00:25:34.720> 371k<00:25:35.720> in chapter 3 371k in chapter 3
• :02.159> did<01:11:02.280> I<01:11:02.440> did<01:11:02.520> I<01:11:02.679
• requirement did I did I miss that it's my<01:11:04.080> fault<01:11:04.280> if<01:11:04.400
• I think it was like a 1% tax credit off of their, you know, 4% normal premium tax rate.
• , to our 2020/2018 code and then onto the 21 model codes.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Finance held an informational briefing with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations on its budget, staffing, and operations. The director reviewed department leadership and reported on recruitment and retention efforts, including a 14% vacancy rate, a 10.5% workforce increase from filling 189 positions, and the Hela Imua internship program, which has placed 516 interns since inception and led to 62 permanent hires. The department also described modernization efforts, including the UI Huakai project and the Disability Compensation Division’s electronic case management system, and said the unemployment compensation trust fund exceeded $71.5 million, triggering Schedule C for calendar year 2025. The department’s main budget requests included $2.9 million for fiscal year 2026 to support maintenance and operations of the electronic case management system, plus restoration of two enforcement specialist positions. Officials said those positions are needed to address a decline in investigators from 11 to six since 2009, improve compliance, and handle Hawaii Compliance Express certificate work. Additional requests included two human resources specialists to address recruitment backlogs, two labor enforcement specialists to reduce a backlog of Chapter 104 prevailing wage and wage cases, and two positions for the Office of Community Services to expand immigrant services and access centers. The department also discussed federal funding for unemployment insurance and workforce programs, including National Dislocated Worker Grants and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds, and said some funding is received in increments and may require extensions. Members asked about Kauai inspection coverage, federal funding uncertainty, the size of the special unemployment insurance fund, and whether the department could ramp up staffing during a future crisis. Officials said Kauai is currently served by inspectors from Honolulu and there are no plans to open a permanent island position because of staffing constraints. They said the department is meeting federal guidelines and is not in jeopardy, and that the special unemployment insurance fund has about $10 million, with current UI operations funded at a little over $15 million, meaning the fund may need to cover roughly $5 million if federal support declines. The director said the department would use the special fund to supplement shortfalls, but noted that federal funding cuts and the loss of ARPA support have already affected operations.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:01.560> Is<00:11:01.640> there<00:11:01.720> anyone<00:11:01.960>
• Is there anyone else wishing to<00:11:02.440> testify<00:11:02.880> on<00:11:02.960>
• ><00:11:17.440> the<00:11:17.560> committee.
• <00:11:20.160> I'm<00:11:20.360> the<00:11:20.480> Youth<00:11:20.680> Services
• I have witnessed<00:11:24.640> the<00:11:24.760> joys<00:11:25.360> and<00:11:25.520

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Housing, meeting jointly with the Committee on Health and Human Services, heard testimony on Senate Bill 2787, which would expand use of the rental housing revolving fund to provide loans or grants for purchasing rental units, and Senate Bill 2957, which addresses tenant displacement and relocation protections, as well as Senate Bill 2866, which would make the state rent supplement program for kupuna permanent and appropriate funds for it. Testimony on SB 2787 included support from DHHL, HHFDC, AARP Hawaii, and others, while the Attorney General recommended clarifying language and standards for grants, and the Tax Foundation questioned whether grants fit the revolving-fund structure. On SB 2957, supporters including OHA, PACT, medical-legal advocates, and tenant representatives emphasized relocation hardships from the KPT redevelopment, language access, and the need for clearer minimum safeguards; the Attorney General suggested defining “comparable units” and correcting a drafting error. On SB 2866, HPHA, Catholic Charities, AARP, the Executive Office on Aging, and others supported making the kupuna rent supplement program permanent to prevent homelessness among low-income seniors. During discussion on SB 2957, members questioned HPHA and tenant counsel about the KPT low-rise relocation process and what “comparable housing” meant in practice. HPHA said all tenants were relocated, but counsel described disputes over comparability, disability and family-size issues, and at least one offered unit that was not livable. For SB 2787, members questioned DHHL about why it sought funding from the rental housing revolving fund rather than other sources; DHHL said it was still exploring options and had mostly used its funds for infrastructure, with only a small portion used as revolving funds. The chair expressed concern about relying on scarce housing funds and urged more efficient use of DHHL’s existing resources. In decision-making, the committees voted to pass SB 2957 with amendments and SB 2866 with amendments. For SB 2957, the amendments would replace the bill with a working group on tenant displacement and relocation, include a blank appropriation and defective date, and request $75,000 for the working group; the motion was adopted unanimously by the members present, with Senator Favela excused. For SB 2866, the amended version would include a blank appropriation, defective date, and committee report language noting requests for $110,160 for two HPHA public housing specialist positions and $2.16 million for the state rent supplement program; this motion was also adopted, with Senator Favela excused. After the joint hearing adjourned, the committee returned to the housing-only agenda and continued discussion of SB 2787 before moving on to SB 3089, which would amend the down payment loan assistance program for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers; testimony on SB 3089 was beginning when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• > the<00:11:51.279> bill<00:11:51.519> as<00:11:51.760> it<00:11:51.920><
• So these<02:11:04.719> these<02:11:05.199> code<02:11:05.520> of<02:11:05.679>
• > conduct<02:11:06.639> have these these code of conduct have these these code of conduct
• <02:11:58.960> code<02:11:59.199> of<02:11:59.360> conduct.
• <02:11:59.679> They are subject to the code of conduct.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The meeting covered two committee of conference items. On HB 1260, the House and Senate debated a Senate amendment dealing with sealing certain divorce-related financial records. House members argued the amendment conflicted with the Keane Sentinel decision and would improperly flip the burden of proof on public access to court records, raising constitutional concerns under the state constitution’s open government and privacy provisions. Senate members responded that the privacy amendment and modern conditions support more protection for sensitive financial information, especially in limited uncontested divorces, but several members agreed the issue should be studied in a separate bill with a full hearing next year rather than resolved in conference. The committee ultimately voted unanimously to have the Senate recede and pass HB 1260 in the form originally passed by the House, preserving the underlying bill without the Senate amendment. The committee then took up HB 1574, which extends free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch programs and provides funding for SNAP administrative costs. The main dispute was the Senate’s addition of $4.4 million for SNAP administration. Senator Gray and DHHS officials said federal changes will shift more administrative costs to the state and that underfunding administration could raise the SNAP error rate, which could trigger future federal penalties and larger state costs; DHHS reported a current error rate of 7.57%, below the national average, and said a higher error rate could cost the state roughly $12 million in a partial fiscal year and nearly $16 million in a full year. Representative Papovich said he understood the department’s needs but was reluctant to support the bill as amended, noting the Senate language resembled a prior bill that had already failed in the House. The discussion ended with the committee still considering the Senate amendment, with members weighing the immediate appropriation against possible future costs.