Transcript Highlights:

• We are also opposed to this bill because of the sunset or automatic cuts that I would put on tax credits
• Larson with Catholic Charities Hawaii. sunset or automatic cuts that I would sunset or automatic cuts

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Technology met on February 7, 2025, to hear testimony on several bills and later take up amendments and votes. HB 1405, HB 1406, and HB 1407 drew broad support from business, housing, utility, and development groups, with no opposition noted on those measures. Testifiers generally said the bills would streamline permitting, improve coordination, and expand support for chambers of commerce and small businesses. After recess, the chair recommended amendments to each bill, including changes to broaden eligibility, add reporting requirements, and include funding and staffing notes. HB 1405 was amended to allow certain projects with one state and one county permit to qualify, require annual DBEDT reports to the Legislature, and note one full-time position and $125,000 in funding; the committee voted to pass it with amendments. HB 1406 was amended to move the intergovernmental task force from DBEDT to the House Legislature, add a Speaker-appointed chair, and include a $125,000 appropriation note; it also passed with amendments. HB 1407 was amended to convert the chamber support from a grant process to an RFP process and require a 1-to-5 match on a $100,000 award; it too passed with amendments. In each case, the chair’s recommendation was adopted, with Representative Tam excused. The committee also heard HB 796, a tax-credit review bill, which drew no support and 12 opposition testimonies with three comments. Opponents, including SAG-AFTRA Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, argued that automatic sunset provisions or broad tax-credit cuts would burden working families and that existing review mechanisms already exist under state law. The Department of Taxation and DBEDT offered technical comments, and the Tax Foundation suggested the bill’s goals might be better addressed by cleaning up the existing review process. Later, the committee heard HB 303, which had 17 supporters and no opposition. Testifiers from the Department of Health, University of Hawaii, Hawaii State Center for Nursing, Queen’s Health System, and the Hawaii State Chiropractors Association supported the measure, with the chiropractors asking to be included in eligibility. The Hawaii State Center for Nursing said the program had been successful for five years and had room to expand. HB 577 also drew support, with the Department of Taxation offering comments and the Tax Foundation noting technical issues. HB 949 generated mixed testimony: Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce supported it, while Hawaii Children’s Action Network raised concerns about the bill’s effects and the lack of fiscal analysis; Sugar Creek Capital also supported the measure and clarified that the credit would not offset the GET. Finally, HB 933 and HB 959 were heard, with HB 933 receiving six support testimonies and comments focused on grocery tax relief and food insecurity, and HB 959 drawing strong support from labor and advocacy groups for its broad tax relief package, while the Tax Foundation and Hawaii Appleseed urged caution about the proposed 50% GET increase and asked for clearer fiscal analysis.

Transcript Highlights:

• And if I know that we heard testimony that all HB 1323 will do is add another weaponization tool to one
• Uh, we don't need to provide another weaponization tool.
• They stand as living proof that the strength of the United States has never come from its weapons or

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• bullying is one of three things that can get a student removed: physical fighting, bullying, or bringing weapons
• There are acts of bullying that must be reported, such as a violent act or an act where there's a weapon
• There are acts of bullying that must be reported, such as a violent act or an act where there's a weapon

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 102, which would make informational materials about type 1 diabetes available on the Department of Education website. Senator Ward said the bill is intended to help parents, teachers, and school staff recognize early symptoms such as thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and weight loss so children can be referred for care before they develop diabetic ketoacidosis. He noted that a newer blood test can identify some children at risk earlier than in the past. Members asked how people would be directed to the website, and Ward said the information would be posted online and also distributed in handouts, with school personnel helping spread awareness. He emphasized the bill is informational only and not a diagnostic or treatment tool. Several supporters testified in favor, including representatives from the Dartmouth Diabetes Link and students with type 1 diabetes who described delayed diagnoses, emergency hospitalizations, and the difficulty of having symptoms misunderstood as stress, athletics, or normal teenage changes. They said the bill could help parents, teachers, and peers recognize warning signs earlier and reduce the risk of life-threatening ketoacidosis. One witness noted that New Hampshire ranks high in childhood type 1 diabetes, and another said even a single person seeing the information could make a difference. A retired diabetes educator and state representative also testified in support. The hearing on SB 102 was then closed. The committee then opened the hearing on Senate Bill 211, which would require school sports teams to be designated as male, female, or co-ed, bar biological males from female-designated teams and locker rooms, and create a cause of action for violations. Senator Avard said the bill responds to constituent concerns and is meant to protect fairness, safety, and privacy for biological females. In questioning, he said girls could still play on boys’ teams, but boys could not play on girls’ teams, and he said he would be open to changes. Opponents, including an attorney from LGBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders, argued the bill is substantially the same as a law passed the previous year that was already challenged in federal court and found likely unconstitutional under equal protection and Title IX; they urged the committee to mark it inexpedient to legislate. The transcript cuts off before any committee vote or further action on SB 211.

Transcript Highlights:

• data will be particularly immigrant and transgender Californians, against whom this data will be weaponized

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we expect that to grow once we get more orders for actual weapon systems from the Department of War

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• An unpopular billionaire has weaponized the DOJ against Texas to give him five more Republican seats

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He had no weapons, he was not violent, he was not under the influence of any common substances of abuse

Summary: The Assembly Local Government Committee heard a long agenda of housing, water, and local finance bills, with the chair repeatedly reminding attendees about hearing rules and noting that several measures were being heard without a quorum at first. Early items included AB 407, which would broaden eligibility for state-run loan and financing programs to help small businesses fund environmental, seismic, and ADA upgrades, and AB 93, which would require data centers to estimate and report water use and follow state best practices. AB 93 drew support from water advocates and local government groups, while the Data Center Coalition opposed it, arguing the bill could be overly restrictive, difficult to retrofit, and raise trade secret or security concerns. The committee also heard AB 650 on housing element review, AB 1044 on creating a new Tulare County groundwater sustainability agency, and AB 523 on allowing proxy voting for single-representative member agencies on the Metropolitan Water District board; all drew broad support from local agencies and related stakeholders and no recorded opposition in the room. Several housing bills were presented as part of a broader fast-track housing package. AB 507 would streamline adaptive reuse of office buildings into housing, especially in downtowns with high vacancy; supporters said it would revive urban cores and help meet housing and climate goals, while the League of California Cities and a few cities opposed it unless amended, citing concerns about one-size-fits-all by-right approval and fee limitations. AB 1294 would create a universal housing application and limit early application requirements; it drew strong support from housing and business groups, with the American Planning Association and League of California Cities seeking more flexibility and input. AB 610 would require local governments to disclose housing constraints in their housing elements and limit new constraints after certification for three years unless disclosed; supporters said it would improve transparency and certainty, while opponents warned it could chill legitimate local policy choices and inclusionary housing requirements. Both AB 610 and AB 698, which would require analysis of the housing and property tax impacts of proposed transfer taxes, were moved out of committee on 7-0 votes after discussion and amendments. The committee also heard AB 1112, which would repeal an outdated Riverside County property tax provision affecting Rancho Mirage; the city argued it was the only qualifying no-low property tax city not receiving the standard minimum and sought equal treatment. After quorum was established, the bill was passed 6-0 with amendments and sent to Appropriations. AB 1021, heard later, would make it easier for school districts and other local education agencies to build employee housing, with the author citing teacher recruitment and retention problems and support from education stakeholders. Throughout the hearing, members and witnesses repeatedly emphasized the need to balance housing production, local fiscal tools, and infrastructure needs, and several authors accepted committee amendments and committed to continued negotiations with opponents.

Transcript Highlights:

• The state of Texas, uh, Texas taxpayers do not want their hard-earned money weaponized against them and

Transcript Highlights:

• So, if you can have the accident only take a couple of seconds, then you're automatically safe, and that's
• take a couple seconds and<00:46:13.200> then<00:46:13.359> you're<00:46:13.520> automatically
• <00:46:14.079> safe<00:46:14.720> and and then you're automatically safe and and then
• you're automatically safe and then<00:46:15.359> that's<00:46:15.599> that's<00:46:15.920

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They are typically, not always, but typically just automatically deducted from that employee’s paycheck
• but Um they are typically, not always, but typically<02:44:50.640> just<02:44:51.000> automatically
• <02:44:52.440> deducted typically just automatically deducted typically just automatically

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Unlike sales tax and income tax relied upon by the state budget, property taxes and LGA do not automatically
• c> do<00:24:33.320> not property taxes and LGA do not property taxes and LGA do not automatically
• automatically grow with the economy. automatically grow with the economy.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Section two is allowing Pelsby or BOSA to refuse to issue, renew, or automatically revoke a teacher's
• or BOSA to refuse to issue,<00:12:08.800> renew<00:12:09.360> or<00:12:09.760> automatically
• <00:12:10.320> revoke<00:12:10.720> a issue, renew or automatically revoke a issue,
• renew or automatically revoke a uh<00:12:11.519> teachers<00:12:11.920> license<00:12:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then apparently the automatic tolling system, the pictures that are taken when you're going through
• And then apparently<00:22:39.360> the<00:22:39.640> automatic<00:22:40.120> tolling<
• /c><00:22:41.080> system, apparently the automatic tolling system, apparently the automatic tolling

Keywords: House streaming session for Monday, March 23, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House took up the Appropriations Committee’s report on the fiscal 2027 budget, including Senate Bill 282, the budget bill, and Senate Bill 284, the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act. The floor leader described a balanced budget with a $282 million cash surplus, $2 billion in rainy day reserves, and no new fees or taxes, while highlighting funding for child care scholarships and credentials, behavioral health services in schools, Medicaid and SNAP-related outreach, DDA services, domestic violence and rape crisis services, energy assistance, local government disparity grants, and private-sector investment. Both budget measures were special ordered until Wednesday, March 25, and the House adopted the committee’s motion in each case without objection. The chamber also considered several committee reports from Economic Matters, Government, Labor, and Elections, and Health. Among the measures advanced were House Bill 1529 on a Baltimore County local commission on common ownership communities; House Bills 571, 892, 893, 994, 1120, 1166, 1351, 1362, and 883; and health-related bills including House Bills 446, 658, 698, 1015, and 1048. Most bills were amended and then given favorable reports, with the House adopting the amendments and ordering the bills printed for third reading. Several bills drew brief floor questions. House Bill 994 would create a $300 annual registration fee for travel services providers, but the sponsor said it would not add new penalties beyond existing consumer protection laws. House Bill 1166 on front license plate display clarified that a signed statement can shift responsibility to the driver when a front plate cannot be installed, while the existing $500 fine for noncompliance remained current law. House Bill 1351, dealing with disaster mitigation services and MHIC licensing, was explained as bringing those providers under home improvement licensing rules after a transition period, and was special ordered until the end of the session at a delegate’s request. House Bill 1048 on sodium and added sugar warning icons was amended to include a QR code and remove some reporting and education provisions; members also clarified that the bill still uses a 25-gram threshold and that restaurant groups did not support the bill, though it had been worked through with them.

Transcript Highlights:

• In this environment, accelerating spending on gas infrastructure through automatic riders is increasingly
• spending on gas<00:17:48.960> infrastructure<00:17:49.840> through<00:17:50.160> automatic
• gas infrastructure through automatic gas infrastructure through automatic riders<00:17:51.120>

Bills: HF3830, HF3688

Keywords: utilities, rate cases, cost recovery, reporting requirements, gas infrastructure, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Our agencies have pioneered microtransit in the Twin Cities, launched Wi-Fi-connected buses, added automatic
• , launched Wi-Fi connected buses, Cities, launched Wi-Fi connected buses, added<01:07:33.599> automatic
• <01:07:34.079> passenger<01:07:34.559> counters, added automatic passenger counters
• , added automatic passenger counters, deployed<01:07:35.839> electric<01:07:36.319> microtransit

Bills: HF3676, HF3593, HF3785, HF3774, HF4111, HF3513

Keywords: Safe at Home, address confidentiality, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, harassment, victim privacy, survivor protection, confidential address, protected address, secret address, identity protection, residential confidentiality, program participant, nondiscrimination, court disclosure, protective order, service of process, driver's license, state ID

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, um, just this whole automatic thing.
• And so, um just<01:25:51.680> this<01:25:51.840> whole<01:25:52.120> automatic<01
• <01:25:52.880> And just this whole automatic thing. And just this whole automatic thing.

Bills: HF3919, HF1335, HF3864, HF3916, HF3728

Keywords: veterans benefits, Secret War, Laos veterans, eligibility process, burial fees, veteran designation, electronic license, driver's license, digital credential, transportation, data privacy, authentication, license plates, vehicle registration, validation stickers, Minnesota statutes, transportation policy, aeronautics, transponder, aircraft safety

Transcript Highlights:

• So we had automatic voter registration, we had restore the vote.
• So we had automatic<00:55:54.559> voter<00:55:54.960> registration,<00:55:55.599> we
• <00:55:55.760> had automatic voter registration, we had automatic voter registration, we had

Bills: HF3874, HF3875, HF3378

Keywords: judicial funding, Chief Justice security, fiscal year 2028, court system, judicial branch, judiciary, court notices, restitution, child protection, publication process, human services, Optum reports, data privacy, transparency, legislative oversight, 1183, house

Summary: The committee approved the March 3 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Minnesota Judicial Branch on House File 3874, which was laid over for possible inclusion in a finance bill. State Court Administrator Jeff Shorba and Chief Judge Michael Fritz testified in support of a supplemental funding request focused on judicial branch safety and security, along with funding to cover the employer share of Minnesota Paid Leave costs. Shorba said the branch is seeking help because it did not receive funding for paid leave in the last session and is having to hold positions open to absorb the cost. The safety and security request included five parts: personal data protection for judges and court administrators, home security, two additional staff positions for threat assessment and coordination, security for the chief justice at public events, and a revived courthouse security grant program for counties. Testimony emphasized rising threats and incidents involving judges and court staff, including examples of doxing, home surveillance, and threats involving litigants, and cited increases in reported incidents, threats, and disturbances. Fritz said the branch’s current response system is stretched and that more law-enforcement-trained staff would improve coordination and response. Members questioned why the judicial branch should receive state funding for paid leave when private employers must absorb the cost, and Shorba responded that the branch was excluded from end-of-session funding decisions and that the mandate should be funded for all branches of government. Members also asked about the threat-response process and whether local law enforcement should be used more directly. Another concern raised was whether State Patrol troopers assigned to judicial security would have the training needed for criminal-code enforcement, and Shorba said the branch is discussing that issue with the State Patrol. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of the new fees we're hearing about is a fee to pay by check instead of automatic withdrawal, fees
• about is a fee to pay by check<00:25:28.360> instead<00:25:28.760> of<00:25:28.880> automatic
• <00:25:29.360> withdrawal, check instead of automatic withdrawal, check instead of automatic

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That having been said, the concern about these automatic tips into school funding account to keep that
• > having been said, the concern about having been said, the concern about these<00:50:36.800> automatic
• tips<00:50:38.480> into<00:50:39.040> school<00:50:39.280> funding these automatic
• tips into school funding these automatic tips into school funding account<00:50:40.000> to<00

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As you go into the system, the material is put into the system, but it doesn't automatically go out to
• is put into the system, but it material is put into the system, but it doesn't<00:28:43.039> automatically
• 43.600> go<00:28:43.760> out<00:28:43.919> to<00:28:44.080> the doesn't automatically
• go out to the doesn't automatically go out to the public<00:28:44.559> reporting<00:28:44.960

Keywords: 1183, house