Transcript Highlights:

• ROB ROWE FROM THE FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION ABOUT DERELICT VESSEL REMOVAL.
• LET ME SAY THIS, THE REVIEW OF THE POLICIES PROCEDURES AND CONTROLS THEY SAID WERE ALL GOOD.
• RECOMMENDATIONS WERE SITUATIONS WHERE THEY FOUND SOMEONE DIDN'T FOLLOW THE POLICY OR THE PROCEDURE OF
• THE CORRECTIVE ACTION WAS TO FOLLOW THE PROCEDURE, THE PROCEDURE ITSELF WAS CORRECT AND THEY WERE COMPLEMENTARY

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We hear this each and procedures done.
• ,</c><00:33:27.120><c> or</c> healthcare service, procedure, or healthcare service, procedure, or practice
• </c> to not to not be involved in procedures to not to not be involved in procedures that<00:51:30.240
• It may be procedures that individuals.
• </c><01:09:13.440><c> So</c> uh caused additional procedure. So uh caused additional procedure.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• catch up education policy to the Education Ways and Means groups that have been meeting through the commission
• I know these are procedural type things, but I think there's a tremendous amount of structure that needs
• That's right, as you said, yes, these are procedural, but they are important.

Bills: HB9, HB102, HB9

Keywords: three-cueing system, reading instruction, K-12 education, structured literacy, scientific strategies, dual enrollment, high school, community college, university, educational access, high school credit, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uniform Laws Commission, we've worked with them.
• delegation of parental rights, 15-5-128, testimony appointment of guardians, minors' compromise, VA procedures
• between the DD evaluation committee, etc., was kept intact, and much of that is in rules or internal procedures
• between the DD evaluation committee, etc., was kept intact, and much of that is in rules or internal procedures
• It requires state agencies, commissions, and bureaus that have a website to post their administrative

Summary: The committee first approved the January 21, 2026 minutes, then took up Senate Bill 1240, a major rewrite of Idaho’s guardianship and conservatorship laws. Sponsor Sen. Ruchti and witnesses from TEPI, Disability Rights Idaho, AARP Idaho, the Idaho Council on Developmental Disabilities, the courts, and professional fiduciaries said the bill modernizes outdated statutes, strengthens least-restrictive alternatives, clarifies notice and hearing rights, adds a new short-term protective proceeding, and improves oversight and protections against isolation and abuse. One public witness raised concerns about ambiguity, agency authority, and possible overreach, but no formal opposition was presented by stakeholder groups. The committee voted unanimously to send SB 1240 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then considered three cleanup or clarification bills from Sen. Lakey. Senate Bill 1248 repeals the obsolete capital crimes defense fund now that the state has taken over public defense; it passed without testimony and was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Senate Bill 1249 updates a statutory reference to current time-zone terminology; it also passed without opposition and was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1251, which clarifies that the Idaho Attorney General has statutory authority to civilly enforce state laws through declaratory or injunctive relief when no specific enforcement mechanism is provided. Sen. Lakey said the bill is meant as a catch-all and does not mandate action in every case. One public witness opposed the bill over concerns about broad authority and potential conflicts with local control, while Sen. Wintrow also raised separation-of-powers concerns during debate. Despite those objections, the committee voted to send SB 1251 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• That report, commissioned by the Attorney General, concluded first that many pet retailers in Florida
• retention requirements and employer response timelines, provide clear mechanisms to cure violations and procedures
• right now that are currently under investigation and when they're found noncompliant under the old procedures
• in our bill, so I don't have any reason to believe that the now current system and now current procedures
• on this good bill, especially in military base protection as Terror of Florida Defense Support Commission

Summary: The Committee on Commerce and Tourism considered a series of bills affecting tax policy, workforce development, business regulation, consumer protection, rural development, and artificial intelligence. SB 1076 would raise Florida’s research and development tax credit cap from $9 million to $50 million beginning with the 2027 allocation, and it was reported favorably. CS/SB 1266 would create a cybersecurity experiential internship and clearance-readiness program with the Department of Commerce and Cyber Florida; an amendment removed an appropriation from the bill, and the committee reported it favorably. SB 554, a broad update to Florida’s not-for-profit corporation law, was also reported favorably after supportive testimony from Florida Bar representatives. SB 1004, aimed at protecting buyers of dogs and cats from deceptive sales and predatory financing practices, received strong support from animal welfare advocates and was reported favorably. SB 1074, which provides rounding rules for cash transactions if pennies are unavailable, was likewise reported favorably. SB 214, expanding the rural community definition to include special districts in rural counties for economic development purposes, was reported favorably. SPB 7030, a public records exemption tied to Department of Legal Affairs investigations, was adopted as a committee bill and favorably reported. The committee also heard extensive discussion on SB 998, the Department of Commerce package. The bill would modernize the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program, clarify rural community eligibility for certain unincorporated areas, exempt military entities from a reverter clause on land conveyances, and revise E-Verify enforcement procedures. Members questioned the E-Verify provisions, including penalties, protections for workers incorrectly flagged, and the treatment of gig workers. Senator Smith opposed the bill, arguing it creates unequal treatment between employers and immigrant workers, while Senator Wright supported the military-related provisions. Despite the debate, SB 998 was reported favorably, with Senators Bracy Davis, Smith, and Errington voting no. The committee also took up SB 482, an “Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights” that would create consumer protections for companion chatbots, require parental consent and access for minors, mandate periodic disclosures that users are interacting with AI, restrict certain uses of personal data and likenesses, and give the Attorney General enforcement authority. The bill drew both support and criticism: supporters emphasized child safety, transparency, and consumer protection, while opponents raised concerns about privacy, broad definitions, lack of audit mechanisms, and the absence of a private right of action for adults. Senators Smith and Davis urged clearer definitions and stronger accountability, but both said the bill was a starting point. The committee reported SB 482 favorably. The meeting ended with recorded affirmative votes requested by Senators Yarbrough, Wright, and Davis on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The ruling threatened voter-approved charters and CBAs and custom impasse procedures affecting firefighter
• This bill updates the board election procedures for Brazoria Drainage District Number Four.
• Procedures for Brazoria Drainage District Number Four.
• Protection Association, also known as the NFPA, with oversight provided by the Texas Fire Protection Commission
• The bill requires the Commission to grant a requested extension so long as the department provides evidence

Bills: HB103

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government heard a series of local and special-purpose bills, mostly with brief sponsor explanations and little or no public opposition. Topics included fireworks sales near the Texas-Mexico border for Cinco de Mayo (HB 1629), allowing larger counties to use their own inspectors for county buildings (HB 3234), updating governance and financial rules for the Wood County Central Hospital District (HB 5664), clarifying firefighter collective bargaining and impasse procedures (HB 3171), and exempting certain Fort Worth ETJ properties from release rules to protect infrastructure investments (HB 2512). The committee also heard bills on border subdivision rules in Cameron County (HB 3680), extending a property tax exemption to surviving spouses of certain veterans affected by the PACT Act (HB 2508/HJR 133), drainage district election timing and procedures (HB 5693, HB 2694), utility transparency for municipally owned systems (HB 1991), and management district and hospital district election or appointment changes (HB 5698, HB 2293). Another major bill, HB 1449, would expand a food truck permitting pilot program to counties over one million population; witnesses supported the concept but asked the committee to coordinate it with related fee and standards bills, and the bill was left pending for further work. The committee also heard HB 3732, which would let fire departments obtain extensions to comply with new NFPA protective equipment standards, and HB 5431, which would clarify that mayors and at-large council members do not need new elections after reapportionment; both were left pending after questions about their scope. Several transparency and tax-related bills were also discussed, including HB 103, creating a statewide database of local bond and tax election information, and HB 851, requiring reporting on homestead tax ceiling properties; both drew support and were later voted out. After testimony, the committee reported multiple bills favorably, often unanimously, and recommended many for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also used procedural swaps to substitute House companions for Senate bills on several measures, then recessed with plans to return later to process additional bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• construction projects remain vulnerable for lawsuits for up to 6 years under the Administrative Procedures
• limited judicial review period for all critical infrastructure projects and eliminate unnecessary procedural
• for interstate transmission projects in the national interest under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
• No, I am, and I currently sit on my planning and zoning commission.
• are saying look we need more housing in our state I encourage them to look at the policies and procedures

Keywords: environmental review, permitting process, infrastructure, bipartisan legislation, economic growth, Nucor, West Virginia

Summary: The meeting focused on critical discussions surrounding the need for modernizing the federal environmental review and permitting processes. Witnesses from various sectors, including Nucor, provided testimony on the delays and costs associated with current regulations, emphasizing the impact on infrastructure and economic growth. Major projects in West Virginia, such as the Corridor H and Coalfield Expressways, were highlighted as examples of initiatives stalled by excessive permitting hurdles, prompting calls for bipartisan legislation to streamline these processes while maintaining environmental protections. The committee expressed a commitment to address these issues immediately, highlighting the urgency to enhance efficiency in permitting to facilitate economic development.

Transcript Highlights:

• Anyone object to that procedure? Wish to be recorded as voting no? Present?
• </c> object to the procedure? object to the procedure?
• Anyone object to procedure? Mr. Clerk, the vote. No. Present.
• Anyone<00:41:11.560><c> object</c><00:41:11.920><c> to</c><00:41:12.000><c> procedure?
• </c> Anyone object to procedure? Anyone object to procedure?

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 20 March, 2026; 9:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Procedures, including puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries.
• Underwent procedures, including a double mastectomy at the age of 15.
• Okay, so this is a procedure.
• Okay, so this is a procedure. Yeah, this is a procedure motion, one person from each side.
• And there are some items with the Industrial Commission.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Gillamardo here, we're at an undisclosed location with the Florida gaming commission.
• I'm just going to say the gaming commission. We should get out of this damn thing.
• Because they're going to need to get commissioned appraisals under your bill.
• Because they're going to need to get commissioned appraisals under your bill. Representative Nix.
• , but a take-out procedure under the current law.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former Lee County Judge John Carlin, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of FSU Police Officer Cody Popple for stopping the April campus shooter. The Speaker then outlined the final week of session, noting the House had passed 253 House bills and 149 Senate bills to date, but that the 2026-27 budget would not be completed this week. The chamber also adopted the Rules and Ethics Committee’s special order report for the day. The House took up several Senate bills on special order, largely technical or open-government measures, and passed them with little or no opposition. These included SB 100, SB 104, and SB 102 on the Florida Statutes and revisor’s changes; SB 7006, SB 7014, SB 7002, SB 7012, SB 7024, SB 7016, SB 7026, SB 7008, SB 7000, and SB 7004, which extended or preserved various public-records and meeting exemptions for matters such as Public Service Commission proprietary information, social media investigations, military affairs, highway safety records, cybersecurity, emergency shelter contact information, conviction integrity units, and trade secrets. Most passed overwhelmingly, though SB 7006 drew 99-8, SB 7022 on public records for exam integrity passed 101-8 after questions about testing materials and scoring rubrics, and SB 7026 on trade secrets passed 106-3. The most substantive floor debate centered on SB 7040, which recreates the emergency preparedness and response trust fund in the Executive Office of the Governor. Rep. Eskamani offered an amendment to let the fund expire, arguing the money had become a “slush fund” and had been used for the Everglades detention facility rather than emergencies; several members supported her on fiscal and separation-of-powers grounds, while others said the fund is needed for rapid disaster response. The House rejected Eskamani’s amendment and then adopted a Griffiths strike-all amendment adding accountability measures, including spending limits, quarterly reporting, asset tracking, and a sunset/review provision. SB 7040 then passed 82-25. The chamber also passed CS/CS SB 302 on coastal resiliency, CS/CS SB 984 on firefighter cancer benefits, CS SB 474 on military affairs, and SB 488 on Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which prompted extended questions about vehicle registration requirements, license plate frames, and foreign passport/I-94 documentation; the bill was still under amendment and debate when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• PUC economist Max Marri, on behalf of the Public Utilities Commission, stands on its written testimony
• And while you have existing procedures in place, I think for many of the businesses that were affected
• And while you have existing procedures in place, I think for many of the businesses that were affected
• And while you have existing procedures in place, I think for many of the businesses that were affected
• And while you have existing procedures in place, I think for many of the businesses that were affected

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1 and SB 1561 on vegetation management near utility lines and wildfire prevention. Testimony focused on requiring DLNR to create and update wildfire hazard maps, setting vegetation-trimming responsibilities for property owners near rights-of-way and utility lines, and authorizing utilities to enter property to remove hazardous vegetation. DLNR, the PUC, and Hawaiian Electric all testified, with Hawaiian Electric asking for clearer access language, after-the-fact notification in imminent-risk situations, and liability limits. Committee members discussed balancing wildfire response with property rights and the need for clearer responsibility and enforcement, including on easements and utility poles. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1 pass with amendments, incorporating comments from testimony, and SB 1561 was deferred. The next major item was SB 640 on artificial intelligence disclosures. The bill would require businesses and individuals in commercial transactions to clearly disclose when consumers are interacting with an AI chatbot or similar technology, and it would create private rights of action and penalties. TechNet, the Office of Consumer Protection, and the Chamber of Commerce raised concerns about vague definitions, overbroad application, enforcement, and the private cause of action; the Chamber also argued the bill could burden small businesses that use AI tools for routine functions. In response to questions, OCP said the measure was ambiguous as to who it applies to and that the remedies and treble-damages provisions were unclear. The committee recommended SB 640 be deferred. The committee also heard SB 454 on prorating the rental motor vehicle surcharge tax when a vehicle is rented for only part of a day. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii said the proposal would make the tax system fairer but more complex and would require better recordkeeping by rental companies; the Department of Taxation and Enterprise Mobility also submitted comments. Senator Melby noted possible effects on the special highway fund and said that could affect his vote. The measure was referred onward, with the discussion indicating it would proceed to Ways and Means. Finally, the committee heard SB 1272 on towing, which would create a licensing framework for tow companies. Testimony from tow-industry representatives strongly supported the measure, describing unlicensed or noncompliant operators, poor insurance practices, and the need for accountability and consumer protection. They said a licensing board would give regulators a clearer enforcement avenue and help ensure fair treatment of vehicle owners. The hearing ended before a final action was taken on SB 1272 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Down in the Palisades, I can tell you, the Coastal Commission comes into play.
• Code Commission all to collaborate all four times on separate reports.
• The first deliverable includes the Coastal Commission.
• Does the Coastal Commission have any jurisdiction up at the Camp Fire? Zero.
• Every jurisdiction, my jurisdiction, we don't have Coastal Commission issues.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• [Speaker not identified] has submitted a petition to the Water Quality Control Commission specific to
• Like I said before, we plan to petition the Water Quality Control Commission by December. to request
• procedures that are in 20.1.6 NMAC.
• Those regulations specify requirements for the pre-hearing procedures, hearing notices, participation
• We will take in those comments, amend the rules, and then go to the Water Quality Control Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• May I ask you a question procedurally here?
• utilities, such as the three items you have today, um, you've had a few of those with the Liquor Commission
• May I ask you a question procedurally<00:19:14.400><c> here?</c> procedurally here?
• procedurally here?
• </c><00:22:09.760><c> This</c> >> With the Liquor Commission.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Long Range Capital Planning and Utilization Committee first approved the March 16, 2026 minutes, then took up several Department of Transportation property actions. The committee approved a Greenland access point sale for a cell tower site to Wakefield Investments for $132,800 plus a $1,100 administrative fee, and approved disposal of two Epsom parcels to the town at no cost, with the town assuming demolition of the former depot and the committee waiving the fee. It also approved a Milton access point sale to Jeremy West Champney and Cameron McDermott for $90,000 plus the fee, with conditions requiring permits and other approvals. During the DOT items, members asked about appraisals, access restrictions, and where the administrative fee goes; staff said the fee generally offsets agency administrative costs and may go to a dedicated fund or the general fund depending on the project. The committee then considered three Department of Environmental Services requests for utility easements to bring power to dams so gates can be operated more efficiently and potentially remotely. It approved an easement with New Hampshire Electric Co-op for Pine River Dam in Wakefield, an easement with New Hampshire Electric Co-op for Sunset Lake Dam in Alton, and an easement with Eversource for Suncook Lake Dam in Barnstead. Members discussed whether to waive the $1,100 administrative fee on these items, with some questioning the fee’s purpose and where it is deposited. The committee ultimately approved the DES items as requested, including the fee waivers, while asking staff to research the fee’s history, sufficiency, and use for a future report. Finally, the committee received informational items from the New Hampshire Council on Resources and Development. Members briefly discussed a property at Bloody Point in Newington and the related Sullivan Bridge demolition, and DOT staff said the property had been tabled previously and is now being worked on with Fish and Game for a possible transfer of management and future water access use. No votes were taken on the informational items.

Transcript Highlights:

• The question was who sets them, and it isn't the commission, obviously, such time as the commission approves
• </c> them and it isn't the commission them and it isn't the commission obviously<00:16:36.519><c> such
• </c> obviously such time as the commission obviously such time as the commission approved<00:16:38.759
• </c> energy I would read it as the commission energy I would read it as the commission but<00:17:41.679
• Commissions and things we have, if it’s so important for this body to ask for a commission, then this

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Can I ask a procedural question? Yes.
• Is there a way, procedure?
• On January 1, 2025, the Commission forwarded 30 recommendations... ...the Commission forwarded 30 recommendations
• Senator Jones for procedure question. Thank you so much, Mr. President. Just a procedural question.
• In that facility, in that case, if somebody comes into a... ...procedure.

Summary: The Senate began with opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including interns, Denim Day awareness, and a resolution honoring Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange on the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for former Senator Karen Johnson Gendron. After routine business, the Senate took up several special-order bills. The first major bill, transportation offenses involving death, increased penalties for repeat DUI/BUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide offenses. An amendment added penalties for refusal to submit to breath or urine testing and required law enforcement to notify suspects of those penalties. The bill passed 37-0. The Senate then passed SB 306 on Medicaid providers, requiring broader after-hours and holiday access to care and setting network standards for Medicaid managed care plans, also by a 37-0 vote. The chamber next considered a major condominium and cooperative associations bill responding to post-Surfside safety and financial concerns. Senators described the measure as balancing building safety with financial relief, extending reserve-study deadlines, allowing temporary reserve relief after inspections, tightening oversight of managers and inspectors, and adjusting voting, resale, and reserve rules. After extensive debate and praise from members for the bill’s sponsors and staff, the bill passed 37-0. The longest discussion centered on a constitutional amendments/petition process bill aimed at curbing fraud in citizen initiative petitions. Sponsors argued that the 2024 petition process was plagued by fraud and identity theft and proposed tighter rules for circulators, faster submission deadlines, voter notification, penalties, and limits on petition handling. Senators offered and adopted multiple amendments, including changes to petition-circulator definitions, invalid-signature thresholds, and voter notification procedures. After a substitute amendment was withdrawn, the Senate continued debating the underlying amended bill, with members split between concerns about election integrity and worries that the bill would burden volunteers and make it harder for citizen initiatives to qualify.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the commission would do an investigation, and by the report, the report would come to the commission
• I'm the administrator of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission.
• The Commission entered into negotiated rulemaking, and on August 12, the Commission held a negotiated
• The Commission will use its timelines and procedures and its existing rules in IDAPA 31.01.15.01 to resolve
• This commission... ...may be considered for removal. So that's all this is.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate State Affairs Committee heard a budget presentation from Senator Scott Groh and Keith Bybee of Legislative Services on Idaho’s fiscal outlook, structural balance, and revenue projections. They discussed a recent revenue estimate increase, softer-than-expected sales tax and income tax collections, uncertainty around federal tax conformity, and major budget drivers such as Medicaid, public schools, corrections, and earmarked sales tax distributions. Members asked about per-capita spending, population growth, and how much of budget growth reflected policy choices versus inflation or enrollment changes. Groh emphasized concern that the projected ending balance was only around $30 million and said the committee typically prefers a much larger cushion, while Bybee noted the state still had nearly $1.7 billion in cash and rainy-day funds. The committee then considered the gubernatorial reappointment of Estella Zamora to the Idaho Commission on Human Rights. Zamora described her long Idaho residency, her background as a former migrant farm worker and court interpreter coordinator, and her service on the commission, including as president and vice president. She said most commission cases involve disability issues and that the commission investigates complaints to determine probable cause. The committee also approved the gubernatorial appointment of David Dean to the Idaho Endowment Fund Investment Board without dissent. In rules, the committee heard from Taylor Thomas of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission on a pending rule implementing House Bill 180A regarding pole attachments and broadband deployment. Thomas said the rule was developed through negotiated rulemaking with utilities and attaching entities and sets timelines, access standards, and dispute procedures. After questions about landowner input, the committee voted to approve the rule docket. The committee also introduced and sent to print three RS proposals from Senator Brian Lenney: RS 3-2874 to eliminate the personal voter affidavit process, RS 3-2868 to repeal obsolete code related to the Idaho Women’s Commission, and RS 3-2970 to bar a rejected gubernatorial appointee from being renominated to any Senate-confirmed position for 12 months. All three RSs were advanced by committee vote, and the meeting adjourned after a brief welcome to visiting county officials.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:16.320><c> more</c> public utilities commission more public utilities commission more accountable
• And this isn't study commission, right?
• </c><00:46:13.359><c> is</c> issue with how this commission is issue with how this commission is comprised
• </c> representation in the study commission representation in the study commission to<00:46:38.640><c
• </c> you know, typically just procedural you know, typically just procedural requirements<02:00:25.360

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on CACR 30, a constitutional amendment that would make Public Utilities Commission members elected rather than appointed. Representative Thomas Opel testified in support, arguing that rising energy costs and the utility rate-setting structure make the PUC too insulated from ratepayers, and that elected commissioners would be more accountable. He also said the proposal should ideally include a ban on contributions from regulated utilities to PUC campaigns, and acknowledged the draft had errors and needed work. Representative Lane questioned whether a contribution ban would be constitutional, and Opel said there may be ways to structure one to survive legal challenge. The hearing closed with five online supporters and two opponents reported, and no one else testified. The committee then went into executive session on House Bill 1062, authorizing the Secretary of State to conduct random audits of voters’ citizenship qualifications. Representative Newsome offered an amendment to clarify how voters with no evidence either way would be treated and to require a public report on audit results, including referrals, costs, and databases used. Representative Aqua opposed the amendment, saying the bill should pass as written. The amendment failed 9-7, and after further debate over privacy and the purpose of audits, the committee voted 9-7 to recommend ought to pass on HB 1062. Representative Barry was assigned the majority report and Representative Newsome the minority report. The committee next considered House Bill 1388, which would clarify the form of ballots for constitutional amendments. Representative Weary said the bill simply provides clarity for voters and imposes no hardship on the Secretary of State’s office. The committee unanimously voted 17-0 to recommend ought to pass and placed the bill on the consent calendar. Finally, the committee opened a public hearing on House Bill 1125, enabling school districts to adopt partisan school district elections. Representative Weary said partisan labels would help voters understand candidate positions and address low turnout in local elections. He emphasized the bill is enabling, not mandatory. Members questioned why the change was needed if few municipalities have used existing authority, and whether it would increase divisiveness. Weary said many voters are unaware of the option and that partisan labels would give them more information. The hearing closed with five online supporters and 184 opponents. The committee then began executive session on House Bill 1187, concerning the filing deadline for special-election candidates for state representative, but discussion was still ongoing in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Deputy Director Kira Kahane from the Commission on Water Resource Management, to briefly summarize our
• Next we have the State Land Use Commission with comments. Thank you. Okay, thank you very much.
• Danard Aner, Executive Officer for the Land Use Commission.
• </c><00:38:30.319><c> with</c> we have state land use commission with we have state land use commission
• yes we we have an inventory commission yes we we have an inventory of<00:42:48.680><c> where</c><00:

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• Commission for the State of New Mexico. Carter Bundy with AFSCME. Let's go to the audience.
• I'm the Deputy Director of the State Ethics Commission.
• We recognize that at the commission, but we believe that...
• We're calling this the Survivor's Truth Commission Bill.
• So this is a House parliamentary procedure that we're asking this committee to approve.

Keywords: 996, all