Transcript Highlights:

• the earning of the Tiger Stripes program, which highlights academic achievement similar to how we acknowledge
• I think most of us have you on speed dial every time there's an emergency, just to acknowledge how prompt
• But before I move on, I want to acknowledge and thank the legislature for supporting the TEES hypersonic

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Shouldn't the board then acknowledge that or support that before you come before us and bring it before
• Shouldn't the board then acknowledge that or support that before you come before us and bring it before
• Okay, I acknowledge that, and I will add that, Senator F... yeah.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate hearing covered Senate Bill 1536 and Senate Bill 1571. SB 1536 concerned the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s CEO position and whether the exemption from retirement benefits should be changed. Testimony and committee discussion focused on the estimated cost, the current budgeted amount, whether the change would make the position more competitive, and whether alternatives such as a portable retirement plan had been considered. The witness said the proposal came from HTA’s legislative committee and that the position’s salary and benefits would still likely fit within the budgeted amount. No vote was taken on SB 1536 during the excerpted discussion. The hearing then moved to SB 1571, relating to tourism. Debed and HTA representatives said they supported the bill in written testimony, but HTA’s witness said the measure had not been discussed or voted on by the full board and recommended deferring action until the board could clarify its position. Several members of the public testified both in support and opposition. Opponents raised concerns about changing “Hawaiian sense of place” to “Hawaii sense of place,” warning it could weaken protections for Hawaiian culture and invite broader interpretations that might affect places like the Hawaii Convention Center. Others opposed a provision removing a two-year waiting period for HBCB board members before serving on the HTA board, citing conflict-of-interest concerns. Committee discussion centered on the meaning and practical effect of the bill’s language, especially the distinction between “Hawaiian” and “Hawaii,” the scope of HTA’s tourism and destination-management role, and whether translation and language policy were being applied too broadly or too narrowly. Some members argued the bill could help preserve Hawaiian culture and place, while others worried about exclusionary interpretations, costs, and whether resources would be better spent on programs rather than expanded translation. The hearing ended with the chair announcing a short break and moving toward decision-making, but no final action on the bill was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I always think it's good when we acknowledge the good work of those who came before us, and I
• And so I always think it's good when<00:56:06.720> we<00:56:06.880> acknowledge<00:56:07.440

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the language you're asking about on page two, line one through line three is essentially just acknowledging
• is two, line one through line three is essentially<01:31:52.440> just<01:31:52.720> acknowledging
• <01:31:53.760> the<01:31:53.920> new essentially just acknowledging the new essentially
• just acknowledging the new rulemaking<01:31:54.720> language<01:31:55.160> that<01:31:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It will acknowledge the special concerns we have about Hennepin County Medical Center and also will include
• Um it will acknowledge<01:48:01.719> the<01:48:01.840> special<01:48:02.760> concerns
• <01:48:03.280> we<01:48:03.440> have acknowledge the special concerns we have acknowledge

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• While Senator Matthews is getting ready, I want to acknowledge that the substance of Senate File 4920
• c><00:25:45.560> also<00:25:45.800> like<00:25:46.000> to<00:25:46.080> acknowledge
• <00:25:46.480> the I would also like to acknowledge the I would also like to acknowledge the

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This activity has several acknowledged environmental impacts that threaten our delicate ecosystem.
• 37.840> activity<01:24:38.480> has<01:24:38.720> several<01:24:39.040> acknowledged
• This activity has several acknowledged This activity has several acknowledged environmental<01:24

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All of this being said, I want to just acknowledge that Senator Pappas knows more about pensions than
• I also want to acknowledge something important.
• Even within Minnesota, we've acknowledged this principle with other demanding roles, like teacher or
• I want to specifically acknowledge, as Nicole talked about, those older officers.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The commission approved the March 17 minutes and then heard testimony on Senate File 4419 / House File 4069, as amended, which would exempt J-1 visa-holding teachers and their school districts from Teachers Retirement Association contribution requirements during the teachers’ exchange term. Senator Pappas and Representative Feist said the bill is intended to help districts fill hard-to-staff special education and other positions by letting J-1 teachers keep more of their pay for immediate relocation costs, while also redirecting employer savings toward onboarding, mentorship, and cultural orientation. They argued the teachers are temporary by design, often cannot stay long enough to benefit from TRA, and that the bill would be roughly neutral for TRA because contributions and matching liability would both be removed. Supportive testimony came from Matthew Connelly of Lattice Global Teachers and Melissa Schaller of Intermediate School District 917. Connelly said J-1 teachers arrive with significant upfront expenses and only a short window to establish themselves, and that the exemption could save them about $4,000 to $5,000 while helping schools afford recruitment and support costs. Schaller said her district has relied on international special education teachers to fill vacancies, that the H-1B option is no longer workable because of a large fee increase, and that J-1 hiring is needed to remain competitive; she noted 17 open special education positions for 2026-27 and no other applicants. Caitlin Snyder of Education Minnesota opposed the bill, arguing it lowers compensation and removes a retirement option without enough input from teachers themselves. She said the bill does not ensure the employer savings would be used for housing or other supports, and urged more direct consultation with J-1 teachers. Several members raised concerns about fairness, pension protection, and whether the bill could create unintended consequences for teachers who later remain in Minnesota. Senator Pappas responded that the circumstances are unusual because J-1 teachers are temporary and often cannot return, and said TRA had indicated the proposal would be neutral or supportive, unlike a separate St. Paul teachers issue. Representative O’Driscoll asked about J-1 teachers in higher education and private schools, and Mr. Connelly said the visa is mainly used in K-12 settings but can also appear in charter and private schools; he also noted many J-1 holders face a two-year home-residence requirement. The chair indicated the bill was slated for inclusion in the omnibus pension bill, but no final vote on the bill itself was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I also want to acknowledge that we have a member of ATU Local 1005, Pat Davern, here as well.
• I also want to acknowledge<00:07:01.040> that<00:07:01.200> we<00:07:01.320> have
• 07:01.440> a<00:07:01.480> member<00:07:01.800> of<00:07:01.960> ATU acknowledge
• that we have a member of ATU acknowledge that we have a member of ATU Local<00:07:02.640> 1005,

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to first acknowledge the Parkinson's community in the room with us today, especially the courageous
• I<00:18:41.800> want<00:18:41.960> to<00:18:42.040> first<00:18:42.280> acknowledge
• <00:18:42.679> the I want to first acknowledge the I want to first acknowledge the Parkinson's

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and I acknowledge that a lot of that research and evidence shows that there are some problematic
• Um, and I acknowledge that a lot of that research and evidence shows that there are some problematic
• So, but totally acknowledge the concerns. Further questions or comments?
• So, but totally acknowledge the concerns. Further questions or comments? All right.

Bills: SB2190, SB2338, SB2424, SB2356, SB2981, SB3028, SB3187, SB2378, SB2398, SB2192, SB2155, SB3219, SB3218

Keywords: affordable housing, employment contracts, salary caps, housing finance, public housing authority, executive compensation, parking minimums, off-street parking, transit-oriented development, TOD, housing supply, smart growth, redevelopment, adaptive reuse, micro units, rail transit, public transit stations, county zoning, land use, urban planning

Summary: The House Housing Committee heard testimony on a series of housing-related Senate bills. SB 2190 SD2 on inclusionary zoning drew support from HHFDC, Hawaii YIMBY, Grassroot Institute, Housing Hawaii’s Future, and Hako Seed Center, with opposition from OHA and Aloha Independent Living Hawaii. SB 2338 SD1, dealing with housing agency personnel authority, received comments from the Attorney General cautioning that the bill should be clarified to avoid conflicts with civil service and collective bargaining laws and recommending removal of a provision limiting employment contracts; HHFDC said its comments addressed those concerns and supported the measure. SB 2424 SD1, concerning HHFDC, received broad support from housing, business, and community groups, with one opposition. Testimony focused on changing the definition of “qualified resident” so people who already own an HHFDC-assisted unit could later purchase another if their housing needs change; HHFDC said the current rule forces people to sell before buying again and that the bill would help people move up the housing ladder and encourage more housing development. SB 2356 on parking also drew broad support from state agencies, housing advocates, business groups, and local officials, with Unite Here Local 5 in opposition. SB 2981 on land use had strong support from many organizations and 67 individuals, with Unite Here Local 5 opposing. SB 3028 SD2 on property conveyance generated the most detailed policy debate. Supporters, including Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Indivisible Hawaii, and others, backed restructuring the conveyance tax into a marginal rate system and urged changes to revenue allocations, including dedicated funding for homeless services, DHHL, and the rental housing revolving fund. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii supported the marginal-rate concept but opposed dedicated special-fund allocations and criticized the bill’s blank sections. Committee members questioned the historical purpose of the conveyance tax, and the Tax Foundation explained it was originally a modest tax tied to property-value tracking when the state still ran the property tax system. The committee also heard SB 3187 SD2 on off-site construction, SB 2378 SD2 on housing permitting, and SB 2398 SD2 on residential housing utilities. OPSD supported SB 3187 but said it preferred the House version and wanted clarification that off-site certification should apply to factories in Hawaii, not out of state, to avoid outsourcing labor; it also suggested starting with a small scope. SB 2378 SD2 drew support from engineering, housing, and labor groups, with testimony that the House version included needed fixes to make the program insurable. On SB 2398 SD2, the Board of Water Supply opposed the bill, saying it could require disclosure of sensitive infrastructure information beyond ordinary water-availability assessments and raise critical-infrastructure and cybersecurity concerns; developers and housing groups supported the measure. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, I want to acknowledge that we are in conversation with the long-term care imperative about the
• Finally,<00:34:28.560> I<00:34:28.720> want<00:34:28.800> to<00:34:28.960> acknowledge
• <00:34:29.280> that<00:34:29.440> we Finally, I want to acknowledge that we Finally
• , I want to acknowledge that we are<00:34:29.760> in<00:34:30.000> conversation<00:34:30.480

Bills: HF3935, HF2216, HF4354, HF4210, HF4212

Keywords: assisted living, healthcare, training, unlicensed personnel, resident rights, safety regulations, nursing home, long-term care, guardian, conservator, arbitration, mandatory arbitration, consumer protection, fee increase, rate increase, price hike, private pay, public funds, Medicaid, waiver services

Transcript Highlights:

• They can't even acknowledge that it happened.
• They can't even acknowledge that it happened.
• They can't even acknowledge that it happened.
• They can't even acknowledge that it happened.

Bills: HF3889, HF2567, HF3878

Keywords: workforce development, grant program, employment, economic development, funding, employment contract, labor policy, employee rights, unconscionable provisions, public policy, legal enforcement, airport workers, wage standards, labor rights, minimum wage, economic equity, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to acknowledge something positive.
• I want to<00:29:56.080> acknowledge<00:29:56.399> something<00:29:56.640> positive.
• <00:29:56.960> The to acknowledge something positive.
• The to acknowledge something positive.

Bills: HB0083, HB0102, HB0178

Keywords: subpoena, legislative authority, penalty, compliance, law enforcement, artificial intelligence, synthetic sexual material, child protection, self-harm, criminal liability, public employment, labor organization, dues withdrawal, collective bargaining, public funding, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am here to represent the people of House District 14, and part of that representation is acknowledging
• part of that District 14 and part of that representation<02:01:57.440> is<02:01:57.760> acknowledging
• <02:01:58.639> that representation is acknowledging that representation is acknowledging that

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the corrected journal, and heard several announcements about upcoming committee meetings, events at the Capitol, and recognitions, including Music Therapy Day, Black History Month activities, adoptable puppies, and a Colorado Agricultural Forum. Members also celebrated Representative Story’s birthday and recognized the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) for its long-running support of arts, culture, science access, and economic impact in Colorado. The House adopted Senate Joint Resolution 12, designating February 20, 2026, as Colorado FFA Day, by a vote of 64-1 with one excused. The chamber then moved to special orders for several bills. The first major bill considered was House Bill 1017, which would prohibit insurers from receiving criminal restitution unless they are direct victims. Sponsors argued the bill prioritizes human victims, prevents restitution from becoming an unpayable burden on low-income defendants, and clarifies the law in response to court concerns and stakeholder feedback. Opponents argued it would shift costs to taxpayers and policyholders and could increase civil litigation and insurance premiums. An amendment, L005, was adopted to clarify the bill’s scope, and the bill then passed as amended. The House also took up House Bill 114, concerning minimum lot size and local land-use rules. An amendment, L002, was offered to prohibit certain local lot frontage, setback, open-space, or coverage requirements that would effectively prevent construction of a single-family home on a 2,000-square-foot residential lot. Supporters framed the measure as protecting housing access, while opponents argued it would override local land-use decision-making and public hearing processes. The transcript ends during debate on a substitute motion related to the amendment, before final action on House Bill 114 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Number one, we want to acknowledge the economic harm done to our cities.
• Number one, we want to acknowledge<00:37:22.079> the<00:37:22.400> economic<00:37:22.960
• > harm<00:37:23.280> done<00:37:23.599> to acknowledge the economic harm done to
• acknowledge the economic harm done to our<00:37:23.920> cities.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Even G itself does acknowledge paragraph D, which is I think what Senator Dockstader was asking about
• ><00:08:32.719> G<00:08:32.959> itself<00:08:33.440> does<00:08:33.680> acknowledge
• Even G itself does acknowledge manner.
• Even G itself does acknowledge paragraph<00:08:35.279> D,<00:08:35.519> which<00:08:35.760

Bills: HB0002, HB0022

Keywords: building permits, local government, residential construction, permit timelines, code compliance, municipal officers, recall election, petition requirements, local governance, voter participation, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And want to acknowledge we know there's some committees and other groups were sort of looking at insurance
• And<01:23:05.800> want<01:23:05.920> to<01:23:06.000> acknowledge<01:23:06.440><
• c> we<01:23:06.520> know<01:23:06.680> there's And want to acknowledge we know there's
• And want to acknowledge we know there's some<01:23:07.960> committees<01:23:08.400> and

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I do also want to acknowledge some new MSB security protocols.
• humanity<01:04:24.160> and recall our shared humanity and recall our shared humanity and acknowledge
• :25.119> many<01:04:25.440> of<01:04:25.599> the<01:04:25.760> most acknowledge
• what many of the most acknowledge what many of the most vulnerable<01:04:26.319> residents<01

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• work more closely together, recognize this fundamental constitutional right that parents have, and acknowledge
• constitutional right that parents have constitutional right that parents have and<00:27:07.919> acknowledge
• 08.559> that<00:27:09.039> that<00:27:09.440> might<00:27:09.760> be and acknowledge
• that that that might be and acknowledge that that that might be different<00:27:10.320> than<

Bills: SF0035, SF0090, SF0072

Keywords: education, cell phones, smart devices, school policy, student conduct, school property, rental fees, youth activities, education policy, Wyoming legislature, teacher licensure, teacher mobility, interstate compact, education compact, licensure reciprocity, reciprocal certification, teacher certification, professional teaching standards board, out-of-state teachers, military spouse