Transcript Highlights:

• Furthermore,<01:02:33.920><c> it</c><01:02:34.079><c> is</c><01:02:34.400><c> unlikely</c><01:02:35.599
• <01:02:43.040><c> and</c><01:02:43.359><c> instead</c><01:02:43.760><c> is</c><01:02:44.079><c> someone
• makes<01:02:44.960><c> his</c><01:02:45.200><c> or</c><01:02:45.440><c> her</c><01:02:46.160><c> money
• </c><01:02:49.760><c> And</c><01:02:50.000><c> we</c><01:02:50.240><c> are</c><01:02:50.400><c> much<
• And um<02:00:03.040><c> okay,</c><02:00:03.440><c> with</c><02:00:03.599><c> that</c><02:00:03.840><c

Bills: HB0117 , HB0126

Committee: House Labor, Health & Social Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Miss Rounddy<00:02:01.840><c> is</c><00:02:02.000><c> a</c><00:02:02.159><c> national</c><00:02:02.560
• 02:15:30.079><c> that</c><02:15:30.320><c> to</c><02:15:30.560><c> you</c><02:15:31.280><c> be</c><02
• 02:31:49.040><c> page</c><02:31:49.760><c> 95</c><02:31:50.479><c> of</c><02:31:50.800><c> the</c><02
• ><02:49:36.080><c> W</c><02:49:36.080><c> W</c><02:49:36.080><c> W</c><02:49:36.080><c> W</c><02:49:36.080
• ><02:49:36.160><c> W</c><02:49:36.160><c> W</c><02:49:36.160><c> W</c><02:49:36.160><c> W</c><02:49:36.160

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> students</c><05:02:05.240><c> in</c><05:02:05.440><c> some</c><05:02:05.760><c> cases</c><05:02:
• </c><06:02:08.080><c> now</c><06:02:08.280><c> have</c><06:02:08.400><c> to</c><06:02:08.520><c> go</
• </c><06:02:12.520><c> to</c><06:02:12.638><c> this</c><06:02:12.798><c> bill</c><06:02:13.478><c> we<
• can say<06:02:13.920><c> all</c><06:02:14.040><c> day</c><06:02:14.200><c> long</c><06:02:14.638><c>
• that</c><06:02:15.320><c> there</c><06:02:15.638><c> is</c><06:02:15.760><c> an</c><06:02:15.958><c>

Summary: The committee first addressed House Bill 415, which would remove the requirement that schools provide menstrual products. Members supporting an ITL said the mandate was unfunded, had been in place since 2019, and was already working without complaints from districts. Other members opposed the bill, arguing menstrual products are essential and that the requirement helps students, especially those with fewer resources. The committee voted ITL on HB 415 by a roll call of 17 yeas, 0 nays. The committee then took up House Bill 388, concerning public reports on special education. Supporters of ITL said they agreed with the goal of transparency but were concerned about student privacy, especially in small districts, and thought the bill’s information requests went too far. They noted that related issues could potentially be addressed in another bill, HB 557. The committee voted ITL on HB 388, 17-0. House Bill 730, which would require schools and some colleges to provide information on adoption, was also moved ITL. The sponsor said adoption is personally important to him but that the bill was not the right vehicle and involved entities such as colleges and the Attorney General unnecessarily; he said related ideas might be folded into other bills later. The committee agreed and voted ITL, 17-0. The committee then discussed House Bill 671, a preschool/early literacy proposal involving a statewide nonprofit digital program, likely Waterford. Members raised questions about who would be covered, data privacy, prior use of federal ESSER funds, whether the program had measurable results, and whether the bill’s nonprofit requirement was too restrictive. Department of Education witness Melissa White said the state had spent $400,000 in FY22 and $600,000 in FY23 on a Waterford contract using ARP ESSER funds, but she did not have participant counts and said the department could not measure literacy gains for that population. She also said the bill’s funding level would likely require an RFP and that, if enacted as written, the program would probably still be Waterford-based. The discussion continued without a final vote in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:52.240><c> out</c><01:02:52.400><c> of</c><01:02:52.559><c> the</c><01:02:52.799><c> box</c><01:02
• </c><02:23:10.800><c> So</c><02:23:11.920><c> I</c><02:23:12.160><c> I</c><02:23:13.120><c> I'm</c><02
• So<02:29:26.960><c> I</c><02:29:27.120><c> I</c><02:29:27.120><c> I</c><02:29:27.680><c> think</c><02
• <02:39:05.040><c> I</c><02:39:05.359><c> I</c><02:39:05.520><c> I</c><02:39:06.240><c> know</c><02:39
• 02:59:25.680><c> sent</c><02:59:25.920><c> out</c><02:59:26.160><c> to</c><02:59:26.399><c> us</c><02

Committee: House Education Funding

Transcript Highlights:

• c> get</c><02:00:05.400><c> them</c><02:00:06.079><c> a</c><02:00:06.159><c> lot</c><02:00:06.280><c>
• of people don't<02:00:06.719><c> want</c><02:00:06.840><c> to</c><02:00:06.960><c> approve</c><02:00
• we're</c><02:00:08.560><c> having</c><02:00:08.760><c> to</c><02:00:08.960><c> pay</c><02:00:09.119><
• c><02:00:38.159><c> if</c><02:00:38.239><c> you</c><02:00:38.400><c> didn't</c><02:00:38.639><c> want
• 02:04:40.719><c> no</c><02:04:41.000><c> not</c><02:04:41.159><c> at</c><02:04:41.280><c> the</c><02:

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:10.119><c> Mr</c><02:02:10.400><c> chair</c><02:02:10.679><c> can</c><02:02:10.840><c> I</c><02:02
• :11.239><c> try</c><02:02:11.520><c> again</c><02:02:11.840><c> to</c><02:02:12.079><c> ask</c><02:02
• :02:22.320><c> us</c><02:02:22.920><c> we</c><02:02:23.040><c> don't</c><02:02:24.000><c> thank</c><02
• </c><02:02:26.119><c> governor</c><02:02:26.440><c> will</c><02:02:26.639><c> be</c><02:02:26.800><c>
• ><c> been</c><02:02:38.040><c> doing</c><02:02:38.440><c> it</c><02:02:39.440><c> and</c><02:02:40.199

Summary: The Finance Committee held a hearing on House Bill 619, which would appropriate $1 million to the Solid Waste Management Fund for matching grants to municipalities and businesses for waste diversion projects, with 50% of the money prioritized for food waste diversion. Representative Karen Ebel, the sponsor, said the fund would help New Hampshire meet its solid waste diversion goals, preserve landfill capacity, and support composting, recycling, and related local business activity. She cited New London’s composting program as an example, saying 172 families participated and 32 tons of food waste were diverted in 2024, reducing tipping and trucking costs. Committee members asked about possible alternative funding sources, including a surcharge on landfill tipping fees. Ebel said many other states use such surcharges to fund recycling and solid waste programs, while New Hampshire relies on general funds. She also said the current fund balance was about $900,000 because some money had been used for staffing, and that the grant program was still in rulemaking. Questions also focused on how household composting works and whether municipalities could generate revenue from compost; Ebel said participation is optional, most programs use buckets and transfer stations, and the main benefit is cost savings from reduced disposal rather than compost sales. Testimony in support came from the New Hampshire Municipal Association and the Northeast Resource Recovery Association. Both said municipalities are interested in food waste diversion and composting, that these programs can reduce long-term disposal costs and property tax pressure, and that there is growing demand for technical assistance and grant support. The Northeast Resource Recovery Association said food waste makes up about 24% of municipal and business waste, that fewer than two dozen communities and fewer than two dozen businesses currently offer such services, and that a City of Lebanon pilot program saw about 30% savings by composting on site. The Department of Environmental Services said it was not taking a position but is working on rulemaking for the grant program and expects strong interest from municipalities, private composters, farmers, and anaerobic digester operators. No vote or final action was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:04.240><c> And</c><01:02:04.440><c> also,</c><01:02:04.960><c> in</c><01:02:05.080><c> the
• </c><01:02:08.000><c> We've</c><01:02:08.200><c> heard</c><01:02:08.400><c> about</c><01:02:08.720><c
• /c><01:02:09.680><c> the</c><01:02:09.760><c> state</c><01:02:10.360><c> as</c><01:02:10.560><c> well
• What<01:02:23.320><c> we</c><01:02:23.440><c> didn't</c><01:02:23.880><c> fix</c><01:02:24.240><c> in
• <01:02:53.400><c> So,</c><01:02:53.680><c> I</c><01:02:53.840><c> I</c><01:02:54.200><c> I</c><01:02:

Transcript Highlights:

• So we do<00:02:00.000><c> follow</c><00:02:00.320><c> our</c><00:02:00.640><c> statutes</c><00:02:01.040
• ><c> in</c><00:02:01.280><c> Kentucky</c><00:02:01.680><c> as</c> do follow our statutes in Kentucky
• as do follow our statutes in Kentucky as well.<00:02:02.880><c> Every</c><00:02:03.200><c> single</c>
• 00:02:37.440><c> person</c><00:02:37.680><c> will</c><00:02:37.920><c> look</c><00:02:38.080><c> at</
• at our medical<00:02:38.959><c> records,</c><00:02:39.519><c> see</c><00:02:39.760><c> how</c><00:02

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board reconvened and heard a presentation from the Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control unit. AG staff described the unit’s structure and work: it investigates and prosecutes Medicaid provider fraud, and also handles abuse, neglect, and exploitation cases involving vulnerable adults in facility settings when asked to assist. They said the office has prosecutors, detectives, auditors, and support staff, works with federal partners, Commonwealth’s attorneys, CHFS, DMS, OIG, and MCOs, and uses a hotline and referral line for complaints. They also explained the MCO referral process, including monthly meetings, stand-down lists, and review of referrals for a “credible allegation of fraud” before the AG office decides whether to open a criminal or civil investigation. The presentation focused heavily on current fraud trends. Staff said behavioral health is a major concern, along with participant-directed waiver services, medically assisted treatment, cash billing for services, controlled-substance billing, and vision and dental fraud. They gave examples such as duplicate time sheets for family caregivers, questionable Suboxone counseling and urine drug screening practices, and a prior optometry case involving false claims for children’s glasses. They also discussed CMS’s estimate that about 5% of Medicaid payments are improper, noted that most improper payments are at the fee-for-service level, and said there is no reliable overall fraud-rate estimate. They highlighted a sharp shift in behavioral health billing after the cabinet’s November 1, 2024 policy changes, saying individual psychotherapy spending dropped while group billing increased, suggesting providers may have moved billing to different codes. Members asked about the scale and timing of cases, how MCO referrals are screened, and whether the data reflected more people being served or just higher spending. The AG office said investigations can take years, with some federal cases still awaiting sentencing from 2018 and 2019 matters, and that they currently had nine individuals awaiting sentencing in federal court. They also reported 58 hotline reports during the referenced period, six cases opened from MCO referrals, and four additional MCO referrals not accepted for active cases. Several members raised concerns about home-based services and the risk of abuse or fraud when family members are reimbursed, and asked whether the process could be streamlined; the AG office said it had no immediate recommendations but would be willing to return with suggestions after further review.

Transcript Highlights:

• :09:59.519><c> the</c> greater Minnesota through the greater Minnesota through the foundations<00:10:
• We serve the nine counties of West Central Minnesota as one of the Minnesota Initiative Foundations,
• :30.560><c> you</c><01:21:30.719><c> know,</c> Explore Minnesota has a, you know, Explore Minnesota has
• </c><01:23:47.760><c> and</c> aging seniors in greater Minnesota and aging seniors in greater Minnesota
• It's not our partner Minnesota.

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• them as they continue<00:02:01.600><c> to</c><00:02:01.840><c> lead</c><00:02:02.000><c> our</c><00:02
• <c> one</c><00:02:10.879><c> who</c><00:02:11.120><c> gave</c><00:02:11.360><c> us</c><00:02:11.599><
• Father<00:02:15.440><c> God,</c><00:02:15.920><c> thank</c><00:02:16.080><c> you</c><00:02:16.239><c>
• Thank<00:02:17.760><c> you</c><00:02:17.920><c> for</c><00:02:18.160><c> giving</c><00:02:18.400><c>
• 02:25.920><c> to</c><00:02:26.160><c> give</c><00:02:26.319><c> us</c><00:02:26.480><c> this</c><00:02

Transcript Highlights:

• So,<02:02:28.320><c> like</c><02:02:28.480><c> I</c><02:02:28.719><c> said,</c><02:02:29.119><c> if</
• c><02:02:29.280><c> you</c><02:02:29.440><c> have</c><02:02:29.599><c> a</c><02:02:29.840><c> written
• :02:32.159><c> give</c><02:02:32.400><c> it</c><02:02:32.480><c> to</c><02:02:32.639><c> our</c><02:02
• 02:02:35.199><c> you</c><02:02:35.440><c> can</c><02:02:35.599><c> give</c><02:02:35.840><c> a</c><02
• So, with that, I<02:02:40.320><c> am</c><02:02:40.480><c> going</c><02:02:40.639><c> to</c><02:02:40.880

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• 02:29:37.280><c> insurance</c> state statute so that way the insurance state statute so that way the
• and putting them in taking requirements and putting them in statute<02:32:16.479><c> when</c><02:32:
• to put into statute specific requirements<02:38:41.600><c> under</c><02:38:41.920><c> state</c><02:38
• :40:14.720><c> in</c><02:40:14.960><c> statute</c> rather than put everything in statute rather than
• put everything in statute now<02:40:15.439><c> and</c><02:40:15.680><c> do</c><02:40:15.840><c> this,

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> 3,</c><00:02:04.280><c> and</c><00:02:04.479><c> to</c><00:02:04.600><c> vote</c><00:02:05.280><
• &gt;&gt; The<00:02:07.360><c> question</c><00:02:07.800><c> is,</c><00:02:08.080><c> shall</c><00:02:
• Are<00:02:16.000><c> you</c><00:02:16.120><c> ready</c><00:02:16.320><c> for</c><00:02:16.440><c> the
• Uh<00:02:21.240><c> in</c><00:02:21.440><c> 2021,</c><00:02:22.840><c> uh</c><00:02:23.040><c> the</c
• > US</c><00:02:27.600><c> Federal</c><00:02:27.959><c> Court</c><00:02:28.240><c> of</c><00:02:28.360

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, in Kansas, Minnesota, and New York, statutes specify which professional associations are
• statutes.
• statutes.
• statutes.
• For example, Section 464, I think, is the nursing statute.

Summary: The Senate Health Policy Committee met with a quorum and considered several health-related bills, most of them focused on drowning prevention and public safety. SB 428, by Senator Yarborough, would expand Florida’s swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7. The sponsor and supporting testimony from a pediatric emergency physician and YMCA representatives emphasized Florida’s high drowning rates, especially among very young children, and argued that swim lessons can significantly reduce risk. Senator Harrell noted the need to revisit the funding allocation as eligibility expands. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 606, by Senator Smith, which adds drowning prevention and safe bathing practices to postpartum education provided by hospitals, birthing centers, and, after amendment, no longer requires home birth providers to maintain proof of compliance. A parent who lost a child to drowning and Senator Berman spoke in strong support, stressing that the bill would educate new parents at a critical time. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as a committee substitute. SB 162, by Senator Davis, would require hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies using smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. The sponsor said the equipment is relatively low-cost and already used in many facilities, while several witnesses supported the bill as a worker-safety measure. Other senators raised concerns about the lack of data, possible rural hospital impacts, and whether the mandate could add costs without clear evidence of harm. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 340, by Senator Harrell, requiring nursing students to complete a two-hour human trafficking course before licensure, after amending the bill to shift the requirement from nursing programs to the students themselves. Testimony from a trafficking survivor and nursing advocates supported the measure, and it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. Finally, SB 192, presented by Senator Trumbull on behalf of Senator Martin, removed the $1,500 cap on advances chiropractic physicians may collect for examinations or treatment; chiropractic industry representatives supported the change, and the bill was reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:06.560><c> So</c><00:02:06.880><c> we</c><00:02:07.200><c> understand</c><00:02:08.000><c>
• </c><00:02:09.599><c> Again,</c><00:02:10.399><c> we're</c><00:02:10.720><c> going</c><00:02:10.800><
• </c><00:02:11.840><c> You</c><00:02:12.000><c> guys</c><00:02:12.239><c> got</c><00:02:12.480><c> th<
• </c><00:02:18.800><c> Um</c><00:02:19.200><c> and</c><00:02:19.440><c> so</c><00:02:19.599><c> here's
• </c> by statute. by statute.

Summary: The Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee met to review how tobacco settlement dollars are being used and to press recipients for detailed information on total funding, administrative versus program spending, and measurable outcomes. The chair emphasized that the committee was not there for general program overviews, but to assess return on investment and whether each program should continue to receive tobacco settlement support. The committee approved the minutes from its December 22, 2025 meeting and then heard presentations from several agencies and organizations. Volunteers of America Mid-States described its southeastern Kentucky restorative justice program, which uses an evidence-based New Zealand model for juvenile cases in nine counties. The group reported tobacco settlement funding of $516,000 in FY24 and $233,500 in FY25, representing about 17% and then about 5% of the program budget, respectively. It said the funding helped expand the program from 13 cases in 2021 to 180 youth served, and cited an independent evaluation showing recidivism of 24.5% compared with 40.4% in AOC data, along with a cost of a little under $20 per day versus detention and other placements. Some members questioned whether the program fit the tobacco settlement funding categories and suggested it might be better supported through other justice-related funding sources. The Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Division of Conservation explained that tobacco funds support $1 million in direct aid to conservation districts and $2 million in cost-share projects for farmers, with 5% of the cost-share appropriation allowed for administration, or about $100,000 in FY26. Officials said the direct-aid line was moved into tobacco funding in 2019, reducing money available for farmer cost-share, and described a multi-year project approval and reallocation process. Senator Webb asked for a more specific breakdown of the $850,000 direct-aid amount, and the cabinet said it would provide that information. The Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy reported that in FY24 it expended just under $30 million across tobacco funds, general funds, restricted funds, and a one-time federal grant, with less than 2% used for administration. Officials said most tobacco settlement money goes to Kentucky ASAP local boards in all 120 counties, supporting prevention, treatment, and some law enforcement work. The Department of Agriculture then began its presentation, describing strategic investments, loan programs, county funding, administrative costs, and a reported return of about $2.30 for every dollar spent, but the transcript cuts off before that presentation was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:02:56.800><c> you</c><00:02:57.040><c> know,</c><00:02:57.200><c> like</c><00:02:57.440><c> if</
• :18.799><c> then</c><01:02:18.960><c> we</c><01:02:19.200><c> have</c><01:02:19.280><c> that</c><01:02
• </c><01:02:22.319><c> We</c><01:02:22.559><c> we</c><01:02:22.880><c> had</c><01:02:22.960><c> a</c><
• ><c> we</c><01:02:28.480><c> have</c><01:02:28.720><c> money</c><01:02:29.040><c> because</c><01:02:29.359
• </c><01:02:30.480><c> We</c><01:02:30.720><c> have</c><01:02:30.880><c> money</c><01:02:31.040><c> in

Bills: HB0147 , HB0127

Committee: Senate Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:15.440><c> Uh,</c><00:02:16.080><c> next</c><00:02:16.400><c> is</c><00:02:16.640><c> the<
• </c><00:02:22.160><c> The</c><00:02:22.319><c> first</c><00:02:22.560><c> item</c><00:02:23.120><c> is
• &gt;&gt; I<00:02:43.599><c> have</c><00:02:43.680><c> a</c><00:02:43.920><c> motion</c><00:02:44.160>
• ><c> in</c><00:02:54.160><c> in</c><00:02:54.400><c> favor</c><00:02:54.800><c> vote</c><00:02:55.040
• All<00:02:55.440><c> those</c><00:02:55.599><c> opposed</c><00:02:55.920><c> say</c><00:02:56.160><c>

Summary: The Government Contracts Committee met with a quorum and approved the July 8 minutes. It then deferred several items from the July agenda, including a Kentucky Education Television contract because the vendor was not yet registered with the Secretary of State, and a University of Louisville contract at the university’s request. The committee also deferred a behavioral health memorandum of agreement and later a Department of Community Based Services contract after questions were raised about the scope of services and the need for additional information. The most extensive discussion involved the Seven Counties Services contract with the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental, and Intellectual Disabilities. Committee members questioned why the state continues to contract with Seven Counties despite its bankruptcy and pension-related liabilities, how the funding split was determined, whether the services are statutorily required, and whether the state or another provider could deliver the services more efficiently. Agency representatives said Seven Counties is the sole provider of core community mental health services in its region, serves about 24,500 people, and that service needs and acuity remain high even as the number served has declined. A cabinet attorney said the bankruptcy dispute is ongoing and involves roughly $20 million in contested retirement contributions, though members suggested the amount may be higher. Members also raised broader concerns about whether local governments, especially Metro Louisville, should contribute more toward services tied to social determinants of health, and whether the contract includes services beyond what statute requires. The committee requested additional information on the contract scope and possible offsets or recovery of unfunded liabilities, and then voted to defer the Seven Counties contract to the next meeting. The committee also heard a separate DCBS presentation on the Youth Villages Intercept program, where staff explained it was selected because it is an approved evidence-based Family First prevention service, provides intensive in-home and foster care stabilization services, and is headquartered in Tennessee but operates across Kentucky; members asked for clarification on Medicaid billing and additional funding needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> in</c><02:02:39.440><c> violation</c><02:02:39.920><c> of</c><02:02:40.080><c> federal</c><02:02:
• 02:45.920><c> state</c><02:02:46.239><c> has</c><02:02:46.480><c> to</c><02:02:46.719><c> find</c> I'm
• </c><02:29:36.880><c> We're</c> management statute. Thank you. We're management statute. Thank you.
• c> statute,</c><02:30:38.000><c> I</c><02:30:38.160><c> think</c><02:30:38.240><c> it's</c> looking to
• the statute, I think it's looking to the statute, I think it's important<02:30:38.640><c> that</c><02

Bills: HB676

Committee: House Public Safety

Summary: The committee heard three public safety bills. HB 2235 would appropriate $1.3 million for the Military Affairs and Community Relations Office to strengthen coordination on military and defense issues. Supporters, including the Hawaii National Guard and DBEDT’s military relations office, said the office helps Hawaiʻi understand federal contracting, USA Jobs, and military-related economic impacts. One member questioned why the state should fund a DoD-related office while Hawaiʻi remains under-reimbursed on impact aid; supporters responded that the office serves Hawaiʻi communities and helps prepare residents for federal jobs. The chair said she intended to recommend the bill pass with a HD1, a blank appropriation to be filled in the committee report, technical amendments, a defective effective date, and updated office title language. HB 2263 would expand Hawaiʻi family leave law to cover qualifying military exigencies. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, DBEDT’s military relations office, and the Hawaii National Guard supported the measure, saying military families often face short-notice deployments, relocations, briefings, and urgent family arrangements that require time away from work, and that aligning state law with federal standards would provide clarity and consistency. The chair said she would recommend passage with a HD1, a defective effective date, and technical amendments. HB 2291 would clarify that certain National Guard Youth and Educational Programs employees are excluded from collective bargaining, rename the program, and codify its Hawaiian name. The Hawaii National Guard said it was a housekeeping bill with no appropriation, but requested an amendment to align the bill with updated authorities and program references; the chair asked for proposed language before the later decision-making. She said she would recommend passage with a defective date and the requested amendment if provided, and then recessed the hearing until 11:30 a.m. for decision-making on all three bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• And are our statutes strong enough to take care of that?
• The next change, still under subsection 02 or 03, is paragraph E.
• The second handout is labeled 370312-02.
• It's going to be in statute. Frankly, I think we should test drive this.
• It's going to be in statute. Frankly, I think we should test drive this.

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Transcript Highlights:

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• 01:02:48.039><c> to</c><01:02:48.240><c> a</c><01:02:48.400><c> 2:</c><01:02:48.839><c> one</c><01:02

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs met on March 12, 2025, and heard testimony on several election-related and governance measures. On SB 176, relating to recounts, the Office of Elections supported clarifying that recount triggers should be based on the final Election Day report rather than the 6:00 a.m. next-day report, citing a 2022 recount example. The chair noted 3 testimonies in support, 42 in opposition, and 1 comment. On SB 1337, relating to the Stadium Authority, the authority supported changing quorum rules so only voting members count, explaining that the current interpretation makes it difficult to conduct business; written testimony from DBEDT was also received. On SB 289, relating to ethics administrative fines, the Ethics Commission supported uniform procedures to resolve uncontested enforcement matters more quickly while preserving due process; written support was also noted. The committee then heard SB 311, a proposed constitutional amendment on freedom of speech and money in elections. Supporters, including Community Alliance on Prisons, Our Revolution Hawaii, Pride at Work Hawaii, Common Cause Hawaii, and others, argued that money in politics distorts democracy and that the amendment would help prevent wealthy interests from buying influence. Opponents, including the Hawaii Christian Coalition and individual testifiers, argued that changing the constitution was too serious, that the proposal should be handled by ordinary legislation instead, and that the measure could create legal conflict. Deputy Attorney General Candace Park said the bill would only matter if key federal cases such as Buckley and Citizens United were overturned, and the chair thanked her for the legal input. The committee also heard SB 780, relating to election ballot disqualification, which would exclude candidates disqualified by constitutional or statutory provisions and create procedures for challenges. Opposition testimony said the bill would undermine voter choice, burden courts and election officials, and invite misuse; the Hawaii Christian Coalition echoed those concerns. Members raised questions about whether the measure would apply only to state and county offices, and the Attorney General’s office said it would follow up. Finally, on SB 1030, relating to election intimidation, supporters said firearms should not be brought near polling places or ballot drop boxes, while opponents argued the bill was unnecessary and could affect lawful possession; the committee received 12 testimonies, with 39 in support. The committee then began SB 1225, a proposed constitutional amendment changing the vote threshold for legislative amendments to a majority of votes tallied, excluding blanks, spoiled ballots, and overvotes; testimony in support was heard from the LGBTQ+ Commission and others, and the discussion was still underway when the excerpt ended.