Transcript Highlights:

• Environmental remediation and law enforcement.
• Our organization supports the enhanced enforcement, environmental, and other requirements for hemp, and
• I'm part of the executive team at Youth Forward, and I'm here on behalf of 98 youth and environmental
• I'm here today to urge you to prioritize funding... ...of 98 youth and environmental organizations.
• We also need funds for environmental repair.

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of bills, with most measures drawing support from industry, professional, local government, and advocacy witnesses, and several receiving committee amendments before moving forward. AB 8 on hemp and cannabis drew the most extensive debate: supporters said it would close loopholes around intoxicating hemp products, strengthen enforcement, and bring THC products into the regulated cannabis supply chain; opponents, including small cannabis farmers and environmental groups, warned it could undermine Proposition 64’s closed-loop system, harm California cultivators, and reduce tax revenues for youth, environmental, and law enforcement programs. The author said the bill was intended to protect consumers and children and to work further with stakeholders. AB 476 on copper theft was presented as a public safety and infrastructure bill to tighten reporting, documentation, and penalties for scrap metal theft; supporters from cities, utilities, broadband, and recycling-related groups described major losses and outages from copper theft, and the remaining opposition moved to neutral after amendments, with the bill advancing with committee support. The committee also heard AB 985, which would allow nationally certified anesthesiologist assistants to practice under direct supervision of licensed anesthesiologists to address anesthesia workforce shortages. Supporters, including the California Society of Anesthesiologists, medical groups, students, and patients, said it would expand access and bring California in line with other states; nurse anesthesiology groups expressed concerns and sought further clarification, but there was no formal opposition at the hearing. AB 506, aimed at online pet sales, would void contracts that fail to disclose an animal’s origin or veterinary records or that require non-refundable deposits; animal welfare groups said it would curb puppy mill pipelines and deceptive online sales, and there was no opposition. AB 876, on certified registered nurse anesthetists, generated the sharpest health care policy dispute: supporters said it would codify existing practice and clarify CRNA duties, while physicians and medical associations argued it would expand scope too far and reduce patient safety. After a roll call, AB 876 passed the committee 9-0, as amended, to Appropriations. Other bills advanced with broad support after amendments. AB 432, the Menopause Equity Act, would require continuing medical education on menopause-related care for certain physicians; the author and medical experts said the bill addresses widespread gaps in menopause treatment and research, while CMA and ACOG opposed the mandate as an inappropriate CME requirement, though they agreed the underlying problem is real. The bill passed on call, as amended, to Health. AB 759 would allow eligible architectural candidates to use the title “architect in training” to encourage completion of licensure and improve diversity in the profession; it passed unanimously, as amended, to Appropriations. AB 967 would create an optional expedited licensure fee for out-of-state physicians to reduce delays in bringing doctors into California’s workforce; supporters said it would help address shortages and improve patient access, and the bill was presented with support from medical stakeholders.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, bonded program.
• Um, we have a, actually a whole bond website that you can go to and see what our bond, who owns our bonds
• We buy a lot of school bonds, water system loans.
• Um, has the downgrading of New Mexico's bond rating affected NMFA's bond rating in any way?
• rating on state bonding rating.

Committee: House New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• are capital maintenance programs in place capital maintenance programs in place for, uh, when, uh, bonding
• requires to have a maintenance uh capital maintenance plan for projects that are uh come through bonding
• And so this uh plan what it will do is it will, on the information provided from uh cities on bonding
• </c><00:10:13.680><c> And</c> bringing forward a bonding request.
• And bringing forward a bonding request.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 2418 from Representative Tabke, a policy bill focused on requiring local governments seeking state bonding support to show whether they have a capital maintenance or preservation plan for the project. The bill was described as a continuation of work with Chair Lee and others to ensure that when the state invests in local capital projects, the local jurisdiction has a plan to maintain the asset over time rather than returning later for additional state funding. Representative Tabke emphasized that the proposal is not intended to block projects, but to provide information to the capital investment process and encourage responsible long-term planning. Members asked several questions about how the requirement would work in practice, including whether a “no” answer on the maintenance-plan checkbox would disqualify projects, how the rule would apply to small communities, and whether major infrastructure such as wastewater or sewer projects would be exempt. Tabke clarified that the intent is informational and that projects without a maintenance plan should raise concerns, but that the proposal would not apply to major utility projects with separate funding mechanisms. He also explained that the earlier draft had been simplified after input from MMB, and that the adopted DE4 amendment adds the requirement through section 16A.86 for political subdivisions submitting bonding requests. Chair Lee and other members supported the concept as a way to ensure state-funded assets are maintained locally and not repeatedly returned to the state for repairs decades later. One member requested clarifying language to make sure the bill does not apply to water treatment or sewer projects, and Tabke agreed that such language could be added. Tabke said the language had been developed with stakeholders including the League of Minnesota Cities, Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, and small cities, and that they had agreed on the approach. The committee adopted the DE4 amendment and then laid House File 2418 over for possible future consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• sustained investments in LNG, including the conversions of our Orca-class vessels, now among the most environmentally
• They supported major environmental gains, enabled the development of critical fueling infrastructure
• The 2025 JLARC report notes that environmental targets were not fully met due to slower adoption across
• Expanding clean fuel infrastructure will not only help Washington meet its environmental goals, but also

Committee: Joint Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences

Summary: The Citizens Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences met on September 22, 2025, confirmed a quorum, and unanimously approved the August 6, 2025 meeting minutes. The main business of the meeting was public testimony on the 2025 tax preference reviews, with Commissioner Forsyth recusing himself for the first witness, Joey Halverson of Tote Maritime Alaska, who testified in support of the tax preference for natural gas as a transportation fuel. He argued that LNG has enabled major emissions reductions, supported infrastructure at the Port of Tacoma, and should continue to receive tax preferences to encourage further clean maritime fuel adoption. The second witness, Michelle Preston of Habitat for Humanity of Washington State, testified in support of the tax preference for low-income homeownership developers. She said the preference helps Habitat affiliates advance homeownership and sustain operations, but noted that reporting has been inconsistent across independent affiliates and that JLARC’s metrics may not fully capture the program’s benefits. Commissioners asked questions about affiliate accounting, the distinction between benefits to nonprofits versus homebuyers, and whether the reporting/renewal period should be shorter than the current seven years; Preston said the preference benefits the nonprofit developer, not the homebuyer, and suggested shorter renewal periods might improve compliance and awareness. JLARC staff then outlined the process for the commission’s upcoming comments on the 2025 tax preference reviews. Commissioners will receive a web-based comment form, with responses due September 30, the chair will compile consolidated comments, and those materials will be distributed for the October 21, 2025 meeting. The chair noted that only voting members will complete the comment forms, though individual members may also submit minority reports. The meeting ended with a reminder that written testimony could still be submitted to JLARC and that the next commission meeting is scheduled for October 21, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you get to 60%, you get to 51%, you can go out and bond.
• If you get to 60%, you get to 51%, you can go out and bond.
• They would not be able to bond.
• people that are in that district have every right to say no to a bond.
• virtually identical in the last five bond elections.

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And of those state funds, $1 million would be bonds and $500,000 would be restricted funds.
• </c> was federal and 1 million was in bond was federal and 1 million was in bond funds.
• We have one new bond issue report to present for the committee's approval.
• The bonds are a liability transaction.
• Uh they were sold 27 Corporation bonds.

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:49 Approval of Minutes 01:05 Information Items 02:39 Project Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 23:40 Lease Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 26:30 OFM Rpt – KY Infrastructure Authority 36:07 OFM Rpt – Econ Dev Cabinet 43:40 Office of Financial Mgmt 50:18 Remaining 2025 Mtg Dates 50:50 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including approval of the June meeting minutes and receipt of several correspondence and information reports. Those reports covered quarterly capital project status updates from state agencies and postsecondary institutions, lease modifications, asset preservation projects, school district debt issuances, and Kentucky Communications Network Authority budget history materials. Members also raised questions about a long-open stream mitigation account and were told the funds are fee-in-lieu stream mitigation monies administered through Fish and Wildlife, with staff promising to follow up on the specific project. The committee then reviewed and approved several capital project actions. These included a new Camp Oralis dining hall project for the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, explained as a reauthorization because the funding split changed to 64% federal and 36% agency funds; an appropriation increase for the Shelbyville armory addition due to higher construction costs and security requirements; and emergency repair projects for Fort Boonesboro flood remediation and the Kentucky State Police Supply Branch fire damage. Members also approved a tenant improvement fund request for parking garage safety improvements at the Mayo Underwood Building. The Office of Financial Management presented three Kentucky Infrastructure Authority items and one Cleaner Water Program reallocation. The loans included a Shepherdsville sewer/drainage project and two Auburn water and lead service line projects; the grant reallocation involved unused Cleaner Water Program funds, with staff emphasizing that all ARPA-funded cleaner water dollars must be spent by December 31, 2026 or returned. After discussion, the committee approved the package. The committee also approved six Economic Development Fund grants, and the Cabinet for Economic Development began presenting the first six KPDI projects, though the transcript cuts off before those project details were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• We take out what's called lease revenue bonds, which are bonds that are repaid with the student rental
• Which are bonds that are repaid with the student rental rates.
• The last time we got a GEO bond was 2006.
• And then when it comes time for us to issue a bond, we projects.
• The last time we got a geo bond was 2006.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance held an extended hearing focused primarily on University of California budget issues, enrollment, housing, and Title IX. Chair David Alvarez opened by noting the governor’s proposed 8% ongoing General Fund reduction to UC, the deferral of compact funding, and the College of the Law budget item, while emphasizing that no votes would be taken that day. Public commenters, including UC Davis employees and lecturers, urged restoration of UC funding and opposed the hiring freeze, saying cuts would worsen staffing shortages, reduce research capacity, and harm students and patients. On UC core operations, the Department of Finance said the governor’s budget maintains the compact but defers $240.8 million in ongoing support and continues a planned 7.95% reduction, while the LAO recommended rejecting the deferrals and instead making any changes in the budget year. UC San Diego’s chancellor and UC Office of the President argued the cuts and deferrals would create major campus shortfalls, force hiring freezes, larger class sizes, fewer course offerings, delayed projects, and possible layoffs. Committee members questioned whether cuts could be shifted away from students and toward administration, discussed UCOP reserves and bond debt, and noted that UC’s budget structure makes the campus-level impact larger than the headline reduction. The committee also reviewed enrollment trends and nonresident replacement. The LAO said UC resident enrollment has grown and recommended revisiting 2026-27 targets and pausing the nonresident replacement plan if state funding does not improve. UC said it has exceeded California undergraduate enrollment and nonresident replacement goals, but warned that continued growth without funding would force enrollment reductions and harm quality. Members discussed the role of nonresident and international students, tuition rates, and the value of UC as a pathway for California students and a source of talent for the state. A separate housing item covered the state’s Higher Education Student Housing Grant Program. UC reported that recent bond savings could support additional affordable beds at UC Davis and UC Santa Barbara, but the LAO and Finance noted the Legislature would need to decide how to use the $6.2 million in savings from the original projects. The committee also heard a Title IX update from UC’s systemwide civil rights office, which described campus Title IX structures, training, and policy enforcement, and said the system has been working to improve confidentiality guidance and streamline complaint processes after survey feedback showed confusion and lengthy procedures.

Transcript Highlights:

• They went through phase one, which was a period of looking at zones, going through all the environmental
• Of looking at zones, which zone to pick, going through all the environmental impacts, and they've picked
• That project alone took over 25 years to get the environmental impact statement approved and the permits
• assessments, and environmental impact statements.
• So specifically on the environmental assessments or environmental impact statements, generally, what

Summary: The House Transportation Committee heard and advanced a wide range of transportation, public safety, and local infrastructure measures. Several bills dealt with port and commission appointments or authority, including SB 420 adding Vermilion and Iberia Parish representation to the Lafayette Metropolitan Expressway Commission, SB 69 aligning appointments to the South Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission with redistricting, SB 438 increasing per diem for the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, and SB 170 adding qualification and Senate confirmation requirements for Caddo-Bossier Port Commission members. The committee also approved SB 449 to give the New Orleans Public Belt more flexibility in procuring specialized materials, and SB 115 to allow DOTD to assume certain federal NEPA responsibilities to speed project delivery, with testimony emphasizing long permitting delays and the need for faster project completion. Members also advanced multiple safety and enforcement measures. SB 40 expanded move-over protections for emergency and disabled vehicles, SB 55 clarified proper seat belt use, SB 278 required ignition interlock devices for DUI-related license reinstatement, SB 489 authorized third-party verification of insurance coverage through license plate inquiries, and SB 133 updated commercial vehicle parking and autonomous vehicle oversight provisions. SB 151 would flag OMV records for people who owe DNA samples tied to CODIS matches or qualifying arrests/convictions, and SB 48 would create Louisiana-Ireland driver’s license reciprocity. Most of these bills were reported favorably after brief testimony, with support from law enforcement, AAA, OMV, and other stakeholders. The committee also considered several local resolutions and infrastructure studies. Rep. Dickerson’s resolutions on widening Highway 16, studying turn lanes on Highway 1024, and constructing a roundabout on Highway 1019 were all reported favorably. HCR 53 created a study committee on oversized vehicle permits with DOTD participation, HCR 60 asked DOTD to study I-12 and I-55 corridor improvements, and HR/HCR 170 and 68 sought federal funding to remove four closed bridges on US 90 in St. Tammany Parish. HR 191, as amended, requested a DOTD study of mountable median curbs on Range Avenue in Denham Springs. HB 762, amended to make certain OMV debt referrals permissive rather than mandatory, was reported favorably over some concern about debt collection impacts. HB 714, which would have addressed abandoned railroad lines, drew extensive debate over federal preemption, blight definitions, and whether a new commission was needed; the author ultimately moved to defer it, and the committee agreed. SB 330 on school-zone automated speed enforcement markings was amended to grandfather existing compliant pavement markings and rejected an amendment that would have exempted several cities from the law. The committee adjourned after reporting the remaining measures favorably and recognizing a departing staff member.

Transcript Highlights:

• I joke with my staff, when I send a permit mod out to the EPA or the Idaho Department of Environmental
• There's the Office of Environmental Management.
• And since that time, we've met 99% of our cleanup goals through the Office of Environmental Management
• And streamline environmental reviews.
• And if there are some impacts, then it goes up to environmental assessment or EIS.

Summary: The meeting was an extended briefing from Idaho National Laboratory officials on the lab’s mission, its role in nuclear energy research, and the federal push to accelerate advanced reactor deployment. Speakers described INL’s size and capabilities, including test reactors, fuel and materials facilities, cybersecurity and critical infrastructure work, and partnerships with DOE, the NRC, the Department of Defense, and private companies. They emphasized that the lab is supporting both commercial nuclear development and national security work, while also training a large intern workforce. A major theme was the current federal effort to streamline nuclear regulation and speed up licensing and demonstration. The speakers said recent executive orders and DOE/NRC coordination are reducing redundant requirements, shortening environmental review timelines, and aiming for three new nuclear systems to reach criticality by July 4, 2026. They argued that regulatory uncertainty has been a major driver of nuclear cost and that the administration’s actions, along with DOE’s pilot and demonstration programs, are intended to rebuild the domestic supply chain and industrial base. The discussion also focused on advanced reactor types, including small modular reactors, microreactors, molten salt concepts, and liquid-metal designs. Officials said these technologies are being developed for data centers, military bases, remote communities, industrial heat, hydrogen production, and other nontraditional uses. They highlighted several projects and companies, including Oklo, Aalo, Radiant, X-energy, TerraPower, Kairos, and DOE’s MARVEL and Project Pele efforts, and said some reactors are expected to reach criticality or operation in the next few years. Questions from attendees covered safety, public health impacts, materials and heat management, waste or used fuel handling, costs, and whether nuclear could remain competitive against other energy sources; the speakers responded that advanced reactors are designed with passive safety features, that used fuel should be viewed as a resource, and that cost remains highly design- and supply-chain-dependent.

Transcript Highlights:

• Along with this process, we also submitted an environmental assessment worksheet to the Environmental
• Quality Board for their environmental review process, public outreach, and public comment.
• It was ultimately determined that the project did not require an environmental impact statement.
• Quality Board for their environmental review process, public outreach and public comment.
• And it was ultimately determined that the project not require an environmental impact statement.

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, House Bill 697 by Chairman Guyman recreates the Department of Environmental Quality.
• samples, water, air, to make sure that our air and water quality maintains compliance with those environmental
• We also participate at DEQ in a large amount of environmental education.
• and speak at conferences and other events to educate local government facilities on permitting, environmental
• assistance program, which helps, again, those smaller businesses that can't afford a full-time environmental

Summary: The committee first adopted the 2025 minutes, then took up House Bill 727, which would allow burning untreated, unpainted dimensional lumber such as two-by-fours. The bill was presented as a narrow exemption to existing restrictions on burning construction debris, and it was reported favorable without objection. Members then heard from DEQ Secretary Courtney Burdett on House Bill 697, the department’s sunset/recreation bill. She outlined DEQ’s work on permit modernization, interagency coordination, field inspections, spill response, criminal investigations, environmental education, and small business assistance. Members raised issues including a large waste-tire site, an oil spill response, and a stormwater discharge issue at Smitties. The committee praised DEQ’s responsiveness and reported the bill favorable without objection. House Bill 758, dealing with DEQ fees, was then considered. The bill and amendment package would update and increase various permit and program fees, add annual or biennial CPI-based adjustments, and remove outdated provisions, with the stated goal of aligning revenues with expenditures and reducing reliance on the state general fund. Several industry and landowner groups supported the measure, and the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorable. The committee also advanced House Bill 726, which increases penalties for abandoning vessels and related gross littering. Members discussed how abandoned boats are identified, owner notice procedures, registration versus title issues, hurricane-related losses, and protections for older or distressed owners. Wildlife and Fisheries said the bill targets intentional dumping and that existing law allows case-by-case discretion for true hardship situations. The bill was reported favorable. House Bill 756, concerning personal watercraft, was also reported favorable after testimony that it would require reasonable suspicion for vessel stops, align state rules more closely with federal boating safety standards, and update provisions on accident reporting and inflatable PFDs. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 767, which creates recreational alligator hunting license and lottery fees contingent on separate legislation authorizing the season. Supporters said the measure would help create a recreational opportunity while generating conservation funding, but landowners and commercial harvesters warned the fee may be too low, the proposal may be moving too quickly, and recreational harvest could affect commercial operations and landowner interests. After extensive discussion, the committee adopted an amendment and reported the bill favorable. House Bill 964, authorizing a state property transfer in Caddo Parish, was also reported favorable, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Very worried about the vagaries of the bond market, especially if you would have to issue multiple bonds
• Bonds carry high interest rates and are repaid by policyholders.
• The bill does away with bond debt as a tool in TWIA's toolbox.
• of those bonds is over a 10-year period.
• use the proceeds from the bonds to pay off the line of credit.

Bills: HB778 , HB 1266 , HB1576 , HB2213 , HB2517 , HB2518 , HB2841 , HB3306 , HB3320 , HB3388 , HB3508 , HB3520 , HB3689

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: credentialing, healthcare, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, managed care, hurricane, windstorm, loss mitigation, grants, insurance discounts, property retrofitting, insurance, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, board composition, coastal counties, property insurance, taxation, Texas FAIR Plan Association, premium taxes, maintenance taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• During fiscal year 2024, it issued nine series of bonds and notes totaling nearly $153 million.
• and outstanding obligations, would be moved under the BFA, which would be given authority to issue bonds
• During fiscal year 2024, it issued nine series of bonds and notes totaling nearly $153 million.
• and outstanding obligations, would be moved under the BFA, which would be given authority to issue bonds
• for hea uh authority to issue bonds for hea uh currently<00:05:25.639><c> providing</c><00:05:26.600

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The state is providing ongoing funding to support debt service on CSU-issued bonds.
• One option would be state general obligation bond funding for student housing construction.
• One option would be a state general obligation bond funding for student housing construction.
• At the moment, the university has been working with the Legislature on the bond.
• Including financial aid, bond debt service, and retirement fund contributions.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is funded in part by sale of state bonds which the RFA must pay back.
• It is funded in part by sale of state bonds which the RFA must pay back.
• You have given us funding in the past in previous bonding bills through GO bonds and cash.
• You have given us funding in the past in previous bonding bills through GO bonds and cash.
• 47.919><c> for</c><00:28:48.159><c> additional</c> the bonding committee for additional the bonding committee

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:09:44.960><c> and</c> county capital improvement bonding and county capital improvement bonding
• ><c> care</c><01:09:46.880><c> nonprofit</c> housing bonds and healthc care nonprofit housing bonds and
• , general obligation bonds issued by counties.
• ,</c><01:10:33.280><c> general</c> of um a uh uh of bonds, general of um a uh uh of bonds, general obligation
• There would be a bond allocation bill as a matter of fact.

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Even as the state increases its contribution, we continue to see ISDs pass bonds that drive the local
• families continue to want to have more CTE programs available, and so much so that during the last bond
• but we hope that the state could meet some of those needs so that we don't have to rely solely on bonds
• purpose district that operates completely on federal property, we cannot levy taxes or go out for bonds
• But when you have that one entity that you're kind of weighing on, especially when you go off for bond

Committee: House Public Education

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a CID would have to wrap up after 40 years, but it would also have to wrap up five years after the bonds
• If there are existing bonds after the five-year period, then these CIDs would dissolve one year after
• the last bond is paid.
• The main issue in the litigation is the interpretation of calculating outstanding bonds, contractual
• That being said, it's bonded indebtedness, contractual obligations, and other indebtedness—that's the

Committee: House Revenue and Taxation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that the language should be crystal clear that that update should be driven by the Massachusetts Environmental
• Policy Act, because I believe... ...that that update should be driven by the Massachusetts Environmental
• I'm an environmental consultant, and I work closely with an environmental toxicologist.
• I'm an environmental consultant, and I work closely with an environmental toxicologist.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a hearing on several late-file bills and home rule petitions, with testimony focused mainly on coastal access and wildlife management, rodenticide restrictions, and a local land-use request. Rep. Scarsdale testified for H.5113, which would name an accessible trail in Groton’s J. Harry Rich State Forest the Marion Stoddard River Walk in honor of the activist who helped restore the Nashua River. Groton Trails Committee chair Paul Fung also supported the bill, describing the trail, educational signs, and DCR’s involvement. Rep. Sweezey presented a package of Duxbury Beach bills—H.5141, H.5140, and H.5139—intended to align state shorebird protections more closely with federal standards, create parity in beach management tools, and require periodic review of outdated recreational-use guidelines; he said the bills were developed with local and agency input and aimed to balance conservation with beach access. A large portion of the hearing concerned local petitions to restrict second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides and other pesticides. Supporters from Mass Audubon, Sierra Club, Animal Defenders International, wildlife rehabilitation groups, and residents from towns including Grafton, Billerica, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Eastham, and Truro argued that these poisons harm raptors and other non-target wildlife through secondary poisoning, persist in the environment, and are increasingly ineffective. Several speakers said local town meetings had approved the restrictions and urged favorable reports on the petitions. Opponents, including a representative of the New England Pest Management Association, argued that regulation should remain at the state level under MDAR to avoid a patchwork of local rules and noted that the agency was already reviewing rodenticide regulations. Committee members asked questions about agency consultation, the relationship between state and federal bird listings, and how local beach rules would work in practice. The committee also heard testimony on H.4700 and related local pesticide-reduction petitions for Eastham and Truro, with witnesses describing groundwater concerns, pesticide drift, and wildlife impacts. Finally, the committee took testimony on S.2961, a Dighton bill authorizing the use of a small portion of conservation land for public way purposes to replace the Pleasant Street Bridge and add pedestrian and bicycle accommodations; the witness said the affected area was limited and necessary for safety improvements. The hearing ended after testimony concluded, with the chair turning the gavel over and the committee adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• and fundamentally one of the things that’s in our statute is ADC was created for the economic, environmental
• and fundamentally one of the things that’s in our statute is ADC was created for the economic, environmental
• and fundamentally one of the things that’s in our statute is ADC was created for the economic, environmental
• ,</c><00:19:07.440><c> and</c><00:19:07.760><c> social</c> the economic, environmental, and social the
• economic, environmental, and social benefit<00:19:08.480><c> of</c><00:19:08.720><c> the</c><00:19:08.880

Bills: HB2045 , HB1703 , HB2461

Committee: House Culture & Arts

Keywords: La Hoihoi Ea, Sovereignty Restoration Day, state holiday, King Kamehameha III, Hawaiian history, self-determination, land use, rodeo, agricultural activities, ranching, paniolo culture, public art, cultural preservation, community identity, funding, art management, 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Culture and the Arts met on February 13 and heard testimony on HB 2045, which would designate La Hoʻihoʻi Ea Sovereignty Restoration Day as a state holiday in place of Statehood Day. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, including from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Naviʻoliʻoli Newi Foundation, and many individuals and students. Supporters said the bill would better reflect Hawaiian history, sovereignty, and self-determination, while a few agencies submitted comments. The committee recessed to allow more students to arrive and testify. After reconvening, additional student testimony continued in strong support of HB 2045. Students said the change would honor Native Hawaiian history and culture, recognize Hawaii as a sovereign nation, and provide a more historically grounded observance. Members thanked the students for traveling to testify and for sharing their perspectives. The committee then voted to pass HB 2045 with one amendment to defect the date; the motion passed unanimously with the chair, vice chair, and members voting aye, and one member excused. The committee also heard HB 1703 HD1, which authorizes rodeos and rodeo activities on lands zoned for agriculture or pastoral use. Testimony in support came from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Agribusiness Development Corporation, and the Iron Workers Stabilization Fund, with comments from the Hawaii Food and Policy group. Supporters described rodeos as cultural and social events that could boost local economies, create jobs, and provide youth and community engagement. The committee passed HB 1703 HD1 with technical amendments. Finally, the committee considered HB 2461, which would increase the ceiling for the works of art special fund and appropriate funds for preservation of the state’s public art collection and a collections manager position. After discussion, the chair said the measure would not move forward this year and recommended deferral; the committee deferred the bill and adjourned.