Transcript Highlights:

• Uh<00:12:05.880> in<00:12:06.080> their<00:12:06.240> ordinance,<00:12:06.600>
• 12:08.520> uh<00:12:08.560> or<00:12:08.680> they<00:12:08.800> have<00:12
• <00:12:11.800> Speaker,<00:12:12.040> I'd<00:12:12.120> like<00:12:12.240>
• > bill,<00:12:50.440> we<00:12:50.560> don't<00:12:50.839> really<00:12:51.080
• <00:12:55.720> And<00:12:55.839> this<00:12:56.040> bill<00:12:56.200> just

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, April 3, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 113 members present and took up House Bill 774, a local enabling bill on residential landlord-tenant good-cause termination and eviction standards. The sponsor and floor leader described the bill as intended to create stability for families and communities by limiting nonrenewal of leases without good cause, while emphasizing that it would only take effect if adopted by local counties. The bill’s stated good-cause grounds include repeated late rent payment, lease violations, and other specified reasons. Several amendments were offered and debated. One amendment sought to require tenants to keep paying rent, late fees, and other lease obligations during any legal challenge to a nonrenewal; the floor leader argued this was redundant because existing law already requires payment during holdover proceedings, and the House rejected the amendment by roll call, 79 in the negative. Another amendment added a good-cause ground where housing is tied to employment on the property and the employment ends; the floor leader accepted it as a friendly amendment, and it was adopted. A further amendment exempted short-term rentals such as VRBOs from the bill; it was also accepted as friendly and adopted. The House then rejected another amendment that would have changed the late-rent good-cause standard from four notices in a 12-month period to three. The sponsor argued the change would reduce the time and financial burden on small landlords, while the floor leader responded that the bill did not alter existing eviction timelines for nonpayment and that the current four-instance standard was appropriate. Finally, an amendment to extend access to the state’s eviction counsel fund to low-income landlords was offered, with the sponsor arguing for fairness to small property owners; the floor leader opposed it, saying the fund was created to represent low-income tenants and that most landlords are already represented. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on that amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We want to<00:12:12.280> preserve<00:12:12.920> the<00:12:13.080> heating<00:12:
• :14.400> that<00:12:14.640> is<00:12:14.760> the<00:12:14.840> most<00:12
• We believe<00:12:20.720> it<00:12:20.800> will<00:12:20.920> be<00:12:21.040>
• We<00:12:22.640> we've<00:12:23.160> we've<00:12:23.600> indicated<00:12:24.040>
• > upon<00:12:28.960> what<00:12:29.080> Congress<00:12:29.440> does<00:12

Bills: SB8

Keywords: utilities, public service commission, energy regulation, appointment, emergency declaration, tax increases, consumer protection, The first couple minutes of the livestream was cut off. This recording restored the beginning of the meeting Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:51 Approval of Minutes 00:02:07 Legislator Comments 00:02:18 LIHEAP Public Hearing 00:04:19 PSC Update on RS 26 SB 8 00:32:18 WaterStep Presentation 01:04:08, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.839> the<00:12:00.960> intent<00:12:01.360> is<00:12:01.480> to<00:12
• This<00:12:21.080> bill<00:12:21.400> only<00:12:21.680> applies<00:12:22.400>
• This<00:12:24.520> bill<00:12:24.760> also<00:12:25.080> creates<00:12:25.839>
• <00:12:32.400> This<00:12:32.600> bill<00:12:32.760> is<00:12:32.839> not
• It's<00:12:36.600> designed<00:12:37.040> to<00:12:37.120> deter<00:12:37.720>

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:12:25.440> the<00:12:25.680> health<00:12:25.920> impacts<00:12:26.639>
• Riverside conducted<00:12:33.839> a<00:12:34.000> study<00:12:34.160> on<00:12:
• <00:12:37.839> found<00:12:38.079> that<00:12:38.720> users<00:12:39.040>
• <00:12:46.639> And<00:12:46.880> last<00:12:47.120> but<00:12:47.360> not
• a<00:12:57.360> law<00:12:57.600> ending<00:12:57.920> the<00:12:58.079>

Bills: HB1924, HB2121, HB1928, HB1979, HB1650, HB1543, HB1981, HB1982

Keywords: mattress recycling, waste management, producer responsibility, environmental health, steafardship program, electronic cigarettes, disposable devices, environmental protection, plastic pollution, lithium batteries, pollution control, public health, deposit beverage container, bottle bill, container deposit law, container redemption, recycling refund, extended producer responsibility, EPR, deposit return system

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to waste, recycling, and environmental review. On HB 1924, which would establish a mattress stewardship program, the Department of Health said it stood on written testimony and offered comments, while Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition and one individual supported the bill and the International Sleep Products Association opposed it. No questions were raised and the committee moved on. A large portion of the hearing focused on HB 2121, which would prohibit the sale of disposable vapes in Hawaii. The Department of Health supported the measure but suggested the bill may be better placed in a different part of state law because the cited waste-management section regulates products after consumption, while still praising the effort to remove disposable vapes from the market and environment. Testimony in strong support came from the Coalition for Tobacco Free Hawaii Youth Council, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii COPD Coalition, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center, the City and County of Honolulu, and many individuals; supporters emphasized youth vaping, toxic waste, lithium battery fire risks, and environmental harm. There was at least one opposing individual and the International Sleep Products Association was listed in opposition. The committee noted there were many written testimonies and no immediate vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 1928 on the deposit beverage container recycling program. The Department of Health stood on written testimony. The Solid Waste Task Force of Hawaii Environmental Change Agents and Upstream supported the bill but urged amendments to better integrate reuse and reusables, strengthen enforcement, clarify definitions, and protect existing redemption centers. The Hawaii Food Industry Association supported the concept of a backdrop program but preferred strengthening the existing program and raised concerns about undefined fees, existing infrastructure, and future audit costs. The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii supported the bill, and the chair said the measure needs work and that decision-making would occur in a few days. Finally, the committee took up HB 979 on environmental review and HB 1650 on environmental assessments. For HB 979, OPSD offered amendments, HCDA supported the bill but suggested clarifying the affordable-housing definition, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative supported it, and Earthjustice was asked about the court process for environmental challenges; the chair asked about shortening the challenge period and the relationship between environmental court, the intermediate court of appeals, and the Supreme Court. For HB 1650, OPSD and the State Historic Preservation Division stood on written testimony, OHA asked to retain historic sites, and several groups and individuals testified in support or opposition. Opponents argued that removing Wiki special district and historic sites from Chapter 343 trigger language would weaken environmental review and risk impacts to iwi kūpuna and historic resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• > that<00:12:19.279> was<00:12:19.440> done<00:12:19.600> last<00:12:20.040>
• I'd be happy<00:12:21.519> to<00:12:21.680> take<00:12:21.839> any<00:12:22.000>
• <00:12:25.279> Move<00:12:25.600> to<00:12:25.760> approve.
• <00:12:30.160> Thank<00:12:30.320> you,<00:12:30.480> Chair.
• Do you believe<00:12:31.600> that<00:12:31.920> this<00:12:32.240> will<00:12:32.480

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Capital Project Overview Committee approved the February 24 minutes and then voted to confirm Senator Mark Maki as vice chair. The committee next took up DAS request CAP 25004, which sought permission to use the remaining $713,667 from a $7 million appropriation for the purchase of 25 Hall Street to address deficiencies identified in an engineering study. DAS explained the building was bought for $6.25 million after the study revealed issues, and the funds would be used first for the most urgent repairs, especially the roof. In response to questions, DAS said the roof estimate was about $560,000, with other estimated needs including a skylight at $288,000, plumbing at $59,000, HVAC at $325,000, and electrical work at $547,000; the committee approved the request. The committee then considered CAP 25005, another DAS request to transfer $221,632 from five completed capital projects to the Hillsborough County South cell block renovation project. DAS said the project had been identified years earlier, had only recently entered design, and now appeared likely to cost more than the original appropriation because of inflation and delay. Senator Lang asked whether the transfer would be enough, and DAS responded that there was no final estimate yet but they hoped to engineer the project to fit the available funds. The committee approved the transfer. Later, the committee welcomed Senator Maki, who accepted the vice chair position. Under other business, members discussed a prior proposal in HB 2 that would have changed reporting from quarterly to annual; the committee was told the amendment had been made so that change would not go forward, and that the relevant section remained in HB 25 because it corrects capital budget language in multiple places. The committee set its next meeting for June 30 at 9:00 a.m. and requested that the Liquor Commission attend to discuss the 90/95 sale of property. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• :12:04.720> was<00:12:05.040> not<00:12:05.560> included<00:12:06.320> until<
• outlay<00:12:42.639> and<00:12:43.040> that<00:12:43.279> is<00:12:43.600> I<
• why<00:12:44.959> the<00:12:45.160> Senate<00:12:45.480> put<00:12:45.720><
• :12:48.720> as<00:12:48.880> opposed<00:12:49.240> to<00:12:49.560> having
• very<00:12:50.480> expensive<00:12:50.959> Bill<00:12:51.199> run<00:12:51.399><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee met on House Bill 637, which was described as a measure to make whole certain New Hampshire Retirement System retirees who were not included when Senate Bill 57 was incorporated into the 2023 budget. The chair and several members reviewed the bill’s legislative history and fiscal impact, citing estimates that the broader change would cost about $1.4 million to the state and $5.74 million to municipalities, with an actuarial liability increase of about $45 million. The chair argued that the omission of already-retired members was not an oversight but a policy choice made in the Senate, based on the bill’s prospective language and the budget process used in 2023. Testimony and discussion focused on whether the bill should be treated as a fairness correction or as an expensive policy expansion. Supporters, including retirees and representatives of employee groups, said the language was unclear, the fiscal note did not match the bill’s effect, and the change would unfairly leave out actual retirees who had expected the same treatment as active members. They also argued that the retirement system historically linked benefits to Social Security and that the bill would restore equity for those affected. Opponents emphasized the cost, the prospective nature of the original language, and the view that the Senate knowingly chose not to extend the change retroactively. After discussion, the chair moved to recommend the bill inexpedient to legislate, and the motion was seconded. Members then heard brief public comments after the motion was withdrawn and reintroduced because of the weather and the public’s travel. At the final vote, the subcommittee recommended inexpedient to legislate on a 3-2 vote, with the chair noting that the full committee would take up other bills at a later subcommittee hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:27.600> with<00:12:27.839> with<00:12:28.000> de<00:12:28.279> her
• <00:12:34.240> our<00:12:34.480> vacancy<00:12:34.920> rate<00:12:35.160>
• in total has<00:12:36.440> not<00:12:36.880> decreased<00:12:37.519> much<00:12
• <00:12:40.320> um<00:12:41.279> uh<00:12:41.560> but<00:12:42.079> uh
• > we<00:12:46.279> have<00:12:46.399> to<00:12:46.480> work<00:12:46.720>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Health, Human Services, and Labor and Technology committee heard testimony on SB 447, a Department of Health pilot program related to recruitment, and SB 1043, a tax measure. On SB 447, the Department of Health said the pilot had streamlined hiring by delaying minimum-qualification review until later in the process, while the Department of Human Resources Development objected that parts of the bill could conflict with civil service rules, due process rights, and equal pay requirements. Several labor and employee groups testified, with some supporting the pilot as a way to address vacancies and others warning about merit-system concerns. The committee later voted to pass SB 447 as is. On SB 1043, testimony was mixed but largely focused on the bill’s tax changes, especially the proposed increase to the general excise tax and exemptions or credits for lower-income households. Supporters, including labor groups and housing/worker advocates, argued the bill would reduce burdens on working families, help with food insecurity, and keep residents in Hawaiʻi. Opponents, including the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi and some community witnesses, said the general excise tax is regressive and would raise costs across the state. The committee voted to advance SB 1043 with substantial amendments, deleting most of the bill except section two and setting a far-future effective date, while noting the fiscal impact had not been provided. The committee also deferred SB 633 and later deferred SB 1633 for further decision-making, scheduling continued consideration for February 12, 2025, in Room 225. The hearing included standard instructions on one-minute testimony, written testimony, and Zoom procedures, and the committee adjourned after taking the above actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:12:05.440> exception<02:12:05.760> of<02:12:06.000> shore<02:12:06.320><
• So for<02:12:22.320> a<02:12:22.560> cruise<02:12:22.800> ship<02:12:22.960>
• to<02:12:23.119> come<02:12:23.280> into<02:12:23.599> port<02:12:24.079>
• 24.560> need<02:12:24.639> to<02:12:24.719> make<02:12:24.880> sure<02:12
• :26.880> does<02:12:27.040> some<02:12:27.199> of<02:12:27.280> it,<02:12

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2021, a transportation measure creating a framework for electric bicycle and micromobility regulation. The bill would define electric bicycle and electric micromobility device, set age and helmet rules, restrict class 3 e-bikes from sidewalks, allow limited sidewalk use for class 1 and 2 bikes, prohibit high-speed electric devices and certain nonconforming devices in specified locations, update county tax definitions, and change related terminology. Testimony was largely supportive from DOT, police, Honolulu officials, Hawaii Bicycling League, AAA Hawaii, the Hawaii State Teachers Association, and several individuals, while DCCA’s Insurance Division asked for clarity on whether insurance would be required. Committee discussion focused on safety, enforcement, and the fact that no insurance market currently exists for these e-bike classes; members also discussed the need to target bad actors rather than ordinary riders. The chair then proposed and the committee adopted amendments to HB 2021, including clarifying that road-legal, permitted, classified electric bicycles are not subject to insurance requirements at this time; allowing properly classified electric bicycles on sidewalks at 10 mph or less subject to county restrictions; barring high-speed electric devices and other nonconforming devices from public roadways; authorizing impoundment of non-road-legal or improperly registered devices; and requiring direct parental supervision for riders under 16 on class 2 or 3 e-bikes. The committee also made technical and effective-date changes. The recommendation to pass HB 2021 with amendments was adopted unanimously by the members present. The committee next took up HB 1641, a related transportation bill addressing high-speed electric devices. The chair explained that the measure would prohibit the sale, lease, rental, distribution, possession, or operation of high-speed electric devices and establish penalties, but the committee’s version would narrow the focus to devices covered by HB 2021. The amended bill would prohibit offering high-speed electric devices for lease or rent, require sellers to comply with the new regulatory framework, ban operation on bicycle lanes, highways, roadways, and streets, and set a civil penalty of $250 to $1,000 per violation. After no further questions, the committee voted to pass HB 1641 with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted. The meeting then moved to HB 1709, which would transfer regulation of the Hawaii Water Carrier Act from the Public Utilities Commission to the Department of Transportation and make conforming changes with an appropriation. DOT testified in support, while the PUC and DCCA’s Consumer Advocacy Division raised concerns about preserving consumer protections and the complexity of moving the regulatory framework. Young Brothers supported the bill and said the current system is outdated, but the discussion remained ongoing; the transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 1709 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh,<00:12:04.200> thank<00:12:04.440> you,<00:12:04.520> Madam<00:12:04.840>
• <00:12:25.960> Uh<00:12:26.240> and<00:12:26.440> I<00:12:26.520> know
• I<00:12:29.520> know<00:12:29.680> that<00:12:29.840> it's<00:12:30.040>
• <00:12:31.800> So,<00:12:32.080> I<00:12:32.560> I<00:12:32.720> live
• Um but I I think<00:12:37.520> uh<00:12:37.880> there's<00:12:38.200> one<00:12:

Keywords: 00:00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call 00:01:10 Discussion of 25RS HB 414 00:44:26 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 414 00:50:25 Discussion of 25RS SB 27 00:53:44 Roll Call Vote on 25RS SB 27 00:55:49 Discussion of 25RS SB 93 00:57:57 Roll Call Vote on 25RS SB 93 00:59:29 Discussion of 25RS SB 132 01:37:39 Roll Call Vote on 25RS SB 132 01:40:55 Discussion of 25RS SB 153 01:42:05 Roll Call Vote on 25RS SB 153 01:43:46 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Health Services Committee met with a quorum and took up House Bill 414 with a committee substitute. The bill, described by sponsors and supporters as a continuation of prior maternal-health legislation, was framed as a clarification of medical standards and an effort to improve care for women and families facing complicated pregnancies. Representative Tate, Representative Nemes, Adair Wushar of Kentucky Right to Life, and Dr. Jeff Goldberg of ACOG Kentucky all testified in support, saying the substitute was developed collaboratively to reduce confusion in the law and help physicians provide evidence-based care without fear of criminal penalties. Supporters said the committee substitute was intended to define what is not an abortion under Kentucky law and to spell out medical treatments for conditions such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, sepsis, hemorrhage, preeclampsia, premature rupture of membranes, and fetal demise. Dr. Goldberg said current statutes contain significant ambiguity and have created unintended barriers to treating pregnancy complications, including emergency situations, and he gave examples of patients who were delayed or harmed because physicians were uncertain about what the law allowed. Representative Nemes said the measure was the result of unusual cooperation among groups that do not usually agree and described it as a first step toward fixing a discrete problem. Representative Wilner raised concerns that the language could effectively require a patient to be in severe distress before treatment is clearly permitted and that it was too prescriptive about how physicians should manage miscarriages. In response, Dr. Goldberg and the sponsors said the substitute was not perfect, was meant as a short-term solution, and was designed to give doctors more confidence in providing routine, medically necessary care for pregnancy complications. The transcript indicates the committee substitute was adopted, but no final vote on the bill itself is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• :12:13.839> many<00:12:14.839> slices<00:12:15.519> to<00:12:15.760> your
• 00:12:23.920> at<00:12:24.079> home<00:12:24.560> but<00:12:24.680> I<00:
• <00:12:25.279> you<00:12:25.880> if<00:12:26.040> we<00:12:26.160> don't<
• get them<00:12:27.519> out<00:12:27.680> of<00:12:27.880> poverty<00:12:28.560><
• c> to<00:12:28.680> get<00:12:28.800> them<00:12:28.880> to<00:12:29.000>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• 01.840> I<01:12:02.080> think<01:12:02.159> a<01:12:02.400> little<01:12:
• <01:12:04.640> and<01:12:05.440> um<01:12:06.159> and<01:12:06.320> and
• 01:12:14.239> would<01:12:14.480> fall<01:12:14.719> onto<01:12:15.199> the
• so<01:12:52.960> the<01:12:53.360> students<01:12:53.840> that<01:12:54.320>
• this<01:12:54.880> came<01:12:55.040> to<01:12:55.280> you<01:12:55.520>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :39.120> 21<00:12:39.760> through<00:12:40.079> 24,<00:12:40.959> we<00:12
• <01:12:00.239> He<01:12:00.480> was<01:12:00.719> he<01:12:01.120> he
• <01:12:02.960> So,<01:12:03.840> I<01:12:04.000> make<01:12:04.159> a
• <01:12:21.360> Oh,<01:12:21.520> you<01:12:21.679> want<01:12:21.760> to<
• :12:30.880> my<01:12:31.120> bill<01:12:31.440> and<01:12:31.679> and<01:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee worked through several HB 2 budget amendments, focusing first on energy-related transfers and then on judicial funding. For the energy item, members discussed moving remaining money from the renewable energy fund into the general fund for the biennium, with later-year amounts going to the general fund rather than ratepayers. They noted the proposal was based on prior House Bill 111 language, that the exact amount was still being worked out with the Department of Energy, and that some language about “incentive payments” was being removed or clarified. Amendment 1211H was moved and adopted on a 5-4 vote. The committee then considered amendment 1040 on the governor’s scholarship fund, which would eliminate the program and sweep uncommitted funds. Members supporting the program argued it helps New Hampshire students afford in-state college and should be reworked rather than repealed; opponents said the remaining balance was limited and the program should be ended. Amendment 1040 was defeated 4-5. The committee then turned to a judicial council request tied to a Franklin Pierce criminal justice clinic that had previously used ARPA funds. Supporters said the clinic cleared 323 cases in nine months, provided training for future attorneys, and could reduce more expensive assigned-counsel costs by helping the public defender system handle cases more efficiently. The amendment would add $100,000 to the judicial council line for that purpose. There was some confusion over the line item and whether the request should be attributed to the judicial branch or judicial council, which was corrected during discussion. Members also discussed a larger issue: the judicial council’s budget request appeared lower than intended because of a possible clerical error in how prior-year funding was calculated, especially after the last budget combined HB 1 and HB 2 funding. The committee compared the public defender line and assigned counsel line, noting that if public defender funding is cut, more cases would shift to assigned counsel, which is more expensive. No final vote on the judicial council amendment is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• President.<01:12:04.880> I<01:12:05.120> stand<01:12:05.199> in<01:12:05.440>
• <01:12:07.840> uh<01:12:08.159> being<01:12:08.400> involved<01:12:08.880>
• ,<01:12:12.880> as<01:12:12.960> a<01:12:13.120> mayor,<01:12:13.360> as<
• c><01:12:54.239> a<01:12:54.480> property<01:12:54.800> out<01:12:55.040> on<
• It will be Senator<02:12:02.000> Raric<02:12:02.560> and<02:12:02.800> then<02:12

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:03.200> know,<00:12:03.440> it's<00:12:03.600> just<00:12:03.760>
• c> a<00:12:04.160> it's<00:12:04.320> just<00:12:04.480> a<00:12:04.640>
• It's a nicer<00:12:05.760> facility<00:12:06.079> when<00:12:06.240> they<00:12:
• 00:12:09.600> has<00:12:09.839> a<00:12:10.000> sports<00:12:10.320> bar,
• :34.240> both<00:12:34.560> in<00:12:34.720> terms<00:12:34.880> of<00:12

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met with Lottery Director Charlie McIntyre and Charitable Gaming Chief Compliance Officer Kulie Aoyo to review proposed changes in HB 2 and related amendments affecting video lottery terminals, historic horse racing, charitable gaming, and scratch tickets. McIntyre said the late-arriving amendment made revenue estimates difficult, especially because the bill would allow operators to decide when to convert from HHR to VLTs and would change the floor-space rules. He explained that the existing 70/30 floor-space split between machines and table games was negotiated to protect charity revenue, and warned that moving to a 90/10 split could reduce charity revenue, potentially by as much as $17 million, while also changing the character of the facilities. Committee members discussed whether to keep the 70/30 split, and McIntyre said he could provide updated estimates later that day, including net impacts after any offsetting gains or losses under current law. Members also asked about the governor’s proposed operator share versus the Sweeney amendment’s higher operator share. McIntyre said the governor’s 45% figure was based on his own estimate and on comparable rates in other states, and he supported it as a way to maximize revenue for the state and charities. He also described a change to high-stakes tournaments: after speaking with Rep. Sweeney, he said the amendment was clarified to apply only to those tournaments and would lower the house take from 10% to 5% to encourage participation in rare, high-buy-in events. The committee also discussed a separate proposal to raise the maximum scratch ticket price from $30 to $50; McIntyre said the change would take time to implement, would likely increase net state revenue by about $1 million in year two, and was consistent with pricing in neighboring states such as Massachusetts and Connecticut. Additional questions covered sports betting and a separate Kino-related estimate. McIntyre said March Madness is the busiest period for sports betting and that the state’s sports betting revenue has exceeded initial expectations. He also said he had estimated that removing a municipal-vote restriction for Kino could cost about $12 million total, with $2 million in the first year and $10 million thereafter. No formal votes were taken during the discussion; the chair indicated the committee would revisit the VLT amendment and other sections later, and McIntyre agreed to send updated revenue estimates to committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:12:10.320> Whoever<00:12:10.720> can<00:12:10.880> answer<00:12:11.040>
• >> Mr.<00:12:21.680> Chair,<00:12:21.920> members,<00:12:22.320> Pat<00:12
• ><00:12:25.440> believe<00:12:25.519> we're<00:12:25.760> around<00:12:26.079>
• <00:12:28.160> It<00:12:28.399> has<00:12:28.560> fallen<00:12:29.200> uh
• > aging<00:12:32.320> out<00:12:32.560> of<00:12:32.639> of<00:12:32.959>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And<01:12:04.440> for<01:12:04.560> 2026,<01:12:05.360> contracts<01:12:05.840><
• We<01:12:10.080> have<01:12:10.200> heard<01:12:10.400> concerns<01:12:10.760>
• <01:12:14.000> However,<01:12:14.280> MCOs<01:12:14.760> are<01:12:14.840>
• In<01:12:20.640> some<01:12:20.840> cases,<01:12:21.280> PA<01:12:21.640> is<
• <01:12:30.240> were<01:12:30.360> 40%<01:12:31.640> compared<01:12:32.000> to

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House File 3939, a bill to support a Helping Paws service-dog litter named in honor of Gilbert and the Hortman family. Testimony from Helping Paws and service-dog graduate Angie Foley described the organization’s work, the significance of the “Guided by Gilbert” litter, and how the funding would help train dogs that provide independence and support to people with disabilities, veterans, and others. Members from both parties spoke warmly about Speaker Hortman’s connection to the organization and Gilbert, and the bill was laid over for possible inclusion. The committee then considered House File 3769, the Department of Corrections’ technical omnibus bill, with an A1 amendment adopted to clarify tuberculosis testing language. The bill updates TB screening procedures in correctional facilities, including how refusals are handled, and adds Quantiferon Gold Plus testing as an option alongside existing methods. Members discussed whether the bill would create costs for counties and jails, with some noting added testing and segregation costs and others arguing the changes would improve accuracy and reduce time in restrictive housing. The bill, as amended, was recommended to the general register. House File 3978 was next, a technical cleanup bill for a provider wellness program created last year. The bill expands eligibility and confidentiality protections from physicians to all health care providers, while supporters said the program is meant to address burnout and mental health strain in the workforce and does not require new money. Some members questioned whether the change was redundant or would broaden the program without additional funding, but the Minnesota Medical Association testified that the program is separate from insurance and was intended to serve all providers. The bill was recommended to the general register. Finally, the committee began House File 3476, which Rep. Liebling described as a cleanup bill related to Minnesota’s Medicaid managed care system and public program oversight. She argued that the state spends billions through managed care organizations and that the system has never been proven better than direct payment, setting up a broader discussion of the bill’s purpose and the state’s oversight of public health care spending.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:10.800> Vice<00:12:11.000> Chair<00:12:11.120> Myers.
• Jones<00:12:25.640> No.<00:12:26.040> Representative<00:12:26.480> Joy.
• <00:12:47.920> Sensor<00:12:48.160> Miro<00:12:48.360> No.
• <00:12:53.360> Chair<00:12:53.560> the<00:12:53.760> eyes<00:12:53.920> are
• Oh<00:12:56.240> with<00:12:56.520> eight<00:12:56.760> eyes<00:12:56.960> and

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:02.280> and<00:12:02.600> to<00:12:02.680> have<00:12:02.839> this
• > people<00:12:04.560> here<00:12:05.400> and<00:12:05.520> coming<00:12:
• I<00:12:09.080> knew<00:12:09.240> this<00:12:09.440> would<00:12:09.600>
• <00:12:12.520> Uh<00:12:12.839> we<00:12:13.400> you<00:12:13.640> know
• <00:12:14.680> It<00:12:14.800> touches<00:12:15.160> people's<00:12:15.520>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :35.120> we<00:12:35.360> passed<00:12:35.600> in<00:12:35.760> the<00:12
• >> Hi.<00:12:37.600> Um<00:12:38.079> hello,<00:12:38.560> thank<00:12:38.720
• c> can<00:12:45.920> I<00:12:46.000> just<00:12:46.160> ask<00:12:46.320>
• :12:48.399> just<00:12:48.560> want<00:12:48.720> to<00:12:48.959> was<00
• They're<01:12:00.400> smarter<01:12:00.719> than<01:12:00.880> I<01:12:01.120>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first adopted the September 5 minutes and then approved the remaining consent calendar items after removing several bills for separate consideration, including 25-252, 25-248, 25-251, and 25-253. The committee then took up 25-252 from the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, where members asked about the arts tax credit program, staffing, and volunteer coordination. Department representatives said the program had recently been authorized, forms had been finalized, three of six laid-off staff had been rehired through a federal grant, and the agency was now trying to recruit participants. Members also discussed whether tax-credit-raised funds could count as federal match; the department said they could not, because federal rules require state dollars. The item was adopted. The committee next considered 25-248 from the Department of Safety, which was described as a technical correction moving funds from equipment to hardware and software after consultation with the Department of Administrative Services. A member asked about “buy American” waivers, and the department said it would follow up with more information. The item was adopted. The committee then approved 25-251 from the Department of Administrative Services, which included discussion of ongoing problems with Anthem’s retiree health plan mail-order pharmacy. Department staff said many issues were tied to implementation changes and prescription renewal rules, that some complaints were being resolved through the vendor and the retiree health office, and that the contract would be rebid in the coming year, likely causing further changes. On 25-253 from the Department of Health and Human Services, members questioned the department’s September 5 health alert and whether it diverged from CDC guidance. DHHS said the alert was an annual evidence-based guideline for respiratory virus season and immunizations, largely aligned with CDC recommendations, and that some differences reflected timing and population-specific guidance. The item was adopted. The committee then heard 25-237 from the Department of Justice on the annual litigation fund request. Attorney General John Formela said the request was about $4.3 million, roughly 40% below last year and below the five-year average, with major costs tied to YDC civil and criminal litigation and some DHHS class actions. A member criticized the large increase over the budgeted $350,000 and said the budgeting approach should be corrected in the next cycle. Another member asked about YDC settlement reductions; the attorney general said confidentiality limited specifics, but explained that under the new statute the office had accepted well over half of administrator awards, rejected some, and negotiated lower amounts in others while still resolving most cases. The item remained under discussion at the end of the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I'm also uh<00:12:43.200> would<00:12:43.440> like<00:12:43.600> to<00:12:43.760
• I think we<00:12:47.279> have<00:12:47.360> a<00:12:47.519> lot<00:12:47.600>
• of<00:12:47.680> aging<00:12:48.079> homes<00:12:48.399> in<00:12:48.639>
• > and<00:12:49.440> a<00:12:49.680> lot<00:12:49.760> of<00:12:49.839>
• > um<00:12:51.839> that<00:12:53.040> are<00:12:53.360> going<00:12:53.680

Keywords: Roll Call 00:00:08 Approval of minutes 00:00:08 Discussion of Final Report 00:00:58 Adjournment 00:23:57, 958, all

Summary: The Housing Task Force met to approve its September and October minutes and then consider its final report, which was described as an overview of the second year of the task force’s work and included 14 recommendations for future legislative action. Members thanked the co-chairs and staff for compiling the report and noted that it had been posted publicly. Several members emphasized that housing problems affect both urban and rural areas across Kentucky and that the report should help guide next steps in the General Assembly. Members offered a range of comments on the recommendations. One representative urged stronger language on the state’s role and cautioned against moratoriums on building-code reforms that could discourage sustainable practices or raise long-term utility costs, while also suggesting more down payment assistance. Others highlighted the need for local flexibility in housing policy, support for rehabilitation tax credits, and continued use or expansion of affordable housing credits and direct support for construction, infrastructure, revolving loan funds, and low-income housing tax credits. Another member suggested adding clearer “right to rebuild” language so homeowners could rebuild after a fire if the home meets current code. The co-chairs summarized the task force’s main takeaways as two broad issues: regulatory delays and the need for more financial incentives. Members also discussed zoning, permitting delays, and the importance of moving permits more quickly so development can proceed without unnecessary holdups. After a motion and second, the committee approved the report as amended by the added “right to rebuild” language, and agreed to submit it to LRC, the Senate President, and the Speaker for approval before adjournment.