Bills: HB2979, HB3790, HB3142, HB3463, HB4143, HJR1086, SB392, HB3087, HB3037, HB3581, HB4058, HB2959, HB4227, HB2997, HB4125, HB1453, HB3521, HB3691, HB2015, HB2940, HB1016, HB3267, HB3695, HB3697, HB3045, HB3662, HB3453, HB3053, HB3301, HB3495, HB3584, HB3586, HB3587, HB3845, HB4198, HB4425, HB2970, HB3338, HB3443, HB3783, HB3800, HB3818, HB1242, HB1752, HB2961, HB2967, HB2973, HB2988, HB3031, HB3240, HB3047, HB3052, HB3066, HB3086, HB3175, HB3177, HB3178, HB3429, HB3548, HB3638, HB3404, HB3704, HB1590, HB3759, HB3831, HB3904, HB4092, HB1979, HB1983, HB1250, HB2952, HB3671, HB3920, HB4118, HB3944, HB3969, HB3973, HB3975, HB3976, HB3978, HB3983, HB3984, HB3942, HB4203, HB2588, HB3024, HB3383, HB3279, HB3919, HB3883, HB4193, HB3431, HB3435, HB4352, HB4484, HB1245, HB3172, HB3306, HB4294, HB3880, HB2929, HB3128, HB2956, HB3015, HB3114, HB3567, HB3749, HB4229, HB4237, HB4253, HJR1046, HJR1084, HB3411

Keywords: HB2979, Talyn Bain Act, school zone, school safety, speed limit, 45 mph, state highway, Department of Transportation, ODOT, flashing beacons, traffic enforcement, speeding violation, public school, private school, K-12, drop-off, pick-up, highway safety, municipal maintenance, county commissioners

Transcript Highlights:

• The non-intoxicating products do not need to have the THC warning, but have to have the poison control
• addresses some of the local control addresses some of the local control concerns<01:29:01.400>
• We support all of these provisions, and these controls would really address the concerns behind crypto
• We support all of these provisions, and these controls would really address the concerns behind crypto
• And my final note is if our proposed compliance controls are implemented, then kiosks can become a tool

Bills: HF3794, HF4472, HF4410, HF4347, HF4412, HF4398, HF4397, HF4201, HF4199, HF4203, HF3706, HF4071, HF4120, HF4175, HF4188

Keywords: surveillance, price discrimination, wage discrimination, automated decision systems, consumer protections, data privacy, biometrics, school district health insurance, charter school health benefits, employee benefits, public sector health insurance, health insurance survey, Legislative Budget Office, LBO report, premium costs, retiree coverage, broker commissions, third-party administrator, health plan transparency, health reimbursement arrangement

Transcript Highlights:

• and so we we let it get out of control and so we really<01:04:01.599> need<01:04:01.680> to
• We can completely sustain that just from increasing the licensure fees of the four entities that are
• that are overseen from the four entities that are overseen from the<01:27:31.120> DCCA<01:27:
• The taxpayer fund should go to the rescue community, not large pest control companies.
• rescue community, not large pest control rescue community, not large pest control companies.<01:

Bills: HB1183, HB1656, HB1658, HB1661, HB1663, HB1664, HB1859, HB2116, HB2271, HB2276, HB2335, HB2360, HB2387, HB2472, HB1805, HB2469, HB1815, HB1860, HB2117, HB2118, HB2437, HB2438, HB2604, HB1590, HB2156, HB2268

Keywords: retirement, pension, law enforcement, public safety, Hawaii Revised Statutes, indebtedness, salary recovery, employee compensation, deductions, financial management, collective bargaining, employee relations, impasse procedures, arbitration, public employment, HB1661, cafeteria plan, Section 125, Internal Revenue Code, flexible spending account

Transcript Highlights:

• The parties had no power to control when the court ultimately entered the orders of dismissal.
• The parties had no power to control when the court ultimately entered the orders of dismissal.
• that were involved represented entities that were involved in<01:03:37.920> the<01:03:38.079>
• and I can't control when that filing<01:17:23.600> happened<01:17:23.920> or<01:17:24.239
• when the court it's beyond his control when the court gets<01:19:48.640> around<01:19:49.120>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and control their own destiny.<00:16:50.639> And<00:16:50.800> I<00:16:51.120> am
• I can point to, you know, when we speak of local control, I can point to the town of Goffstown, a very
• over these issues so that we can control over these issues so that we can mitigate<00:36:58.400>
• I’m Vince Tally, regional manager for Motor Credit, the financing entity of Ford Motor Company.
• financing entity of Ford Motor Company. financing entity of Ford Motor Company.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first one is FleetWave access privilege controls.
• The last finding in the fleet management area was regarding FleetWave processing controls.
• You know, state agencies would hopefully have controls at their individual level to detect that.
• So I think I would defer to the department to speak to what controls they have beyond that.
• Was your... ...speak to what controls they have beyond that.

Summary: The subcommittee first heard a lengthy Auditor General presentation on the Department of Management Services’ fleet management operations. The audit found major problems with oversight, recordkeeping, policies, fee-setting, purchase and disposal approvals, public auction controls, and FleetWave system access and processing. Key findings included that 2,279 vehicles valued at more than $57 million could not be matched between FleetWave and FLAIR, disposal records were missing or incomplete, user access remained active long after employees separated, and the department had not documented a reasonable basis for its $1.75 per-vehicle monthly fee. Members expressed strong concern about the accuracy of the state’s fleet inventory and the risk of waste or misuse. DMS Secretary Allende said the department concurred with the findings, was working with the Auditor General, and planned corrective actions, including better training, clearer guidance, improved reconciliation, and possible centralization or pilot programs for fleet purchasing and management. The committee then returned to vacancy discussions with several agencies. The Division of Administrative Hearings said its two long-vacant judges of compensation claims positions had been hard to fill because of low pay and short reappointment terms, but the chief judge said the division could operate without them and offered those positions up as part of a reduction exercise. The Public Service Commission reported 42 vacancies but said statutory deadlines were still being met, though staff workloads and depth of analysis were affected. The commission also said vacancies help it manage salaries within its trust-fund budget. Members questioned whether some of those positions were truly needed given the lack of delays. The Florida Gaming Control Commission reported 29 vacancies, including a vacant chair that prevented appointment of an inspector general, and said the chair vacancy was a gubernatorial appointment issue. The acting executive director also said the commission’s compulsive gambling prevention program had lapsed after no responsive bids were received for a new contract, but an invitation to negotiate was nearly complete and a new provider was expected soon. The Public Employee Relations Commission reported that its caseload had more than doubled after Senate Bill 256, which increased union recertification work; it said it was meeting deadlines only with overtime and that the workload had not fallen despite decertifications. Members asked for follow-up data on union cases, vacancy needs, and whether some positions across agencies could be reallocated to better match workload.

Transcript Highlights:

• 43:28.480> uh managers are very very complicated uh managers are very very complicated uh entities
• [clears throat] by entities created [clears throat] by insurance<00:43:31.119> companies<00:43
• I mean, they sometimes own pharmacies like CVS is currently owned by a health... entity like that at
• I mean, they sometimes own pharmacies like CVS is currently owned by a health... entity like that at
• you know an entity like that at the top. you know an entity like that at the top.

Bills: HB1877, HB2006, HB2167, HB2224, HB1626, HB1690, HB2012

Keywords: LGBTQ+ rights, commission membership, representation, youth involvement, Hawaii legislation, child well-being, financial support, expectant mothers, Hawaii Rx kids program, economic stability, youth homelessness, financial assistance, housing instability, emergency services, transitioning youth, Medicaid, pharmaceutical benefits, human services, healthcare access, public funds

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1877, which would expand the membership of the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission and add a youth seat. The commission’s vice chair supported the bill, saying the commission started with eight members, has growing interest, and would benefit from an odd-numbered board and youth representation. Members asked about quorum, and the commission said it has generally met monthly with only one quorum issue in the past 18–19 months and would work with legislative leaders to have appointments ready if the bill passes. Written testimony included support from Kokopac and one individual in opposition. The committee then took up HB 2006, which would create a cash assistance program for pregnant women and mothers of babies. The Department of Human Services explained current TANF rules, including eligibility requirements, child support cooperation, and work-program participation, and said the state has recently raised benefit levels to the maximum allowed, with a family of three or four receiving a little over $900 per month. Supporters from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and others argued the bill could reduce child poverty and improve maternal and child health, citing evidence from Michigan’s Rx Kids program and the temporary federal child tax credit expansion. A mother and Oahu Youth Action Board member testified from personal experience about the need for direct support during pregnancy. The committee also noted support from several organizations and about 26 individuals. The committee next heard HB 2167, which would direct the Office of Youth Services to run a pilot program providing financial assistance to homeless youth. The Office of the Public Defender, youth advocates, and several organizations supported the measure, saying even small amounts of help can prevent homelessness and help youth transition safely to adulthood. The Office of Youth Services said it supports the intent of the bill but requested clarification, and committee members discussed whether the program should be run directly or through contracted community agencies, how to set performance metrics, and how to structure the RFP and contract process. The chair indicated the committee wanted to work with the vice chair and OYS offline to refine the bill before moving forward. The committee then began discussion of HB 2224, relating to Medicaid pharmacy benefit management, with testimony generally supporting giving DHS flexibility to negotiate with PBMs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Your control. The other option would be 10 o'clock Thursday. Better for you?
• . control. control.
• We license entities as architectural firms and as engineering firms.
• We license entities as architectural firms and as engineering firms.
• We license entities as architectural firms and as engineering firms.

Keywords: 9:00am HB 155 9:30am HB 1102 10:30am HB 1109 11:00am HB 1356 11:30am HB 1469 1:00pm HB 1323 2:00pm HB 1376, 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with unanimous committee approval of amendment 2026-2021S to HB 2. Senator Lang explained the amendment corrected a drafting error so that $2.5 million in state funds, matched with federal money for a total of $5 million, could be spent during the biennium rather than lapse at the end of the fiscal year. The money is intended to stabilize Medicaid per diem rates for county nursing homes, and members agreed without objection to adopt the amendment and continue working from the bill as amended by the Senate. The committee then discussed HB 155 and a proposed amendment, 2026-201H, dealing with the business enterprise tax. The House side described the proposal as a compromise that would raise the filing threshold from $250,000 to $375,000 and create a trigger that would reduce the BET rate by 0.05% for each $100 million in combined business tax surplus, down to a floor of 0.25%. Senate members opposed lowering the rate at this time, arguing that tax relief should focus on the filing threshold, which they said would remove filing burdens for about 3,500 small businesses, and that rate cuts should be considered in a budget cycle rather than an off-year. Concerns were raised that one-time revenues, such as tax amnesty receipts or federal repatriation-related surpluses, could unintentionally trigger reductions. Representative Sweeney later offered a revised approach by moving the effective date of the trigger mechanism to January 1, 2028, and said he was also willing to carve out tax amnesty revenues or adjust the effective date to avoid using one-time funds. The Senate remained unwilling to agree to a rate reduction, though it expressed openness to raising the filing threshold further. The committee ultimately did not resolve the business tax issue and recessed to continue discussions at a later time. The final item discussed was HB 1102, concerning an increase in the research and development tax credit paired with changes to state park fees. House members supported the R&D credit increase but opposed tying it to higher park fees, citing concerns about tourism, especially at border parks, and noting that the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources had said it did not need the increase. Senate members defended the park fee changes as a fairness issue, arguing that New Hampshire residents should pay less than out-of-state visitors and that the department had not raised rates in many years. No vote was taken on this item during the discussion captured here.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Freiberg followed up by saying he thought this is an important area where local control
• She said Representative Coulter talked very well about the importance and need for having local control
• Any entity that has a decent-sized staff should already have everything documented for reference, so
• Any decently operating entity of a reasonable size would already have that because that's what their
• In larger entities, he said, if someone asks and it doesn't seem quite right, they call back and talk

Bills: HF484, HF483, HF1447, HF1496, HF554

Keywords: natural gas, gas hookups, residential construction, energy policy, local control, state preemption, municipal regulation, county ordinance, electrification, climate policy, housing development, building codes, energy source, utility infrastructure, Minnesota Statutes chapter 326B, propane, utility service, building permits, local government, energy choice

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it because we just want control of the city?
• Far more nefarious plan that you are trying to map out in order to have control of the city because you
• claim by protecting homeowners and policyholders from signing away control of their insurance claim
• It rewards companies and entities and innovators that come into our state, and if they have a product
• It rewards companies and entities and innovators that come into our state, and if they have a product

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HSHSEA, what do you think about shifting the tax credit from being claimed by the financing entity to
• Um, if we do this, I think that there's an importance of some type of access control, and what I mean
• So couldn't you just control access by issuing free passes? >> Absolutely.
• be an easier uh thing to uh to control be an easier uh thing to uh to control for<00:53:29.440><
• > access<00:53:36.880> by couldn't you just control access by couldn't you just control

Bills: HB2241, HB2316, HB1566, HB1926, HB1673, HB1948, HB2602, HB1598, HB2334, HB2451, HB2243

Keywords: renewable energy, income tax credit, solar energy, wind energy, low-income households, energy policy, lead materials, drinking water, public health, water infrastructure, safety regulations, HB1566, energy efficiency, LED lighting, light-emitting diodes, fluorescent bulbs, fluorescent fixtures, compact fluorescent lamps, CFL ban, mercury-free lighting

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a bill to expand the solar energy tax credit for single-family residential properties by removing certain cap amounts and raising the adjusted gross income limits for taxpayers to elect a refund of excess credits. The Hawaii State Energy Office and Department of Taxation both said they were standing on written testimony, while industry and advocacy groups largely supported the measure. Members questioned whether the income thresholds were set appropriately, how many taxpayers would be affected at different income levels, and how many would qualify for refundable treatment; Taxation said it did not yet have the requested numbers but was preparing a fiscal estimate. A major issue raised was drafting and administration: witnesses said the bill appears to apply differently to owner-purchased systems versus third-party leased systems, and Taxation said it likely could not easily verify household income for leased systems or cross-reference different taxpayers. Discussion also covered whether the credit should remain refundable, whether credits should be limited to amounts actually expended, and whether the bill should instead be structured to keep the credit with the system owner or lessor, with concerns about equity, market effects, and possible incentives to lease rather than buy. The committee then moved to HB 2316, which would align state restrictions on lead materials in drinking water infrastructure with federal Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. The Department of Health and other supporters testified in favor, and there were no questions from the chair. Next, HB 1566 on energy efficiency would require state agencies to use energy-efficient lighting, with the Hawaii State Energy Office providing technical assistance and a compliance survey prioritized for first responder facilities; testimony from state agencies and advocates was in support, and again there were no questions. For HB 1926 on Red Hill, the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Board of Water Supply, and multiple organizations and individuals supported funding for remediation studies, environmental monitoring, groundwater research, independent testing, and a public dashboard, with DLNR emphasizing that decades of work remain necessary even after defueling and that the bill supports ongoing university and community partnerships. The committee then heard HB 1673 on landfill units. The Department of Health initially said it was in support but later corrected the record and stated it strongly opposes the measure, saying the bill would undo protections enacted last session that keep landfills out of areas over aquifers; the Board of Water Supply also opposed repeal of those protections, while the City and County of Honolulu supported the HD1 version that leaves siting decisions to the counties. Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi and the Energy Justice Network opposed the bill, arguing the original protections should remain and that the amended version had confused commenters; supporters of the original version urged restoring it and considering additional language on ash.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:54:19.520> how with the shades, they can control how with the shades, they can control
• It's uh all the control things.
• That's the way you control speeding. That's the way you control aberrant behavior.
• That's the way you control speeding. That's the way you control aberant<02:24:44.160> behavior.
• local control. local control.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:27:59.600> and the local other local entities and the local other local entities and whatnot
• these other entities. these other entities. Followup. Followup. Followup.
• I I other entities lower by about half.
• Thank you. entities entities have have have do<03:10:41.359> we<03:10:41.520> do<03:10:
• Do the local entities have boundaries?

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But there are things in our control. We can control our job climate.
• We can control our tax climate, and you can look at any of the indices of tax.
• control we can control are things in our control we can control our<00:30:56.200> job<00:30:56.799
• Well, the answer depends on which of the entities we're talking about that we work with.
• It involves developing and implementing specific internal controls for each of our programs.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2016, poison control received 148 calls. In 2023, there were 840.4.4.5. There were 840.4.
• Poison control calls have skyrocketed since the 2016 passage of Prop 64.
• I do want to touch on the poison control data because it was highlighted in the audit.
• But these are not the same as at-home access control.
• But these are not the same as at-home access control.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee heard an audit on the Department of Cannabis Control’s oversight of cannabis packaging and labeling, focused on whether products attractive to children are being kept out of the legal market. The auditor said the department’s rules are often vague or subjective, leading to inconsistent enforcement, and that the state relies heavily on licensees to self-police because there is no upfront review before products reach the market. The audit cited examples involving cartoon-like images, bright colors, flavor references, candy-like imagery, strain names, and beverage packaging, and recommended clearer statutory standards, possible pre-approval of packaging, better enforcement tools, and stronger tracking of repeat violators. Assemblymembers and senators largely agreed that child safety is the priority, but differed on the best policy response. Some members argued for clearer legislative limits and even plain packaging, saying products like root beer, cherry pie, and cereal-like designs are plainly appealing to children. Department officials said they had already begun reforms, including a centralized label-review team, a rubric, improved databases, and more attention to repeat violations, while also emphasizing that the illicit and intoxicating hemp markets are major sources of youth exposure and that resource constraints limit inspections. They said they are open to working with the Legislature on more specific standards and additional funding. Public witnesses split between public health and industry perspectives. A pediatrician and public health advocate urged stronger restrictions, including plain packaging, limits on flavors and potency, and a pre-market review system, arguing that vague rules have failed children. Industry representatives said they support youth protections but want bright-line, objective standards so compliant businesses can know what is allowed; they argued that most youth-targeted packaging is in the illicit market and that the legal market needs clearer rules rather than broader bans. No formal vote or committee action was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• But then we have issues of quality control is are those lessons actually tied to the standards?
• And so it's continuously being trained on data and we don't have any control of that data.
• That's for a compliant that has oversight control.
• Yeah. >> If we we are in command and control here, sir. Not AI. Not peters.
• We've launched parental controls.

Transcript Highlights:

• What about the retirement system and the potential liability that may ensue if those entities aren't
• aren't part of the New entities aren't part of the New Hampshire<00:35:50.720> retirement<00:
• RSA 195, sections 25 through 31, are arguably a town's last and best hope of taking more control over
• RSA 195, sections 25 through 31, are arguably a town's last and best hope of taking more control over
• RSA 195, sections 25 through 31, are arguably a town's last and best hope of taking more control over

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the logo on the screen, it's a partnership between the Minnesota Department of Health, Pollution Control
• wastewater side or the Clean Water State Revolving Fund side, you apply to the Minnesota Pollution Control
• side, you apply to the Minnesota Fund side, you apply to the Minnesota Pollution<00:04:36.280> Control
• Pollution Control Agency. Pollution Control Agency.
• controls across uh past audit uh issues. controls across uh past audit uh issues.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sometimes it requires sign-offs by a city or other entity.
• Sometimes it requires sign-offs by a city or other entity.
• Sometimes it requires sign-offs by a city or other entity.
• control and that is a market-oriented solution<01:15:15.720> that<01:15:15.880> prepares
• problem and focus what's in our control. problem and focus what's in our control.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• CFC stands for controlled foreign corporation.
• pass through entity tax or PTE tax. pass through entity tax or PTE tax.
• Um, so we can control that a lot.
• Um, so we can control that a lot.
• Um, so we can control that a lot.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all