Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, send it; they'll bring it to you.
• Hold it. Okay, I got it. All right, we'll just hold it then.
• I'll take this one out. supportive of it and we'll see how it supportive of it and we'll see how it you
• it does is it but the other thing that it does is it gets<01:33:52.040><c> it</c><01:33:52.199><c> far
• it take so it legitimate how long should it take so it depends<01:36:28.480><c> on</c><01:36:28.639>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• it.
• It leaves it up to the local education agency.
• It was, no, we want it.
• It was Easter, and now we call it spring break.
• CDPH collects it, but it is not easy to find.

Summary: The committee heard several education bills, beginning with AB 387 on youth sports safety and AED access. The author and supporters, including youth sports and cardiac safety advocates, said the bill would improve coordination between youth sports organizations and facilities to ensure AEDs are available and emergency response is better prepared. School administrators, county groups, and school business officials opposed unless amended, citing liability, cost, staffing, maintenance, and school security concerns. Members asked about AED portability, CPR training, and liability; the author said committee amendments were accepted, but the bill was held due to lack of quorum while negotiations continued. AB 467 would codify the California Center for Climate Change Education at West Los Angeles College, allowing it to seek multi-year grants and other outside funding after an initial state appropriation sunsets. Supporters said the center has already trained faculty, supported paid internships and fellowships, and reached thousands of Californians, while opponents were absent. Members questioned whether codification was premature before the required report is due in 2027; the author said the measure was needed now to stabilize fundraising. The bill was also placed on hold for lack of quorum. A major portion of the hearing focused on AB 664 and AB 2694, both dealing with community college bachelor’s degrees. AB 664 would authorize Southwestern College to seek up to four targeted bachelor’s programs to address local workforce shortages in South San Diego County; students, local officials, and community college advocates supported it, while CSU and UC opposed, arguing for a statewide solution and concern about the master plan. AB 2694 proposed a broader statewide framework for community college bachelor’s degrees with stronger workforce and partnership requirements, reduced program caps, and limits on duplication; it drew support from community college groups and students, but CSU and UC again opposed or opposed unless amended. Members discussed place-bound students, workforce needs, transfer pathways, and the need for a master-plan-level approach, but no votes were taken because the committee lacked a quorum. The committee then heard AB 917, which would require certificated employees in very small school districts and certain county-run programs to receive permanent status under the same rules as larger districts. CTA and many educators supported the bill as a fairness and retention measure, while small school district and ROP representatives opposed, saying the current flexibility is necessary to manage enrollment swings, staffing, and specialized regional programs. Testimony emphasized the tension between job security for educators and operational flexibility for small LEAs; the hearing continued with more opposition testimony after the excerpt ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• So as we have modernized language across the United States, there's a need federally for it to be more
• . it. it.
• </c> it can be um we can help remold it it can be um we can help remold it recraft recraft recraft it
• </c><01:47:06.639><c> it</c> happening somewhere, but um it it happening somewhere, but um it it certainly
• . let it let it let it play<02:17:06.479><c> out.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Children and Family Law Committee met on April 15, 2025, and opened a hearing on Senate Bill 269, which would remove references to “bride and groom” and replace them with “applicants” in the Vital Records Act. The bill was described by the sponsor’s designee as a housekeeping update requested by the Secretary of State to modernize and standardize the language in light of same-sex marriage and to make the statute gender-neutral. Members asked whether the change would affect the substance of marriage law, marriage ceremonies, age and residence requirements, or open the door to polygamy; the response was that it would not change the law, would still apply to two adults, and would not supersede New Hampshire’s ban on polygamy. Some members noted the bill had passed the Senate unanimously and 18-0, while others questioned whether the change was necessary given existing forms and statutes, and whether it could create confusion with other laws such as alimony or divorce paperwork. The discussion became lengthy and somewhat informal, with members debating whether the terminology update was merely clerical or whether it should be postponed for more information from the Secretary of State’s office. Several members expressed frustration that no representative from that office was present. One member, speaking as a family law attorney, argued the bill was redundant because similar information already appears on vital statistics forms and could potentially create unintended issues; others countered that the Legislature should keep statutes consistent with current law and modern terminology. The committee also briefly discussed how marriage certificates and licenses are labeled and how same-sex couples are designated under current law. After a Republican caucus break, the chair called for a nonbinding thumb vote on whether to postpone the bill. The committee voted to come back to the bill later, and the hearing on SB 269 was closed and postponed to a later executive session date. The chair then shifted to other committee business, including preparations for a later discussion with Chief Administrative Justice Ellen Kristo and a family court subcommittee exercise, but no further action was taken on SB 269 during this segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> send it to the floor. send it to the floor.
• Government simply takes it over, hijacks it, steals it, and redeploys it and thinks that somehow good
• it, steals simply takes it over, hijacks it, steals it,<01:02:07.160><c> and</c><01:02:07.400><c> redeploys
• </c> it will hit. it will hit.
• It It just it on the spot here.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• its recommendations or its submitted its recommendations or its determinations<00:15:30.399><c> for<
• it depends how it a catastrophic event it depends how it failed<00:58:16.000><c> but</c><00:58:16.119
• We ultimately would like this money to go to Minnesota IT to do the work that we need to modernize this
• If we move it directly to Minnesota IT, it will cost this committee $50,000-plus to do it.
• it brings it to does and specifically it brings it to the<01:38:08.440><c> voters</c><01:38:09.320><

Bills: HF1837, HF361, HF2725, HF2566, HF2744, HF1685, HF501, HF1889, HF1389

Keywords: state policy, employment, health insurance, fossil designation, public funds, community resources, Capitol Mall, grantmaking, community vitality, livability, funding, healthy aging, aging policy, older adults, seniors, elderly, gerontology, long-term care, assisted living, nursing homes

Transcript Highlights:

• 26:32.040><c> would</c> is it would make sure that or it would is it would make sure that or it would
• Is that what how you view it? it? it?
• I'll be here for questions. respectfully that, um, it will be it respectfully that, um, it will be it
• </c> for it. for it.
• </c><00:53:00.360><c> Um</c> um it it could be very difficult. Um um it it could be very difficult.

Bills: SB709, SB2089, SB2090, SB2108, SB2211, SB2250, SB2325, SB2803, SB2866, SB3245

Keywords: mental health, crisis intervention, assisted community treatment, treatment orders, law enforcement training, public safety, court-ordered treatment, Medicaid, healthcare access, unlicensed professionals, supervised services, workforce development, mental health equity, child custody, evaluations, licensed counselors, family court, juvenile justice, waiver of jurisdiction, transfer to adult court

Summary: The committee heard SB 709 SD2, which would require the Department of Health to respond to reports involving persons with severe mental illness, assess eligibility for assisted community treatment, and coordinate treatment when appropriate. Testimony from the Department of Human Services and the Department of Health supported the measure, with DOH saying it generally supported the bill but had comments on one section it viewed as unnecessary. The Department of Law Enforcement later explained that the bill would shift certification and standards for crisis intervention officer training from DOH to DLE, while still involving DOH in the training process. Opposition came from the Hawaii Disability Rights Center and an individual testifier, both of whom argued the bill expands state authority over people with mental illness and could worsen forced treatment practices. The Disability Rights Center also raised procedural concerns, saying the bill was effectively moved from a prior administration measure that had not been heard this session, and questioned whether the bill’s changes to assisted community treatment, blood tests, urinalysis, and living arrangements went beyond current law. The individual testifier argued the bill would further entrench harmful psychiatric drugging and urged the committee to defer it. Committee members questioned the administration about the bill’s process, the role of the Attorney General in treatment-over-objection proceedings, and the practical effects of moving CIT certification to DLE. The Attorney General’s office said the bill was intended to fill a gap by allowing it to assist with treatment proceedings, while public defenders would continue to represent respondents and due process protections would remain in place. DLE and DOH said the change would better align certification with law enforcement training needs, improve speed in crisis response, and still keep DOH involved; members also discussed whether WAM counted as a hearing and whether the bill should more explicitly preserve DOH’s role. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• it.
• It does not have any sorts of guardrails or accountability measures to it.
• It is not defined.
• It is not defined.
• It seems like it could be lower or different for different cases.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held a public hearing on multiple bills, beginning with a motion to suspend the five-day notice rule for a long list of Senate bills, which passed on a voice vote. The committee first heard Substitute Senate Bill 6026, a governor-request housing bill that would require cities and counties over 30,000 population to allow residential uses in commercial and mixed-use zones, limit mixed-use/ground-floor commercial requirements in some areas, and allow added height where such requirements are imposed. The lieutenant governor testified strongly in support, arguing the bill would add needed housing capacity without requiring ground-floor retail burdens. The hearing on SB 6026 was then suspended so the committee could move through the agenda. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6294, a broad local government finance measure with eight parts, including expanded uses for certain REET revenues, a new county public utility tax, a new local sales tax for children and family services, expanded housing-related tax uses, changes to county levy structure, longer lid lift periods, and expanded use of rental car tax revenue. Local government, housing, and public health witnesses largely supported the bill, emphasizing flexibility for affordable housing, rental assistance, children’s services, and county fiscal stability. Opponents, including wireless industry, water/sewer district, auto dealer, realtors, energy, and cannabis representatives, objected to specific tax provisions as regressive, costly, or likely to raise consumer prices. Several witnesses requested amendments, including adding public health clinic funding and flood recovery language from House bills. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 5400 on local news sustainability, which would create a state grant program funded by a surcharge on large search engines and social media platforms to support journalism jobs and the Murrow Fellowship program. News organizations, the League of Women Voters, open government advocates, and local journalism supporters testified in favor, saying local news is essential to civic life and that the bill would help sustain reporting without using general fund dollars. Technology industry representatives opposed the bill, arguing it unfairly singles out tech companies and could face legal challenges. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6211, which would let opt-in GMA jurisdictions impose REET-2 without voter approval; cities and counties supported it as a parity and infrastructure funding measure, while Realtors opposed the loss of voter approval. Senate Bill 5650, authorizing local cannabis excise taxes, drew support from some local officials but strong opposition from cannabis businesses, which argued Washington’s cannabis taxes are already too high and drive sales to the illicit market. Senate Bill 6033, waiving penalties and interest for taxpayers who failed to collect new sales tax on certain services, was supported by NFIB as a compliance and fairness measure. Senate Bill 6297, exempting temporary staffing services for nonprofit behavioral health providers from sales tax, drew strong support from behavioral health organizations citing workforce shortages and unsustainable costs. Finally, Senate Bill 6343, extending and expanding tax relief for disaster-damaged property and repairs, was presented as aid for flood recovery; local officials testified in support. No final committee votes on the bills were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, it is onerous to do it.
• It might have sold it with a contract.
• </c> to pass it. to pass it.
• It was explained that once it is a freestanding order, it is a civil order.
• is it it sets up a is it it sets up a uh<01:40:57.920><c> tiered</c><01:40:58.240><c> class</c><01:40

Bills: SB2041

Keywords: land court, real property, legal documents, bureau of conveyances, judicial confirmation, property registration, working group, Hawaii Revised Statutes, reform, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard SB 2041, which would repeal the Land Court, transfer its functions to the Bureau of Conveyances, and create a working group to recommend implementation. DLNR and Judiciary stood on their written testimony, while Realtors supported the bill and one testifier raised concerns about the loss of judicial authority, title disputes, adverse possession, and possible effects on Kuleana lands. Members questioned whether property could be deregistered and what the legal consequences would be, and the Bureau of Conveyances said deregistration is already available but burdensome. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, and the measure was adopted by both committees. The Judiciary Committee then heard SB 2247, which restricts certain governor-appointed, Senate-confirmed executive branch employees from participating in campaign fundraising. The State Ethics Commission and Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill as a way to curb pay-to-play concerns and the appearance of undue influence, and several advocacy and civic groups also testified in support, with one person opposing. The committee agreed to amend the bill so the restrictions apply only after confirmation and continue until the person leaves the covered position. The committee voted to pass SB 2247 with amendments. Finally, the Judiciary Committee heard SB 2143, which would make the Attorney General the interim Chief Election Officer if that office becomes vacant until the Elections Commission appoints a replacement. Supporters argued the bill would provide continuity, prevent delays in certifying election results, and protect election integrity; opponents argued it would politicize the office, create a conflict of interest, and was unnecessary because current law already provides a process for filling vacancies. Testimony was extensive and sharply divided, with many speakers on both sides. The transcript provided does not include a final vote or action on SB 2143.

Transcript Highlights:

• it to where it goes both just making it to where it goes both ways.<00:09:35.040><c> Currently</c><00
• </c><00:10:49.200><c> Just</c> name goes on it, it's on it. Just name goes on it, it's on it.
• You knew what it<00:11:09.440><c> was.</c> it was. it was.
• </c> it even though you co-sponsored it. it even though you co-sponsored it.
• Is it us as a body? Is it our summary. Is it us as a body? Is it our constituents?

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And what this bill does is it modernizes the vehicle title transfer process by allowing electronic signatures
• </c> improve its operations or its business. improve its operations or its business.
• It seems like it.
• It seems like it. currently have that. It seems like it.
• We it whatever whatever it is, 5% 5%.

Bills: HB1984, HB1593, HB2423, HB1691, HB2283, HB2386, HB1824, HB1697, HB2164, HB2165

Keywords: renewable energy, solar energy, self-certification, building permits, environmental regulations, HB1593, affordable housing, pet-inclusive housing, pet friendly housing, rental housing, affordable rental housing, HHFDC, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, tenant pets, companion animals, dogs, cats, landlord-tenant law, security deposit, pet deposit

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1984 HD2, which would require government entities issuing building permits to create a self-certification process for certain behind-the-meter rooftop solar and energy storage systems, allowing approved applicants to proceed without waiting for standard permit review. The Public Utilities Commission and DLNR offered comments, and the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, Holoholo Energy, Photon Works Engineering, Malama Solar, RevoluSun, and others testified in strong support. Supporters said the bill would reduce permitting delays, lower costs, and help meet Hawaii’s renewable energy goals while still relying on licensed engineers, electricians, and county inspections for safety. Committee members asked about risk, existing county pilot programs, and whether self-certification had been used before; witnesses said the professional liability remains with licensed signers and that current automated review systems often flag minor issues that slow projects. The committee also noted 16 additional written testimonies in support. The committee then took up HB 1593 HD1, which would require HHFDC-financed affordable rental housing projects to allow residents to own or keep common household pets. The Hawaiian Humane Society testified that the bill is a top priority because housing restrictions are a major reason pets are surrendered and because many unhoused residents with pets avoid housing that does not allow animals. In response to questions, the Humane Society said concerns about pet-related damage are overstated, suggested pet behavior screening as a safeguard, and said it would be willing to work on broader private-market pet-friendly housing policies. Members raised concerns about whether allowing pets in public housing could create problems for residents who later transition to the private market, and the witness said California has a similar law and no major negative effects had been identified. Finally, the committee heard HB 2423 HD2, which would require that by January 1, 2028, diesel fuel sold in Hawaii for on-highway vehicles contain at least 5% biodiesel by volume. The Hawaii State Energy Office offered comments, and Hawaii Transportation Association and Pacific Biodiesel Technologies testified in support. Pacific Biodiesel argued the mandate would improve energy security, stabilize fuel prices amid global supply disruptions, and support local clean-fuel production. In response to questions, the company said its nameplate capacity is 5.5 million gallons per year and it has produced over 6 million gallons annually, but much of its output is tied up in standby generator contracts that can fluctuate. Witnesses said the mandate would provide a stable market signal and could support future investment in expanded local biodiesel production, including agricultural feedstock development and a possible second refinery. No votes or final actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• if you saved it and half went to the it if you saved it and half went to the general<00:11:40.000><c
• </c> it would have been nice last time if it it would have been nice last time if it had<00:14:57.639
• It says nonprofits are included, but it does not say that it applies exclusively to nonprofits, so uh
• It is working its way through the committee process, and it is far more expansive.
• it changed.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:03:26.800><c> to</c><00:03:26.920><c> me</c> it when it first came to me it when it first came
• It it collaborate well on this bill.
• </c> it. Our provide- our providers like it. it. Our provide- our providers like it.
• </c><00:42:34.280><c> more</c> putting it in statute, making it more putting it in statute, making it
• it it doesn't do preventing crime, and it it doesn't do anything<01:06:29.040><c> to</c><01:06:29.280

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• quickly to it.
• They said it has been a major priority for them. road so it it it's um extremely road so it it it's um
• But we're both kind of nerdy around it—modernization, so thanks. encourage you to check it out and so
• of nerdy around it both kind of nerdy around it modernization<01:17:38.760><c> so</c> modernization so
• it it varies from like 51% is yeah it's it it varies from year<01:27:06.679><c> to</c> year to year

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , it says it imposes a standard statement, it says it imposes a standard that<00:15:15.440><c> non-emergency
• </c> in its entirety. in its entirety.
• You can own it at 18. You can't have purchased it, but you can own it.
• And purchased it, but you can own it.
• </c> Not throw it away, not throw it at stuff Not throw it away, not throw it at stuff that<01:09:56.239

Bills: SB141, SB124, SB56, SJR116, SB94, SB37, SB127, SB197, SB66, SB70, SB133, SB160, SB214, SB312, SB52, SJR62, SJR75

Keywords: legal advertisements, tax rates, public hearings, transparency, local government, sick leave, education, teacher retirement, benefits, employee compensation, Medicaid, nonopioid analgesics, pain management, health care regulation, utilization controls, physician shortage, health care access, medically underserved areas, medical education, workforce development

Transcript Highlights:

• I haven't read it yet. addresses? I haven't read it yet.
• Maybe it doesn't make it, but stops.
• </c> oppose it. uh first and foremost it oppose it. uh first and foremost it removes<01:07:36.240><c>
• if it passed.
• Um the other thing I it if it passed.

Bills: HF4080, HF3693, HF1857, HF4350

Keywords: agriculture, livestock, retailers, ownership interest, exclusive contracts, meat packing companies, dominant retailers, state law, Department of Agriculture, appropriation, funding, agriculture policy, state budget, animal welfare, cat declawing, animal cruelty, therapeutic procedures, civil penalties, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, aquatic life

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> intends to get it right. intends to get it right.
• There it is. Okay. You get one chance to get it right.
• It is absolutely it exclamation point.
• :41.280><c> new</c> it gives it a new it gives it a new it gives it a new it gives it a new flavor<00
• Um, it it has been my this brief.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:35:04.640><c> It</c><00:35:04.760><c> will</c> components of modern commerce.
• It will components of modern commerce.
• </c><01:04:53.920><c> it</c><01:04:54.000><c> sounds</c> mean it it sounds mean it it sounds it<01:04
• </c> having it, if they all pass, having it having it, if they all pass, having it in<01:25:59.680><c
• it.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:15:08.080><c> it</c> as far as the broadness of it and who it as far as the broadness of it and
• </c><00:15:56.240><c> though</c> It It seems as though It It seems as though this<00:15:58.320><c> isn't
• , it limits it to small businesses the A2, it limits it to small businesses with<00:26:41.000><c> 15<
• </c> it, they can still do it at their cost. it, they can still do it at their cost.
• </c> it for me. it for me.

Bills: HF4110, HF2113, HF4569, HF4414

Keywords: workplace regulations, employee rights, meal breaks, rest breaks, exemptions, paid leave, small employers, employment law, Minnesota Statutes, workforce development, HF4569, Minnesota Paid Leave Law, protected leave, seasonal employee, seasonal worker, hospitality, hospitality industry, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, employer certification

Transcript Highlights:

• That's what it was.
• That's what it was.
• It just helps them survive. It helps them to stay in these roles.
• :36.080><c> it</c> the unemployment insurance, it it the unemployment insurance, it it doesn't<01:26:
• It just helps them survive. class job. It just helps them survive.

Bills: HF1388

Keywords: BARR Center, Building Assets, Reducing Risks, education finance, school funding, grant appropriation, evidence-based program, student achievement, social and emotional learning, school climate, teacher effectiveness, high school graduation, students in poverty, students of color, BIPOC, equity in education, Minnesota Department of Education, urban schools, suburban schools, rural schools, school coaching

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> truck and had it um it was Blended truck and had it um it was Blended before<01:20:10.920><c> it
• </c> misunderstanding it um at the end it misunderstanding it um at the end it says<01:24:16.639><c>
• It doesn't pay for itself. It can't, you know.
• It doesn't pay for itself. It can't, you know.
• It doesn't pay for itself. It can't, you know.

Bills: HF1126, HF967, HF1066, HF1669, HF926

Keywords: property tax, Indian Tribe, tax exemption, Minnesota, public charity, property tax exemption, Minnesota statutes, unorganized territory, federally recognized, soil conservation, water conservation, local government aid, environmental funding, Minnesota legislation, tax credits, sustainable aviation fuel, environmental policy, corporate franchise, Minnesota taxation, tobacco