Transcript Highlights:

• It was just quite literally a plain reading of the statute and saying, we don't have the authority to
• We follow the basic two-year time frame from a number of states, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, etc.
• We follow the basic two-year time frame from a number of states, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, etc.
• We follow the basic two-year time frame from a number of states, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, etc.
• We follow the basic two-year time frame from a number of states, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, etc.

Committee: House House Health & Human Services Committee of Reference

Summary: The House Committee on Health and Human Services heard and advanced four Senate bills. Senate Bill 1242 would allow courts to conduct mental health evaluation and treatment hearings, or testimony within those hearings, virtually by phone, video, or other audiovisual technology when the court finds no unfair prejudice; supporters said it reflects current practice and helps avoid dismissals due to technical issues. It passed on an 11-0 vote with one member absent. Senate Bill 1145 would transfer licensure and regulation of behavior analysts from the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners to the existing Behavior Analyst Committee, effective January 1, 2027, and make the committee’s decisions final rather than requiring board ratification. Supporters described it as an efficiency measure that reduces delay in licensing and complaint resolution. The committee recommended the bill 11-0, with one absent. Senate Bill 1247 would allow individuals who do not receive assisted-living services to live with a resident in an assisted living center or home if the facility authorizes it, and it was described as a clarification of a recent statutory interpretation affecting independent residents. Members discussed possible safety concerns and facility discretion, and one member voted present while the rest voted aye; the bill received a due pass recommendation 10-0 with one present and one absent. Senate Bill 1023 would set optometry eye-exam standards based on community standards of care, recommend a one-year exam interval, and allow optometrists to extend eyeglass prescription validity up to two years, with adjustments based on patient risk factors; supporters said it codifies best practices and does not affect contact lens prescriptions. It passed 11-0 with one absent, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:02:06.039><c> point</c><01:02:06.720><c> is</c><01:02:06.960><c> um</c><01:02:07.119><c> the</c><
• :14.640><c> at</c><01:02:14.799><c> least</c><01:02:15.160><c> in</c><01:02:15.680><c> RSA</c><01:02:
• <01:02:19.000><c> not</c><01:02:19.240><c> defined</c><01:02:19.880><c> which</c><01:02:20.400><c> is
• :22.799><c> has</c><01:02:22.920><c> had</c><01:02:23.039><c> to</c><01:02:23.160><c> make</c><01:02:
• interpret</c><01:02:31.680><c> um</c><01:02:31.960><c> what</c><01:02:32.119><c> is</c><01:02:32.279>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing and then an executive session on HB 650, a housekeeping-style bill from the Joint Committee on Dedicated Funds. Testimony explained that the bill would remove references to two already-repealed dedicated funds, split the state parks dedicated fund so Cannon Mountain winter activities would be tracked separately from the rest of the parks system, and place a $1 million cap on the robotics education fund so excess money would revert to the general fund. Supporters said the changes were mainly administrative but would improve accounting and avoid timing issues; committee members asked about a typographical error in the bill text and whether the measure was more than housekeeping. The committee later voted 16-0 to recommend HB 650 ought to pass, and then placed it on the consent calendar. The committee also opened a public hearing on HB 585, which would revise the property tax exemption for religious organizations. Representative John Janigian, the sponsor, said the bill was intended to help small churches and other religious groups that own parsonages or worship buildings but no longer have a resident pastor, allowing them to rent space or use property for church purposes without losing the exemption so long as the money is used for church operations, maintenance, or outreach. He described his Salem church’s parsonage being taxed after it was no longer occupied by a pastor, and said the bill would prevent similar burdens on small congregations. Former Representative Betty Gay testified in support, describing prior assessor actions in Salem that taxed church land and buildings very aggressively, while a Municipal Association representative testified in opposition. Committee members raised questions about how terms such as “regularly recognized and constituted denomination” would be defined, whether the bill could be applied consistently to larger denominations with multiple parishes, and whether legislative research should review past treatment of similar cases.

Transcript Highlights:

• 02:13.760><c> a</c><01:02:14.079><c> little</c><01:02:14.160><c> bit</c><01:02:14.319><c> more</c><01
• ><c> them</c><01:02:34.319><c> as</c><01:02:34.480><c> safe</c><01:02:34.720><c> as</c><01:02:34.880>
• :02:48.559><c> this</c><01:02:48.880><c> kind</c><01:02:49.040><c> of</c><01:02:49.200><c> thing.
• our statutes.<04:02:09.120><c> That's</c><04:02:09.439><c> we're</c><04:02:09.680><c> not</c><04:02:09.920
• ><c> we're</c><04:02:10.160><c> not</c> statutes.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><01:02:19.760><c> in</c><01:02:19.960><c> front</c><01:02:20.160><c> of</c><01:02:20.279><c> me</c
• c><01:02:37.520><c> sorry</c><01:02:37.880><c> in</c><01:02:38.079><c> deference</c><01:02:38.640><c>
• ><c> work</c><01:02:39.480><c> that</c><01:02:40.200><c> um</c><01:02:40.680><c> the</c><01:02:41.160
• :02:50.799><c> of</c><01:02:51.000><c> this</c><01:02:51.200><c> committee</c><01:02:51.559><c> have<
• ><02:10:20.159><c> uh</c><02:10:20.440><c> but</c><02:10:20.719><c> I</c><02:10:20.880><c> do</c><02:

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• uh so, what we do is required by state Hawaii<01:02:31.120><c> state</c><01:02:31.400><c> statute.
• </c><01:02:32.320><c> So,</c><01:02:32.480><c> we're</c><01:02:32.640><c> really</c> Hawaii state statute
• the way the the registry cuz right now the way the statute<02:31:29.520><c> reads</c><02:31:29.840><
• c> it</c><02:31:30.120><c> just</c><02:31:30.400><c> reads</c><02:31:31.120><c> um</c> statute reads
• it just reads um statute reads it just reads um volunteers<02:31:31.760><c> or</c><02:31:31.840><c> contractors

Bills: HB1890 , HB1888 , HB1676

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: teacher pay, teacher salaries, salary step increase, annual increment, longevity step, public school teachers, public charter school teachers, collective bargaining, Hawaii Department of Education, teacher retention, teacher recruitment, cost of living, educator compensation, public employee bargaining, appropriation, salary schedule, school staffing, teacher shortage, HB1888, Hawaii

Summary: The committees heard three measures, beginning with HB 1890 HD3, which would provide automatic step increases and a COVID-era retention bonus for teachers. Supporters included HSTA, the Democratic Party’s Education Caucus, and a student who said higher pay and predictable salary growth would help retain teachers in Hawaii. The Department of Education supported the intent but asked that the bill be expanded to cover all department employees. The Attorney General’s office said the draft needed clarification to avoid conflict with Chapter 89 and to make clear any funding was subject to legislative appropriation. The Office of the Public Defender and B&F testified in opposition, and committee members questioned whether the step increases were already in the current contract and whether the bill was needed. HSTA said the current contract includes automatic step increases subject to funding, but argued the bill was still needed because funding is not guaranteed and the measure would codify the policy. HSTA also said the COVID bonus would apply only to active teachers who worked during the pandemic and estimated the total cost at roughly $150 million to $200 million over four years. No vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 1888 HD3, which would require DOE and charter schools to report harassment incidents and strengthen penalties for harassment of educational workers from a petty misdemeanor to a misdemeanor. DOE supported the bill and suggested narrowing language about assisting workers with temporary restraining orders, saying that function would be better handled through the Attorney General’s pilot program. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing the harassment language was overly broad, vague, and potentially unconstitutional, and that existing assault and terroristic threatening statutes already protect educational workers. HSTA, the State Commission on the Status of Women, and several individual testifiers supported the measure, describing increased intimidation and harassment of teachers and other school staff, especially since COVID. The Special Education Advisory Council opposed the bill’s language on “disrupting and interfering” with school functions, saying it could chill parents of students with IEPs from advocating for their children. Testimony was split, with the chair noting 20 in support and 16 in opposition in the portion shown. A final witness, Michelle Pestana, testified in opposition based on her family’s experience with special education services, describing alleged seclusion and restraint of her daughter and expressing concern that DOE testimony in prior hearings had targeted special education parents. Her remarks were cut off as time expired. The transcript ends before any committee action or vote on HB 1888 was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, only<02:02:37.679><c> thing</c><02:02:37.760><c> we're</c><02:02:38.000><c> doing</c><02:02
• </c><02:02:41.679><c> The</c><02:02:41.920><c> reason</c><02:02:42.159><c> that's</c><02:02:42.400><c
• Are<02:02:44.960><c> we</c><02:02:45.119><c> on</c><02:02:45.280><c> the</c><02:02:45.440><c> right</
• program.<02:02:53.840><c> Part</c><02:02:54.080><c> of</c><02:02:54.159><c> that's</c><02:02:54.400>
• ><02:02:57.520><c> to</c><02:02:57.679><c> the</c><02:02:57.840><c> budget</c><02:02:58.080><c> and</

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><02:02:13.719><c> they</c><02:02:13.880><c> know</c><02:02:14.199><c> what</c><02:02:14.360><c> is
• > their</c><02:02:14.840><c> child's</c><02:02:15.480><c> best</c><02:02:15.880><c> interest</c><02:02
• </c><02:02:40.719><c> School</c><02:02:41.159><c> per</c><02:02:41.360><c> grade</c><02:02:41.639><c>
• </c><02:02:49.079><c> is</c><02:02:49.320><c> not</c><02:02:49.679><c> possible</c><02:02:50.159><c>
• to move to<02:02:50.760><c> another</c><02:02:51.119><c> school</c><02:02:51.599><c> so</c><02:02:51.840

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.160><c> So</c><01:02:00.640><c> this</c><01:02:00.960><c> is</c><01:02:01.119><c> a</c><01:02:01.359
• </c><01:02:28.760><c> So</c><01:02:29.760><c> this</c><01:02:30.079><c> works</c><01:02:30.480><c> to
• c><01:02:37.280><c> embedded</c><01:02:37.760><c> in</c><01:02:38.319><c> already</c><01:02:38.640><c
• 02:39.839><c> I</c><01:02:39.920><c> give</c><01:02:40.000><c> a</c><01:02:40.240><c> real</c><01:02:
• </c><01:02:44.000><c> And</c><01:02:44.160><c> this</c><01:02:44.319><c> actually</c><01:02:44.559><c

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee took up HB 164, dealing with homeowners and certain service agreements tied to residential real estate. Much of the discussion focused on whether the bill should be framed as prohibiting “service agreements” or more specifically as banning “future right to listing” agreements, and whether the bill should mirror Maine’s newer law. Mike Padmore of AARP New Hampshire presented suggested edits, including clarifying that the agreements are unenforceable, striking a provision at Roman 6C, and adding language making clear that registry of deeds staff are not liable when they record documents they are statutorily required to file. Bob Quinn of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors said the bill and Maine’s law reach the same result, but he preferred simpler wording and argued the bill should not include a two-year time limit because legitimate listing agreements should not create liens at all. Members and witnesses debated whether the bill should simply make the practice illegal outright, whether the Consumer Protection Act is the right enforcement vehicle, and whether the lien-removal process should be modeled on the recent undischarged mortgage bill. A consumer protection official said the bureau supports the statute and explained that under RSA 358-A, consumers could seek damages and equitable relief to strike a lien, while also noting that the bureau often uses the Consumer Protection Act as an enforcement tool. The committee also discussed narrowing the bill to residential real estate, with the sponsor and witnesses saying the problem has been seen in residential transactions and that commercial property was not the focus. The testimony described the underlying problem as companies, often national rather than New Hampshire-based, using long-term or future listing agreements to impose liens or penalties on homeowners, sometimes in connection with estate transfers or home sales. Witnesses said legitimate real estate listings do not normally place liens on houses, but these arrangements can include hidden or unclear penalties, including a reported 3% charge on home value. No vote was taken in the excerpt, but the committee appeared to be working through possible amendments and whether to adopt Maine-style language or a simpler New Hampshire-specific approach.

Transcript Highlights:

• not just... ...the past weekend and the incredible tragedy that's impacted not just the state of Minnesota
• This amendment very simply adds the omitted part of that statute, which is to say that federal police
• And we actually used the definition that the federal government uses for a similar statute in drafting
• have, one of the things that AI would quickly reveal for you is that in Massachusetts, there is a statute
• Melissa served for two decades in elected office, recently serving as the Speaker of the Minnesota House

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate considered a series of amendments to a supplemental appropriations bill and related measures, with several adopted and several rejected or withdrawn. Early amendments on equitable approaches to public safety and a Holyoke local account clarification failed, while amendments providing $2.5 million for Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers technical assistance and expanding access to gender-affirming medications and mifepristone were adopted. The chamber also adopted a technical amendment on alternative protein grants, a clarification to ETF modernization, and an energy storage systems amendment. Other proposals on homeowner protections, La Casa funding, emergency contract reform, an energy dashboard, EV charging ratepayer impacts, hate crimes, distressed hospital payments, and task force membership were rejected or withdrawn. A substantial portion of the debate focused on health care, food assistance, and public safety. Senators spoke in support of funding for community health centers, hospital relief, and EBT anti-skimming protections, including $15.5 million for chip-enabled EBT cards and related replacement-benefit support. One amendment to strengthen protections against impersonating federal officers was rejected, while another on professional protections was withdrawn after discussion of ballot address privacy and security concerns. The Senate also adopted amendments to continue prior appropriations for a North Shore food pantry and drought management efforts, and it later approved a sick leave bank for a Department of Mental Health employee. The chamber then took up the fiscal year 2025 fair share supplemental budget conference report, which Ways and Means described as $1.39 billion in spending split between transportation and education, including MBTA improvements, Chapter 90 aid, regional transit authorities, special education circuit breaker reimbursements, higher education deferred maintenance, and career technical education capital grants. After a roll call, the bill passed, with one recorded negative vote. The Senate also adopted a separate Ways and Means amendment and ordered the bill to third reading before final passage. The session ended with adjournment motions and a moment of silence honoring Melissa and Mark Hortman and other victims of political violence, along with a memorial adjournment for firefighter Jeffrey DeSanchez.

Transcript Highlights:

• where presently the language<02:14:50.639><c> in</c><02:14:51.079><c> statute</c><02:14:51.559><c> is
• language in statute is confusing because it<02:14:52.760><c> suggests</c><02:14:53.199><c> that</c><
• statute currently exists<02:20:30.960><c> in</c><02:20:31.080><c> New</c><02:20:31.280><c> Hampshire
• :21:12.840><c> what</c><02:21:13.080><c> this</c><02:21:13.280><c> statute</c><02:21:13.760><c> does<
• this statute does is allow New<02:21:15.319><c> Hampshire</c><02:21:15.800><c> to</c><02:21:16.040><

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> or</c><00:02:04.399><c> what</c><00:02:04.560><c> are</c><00:02:04.640><c> we</c><00:02:04.799><c
• &gt;&gt; It<00:02:06.240><c> looks</c><00:02:06.479><c> to,</c><00:02:06.719><c> and</c><00:02:06.960
• ><c> I</c><00:02:07.119><c> don't</c><00:02:07.200><c> do</c><00:02:07.360><c> the</c><00:02:07.520><
• :02:08.879><c> looks</c><00:02:09.039><c> to</c><00:02:09.200><c> me</c><00:02:09.280><c> like</c> in
• </c><02:46:33.600><c> Uh</c><02:46:34.319><c> and</c><02:46:34.560><c> I</c><02:46:34.800><c> I</c><02

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 409, 22 January, 2026; 1:30 P.M., 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:02:29.760><c> statute,</c><01:02:30.240><c> right,</c><01:02:30.480><c> of</c><01:02:30.720><c> which
• which is contrary to what the<01:02:53.119><c> statute</c><01:02:53.520><c> is</c><01:02:53.680><c> saying
• </c><01:02:54.160><c> So,</c><01:02:54.319><c> we're</c> the statute is saying.
• :39.040><c> the</c><02:11:39.280><c> statute</c><02:11:40.480><c> 30</c><02:11:40.960><c> 30</c><02:11
• this kind of asked backwards and<02:12:51.840><c> changing</c><02:12:53.119><c> statute</c><02:12:53.920

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:23.599><c> which</c><02:02:23.840><c> I</c><02:02:24.000><c> which</c><02:02:24.239><c> I</c><02:
• /c><02:02:27.360><c> unlawful</c><02:02:27.840><c> for</c><02:02:28.000><c> any</c><02:02:28.159><c>
• colon 3.<02:02:33.520><c> So,</c><02:02:33.760><c> and</c><02:02:34.000><c> I'm</c><02:02:34.159><c>
• statute<02:53:52.560><c> would</c><02:53:52.800><c> apply</c><02:53:53.120><c> to</c><02:53:53.359><
• c> the</c><02:53:53.600><c> legislation</c> statute would apply to the legislation statute would apply

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> also</c><00:02:09.399><c> hear</c><00:02:09.759><c> HB</c><00:02:10.440><c> 708</c><00:02:11.160
• <02:00:16.960><c> uh</c><02:00:17.159><c> it's</c><02:00:17.320><c> called</c><02:00:17.520><c> the</
• ><c> under</c><02:00:30.560><c> the</c><02:00:30.719><c> jurisdiction</c><02:00:31.320><c> of</c><02:
• <02:01:11.000><c> this</c><02:01:11.599><c> but</c><02:01:12.599><c> um</c><02:01:13.239><c> if</c><02
• ><02:03:23.679><c> in</c><02:03:23.840><c> a</c><02:03:24.000><c> lot</c><02:03:24.719><c> more</c><02

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:01.520><c> that</c><00:02:01.640><c> was</c><00:02:01.759><c> going</c><00:02:01.880><c> to</c
• ><00:02:01.960><c> run</c><00:02:02.159><c> and</c><00:02:02.320><c> how</c><00:02:02.399><c> it</c>
• we actually locked that into<00:02:36.200><c> statute</c><00:02:36.680><c> it's</c><00:02:36.840><c>
• actually</c><00:02:37.120><c> a</c><00:02:37.239><c> slightly</c> into statute it's actually a slightly
• into statute it's actually a slightly lower<00:02:37.959><c> rate</c><00:02:38.720><c> than</c><00:02

Keywords: Call to Order 00:00 Roll Call 00:05 HB 566 Discussion 01:34 HB 566 Vote 16:42 HB 39 Discussion 19:15 HB 39 Vote 23:10 HB 70 Discussion 24:48 HB 70 Vote 27:36 HB 72 Discussion 28:58 HB 72 Vote 39:45 HB 79 Discussion 41:45 HB 79 Vote 42:58 HB 223 Discussion 45:34 HB 223 Vote 46:24 Adjournment 47:38, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 566, which would implement the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation created last year. Chairman Cook described major provisions affecting charitable gaming, horse racing, sports wagering, and quarter horse racing, including locking charitable gaming fees in statute at a slightly lower rate, expanding charitable gaming board representation, preserving existing gaming technology, allowing school districts to hold charitable gaming licenses, and setting up self-funding for the new corporation through administrative set-asides from gaming-related funds. The bill also addresses uncashed vouchers, cross-training of investigators, ethics and employment provisions, and a three-year quarter horse breeding incentive intended to grow the industry. A committee substitute made two technical changes: clarifying voucher money stays with the track facility and making the school district itself the license holder. The substitute and then the bill both passed favorably, with several members noting concerns from last year but supporting the revised structure. The committee then heard House Bill 70, an interstate compact for dietitians. Sponsor Representative Vanessa Grossl and witnesses said the measure would allow reciprocity with other compact states, improve workforce mobility, help military families, expand patient access and telehealth, and reduce administrative burden on the licensing board. The committee substitute created a third license category for educational interpreters, but that language actually belonged to the next bill; for HB 70, the committee voted the bill favorably without reported amendments. The bill passed unanimously or near-unanimously and was sent to the House floor. Next, House Bill 72 was presented by Representative DJ Johnson to amend the law governing limited x-ray machine operators. The sponsor explained that current law effectively prevents limited x-ray operators from working in the same facility as other imaging equipment, which he said creates compliance problems, disrupts training, and can force practices to move equipment or lose employees. The bill would allow limited x-ray technicians to operate in the same facility as other imaging equipment. During discussion, some members noted opposition from students and others in the field, and the sponsor invited industry witnesses to explain their concerns. The transcript cuts off before final action on HB 72 is completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• in</c><01:02:12.680><c> the</c><01:02:12.799><c> a</c><01:02:13.160><c> district</c><01:02:13.680><c
• :02:29.440><c> the</c><01:02:29.559><c> Lu's</c><01:02:30.200><c> determination</c><01:02:31.160><c>
• or</c><01:02:40.440><c> not</c><01:02:40.839><c> this</c><01:02:41.440><c> particular</c><01:02:41.880
• ><c> uh</c><01:02:50.240><c> repealed</c><01:02:51.039><c> or</c><01:02:51.240><c> that</c><01:02:51.400
• ><c> as</c><01:02:56.839><c> a</c><01:02:57.039><c> substitute</c><01:02:57.640><c> to</c><01:02:57.839

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a series of transportation and public safety bills, beginning with HB 706, which would require skateboard users under age 16 to wear helmets. The Department of Transportation supported the measure, and the chair noted written support from AAA Hawaii, Kulani Medical Center for Women and Children, and several individuals. No opposition was mentioned, and the bill appeared to draw no questions. Members then heard HB 860, which would grant immunity to the state or county that repairs or maintains a street when ownership or jurisdiction is disputed. DOT and DLNR supported the bill, with county support from Maui and a Hawaii Island county representative, while the Hawaii Association for Justice opposed it. The committee also heard HB 1162, requiring applicants for a motorcycle instruction permit to complete an approved basic rider course, with DOT support and a recommended amendment to exempt motorcycles used for training; the Public Defender asked about the current process, and DOT explained the bill was intended to improve safety given motorcycle fatalities. HB 1259, allowing speed-limit reductions within 10 mph of the current limit without an engineering study, also drew DOT support and support from the AAHU Metropolitan Planning Organization and individuals. The committee next considered HB 1158, a governor’s package bill limiting civil liability for people who provide firefighting services with vessels at commercial harbors or roadsteads to gross negligence or wanton conduct. DOT Harbors said the bill was prompted by lessons from the Lahaina fires and was intended to encourage privately owned firefighting-equipped vessels to assist without hesitation; the Hawaii Harbor Users Group and an individual supported it. HB 54, which would make a third or subsequent excessive speeding offense a Class C felony and allow vehicle forfeiture, drew DOT support but strong opposition from the Public Defender, who argued the bill was overly harsh, would force jury trials, and could create sentencing problems; the Public Defender also said existing penalties were already significant. The committee then heard HB 1334, which would exempt donations of wild game meat, including axis deer, to charitable and nonprofit organizations from certain meat inspection and transportation laws; DLNR and multiple community and food-related groups supported it, and no opposition was noted. Finally, the committee took up HB 698 on animal cruelty, which would increase criminal penalties for various offenses. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing the cases are rare, enforcement is limited, and the proposed penalties—up to Class A felony treatment in some cases—were too severe; animal welfare advocates strongly supported the measure, saying cruelty cases are widespread, underreported, and under-enforced, and that stronger penalties are needed as a deterrent. No votes or final actions were taken on any of the bills in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> bit</c><00:02:14.519><c> of</c><00:02:14.640><c> your</c><00:02:14.840><c> time</c><00:02:15.080
• um we have Waste Management boards um we have specific<00:02:23.000><c> Statute</c><00:02:24.000><c>
• the 109 board because we<00:02:31.000><c> have</c><00:02:31.239><c> specific</c><00:02:31.760><c> statute
• </c><00:02:32.360><c> that</c><00:02:32.920><c> that</c> we have specific statute that that we have specific
• statute that that um<00:02:35.040><c> that</c><00:02:35.239><c> directs</c><00:02:36.040><c> our</c>

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:12 Introduction of Guests 01:09 HB 88 Discussion 01:46 HB 88 Roll Call Vote 03:24 HB 346 Discussion 04:20 HB 346 Roll Call Vote 21:58 Chair Comments 24:31, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first considered House Bill 88, which was described as a short bill to clarify procedures for Waste Management boards, including term limits, appointments, and making sure consolidated governments actively recruit community members and make openings easier to find. The sponsor said the bill was intended to resolve confusion about members staying on after terms expire. The bill received no opposition, passed the committee unanimously, and was reported favorably for the floor. The committee then took up House Bill 346, as amended by a committee substitute. The sponsor explained that the bill responds to a dispute over air emission fees, especially for emergency generators and backup generators used for worker safety and limited non-emergency testing. The bill would exempt emergency generators and backup generators operating 100 hours or less for maintenance/testing from fees, while also removing an existing 4,000-ton cap so the per-ton fee would drop for most permitted sources. Members discussed the possible impact on utilities and ratepayers, with concerns raised that costs could be passed through to consumers and affect coal-dependent areas. The sponsor and another member argued the change would generally reduce fees for most sources and incentivize emissions reductions; the cabinet was described as neutral, and the affected utilities were identified as TVA, LG&E, East Kentucky Power, and Big Rivers, with only TVA having raised comments. The committee substitute was adopted, and the bill passed the committee with a favorable recommendation, though one member voted no and several members explained yes votes while expressing ongoing concerns about future rate impacts. At the end of the meeting, members briefly discussed broader concerns about utility surcharges and the need to monitor the effects of legislation on ratepayers, but those comments were not part of the bill under consideration. The chair noted that future meetings may include more bills and could start earlier if needed, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:15.960><c> that</c><02:02:16.599><c> component</c><02:02:17.599><c> um</c><02:02:18.000><c> that<
• then</c><02:02:22.239><c> on</c><02:02:22.440><c> the</c><02:02:23.000><c> um</c><02:02:23.199><c> section
• regarding sheriffs<02:02:24.679><c> and</c><02:02:24.840><c> Deputy</c><02:02:25.199><c> sheriffs</c
• </c><02:02:27.360><c> flesh</c><02:02:27.760><c> out</c><02:02:28.239><c> your</c><02:02:29.199><c> uh
• impact<02:02:30.840><c> that</c><02:02:31.199><c> that</c><02:02:31.320><c> you</c><02:02:31.440><c>

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard SB 104, which would restrict the use of restrictive housing or solitary confinement in state-operated and state-contracted correctional facilities, with specified exceptions. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation strongly opposed the bill, saying its existing policy already meets or exceeds ACA and National Institute of Corrections standards, and objecting to language they said would give the oversight commission operational decision-making authority. The Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission supported the bill, but also said it was not intended to run operations and described concerns about restrictive housing practices, including CoreCivic’s SHIP program at Saguaro. Supporters included the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Office of the Public Defender, the Disability Rights Center, ACLU Hawaii, Easter Seals Hawaii, and individual testifiers. They argued that Native Hawaiians are disproportionately impacted by incarceration, that solitary confinement is harmful and linked to depression, anxiety, suicidality, and poor reentry outcomes, and that confinement beyond 15 days is widely condemned under international standards. Several testifiers cited suicides and deaths in custody as reasons to codify limits in statute rather than rely on policy alone. The department responded that it already has 24/7 medical care, though not 24/7 mental health coverage at one facility, and explained that it uses four custody categories: disciplinary segregation, administrative segregation, protective custody, and placements for inmates seeking separation for safety reasons. Members questioned the department and commission about the SHIP program, whether the bill was based on other states’ laws, and how current policies compare with national standards. The director said the bill was too ambiguous in places and that the department was willing to work with the commission on policy changes, but still opposed the measure as written. The committee took testimony and questions; no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:11.520><c> Now</c><00:02:11.760><c> again,</c><00:02:12.080><c> bless</c><00:02:12.400><c>
• </c><00:02:31.120><c> we'll</c><00:02:31.680><c> um</c><00:02:32.480><c> entertain</c><00:02:32.959><
• :33.440><c> to</c><00:02:33.599><c> approve</c><00:02:33.920><c> the</c><00:02:34.160><c> M</c><00:02
• </c><00:02:36.640><c> We</c><00:02:36.879><c> have</c><00:02:36.959><c> a</c><00:02:37.200><c> motion
• <02:01:52.159><c> I</c><02:01:52.400><c> know</c><02:01:52.480><c> I</c><02:01:52.639><c> said</c><02

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with a quorum call, the Pledge of Allegiance, a prayer, and approval of the prior meeting minutes. The first presentation was from Bo Craycraft of the Judicial Form Retirement System, who gave an update on investment performance, asset allocation, cash flow, and projected employer costs. He reported strong fiscal year 2025 investment results, with both the legislative and judicial retirement plans outperforming their actuarial assumed rates of return and benchmarks, driven largely by U.S. equity performance. He also noted the plans remained near their target asset allocation and continued to experience negative cash flow, though he said that was manageable in context of strong asset growth. Craycraft then discussed a recent experience study and actuarial assumption changes, especially a revised salary growth assumption and a higher cash balance interest credit rate. He said these changes increased projected employer costs, with contributions rising from about $700,000 to a projected $2 million in later years, though he expected the eventual 2025 valuation and investment gains to reduce that estimate. Members asked about mortality assumptions, the impact of the experience study on liabilities, and the sharp increase in the judicial plan’s projected employer cost. Craycraft explained that the increase was driven mainly by the updated assumptions and that no other major plan changes were involved. At the chair’s request, Craycraft also addressed the recent rise in Medicare Advantage premiums for the plan’s health coverage, saying the 2025 increase was largely tied to Part D changes and the Inflation Reduction Act and had been about 45%, but that future growth was expected to be under 5%. After his presentation, the committee moved to the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority update, where the next speaker began by saying the funds had exceeded actuarial assumed returns for the fiscal year.

Transcript Highlights:

• 47 does in fact 47 does in fact uh uh uh carve<02:02:52.160><c> out</c><02:02:52.960><c> uh</c><02:02
• 55.200><c> be</c><02:02:55.360><c> able</c><02:02:55.560><c> to</c><02:02:55.720><c> control</c><02:02
• Uh<02:02:59.280><c> so</c><02:03:00.120><c> uh</c><02:03:00.560><c> so</c><02:03:00.800><c> but</c><02
• city something that's set out through city city<02:03:12.120><c> statute</c><02:03:12.760><c> voted</
• :03:15.000><c> city</c><02:03:15.800><c> um</c> city statute voted on by the uh city um city statute

Committee: House Environment and Agriculture

Keywords: 1189, house, all