Transcript Highlights:

• :00.120><c> on</c> housing<00:21:24.480><c> um</c><00:21:24.720><c> members</c><00:21:25.440><c> and<
• /c><00:21:25.600><c> for</c><00:21:25.880><c> those</c><00:21:26.080><c> in</c><00:21:26.279><c> the<
• <00:21:29.840><c> of</c><00:21:30.080><c> committee</c><00:21:30.440><c> on</c><00:21:30.679><c> water
• </c><00:21:35.400><c> were</c><00:21:35.640><c> in</c><00:21:36.039><c> recess</c><00:21:37.039><c> and
• > will</c><00:21:37.919><c> allow</c><00:21:38.799><c> um</c><00:21:39.279><c> the</c><00:21:39.480><

Summary: The committees first heard SB 443, which would require agricultural-district lands with solar energy facilities to also be certified as being used for a farming operation. DLNR, the State Energy Office, and the Agri-Business Development Corporation all supported the bill but recommended changes, including shifting the certifying authority from DLNR/BLNR to the Department of Agriculture. The Attorney General also recommended replacing the certification requirement with a condition that the land be used for a farming operation, citing the lack of a clear statutory framework for certification. The Hawaiʻi Farmers Union supported the measure but suggested using existing county agricultural dedication processes and raised concerns about conversion of agricultural land. The committees adopted amendments reflecting the Department of Agriculture as the certifying body and the Attorney General’s proposed language, then passed SB 443 with amendments. The committees then took up SB 79, relating to historic preservation reviews for state affordable housing projects. DLNR State Historic Preservation and DHHL supported the bill with amendments, including striking a redundant section and conforming the language to existing law. The committees agreed to those changes, and after a brief recess and decision-making, Water and Land, Housing, and Hawaiian Affairs each voted to pass SB 79 with amendments. The record notes that some members were excused and that the committees adopted the chair’s recommendations. Later, the joint Housing and Water and Land hearing considered SB 26, SB 867, and SB 1170. SB 26 would create an affordable housing land inventory task force within HCDA; HHFDC supported it, while HCDA suggested an alternative approach involving county coordination. The committees amended the bill to incorporate OPSD’s proposed language, add legislative and county representatives to the task force, and include an appropriation for the Mayor Wright project, then passed it with amendments. SB 867, which creates a working group to inventory water resources and streamline well permit approvals for affordable housing, drew broad support and was amended to specify the Department of Health director rather than the Clean Water Branch chief; it also passed with amendments. SB 1170, which would exempt certain Maui affordable rental housing projects from chapter 205A, drew support from housing interests but concern from the Attorney General that it could be unconstitutional; the AG suggested narrowing the bill to disaster recovery and limiting its scope. Testifiers also discussed the Weinberg Court Apartments project and other redevelopment concerns, but the transcript ends before final action on SB 1170 is completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:21:07.600><c> and</c><00:21:07.720><c> it</c><00:21:07.880><c> includes</c><00:21:08.240><c> an</c
• > going</c><00:21:13.320><c> to</c><00:21:13.400><c> be</c><00:21:13.559><c> part</c><00:21:13.720><c
• :21:14.880><c> be</c><00:21:15.080><c> the</c><00:21:15.279><c> process</c><00:21:15.640><c> that's</
• 21:24.200><c> out</c><00:21:25.159><c> um</c><00:21:26.080><c> it</c><00:21:26.360><c> it</c><00:21:26.679
• Page 8, line 21, we would add: "No person shall be permitted to join a class action under this chapter

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several housing, land use, and preservation bills. HB 1008 HD2 would require the Department of Land and Natural Resources to complete historic preservation determinations for state affordable housing projects within 90 days and create sensitivity-based review pathways. HHFDC, DLNR’s State Historic Preservation Division, and written testimony from DBEDT supported the bill as an expedited process for projects unlikely to affect significant historic resources. Members asked how the bill would define significant versus non-significant historic properties, how it would interact with Kapakai analysis, and whether burial councils had been consulted; SHPD said the bill would not replace Kapakai review and that burial councils had not been included. Written support also came from OHA, Hawaii Realtors, and the Maui Chamber of Commerce. HB 1093 would clarify the Hawaii Public Housing Authority’s powers relating to housing projects. HPHA supported the measure, saying it would align definitions with prior law and help deconcentrate poverty by allowing mixed-income rebuilding. The director also said the bill was increasingly urgent because of reported federal HUD priorities that could affect public housing and Section 8 funding. HB 1096 HD1 would repeal state low-income housing preferences for disabled veterans and spouses of deceased veterans, with HPHA saying federal veteran programs such as VASH are a better mechanism and that the state preference has not been used in years. HB 1411 would allow HHFDC projects to give sale or lease preferences to applicants who live or work within five miles of a project; HHFDC and the Hawaii Chapter of NAIOP supported it as a way to keep residents connected to their communities, while members raised constitutional concerns about broader local-preference policies. The committee also heard HB 367 HD1, which would create county permit exemptions for certain agricultural and maintenance activities. Written testimony included opposition from the Department of Planning and Permitting and support from the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Grassroot Institute, and others. A public testifier opposed the bill, arguing that permit exemptions could worsen safety and compliance problems. Finally, HB 826 HD1 would allow county planning commissions, by special permit, to authorize residential housing in agricultural districts for agricultural workforce housing, long-term rental, or fee simple ownership under certain conditions. HHFDC supported it as a faster alternative to lengthy state land-use redistricting, but the Department of Agriculture, Land Use Commission, and Office of Planning and Sustainable Development raised concerns about food production impacts, due process, service provision, jurisdictional conflicts, and the use of special permits for what could amount to district boundary changes. Public testimony was mixed, with some support and some opposition. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:21:22.720><c> departing</c><00:21:23.200><c> their</c><00:21:23.400><c> college</c><00:21:23.679>
• ><c> journey</c><00:21:25.080><c> in</c><00:21:25.200><c> order</c><00:21:25.440><c> to</c><00:21:25.600
• </c><00:21:31.640><c> support</c><00:21:32.039><c> can</c><00:21:32.200><c> make</c><00:21:32.320><c>
• ><c> path</c><00:21:35.200><c> to</c><00:21:35.400><c> a</c><00:21:36.039><c> degree</c><00:21:37.039
• strategies<00:21:46.120><c> possible</c><00:21:47.000><c> the</c><00:21:47.120><c> funding</c><00:21

Summary: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities presented an overview of the system and several budget riders. Board Chair George Soul described the system’s structure, noting 26 colleges and seven universities governed by a 15-member board, and emphasized that Minnesota State serves about 270,000 students annually, including many students of color, adult learners, Pell-eligible students, first-generation students, and veterans. He highlighted the system’s workforce role, saying it offers more than 4,000 programs, extensive employer partnerships, and that 86% of graduates find jobs in their field or a related field. He then turned the presentation over to system staff to discuss specific funding requests. Associate Vice Chancellor Kim Lynch focused on the Z-degree textbook program, which supports zero-textbook-cost courses and degrees. She said prior legislative support has produced about $3.1 million in savings in academic year 2024 and more than $12.6 million in aggregate savings, with 10 colleges now offering Z degrees and 12 more on track or exploring implementation. She described the program’s use of open educational resources, instructional design support, and library resources to fill gaps where free materials are not available, and said students save roughly $7 to $10 for every $1 invested. Members praised the program and asked about its expansion. Associate Vice Chancellor Paul Shepard discussed student support funding, including a centralized basic needs resource hub, the Mantra Health mental health platform, and the emergency grant program. He said student surveys showed significant food, housing, and homelessness insecurity, and that the basic needs hub has served over 2,400 students with a 97% positive response rate. He said Mantra provides telecounseling, peer support, self-paced courses, and crisis support, and clarified in response to questions that it is not AI-driven and does not sell student data; general usage data is collected, and follow-up with campus counselors occurs only at the student’s request. He also said the emergency grant program has distributed over $3 million to more than 4,800 students, with grants averaging just under $700, and that campuses use application review and recordkeeping to manage repeat requests. Members asked about counselor staffing, data privacy, and grant safeguards. The final item addressed sexual assault reporting and prevention funding. System staff said the appropriation supports technology infrastructure for statutory reporting, case management for investigations, campus prevention training, and professional development for Title IX coordinators and related staff. They noted that the statutory student training requirement is funded by individual colleges and universities, not by this appropriation. No formal votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :08.559><c> and</c><00:21:08.880><c> I</c><00:21:08.960><c> would</c><00:21:09.200><c> hate</c><00:21
• 00:21:10.360><c> way</c><00:21:10.600><c> with</c><00:21:11.600><c> the</c><00:21:11.760><c> entire</
• to air it<00:21:19.640><c> sounds</c><00:21:20.039><c> good</c><00:21:20.440><c> um</c><00:21:20.559>
• </c><00:21:23.120><c> uh</c><00:21:23.320><c> I</c><00:21:23.440><c> just</c><00:21:23.559><c> want</
• to address<00:21:24.640><c> one</c><00:21:24.960><c> part</c><00:21:25.159><c> of</c><00:21:25.360><

Bills: HF390 , HF1202 , HF550

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: government data, data practices, record keeping, penalties, legal enforcement, public meetings, transparency, government accountability, interagency groups, Minnesota Statutes, redistricting, Bipartisan Commission, Minnesota Constitution, census, legislative districts

Transcript Highlights:

• :12.360><c> was</c><00:21:12.760><c> to</c><00:21:13.080><c> ask</c><00:21:13.360><c> the</c><00:21:13.760
• the administration to look<00:21:14.840><c> at</c><00:21:15.000><c> an</c><00:21:15.200><c> emergency
• </c><00:21:15.799><c> proc</c><00:21:16.159><c> to</c><00:21:16.320><c> move</c><00:21:16.520><c> monies
• ><c> with</c><00:21:17.240><c> the</c><00:21:17.440><c> existing</c><00:21:17.919><c> budget</c><00:21
• so we'll<00:21:23.880><c> defer</c><00:21:24.880><c> SB</c><00:21:25.559><c> 1362</c><00:21:26.559><

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a series of tax, budget, and policy bills. On SB 325 and SB 326, the Tax Foundation testified and the committee later recommended passage with amendments. SB 721, SB 1278, and SB 1465 also drew Tax Foundation testimony focused on technical corrections and effective-date issues; SB 1278 was strongly supported by the Hawaii Restaurant Association and other restaurant and business groups, who argued the bill should extend tax relief to the federal Restaurant Revitalization Fund because it served the same purpose as earlier COVID relief programs. A bar owner also testified in support, describing severe pandemic-related losses and lack of government assistance. The Department of Taxation asked about the estimated fiscal impact of SB 1278, which was stated to be about $16.8 million and not including interest. The committee also considered SB 1464 through SB 1470, with the Tax Foundation supporting most of the conformity and tax measures and opposing SB 1465 as unnecessary. SB 1464 was recommended for passage unamended, SB 1465 with amendments, and SB 1466, SB 1467, and SB 1470 unamended. SB 1362 and SB 1363 were deferred so the administration could explore moving funds within the existing budget instead of using emergency appropriations. SB 1044 was amended to create a condominium loan program and special fund to finance essential repairs and improve insurability of condominium properties, with loans repaid over 20 years and the fund eventually sunsetted. The committee also acted on several other measures: SB 533 was amended to remove an appropriation and require a local investor-owned utility to support schools affected by a planned public safety power shutoff program; SB 1117 was amended to define electric motorcycles and prohibit operation by those under 18; SB 1186 was amended to move a food-production working group to the Agribusiness Development Corporation and remove an appropriation; SB 1391 was amended to require a one-to-one match of state funds with private donations; and SB 1669 was amended with committee-report language noting concerns about jurisdictional definitions and board qualifications. Later, the committee recommitted SB 933 and SB 938 to Ways and Means after adopting proposed SD1 versions. Most measures were adopted unanimously, often with members voting no with reservation.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:21:00.880><c> Uh</c><00:21:01.280><c> that</c><00:21:01.520><c> would</c><00:21:01.679><c> be</c
• :21:14.720><c> the</c><00:21:14.880><c> Pisces</c><00:21:15.679><c> program</c><00:21:16.080><c> from
• 00:21:21.600><c> uh</c><00:21:21.760><c> passed</c><00:21:22.159><c> it</c><00:21:22.320><c> included
• I think that would<00:21:27.440><c> be</c><00:21:27.600><c> a</c><00:21:27.840><c> a</c><00:21:28.000
• ><c> a</c><00:21:28.320><c> good</c><00:21:28.480><c> idea</c><00:21:28.799><c> to</c><00:21:29.039><

Committee: House Education

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met on February 18, 2026, and heard four bills. HB 2519 would shift University of Hawaii funding toward block appropriations, a stabilization fund, limited procurement and fiscal exemptions, performance-based metrics, and annual reporting. UH supported the bill, saying line-item budgeting hampers systemwide efficiency across its 10 campuses; the State Procurement Office commented on the procurement exemption. The chair proposed amendments to address concerns from Budget and Finance and procurement, including capping UH’s retained funds at 10%, requiring lapse after three fiscal years, removing CIP-to-operating transfers, narrowing procurement exemptions while keeping Chapter 103B principles, shifting performance metric-setting to the Board of Regents, and requiring annual reporting. The committee then voted to pass HB 2519 with amendments. HB 2409 would establish the Hawaii Geological Survey in Hilo and designate its director as the state geologist. UH Hilo supported the concept but said it would need sufficient general-fund support, estimating roughly $200,000 to start. DLNR and the Attorney General offered comments, with the AG calling it a matter of statewide concern. The chair said the DNR testimony raised public safety concerns and that UH Hilo had not identified a firm funding amount, so the committee voted to defer the bill. HB 2141 HD1 concerned state enterprise zones and would expand eligible business activities and allow DBED to designate up to two areas as enterprise zones with gubernatorial approval. DBED, the Tax Foundation, and other organizations submitted support or comments. After discussion, the chair said the current version no longer fit the higher education committee’s focus and recommended reverting to the original bill, which would limit the zone to Kakaʻako Makai for a biomedical health innovation hub near JABSOM and the Queen’s Cancer Center, with a defective date. The committee voted to pass HB 2141 HD1 with amendments. HB 2233 HD1 would appropriate funds to continue the SNAP-Ed program through UH and the Department of Health. DOH supported the bill and said it had been working on nutrition education and environmental changes; it estimated about $600,000 each for DOH and SEAR, or $1.2 million total. Testimony in support also came from several organizations and individuals, including a senior advocate who described the program’s practical benefits. The chair said the committee would reflect the $600,000-per-entity estimate in its report, and the committee voted to pass HB 2233 HD1 as is before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just 38, 21, and 35 cents.
• Chapter 8503.
• Chapter 8504.06, land exchange.
• So there's a lot of changes to that chapter and then a new chapter following for the veterinary technician
• Chapter 89-11-01...

Summary: The committee first approved the December 3 minutes, then heard a request from the Board of Clinical Laboratory Practice to amend its proposed rule on exempt test methods to add certain closed-system DNA/RNA tests, including rhinovirus. After testimony explaining that the board had considered late comments from BioMérieux and wanted the rule record to reflect that review, the committee agreed to a limited amendment and passed the motion unanimously. The Department of Agriculture then outlined broad rule updates affecting dairy, eggs, poultry, pesticides, animal health, environmental mitigation, and the Egg Product Utilization Commission. The commissioner said the changes mostly clarified existing requirements, updated references, and reduced some burdens, such as easing dairy hauler training/licensing timing and clarifying out-of-state grade A milk language. Members asked about dairy industry decline, the APUC scoring system, and the rationale for the milk-hauler and out-of-state milk provisions. The State Board of Dental Examiners presented extensive rule changes tied to recent legislation and workforce issues, including a new professional health program for dentists, expanded duties for assistants and hygienists, broader local anesthetic authority for hygienists, and fee increases to fund the program and cover administrative costs. Testimony from Dr. Edward May strongly supported the professional health program based on his own recovery experience. The committee also heard from Game and Fish on rules easing some guide/outfitter experience requirements, allowing electronic exams, and modifying boating safety equipment rules, with no public comment and no fiscal impact. Later, Health and Human Services received approval for an extension to update tattoo/body art rules and a separate motion to repeal an obsolete nurse aide training chapter. HHS also described nursing facility rule updates, lodging sanitation revisions, and related clarifications on licensing, safety, pest control, and fire requirements. The Department of Environmental Quality received an extension for septic-system installer rules, and also presented rules for above-ground storage tanks and water/wastewater operator certification, including new fees and third-party testing options. The Industrial Commission’s oil and gas division described multiple rule changes, some withdrawn after comments, including drilling unit flexibility, site stability, wildfire authority, and streamlined transport/reporting procedures. Finally, DPI began presenting several rule packages, including school construction loan limits, school bus standards, cooperative agreements, special education rules for public charter schools, and new math curriculum and intervention requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:07.919><c> So</c><00:21:08.080><c> during</c><00:21:08.320><c> the</c><00:21:08.480><c> p<
• :21:11.440><c> you</c><00:21:11.520><c> look</c><00:21:11.679><c> on</c><00:21:11.840><c> the</c><00:
• 21:25.760><c> is</c><00:21:26.720><c> use</c><00:21:27.120><c> they're</c><00:21:27.440><c> using</c>
• </c><00:21:30.799><c> So,</c><00:21:30.960><c> as</c><00:21:31.200><c> you</c><00:21:31.360><c> can</
• I know CO's over.<00:21:36.000><c> Um,</c><00:21:36.400><c> but</c><00:21:36.880><c> there</c><00:21:

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:09.159><c> or</c><00:21:10.159><c> feels</c><00:21:10.480><c> they</c><00:21:10.720><c> need
• </c><00:21:13.120><c> With</c><00:21:13.360><c> that,</c><00:21:14.240><c> we</c><00:21:14.480><c> will
• </c><00:21:15.840><c> Oh,</c><00:21:16.720><c> one</c><00:21:16.960><c> thing</c><00:21:17.120><c> I<
• <c> tell</c> you<00:21:24.640><c> that</c><00:21:24.960><c> there</c><00:21:25.480><c> were</c><00:21
• </c><00:21:29.760><c> the</c><00:21:29.919><c> signup</c><00:21:30.400><c> sheet</c><00:21:30.960><c>

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:01.919><c> requirement</c><00:21:02.799><c> where</c><00:21:03.039><c> if</c><00:21:03.280
• <00:21:21.440><c> to</c><00:21:21.679><c> evaluate</c><00:21:22.640><c> how</c><00:21:22.880><c> they
• :21:28.480><c> or</c><00:21:28.720><c> onto</c><00:21:28.960><c> the</c><00:21:29.120><c> court,</c><
• </c><00:21:31.840><c> so</c><00:21:32.159><c> far</c><00:21:32.320><c> that</c><00:21:32.559><c> this
• :21:44.799><c> start</c><00:21:44.960><c> and</c><00:21:45.280><c> when</c><00:21:45.440><c> they</c>

Summary: The Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and then reviewed a series of agency regulations, most of which had staff-suggested amendments. The Board of Pharmacy regulation on remote prescription processing was amended to make grammatical and KRS Chapter 13A compliance corrections, and the Board of Social Work regulation on continuing education, telehealth training, waivers, and related fees was deferred at the agency’s request. The Occupational Therapy Compact rule update and the Professional Geologists fee increase regulation both received staff amendments and were approved, with the geologists’ board explaining the increases were driven by rising oversight costs and declining revenue. The committee also reviewed emergency regulations from the Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, the Board of Emergency Medical Services, the Transportation Cabinet, and the Department of Workplace Standards. The EMS package covered licensing classifications, compliance audits, ambulance service rules, and electronic forms; the Transportation Cabinet’s emergency rule established procedures for street-legal special purpose vehicles; and Workplace Standards’ emergency rules updated Kentucky requirements to align with federal standards and House Bill 398, including shortening the discrimination complaint filing deadline from 120 days to 30 days and adjusting appeal procedures. Staff amendments were approved where offered, and members asked several clarifying questions about the rationale and effect of the workplace and EMS changes. The Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources explained rules on aircraft and drone use in taking wildlife and on reciprocal hunting and fishing agreements with neighboring states. The agency said the drone restriction was intended to align with federal law and address hunter complaints, while the reciprocal agreement rule was a cleanup of older agreements that had lapsed or been overlooked; the committee deferred the wildlife regulation 301 KAR 2:031 at the agency’s request. The Department of Education also presented multiple KHSAA-related and standards updates, including academic eligibility, sports timing, health and physical education standards, and career studies/financial literacy standards; staff amendments were approved, and members questioned the athletic forms and the designation of KHSAA as the state’s athletic agent. Finally, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services presented emergency regulations to support a pediatric teaching hospital expansion and related certificate-of-need changes, which the agency said were aimed at improving pediatric and neonatal access to care; staff amendments were approved, and the committee concluded by setting its next meeting for October 13 at 1:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:05.160><c> no</c><00:21:05.400><c> resources</c><00:21:06.240><c> to</c><00:21:06.480><c>
• :21:23.920><c> take</c><00:21:24.160><c> a</c><00:21:24.240><c> stop</c><00:21:24.640><c> at</c><00:21
• <00:21:38.680><c> and</c><00:21:38.840><c> look</c><00:21:39.000><c> at</c><00:21:39.120><c> the</c><
• It's not It's<00:21:44.000><c> not</c><00:21:44.560><c> something</c><00:21:44.880><c> that</c><00:21
• &gt;&gt; I<00:21:52.480><c> guess</c><00:21:52.680><c> the</c><00:21:52.760><c> best</c><00:21:53.160

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• My district<00:21:16.240><c> has</c><00:21:16.480><c> a</c><00:21:16.799><c> five-year</c><00:21:17.280
• Our<00:21:20.480><c> on-site</c><00:21:21.039><c> solar</c><00:21:21.440><c> electricity</c><00:21:22.000
• State<00:21:25.520><c> law</c><00:21:25.760><c> allows</c><00:21:26.159><c> us</c><00:21:26.320><c> for
• :21:28.240><c> to</c><00:21:28.400><c> five</c><00:21:28.640><c> years.
• ><c> and</c><00:21:35.840><c> many</c><00:21:36.159><c> co-op</c><00:21:36.559><c> and</c><00:21:36.720

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:04.640><c> out</c><00:21:04.880><c> and</c><00:21:05.120><c> do</c><00:21:05.360><c> not</
• </c><00:21:14.559><c> is</c><00:21:14.799><c> not</c><00:21:15.039><c> meant</c><00:21:15.200><c> to<
• <c> into</c><00:21:15.760><c> the</c><00:21:16.159><c> I</c><00:21:16.400><c> think</c><00:21:16.480>
• </c><00:21:19.760><c> didn't</c><00:21:19.919><c> want</c><00:21:20.000><c> this</c><00:21:20.240><c>
• I didn't<00:21:21.039><c> want</c><00:21:21.120><c> that</c><00:21:21.360><c> to</c><00:21:21.520><c>

Committee: House Primary and Secondary Education

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:21:14.840><c> we</c><00:21:14.960><c> have</c><00:21:15.120><c> 10</c><00:21:15.520><c> colleges<
• offering<00:21:16.799><c> those</c><00:21:17.000><c> Z</c><00:21:17.279><c> degrees</c><00:21:17.840
• degree or<00:21:23.600><c> most</c><00:21:23.840><c> recently</c><00:21:24.320><c> a</c><00:21:24.520
• <00:21:41.360><c> and</c><00:21:41.640><c> have</c><00:21:41.840><c> implemented</c><00:21:42.360><c>
• :21:11.480><c> of</c><01:21:11.840><c> pay</c><01:21:12.840><c> uh</c><01:21:13.280><c> with</c><01:21

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• :35.120><c> but</c><00:21:35.360><c> under</c><00:21:35.760><c> chapter</c><00:21:36.320><c> 13A.03</
• c> council, but under chapter 13A.03 council, but under chapter 13A.03 other<00:21:39.360><c> than</c
• ><00:21:39.600><c> this</c><00:21:39.919><c> language</c><00:21:40.400><c> that's</c><00:21:40.720><c
• ><c> for</c><00:21:46.080><c> any</c><00:21:46.320><c> kind</c><00:21:46.480><c> of</c><00:21:46.640>
• 02:21:43.680><c> a</c><02:21:43.920><c> b</c><02:21:44.319><c> uh</c><02:21:44.479><c> from</c><02:21

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Incorporated</c><00:02:17.520><c> fraternity</c> chapter of Lynx Incorporated fraternity chapter of
• And whereas the Alabama chapters of the Links Incorporated will celebrate 21 years of gathering at the
• </c> inspire links members and chapters inspire links members and chapters across<00:04:58.160><c> the
• And whereas the Alabama chapters of the Links Incorporated will celebrate 21 years of gathering at the
• Clerk<00:21:57.200><c> lock</c><00:21:57.520><c> machine</c><00:21:57.840><c> recorded</c><00:21:58.320

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:21:01.320><c> all</c><00:21:01.520><c> going</c><00:21:01.680><c> to</c><00:21:01.760><c> work.
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• </c><00:21:18.200><c> Now,</c><00:21:18.440><c> it's</c><00:21:18.560><c> going</c><00:21:18.720><c>
• As<00:21:25.600><c> we</c><00:21:25.680><c> continue</c><00:21:26.440><c> hearing</c><00:21:26.800><c

Transcript Highlights:

• :21:07.199><c> the</c><01:21:07.679><c> vehicle</c><01:21:08.679><c> um</c><01:21:09.440><c> but</c>
• </c><01:21:10.080><c> pointing</c><01:21:10.400><c> out</c><01:21:10.639><c> that</c><01:21:10.840><c
• 21:11.760><c> I</c><01:21:11.880><c> looked</c><01:21:12.239><c> back</c><01:21:12.520><c> at</c><01:
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• c><01:21:28.440><c> Phil</c><01:21:28.840><c> um</c><01:21:28.960><c> do</c><01:21:29.000><c> you</c>

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on January 30, 2025, and heard testimony on several condominium-related bills, beginning with HB 70. HB 70 would require a budget summary disclosure for condominiums. Supporters, including Community Associations Institute, a real estate broker, and several condominium owners, said the bill would improve consumer protection by giving owners and buyers a clearer, more understandable snapshot of an association’s financial health and reserve compliance. One supporter noted the bill should help reduce confusion caused by lengthy reserve studies and emphasized the importance of accurate disclosure. A testifier also urged the committee to hear other condominium bills quickly, including measures related to an ombudsman, managing agents, parliamentarians, and attorney’s fees. The committee then heard HB 106, which would change the process for condominium fines and disputes. Phil Nery of CAI and other supporters said the bill would strengthen due process by requiring clearer notice, allowing an internal board appeal, and then permitting small claims court review without attorney’s fees unless the fine is upheld. They argued this would prevent fines from escalating into costly legal disputes and provide a more linear, fair process. Some supporters suggested amendments, including clarifying that the statute controls over association documents and refining refund language. During questioning, members raised concerns about small claims limits and whether associations would be represented by volunteers or attorneys. One testifier initially in support later said he would not support the bill as written after hearing HPD’s concerns. HB 224, relating to property rights, drew opposition from the Department of the Attorney General and the Honolulu Police Department. Both agencies said the bill would improperly push law enforcement into a quasi-judicial role and could short-circuit existing due process procedures for occupants of residences. A realtor who had initially been listed in support changed his position after hearing the opposition testimony. The committee also heard emotional testimony from a resident describing a long-running squatter and utility theft problem at a neighboring property, which he said took years of court action and police involvement to resolve. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:21:15.120><c> the</c><00:21:15.279><c> legislature</c><00:21:15.840><c> is</c><00:21:16.080><c>
• no reason<00:21:19.400><c> why</c><00:21:19.679><c> this</c><00:21:19.919><c> body</c><00:21:20.279>
• </c><00:21:25.200><c> run</c><00:21:25.440><c> until</c><00:21:25.720><c> May</c><00:21:25.919><c> 2<
• <00:21:35.440><c> won't</c><00:21:35.679><c> may</c><00:21:35.840><c> not</c><00:21:36.039><c> have</
• ><c> to</c><00:21:41.080><c> to</c><00:21:41.279><c> to</c><00:21:41.559><c> make</c><00:21:41.720><c

Summary: The subcommittee met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and welcomed new members before taking up Council on Postsecondary Education regulations 13 KAR 2:120 and 13 KAR 2:130. The regulations, as amended by staff and agency amendments, update public university and KCTCS performance funding models to conform to 2024 Senate Bill 191 and the performance funding work group’s recommendations. Changes discussed included replacing the underrepresented minority metric with an underrepresented students metric defined as first-generation students, adding an adult learner metric, increasing the low-income degree premium, adjusting small-school and nonresident credit-hour weights, revising data aging and progression metrics, and adding STEM+H criteria in 13 KAR 2:120. Travis Pal of the Council on Postsecondary Education explained that the changes reflect the work group’s three-year review process and that the work group ultimately voted to define underrepresented students as first-generation students and to apply half-weighting between research and comprehensive universities for the new metric. Michael Frasier of the Kentucky Student Rights Coalition and Eastern Kentucky University student government opposed 13 KAR 2:120, arguing that the regulation improperly applies weights where the statute does not clearly authorize them and that the funding changes disadvantage comprehensive universities and vulnerable students. He asked the committee to find the regulation deficient or, alternatively, recommend legislative clarification and a revised fiscal analysis. Pal responded that weighting has been part of the model since 2017, that CPE was following the statute and work group recommendations, and that the model could be changed by future legislation. Members asked about the timing of the broader performance funding review, and Pal said the full model is reviewed every three years, with the next work group cycle beginning in 2026. No motion to find the regulation deficient was made, and the committee allowed the regulations to proceed to the committee of jurisdiction. The committee then approved a staff amendment to Teachers’ Retirement System regulations 102 KAR 1:195 and 102 KAR 1:340, which require annual reporting of accumulated sick leave, leave policies, and salary schedules to TRS and make technical changes to the final average salary calculation and related definitions.

Transcript Highlights:

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• think</c><01:21:37.120><c> you</c><01:21:37.360><c> want</c><01:21:37.520><c> to</c><01:21:37.679><c>
• &gt;&gt; U<01:21:55.280><c> members</c><01:21:55.600><c> of</c><01:21:55.760><c> the</c><01:21:55.920

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer and the pledge, confirmed a quorum, excused absent senators, and adopted the previous day’s journal. The chamber then received House messages referring House Bill 614 on supplemental appropriations and House Bill 224 on the distribution and use of tax funds to the Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee. Committee reports followed on several bills, including favorable reports for House Bills 169, 542, 593, and 13, with HB 542 amended in committee. The Senate also referred Senator Orr’s proposed rules change to the Rules Committee. A series of resolutions were taken up and adopted, including Senate Resolution 109 creating the Alabama Boating Safety Task Force, Senate Joint Resolutions 102 and 103, House Joint Resolutions 237, 215, 216, 218, and 235, Senate Joint Resolution 88 supporting the U.S. Department of Energy’s nuclear life cycle innovation effort, Senate Joint Resolution 93 creating a rural EMS and volunteer fire department study commission, Senate Joint Resolution 94 commending Exchange Club of Tuscaloosa Officer of the Year honorees, and Senate Joint Resolution 110 commending William Riley Hawkins Jr. on his retirement from AARP Alabama. The Senate also recognized several guests in the gallery, including local school superintendents and a student visitor. The chamber then moved through local legislation, adopting BRs and passing numerous local bills and constitutional amendments, including measures for Mobile, Prichard, Class 2 municipalities, Mingo County, Talladega County, Perry County, Wilcox County, Clay County, Washington County, and Madison County. Senate Bill 376 on Mobile County and Senate Bill 379 on Madison County were both passed and transmitted. Most local bills passed on unanimous or near-unanimous votes using the previous roll. The Senate also adopted Special Order Calendar Resolution 111, setting a special order calendar for the 27th legislative day that prioritized a long list of appropriations, education, retirement, dam safety, and higher education bills. On that calendar, House Bills 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 565, and Senate Bill 380 were taken up. HB 235’s committee substitute was tabled, a floor substitute was adopted restoring funding to the McQuain Center and removing some arts grants, and the bill passed. HB 236 passed after a language amendment. HB 237 passed as the Education Opportunities Reserve Fund bill. HB 238 passed after a floor substitute that shifted arts grants, added Voices for Alabama’s Children, adjusted RAISE Act weights, and increased funding for poverty, special education, and gifted students, along with a small amendment. HB 239 passed as the public education employee pay raise bill, with a substitute adding a retiree bonus and members discussing that the bonus would also be carried through SB 380. HB 240, HB 241, HB 242, and HB 565 all passed. SB 380 on the teachers retirement system received committee amendments and was being advanced as the vehicle for the retiree bonus, with Senator Orr explaining the bonus would be about $33 million and based on $1 per month of service for eligible retirees with at least 10 years of service.