Transcript Highlights:

• You know, they can make certain decisions to mitigate it, but like fuel is one.
• Our other states have fuel-type riders, which we think this is like a fuel-type cost.
• Other states have fuel-type riders, which we think this is like a fuel-type cost.
• It is a little bit different from fuel in that regard.
• So I'll switch to you. Senator Campbell, thank you for that question.

Bills: SB483, SB522, SB783, SB1239, SB1254, SB1255, SB1259, SB1341, SB1664, SB1762, SB1856, SB1877, SB1977

Keywords: utility, proprietary information, customer data, data protection, electric service, customer information, emergency communication, electric utility, privacy, certification, public accountants, interstate licensing, accounting, regulatory amendment, energy efficiency, construction regulations, building codes, Texas, sustainability, cost-effectiveness

Summary: The Senate Business and Commerce Committee met with a quorum and first took up pending business, voting out several bills. Senate Bills 1697, 1569, 1202 as substituted, 1029, 1364, 1185, 924, 1008 as substituted, 264, 1376, and 1358 as substituted were reported favorably, with some sent to the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also adopted a substitute for SB 1202 and later corrected votes on several measures. SB 924 and SB 1376 drew some opposition, while the rest of the pending bills were reported without dissent or with limited nays. The committee then heard testimony on SB 1856, which would create an annual capacity-cost recovery rider for Entergy Texas customers in the MISO region. The author and Entergy argued the bill would better match rates to actual capacity costs and improve transparency, while the Texas Association of Manufacturers and the Public Utility Commission raised concerns about the short 10-day review period, rider proliferation, and the preference for full rate cases over piecemeal adjustments. The bill was left pending. The committee also heard and left pending SB 522 on CPA reciprocity, SB 1664 requiring TDUs to provide clearer, standalone rate-change disclosures, SB 1877 expanding OPUC’s access to market data, SB 1254 and SB 1255 as TDLR cleanup bills on professional employer organizations and mold assessors, SB 1341 updating manufactured housing rules, SB 1239 on sovereign debt and Texas governing law, and SB 1259 streamlining the surveyor-in-training licensing process. Additional bills discussed included SB 1977, which would cap recoverable legal expenses in electric, water, and sewer rate cases; OPUC and some consumer advocates supported the idea as a way to reduce ratepayer costs, while utility representatives warned it could discourage participation and increase rate shock. The committee also heard SB 1762 clarifying that geothermal energy conservation wells are not battery resources, and SB 783 allowing SECO to proceed with future energy-code rulemaking for state-funded buildings. Both drew supportive testimony from industry and environmental groups. All remaining bills heard during the meeting were left pending, and the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• who doesn't have plates but would switch who doesn't have plates but would<00:14:04.000><c> get</c><
• </c> lak sediments to keep it from fueling lak sediments to keep it from fueling that<00:29:24.360><c
• cell, and it would depend if the fuel cell ruptured or not.
• cell, and it would depend if the fuel cell ruptured or not.
• But it's going to depend if the fuel cell ruptures or not as to the severity of that.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 105, which would create a new conservation license plate and direct the added fee to the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund. The sponsor, Rep. Rosemarie Rung, said the bill would create a non-tax revenue source to help address toxic cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire lakes, ponds, and rivers. She described the public health, environmental, and economic harms from blooms, the high cost of watershed management plans and mitigation projects, and the limited current funding available through state and federal sources. She argued that a voluntary plate program could provide sustainable support and raise awareness. Supporters, including Reps. Katie Pell and McDonald, said the bill would help affected lake communities and tourism-dependent areas. New Hampshire DES testified neutrally but confirmed that blooms have increased sharply, that the agency has issued more than 120 warnings in the past two years, and that the existing mitigation fund is nearly depleted after one-time appropriations. DES said the proposed plate would not solve the entire funding need but could provide dedicated revenue for studies and implementation projects. DMV testified that the operational impact of adding a new plate would be minimal. New Hampshire Lakes also supported the bill and said survey results suggested some current Moose plate holders and new registrants would likely choose the Loon plate. Committee members asked about the health effects of cyanobacteria, the expected revenue from the plate, and whether the problem is natural or human-driven. Testimony said exposure can cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal illness, and more serious liver or neurological effects, with pets and children at higher risk; one witness also cited research suggesting aerosolized toxins may affect people several kilometers from a bloom. DES explained that while lake sediments can release nutrients, the underlying problem is largely driven by watershed inputs and worsened over time. No vote was taken during the portion of the meeting provided, and the chair invited written testimony and additional questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We start to depart from that a little bit with fuel economies when the fuel economies are different,
• We start to depart from that a little bit from a fuel when the fuel economies are different, right?
• fuel at all.
• And what are we paying in fuel tax?
• fuel tax credit for any fuel tax paid.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee first took up three highway naming resolutions on its consent calendar: ACR 109, SCR 78, and SCR 90. The committee approved the consent calendar with 11 aye votes and no no votes, then adjourned the bill-hearing portion. Members also recognized committee science fellow AJ Mendeola for his service, noting his contributions to bill analysis and staff support. The committee then held an informational hearing on alternatives to the gas tax, focused on the projected decline in fuel-tax revenue and the need for a more sustainable transportation funding model. The chair and invited experts described how inflation, improved fuel efficiency, and growth in electric and other alternative-fuel vehicles are eroding gas-tax revenues. Presenters from the National Conference of State Legislatures and the University of California discussed state options such as higher or indexed gas taxes, EV registration fees, road usage charges, delivery fees, public EV charging fees, transportation network company fees, and managed lanes, emphasizing tradeoffs among revenue adequacy, fairness, administrative cost, and public acceptance. Committee members raised concerns that mileage-based fees or EV fees could function as new taxes on commuters and lower-income drivers, especially if the gas tax is not repealed. Presenters responded that road usage charges are generally intended as replacements for the gas tax, not additions, and argued that mileage-based systems better preserve the user-pays principle while being less tied to vehicle fuel efficiency. They also noted that flat EV registration fees are easy to administer but can be less equitable because they are not linked to actual road use. Officials from Hawaii, Utah, and Oregon described their state programs and policy choices. Hawaii said its new road usage charge began July 1, 2025, for EVs, offers a choice between a per-mile charge and a flat annual fee through 2028, and will transition to mandatory EV participation before expanding to all light-duty vehicles by 2033. Utah described its voluntary EV road usage charge program, quarterly reporting, privacy protections, and legislative scenarios for removing the cap or making participation mandatory. Oregon outlined its constitutional cost-responsibility framework and broader transportation funding challenges, including reliance on user fees and limited use of general-fund support.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is more expensive to produce gasoline refined fuel.
• Or the fuel will be imported from, by importing it, the cost will go down?
• As we phase out fossil fuel altogether, the report notes that we might want to consider a regional fuel
• be included in this transportation fuels transition plan that we're waiting for?
• I decided to see this switch to an iPad paper, but it just takes me one minute to pull.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy heard presentations on six budget-related issues and took no votes; all items were held open for a future hearing. The first item concerned funding for the California Transmission Accelerator Revolving Fund under SB 254 and Proposition 4. GoBiz and IBank requested nearly $26 million over five years and 10 limited-term positions to evaluate and finance eligible transmission projects. The LAO said the proposal was broadly consistent with Prop. 4 but noted many implementation details remain unresolved. Senators questioned how the program would lower ratepayer costs, how funds would be protected, and whether the full requested amount was necessary; the administration said the financing strategy is still being developed and that consultants are needed. The committee then discussed trailer bill language to redirect $22 million in General Fund money from the DEPA program to DSGS for summer 2026, and to use roughly $70 million in CalSHAPE interest for ratepayer relief through ELRP or an equivalent program in 2027-28. CEC and CPUC staff said DSGS and ELRP are reliability tools, not PSPS programs, and explained that DSGS had enrolled over 1,000 MW and was expected to have about $52 million available for 2026. Senators and the LAO raised concerns about ending a successful DSGS program, the complexity of transitioning customers to ELRP, and whether CalSHAPE funds should instead continue school HVAC and plumbing projects. Public commenters largely supported extending CalSHAPE and continuing or expanding DSGS rather than shifting funds to ELRP. The subcommittee also heard on petroleum market oversight under SBX1-2 and ABX2-1. The CEC and its Division of Petroleum Market Oversight requested about $1.67 million and a small permanent staffing increase to implement new inventory, resupply, and market analysis duties. Senators pressed the agencies on gasoline price spikes, refinery maintenance, price gouging, and the status of the transportation fuels transition plan, which staff said would be released in draft form soon. Public testimony supported DPMO’s work and called for continued oversight of gasoline pricing. Finally, the CPUC presented three additional budget proposals: resources to implement AB 1207’s changes to the California climate credit, funding for a study of large electrical loads such as data centers under SB 57, and staffing for AB 825’s regional market participation requirements. The LAO said the AB 1207 request may go beyond the statute and urged the Legislature to decide whether it wants a simpler or more complex climate credit redesign. Senators questioned the cost of the work, the need for ongoing staffing, and how ratepayer interests would be protected. The CPUC said the work is needed to adapt to changing load patterns, electrification, data center growth, and potential regional market participation. Public commenters also supported DPMO funding, CalSHAPE, and DSGS, and some urged the Legislature to keep DSGS at the CEC rather than shift funds to ELRP.

Transcript Highlights:

• The budget also proposes to create a new tax credit to incentivize companies that produce aviation fuel
• The budget also proposes to create a new tax credit to incentivize companies that produce aviation fuel
• It also proposes to create a new tax credit to incentivize companies that produce aviation fuel from
• This is to help address healthy forests as well as other fuel reduction projects.
• This is to help address healthy forests as well as other fuel reduction projects.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A switch.
• and firearms equipped with switches that have been seized.
• If you haven't heard of them, Glock switches are tiny third-party devices that cost as little as $25
• It is illegal to possess a Glock switch under federal law, felony.
• that they're pulling off the streets, in the number of guns that are modified by switches.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 1521, the Judiciary Committee’s civil law omnibus measure. The bill makes a number of minor, mostly clarifying changes, including repealing obsolete Government Code provisions, allowing juvenile courts to hear petitions to establish records of birth, death, or marriage, requiring notice of probate petitions to the Department of Child Support Services, and correcting typos in existing law. It had no opposition and was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations, though it was later placed on call pending additional votes. Members then heard AB 57, which would reserve at least 10% of California’s Home Purchase Assistance Program funds for descendants of formerly enslaved people. The author and supporters framed it as a reparative, race-neutral-by-lineage effort to address historic housing discrimination and the racial wealth gap, while opponents argued it was an unconstitutional racial proxy and should instead be based on individual injury. The bill drew strong support and opposition testimony, was amended, and was approved on a do-pass as amended vote to Appropriations, then placed on call. AB 495, the Family Preparedness Plan Act, was heard next. The bill would expand and standardize caregiving and guardianship tools for families facing immigration-related separation, including broader use of caregiver authorization affidavits, recognition of non-relative extended family caregivers, and a new short-term guardianship process that preserves parental rights. Supporters said it would reduce trauma and help children remain with trusted caregivers; there was no opposition testimony. The committee approved it on a do-pass to Human Services vote and placed it on call. The committee also heard AB 392, which would address non-consensual sharing of sexually explicit media by requiring uploader consent certifications, faster takedown procedures, and civil remedies against uploaders and hosting sites. A survivor testified in support, and members discussed implementation details and possible amendments; the bill was moved on a do-pass as amended basis to Appropriations and placed on call. AB 692, which would prohibit employer “stay-or-pay” debt agreements that require workers to repay training or other costs if they leave or are terminated, also advanced despite opposition from business and industry groups concerned about impacts on signing bonuses and voluntary training programs. It was sent to Appropriations on a do-pass as amended vote and placed on call, along with AB 1234, a wage-claim enforcement bill aimed at reducing Labor Commissioner delays and adding consequences for employers who fail to participate in the process. The committee also heard AB 394, which expands protections for transit workers and allows transit agencies to seek restraining orders against violent riders; it received broad support, some concern about system-wide bans, and was discussed with amendments that preserved judicial discretion.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I would ask unanimous consent that we switch H.J.M. 11 with RS 33-392. Any opposed to that?
• Okay, now this is where we switch the agenda, H.D.M. 11.
• I was asked to participate, encouraged to speak up, and made to feel that my input was valued, it fueled
• I originally started out in video production, not software development, but ended up switching due to

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate Education Committee first approved a change to its agenda and then adopted the minutes from a prior meeting. It then considered House Joint Memorial 11, which asks Idaho’s congressional delegation to fully fund the federal IDEA commitment for special education. Senator Burtenshaw argued that Congress promised up to 40% of the national average per-pupil expenditure but has never met that level, leaving Idaho districts to cover large shortfalls through local levies and discretionary funds. A witness from Fruitland School District gave similar testimony about the local cost of special education and the impact of the funding gap. The committee moved H.J.M. 11 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation; Senator Zito voted no, saying the federal government has long failed to meet its obligations, though she emphasized her support for students with disabilities. The committee then heard RS 33-392, a proposal to create regional service centers so school districts and charter schools can share hard-to-fill specialized staff and services such as speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, school psychologists, and business managers. Burtenshaw said the measure would help small and rural schools reduce duplication, improve compliance, and preserve local control, with startup funding already reflected in the governor’s budget and no new ongoing state funding required. The committee advanced the RS for a full hearing. The remainder of the meeting was informational. Jason Sevy of the Idaho School Board Association described Marsing’s community schools model, emphasizing partnerships with nonprofits and service providers to address barriers like food insecurity, health needs, transportation, and attendance. He said policymakers can help by removing funding restrictions so schools can respond flexibly to local needs. Meridian Technical Charter High School then presented on its career-and-technical education model, including student internships, industry credentials, dual credit, and leadership opportunities through student organizations. Students and staff highlighted strong graduation outcomes, career readiness, and the role of the school in helping students find direction; committee members praised the program and discussed how similar models might be scaled to smaller districts.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I would ask unanimous consent that we switch H.J.M. 11 with RS 33-392. Any opposed to that?
• Okay, now this is where we switch the agenda, H.D.M. 11.
• I was asked to participate, encouraged to speak up, and made to feel that my input was valued, it fueled
• I originally started out in video production, not software development, but ended up switching due to

Summary: The Senate Education Committee began by approving a change to the agenda and then approved the minutes from a prior meeting. It then took up House Joint Memorial 11, which urges Idaho’s congressional delegation to fully fund the federal IDEA commitment for special education. Senator Burtenshaw argued that Congress promised up to 40% of national average per-pupil spending but has never met that threshold, leaving Idaho districts to cover large shortfalls through local funds and levies. A representative from Fruitland School District testified in support, describing a nearly $790,000 local gap and saying the memorial would send a unified message to federal lawmakers. Senator Zito opposed the memorial, saying the federal government has failed to meet its commitment for decades and that Idaho should stop relying on federal promises, though he emphasized his support for special-needs students. The committee voted to send H.J.M. 11 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation, with Senator Zito requesting to be recorded as voting no. The committee next considered RS 33-392, a proposal to create regional service centers so school districts and charter schools can share specialized services that are difficult or costly to provide independently, especially in rural areas. Burtenshaw said the measure would help districts share staff such as speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, school psychologists, and business managers, with no new ongoing funding required beyond a one-time $1 million startup amount already reflected in the governor’s budget. The committee voted to send the proposal forward for a full hearing. The remainder of the meeting was devoted to informational presentations. Jason Sevy, president of the Idaho School Board Association and chair of the Marsing School Board, described Marsing’s community schools model, which partners with nonprofits and service providers to address food insecurity, health needs, mental health, and attendance barriers. He said the model improved student engagement and attendance and asked policymakers to remove funding barriers so districts can use resources more flexibly. The committee then heard from Meridian Technical Charter High School leaders and students, who described the school’s career-and-technical education model, internships, high graduation rates, industry credentials, and student leadership opportunities. Students said the school helped them find career direction and build confidence, and the school leader discussed possible expansion through hybrid models and the need for continued advocacy for school programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Climate change caused by fossil fuels is resulting in extreme weather events all over the planet.
• is resulting in extreme by fossil fuels is resulting in extreme weather<00:10:03.680><c> events</c><
• Minnesota is not like Texas or other states that have abundant fossil fuels.
• We lose money to other states or countries when we spend money on fossil fuels.
• </c><00:43:29.119><c> using</c> using fuel, sometimes I'm using using fuel, sometimes I'm using electrical

Bills: HF3545, HF4004

Keywords: energy efficiency, construction standards, building codes, environment, sustainability, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It is more expensive to produce gasoline refined fuel. So in one time, in 1930...
• Or the fuel will be imported from, by importing it, the cost will go down?
• “As we phase out fossil fuel altogether, the report notes that we might want to consider a regional fuel
• to be included in this transportation fuels transition plan that we're waiting for?”
• I decided to see this switch to an iPad paper, but it just takes me one minute to pull.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is more expensive to produce gasoline refined fuel. So in one time, when in the 1930s,...
• Or the fuel will be imported from, by importing it, the cost will go down?
• As we phase out fossil fuel altogether, the report notes that we might want to consider a regional fuel
• going to be included in this transportation fuels transition plan that we're waiting for?
• I decided to see this switch to an iPad paper, but it just takes me one minute to pull.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy heard six budget-related items and took no votes, holding all items open for a future hearing. The first item concerned a climate bond expenditure plan for the California Transmission Accelerator Revolving Fund under SB 254. GoBiz, IBank, and the Department of Finance described a request for nearly $26 million and 10 limited-term positions to develop financing strategies and evaluate transmission projects, while the LAO said the proposal was broadly consistent with Prop. 4 but noted that the Legislature may want to provide more direction on program design. Senators questioned how the proposal would lower ratepayer costs, protect state funds, and ensure accountability for billion-dollar transmission projects. The second item covered trailer bill language to redirect funding among demand-side reliability programs. Finance proposed moving $22 million from the DEPA program to DSGS for summer 2026 and using CalSHAPE interest funds for ELRP or an equivalent CPUC program in 2027-28, with CEC and CPUC coordinating the transition. Senators and LAO questioned why CalSHAPE funds should not continue supporting schools, and several members argued DSGS has been more successful and should continue rather than be shifted to ELRP. CEC and CPUC explained that DSGS and ELRP serve different reliability functions and do not address public safety power shutoffs. Public commenters, including school groups and clean energy advocates, split between extending CalSHAPE for school HVAC/plumbing projects and preserving or expanding DSGS. The committee also heard on petroleum market oversight implementation under SBX1-2 and ABX2-1, with the CEC and its Division of Petroleum Market Oversight requesting additional staffing to support inventory monitoring, refinery resupply analysis, and market oversight. Senators pressed for details on investigations, refinery margins, gasoline price spikes, and the transportation fuels transition plan, while staff said the draft plan would be released soon and that DPMO’s work on branded versus unbranded gasoline remains ongoing. Finally, the CPUC presented three additional proposals: implementing AB 1207’s climate credit reforms, studying large-load/data center cost impacts under SB 57, and preparing for regional market participation under AB 825. The LAO repeatedly cautioned that some of these requests may go beyond statutory minimums and urged the Legislature to decide how much policy direction and staffing it wants to provide. Public commenters supported DPMO funding, opposed ending CalSHAPE, and strongly favored continued DSGS funding over a new ELRP structure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we're also looking at what levers we can potentially switch.
• Uh, we're also looking at what levers we can potentially switch.
• We had a similar experience last year in my area where we done some fuel reduction, some fuel breaks,
• had an We had some fuel reduction and some fuel breaks.
• Um, I hope and pray that they do lots of fuel management and we don't have any fires...

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But first, we're going to switch the agenda, so we were going to have our presentation first.
• Nutrition can fuel learning. It can support heart health. It can stabilize blood sugar.

Summary: The committee met briefly and heard a presentation from Steve Owen, chairman of the Idaho Nutrition Coalition and past chairman of the Idaho Association of Nutrition and Food Service Professionals, as part of Nutrition Day at the Capitol. Owen emphasized the importance of nutrition for health, learning, immunity, mood, and cognitive performance, and read from Governor Brad Little’s proclamation declaring March 11 as Nutrition Day in Idaho. He described the coalition’s work across schools, health care facilities, senior centers, correctional facilities, food banks, and other programs serving Idahoans of all ages. Owen also urged consideration of the Idaho Dietitian Licensure Compact, which he said would help dietitians who work across state lines, including military spouses, students, missionaries, and traveling contract workers. He argued Idaho is a strong example because it borders six states and has many communities near state lines, making multi-state licensure burdensome. He noted the compact had not passed in the prior two years and asked lawmakers to work with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics on possible changes. No questions were asked after the presentation. The chair then noted the committee lacked a quorum and moved remaining business to the next day’s meeting, after which the meeting was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll take care of business then, but first we're going to switch the agenda.
• Nutrition can fuel learning. It can support heart health. It can stabilize blood sugar. It can...

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee briefly convened but did not have a quorum, so the chair said the remaining agenda items would be moved to the next day and the meeting was adjourned. Before adjourning, the committee heard a presentation from Steve Owen, chairman of the Idaho Nutrition Coalition and past chairman of the Idaho Association of Nutrition and Food Service Professionals, as part of Nutrition Day at the Capitol. Owen emphasized the importance of nutrition for learning, heart health, blood sugar control, immunity, mood, and cognitive performance. He read from Governor Brad Little’s proclamation declaring March 11 as Nutrition Day in Idaho and described the coalition’s work across long-term care, hospitals, schools, senior centers, correctional facilities, home health, and food assistance programs. He also urged lawmakers to consider the Idaho Dietitian Licensure Compact, which he said would help dietitians who work across state lines, including military spouses, students, missionaries, and traveling workers. He argued Idaho’s border with six states makes the compact especially useful for reducing duplicate licensing requirements. No questions were asked after the presentation, and no votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• 50% lower than fossil jet fuel.
• So if you get to a fuel that has a carbon intensity that's 100% lower than fossil jet fuel, it would
• Replacing traditional jet fuel with sustainable aviation fuel provides a benefit to the entire state
• Al Sandra Mniosko, on behalf of the California Fuels and Convenience Alliance, representing fuel retailers
• Do we want to say they're burning jet fuel?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> storage, small wind turbines, um fuel storage, small wind turbines, um fuel cells,<00:37:20.960>
• So once that happens, and then if they were to sort of switch back and forth, it would take very long
• So once that happens, and then if they were to sort of switch back and forth, it would take very long
• So once that happens, and then if they were to sort of switch back and forth, it would take very long
• </c><01:56:09.679><c> they</c><01:56:09.920><c> need</c> switch from one to the other. they need switch

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• fueling network.
• </c> targets uh or 30 3198 is a fuel targets uh or 30 3198 is a fuel distribution<01:55:50.440><c> um
• /c><01:55:56.960><c> this</c><01:55:57.159><c> provides</c> fuel uh fueling system U this provides fuel
• fueling fueling Network<01:56:15.679><c> um</c><01:56:16.599><c> and</c><01:56:16.840><c> again</c><
• This is the fuel purchased through the state fuel system that is purchased by municipalities, schools

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met with New Hampshire DOT Commissioner Bill Cass and Finance Director Danielle Shandra to review the agency’s FY 2026 budget. Cass gave a high-level overview of DOT’s mission, organization, funding structure, and staffing trends, noting the agency has about 650 employees across five divisions. He said the Governor’s recommended FY 2026 budget totals $95.99 million, essentially flat from FY 2025, with funding primarily from Turnpike funds, Highway funds, federal sources, and a small General Fund share for non-highway units. Members asked about how Turnpike and Highway funds are treated in state accounting, and DOT explained that while they are enterprise funds restricted to their purposes, they are considered unrestricted from the statewide perspective and are appropriated through the budget process. A major topic was staffing and budget targets. DOT said its full-time staffing level has remained relatively flat since 2014 even as vehicle miles traveled increased and vacancies rose. To meet budget targets, the department unfunded seven permanent positions and nine temporary full-time positions, and later noted additional reductions in Finance, including the elimination of two full-time positions, reduced print shop equipment purchases, and deeper cuts to overtime, temporary help, equipment, and supplies in FY 2027. DOT also explained that it shifted funding for one unmanned aerial system position from General Funds to Highway Funds, saying the change was workable because the position supports highway-related work and federal-aid-eligible activities. Members asked for clarification on the state transit operating match, and DOT explained that the Legislature had previously provided about $1.8 million annually in General Funds to help local transit agencies meet federal match requirements, but that funding was not included in this budget. DOT said that could reduce the ability to draw down some federal transit funds, though the impact may not be immediate because those funds can be used over several years. The department also described its unmanned aerial system program, saying it has been used for about five years for mapping, survey work, construction oversight, and storm damage assessment, and that it now has about five drones and two full-time positions supporting the program. DOT said it is expanding cross-training so more employees can operate drones without adding positions. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, there's truly a resource here that could fuel and fund a lot of growth in the state.
• Think about how many industries use geothermal as a fuel stock.
• Yes, a lot of that is due to their switch to using the San Juan Chama surface water diversion.
• Looks like they switched them back again. Ah, they did switch them back. That's not mine.
• Are you able to switch those, or should I go first?

Transcript Highlights:

• If they switch blocks, they get different rates.
• If they switch blocks, they get different rates.
• If they switch blocks, they get different rates.
• Costs for labor, fuel, fertilizer, packaging, compliance, and interest have exploded, while apple prices
• Costs for labor, fuel, fertilizer, packaging, compliance, and interest have exploded, while Apple prices

Bills: HB2405, HB2406, HB2471, HB2478, HB2492

Keywords: mental health, PTSD, treatment program, research, pilot program, veteran support, trauma, healthcare funding, labor, communication, Department of Labor and Industries, workplace standards, modernization, collective bargaining, labor relations, employee rights, union representation, non-covered employees, wage enforcement, labor standards

Bills: SB2097, SB2317, SB2319, SB2177, SB2190, SB2424, SB2524, SB2627, SB3084, SB895, SB896, SB3102, SB3157, SB3215, SB2050, SB2090, SB2211, SB2572, SB2096, SB2025, SB2127, SB2046, SB2262, SB2354, SB2387, SB2487, SB2955, SB3234, SB2851, SB2573, SB2391, SB3282, SB3055, SB2189, SB2194, SB3152, SB2635, SB888, SB2203, SCR1, SCR2, SCR3, SCR4, SCR5, SCR6, SCR7, SCR8, SCR9, SCR10, SCR11, SCR12, SCR13, SCR14, SCR15, SCR16, SCR17, SCR18, SCR19, SCR20, SCR21, SCR22, SR3, SR5, SR6, SR7, SR8, SR9, SR10, SR11, SR12, SR13, SR14, SR15, SR16, SR17, SR18, SR19, SB2010, SB3118, SB3276

Keywords: sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, food system resilience, grant program, Hawaii agriculture, agriculture, insurance, small producers, state support, biosecurity, farm coverage, public-private partnerships, agricultural policy, grant funding, food security, climate resiliency, housing development, zoning exemption, government assistance, affordable housing