Transcript Highlights:

• </c> &gt;&gt; we'll stand on our support. Thank you. &gt;&gt; we'll stand on our support.
• </c> testimony, I'll stand there. Thank you. testimony, I'll stand there. Thank you.
• </c> &gt;&gt; I'll stand on my testimony. &gt;&gt; I'll stand on my testimony.
• Aloha, Chair, Vice Chairs, members of the committee. Um, we stand on our written testimony.
• Um, we stand on our the committee. Um, we stand on our written<00:30:51.520><c> test.

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services heard several health-related measures. SB 3132 on syndromic surveillance drew support from the Department of Health, healthcare organizations, and others, with DOH explaining the bill would formalize a surveillance program that has helped with real-time flu tracking and response to events like the Maui fires. A member raised privacy concerns from opponents, and DOH responded that the data are deidentified and do not include Social Security numbers or dates of birth. No votes were taken on the bill in the portion provided. SB 3134 on emergency medical systems of care received broad support from SHIPA, DOH, military and EMS representatives, and others, who said it would modernize the EMS system. SB 3136 on lead materials and water infrastructure was also supported by DOH and SHIPA; members asked whether the bill would allow Hawaii to keep stronger standards if federal drinking water rules were weakened, and DOH said the state would not have to follow weaker federal standards as long as Hawaii remained as stringent or more stringent. SB 3138 on independent audits of deposit beverage distribution drew support from DOH and several industry groups, but with amendments to reduce burdens on small businesses, raise the audit threshold, and modernize reporting; opponents also testified. DOH later clarified that the measure would affect a limited number of distributors and said it is working on an electronic submission system, though not yet for audit filings. SB 3139 concerning SHIPA was supported by SHIPA and the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii, while HMSA suggested one provision should remain under the insurance commissioner’s purview. SHIPA said the bill is about collaboration and a broader health vision, not regulation, and members indicated they were comfortable with removing the disputed portion. SB 3207 on background checks drew support from healthcare providers but opposition from the Attorney General and DOH. Supporters argued the FBI fingerprinting requirement is costly, duplicative, and difficult to schedule, while opponents said the bill would improperly shift fingerprint collection authority to hospitals and other facilities and could conflict with federal law. The committee engaged in extended questioning about costs, federal requirements, and whether the mandate would be passed on to patients; no final action is reflected in the excerpt. The committee then began SB 2271 on hospital licensing, with support from SHIPA, the Developmental Disabilities council, healthcare groups, Kaiser Permanente, and DOH, and commenters said the bill would allow hospitals to demonstrate compliance through CMS-recognized accreditation, with a suggested wording change to “approved” accrediting organization.

Transcript Highlights:

• Feel free to stand on your written testimony because we have copies of it.
• Here we stand on our written testimony in<00:01:23.840><c> support.
• Here we stand on our written uh DAGS.
• We stand on our written comments. Okay, thank you so much.
• </c><00:10:30.920><c> on</c> I'd like to ask you the Committee on I'd like to ask you the Committee on

Summary: The committee heard several resolutions related to state facilities and agency procedures. SCR 177/SR 172 asked the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) to convene a cooperative working group to address state projects requiring county permitting; DAGS supported the measure, and it was adopted unanimously. SCR 37/SR 36 requested a study on the costs and benefits of creating an Office of the State Architect; DAGS offered comments, but the chair deferred the resolution, citing a similar bill and lack of funding for a study. The committee then considered SCR 86/SR 77, which would require bi-level lighting in newly constructed state buildings and facilities beginning in 2028. DAGS and the State Energy Office provided comments, while DLNR, Citizens Climate Lobby, and Climate Future Forum testified in support. The committee amended the measure to apply to state buildings and facilities with designs finalized on or after January 1, 2028, and adopted it. SCR 122/SR 114, which would require written notice before final administrative action affecting protected liberty or property interests, drew comments from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and written comments from DOE, but was deferred due to limited support and time constraints. In the joint GVO/HHS portion, the committee heard SCR 87/SR 79, encouraging the state to examine requiring AEDs in all state-owned buildings and to pursue existing AED programs. The State Health Planning and Development Agency, DOE, the American Heart Association, the Department of Health, an individual testifier, and DAGS all supported the measure; DAGS also described ongoing installation and training efforts in its facilities. The measure was adopted without amendment by both committees, with members noting broad support and no reservations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Morning committee members. Kevin Chang for Ku. Uh, we stand on our testimony.
• and uh we coalition leadership committee and uh we stand<00:33:46.640><c> on</c><00:33:46.799><c> our
• Chair, Vice Chair, members of the committee, the PUC stands on written testimony and is available for
• Uh Michelangelo stand our committee.
• Uh PUC stands on written committee.

Bills: HB1617

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Summary: The committees heard testimony on HB 1949, which would create a public dashboard for the green fee to improve transparency and accountability. Testimony from the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, and many community and conservation groups was generally supportive, with several speakers urging that the governor’s project recommendations remain largely intact and that community-driven projects continue to guide spending. One amendment was suggested to place the dashboard at the Department of Budget and Finance for fiscal expertise, while other testimony favored keeping it with the commission. Members asked about procurement, ETS involvement, recurring hosting costs, and whether the dashboard could be funded from green fee revenues; the commission said it could work with ETS and that green fee funds could reasonably be used. The committees then voted to pass HB 1949 with amendments. The committees also heard HB 2618, which would require the governor to submit a separate bill for amounts tied to any increase in the transient accommodations tax and, in later discussion, was expanded into a broader restructuring of future green fee allocations. Testimony from the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, and others supported the bill and emphasized the value of more predictable, dedicated funding for conservation and climate-related work. During decision-making, the chair described amendments creating several special funds under DLNR, including a watershed biodiversity and wildfire risk reduction fund, an aquatic resources conservation fund, a coastal restoration fund, a cesspool conversion revolving loan fund, and a green fee special fund for remaining revenues, with recommended amounts discussed for some of the funds. The committees voted to pass HB 2618 with amendments. The hearing then moved to HB 1644, a consumer protection measure for residential solar sales that would require compliance with consumer protection laws, licensing or contractor affiliation for sellers, and a standardized disclosure form. Testimony in support came from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, and several solar companies and individuals. Supporters said the bill would address complaints about third-party sales practices and improve disclosure, especially around financing. The committee then began hearing HB 2243, which would require electric utilities to provide public, electronic customer bill impact analyses and annual reports to the Public Utilities Commission; the Division of Consumer Advocacy and the PUC offered comments supporting the measure’s intent.

Transcript Highlights:

• The House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting will stand at ease for one minute.
• The House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting will stand at ease for five minutes.
• And committee members on this registering committee, my name is Celina Vasquez.
• The House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting will stand at ease for five minutes.
• to this committee for debate. and feedback and input by all the committee members.

Committee: House Congressional Redistricting, Select

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, the chair asked the clerk to please bring up the standing committee report.
• Seeing none, the chair asked the clerk to please bring up the standing committee report.
• Seeing none, the chair would ask the clerk to please bring up the Standing Committee report.
• Seeing none, I will ask the committee clerk to please pull up the standing committee report.
• Seeing none, the chair would ask the committee clerk to please pull up the standing committee report.

Summary: The House Education Committee met in executive session to consider several Senate bills. On Substitute Senate Bill 5242 concerning anaphylaxis medication in schools, staff described the underlying bill as expanding school authority to administer epinephrine and related protections, and a striking amendment by Representative Marshall was adopted after a technical correction to fix an albuterol reference. Members spoke in support of broader access to life-saving epinephrine in schools, and the bill was reported out with a do pass as amended recommendation by a 19-0 vote. The committee also advanced Substitute Senate Bill 5346 on student use of mobile devices in public schools. An amendment sponsored by Representative Santos was adopted to update terminology, adjust reporting timelines, and clarify that districts may limit possession and use of mobile devices during instructional hours while considering OSPI research and recommendations. Supporters said the bill balances local flexibility with guidance to reduce classroom disruption and bullying; it passed 17-1 and was reported out as amended. Substitute Senate Bill 5841, which strengthens high school and beyond plan requirements related to financial aid information, was amended to add College Bound Scholarship identification and more explicit review of financial aid application completion. Members supporting the bill said it would help students understand scholarship and grant opportunities and improve college-going rates, though one member noted the added burden on school counselors. The committee also passed Substitute Senate Bill 6268, requiring OSPI to keep a freely accessible 20-year online record of final special education complaint decisions, and Senate Bill 6278, which codifies ongoing review of teacher and principal preparation programs by the Professional Educator Standards Board. Both bills were reported out unanimously, and the committee adjourned after reminding members about amendment deadlines for future executive sessions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please stand for the prayer by Donna Kafer, our legislative chaplain, or remain standing for the Pledge
• And if you can stand when I mention your name, Alice, And if you can stand when I mention your name,
• All right, reports of standing committees.
• Without objection, reports of standing committees on a calendar will not be read.
• Without objection, reports of standing committees listed on the calendar will not be read.

Transcript Highlights:

• committee will meet and then<00:09:54.240><c> Mr.
• I move the Senate stand in recess until 5:00 p.m. or until the last committee report is filed, at which
• that we stand adjourned until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow morning.
• c><00:12:34.880><c> filed</c> until the last committee report is filed until the last committee report
• No eyes have it. stands in &gt;&gt; All oppose.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, the bills will be referred to their appropriate standing committees.
• </c> their appropriate standing committees. their appropriate standing committees.
• committees, um, standing committees are now making a determination on what type of bill hearings are
• Any other standing committees, select committees, caucuses? It appears not delegations. Nope.
• Any other standing committees,<00:13:54.480><c> select</c><00:13:54.880><c> committees,</c><00:13:56.000

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened with a quorum present and began the session with an invocation by Rabbi Ari Goldstein of Temple Beth Shalom, who urged senators to listen carefully, act with humility and integrity, and keep policy focused on real people and practical justice. His remarks were journalized without objection. The chamber also welcomed several guests, including a senior Girl Scout troop from Jefferson, family members of a senator, and visiting teachers, educators, and students from the College Board Foundation. The main floor action was a resolution recognizing Korean-American Day and honoring the Korean Society of Maryland and the broader Korean American community for their contributions to Maryland and the nation. The sponsor highlighted the community’s history since the first Korean immigrants arrived in North America in 1903 and named several Korean American leaders present in the gallery. The resolution was read in full and adopted unanimously, with applause and thanks extended to the guests. The Senate then handled first-reader bill introductions: Senate Bill 280, relating to state parks terminology in the Natural Resources/Education/Energy/Environment committees, and Senate Bill 281, the Metro Funding Modification Act of 2026, referred to Budget and Taxation. Leadership noted that the early weeks of session would be committee-heavy, with most bills going to standing committees rather than the floor. Committee chairs then gave scheduling updates, including truncated hearing formats due to bill volume, upcoming hearings on longevity, the AHEAD model and emergency department wait times, election law bills, controller briefings, and departmental hearings. The Senate adjourned without objection until Wednesday, January 21, for a 10:00 a.m. pro forma session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you please stand, Mr. Richardson?
• I want to give a special shout out to Sharon McKinney, where are you standing? Stand up, stand up.
• So we'll stand at ease. Senate will stand at ease until 1220.
• The Program Integration Committee consisting of members of the Oversight Committee and the Health and
• Hearing none the Senate stands adjourned. until 11 a.m.

Bills: SJR3 , SB5 , SB21 , SB72 , SB703 , SB764 , SB790 , SJR36 , SJR3 , SJR34 , SJR18 , SCR9 , SB616 , SB565 , SB384 , SB5 , SB21 , SB72 , SB140 , SB262 , SB370 , SB372 , SB495 , SB627 , SB703 , SB764 , SB842 , SB971 , SB790 , SB767 , SB480 , SB1066 , SB929 , SB765 , SB523 , SB62 , SB19 , SB18 , SB666 , SB688 , SB707 , SB888 , SB687 , SB706 , SB847 , SB869 , SB890 , SB992 , SB1145 , SB494 , SB290 , SB766 , SB11 , SB10 , SB13 , SB263 , SJR3 , SB5 , SR172 , SR176 , SR177 , SR190 , SR193 , SR194 , SR202 , SR203 , SR208

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> standing committee amendments. standing committee amendments.
• </c><00:21:39.120><c> amendment</c> I move uh standing committee amendment I move uh standing committee
• ><c> amendment</c> adopting standing committee amendment adopting standing committee amendment number
• ><c> committee</c> Page two, your standing committee Page two, your standing committee summary<02:08:
• </c> standing committees, please, sir. standing committees, please, sir.

Transcript Highlights:

• Standing Committee Report Nos. 3811 to 3835 for one-day notice. So ordered. Advise and consent.
• </c><00:02:02.880><c> Conferees</c><00:02:03.520><c> may</c><00:02:03.680><c> be</c> Standing Committee
• Standing Committee Report No. 3810 on Governor's Message No. 674 for adoption.
• Standing<00:02:20.600><c> Committee</c><00:02:20.880><c> Report</c><00:02:21.280><c> number</c><00:02
• :21.480><c> 3810</c><00:02:22.320><c> on</c> Standing Committee Report number 3810 on Standing Committee

Bills: HB20 , HB463 , HB469 , HB649 , HB963 , HB1163 , HB1334 , HB1481 , HB1509 , HB1511 , HB1514 , HB1515 , HB1516 , HB1518 , HB1519 , HB1523 , HB1524 , HB1546 , HB1548 , HB1550 , HB1553 , HB1573 , HB1574 , HB1576 , HB1588 , HB1591 , HB1618 , HB1619 , HB1628 , HB1642 , HB1643 , HB1656 , HB1658 , HB1664 , HB1667 , HB1679 , HB1682 , HB1688 , HB1692 , HB1696 , HB1700 , HB1705 , HB1707 , HB1710 , HB1711 , HB1713 , HB1716 , HB1718 , HB1721 , HB1728 , HB1737 , HB1740 , HB1741 , HB1749 , HB1752 , HB1753 , HB1768 , HB1782 , HB1800 , HB1804 , HB1810 , HB1823 , HB1839 , HB1842 , HB1854 , HB1858 , HB1864 , HB1870 , HB1875 , HB1881 , HB1886 , HB1888 , HB1890 , HB1894 , HB1897 , HB1898 , HB1920 , HB1929 , HB1946 , HB1959 , HB1961 , HB1962 , HB1973 , HB1974 , HB2001 , HB2005 , HB2020 , HB2021 , HB2022 , HB2023 , HB2062 , HB2078 , HB2093 , HB2095 , HB2096 , HB2097 , HB2101 , HB2137 , HB2152 , HB2207 , HCR137 , HCR181

Transcript Highlights:

• With only 30 standing house committees every single one will be important.
• read the assignments Texas House of Representatives 89th Legislature Standing committee appointments
• Permanent standing subcommittee on state federal relations.
• Permanent Standing Subcommittee on Workforce, Chair Longoria.
• The house stands adjourned. 403 404 405 406 407 408 409 410 411

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, I move the Committee do now rise. Without objection, the Committee will rise. Thank you.
• Chair, the committee do now rise. Senator Singh moves that the committee do now rise.
• Chair, I move the Committee do now rise. Senator Singh moves that the Committee do now rise.
• Without objection, the Committee will rise. I move the Committee do now rise.
• Senator Singh moves that the Committee do now rise. Without objection, the Committee will rise.

Transcript Highlights:

• We believe them, we stand their silence.
• We do not stand for abuse of Chávez.
• </c> proud Mexican-American who's standing proud Mexican-American who's standing here<00:05:15.120><c
• Um I sit on committees right now.
• </c><00:29:21.560><c> with</c> Children and Families Committee with Children and Families Committee with

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, Vice Chair, members of the committee, the department stands in strong support of this measure,
• ><c> in</c> the committee the department stands in the committee the department stands in strong<00:43
• We'll stand on our comments.
• We just wanted to stand on our written testimony, Chair, Vice Chair, and members of the committee, and
• Martin for her committee report.

Committee: House Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• If you'd like to stand and say a few words, please stand in line.
• Thank you, committee, for maintaining our unanimous score in all committees. Thank you.
• Thank you, committee, for maintaining our unanimous score in all committees.
• Our committee will stand in recess, and we will meet after the floor on Sunday afternoon.
• Our committee will stand in recess, and we will meet after the floor on Sunday. Sunday afternoon.

Bills: HB10 , HB12 , HB34 , SB130 , SM21

Committee: Senate Senate Health & Public Affairs

Keywords: physician assistants, interstate compact, medical services, licensure, cross-state practice, military families, regulatory authority, physical therapy, licensure compact, interstate practice, healthcare, military spouses, criminal background check, HB34, school nurse, school nurses, nurse licensure, charter school, charter schools, school district

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:15:05.519><c> and</c> Ruiz, if you could please stand, and Ruiz, if you could please stand,
• Item number five, reports of standing committees. Representative Kahaloa.
• Madam Speaker, I move to adopt standing committee report number 764-26 as listed on page one and that
• Madam Speaker, I move to adopt standing committee report number 764-26 as listed on page one and that
• Madam Speaker, I move to adopt standing committee report number 765-26 as listed on page two and that

Transcript Highlights:

• the Hawaiʻi State Senate Committees on Commerce and Consumer Protection and the Committee on Energy
• c> on</c><00:02:05.159><c> our</c> director of at DCA I'll stand on our director of at DCA I'll stand
• We stand on that testimony.
• We stand on that testimony.
• I stand in strong support and stand on my written testimony. Chair: Thank you very much.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Summary: The joint Senate hearing focused primarily on SB 1201, a wildfire measure that would create a wildfire recovery fund and allow securitization for electric utilities. Hawaiian Electric strongly supported the bill, saying it would help protect customers, property owners, insurers, and the broader economy from future catastrophic wildfire liability while improving the utility’s credit profile and lowering financing costs. Support also came from DCCA Consumer Advocacy, the Attorney General’s office on written comments, Ulupono Initiative, Clearway Energy Group, IBEW Local 1260, Par Hawaii, KIUC, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, Plus Power, and numerous organizations and individuals. Opponents or commenters raised concerns about the liability cap, victim compensation process, and fund structure, including the Hawaiʻi Association for Justice, the Hawaiʻi Regional Council of Carpenters, and the Hawaiʻi Insurance Council; Henry Curtis of Life of the Land supported the concept of a fund but questioned the catastrophe threshold and whether the fund would be empty without a prudency finding. Much of the discussion centered on whether the proposed fund would actually help restore Hawaiian Electric to investment grade, with senators comparing the proposal to California’s wildfire fund. Hawaiian Electric said the bill was only one part of a broader process, alongside physical risk reduction and settlement finalization, and argued that without the bill the utility would not regain investment grade. Senators also questioned the proposed $1 billion fund size, the fairness of ratepayer contributions versus shareholder contributions, and whether customers should pay for consulting and administrative costs; Hawaiian Electric said its proposed amendment would remove those consulting-related charges. The company also said the fund would accrue interest and, if unused, could be returned to customers, and that there would be replenishment and supplemental contribution mechanisms if the fund were exhausted. The Attorney General’s office said it still had further amendments to discuss, and the departments had not yet resolved where the fund should reside administratively, though Hawaiian Electric said it believed DCCA was the appropriate place but was open to alternatives. KIUC requested two amendments. No vote or final committee action was taken during the hearing, and the measure remained under discussion with questions and proposed amendments still outstanding.

Transcript Highlights:

• Will you please stand and rise?
• Please stand up.
• Please stand up. We Sheridan, Wyoming. Please stand up.
• Joint conference committee reports. >> House Bill 69, Joint Conference Committee report.
• </c> Joint conference committee reports. Joint conference committee reports.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaii state Energy Office the committee Hawaii state Energy Office stands<00:38:19.599><c> on</c><00
• Chair, Vice Chair, members of the committee, Leo Asin, Chair of the PUC, will also stand on a written
• Michelangelo for DCA um we committee Michelangelo for DCA um we stand<01:26:52.719><c> on</c><01:26:
• Chair, Vice Chair, members of the committee, we'll stand on our written comments. Thank you.
• </c><01:32:11.080><c> will'll</c><01:32:11.199><c> stand</c> members of the committee will'll stand members

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Summary: The House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection opened its first hearing of the session and heard testimony on several energy and environmental bills. On HB 470, relating to noise and leaf blowers, the Department of Health supported the bill’s intent to reduce noise pollution but raised concerns about using decibel limits alone and suggested using dBA measurements; testimony also noted the bill would regulate future sales rather than current use, and there were three additional testimonies, two in support and one in opposition. No questions were raised before the committee moved on. The committee then heard HB 742 on transit-oriented development, which would require HCDA to prepare a programmatic EIS for Ewa, Kapalama, and West Oahu improvements. UH supported the bill, HHFDC said it was already preparing a master plan and programmatic EIS for the Ewa area, and HCDA explained that the projects are already underway or completed, including infrastructure work funded by prior appropriations. Supporters said the bill would streamline environmental review and potentially reduce costs for future housing, while HCDA emphasized the work is already in progress. On HB 340, concerning a streamlined grid-ready home interconnection process and related cost recovery, DCCA provided comments, the Attorney General suggested changing a deadline to a specific date, and the PUC said it wanted to study the matter further while still meeting the 180-day reporting requirement. Solar and clean energy groups strongly supported the bill as a way to speed interconnection and advance grid-interactive technologies, while Hawaiian Electric supported the goal of more DERs but opposed the process, saying its interconnection performance has improved and that collaboration would be preferable to legislation. Members asked about newer technologies, UL 1741, and ratepayer impacts, and the Consumer Advocate said removing the cost-recovery section would alleviate its concerns. The committee also heard HB 243, requiring PV- and EV-ready new residential construction, which the Hawaii State Energy Office described as a cost-saving no-brainer because installing these features during construction is much cheaper than retrofitting later. The hearing then shifted to HB 350, expanding the water-heater systems that can satisfy building-permit requirements to include heat pump water heaters alongside solar hot water systems. The Energy Office supported the bill, Solar Ray supported the concept but asked for amendments to align efficiency standards and noted the bill’s removal of a 15-year lifespan limit for solar thermal systems, and Hawaii Solar Energy Association raised questions about how heat pump performance should be measured and whether PV-plus-heat-pump combinations should qualify. Committee members asked about impacts on smaller homes and ADUs, and the discussion remained focused on technical standards and possible amendments; no votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.