Transcript Highlights:

• for HB HB HB 537<00:02:56.040><c> later</c><00:02:56.360><c> on</c><00:02:56.640><c> this</c><00:02:
• <02:13:13.320><c> of</c><02:13:13.440><c> it</c><02:13:13.599><c> and</c><02:13:13.719><c> at</c><02:
• 02:14:59.679><c> you</c><02:14:59.800><c> Mr</c><02:15:00.079><c> chair</c><02:15:00.880><c> uh</c><02
• </c><02:18:48.359><c> by</c><02:18:48.599><c> Statute</c><02:18:49.160><c> what</c><02:18:49.319><c>
• the</c> cannot dictate by Statute what the cannot dictate by Statute what the federal<02:18:49.880><c

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• statutes,<00:02:11.360><c> it</c><00:02:11.599><c> is</c><00:02:12.080><c> um</c><00:02:12.239><c> under
• </c><00:02:12.800><c> litter</c><00:02:13.200><c> control,</c> statutes, it is um under litter control
• , statutes, it is um under litter control, which<00:02:14.319><c> is</c><00:02:14.560><c> really</c><
• But if we ask<02:02:00.000><c> the</c><02:02:00.159><c> DCCA</c><02:02:00.719><c> to</c><02:02:00.880
• </c><02:02:11.199><c> Um,</c><02:02:11.599><c> yes,</c><02:02:11.840><c> it</c><02:02:12.000><c> is</

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related measures, with most of the discussion focused on bills addressing tobacco/vape enforcement, psychology licensure, hospital price transparency, prior authorization, and medical cannabis. The chair opened by explaining the one-minute testimony limit and that written testimony had been reviewed. For SB 2175 on disposable electronic smoking devices, the Department of Health said the bill’s placement in litter-control law was not a good fit because disposable e-cigarettes contain hazardous materials like lithium and nicotine, but it supported the intent and pointed to a related measure. Public health and tobacco-control advocates strongly supported the bill, citing youth use, toxic waste, battery fires, and the need to tighten definitions and remove exemptions; a long list of organizations and individuals were noted in support, with no opposition mentioned. For SB 2410, which would create a state directory and enforcement tools for authorized e-cigarette products, the Attorney General’s office strongly supported the measure and said it would help enforce the FDA-authorized list of products through certification, inspections, and civil penalties. The Department of Health said thousands of illegal products remain on the market and cited youth usage rates, while public health groups also supported the bill. One tobacco industry-related witness was noted in opposition. SB 2080, the psychology interjurisdictional compact, drew support from the Department of Corrections, which said it had severe staffing shortages and that the compact would help fill gaps, especially for forensic psychology and neighbor island facilities. Some committee members raised concerns about whether the compact would loosen licensure standards and reduce licensing revenue, and the Board of Psychology was said to be meeting and had not taken a formal position; testimony also noted the need for resources if the compact were adopted. The committee also heard SB 2276 on surgical assistance, with DCCA in opposition and a supporter from the field, but little discussion followed. SB 2277 on hospital price transparency drew support from consumer and patient advocates, who argued that clearer pricing would reduce medical debt and help patients shop for care; DCCA and the Department of Health offered comments, with the department suggesting an alternative enforcement model using outside review entities and noting that implementation would require significant staffing and funding. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii opposed the bill, saying federal transparency rules already cover the issue and state law could create duplication. SB 2282 on prior authorization received comments from insurers and providers; HMSA asked that the bill be set aside pending the report of the prior authorization working group created by Act 151, while the Hawaii Medical Association said prior authorization is a major burden but deferred to regulators on resources. Finally, SB 2413 on medical cannabis was supported by the Office of Medical Cannabis and others, who said the bill would close a patient-access gap by allowing viable seed sales; one witness suggested clarifying jurisdictional language and allowing dispensaries to sell seeds to each other. The committee then began SB 2425 on health insurance, where an addiction treatment provider testified that insurers’ refusal to honor assignment-of-benefits payments can delay reimbursement and create relapse risk for patients, but the transcript cuts off before further action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<02:02:08.719><c> both</c><02:02:09.040><c> motorists</c><02:02:09.360><c> and</c><02:02:09.520><c>
• > the</c><02:02:20.639><c> intent</c><02:02:21.440><c> u</c><02:02:21.840><c> wanting</c><02:02:22.159
• and</c><02:02:24.000><c> reduce</c><02:02:24.400><c> crime</c><02:02:24.719><c> when</c><02:02:24.960
• </c><02:02:32.480><c> Seeing</c><02:02:32.719><c> none</c><02:02:33.040><c> by</c><02:02:33.119><c> share
• No<02:02:48.880><c> votes</c><02:02:49.199><c> for</c><02:02:49.440><c> representative</c><02:02:49.920

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several transportation-related bills. HB 1688, which would provide a general excise tax exemption for certain aircraft maintenance materials, parts, tools, and facility construction, received comments from the Department of Taxation and support from Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Kohala Coast Resort, the Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaii, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii. Testimony indicated the measure was intended to clarify an existing exemption rather than create a new one. The bulk of the hearing focused on HB 2386, which would authorize the Public Utilities Commission to establish automatic adjustment mechanisms and a water carrier inflationary cost index. The Department of Transportation said it would change its testimony to support the bill, citing a 2020 working group recommendation, while the PUC and DCCA offered comments. Matson, the Maritime Group, Hawaii Harbors Users Group, and Young Brothers supported the measure, arguing it would modernize regulation, improve predictability, and help maintain reliable interisland shipping. Hawaii Farm Bureau offered comments, while Hawaii Food Industry Association, Maui Brewing Company, Lani Kai Brewing Company, and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii opposed it, arguing automatic rate increases were not the solution and that underlying costs and efficiencies should be addressed first. The chair noted the bill was essentially the same as one previously considered, and asked questions about how Hawaii’s water carrier regulation compares with other states. The committee also heard HB 1691, which would allow electronic signatures for certain motor vehicle title transfers after total-loss insurance settlements and remove the notary requirement for that narrow transaction. The City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services, Hawaii Insurers Council, Copart, American Property Casualty Insurance Association, and one individual supported it, with Copart saying the change would reduce delays and could allow a faster, largely electronic settlement process. Members asked about county impacts, and Copart said counties would only see a different form with no added cost or electronic integration. HB 1680, requiring county finance directors to notify agencies through a centralized system for vehicle transfers, drew opposition from the City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services and one individual in support. HB 2516, raising helmet requirements for electric foot scooters and bicycles and requiring helmets for high-speed or Class 3 electric bicycles, received support from DOT, DOH, AAA Hawaii, and the Hawaii Bicycling League. HB 193, allowing deaf vehicle owners to register a deafness designation visible to law enforcement, drew support from the City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services, the Hawaii Disabilities Rights Center, and an individual who suggested amendments to broaden the bill to deaf and hard of hearing individuals and adjust the proof standard. HB 2442, increasing required accessible and van-accessible parking spaces in larger parking lots, was supported by the Disability and Communication Access Board, the Council on Developmental Disabilities, and the Disability Rights Center, which said the bill would address shortages of accessible parking and may need technical amendments to align terminology with the ADA.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.680><c> that</c><01:02:00.880><c> we</c><01:02:01.160><c> can</c><01:02:01.640><c> amend</c><01:02
• :23.559><c> so</c><01:02:24.480><c> if</c><01:02:25.480><c> what</c><01:02:25.920><c> how</c><01:02:26.039
• ><c> turned</c><01:02:27.720><c> out</c><01:02:27.920><c> all</c><01:02:28.559><c> right</c><01:02:29.559
• :02:32.200><c> much</c><01:02:32.720><c> I</c><01:02:32.839><c> was</c><01:02:32.920><c> a</c><01:02:
• :02:36.799><c> was</c><01:02:37.520><c> I</c><01:02:38.520><c> as</c><01:02:38.760><c> was</c><01:02:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee continued work on HB 553, a bipartisan bill to update the child protection act’s definitions, especially around abuse, neglect, psychological maltreatment, and serious impairment. Supporters said the current law is outdated, vague, and too limited to address modern child welfare concerns, and argued the bill is intended to create clearer standards for DCF/DCYF, courts, and parents without adding criminal penalties or expanding authority to remove children. They also noted the bill had been developed over months of bipartisan work and that similar concepts exist in other states; a committee researcher had circulated a comparison of 17 states with prenatal and substance-use-related provisions. A major focus was whether the bill should include a more explicit definition of emotional abuse. Some members argued that the bill’s current language is not specific enough and could leave parents without fair notice, while others said the bill already addresses the issue through definitions of psychological maltreatment, emotional harm, and serious impairment. Office of Child Advocate staff explained that the drafting process intentionally avoided defining every emotional-abuse term separately and instead used a pattern-based psychological maltreatment standard with examples such as threatening, demeaning, humiliating, and belittling behavior. They said those provisions were drawn from other states and were meant to fill gaps seen in cases involving severe emotional harm and injured infants. The committee also discussed trauma-informed language related to substance use disorder and pregnancy. Members said the amendment was intended to avoid discouraging pregnant people with substance use disorder from seeking medical care, while still allowing intervention when a child is substance-exposed; they noted the proposal would include an exemption when a licensed health care provider is monitoring the pregnancy. Several members emphasized that the bill is meant to protect children while also giving parents clearer notice of prohibited conduct, and one member raised concerns about how the bill could affect other legislation dealing with criminal neglect. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:02.640><c> as</c><00:02:03.000><c> well</c><00:02:04.000><c> um</c><00:02:04.360><c> and</c><00
• :23.319><c> um</c><00:02:24.040><c> we</c><00:02:24.280><c> have</c><00:02:24.720><c> only</c><00:02:
• ><00:02:29.920><c> so</c><00:02:30.080><c> hearing</c><00:02:30.959><c> that</c><00:02:31.599><c> we<
• <c> members</c><00:02:37.920><c> I</c><00:02:38.040><c> think</c><00:02:38.239><c> did</c><00:02:38.400
• ><00:02:51.879><c> this</c><00:02:52.280><c> measure</c><00:02:52.800><c> does</c><00:02:53.680><c> on

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 534, a measure concerning development in Kakaʻako Makai involving the Hawaii Community Development Authority and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The chairs explained that the hearing was decision-making only and no testimony would be accepted, though members could ask clarifying questions. The chair outlined amendments to clarify HCDA’s approval process, require an environmental impact statement before residential development proposals are submitted, require Department of Health documentation on hazardous substances, and specify that only OHA-owned parcels would be eligible for certain residential development with a 400-foot height limit and maximum floor area ratio of 10.0. The amendments also addressed affordability, owner-occupancy, association fees, and a special fund, while noting Attorney General concerns that the fee could be construed as a tax and suggesting further review by Judiciary and Ways and Means. Members discussed the affordability threshold, with one senator suggesting 160% AMI instead of 140% due to high housing costs and concern that essential workers could be priced out. Others raised concerns about Native Hawaiian affordability, the long-term effect of perpetuity restrictions, and whether the process would protect OHA’s interests. An HCDA representative said 140% AMI was used in existing reserve housing rules and that lower thresholds could make development economically infeasible. OHA and other supporters said the proposal was still early in planning and emphasized the need for public hearings, community input, and compliance with environmental and remediation standards. The committees voted to pass SB 534 with amendments: Water and Land approved it 4-1, and Hawaiian Affairs also adopted the chair’s recommendation, with one member excused and one voting no. The meeting then moved to SB 3, relating to water resource management. The bill would authorize the Commission on Water Resource Management to retain independent legal counsel, create an executive director position, allow challenges to emergency orders under certain conditions, establish fines for water use offenses, and revise emergency and shortage declaration procedures; Red Hill-related provisions were noted as removed from this version. Testimony was largely supportive, including from DLNR, the Board of Water Supply, OHA, and Sierra Club, with OHA stressing the measure’s importance to Native Hawaiian water rights and past litigation. A Department of Hawaiian Home Lands representative supported the bill with amendments and recommended explicit language directing the commission chair or designee to advocate for water rights and reservations for homelands. The chair indicated the committees would use the prior Senate-passed version as the basis for further action, and the discussion then moved on to SB 130, a search-and-rescue reimbursement bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:35.199><c> by</c><02:02:35.440><c> federal</c><02:02:35.760><c> cuts.
• mainly<02:02:39.599><c> members</c><02:02:40.400><c> and</c><02:02:40.639><c> with</c><02:02:40.800><
• ><c> you</c><02:02:43.040><c> very</c><02:02:43.360><c> much</c><02:02:43.679><c> but</c><02:02:44.000
• 02:44.400><c> know</c><02:02:44.639><c> there'll</c><02:02:45.040><c> probably</c><02:02:45.280><c> be
• ><c> keep</c><02:02:48.080><c> up</c><02:02:48.239><c> on</c><02:02:48.480><c> this</c><02:02:49.679>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:29.760><c> And</c><01:02:30.799><c> um</c><01:02:31.359><c> the</c><01:02:31.680><c> first
• And um the first time<01:02:32.079><c> I</c><01:02:32.319><c> was</c><01:02:32.480><c> sent</c><01:02
• :32.799><c> down</c><01:02:33.119><c> to</c><01:02:33.280><c> go</c><01:02:33.599><c> meet</c><01:02:
• </c><01:02:38.640><c> me</c><01:02:39.200><c> because</c><01:02:39.520><c> women</c><01:02:39.920><c>
• ><c> Um</c><01:02:42.480><c> so</c><01:02:42.799><c> I</c><01:02:43.119><c> wonder</c><01:02:43.680><

Committee: House Children and Family Law

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> works well for Minnesota consumers. works well for Minnesota consumers.
• </c><00:49:52.559><c> Lending</c><00:49:53.119><c> Authority</c><00:49:53.520><c> statute,</c> the Minnesota
• Lending Authority statute, the Minnesota Lending Authority statute, which<00:49:54.240><c> would</c>
• </c> the Insurance Federation of Minnesota. the Insurance Federation of Minnesota.
• </c><01:08:38.640><c> Care</c> Minnesota could lose if Minnesota Care Minnesota could lose if Minnesota

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Got<00:02:37.440><c> uh</c><00:02:37.920><c> two</c><00:02:38.319><c> young</c><00:02:38.720
• I'd<00:02:42.400><c> like</c><00:02:42.560><c> to</c><00:02:42.720><c> have</c><00:02:42.879><c> them
• See Hunter<00:02:45.200><c> and</c><00:02:45.360><c> Terry</c><00:02:45.760><c> both</c><00:02:46.080
• And these<00:02:47.120><c> young</c><00:02:47.280><c> men</c><00:02:47.440><c> have</c><00:02:47.680>
• </c><00:02:51.599><c> And</c><00:02:52.000><c> uh</c><00:02:52.160><c> I'd</c><00:02:52.480><c> like<

Committee: Senate Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• elected<01:02:03.440><c> officials</c><01:02:04.079><c> that</c><01:02:04.400><c> would</c><01:02:05.440
• uh that would<01:02:06.000><c> be</c><01:02:06.160><c> part</c><01:02:06.240><c> of</c><01:02:06.400
• Um,<01:02:15.920><c> and</c><01:02:16.160><c> sort</c><01:02:16.240><c> of</c><01:02:16.319><c> how</
• like</c><01:02:18.480><c> for</c><01:02:18.799><c> somebody</c><01:02:19.040><c> who</c><01:02:19.280
• </c><01:02:21.280><c> Um,</c><01:02:21.680><c> and</c><01:02:21.920><c> then</c><01:02:22.799><c> striking

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:02:31.639><c> high</c><02:02:31.840><c> or</c><02:02:32.000><c> a</c><02:02:32.239><c> stronger
• :02:43.560><c> she</c><02:02:43.719><c> said</c><02:02:44.079><c> max</c><02:02:44.560><c> my</c><02:
• ><02:02:46.719><c> ODed</c><02:02:47.280><c> on</c><02:02:47.480><c> heroin</c><02:02:48.400><c> in</
• friends from the<02:02:52.520><c> 70s</c><02:02:53.040><c> who</c><02:02:53.239><c> started</c><02:02
• on the bill including a limitation on the statute<02:20:34.640><c> I</c><02:20:34.720><c> mean</c><02

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committees on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs and Agriculture and Food Systems heard testimony and began decision-making on HB 1246, which would establish the Hawaii Cannabis and Hemp Office within DCCA to regulate cannabis. Chair Tarnas described the bill as divisive and noted the hearing had received 95 testimonies in support, 135 in opposition, and 11 comments. Members were told the office would be administratively attached to DCCA, and the department emphasized it would not direct day-to-day operations. DCCA also raised concerns about banking access due to federal law, while the Department of Agriculture supported a one-plant, one-agency approach and noted its current authority over cannabis plant importation and movement. Several agencies and advocates supported the bill with cautions or requested amendments. The Department of Health said it appreciated the bill’s public health protections but remained concerned about increased adult-use access, youth mental health, pregnancy-related risks, and effects on developing brains; it requested a 12-month delayed effective date. The Attorney General’s office said legalization should include safeguards, recommended a longer implementation timeline and seed funding, and flagged issues in the bill involving impaired driving, open-container language, and penalties for under-21 possession. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill but objected to new driving and possession offenses, saying existing law already covers impaired driving. Doctors for Drug Policy Reform supported the measure, citing regulation of intoxicating cannabinoids, testing, childproof packaging, and public education as public-health benefits. Opponents focused on youth access, public safety, and the bill’s broader social effects. The Honolulu Police Department opposed the bill over access and diversion concerns, and the City and County of Honolulu Prosecutor strongly opposed legalization, citing higher-potency cannabis, youth harms, psychiatric risks, and increased poison-center calls. The Hawaiʻi Substance Abuse Coalition argued legalization should wait until prevention programs are in place and funded first, while the Hawaiʻi Family Forum and Hawaiian Republican Women also opposed the measure, citing concerns about youth exposure, added bureaucracy, and taxpayer costs. The Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi questioned the purpose of the proposed cannabis taxes, asking why cannabis should be taxed heavily if legalization is intended. The hearing continued with additional testimony after a brief audio issue for one testifier.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Commissioner of Minnesota Management and Budget.
• The potential implications to the Minnesota budget should not be underestimated.
• I'm Anthony Becker, Minnesota state economist.
• I'm Ona Minge, State Budget Director with Minnesota Management and Budget.
• </c> with Minnesota Management and Budget. with Minnesota Management and Budget.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> a</c><01:02:25.760><c> good</c><01:02:25.920><c> thing</c><01:02:26.000><c> to</c><01:02:26.240>
• I I<01:02:27.280><c> was</c><01:02:27.599><c> my</c><01:02:27.920><c> first</c><01:02:28.079><c> two<
• c> tech</c><01:02:31.440><c> and</c><01:02:32.079><c> um</c><01:02:32.640><c> this</c><01:02:32.960><
• um the<01:02:55.280><c> source</c><01:02:55.760><c> of</c><01:02:56.000><c> our</c><01:02:56.400><c>
• </c><01:02:57.599><c> We</c><01:02:57.920><c> have</c><01:02:58.000><c> such</c><01:02:58.240><c> a</

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened a work session on 17 retained bills and moved through several measures, often with motions to ought to pass or inexpedient to legislate. House Bill 54, allowing alternative treatment centers to operate for profit, was supported as a way to improve efficiency and potentially lower costs for medical cannabis users, and it was recommended OTP by a 9-0 vote. House Bill 97, an appropriation for wastewater infrastructure, drew mixed views: supporters said the Senate’s reduced funding still met the bill’s intent, while opponents argued the funding was inadequate for critical infrastructure needs; the committee voted 5-4 to ITL. House Bill 111, extending the Right to Know Ombudsman and exempting certain assistance from unauthorized practice of law, was recommended ITL 9-0. House Bill 197, concerning state payment of a portion of local retirement contributions, was discussed as a recurring issue; members noted an amendment could fund it starting in fiscal 2027, but the committee ultimately voted 5-4 to recommend the bill itself rather than ITL. House Bill 215, requiring landfill permit applicants to submit a harms-and-benefits report, was amended to narrow its scope to future privately owned landfills only; the amendment and the bill as amended both passed 9-0. House Bill 216, on workers’ compensation credit toward retirement service, was ITL’d 9-0 after the sponsor said the proposal was too open-ended and could affect unknown numbers of people.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:09:07.599><c> statutes,</c><02:09:08.320><c> the</c> Through the statutes, the BTLA is in 90
• 41:21.760><c> statute,</c><02:41:22.720><c> it</c> around is right now in statute, it around is right
• now in statute, it specifically<02:41:23.600><c> says</c><02:41:24.479><c> that</c><02:41:24.800><c>
• </c><02:41:50.720><c> crafted</c><02:41:51.359><c> the</c><02:41:51.600><c> statute</c><02:41:52.080>
• <c> on</c> very carefully crafted the statute on very carefully crafted the statute on where<02:41:52.479

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee worked through several HB 2 budget amendments, focusing first on energy-related transfers and then on judicial funding. For the energy item, members discussed moving remaining money from the renewable energy fund into the general fund for the biennium, with later-year amounts going to the general fund rather than ratepayers. They noted the proposal was based on prior House Bill 111 language, that the exact amount was still being worked out with the Department of Energy, and that some language about “incentive payments” was being removed or clarified. Amendment 1211H was moved and adopted on a 5-4 vote. The committee then considered amendment 1040 on the governor’s scholarship fund, which would eliminate the program and sweep uncommitted funds. Members supporting the program argued it helps New Hampshire students afford in-state college and should be reworked rather than repealed; opponents said the remaining balance was limited and the program should be ended. Amendment 1040 was defeated 4-5. The committee then turned to a judicial council request tied to a Franklin Pierce criminal justice clinic that had previously used ARPA funds. Supporters said the clinic cleared 323 cases in nine months, provided training for future attorneys, and could reduce more expensive assigned-counsel costs by helping the public defender system handle cases more efficiently. The amendment would add $100,000 to the judicial council line for that purpose. There was some confusion over the line item and whether the request should be attributed to the judicial branch or judicial council, which was corrected during discussion. Members also discussed a larger issue: the judicial council’s budget request appeared lower than intended because of a possible clerical error in how prior-year funding was calculated, especially after the last budget combined HB 1 and HB 2 funding. The committee compared the public defender line and assigned counsel line, noting that if public defender funding is cut, more cases would shift to assigned counsel, which is more expensive. No final vote on the judicial council amendment is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• :46.920><c> what</c><01:02:47.240><c> the</c><01:02:47.320><c> voters</c><01:02:47.680><c> are</c><01
• <01:02:48.640><c> for,</c><01:02:48.920><c> which</c><01:02:49.120><c> is</c><01:02:49.240><c> growth
• So, So, So, that<01:02:54.120><c> would</c><01:02:54.280><c> be</c><01:02:54.400><c> the</c><01:02:54.520
• ><c> first</c><01:02:54.920><c> thing</c><01:02:55.120><c> that</c><01:02:55.280><c> we</c> that would
• :56.600><c> you</c><01:02:56.760><c> to</c><01:02:56.920><c> agree</c><01:02:57.240><c> with</c><01:02

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The conference committee first discussed HB 1099, which creates a committee to study private business providing special education services and local school district reimbursement. Members explained that the issue is broader than special education alone, involving residential placements, foster care, court-ordered placements, and questions about which entity pays for education and care costs when students are placed in residential facilities. The House proposed an amendment to expand the study to include students placed in residential facilities by school districts as well as those placed through episodes of treatment or court order, and members agreed the existing commission would not resolve the issue before its July 1, 2026 expiration. Representative Coker raised concern about the phrase “but not limited to,” but members said the broader language was needed to capture placements beyond the existing statutory categories. The committee then agreed to accede to the Senate version of HB 1099 with a committee amendment, and the House voted unanimously to adopt amendment 2026-1845H. The bill was placed on the consent calendar, and the meeting adjourned. The transcript also includes a separate conference committee discussion on HB 1807, concerning mandatory reporting to voters. The main dispute was how to present administrator compensation: the House favored total administrative cost, while the Senate initially preferred average administrator salary. Members debated whether voters would be better informed by totals or averages, and whether the bill should define “administrator” more clearly by reference to DOE rules. The committee reached a tentative compromise to add both an average administrator salary graph and a total administrator cost graph, define administrators by reference to ED 501.02(B), scale the graph more precisely, and list the top 10 highest-paid administrators plus any employee earning over $100,000. Both chambers then gave unanimous support to the revised approach, with the understanding that the draft would be finalized and signed later.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:03.439><c> not</c><00:02:03.799><c> had</c><00:02:04.079><c> much</c><00:02:04.280><c> of<
• <00:02:05.320><c> to</c><00:02:05.520><c> get</c><00:02:05.680><c> off</c><00:02:05.880><c> the</c><00
• you</c><00:02:11.440><c> have</c><00:02:11.800><c> when</c><00:02:11.959><c> you're</c><00:02:12.280
• that factor and<00:02:43.879><c> uh</c><00:02:44.080><c> I'm</c><00:02:44.319><c> curious</c><00:02:44.720
• thinking</c><00:02:47.959><c> as</c><00:02:48.480><c> well</c><00:02:49.480><c> so</c><00:02:49.680><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee hearing focused on House Bill 271, which would remove the exam requirement for licensure as a Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA). The chair and several members expressed reservations about repealing a requirement that was only created in 2021, arguing that licensure should include some measurable demonstration of competency and that it is too early to judge whether the current standard is working. Members also raised concerns about the social work compact and the lack of uniformity across states, saying that changing the requirement now could undermine the standards New Hampshire agreed to at the outset. Testimony in support of the bill argued that the LSWA exam is a barrier for applicants because the level is intended for people without formal social work education, and the exam is the same national exam used for licensed social workers. The witness said there is only one LSWA in New Hampshire, so there is little pass/fail data, but noted that the Association of Social Worker Boards reported 78% of its membership favored retaining the exam. Supporters also emphasized that LSWA holders complete 30 hours of training and extensive supervised hours, and that they are not intended to work independently. Opponents or skeptics questioned whether the exam is the right measure for this role and asked for data showing actual failures or barriers. The discussion turned to possible alternatives, including a different exam, a practical skills assessment, or broader rulemaking authority for the board to set LSWA criteria. One suggestion was to amend the law to give the board authority to develop appropriate standards in rulemaking, rather than naming a specific exam in statute. Members also discussed whether the board could create a more suitable assessment and noted that the current law requires a national proctored examination approved by the board, but there is no national exam specifically for LSWA. No final vote or action was taken in the excerpt, and the subcommittee indicated it would gather more information, including the existing rule language, before moving the bill forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• any money<04:02:51.640><c> from</c><04:02:52.199><c> a</c><04:02:52.359><c> cent</c><04:02:52.800><c
• > or</c><04:02:53.159><c> the</c><04:02:53.239><c> money</c><04:02:53.560><c> that</c><04:02:53.680><
• ><c> gone</c><04:02:57.080><c> out</c><04:02:57.399><c> so</c><04:02:57.840><c> we</c><04:02:58.000><
• ><c> have</c><06:02:25.840><c> the</c><06:02:26.040><c> YDC</c><06:02:26.718><c> settlement</c><06:02
• :28.400><c> so</c><06:02:28.638><c> the</c><06:02:28.840><c> these</c><06:02:28.958><c> are</c><06:02

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with testimony from Charlotte Harding of the Conservation Land Stewardship Program, who explained that the office protects the state’s interests in conservation lands by monitoring conservation easements and related stewardship obligations. She described the program’s funding sources: a land conservation endowment held at the State Treasury and administered by the Council on Resources and Development, plus transfers from Fish and Game for easements not covered by the endowment. Members discussed how the endowment is funded when new easements are created, the program’s staffing, the loss of a state vehicle, and the need to increase in-state travel so staff can use personal vehicles for field monitoring. Harding said the office has two full-time positions and a seasonal employee, that the work is mostly monitoring rather than hands-on land management, and that enforcement issues are referred to the grantee agencies or, if needed, to the Council on Resources and Development. She also noted that the office works directly with landowners to resolve smaller issues and that stewardship has become a greater focus in the conservation community because ongoing oversight requires funding. Members asked about examples of properties under the program, including LCIP lands such as Musquash Headwaters, Hidden Valley Boy Scout Camp, and Nash Stream, and the committee did not take a motion before moving on. The committee then heard from Paul Breen and Susie Anzelone of the Pease Development Authority regarding the Division of Ports and Harbors operating budget. They explained that the authority provides finance, legal, environmental, and engineering support to the division, which operates New Hampshire’s only deep-water berth at Market Street, as well as facilities in Hampton, Rye, the Portsmouth Fish Pier, and navigational waters in the Piscataqua and Great Bay. They described the authority’s history after the closure of Pease Air Force Base, the transfer of roughly 2,400 acres, and the creation of a self-sustaining enterprise fund tied to airport and port operations. They emphasized that the division does not draw on the general fund because revenues from wharfage, dockage, parking, registration, and mooring fees cover operating costs, with any surplus retained for capital improvements and replacement. Members questioned several budget lines, including a sharp increase in overtime and workers’ compensation. Breen said overtime is driven largely by security needs at the deep-water port and fluctuates with vessel traffic, such as salt shipments, while workers’ comp is a DAS-set cost and not something the division controls. He said the budget is conservative and that if revenues fall short, capital projects would be the first items scaled back. The discussion also covered fee-setting, with Breen saying rates are reviewed against the local market and infrastructure constraints, and that some smaller facility fees had recently been increased after being stagnant for years.

Transcript Highlights:

• 02:38:42.080><c> be</c><02:38:42.319><c> out</c><02:38:42.479><c> of</c><02:38:42.640><c> a</c><02:38
• </c><02:42:48.399><c> But</c><02:42:48.880><c> by</c><02:42:49.200><c> statute,</c><02:42:49.920><c>
• But by statute, if you look at the<02:42:50.800><c> statute,</c><02:42:51.200><c> the</c><02:42:51.439
• ><c> statute</c><02:42:51.920><c> requires</c><02:42:52.720><c> an</c> the statute, the statute requires
• an the statute, the statute requires an executive<02:42:53.600><c> director.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When<01:02:04.240><c> I</c><01:02:04.400><c> brought</c><01:02:04.640><c> this</c><01:02:04.799><c> to
• 01:02:07.520><c> court</c><01:02:07.760><c> would</c><01:02:07.920><c> do</c><01:02:08.480><c> other<
• than maybe<01:02:09.760><c> stop</c><01:02:10.079><c> him</c><01:02:10.240><c> from</c><01:02:10.480>
• </c><04:02:02.160><c> So,</c><04:02:02.479><c> so</c><04:02:02.800><c> just</c><04:02:02.960><c> to</
• So, so just to respond<04:02:03.439><c> to</c><04:02:03.600><c> you,</c><04:02:04.080><c> I</c><04:02

Committee: House Children and Family Law

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:14.319><c> And</c><01:02:14.480><c> I</c><01:02:14.640><c> I</c><01:02:14.960><c> would</c
• <01:02:36.799><c> to</c><01:02:37.200><c> in</c><01:02:37.520><c> support</c><01:02:38.160><c> I</c>
• 25 and district<01:02:43.359><c> 43</c><01:02:43.760><c> as</c><01:02:44.000><c> if</c><01:02:44.160
• With reservations<01:02:51.119><c> and</c><01:02:51.680><c> just</c><01:02:51.920><c> like</c><01:02:
• ><01:02:52.960><c> weeks</c><01:02:53.200><c> I've</c><01:02:53.440><c> seen</c><01:02:53.680><c> on<

Keywords: 910, house, all