Transcript Highlights:

• Secretary, record the vote: 22 ayes, 7 nays, and one not voting.
• Senate Bill 1212, enacting Title 20, Chapter 2, Article 1, and amending Section 22-43, relating to health
• Senate Bill 1054, an act amending Title 9, Chapter 4, Arizona Revised Statutes, and Title 11, Chapter
• Senate Bill 1071, an act in Section 32-22-2606 and Arizona Revised Statutes, repealing Title 41, Chapter
• It used to happen, but the laws were changed back in 21 or 22.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a recorded quorum, and approval of the prior journal. Members then introduced several guest groups in the gallery, including the City of Maricopa Youth Council, students from Alpha School in Scottsdale, a student shadowing Sen. Gonzalez, Gilbert EduPrize students, InterWest Energy Alliance representatives, and Kingman city leaders. The chamber adopted a proposed amendment to Senate Rule 7A and then adopted the rules of the 57th Legislature, and the Senate also approved a motion to request House consent to adjourn after Wednesday, March 11, until Monday, March 16. A large number of bills were introduced on first reading, and standing committee reports were ordered entered without being read aloud. The Senate then took up numerous third-reading measures. Bills passed included SB 1654 (elections funding), SB 1711 (school safety/age-appropriate information), SB 1743 (campaign contribution address privacy), SB 1747 (assistive technology content), SB 1212 (health insurance reimbursement rules), SB 1284 (moving violations), SB 1336 (State Land Department-related changes), SB 1365 (property tax exemptions/veterans park discounts), SB 1655 (juror summoning/poll worker recruitment), SB 1662 (probation), SB 1803 (veterans’ services), SB 1818 (vehicle statutes), SB 1494 and SB 1497 (school insurance-related changes), SB 1503 (pension benefit plans), SB 1584 (Department of Corrections staffing), SB 1632 (Department of Economic Security), SB 1723 (bail), SB 1206 (insurance claims on reconsideration), and SB 1827 (aviation appropriations on reconsideration). SB 1134 on political signs initially failed, but the Senate later reconsidered and passed it. SB 1544 (probation) and SB 1585 (sex offender monitoring funding) failed. Several votes were close, and members offered explanations for both support and opposition on issues such as election administration, campaign privacy, health care incentives, veterans’ claims assistance, and criminal justice policy. The chamber then resolved into the Committee of the Whole for a long series of bills, adopting committee and floor amendments and recommending do pass on SB 1009, SB 1050, SB 1054, SB 1071, SB 1086, SB 1317, SB 1461, and SB 1672. Testimony in committee focused on topics including high school training standards, veterans’ state park passes, local measures, Arizona Rangers oversight, AHCCCS reimbursement and workforce issues, reentry programming, allied health workforce development, and anti-psychotic drug access. Later, the Committee of the Whole also considered SB 1173, SB 1234, SB 1295, and SB 1611. SB 1173 drew debate over whether additional fingerprint/background checks were needed for AHCCCS providers; SB 1234 and SB 1295 addressed juvenile court representation and inmate medical release; and SB 1611, on the American Indian Health Program, prompted extensive discussion about fraud in the program, tribal consultation, and whether the program should be moved out of AHCCCS. The committee adopted amendments and advanced these bills with do pass recommendations, while members on SB 1611 emphasized both the need for reform and concerns about consultation with Arizona tribes.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.400><c> which</c><00:22:00.640><c> has</c><00:22:00.799><c> led</c><00:22:00.960><c> to</c><00:22
• :10.400><c> making</c><00:22:10.640><c> for</c><00:22:10.880><c> our</c><00:22:11.200><c> agency.
• 00:22:16.480><c> a</c><00:22:16.720><c> holistic</c><00:22:17.280><c> approach</c><00:22:17.600><c> to
• We<00:22:21.360><c> believe</c><00:22:22.000><c> that</c><00:22:22.400><c> through</c><00:22:23.039><
• we're currently<00:22:23.919><c> doing</c><00:22:24.640><c> um</c><00:22:24.799><c> with</c><00:22:25.039

Bills: SB2187

Committee: House Tourism

Summary: The joint House Tourism and Water and Land hearing focused on HB 1947, which would repeal the Hawaii Tourism Authority, create an Office of Tourism in DBEDT, and establish a Division of Destination Management in DLNR. The Attorney General opposed provisions allowing the new tourism office or advisory board to hire independent attorneys, and also noted civil service and transfer-of-functions issues, including the need for standard transition language for employees, contracts, records, and equipment. DNR said it stood on its written comments, while the Department of Taxation also stood on its written testimony. HTA opposed the bill, arguing that Act 132 had already improved its governance and that destination management should remain within a single, holistic tourism framework. HTA said it is better positioned to coordinate with counties, communities, and state agencies on both tourism promotion and mitigation of impacts, and pointed to its strategic plan and DMAP work as evidence. The County of Kauai Office of Economic Development also opposed the bill, saying tourism issues cross multiple agencies and that coordination is best handled by one entity rather than splitting responsibilities between DBEDT and DLNR. One member of the public testified in support with reservations, saying Hawaii needs stronger leadership and control, but also warning that dissolving HTA would be a major change. During questioning, committee members pressed HTA on why destination management should not simply be handled by DLNR if HTA already consults with it on land-use and conservation issues. HTA responded that its role is broader than conservation alone and includes balancing economic development, visitor management, and resident quality of life, while deferring to DLNR on matters within DLNR’s jurisdiction. The hearing then moved to decision-making, where the chairs announced amendments that removed the transfer of destination management to DLNR, added counties and state/county agency assistance to the Office of Tourism, and made other conforming changes. The House committees voted to recommend HB 1947 pass with amendments, with several members voting aye and some voting with reservations, and the hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:22:00.880><c> to</c><00:22:01.039><c> put</c><00:22:01.200><c> them</c><00:22:01.360><c> in</c>
• <00:22:02.159><c> acre</c><00:22:02.559><c> lake</c><00:22:03.039><c> and</c><00:22:03.280><c> let</c
• <c> won't</c><00:22:09.360><c> come</c><00:22:09.520><c> out</c><00:22:09.679><c> of</c><00:22:09.840
• So, they've<00:22:10.720><c> got</c><00:22:10.799><c> to</c><00:22:10.960><c> catch</c><00:22:11.200>
• </c><00:22:17.120><c> Well,</c><00:22:17.360><c> they</c><00:22:17.520><c> sane</c><00:22:17.840><c>

Committee: Joint Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks

Transcript Highlights:

• 36.000><c> to</c><00:22:36.240><c> be</c><00:22:36.400><c> a</c><00:22:36.559><c> part</c><00:22:36.640
• :22:38.320><c> very</c><00:22:38.559><c> much.
• And<00:22:39.600><c> I</c><00:22:39.760><c> also</c><00:22:40.000><c> see</c><00:22:40.159><c> you're
• </c><00:22:40.400><c> on</c><00:22:40.640><c> the</c><00:22:40.880><c> list</c><00:22:41.120><c> to</
• on</c><00:22:41.880><c> 2426</c><00:22:42.880><c> as</c><00:22:43.200><c> well.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have 21 present, zero absent. 22 present. Isn't it? Present, zero absent, 22 present.
• Senate Bill 1861, an act amending sections 22-24 and 22-4 of the statutes, repealing section 22-44, and
• Laws 2020, Chapter 39, Section 8, as amended by Laws 2025, Chapter 135, Section 8; Laws 2025, Chapter
• Chapter 21, Section 1; Laws 2025, Chapter 211, Section 2; Laws 2025, Chapter 21-C, Section 2; making
• 22 chapter 311 section 10 submitted by law 20 24 chapter 2 1 3 section 7 relating to criminal justice

Transcript Highlights:

• :22:38.200><c> dogs,</c><01:22:38.520><c> a</c><01:22:38.600><c> horse,</c><01:22:38.920><c> and</c>
• And<01:22:40.680><c> then</c><01:22:40.800><c> you</c><01:22:40.880><c> can</c><01:22:41.000><c> throw
• :22:44.400><c> you</c><01:22:44.520><c> know,</c><01:22:44.680><c> I</c><01:22:44.800><c> absolutely<
• ><c> when</c><01:22:50.960><c> it</c><01:22:51.040><c> comes</c><01:22:51.240><c> to</c><01:22:51.320
• Seeing<01:22:59.320><c> none,</c><01:22:59.440><c> Vice</c><01:22:59.640><c> Chair</c><01:22:59.760><

Bills: SB2069 , SB2177 , SB2342 , SB2060 , SB2544 , SB3011 , SB2061 , SB2552

Committee: House Housing

Summary: The House Housing Committee opened its Friday morning hearing by noting potentially catastrophic flooding on the island and acknowledging that some members were absent helping their communities, so quorum for voting was uncertain. The committee then heard testimony on several housing-related measures, with most bills drawing support from housing agencies and community organizations and little or no opposition in the room. On SB 2069 SD2, SB 2177 SD2, and SB 2342 SD2, witnesses largely supported the measures. HHFDC supported SB 2069 and SB 2177, and HPHA supported SB 2342. For SB 2342, HHFDC raised concerns that the bill would alter the Qualified Allocation Plan outside the normal open, public process required by federal law and could exclude stakeholders; Kathy Charities echoed those concerns and also objected to changing point allocations in ways that could raise rents and weaken long-term affordability. Members questioned HHFDC about how the QAP is normally updated, the meaning of the point system, and whether a legislative working group could mandate changes; HHFDC said recommendations would still need public hearing and board approval. The committee also heard SB 2060 SD2, which would create a mixed-income subaccount in the rental housing revolving fund. HHFDC said the subaccount would likely use tier-two funds, estimated at about $100 million total, to support mixed-income projects above 60% AMI, citing Front Street Apartments as a possible example. Members asked about project selection and funding needs. On SB 2544 SD2, OHA opposed the bill’s Chapter 6E-related exemptions and mandatory review timelines, arguing that burial review protections should not be weakened and that the SPEED Task Force process was a better venue for streamlining. The sponsor later clarified that the bill was not meant to eliminate the 60-day review process but to make the deadline clearer. For SB 3011 SD1, which concerns public housing and pet ownership, HPHA and several humane organizations supported the measure, saying it would help low-income residents and seniors keep pets and benefit from animal companionship. HPHA explained its existing pet policy, including deposits, monthly fees, and restrictions, and said the requested funding would support ADA-accessible pet areas and related administration. Finally, on SB 2061 SD2, HCDA supported the bill while OHA opposed it unless protections for Hawaiian Crown and Government lands were strengthened. Committee members questioned the project’s 60/40 split between income-restricted and market-rate units, the 10-year owner-occupancy restriction, and the procurement exemption; the sponsor said the exemption was tied to a real estate transaction and that the project would still use 103D-like solicitation procedures. No votes were taken during the hearing, and several items were left for later action because quorum was uncertain.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:22:00.200><c> It's</c><00:22:00.360><c> split</c><00:22:00.640><c> between</c><00:22:01.080><c> C
• Um<00:22:16.680><c> good</c><00:22:16.840><c> moving</c><00:22:17.200><c> to</c><00:22:17.320><c> the
• :22:21.800><c> hazardous</c><00:22:22.440><c> and</c><00:22:22.600><c> then</c><00:22:22.760><c> State
• Uh<00:22:27.400><c> and</c><00:22:27.520><c> that</c><00:22:27.720><c> gets</c><00:22:27.920><c> us</
• c><00:22:28.120><c> to</c><00:22:28.240><c> the</c><00:22:28.400><c> 440,000</c><00:22:29.640><c> plus

Summary: The committee held its first official interim meeting after merging the General Government and Finance, Personnel, and Public Retirement committees, establishing a quorum and opening with the pledge and prayer. Members then received a briefing from KPPA representatives Ryan Barrow and Aaron Sarock on the state retirement systems, including KERS, CERS, and SPRS, and on the importance of fully funding the actuarially determined employer contribution, supplemental appropriations, and investment earnings in reducing unfunded liabilities. They said the systems have made progress toward a statutory closed amortization target of 2049 and emphasized that supplemental funding lowers current employer contribution rates but does not change that end date. A major topic was federal and state reemployment-after-retirement rules for retirees who return to work with participating employers. KPPA explained that retirees must have a bona fide separation from service, no prearranged agreement to return, and generally a one-calendar-month break in service for retirees on or after January 1, 2024. If a member fails to comply, retirement benefits can be voided, payments stopped, health coverage ended, and benefits repaid. The presenters also noted that rehired retirees do not earn a second retirement account, and employers rehiring them must pay employer contributions and, in non-exempt cases, reimburse health insurance costs. Members asked about the scale of rehired retirees and the difference between employer contribution and health insurance reimbursement amounts. KPPA said that in fiscal year 2025 there were over 3,500 rehired retirees in CERS and over 5,000 in SPRS, with substantial employer contributions and health reimbursement payments collected. They also explained that some positions are exempt from these chargebacks, including school resource officers and certain law enforcement positions that meet statutory criteria. The committee discussed House Bill 213, which allows cities, sheriffs’ departments, and post-secondary institutions to offer health insurance to rehired officers if authorized by the governing body, effective August 1, 2026, and clarifies the fiscal-year basis for certain exemption limits. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; We<00:22:24.960><c> need</c><00:22:26.000><c> money</c><00:22:27.039><c> for</c><00:22:27.360
• Um I'm<00:22:52.320><c> afraid</c><00:22:52.640><c> we're</c><00:22:52.880><c> not</c><00:22:53.039><
• :55.200><c> want</c><00:22:55.360><c> to</c><00:22:55.600><c> lay</c><00:22:55.600><c> it</c><00:22:55.760
• Um<00:22:58.320><c> but</c><00:22:58.559><c> we</c><00:22:58.799><c> can</c><00:22:58.960><c> still</
• c><00:22:59.200><c> help</c><00:22:59.360><c> these</c><00:22:59.679><c> kids.

Transcript Highlights:

• :22:31.600><c> Vice</c><00:22:31.840><c> chair</c><00:22:32.200><c> members</c><00:22:32.440><c> of</
• written<00:22:36.960><c> testimony</c><00:22:37.720><c> support</c><00:22:38.720><c> we've</c><00:22:
• :22:44.159><c> been</c><00:22:44.640><c> before</c><00:22:45.440><c> I</c><00:22:45.679><c> highlight
• some points<00:22:47.880><c> we</c><00:22:48.039><c> do</c><00:22:48.279><c> want</c><00:22:48.400><
• <00:22:51.000><c> our</c><00:22:51.159><c> appreciation</c><00:22:51.919><c> to</c><00:22:52.480><c>

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Are<00:22:02.000><c> you</c><00:22:02.040><c> ready</c><00:22:02.320><c> for</c><00:22:02.440><c
• It<00:22:14.840><c> is</c><00:22:15.040><c> very</c><00:22:15.400><c> exciting,</c><00:22:15.960><c>
• is</c><00:22:24.240><c> shall</c><00:22:25.000><c> the</c><00:22:25.080><c> bill</c><00:22:25.320><c
• All<00:22:29.679><c> in</c><00:22:29.800><c> favor,</c><00:22:30.120><c> say</c><00:22:30.440><c> I.
• <00:22:49.679><c> it</c><00:22:49.800><c> the</c><00:22:49.880><c> third</c><00:22:50.160><c> time.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nothing in this chapter<00:22:10.960><c> shall</c><00:22:11.280><c> require</c><00:22:11.760><c> a</c
• ><00:22:12.080><c> board</c><00:22:12.559><c> or</c><00:22:12.880><c> agency</c> chapter shall require
• a board or agency chapter shall require a board or agency come<00:22:13.919><c> under</c><00:22:14.240
• See the provision<00:22:32.080><c> this</c><00:22:32.320><c> chapter.
• The<00:22:53.760><c> amendments</c><00:22:54.320><c> given</c><00:22:54.480><c> a</c><00:22:54.720><c

Committee: House County and Municipal Government

Transcript Highlights:

• 2022, chapter 11, section 17, and Laws 2024, chapter 70, section 1, relating to the Department of Environment
• by laws 2028 section 1 in meeting last 2017 chapter 295 section they as amended by law 22 chapter 11
• 17 chapter 12 in law 20 24 chapter 70 section one we link to Department of Environment By law 2022,
• chapter 117, chapter 12, and Laws 2024, chapter 70, section 1, relating to the Department of Environmental
• It also amends section 49-818 and is amended by Laws 2023, chapter 78, section 1; Laws 2017, chapter

Summary: The Senate met in floor session, began with prayer and the Pledge, approved the journal, received communications, and handled a return of Senate Bill 1456 from the House for reconsideration. Members then moved through several Committee of the Whole calendars, considering and amending bills on court fees, information technology, environmental quality, agricultural property inspections, property tax notices, veterans services, zoning and electric generation siting, fuel and gas resilience, and disturbing religious services. Several amendments were adopted, including changes to HB 2265 on criminal court fees, HB 2311 on conversational AI disclosures and privacy limits, HB 2986 on environmental quality/fuel resilience, HB 2104 and HB 2105 on agricultural property inspection rules, HB 2406 on veterans services, HB 2494 on electric generation siting and environmental compatibility, HB 2696 on fuel and gas prices, and HB 4117 on interference with religious services. Most of these bills were reported out of committee with do pass recommendations, though members raised concerns on HB 2311 and HB 4117 about privacy, free speech, and prosecutorial discretion. The chamber then took up a long series of third readings and final votes. Bills passed included HB 2015 on single-audit compliance, HB 2041 on child neglect and poverty factors, HB 2048 on AHCCCS prescription drug coverage, HB 2417 on excessive speed, HB 2611 on child welfare, HB 2793 on annexation, HB 2950 on special districts, HB 2995 on family law, HB 4018 on county officers, HB 2404 on mental health services, HB 2279 on limitations of actions, HB 2502 on the state retirement system, HB 2733 and HB 2953 on pharmacy regulation, HB 2979 on credit unions, HB 4042 on parent-child relationship determinations, HB 4010 on health professional regulatory boards, HB 4043 on public schools, HB 4049 on the Attorney General, HB 2265 on court fees, HB 2311 on information technology, and HB 2986 on environmental quality. HB 2601 on state highways and routes failed. Several members explained votes on bills involving fiscal impacts, child welfare, road safety, annexation, and criminal justice concerns. The Senate also adopted a group concurrence motion on several conference committee reports, including HB 2003, HB 2010, HB 2133, and HB 2874, and then voted on those measures. HB 2003 on driver’s license instruction permits, HB 2010 on advertising, HB 2133 on disclosure of sexual material and synthetic depictions, and HB 2874 on campaign committees and termination statements were all advanced after conference committee action, with debate on HB 2133 focusing on First Amendment and content-moderation concerns. The session ended with introduction of a large package of transportation-related appropriations bills and a motion to suspend certain committee notice rules for Appropriations to hear legislation and strike-everything amendments on short notice.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:22:16.000><c> wake</c><00:22:17.360><c> with</c><00:22:17.840><c> a</c><00:22:18.159><c> young</c
• who</c><00:22:24.000><c> wants</c><00:22:24.320><c> to</c><00:22:24.559><c> have</c><00:22:24.720><c>
• ><c> with</c><00:22:25.600><c> him</c><00:22:26.400><c> about</c><00:22:26.960><c> life</c><00:22:27.280
• > you</c><00:22:34.080><c> know</c><00:22:34.320><c> about</c><00:22:34.559><c> life</c><00:22:34.880
• So I<01:22:03.840><c> just</c><01:22:04.000><c> want</c><01:22:04.080><c> to</c><01:22:04.239><c> say

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:22:19.120><c> obviously</c><00:22:19.440><c> want</c><00:22:19.600><c> to</c><00:22:19.760><c
• to drive down the<00:22:20.320><c> cost</c><00:22:20.559><c> for</c><00:22:20.720><c> the</c><00:22:
• <c> before</c><00:22:26.480><c> you</c><00:22:26.720><c> were</c><00:22:26.960><c> elected</c><00:22:
• <c> out</c><00:22:34.799><c> of</c><00:22:35.039><c> Minnesota</c><00:22:36.080><c> because</c><00:22
• <00:22:40.240><c> become</c><00:22:40.559><c> very</c><00:22:40.799><c> challenging</c><00:22:42.080>

Bills: HF3698 , HF4243 , HF4239 , HF4241 , HF4242 , HF4240

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Transcript Highlights:

• grant program within<00:22:04.720><c> agri</c><00:22:05.440><c> for</c><00:22:05.679><c> a</c><00:22
• 00:22:10.480><c> 1.6</c><00:22:11.120><c> million</c><00:22:11.360><c> in</c><00:22:11.960><c> 2627</
• ><c> Um,</c><00:22:17.840><c> on</c><00:22:18.080><c> line</c><00:22:18.360><c> 25,</c><00:22:19.360>
• c> on</c><00:22:39.679><c> down</c><00:22:39.919><c> to</c><00:22:40.080><c> line</c><00:22:40.400><c
• similar in Senate<00:22:50.799><c> file</c><00:22:51.039><c> 1839</c><00:22:51.679><c> but</c><00:22

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• of the<00:22:02.799><c> uh</c><00:22:02.919><c> film</c><00:22:03.360><c> credit</c><00:22:03.840><c
• uh</c><00:22:08.080><c> and</c><00:22:08.200><c> I'm</c><00:22:08.400><c> just</c><00:22:08.640><c> really
• 10.600><c> you</c><00:22:10.720><c> could</c><00:22:10.840><c> help</c><00:22:11.039><c> out</c><00:22
• :22:01.719><c> today's</c><01:22:02.480><c> economy</c><01:22:03.480><c> the</c><01:22:03.600><c> bill
• <01:22:08.520><c> um</c><01:22:08.840><c> is</c><01:22:09.040><c> intended</c><01:22:09.440><c> not</

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• If<00:22:03.200><c> you</c><00:22:04.040><c> go</c><00:22:04.240><c> to</c><00:22:04.360><c> the</c><
• 00:22:05.960><c> end</c><00:22:06.480><c> of</c><00:22:06.720><c> the</c><00:22:07.000><c> red</c><00
• </c><00:22:19.040><c> And</c><00:22:19.280><c> then</c><00:22:19.880><c> at</c><00:22:20.080><c> the<
• ><00:22:53.760><c> amount</c><00:22:54.680><c> is</c><00:22:54.960><c> for</c><00:22:55.240><c> new</
• And<00:22:58.400><c> you</c><00:22:58.480><c> can</c><00:22:58.640><c> see</c><00:22:58.760><c> the</

Transcript Highlights:

• Secretary, record the vote: 22 ayes, 7 nays, and 1 not voting.
• Senate Bill 1212, amending Title 20, Chapter 2, Article 1, Section 22-43, relating to health insurance
• Senate Bill 1054, an act amending Title 9, Chapter 4, and Title 11, Chapter 2, Article 4, Arizona Revised
• Senate Bill 1544, an act amending Title 19, Chapter 9, Section 13-9-22, relating to probation.
• It used to happen, but the laws were changed back in 21 or 22.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gentleman from 22, thank you. Mr.
• Good gentleman from 22. Mr.
• John 22. Mr.
• Gentleman 22. Mr.
• Good gentleman, 22. Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:22:04.159><c> Ulu</c><01:22:04.480><c> Pono</c><01:22:04.880><c> Initiative</c><01:22:05.440>
• <01:22:56.719><c> That</c><01:22:56.960><c> cost</c><01:22:57.199><c> is</c><01:22:57.440><c> borne</
• </c> chapter 205. chapter 205.
• None.<02:22:06.399><c> Vice</c><02:22:06.720><c> chair</c><02:22:06.880><c> for</c><02:22:07.040><c>
• </c><02:22:13.439><c> Any</c><02:22:13.680><c> members</c><02:22:14.080><c> voting</c><02:22:14.319><

Bills: HB1721 , HB1714 , HB1718 , HB1732 , HB1740 , HB1777 , HB1842 , HB1919 , HB1701 , HB1923 , HB1741 , HB1734 , HB1739

Committee: House Housing

Summary: The House Housing Committee met on February 4 and heard testimony on several housing measures, beginning with HB1721, which clarifies insurance, indemnification, and certificate-of-occupancy requirements for expedited permits. Testimony on HB1721 was uniformly supportive from the American Council of Engineering Companies, the Grassroot Institute, and individual testifiers, who said the bill would fix insurance issues for design professionals and encourage more participation in the expedited-permit program. No opposition was heard and no questions were raised. The committee then heard HB1714, which would raise salary caps for the executive director and deputy executive director positions at the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation and allow more autonomy in personnel matters, including employment contracts. HHFDC supported the bill, saying greater flexibility is needed to recruit and retain staff and that current pay ceilings are not the main issue because the agency lacks operating funds to reach them. The Department of Human Resources Development offered comments and raised concerns about autonomous personnel authority and employment contracts, saying state personnel matters are governed by existing statutes and collective bargaining rules; the Hawaii Public Housing Authority also offered comments, and one board member and one individual opposed the measure. Members questioned whether performance-based pay or existing incentive policies could address retention instead of statutory salary changes. The committee also heard HB1718, which would make permanent county authority to facilitate mixed-use developments and issue county bonds for low- and moderate-income housing projects. Support came from OPSD, HHFDC, the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Housing and Land Management, and Housing Hawaii’s Future, all emphasizing that permanent authority is needed to finance long-term mixed-use and transit-oriented projects. A member asked whether the sunset provision would make bonding impractical, and the city representative agreed that temporary authority would make financing difficult because development takes time. Later, the committee took up HB1732, establishing the Kamina Homes program to fund counties’ purchase of voluntary deed restrictions from eligible buyers. The Department of Taxation and several groups, including HHFDC, AARP Hawaii, the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, Hawaii Realtors, Holomua Collaborative, and others testified, with most supporting the bill as a way to help local families remain in Hawaii and age in place. Holomua said a recent survey found 75% of 3,200 working families were considering moving, and argued the bill could preserve housing for local residents. Members asked about the bill’s 8% cap on deed-restriction cost and why the program focuses on residency rather than resale restrictions; the bill’s proponents said the cap allows flexibility for county negotiations and that the measure is aimed at workforce preservation rather than land-trust-style appreciation limits. Finally, the committee heard HB1740, which would modify a prior HHFDC housing pathway by reducing the qualified-resident requirement from 100% to 80% and allowing more flexibility for long-term rental instead of owner occupancy. HHFDC and Holomua Collaborative supported the change, saying the earlier 100% requirement had produced no developments or applicants and that the revised standard would make projects more feasible while still preserving housing for local residents. The committee did not take final votes on these measures during the portion of the hearing provided.