Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:02:31.040><c> Um,</c><02:02:31.360><c> and</c><02:02:31.599><c> without</c><02:02:31.920><c>
• some uh confusion in the current<02:51:14.000><c> statute.
• /c><02:51:16.399><c> related</c> current statute.
• ><c> statute</c><02:51:28.080><c> about</c> Nothing in the current statute about what constitutes a quorum
• there was no that is in statute. um there was no requirement<02:51:47.120><c> in</c><02:51:47.439><c

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• have</c><01:02:19.599><c> access</c><01:02:20.000><c> to</c><01:02:20.200><c> like</c><01:02:20.319>
• /c><01:02:22.119><c> it</c><01:02:22.240><c> was</c><01:02:22.440><c> necessary</c><01:02:22.880><c>
• ><c> rest</c><01:02:23.319><c> of</c><01:02:23.480><c> the</c><01:02:23.599><c> bill</c><01:02:24.559
• ><c> it</c><01:02:24.720><c> was</c><01:02:24.920><c> not</c><01:02:25.079><c> an</c><01:02:25.240><c
• ><c> was</c><01:02:36.520><c> that</c><01:02:36.839><c> no</c><01:02:37.079><c> but</c><01:02:37.240>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on HB 982 HD1, a wildfire-related measure aimed at creating a wildfire recovery fund and a financing structure to address future catastrophic wildfire liability. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Division of Consumer Advocacy, and the Public Utilities Commission submitted comments and were available for questions. Supporters included IBW Local 1260, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, Clearway Energy Group, Hawaiian Electric, Par Hawaii, and others, while Charter Communications and the Hawaii Association for Justice opposed or raised concerns. Life of the Land supported the bill but urged changes to the definition of a catastrophic wildfire and noted concerns about prudency review language. IBW Local 1260 asked to restore language from the original draft, and Charter warned the bill could impair existing contract and indemnity rights unless amended. A major focus of the hearing was Hawaiian Electric’s position on the HD1 version. Hawaiian Electric strongly supported the original bill but objected to the HD1 requirement for an additional $500 million shareholder contribution, arguing it was not feasible and could delay or prevent the fund from operating. The company said the bill would help protect customers and improve credit ratings by creating a dedicated revenue stream and a bankruptcy-remote financing structure, which it said would lower borrowing costs over time. Members questioned how the $1 billion securitization amount was chosen, whether credit rating agencies had indicated it was sufficient, and how the bill would work in bankruptcy; Hawaiian Electric said the amount was a balance among interests, not based on a specific agency directive, and that it would follow up on bankruptcy questions. Opponents and skeptics raised concerns about liability caps, the new claims process, and unclear language on damages above the fund’s limits. The Hawaii Association for Justice argued the bill limits victims’ remedies and gives too much authority to the new entity without clear guardrails. Committee members also pressed Hawaiian Electric on comparisons to California, the feasibility of the shareholder contribution, and whether alternative capital-raising or divestiture options had been considered. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided; testimony and questioning continued with follow-up information requested from Hawaiian Electric and others.

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul, Minnesota, originally moved here in 1979, had been involved in the finance industry for more than
• Paul, Minnesota, originally moved here in 1979, had been involved in the finance industry for more than
• Senator Minnesota: Aye. Six ayes, zero no, one not voting.
• It expands access to a well-regulated tool that we already have in statute.
• While the underlying statute has been in place for quite some time, and unfortunately never actually

Committee: Senate Senate Finance Committee of Reference

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee approved the February 16, 2026 minutes and then heard House Bill 2173, which would let tax officers and taxpayers communicate electronically about proposed property tax corrections or claims unless certified mail is required. County and assessor representatives supported the bill as a modernization measure, and the committee voted 6-0 to give it a do pass recommendation. The committee then considered several Arizona State Retirement System-related measures and nominations. It recommended confirmation of Thomas J. Connolly as a public member of the ASRS Board and Charles Essex as a retired member, both by 6-0 votes. The committee also passed House Bills 2089, 2090, and 2092, which clarified ASRS health subsidy eligibility, changed the disability determination timing for long-term disability benefits, and adjusted the waiver window for new eligible members age 65 or older. Each of those bills received unanimous or near-unanimous support. Members next approved House Bill 2693, as amended, which revises Arizona’s association health plan and multiple employer welfare arrangement rules to align with current federal law and adds a study by the Department of Administration on state and school employee health insurance options. Supporters said it could expand affordable coverage for small businesses, while Senator Epstein raised concerns about consumer protections, preexisting conditions, and prior fraud issues; the bill passed 5-1. The committee also passed House Bill 2120, allowing Social Security disability determination letters to help certify eligibility for the property tax exemption for disabled persons, and House Bill 2138, clarifying workers’ compensation coverage for firefighters traveling directly to or from duty, both with some discussion but no opposition. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 2273, which creates a one-time $300 income tax rebate for certain Pinal County residents using remaining escrow funds from the county transportation tax litigation, though members debated whether the money should instead go to roads. The bill passed 3-2 after comments from the sponsor, a Pinal County mayor, and senators who said they wanted the funds directed to transportation projects. The committee then passed House Bill 2786, exempting income from renting required college textbooks from transaction privilege tax, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• After<00:02:07.200><c> that,</c><00:02:08.160><c> section</c><00:02:08.720><c> three</c><00:02:09.280
• c><00:02:11.360><c> goes</c><00:02:11.599><c> until</c><00:02:11.920><c> page</c><00:02:12.239><c> eight
• This<00:02:13.280><c> outlines</c><00:02:13.680><c> the</c><00:02:13.920><c> major</c><00:02:14.239><
• :16.239><c> As</c><00:02:16.480><c> you</c><00:02:16.640><c> all</c><00:02:16.800><c> know,</c><00:02
• </c><00:02:21.599><c> However,</c><00:02:22.400><c> it</c><00:02:22.640><c> has</c><00:02:22.800><c>

Bills: HB0111 , HB0112 , HB0122

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: capital construction, state funding, Wyoming, major maintenance, community colleges, task force, legislative services, budget appropriation, unexpended funds, sunset clause, healthcare, rural health, transformation program, funding, incentives, training, access, perpetuity fund, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Uh<00:02:01.600><c> thank</c><00:02:01.759><c> you</c><00:02:01.920><c> for</c><00:02:02.479
• ><c> uh</c><00:02:02.880><c> hearing</c><00:02:03.759><c> about</c><00:02:04.079><c> this</c> &gt;&gt
• </c><00:02:05.119><c> Um</c><00:02:05.520><c> this</c><00:02:05.759><c> is</c><00:02:05.840><c> an</c
• ><00:02:06.079><c> important</c><00:02:06.399><c> bill</c> bill today.
• Um this is an important bill that<00:02:07.280><c> will</c><00:02:07.600><c> bring</c><00:02:07.840><

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Good<00:02:23.400><c> morning</c><00:02:24.040><c> and</c><00:02:24.280><c> happy</c><00:02:24.600><c
• My<00:02:26.000><c> name</c><00:02:26.240><c> is</c><00:02:26.440><c> Liz</c><00:02:26.800><c> Gagen,
• </c><00:02:27.360><c> and</c><00:02:27.640><c> I</c><00:02:27.880><c> am</c><00:02:28.280><c> the</c>
• c><00:02:29.120><c> the</c><00:02:29.200><c> Department</c><00:02:29.640><c> of</c><00:02:29.680><c>
• I<00:02:35.640><c> have</c><00:02:36.360><c> the</c><00:02:36.480><c> Administrator</c><00:02:37.320>

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of any motion<02:02:11.920><c> I</c><02:02:12.239><c> file</c><02:02:12.800><c> and</c><02:02:13.040
• ><c> then</c><02:02:13.360><c> we</c><02:02:13.599><c> rely</c><02:02:14.000><c> or</c><02:02:14.239>
• the prosecutor's<02:02:16.560><c> office</c><02:02:16.800><c> as</c><02:02:17.040><c> they</c><02:02:
• <02:02:28.080><c> kokua</c><02:02:28.639><c> services</c><02:02:29.360><c> victim</c><02:02:29.760><c
• 33.199><c> the</c><02:02:33.360><c> system</c><02:02:34.080><c> um</c><02:02:34.239><c> but</c><02:02

Bills: HB1531

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: emergency announcements, American Sign Language, accessibility, public safety, broadcast media, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1913, which would create a mental health coordinator position within the Office of Veteran Services for the Daniel K. Akaka State Veterans Home and appropriate funds for it. Supporters said veterans, especially on the neighbor islands, need more mental health access and coordination. Several witnesses, including Sean Sonatada and Tom Driscoll, supported the intent but urged amendments to broaden the position beyond one facility and make it a statewide resource. Committee members questioned whether the bill would duplicate existing services at the veterans home and whether the position would be reimbursable through federal VA funding; testimony indicated the state would appropriate the money, while existing home services are already covered through current staff and federal reimbursement structures. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 9, which would designate Hawaii as a Purple Heart state. Testifiers generally supported the measure as a way to honor wounded veterans and their families, though one member asked what benefits the designation would confer. Witnesses clarified that the bill was mainly symbolic and did not appear to create new benefits, and one testifier noted Honolulu County had already adopted a similar Purple Heart designation. The committee then took up House Bill 1628, which would establish a compassionate release protocol for certain seriously ill or debilitated incarcerated persons. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Hawaii Paroling Authority opposed the bill, arguing that an existing administrative process already works, that the bill could improperly extend eligibility to people serving life without parole or mandatory minimum sentences, and that it lacked victim and family input and sufficient resources. In contrast, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission strongly supported the bill, saying it would reduce the high cost of incarcerating people with complex medical needs, ease burdens on staff and the prison population, and better reflect human dignity. The commission described having seen severe suffering and deaths in custody and said compassionate release is warranted in some cases. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:51.679><c> look</c><02:02:51.920><c> back</c><02:02:52.239><c> period</c><02:02:52.639><c> to</c>
• <02:02:52.880><c> that.
• So, it's<02:02:53.599><c> not</c><02:02:53.760><c> an</c><02:02:53.920><c> indefinite</c><02:02:54.400
• :02:55.520><c> three</c><02:02:55.760><c> years</c><02:02:56.320><c> somebody</c> within the previous
• ><c> convicted,</c><02:02:58.320><c> not</c><02:02:58.639><c> charged,</c><02:02:59.119><c> not</c> does

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up House Bill 1598 and an amendment, 2026-0463H. Elliott Barry and Nick Norman testified that the amendment reflected a hard-fought compromise balancing concerns from all sides, and they urged no further changes. With no questions from members, the subcommittee voted unanimously to recommend the bill with the amendment to the full committee, 3-0, and closed the subcommittee. The housing committee then moved through several executive session bills. HB 1010 was amended with 2026-0274H, described as clarifying and implementing prior housing law (HB 631) governing residential units above office and retail space; the amendment was adopted unanimously and the bill was reported ought to pass as amended on a 17-0 vote and placed on consent. HB 65 was then voted ought to pass and also placed on consent, with members saying it was duplicative of the compromise reached on HB 1010. HB 1349 was reconsidered for a clarifying vote and again received unanimous support for its prior disposition, 17-0, and was placed on consent. The committee next took up HB 1523, which concerned homeowners associations. An amendment, 2026-0380H, removed Section 5’s Attorney General enforcement mechanism, added HOA conflict-of-interest approval language, and delayed the effective date to give stakeholders more time; it was adopted unanimously. The bill then passed 18-0 as amended and was put on consent. The committee also voted ITL on CACR 16, a constitutional amendment related to sleeping or homelessness issues, after debate over unintended consequences and whether it protected a basic right; the vote was 10-8, with a majority report assigned and a minority report to be written. Later, HB 108, dealing with inclusionary zoning, was voted ITL 10-8 after members argued the bill imposed unrealistic burdens and could halt development; a minority report was noted with amendment 0149H. HB 7, concerning ADUs and restrictive covenants, was also voted ITL 10-8 after discussion of unintended consequences and a proposed amendment to encourage second ADUs; it was sent to the regular calendar with a minority report and amendment 0289H. HB 1120, on water-related subdivision requirements, was ITL’d 17-1 and placed on consent, with one member noting a study amendment had been offered. HB 1143, addressing housing-provider obligations and municipal enforcement powers, was ITL’d 17-1 and placed on consent. Finally, HB 1145, a fee/tax proposal tied to housing development, was ITL’d 11-7; members debated whether it would discourage development, and a minority report was assigned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:02:14.239><c> like</c><00:02:14.400><c> I</c><00:02:14.560><c> said,</c><00:02:14.720><c> this
• other<00:02:18.640><c> projects</c><00:02:19.200><c> that</c><00:02:19.520><c> have</c><00:02:19.760
• </c><00:02:22.400><c> And</c><00:02:22.560><c> I'll</c><00:02:22.720><c> yield</c><00:02:22.959><c> for
• </c> We<01:02:29.280><c> also</c><01:02:29.520><c> had</c><01:02:29.680><c> some</c><01:02:29.920><c>
• </c><01:02:32.160><c> One</c><01:02:32.319><c> was</c><01:02:32.480><c> a</c><01:02:32.799><c> water<

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 12 March, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• require a sponsor to<00:02:33.920><c> pay</c><00:02:34.080><c> a</c><00:02:34.319><c> $25</c><00:02:34.959
• c> a</c><00:02:37.360><c> course,</c><00:02:38.000><c> and</c><00:02:38.239><c> update</c><00:02:38.560
• section 29<00:02:44.160><c> to</c><00:02:44.400><c> delete</c><00:02:44.640><c> the</c><00:02:44.879
• </c><00:02:48.480><c> Amend</c><00:02:48.959><c> section</c><00:02:49.280><c> 58</c><00:02:49.760><c>
• and</c><00:02:58.000><c> amend</c><00:02:58.400><c> section</c><00:02:58.800><c> 92</c><00:02:59.280>

Keywords: :54 – Board of Pharmacy 2:00 – Board of Social Work 3:44 – Board of Licensure for Occupational Therapy 4:43 – Board of Registration for Professional Geologists 7:27 – Board of Imaging and Radiation Therapy 8:33 – Board of Emergency Medical Services 10:38 – Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources 17:37 – Transportation Cabinet 18:37 – Department of Education 25:00 – Department of Workplace Standards 27:06 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services, 958, all

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

Transcript Highlights:

• :32.080><c> I'm</c><00:02:32.200><c> going</c><00:02:32.280><c> to</c><00:02:32.480><c> ask</c><00:02
• </c><00:02:34.239><c> or</c><00:02:34.360><c> a</c><00:02:34.480><c> green</c><00:02:34.720><c> shirt
• :42.440><c> I'm</c><00:02:42.519><c> going</c><00:02:42.640><c> to</c><00:02:42.840><c> ask</c><00:02
• :02:44.800><c> want</c><00:02:44.920><c> to</c><00:02:45.120><c> point</c><00:02:45.400><c> this</c><
• </c><00:02:51.519><c> credit</c><00:02:51.800><c> our</c><00:02:52.040><c> success</c><00:02:52.640><

Keywords: 00:00 -- Introduction 00:13 – Attendance Roll Call 08:25 – Discussion of HB 315 23:45 – Roll call vote on HB 315 26:35 – Discussion of HB 356 46:30 – Roll call vote on HB 356, 958, all

Summary: The House Agriculture Committee first spent much of the meeting recognizing the large number of 4-H and FFA students and guests in attendance, with members from several counties introducing their groups and praising the programs for developing future agricultural and civic leaders. Comments emphasized the value of youth involvement in agriculture, leadership, and public speaking, and several members noted their own 4-H or FFA backgrounds. The committee then took up House Bill 356, and adopted a committee substitute before hearing testimony on the revised measure. House Bill 356, sponsored by Representative Carney, would create the Kentucky Urban Youth Agriculture Initiative, expanding the original urban farming concept into broader agricultural education, agribusiness, advocacy, and work-ready skills. The substitute removed the requirement that participants have access to farmland, lowered the age floor from six to five, broadened participation, and established a pilot program with implementation left to Cooperative Extension. Supportive testimony came from a 4-H student and Kentucky 4-H representatives, who described how the program helps youth explore many interests and removes barriers for urban students. Members from both parties praised the bill as a way to reach more youth and strengthen agricultural education. The committee approved House Bill 356 as amended by the committee substitute on a roll call vote, with all members present voting yes. The committee then heard House Bill 315 from Representative Sharp, a foreign adversary land bill intended to limit certain foreign entities’ ability to purchase Kentucky land. Before member questions, Tim Shank of the Kentucky Bankers Association testified in opposition to one section of the bill, saying banks already screen borrowers through federal systems and that Section 8’s reference to an Attorney General lien for “actual costs” was too vague. He warned the language could create uncertainty for mortgage holders and potentially affect credit availability for farmers. Representative Sharp said he had just learned of the concern and may need to work with the Attorney General’s office to address it. He also said the bill was largely the same as last year’s version, except for the removal of a leasing-related paragraph, and the committee began discussion of the bill after that testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:05.119><c> decisions</c><02:02:06.320><c> should</c><02:02:06.800><c> have</c><02:02:07.119><c> been
• :02:10.320><c> that's</c><02:02:10.639><c> both</c><02:02:11.280><c> management</c><02:02:12.000><c>
• </c><02:02:15.440><c> our</c><02:02:15.760><c> leaders</c><02:02:16.239><c> are</c> have acknowledged
• But<02:02:25.920><c> improving</c><02:02:26.560><c> communication</c><02:02:27.280><c> is</c><02:02:27.599
• </c><02:38:39.280><c> statute</c> that the quality council statute that the quality council statute actually

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :24.000><c> set</c><01:02:24.240><c> forth</c><01:02:24.599><c> in</c><01:02:24.839><c> this</c><01:02
• it's</c><01:02:27.920><c> placed</c><01:02:28.279><c> in</c><01:02:28.440><c> the</c><01:02:28.640><c
• Authority<01:02:32.559><c> but</c><01:02:33.000><c> the</c><01:02:33.160><c> wording</c><01:02:33.720
• ><c> board</c><01:02:36.359><c> and</c><01:02:36.480><c> it's</c><01:02:36.640><c> not</c><01:02:36.839
• that means the<01:02:38.880><c> Board</c><01:02:39.119><c> of</c><01:02:39.279><c> Education</c><01:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Education met on February 6 at 2:00 p.m. and heard testimony on a series of education-related bills. HB 1200, which would codify teacher ratios in statute, drew support from the Department of Education, the Democratic Party of the Education Caucus, and 11 individuals; no opposition was noted and the committee moved on without questions. HB 1344, concerning mandatory FAFSA completion, received testimony from the Department of Education, Hawaii P20, and a University of Hawaiʻi student who cited unclaimed Pell Grant funds and low FAFSA completion rates as reasons to support the bill. Committee members asked about current outreach efforts, and DOE and P20 described FAFSA tracking data, hotlines, email support, school-based FAFSA nights, and coordination with counselors; members also raised concerns about federal education funding and Pell Grants. The committee then heard HB 1499, which would authorize staff and volunteers to administer certain medications. The Department of Education, Department of Health, University of Hawaiʻi nursing leadership, and the Hawaii State Center for Nursing all testified in support, along with several individuals and the Democratic Party Environmental Caucus. The next measure, HB 902 on the Public Safety Power Shutoff program, was supported by DOE, the Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaiian Electric, but it prompted extensive questioning from the Vice Chair about whether taxpayers should fund a study to help schools remain open during shutoffs. Hawaiian Electric said the bill would help DOE assess impacts in wildfire-risk areas and noted its wildfire safety strategy, outreach efforts, and potential community resource centers, while the Vice Chair argued the utility should bear more of the cost. The committee also heard HB 961, a bill on school libraries and a CASS pilot program, with DOE offering comments and HSTA and the Hawaii Library Association strongly supporting it. HSTA argued certified librarians are important for literacy, research, and digital literacy, and said many schools lack them because of cost; the association and 14 individuals testified in support. HB 962, a related bill on DOE libraries and the system, also drew support from DOE, HSTA, and the Hawaii Library Association, with 15 individuals in support. Finally, HB 730, concerning the Civil Rights Compliance Branch, received support from DOE, White Children’s Action Network, AAW of Hawaiʻi, and many individuals. Testifiers said the branch needs more resources and training and handles more than Title IX, including Title VI, Title VII, and ADA matters. A student plaintiff in a Title IX lawsuit described unequal treatment in athletics and facilities, and another supporter said the bill would help ensure compliance with federal civil rights laws. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:01.680><c> does</c><01:02:01.839><c> a</c><01:02:02.039><c> worker</c><01:02:02.680><c> have</c><
• 01:02:03.000><c> right</c><01:02:03.279><c> now</c><01:02:04.119><c> to</c> does a does a worker have
• c> forward</c><01:02:06.240><c> with</c> Rehabilitation<01:02:09.960><c> I</c><01:02:10.880><c> don't
• </c><01:02:11.200><c> do</c><01:02:11.400><c> the</c><01:02:11.559><c> rehab</c><01:02:12.119><c> all
• c> know</c><01:02:12.760><c> it</c><01:02:13.000><c> it</c><01:02:13.240><c> takes</c><01:02:13.559><

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 117 on condominiums. Testifiers were split: reserve-study professionals and the Community Associations Institute opposed tying reserve requirements to assessed value, arguing reserve studies should be based on actual components and costs and that the bill could lead to over- or under-collection. Condominium owners and advocates supported the bill, saying some associations are not completing reserve studies or are failing to provide audits and adequate funding, and urging stronger fiduciary accountability. A member later asked about compliance rates, and a witness said he was not aware of any association that had failed to do a reserve study, estimating compliance at well over 95 percent, likely close to 100 percent. The committee then took testimony on HB 544 on pet insurance, which drew support from the Attorney General’s office and the Insurance Division with comments about contract-impairment issues, as well as support from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association and the Hawaiian Humane Society. Testifiers said the bill would help consumers understand and use pet insurance as veterinary costs rise. HB 983 on certified public accountants also drew mostly support, with the Hawaii Society of CPAs and the Hawaii Association of Public Accountants offering conditional support and proposed amendments. Public accountants said the bill could help address a shortage of CPAs and expand pathways into the profession, while some speakers cautioned that the language needed clarification and that public accounting experience should be tied to CPA-firm work. An instructor from UH West Oahu said students cannot afford the extra credits currently required and would benefit from a more accessible pathway. The committee also heard HB 1050 on Title 24, with DCCA supporting the measure and no opposition or questions. The discussion then moved to HB 256 HD1 on environmental protection and incinerator emissions. The Department of Health offered comments, while Energy Justice Network and Climate Protectors Hawaii supported strengthening the bill, warning that it could weaken existing standards at H-Power unless amended to preserve stricter state rules and require modern pollution controls. A member questioned the Department of Health about H-Power’s permits and whether additional controls would be required if federal rules change; the department said permits are reviewed every five years and that the facility currently meets state and federal requirements, while EPA rules remain in a public comment process. Finally, the committee heard HB 1051 HD1 on energy efficiency portfolio standards, with support from the Consumer Advocate, State Energy Office, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaii Energy. The committee then heard HB 350 HD1 on energy, where the State Energy Office supported the bill, Solar Ray Corporation offered conditional comments urging any new mandated water-heating technology to meet the same efficiency level as existing solar thermal systems, and the Kauai Climate Action Coalition testified in support. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:45:13.600><c> to</c><02:45:13.840><c> unemployed</c><02:45:14.399><c> Americans</c><02:45:15.200>
• </c><02:45:16.319><c> This</c><02:45:16.479><c> is</c><02:45:16.640><c> especially</c><02:45:17.200><
• Grocery<02:45:20.560><c> prices</c><02:45:20.960><c> are</c><02:45:21.120><c> too</c><02:45:21.359><c
• And too many Americans<02:45:24.800><c> live</c><02:45:24.960><c> in</c><02:45:25.200><c> fear</c><02
• </c><02:45:26.880><c> unable</c><02:45:27.200><c> to</c><02:45:27.359><c> afford</c><02:45:27.680><c>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, June 29, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:12.400><c> the</c><01:02:12.559><c> teacher</c><01:02:12.799><c> or</c><01:02:13.119><c> they</c>
• 02:16.480><c> would</c><01:02:16.640><c> be</c><01:02:16.720><c> at</c><01:02:16.960><c> that</c> the
• Said this.<01:02:24.480><c> So</c><01:02:24.640><c> that</c><01:02:24.880><c> that</c><01:02:25.359><
• > the</c><01:02:37.839><c> way,</c><01:02:38.160><c> but</c><01:02:38.400><c> we're</c><01:02:38.559>
• </c><01:02:40.240><c> And</c><01:02:40.480><c> it</c><01:02:40.720><c> literally</c><01:02:41.040><c>

Committee: Senate Children and Family Law

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:02:19.679><c> May,</c><02:02:19.920><c> they</c><02:02:20.080><c> could</c><02:02:20.159><c>
• </c><02:02:21.760><c> Or</c><02:02:21.920><c> if</c><02:02:22.080><c> we</c><02:02:22.239><c> said</c
• <02:02:23.440><c> Monday</c><02:02:23.760><c> in</c><02:02:24.000><c> June</c><02:02:24.239><c> to</c
• > for</c><02:02:24.880><c> the</c><02:02:25.040><c> the</c><02:02:25.360><c> refund,</c><02:02:25.840
• ><c> of</c><02:33:06.640><c> the</c><02:33:06.880><c> statute</c><02:33:07.200><c> here?

Committee: Joint Revenue

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. much<00:02:20.560><c> can</c><00:02:20.640><c> I</c><00:02:20.760><c> have</c><00:02:20.879
• 00:02:24.360><c> available</c> right<00:02:28.519><c> uh</c><00:02:28.640><c> next</c><00:02:28.879><
• ><c> I</c><00:02:34.280><c> believe</c><00:02:34.920><c> yeah</c><00:02:35.080><c> there</c><00:02:35.200
• ><c> chair</c><00:02:39.400><c> Vice</c><00:02:39.640><c> chair</c><00:02:39.879><c> members</c><00:02
• ><c> support</c><00:02:46.319><c> of</c><00:02:46.519><c> this</c><00:02:46.920><c> bill</c><00:02:47.920

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard SB 1231, which would repeal the Parentage Uniform Act of 1973 and update Hawaii’s parentage laws, including parts of the Uniform Parentage Act of 2017. Supporters said the current statutes are outdated and do not adequately address assisted reproduction, surrogacy, and modern family formation. The Attorney General’s office supported the bill with technical amendments, including conforming changes to the Probate Code and child support provisions, and several testifiers urged passage as a needed modernization of the law. A major point of disagreement was Part 10, which concerns donor anonymity. Some supporters, including members of the task force, the Uniform Law Commission, fertility and family law practitioners, and LGBTQ+ advocates, backed the bill as written or said it should move forward even if Part 10 is removed. Others, including donor-conceived adults, parents, and advocacy groups, opposed Part 10 and urged the committee to adopt the 2024 version of Article 9 or delete Part 10 entirely, arguing that anonymous donation harms donor-conceived people’s access to genetic, medical, and identity information and that anonymity is not realistic in the DNA-testing era. One task force member and attorney said she supported the bill but preferred removing Part 10 if necessary to pass the rest. The hearing included extensive public testimony both in support and opposition, with many individuals describing personal experiences with adoption, IVF, surrogacy, and donor conception. No committee vote or final action on the bill was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> that</c><01:02:00.960><c> I</c><01:02:01.040><c> give</c><01:02:01.200><c> to</c><01:02:01.280><c
• <01:02:03.760><c> to</c><01:02:04.000><c> save</c><01:02:04.880><c> 7800</c><01:02:05.599><c> bucks</
• c><01:02:05.839><c> and</c><01:02:06.079><c> then</c><01:02:06.240><c> get</c><01:02:06.400><c> hit</
• </c><01:02:12.240><c> Um</c><01:02:12.480><c> so</c><01:02:12.640><c> I</c><01:02:12.799><c> will</c>
• </c><01:02:14.400><c> want</c><01:02:14.480><c> to</c><01:02:14.640><c> address</c><01:02:14.960><c>

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:00.680><c> that</c><01:02:01.200><c> and</c> statutes not allow aligned to that and statutes
• forward for correction<01:02:05.920><c> in</c> statute<01:02:10.400><c> C</c><01:02:10.760><c> up</c
• ><c> that</c><02:02:03.000><c> were</c><02:02:03.159><c> set</c><02:02:03.520><c> 50</c> because there's
• ><c> and</c><02:02:04.560><c> haven't</c><02:02:04.960><c> changed</c><02:02:05.480><c> you</c><02:02
• :02:06.520><c> like</c><02:02:07.199><c> some</c><02:02:07.360><c> of</c><02:02:07.520><c> these</c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee reviewed the Department of Corrections budget, with the chair initially noting that the overall numbers looked close to fiscal year 2024 spending, except for federal funds. Department officials explained that prior ARPA expenditures and delayed revenue recognition had distorted the comparison, and that the corrected general fund spend was about $169.7 million. Members then focused on whether the budget’s staffing assumptions were realistic, especially the shift from overtime to full-time lines and the use of vacant positions to offset overtime costs. The department said it is leaning on vacancy savings, but would return for additional appropriations if unforeseen staffing problems arise. A major portion of the discussion centered on recruitment, retention, and staffing levels. Officials reported a 42% vacancy rate in enforcement ranks, down from 51% in January 2023, with 28 new officers headed to the next academy and 33 new hires already tracked. They said overtime is more expensive than regular staffing because of benefits and that it takes about 11 months for a new hire to break even. Members also asked about the split between incarcerated and supervised populations; the department said it oversees about 1,970 inmates in facilities and just over 4,000 people in the community, with 77 positions supervising the community population and the inmate population remaining the most expensive area. The committee also discussed how sentencing and statutory changes affect incarceration levels, including misdemeanor/felony thresholds and theft thresholds, with the department agreeing that such changes can significantly affect prison and jail populations. Members asked about education and recidivism, and the department said base education is the most important foundation, followed by vocational training, while noting that many incarcerated men lack a high school diploma. The department also described a $1.3 million reduction in contracted forensic evaluation services, explaining that these evaluations are court-ordered competency assessments and are not statutorily required to be provided by DOC. Finally, members reviewed victim services funding and staffing, including VOCA-supported positions, and the department explained that a new victim witness specialist would help support survivors at parole hearings and safety planning.