Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> and</c><01:02:08.160><c> then</c><01:02:08.279><c> the</c><01:02:08.400><c> cap</c><01:02:08.839
• support<01:02:12.400><c> is</c><01:02:12.480><c> there</c><01:02:12.680><c> anyone</c><01:02:13.039>
• process<01:02:30.079><c> for</c><01:02:30.279><c> behind</c><01:02:30.520><c> the</c><01:02:30.599><
• :02:50.680><c> Vice</c><01:02:50.880><c> chair</c><01:02:51.119><c> Carol</c><01:02:51.400><c> TB</c>
• DLR<01:02:52.599><c> we</c><01:02:52.720><c> stand</c><01:02:52.960><c> on</c><01:02:53.079><c> our<

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Summary: The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard testimony on Senate Bill 897, which would create a Wildlife Liability Trust Fund within DCCA for administrative purposes. The chair opened by noting the hearing had to end by noon because of floor session, and that written testimony would be considered if not all witnesses could speak. Testimony included support from DCCA, the Attorney General’s office, the Public Utilities Commission, Charter Communications, Ulupono Initiative, AES Hawaii, Hawaiian Electric, Clearway Energy Group, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, Hawaiian Telcom, and IBW Local 1260, with opposition or concerns from the Hawaii Association for Justice and some others. Hawaiian Electric strongly supported the bill and asked for amendments, saying the fund would help address wildfire liability, protect customers and the economy, and support restoration of investment-grade credit; it also proposed a larger shareholder contribution and said the bill was part of a broader effort to raise settlement funds and improve grid safety and resiliency. Committee members focused heavily on whether the bill would actually lower costs for ratepayers and improve credit ratings. DCCA said there was a nexus between limiting liability, creating a sufficiently large wildfire fund, and transparent mitigation requirements, but acknowledged there was no guarantee of a credit-rating improvement or precise estimate of rate impacts. Members questioned Hawaiian Electric about the assumptions in its cost comparisons, the 30-year securitization structure, and whether funding could be shifted later to shareholders after credit was restored. Hawaiian Electric responded that the bill assumes the fund is paid through securitization, that removing that presumption could undermine the credit-rating benefit, and that its models suggest credit-spread savings could offset the customer charge over time; it also said it would follow up with additional analysis. The company and Ulupono both described the measure as a difficult but potentially necessary way to socialize wildfire risk and avoid a larger crisis later. The Hawaii Association for Justice opposed the bill’s liability caps and raised concerns about consumer rights, oversight discretion, statute-of-limitations changes, and evidence rules. Hawaiian Telcom suggested amendments to clarify compliance with FCC pole-attachment agreements. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided, and members indicated they wanted more analysis before being comfortable with the bill’s long-term ratepayer impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:02:06.479><c> Many</c><00:02:06.560><c> of</c><00:02:06.640><c> you</c><00:02:06.799><c> may</c>
• Used<00:02:07.920><c> to</c><00:02:08.080><c> work</c><00:02:08.239><c> at</c><00:02:08.399><c> KDE</
• </c><00:02:10.800><c> She</c><00:02:11.039><c> was</c><00:02:11.120><c> over</c><00:02:11.280><c> at<
• 00:02:13.040><c> in</c><00:02:13.120><c> the</c><00:02:13.200><c> Spencer</c><00:02:13.599><c> County
• </c><00:02:14.640><c> So,</c><00:02:15.040><c> uh,</c><00:02:15.520><c> if</c><00:02:15.760><c> it's<

Committee: House Primary and Secondary Education

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:00:48.159><c> on</c><02:00:48.480><c> top</c><02:00:48.719><c> of</c><02:00:49.599><c> what</c><02
• :59.360><c> about</c><02:01:59.760><c> anything</c><02:02:00.159><c> in</c><02:02:00.400><c> the</c>
• <02:02:01.440><c> It</c><02:02:01.679><c> is</c><02:02:01.920><c> not</c><02:02:02.320><c> telling</c
• :05.599><c> should</c><02:02:06.400><c> the</c><02:02:06.560><c> superintendent</c><02:02:07.920><c>
• <02:04:07.679><c> put</c><02:04:07.840><c> we</c><02:04:08.000><c> can</c><02:04:08.080><c> put</c><02

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Think it's Minnesota.
• There was a reference to a statute in the bill when the wrong statute was referenced.
• A statute in the bill when the wrong statute was referenced.
• We do have a statute, as Senator Maestas said, that tolls the statute of limitations because of the rape
• subject to a statute of limitation.

Summary: The Senate convened, initially lacked a quorum, then established one and opened with prayer, pledges in English, Navajo, and Spanish, and the salute to the New Mexico flag. Members then moved through announcements and recognitions, including permission for cameras on the floor and gallery, and certificates honoring Santa Fe County Day and Soil and Water Conservation District Day. Senators spoke in support of both recognitions, emphasizing Santa Fe County’s history, cultural and economic contributions, and the conservation districts’ role in stewardship, agriculture, and conservation work across the state. The chamber also welcomed numerous guests, honorary lieutenant governors, student shadows, and seniors visiting the Capitol. The Senate confirmed two State Investment Council appointments. Mary Patricia Roman was confirmed 31-0 after debate highlighting her decades of global investment experience, leadership in private banking, and service on the SIC investment committee. John F. Bingaman was then confirmed 32-0 for reappointment, with senators citing his finance background, prior service as governor’s chief of staff, and role in state economic and early childhood policy. Members also discussed his leadership on the council and the importance of strong management of the state’s permanent funds. On legislation, Senate Memorial 3 passed 27-0. The memorial, developed with the Wild Friends civics and science program, invites state agencies to participate in an insect identification and education workshop with UNM’s Museum of Southwestern Biology and the Xerces Society. The Senate also received House messages and adopted several committee reports, including referrals and passage recommendations for multiple bills and memorials. Later, the chamber debated Senate Bill 145, which would consolidate certain federal audit reporting into a single submission and adjust audit requirements for smaller entities and acequias; supporters said it would streamline compliance without changing audit requirements, while opponents raised concerns about auditor business, oversight, and the risk of weakening scrutiny. The bill remained under debate in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:04.560><c> And</c><00:02:04.760><c> it's</c><00:02:04.880><c> about</c><00:02:05.200><c> as
• And<00:02:07.360><c> I'm</c><00:02:07.479><c> happy</c><00:02:07.720><c> to</c><00:02:07.800><c> answer
• /c><00:02:47.600><c> opportunity</c><00:02:48.080><c> to</c><00:02:48.160><c> kind</c><00:02:48.360><
• 00:02:49.800><c> negotiate</c><00:02:50.680><c> their</c><00:02:50.840><c> contracts</c><00:02:51.480
• </c><00:02:53.959><c> apply</c><00:02:54.440><c> to</c><00:02:54.560><c> that</c><00:02:54.920><c> at

Committee: House Primary and Secondary Education

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:02:27.960><c> The</c><02:02:28.120><c> ayes</c><02:02:28.360><c> have</c><02:02:28.520><c> it
• &gt;&gt; And<02:02:29.160><c> I'd</c><02:02:29.280><c> like</c><02:02:29.440><c> to</c><02:02:29.480>
• ><c> it</c><02:02:38.040><c> has</c><02:02:38.240><c> a</c><02:02:38.280><c> reverse</c><02:02:38.640
• This<02:02:40.560><c> uh</c><02:02:40.720><c> is</c><02:02:40.920><c> a</c><02:02:41.000><c> bill</c>
• <02:02:41.240><c> that</c><02:02:41.400><c> is</c><02:02:41.560><c> paired</c><02:02:42.040><c> with<

Transcript Highlights:

• :20.199><c> we</c><02:08:20.400><c> in</c><02:08:20.639><c> response</c><02:08:21.119><c> and</c><02:
• in compassion<02:08:29.520><c> search</c><02:08:29.800><c> our</c><02:08:30.000><c> minds</c><02:08:
• :31.559><c> of</c><02:08:31.760><c> you</c><02:08:32.480><c> and</c><02:08:32.639><c> what</c><02:08:
• ><c> statutes</c><02:29:33.800><c> including</c><02:29:34.200><c> mandatory</c> immigration statutes
• including mandatory immigration statutes including mandatory detention<02:29:35.560><c> individual</c

Transcript Highlights:

• 02:10.280><c> prior</c><00:02:10.599><c> to</c><00:02:10.759><c> the</c><00:02:10.879><c> advisory</c
• uh</c><00:02:13.040><c> and</c><00:02:13.160><c> then</c><00:02:13.360><c> results</c><00:02:13.720>
• </c><00:02:20.480><c> majority</c><00:02:20.840><c> vote</c><00:02:21.080><c> a</c><00:02:21.200><c>
• c> to</c><00:02:33.599><c> note</c><00:02:33.959><c> that</c><00:02:34.760><c> should</c><00:02:35.000
• if not<00:02:56.680><c> Vice</c><00:02:57.280><c> chair</c><00:02:58.280><c> Senate</c><00:02:58.760

Committee: Senate Government Operations

Summary: The committee reconvened for decision-making on measures previously heard on February 6, 2025. Senate Bill 1513 was deferred indefinitely based on the testimony and issues raised. Senate Bill 786 was also deferred indefinitely and set aside for interim work on a proposed SD1 that could address the concerns discussed and incorporate ongoing federal changes. Senate Bill 1031 was amended and advanced as a Senate WAP 1; the amended version would allow the legislature to adopt non-binding advisory referendum questions only for general obligation bond proposals, require 30 days’ notice, require the legislature to consider the results, and require a written explanation if the final legislative action opposes the majority vote. The committee also set a far-future effective date and noted that any further review should examine opposition concerns and the fiscal, administrative, and legal implications of the proposal. The measure passed on a yes vote from the vice chair and supporting members, with one member excused. In the joint Government Operations and Water and Land hearing, Senate Bill 411, relating to capital improvement projects for boating and ocean recreation, drew support from the Department of Boating and Ocean Recreation and several written supporters, while Budget and Finance opposed it and the Deputy Attorney General warned it could be challenged because it implied funding without an appropriation. The chair recommended moving the bill with amendments and a defective date, and both committees adopted the recommendation to pass SB 411 with amendments. Senate Bill 1103, relating to community districts, generated substantial discussion and was ultimately recommended for deferral. Testimony raised constitutional and special fund concerns, while the Hawaii Community Development Authority supported the concept but suggested major changes, including clearer governance language, a dedicated staff position, and funding. Members debated whether elected boards would undermine county planning authority and whether the concept was more suitable for Oahu or the Neighbor Islands. Senate Bill 1308, relating to plans, was presented as an administration bill and supported by DAGS. The bill would remove outdated filing requirements, update fee schedules, give DAGS more discretion over plan format, and update drawing scales. A member asked whether it could help replace survey monuments lost in the Lahaina wildfire cleanup; DAGS said it would not directly replace monuments but could help with future mapping and surveying. The chair indicated the committee would note the monument issue in the report and work on technical cleanup language, with the measure moving forward subject to those amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.240><c> his</c><00:02:00.399><c> blessings</c><00:02:00.719><c> to</c><00:02:00.880><c> begin</c>
• </c> I<00:02:07.360><c> pledge</c><00:02:07.680><c> algiance</c><00:02:08.399><c> to</c><00:02:08.640
• ><c> of</c><00:02:11.039><c> America</c><00:02:11.920><c> and</c><00:02:12.160><c> to</c><00:02:12.400
• ><c> for</c><00:02:13.440><c> which</c><00:02:13.680><c> it</c><00:02:13.920><c> stands,</c><00:02:14.879
• &gt;&gt; Madame<00:02:24.959><c> clerk,</c><00:02:25.360><c> if</c><00:02:25.520><c> you</c><00:02:25.599

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum and approved the journal. The House clerk communicated that the House had passed House Bills 34 and 306 and requested concurrence. The State and Local Government Committee reported Senate Bills 20 and 68 favorably, and several new bills and resolutions were introduced, including measures on Kentucky-grown agricultural procurement, an endowed research fund, unemployment insurance, postsecondary education, wrongful conviction compensation, massage therapy, local fiscal reporting, and a resolution honoring John and Debbie Rogers. The main floor action was on Senate Joint Resolution 23, as amended by Senate Committee Substitute 1, declaring Kentucky a “food is medicine” state and directing state agencies to advance food-as-medicine initiatives. The sponsor described the resolution as a statewide framework to connect nutrition, health care, agriculture, and local food systems, emphasizing partnerships with the Kentucky Hospital Association and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, better health outcomes, and support for Kentucky farmers and rural communities. Senators from Taylor and Callaway spoke in support, citing local examples and the goal of building Kentucky-based solutions rather than importing them. The committee substitute was adopted by voice vote, and the resolution then passed 35-0. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 56 honoring Elder Nathan Craig and Sister Amy Craig, and Senate Resolution 33 honoring Robert E. “Bob” Pernell, Sr. Senate Resolution 22, honoring Brian J. Hat, was likewise adopted. After the day’s business, the Senate recessed for meetings of the Rules Committee and the Committee on Committees. Later, the Committee on Committees referred Senate Bills 1-4 to Education, Senate Bill 48 to Judiciary, and Senate Bills 84 and 102 to Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection. Several members made announcements about upcoming committee meetings and events, including the VMAP committee, Judiciary, the Kentucky Japan Caucus, the Kentucky Israel Caucus, and an American Cancer Society action day.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was just quite literally a plain reading of the statute and saying, we don't have the authority to
• It was just quite literally a plain reading of the statute and saying, we don't have the authority to
• It was just quite literally a plain reading of the statute and saying, we don't have the authority to
• It was just quite literally a plain reading of the statute and saying, we don't have the authority to
• We follow the basic two-year time frame from a number of states, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, etc.

Bills: SB1023 , SB1145 , SB1242 , SB1247

Committees: House Health & Human Services , House House Health & Human Services Committee of Reference

Keywords: optometrists, eye exams, eyeglass prescriptions, healthcare, vision care, behavior analysis, licensing, psychologist examiners, state regulations, committee authority, mental health, court-ordered treatment, outpatient treatment, audiovisual technology, secure facilities, evaluations, guardian powers, patient rights, assisted living, occupants

Transcript Highlights:

• able to access<02:02:18.520><c> them</c><02:02:18.800><c> through</c><02:02:19.440><c> our</c><02:02
• ><c> to</c><02:02:33.119><c> the</c><02:02:33.239><c> veterans</c><02:02:33.639><c> we</c> serve<02:02
• :02:39.960><c> team</c><02:02:40.599><c> uh</c><02:02:40.719><c> many</c><02:02:40.920><c> of</c><02:
• ><c> our</c><02:02:47.800><c> our</c><02:02:47.960><c> chief</c><02:02:48.159><c> of</c><02:02:48.400
• </c><02:02:52.560><c> to</c><02:02:52.840><c> his</c><02:02:52.960><c> role</c><02:02:53.239><c> as</

Committee: House State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Um and um I'm<00:02:00.960><c> available</c><00:02:01.360><c> for</c><00:02:01.600><c> questions.
• </c><00:02:02.159><c> Good.</c><00:02:02.479><c> Thank</c> I'm available for questions. Good.
• Thank you.<00:02:02.880><c> Next</c><00:02:03.040><c> up</c><00:02:03.200><c> is</c><00:02:03.360><c>
• Haley</c><00:02:03.680><c> Chang</c><00:02:04.479><c> for</c><00:02:05.360><c> public</c> you.
• Next up is Haley Chang for public defender.<00:02:06.560><c> Good</c><00:02:06.799><c> morning.

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on HB 126, which would change civil asset forfeiture law. The Attorney General’s Office, Honolulu Police Department, and county prosecutors opposed the bill’s proposed SD1, arguing that requiring a criminal conviction and changing how forfeiture proceeds are distributed would weaken or effectively end the tool, create fiscal and law enforcement problems, and make it harder to address organized crime or cases where an owner cannot be identified. The Public Defender’s Office, Community Alliance on Prisons, Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and other supporters argued the measure would improve transparency and accountability, protect property rights, and reduce abuses that disproportionately affect low-income people. The chair questioned law enforcement about fairness, storage of seized property, and access to counsel, and the discussion focused heavily on whether forfeiture should depend on a conviction. No vote was taken. The committee then heard HB 280, which would make the Community Outreach Court permanent and appropriate funds for it as a division of the First Circuit district court. The Department of the Attorney General and Judiciary supported the concept and described the court’s success in helping people resolve cases, clear license stoppers, recall bench warrants, and access services, but suggested amendments to remove the Attorney General from the bill’s definition and funding mechanism. The Public Defender, Department of Human Services, mental health and substance use advocates, neighborhood and community groups, and others strongly supported the bill, emphasizing its benefits for people facing housing instability, behavioral health issues, and transportation barriers. No opposition was voiced, and no vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 370, which would increase partial public campaign financing for elective offices. The Campaign Spending Commission supported the original bill and asked the committee to restore the original percentage amounts, keep the proposed funding increases, and reinstate funding for two additional full-time staff positions. Supporters said the public financing system has not kept pace with inflation and needs modernization to be viable; a few testifiers opposed the measure. The committee reported 30 in support, two opposed, and one comment, and then moved on without a vote. Finally, HB 371 was heard, a campaign contribution bill that would bar state and county contractors, grantees, and certain related persons from contributing during the contract period. The Campaign Spending Commission said the bill is intended to address pay-to-play concerns and false-name contributions, while the State Procurement Office raised concerns about the burden of requiring agencies to provide contract information for all contracts regardless of dollar value. The testimony ended with the commission saying it was working with procurement and the Attorney General on implementation details; no vote was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• are D2 schools, and we're all in the same conference, the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference: Minnesota
• State Moorhead, Minnesota Duluth, St.
• footprint of what our conference is, so we're kind of competing in that North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota
• , policy issue in terms of, and I'm not sure exactly it's policy or maybe statute, but there's a certain
• That's probably from Montana, Minnesota, or South Dakota. Or maybe there is one in North Dakota.

Summary: The Higher Education Institutions Committee met on the Minot State University campus for presentations on campus operations, enrollment, and new academic initiatives. President Shirley reviewed recent audits, noting mostly clean results with only minor technical findings, and highlighted MSU’s broad academic offerings, specialized accreditations, athletics, and partnerships with Minot Air Force Base and the MSU Development Foundation. Members asked about declining interest in teacher education, tuition waivers for athletes, dual credit incentives, and how MSU decides when to launch new programs and avoid duplication within the university system. Shirley also discussed several workforce-focused initiatives supported by the Legislature’s Workforce Education Innovation Funds, including the purchase of the Trinity Health Center West building for a downtown health sciences hub, a new daycare/preschool partnership near campus, the Aspire program to recruit rural students into teaching, and a paraprofessional-to-special-education degree pathway. Enrollment data showed overall headcount was flat at just under 2,750, but full-time equivalent enrollment rose slightly and new student numbers increased, including the largest freshman class in 15 years. The committee also discussed Minot State’s in-state tuition rate for all students, its dual credit “Emerging Scholars” scholarship, and concerns about the share of high school graduates who do not immediately pursue postsecondary education. Faculty then presented two new programs funded in part by WEAF: an Innovation Engineering degree and a master’s program in counseling with an integrated addiction studies focus. The engineering program was described as industry-driven, designed with broad early coursework, hands-on learning, and local employer input to prepare students for western North Dakota workforce needs; officials said it had already drawn more applicants than expected and would use renovated library space and donated or grant-funded equipment. The counseling program will be mostly face-to-face with hybrid options, aims to address shortages in mental health and substance use providers, and is structured to help students meet licensure requirements. Committee members asked about startup costs, licensure supervision hours, and whether the programs would be on campus rather than online, and presenters said both programs had recently received required approvals and were moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• All white<01:02:40.640><c> primaries</c><01:02:41.200><c> to</c><01:02:41.440><c> eliminate</c><01:02
• process and<01:02:44.799><c> now</c><01:02:45.040><c> the</c><01:02:45.599><c> show</c><01:02:45.839
• 02:54.319><c> have</c><01:02:54.480><c> access</c><01:02:54.799><c> to</c><01:02:55.040><c> vote</c><
• who<01:02:55.680><c> they</c><01:02:55.920><c> think</c><01:02:56.079><c> should</c><01:02:56.400><c
• :02:29.920><c> I</c><04:02:30.080><c> going</c><04:02:30.160><c> to</c><04:02:30.239><c> be</c><04:02

Transcript Highlights:

• Next Ernie Lauo from<00:02:11.360><c> the</c><00:02:11.599><c> board</c><00:02:11.760><c> of</c><00:02
• </c> Uh<00:02:18.640><c> good</c><00:02:18.879><c> afternoon</c><00:02:19.440><c> uh</c><00:02:19.599
• We stand<00:02:28.000><c> in</c><00:02:28.239><c> strong</c><00:02:28.560><c> support</c><00:02:28.800
• Um I just want<00:02:33.200><c> to</c><00:02:33.280><c> say</c><00:02:34.080><c> Red</c><00:02:34.319
• c><00:02:42.319><c> to</c><00:02:42.480><c> the</c><00:02:42.720><c> public</c><00:02:43.040><c> to</

Bills: SB2093 , SB2095 , SB2046 , SB2096 , SB2127 , SB2155 , SB2243

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Summary: The joint Senate Agriculture and Environment and Health and Human Services hearing opened with SB 2093, which would require the fuel tank advisory committee to meet at least quarterly and provide funding. The Department of Health offered written testimony, and multiple supporters, including the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, Sierra Club, and a public member of the advisory committee, said more frequent meetings were needed to keep Red Hill cleanup, water testing, and public engagement front and center. Senators asked about public participation and whether the bill should also require meetings outside business hours; testifiers urged at least one evening or weekend meeting to improve access. No vote was taken during the discussion shown. The committee then heard SB 2095, creating a PFAS working group within the Department of Health to study PFAS and related chemicals and report to the Legislature. DOH supported the concept but requested amendments and funding, while the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity deferred to DOH. The Board of Water Supply supported the measure and asked to be included in the working group. Members asked about the bill’s reference to “other residuals,” and DOH explained it could refer to remaining PFAS components in soil, water, or other media. The discussion emphasized the widespread and long-lasting nature of PFAS contamination. Next, the committee considered SB 2046 on underground storage tanks and Red Hill-related cleanup. DOH and the Board of Water Supply testified, and a long list of community and environmental groups supported the bill. Testifiers argued the Navy caused the problem and should be held accountable for cleanup, while one witness said the bill was necessary because the Navy had delayed meaningful remediation. Senators asked whether the bill’s “large landowner” language could include the state or counties under existing statutes; DOH said it would check and later explained that cleanup responsibility generally falls first on the responsible party, then on large landowners if no responsible party exists, with the Navy currently understood to own Red Hill. The hearing then moved to SB 2096 on wastewater management, which the Department of Land and Natural Resources supported, noting PFAS can harm marine resources, and DOH’s wastewater branch offered comments. SB 2127 on water pollution drew support from Agra Business Development Corporation and opposition from the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and others. The main debate centered on runoff, NPDES permitting, and whether the bill could unfairly affect agricultural and public entities; senators and witnesses discussed how heavy rainfall, cesspools, and mixed land uses complicate responsibility and compliance. The transcript ends with the committee still in discussion on SB 2127, with no final votes or actions shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:01.720><c> Uh</c><00:02:01.760><c> Ted</c><00:02:02.040><c> Bohlen</c><00:02:02.400><c> from
• 02:31.560><c> need</c><00:02:31.720><c> to</c><00:02:31.800><c> find</c><00:02:32.080><c> ways</c> too
• ><c> and</c><00:02:34.560><c> and</c><00:02:35.040><c> less</c><00:02:35.320><c> expensive</c><00:02:
• They need a group<00:02:43.720><c> of</c><00:02:43.800><c> people</c><00:02:44.120><c> who</c><00:02:
• 02:57.040><c> people,</c><00:02:57.520><c> it's</c><00:02:57.880><c> too</c><00:02:58.080><c> big.

Bills: HB1730 , HB1985 , HB1749 , HB1921

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several cesspool-related measures. HB 1730 HD2 would create a cesspool conversion implementation working group to help the Department of Health review rules and practices and develop changes to make conversions more affordable. DOH and DLNR stood on written testimony, while environmental and wastewater advocates strongly supported the bill, emphasizing the need for dedicated staffing, technical expertise, and smaller, more focused advisory groups. Members discussed the high cost of upgrades and the need for new technologies that reduce excavation and leach field costs. The bill was passed with amendments, including clarifying the DOH director’s discretion over the size of the working group, and the committee noted DOH’s appropriation request for consideration. HB 1985 HD1 would extend certain cesspool conversion deadlines and authorize funding for consultants, while also advancing outreach and education. Testimony split sharply: advocates supported the education component but opposed deadline extensions as premature, arguing the state still has many years before the 2050 mandate and should not weaken the conversion timeline. The committee agreed to amend the bill to delete the deadline-extension portion, keep technical changes, and note DOH’s position request. HB 1749 HD2 would require sellers to disclose cesspools to buyers before a real estate purchase contract is executed and direct DOH and the Real Estate Commission to create a standardized form. Realtors supported the intent but asked to avoid duplicative statutory form requirements, and advocates stressed that disclosure should be prominent and not buried in paperwork. The committee adopted amendments removing the standardized-form mandate and passed the bill. HB 1921 HD2 would allow certain existing cesspools in priority level three areas to continue serving dwellings with additional bedrooms under conditions. DOH brought the measure, and supporters from the real estate and environmental sectors discussed innovative wastewater technologies, retrofits, and composting toilets as ways to reduce costs while improving treatment. The committee amended the bill to require DOH director-approved wastewater technology using solid waste separation for bedroom-count increases and to clarify priority-level determinations using block-level data from the Hawaii cesspool prioritization tool, then passed it. The committee also heard HB 2310, an emergency appropriation for the Department of Human Services to restore funding used to keep SNAP benefits flowing during the federal shutdown; DHS, public health, children’s advocates, and others supported it, and members questioned why it was not handled through the budget. The discussion clarified that the bill sought new money to move quickly for ACA-related premium support. No final vote on HB 2310 was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• The obscenity statute being convicted under the obscenity statute or under your proposed legislation
• It's all in statute. It's basically like cookies, jams, jellies, sauces.
• But we do have a definition in statute. Right.
• We have a definition in statute.
• It's statute B.T. It's everything else we just discussed.

Bills: HR115 , HR116 , HR117 , HR118 , HR112 , HR113 , HR114 , HCR51 , HCR52 , SCR18 , SCR20 , SB14 , SB76 , SB118 , SB142 , SB156 , SB170 , SB197 , SB234 , SB258 , SB287 , SB288 , SB313 , SB315 , SB393 , SB396 , SB426 , SB427 , HCR7 , HB76 , HB84 , HB132 , HB181 , HB210 , HB250 , HB265 , HB275 , HB291 , HB322 , HB342 , HB457 , HB475 , HB477 , HB486 , HB616 , HB635 , HB639 , HB690 , HB740 , HB757 , HB761 , HB766 , HB774 , HB808 , HB855 , HB866 , HB872 , HB883 , HB886 , HB903 , HB949 , HB962 , HB996 , HB1003 , HB1036 , HB1054 , HB1071 , HB1076 , HB1078 , HB1113 , HB1132 , HB1146 , HB1232 , HB1233 , HR15 , HR20 , HCR14 , HCR6 , HCR19 , HCR10 , HR74 , HCR26 , HCR35 , HB98 , HB108 , HB131 , HB151 , HB161 , HB288 , HB294 , HB305 , HB310 , HB320 , HB336 , HB380 , HB392 , HB403 , HB420 , HB459 , HB476 , HB540 , HB615 , HB631 , HB637 , HB648 , HB665 , HB682 , HB789 , HB813 , HB815 , HB835 , HB870 , HB905 , HB915 , HB933 , HB938 , HB987 , HB1040 , HB51 , HB82 , HB143 , HB145 , HB160 , HB180 , HB192 , HB393 , HB430 , HB445 , HB506 , HB515 , HB521 , HB565 , HB590 , HB614 , HB638 , HB670 , HB672 , HB685 , HB692 , HB752 , HB773 , HB781 , HB799 , HB860 , HB874 , HB887 , HB917 , HB937 , HB956 , HB965 , HB972 , HB977 , HB982 , HB1006 , HB1010 , HB1044 , HB1072 , HB1088 , HB1179 , HB1200 , HB81 , HB400 , HB154 , HB410 , HB463 , HB827 , HB868 , HB952 , HB953 , HB140 , HB750 , HB911 , HB52 , HB961 , HB399 , HB401 , HB901 , HB9 , HB58 , HB193 , HB284 , HB570 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB733

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened with prayer by guest minister Reginald Tate, and adopted the journal and several leave requests. The chamber received Senate messages, including concurrence in HCR 44 and Senate adoption of SCRs 19 and 26, and referred a number of Senate resolutions and bills to committee. It also reported and adopted several House resolutions honoring individuals, schools, and organizations, including H.R. 112, 113, 114, and 52, and referred HCR 51 to Appropriations for a study of assessor and clerk compensation. The House then processed many bills on second and third reading, with numerous measures reported favorably or amended and advanced without objection. Topics included criminal justice and public safety (including hit-and-run as a crime of violence, video voyeurism, intentional exposure to HIV, bail conditions for human trafficking defendants, and post-conviction custody rules), health and insurance matters (AI disclosure in health care, hearing aid coverage, anti-cancer medication parity, pharmacy benefit managers, Medicaid/SNAP integrity, and rare cancer treatments), education and governance (special education due process, school funding, campaign finance, public records, and legislative website transparency), and natural resources and transportation items. Several bills were substituted or renumbered, and many were engrossed and passed to third reading. Two floor debates drew extended discussion. HCR 15, urging Congress to pass the SAVE Act and require voter identification in federal elections, passed 65-32 after questions about voter roll purges and documentation requirements. HCR 14, supporting federal efforts to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, prompted extensive debate over federal education funding, Title I, special education, student loans, land-grant institutions, desegregation oversight, and whether federal functions could be shifted to other agencies; it was adopted 59-28 with 23 coauthors. Later, HB 108, barring persons convicted of violent crimes or sex offenses from jury service, passed 68-32 after debate over jury pool size, second chances, and whether the bill would apply to civil and criminal trials. The House also passed HB 98 on penalties for unlawful release of victim information, HB 131 on custody pending appeal, HB 161 on bail conditions for human trafficking defendants, and HB 288 requiring “miscarriage” to appear alongside “spontaneous abortion” in medical records and billing.

Transcript Highlights:

• That language was recommended by the ESC3 after taking a look at Minnesota statutes.
• We have talked to Minnesota and they have not seen a decline in their prepaid wireless services.
• That language was, you know, recommended by the ESC 3 after taking a look at Minnesota statutes.
• In plain language in the statutes.
• How did that read in the statute?" "Mr.

Committee: Joint Information Technology Committee

Summary: The Information Technology Committee approved the March 26 minutes and received a series of reports from NDIT on major IT projects, the annual report, mainframe modernization, and cybersecurity services. The project portfolio was reported at 116 major projects with a baseline cost of $546 million, overall under budget but modestly behind schedule. Several projects that had been in variance status last quarter were said to have closed, including HHS bed management, vital records modernization, and DOT roadway capital planning. New startup reports were mostly HHS efforts tied to refugee data management, technical debt cleanup, and legacy application decommissioning, while closeouts included HHS, OMB, DPI, and DOT projects with mixed budget and schedule results. In the annual report discussion, NDIT described its service-fund financials, peer-state rate comparisons, records management reporting, and customer satisfaction efforts. Members asked about how revenues and grants flow through the service fund, how NDIT charges agencies for services, and whether customer satisfaction or CSAT scores are tracked and could be reported more regularly. NDIT said it does track service-team CSAT and survey data, and committee members encouraged more regular reporting of those metrics. The committee also discussed application portfolio management, statewide IT planning, and whether agencies should slow new system replacements while the state pursues an ERP system. The mainframe update focused on the state’s ongoing effort to retire legacy systems by about 2030. NDIT and HHS said the work is being managed as a tech-debt program, but progress is slowed by data cleanup, integration complexity, staff retirements, vendor capacity, and federal requirements. Members asked whether there is a coordinated commitment and whether additional vendor support or consultants are needed; NDIT said it is working jointly with HHS and is seeking an RFP to help accelerate modernization. The cybersecurity presentation then shifted to statewide maturity assessments and services. NDIT said it provides endpoint protection, vulnerability scanning, security awareness training, threat briefings, and penetration testing, and that assessments are based on CIS controls. Members raised concerns about low participation in the self-assessment process, the lack of mandatory reporting or audit authority, and whether insurance incentives through Enderf or possible State Auditor involvement could improve compliance. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the definition of violent offense under our statute. Okay, thank you very much. Thank you.
• As far as we can determine, the Texas statute that's been referenced here actually does require consent
• At least that's in statute for the therapeutic court statute to .303.0.30.
• This year, I think we're up to seven or eight people who have died in Minnesota this month.
• But we've seen how national politics has come down in Minnesota, Chicago, and the state of California

Summary: The House Community Safety Committee met on January 29, 2026, and announced it would not hold executive session that day because of the large number of public hearing sign-ups; those executive sessions were pushed to the following Monday. The committee first heard House Bill 2558, relating to the mental health sentencing alternative (MHSA). Staff explained that the bill narrows eligibility to people diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, adds restrictions for certain domestic violence and prior violent offense cases, requires more detailed DOC reports, lengthens some community custody terms, mandates regular progress hearings, and shifts assessment work to contracted providers. The sponsor said the bill is intended to refocus the program on people whose offenses are tied to serious mental illness and to reduce misuse in domestic violence and other violent cases. No public testimony was taken on HB 2558 that day, and the hearing was held open for later testimony. The committee then heard House Bill 2217, which would replace the current first-time offender waiver with a pretrial deferral option and a suspended sentence option for eligible first-time felony defendants. Supporters, including public defense, immigration advocates, judges, economists, and the Sentencing Guidelines Commission, argued the bill would create a meaningful rehabilitation pathway, reduce recidivism, improve employment outcomes, and avoid the long-term harm of an immediate felony conviction. They also said the deferred-adjudication structure could help immigrants avoid immigration consequences and would better incentivize restitution and compliance. Opponents, including sheriffs, prosecutors, and victim advocates, raised concerns about expanding eligibility to offenses such as assault 2 and robbery 2, the meaning of “violent offense,” the possibility of judicial diversion without prosecutor consent, and the impact on victims and public safety. After testimony, the sponsor said she would remove the bill’s strong presumption in favor of relief, and the committee closed the public hearing on HB 2217. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2641, the “ICE Out Act of 2026,” which would bar Washington law enforcement agencies from hiring people who were sworn ICE officers after January 20, 2025, with the restriction applying prospectively beginning October 1, 2026. The sponsor said the bill was meant to protect communities and prevent hiring officers associated with federal immigration enforcement practices she described as harmful. The committee then heard House Bill 2648, which would require state and local officers who encounter suspected ICE employees conducting immigration enforcement to activate body and dash cameras, report the encounter, and document it, while providing state indemnification for officers acting in good faith. Supporters said the bill would improve transparency and protect communities and officers; the Washington State Patrol said many of the practices already align with its policies. The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs expressed concerns about added reporting requirements, possible effects on federal-local cooperation, and asked for changes to soften mandatory language and strengthen indemnification. The committee ended the hearing without further testimony and adjourned, noting executive sessions on about a dozen bills would occur the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• Designed professionals are authorized by statute.
• systems is to be done by a licensed master electrician or design professional as authorized by the statute
• Primary permits in Minnesota were found to be unconstitutional and done away with.
• Minnesota laws are very similar to what's being proposed here.
• Texas always has the ability to withdraw by repealing the enacting statute, and there's also a default

Bills: HB589 , HB705 , HB1842 , HB1874 , HB2349 , HB2614 , HB2827 , HB3012 , HB3214 , HB3308 , HB3385 , HB3529

Committee: House Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Keywords: cosmetology, licensure, interstate compact, state regulations, public safety, workforce mobility, charitable raffles, nonprofit, wildlife conservation, ticket sales, fundraising, master electrician, electrical work, occupational licensing, work scope, Texas law, Texas Real Estate Commission, TREC, real estate broker, sales agent