Transcript Highlights:

• It's separate.<01:02:08.319><c> So</c><01:02:08.720><c> maybe</c><01:02:09.040><c> that</c><01:02:09.280
• </c><01:02:11.119><c> I</c><01:02:11.839><c> tend</c><01:02:12.079><c> to</c><01:02:12.319><c> agree<
• with DNR<01:02:14.319><c> and</c><01:02:14.480><c> the</c><01:02:14.640><c> land</c><01:02:14.880><c
• > division</c><01:02:15.920><c> um</c><01:02:16.000><c> that</c><01:02:16.480><c> it</c><01:02:16.720
• state<01:02:20.240><c> and</c><01:02:20.480><c> the</c><01:02:20.720><c> county</c><01:02:21.280><c>

Bills: SB2982 , SB2367 , SB2818 , SB2944 , SB2022 , SB2240 , SB2986 , SB2547 , SB2401 , SB3031 , SB3035 , SB3032

Committee: Senate Water, Land, Culture and the Arts

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 2982 on campaign finance, which would prohibit foreign entities and foreign-influence businesses from making contributions and expenditures. The Attorney General’s office testified first, followed by the Campaign Spending Commission, which supported the bill but asked for clarification on constitutional review authority and additional implementation time for certifications, forms, and procedures. Common Cause also supported the measure, arguing it would help protect elections from dark money and foreign influence. No vote was taken. The committee then took up SB 2367 on a state boating facilities lease program for the Ala Wai small boat harbor. DLNR supported the bill, while UPW opposed it, warning about privatization of a public asset and possible job displacement. Several members of the public supported the concept but urged amendments to protect public access, affordability, youth ocean programs, and state employee jobs. Committee members questioned DLNR about the scope of the lease, the role of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and whether public access and existing concessions would remain protected. DLNR said current leases would remain, the board would retain approval authority, and employees would not necessarily be displaced, but members indicated more discussion and possible amendments were needed. For SB 2818 on boating penalties, DLNR testified in support and there was no opposition testimony. The committee also heard SB 2944 on conservation, which would require wildlife viewing guidelines that substantially conform to NOAA guidance and reporting requirements; DLNR said it stood on its written testimony. SB 2022 on water code penalties drew support from DLNR’s Commission on Water Resource Management, which said the bill’s two-tiered penalty structure would preserve deterrence while keeping the current $5,000 penalty for first-time or non-harmful violations. The Board of Water Supply submitted comments, and Ulupono Initiative supported the measure as a needed enforcement tool. Committee members discussed whether the higher penalty ceiling should be phased in and asked for stakeholder input on the amount of the penalties. Finally, the committee began SB 2240 on land use, which would require water availability certification from the Commission on Water Resource Management before a district boundary amendment proceeds to the Land Use Commission. DLNR supported the bill and said it often reviews project documents that lack sufficient information on water needs and availability, so the measure would allow earlier review and comment. The committee also indicated it would seek amendments and further feedback on the water penalty bill before it moved to the next committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• 16.720><c> funds</c><01:02:17.040><c> to</c><01:02:17.200><c> pay</c><01:02:17.440><c> for</c><01:02:
• It<01:02:24.559><c> requires</c><01:02:24.880><c> the</c><01:02:25.119><c> judiciary</c><01:02:25.680
• Probate<01:02:44.400><c> court</c><01:02:44.720><c> would</c><01:02:44.960><c> get</c><01:02:45.200><
• And<01:02:56.160><c> those</c><01:02:56.319><c> are</c><01:02:56.480><c> both</c><01:02:56.799><c> a<
• </c><02:03:56.159><c> here</c><02:03:56.400><c> in</c><02:03:56.560><c> conference</c><02:03:56.880><

Transcript Highlights:

• The definition of loan in statute, which is, of course, outside of this title, or chapter rather, the
• You don't—and that could be misinformation, I could be misremembering that—but I thought under statute
• We are—we're seeing people using this... thought under statute that we have certain provisions of what
• North Carolina, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Wisconsin, Colorado, and Minnesota sent a letter to
• California, Connecticut, Illinois, Wisconsin, Colorado, Minnesota, they sent a letter to the biggest

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Business Committee held a work session on buy now, pay later (BNPL) transactions, focusing on how the products work, how they are used in Washington, and whether existing state law adequately protects consumers. Department of Financial Institutions staff described BNPL as short-term, usually no-interest installment financing offered at checkout, often with automatic payments, late fees, and varying credit-reporting practices. Members asked how BNPL compares with payday lending and earned wage access, whether it is effectively a loan or credit product, and whether Washington law already covers it. DFI explained that some BNPL structures may fall into a legal gray area under the Retail Installment Sales of Goods and Services Act because pay-in-four products may not meet the statute’s “more than four installments” language, while other structures may be covered; they also noted the Attorney General can enforce the act. DFI and committee members discussed consumer risks such as overextension, automatic debits, and lack of standardized disclosures, and DFI said it would follow up with additional data on defaults and related issues. Molly Gallagher of the Poverty Action Network and Nadine Chabrier of the Center for Responsible Lending argued that BNPL can help consumers but also poses significant risks, especially for lower-income consumers and consumers of color who already carry debt or use other alternative financial products. They said BNPL use has grown rapidly, often involves multiple simultaneous loans across providers, and can lead to overdrafts, late fees, and difficulty tracking obligations because payments are spread across different schedules. They emphasized concerns about weak disclosures, limited dispute protections, automatic payment structures, credit reporting inconsistencies, consumer overextension, and data privacy/dark-pattern marketing. They also described federal retrenchment, including the CFPB’s withdrawal of an interpretive rule that would have treated BNPL like a digital credit card, and pointed to state responses in places like New York, California, and Maryland. Committee members signaled interest in possible Washington legislation and stronger state oversight. Retail and business witnesses offered a more favorable view of BNPL as a cash-flow and sales tool. A Washington Retail Association representative described BNPL as an evolution of layaway and credit-card-style installment purchasing, noting that merchants receive payment up front minus fees while consumers get goods or services immediately and repay over time. A representative from a business using deferred-payment financing said the tool helps customers obtain equipment and helps the business manage inventory and cash flow, while NFIB said small businesses also use BNPL to bridge expenses and avoid higher-interest credit card debt. Members asked about merchant fees, consumer education, and whether BNPL is being used for impulse purchases or essential expenses like rent, car repairs, medical care, and travel. The chair concluded by saying the committee intends to pursue regulatory language and continue working with stakeholders, while also hearing from retailers to avoid eliminating legitimate financing tools.

Transcript Highlights:

• federally protected waters through integration of nexus waters into the Clean Water Act implementing statute
• in our state statute.
• Before SACIT and after SACIT, what is a WOTUS is not always evident. is that defining nexus waters in statute
• , or specifically those exclusions in statute, means that if you inadvertently leave something out, you're
• But already, like, the state of Minnesota is already having— as many alternatives that are affordable

Committee: House Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Transcript Highlights:

• what<01:02:02.640><c> that</c><01:02:02.880><c> impact</c><01:02:03.280><c> might</c><01:02:03.520><
• That's<01:02:05.520><c> a</c><01:02:05.680><c> fair</c><01:02:05.920><c> statement</c><01:02:06.319><
• :02:07.760><c> try</c><01:02:07.920><c> to</c><01:02:08.079><c> be</c><01:02:08.240><c> fair.
• Um I<01:02:15.280><c> have</c><01:02:15.440><c> a</c><01:02:15.680><c> question</c><01:02:16.000><c>
• I've<01:02:20.400><c> learned</c><01:02:20.799><c> there's</c><01:02:21.200><c> this</c><01:02:21.440

Committee: Joint Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the current statute. Okay. All right.
• Currently, under current statute, yes.
• Yes, we can because of the way that it's structured in the statute.
• You know, what the state was arguing was that the statute isn't clear.
• But you still have to interpret the statute according to what was there.

Committee: Joint Government Operations Interim Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Under current statute, the $125 million is authorized for the ACA to use to bring in new manufacturing
• And then also a little flexibility in the dates of the sale, just to conform that part of the statute
• Yeah, 25-02. You want to come up and talk to us? Thank you, Mr. Chair, members of the committee.
• Chair, Senator Hoffman, there is no explicit guarantee built into the statute.
• And this actually puts that into statute.

Committee: Senate Senate Finance Committee of Reference

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee approved the March 16, 2026 minutes and then heard testimony on several bills, with the chair noting that votes would be taken in batches because members were coming and going. HB 2939 would increase the rural qualified facilities tax credit from $20,000 to $25,000 per job for certain projects with initial investment under $2 billion; Lucid Motors supported it as a rural economic development tool, while Senator Epstein questioned the fiscal note and whether the higher credit would actually attract new investment. HB 2950 would authorize tourism improvement areas funded by voluntary lodging assessments to support marketing and tourism promotion; the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association and Visit Phoenix backed it as a competitive tool for rural and urban destinations, and committee members focused on whether participation was truly voluntary and how the assessments would be administered. HB 2780 made technical conforming changes to Arizona’s property tax lien foreclosure and excess proceeds sale process, building on a prior law that created a mechanism for delinquent property owners to recover equity; the sponsor and a longtime constituent said the changes would fix timing and credit-bid language so qualified entity sales could work in practice. HB 2502 would let certain elected officials in ASRS retire at normal retirement age without resigning their office, with the employer paying the alternate contribution rate; ASRS said it was neutral, and the sponsor argued the bill would treat elected officials more like other ASRS members. The committee then adopted do-pass recommendations for HB 2502, HB 2780, HB 2950, and HB 2939, with each passing on split votes. The committee also adopted a striker to HB 2140, allowing the State Treasurer to invest up to 10% of state trust and treasury monies in physical gold or silver bullion held in secure U.S. depositories. The sponsor and the Sound Money Defense League argued it would diversify reserves and hedge against market disruption, while opponents said gold is volatile, costly to store, and not something taxpayers need the state to buy. HB 2140 then passed as amended on a 4-2 vote. Finally, the committee heard HB 2398, as amended, which requires commercial liability insurance for watercraft rentals and peer-to-peer boat sharing programs, with supporters saying it addresses uninsured rental boats and law enforcement concerns; the bill passed as amended on a 6-1 vote. The committee also heard HB 2999, a major housing-finance bill creating state affordability infrastructure districts to finance public infrastructure through bonds and assessments; proponents said it would lower housing costs by spreading infrastructure costs over time, while contractors and some senators raised concerns about payment risk, impact-fee treatment, and whether savings would reach homebuyers. After adopting a striker and hearing extensive questions, HB 2999 passed as amended on a 6-1 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• It should be entitled 32 in statutes in the public health statutes, like every other medical provider
• So it was through their counsel that we did a full scope in statute.
• did a full scope in statute.
• So what we're asking with this statute is to be very specific about medications.
• So what we're asking with this statute is to be very specific about medications.

Committee: House House Health & Human Services Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee began with a presentation from the Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter and Dr. Anna Burke of Barrow Neurological Institute on the growing impact of Alzheimer’s and dementia in Arizona, the need for earlier diagnosis, better provider education, caregiver support, and continued research funding. They described current gaps in training and access to specialists, but also highlighted new therapies, lifestyle interventions, and Arizona-based research efforts. Members expressed support and optimism, but no action was taken on the presentation. The committee then heard HB 2202, which appropriates $300,000 from the general fund over fiscal years 2027 through 2029 for a dementia care tele-mentoring grant program through the Department of Health Services. Supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association, a dementia specialist, and a patient advocate, said the program would help primary care providers diagnose dementia earlier and improve care. The bill was passed out of committee on an 11-0 vote. Next, the committee took up HB 2251, the midwifery bill, which would authorize certain licensed midwives to dispense and administer specified medications and devices, require liability insurance disclosure and annual reporting, and create a Midwifery Advisory Committee. A committee amendment removed some medications and renamed the bill the Jordan and MacTerry Act. ACOG and the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association opposed the bill as drafted, citing concerns about oversight, peer review, and the medication list, while licensed midwives and other supporters argued the bill would improve safety, transparency, and alignment with national standards. The bill was held for further stakeholder work, with members indicating more amendments were likely. The committee then heard HB 2252, which would allow certified nurse midwives, certified professional midwives, or licensed midwives to accompany a patient in a ground ambulance during an out-of-hospital birth if approved by medical direction. Supporters described cases where continued midwife involvement during transport helped newborns and mothers, while firefighters and EMS representatives opposed the bill as written, saying it created ambiguity about command and scene control and could raise safety concerns. The chair said the bill would be held for further stakeholder meetings and possible language changes. After a recess, the committee reconvened for presentations on federal Medicaid and rural health funding impacts, beginning with JLBC’s overview of H.R. 1’s Medicaid provisions and the rural health transformation grant program.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker,<02:02:02.239><c> I</c><02:02:02.400><c> seek</c><02:02:02.639><c> unanimous</c><02:02:03.119
• consent to address<02:02:03.840><c> the</c><02:02:04.000><c> House</c><02:02:04.320><c> and</c><02:02
• </c> Mr.<02:02:13.119><c> Speaker,</c><02:02:13.440><c> I</c><02:02:13.599><c> rise</c><02:02:13.840>
• ><c> compete</c><02:02:50.320><c> in</c><02:02:50.480><c> one</c><02:02:50.639><c> of</c><02:02:50.719
• in the nation.<02:02:54.480><c> This</c><02:02:54.800><c> team</c><02:02:54.960><c> from</c><02:02:55.199

Bills: SCR12 , HR276

Keywords: Congressional Gold Medal, Army Rangers, World War II, ceremony, Emancipation Hall, colorectal cancer, Hispanic community, screening disparity, awareness, healthcare access, health education, chronic illness, cancer research, colon cancer, rectal cancer, cancer screening, Hispanic health, Latino health, racial disparities, health equity

Transcript Highlights:

• that,</c><01:02:06.360><c> I</c><01:02:06.440><c> would</c><01:02:06.600><c> ask</c><01:02:06.800><c
• </c><01:02:42.320><c> It</c><01:02:42.480><c> is</c><01:02:42.680><c> something</c><01:02:43.040><c>
• </c><01:02:44.320><c> It</c><01:02:44.520><c> is</c><01:02:44.760><c> a</c><01:02:44.880><c> probably
• </c><01:02:51.680><c> And</c><01:02:51.800><c> so,</c><01:02:51.960><c> whatever</c><01:02:52.280><c>
• 01:02:53.280><c> them,</c><01:02:53.760><c> we</c><01:02:53.880><c> need</c><01:02:54.040><c> to</c><

Transcript Highlights:

• :35.519><c> compared</c><00:02:36.000><c> to</c><00:02:36.480><c> a</c><00:02:36.800><c> similarly</c
• </c> &gt;&gt; So,<00:02:42.239><c> do</c><00:02:42.319><c> you</c><00:02:42.400><c> know</c><00:02:42.480
• ><c> what</c><00:02:42.640><c> the</c><00:02:42.800><c> cost</c><00:02:42.959><c> savings</c> &gt;&gt
• &gt;&gt; Um,<00:02:44.239><c> there's</c><00:02:44.480><c> a</c><00:02:44.720><c> difference</c><00:02
• 02:47.280><c> the</c><00:02:47.519><c> contractor.

Summary: The committee heard budget-related testimony from the Department of Corrections on a request for additional funding to take over operations of the Lee Adjustment Center, including $2.2 million in fiscal year 2027 and $5.2 million in fiscal year 2028. The witness said the governor’s budget did not recommend the request. Members asked about the cost savings of private operation versus state operation, the facility’s role in the department’s long-term goals, and whether the state intends to move toward operating all adult correctional facilities directly. The Department of Juvenile Justice then presented on staffing, recruitment, retention, and facility planning. Officials described recent pay increases and other investments, including a 10% security pay raise in 2021, an 8% state employee raise in 2022, higher youth worker starting salaries, and $4.8 million in 2023 funding to sustain salary increases. They said DJJ has also expanded mental health and medical staffing, improved recruitment efforts, and seen an upward trend in hiring. In response to questions, the commissioner said barriers to recruitment and retention include the Tier 3 retirement system, the structured and restrictive nature of detention work, and competition from other employers. He also said the department wants to move toward a regional model for female facilities under SB 162 and believes those facilities can be staffed. DJJ provided staffing figures showing 1,339 funded positions, with 157 filled and 182 vacant at a January benchmark, and 524 detention positions with 450 filled and 74 vacant. Officials said 30 correctional officers were in basic training and expected to join posts soon. Members also asked about the feasibility of staffing additional facilities and the department’s vacancy trends. Finally, the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council testified on a funding request for one attorney, one paralegal, one additional monitor, higher costs for existing monitor positions, and Lexington office rent. Officials said the request is needed to handle a growing decertification caseload and expanded oversight responsibilities as the number of academies has increased to about eight, with more than 2,100 instructors requiring biennial review. They said KLEC currently has one attorney and about 15 total staff, with roughly 180 cases pending, more than 50 complaints left to file, and another 30 cases expected soon. Members asked about current staffing, attorney salary, the number of academies, and the move to a separate Lexington office. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned without a quorum for approving minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those<01:02:02.640><c> were</c><01:02:02.799><c> all</c><01:02:03.040><c> things</c><01:02:03.280><c>
• </c><01:02:04.799><c> So</c><01:02:04.960><c> they</c><01:02:05.119><c> wouldn't</c><01:02:05.280><c>
• We pay<01:02:15.520><c> for</c><01:02:15.680><c> the</c><01:02:15.839><c> special</c><01:02:16.160><c
• , the related<01:02:17.200><c> services</c><01:02:17.520><c> that</c><01:02:17.760><c> were</c><01:02
• :18.960><c> to</c><01:02:19.200><c> be</c><01:02:19.359><c> needed</c><01:02:19.599><c> by</c><01:02:

Summary: The commission met to continue its study of the cost of special education, with the chair emphasizing that the group needs to narrow its focus over the coming year toward specific cost drivers, including the IEP process, Medicaid, charter schools, and EFAs. Members reviewed a draft first report due November 1 and agreed it would be a brief synopsis of prior meetings, with minutes attached. The September 30, 2025 minutes were amended to correct the number of federally funded department staff from 234 to 23, and to revise language about Senator Sullivan’s comments so they reflected concerns about IEP advocates and fees charged to families rather than support for the concept. The amended minutes were then approved unanimously, with abstentions noted for members who were absent. The main presentation focused on how special education costs are handled for students attending charter schools. The DOE representative said there are 804 students with disabilities in charter schools across 88 of the state’s 176 districts, and that the district of residence remains responsible for all services and costs. She explained that students must meet IDEA criteria through district evaluation and parent consent, and that services are determined through individual IEP meetings rather than by a blanket charter-school decision. Members asked how those costs are tracked, whether any students are merely “monitored,” and whether districts separately identify charter-school special education expenses; the answer was that most districts fold those costs into their overall special education budget, though some may break them out as a line item. The discussion then turned to transportation and mileage costs for staff providing services at charter schools. Testimony indicated that districts may use their own staff, contract staff, or contract with a charter school for certified services, and that travel costs are often either built into contracts or absorbed as part of staff time rather than separately reimbursed. Members questioned whether mileage is reimbursed when staff travel to distant charter schools and whether those costs can be isolated in district budgets; the response was that practices vary by district and are not usually broken out by special education function. Several members argued this makes it difficult to determine the true cost of delivering special education, especially given New Hampshire’s model in which the district of residence pays regardless of where the charter school is located. The chair noted the complexity of the system and compared it to the state’s separate tuition and transportation approach for career and technical education centers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, she possesses<00:02:05.920><c> all</c><00:02:06.120><c> of</c><00:02:06.200><c> the</c><00:02:06.320
• Her<00:02:08.920><c> temperament,</c><00:02:09.679><c> her</c><00:02:09.840><c> preparation,</c><00:02
• So, we are<00:02:21.920><c> strongly</c><00:02:22.560><c> supportive</c><00:02:23.040><c> of</c><00:02
• </c><00:02:26.200><c> Thank</c><00:02:26.400><c> you</c><00:02:26.480><c> for</c><00:02:26.600><c> the
• Not<00:02:40.520><c> present</c><00:02:40.880><c> on</c><00:02:40.960><c> Zoom,</c><00:02:41.200><c>

Summary: The Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the confirmation of Kursha Kauahi Kani Mililani Durrant to the District Court of the First Circuit, but announced it would not vote until April 2. The chair also noted a backup plan if Zoom failed. Testimony was limited to two minutes per speaker. The hearing focused on Durrant’s qualifications, judicial temperament, and readiness for the bench, with no opposition presented. Support came from the Office of the Public Defender, Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, Native Hawaiian Bar Association, Hawaii State Bar Association, Hawaii Women’s Lawyers, and numerous individuals. Witnesses described Durrant as highly experienced in both criminal and civil practice, including district, family, circuit, appellate, ICA, and Supreme Court work. Several speakers emphasized her legal reasoning, mentorship, civility, cultural grounding, and ability to listen and treat litigants with dignity. Personal supporters also highlighted her public service, hula background, and character. Committee members questioned Durrant about how she would approach district court cases involving repeat offenders, mental illness, substance abuse, houselessness, and diversion. Durrant said she would follow the law, consider the full range of sentencing factors, and use available probation, diversion, and treatment options where appropriate. She said she would be committed to using legislative tools such as Act 26 and other diversion powers, and to looking beyond advocacy toward practical justice and reducing recidivism. She also said her clerkship with Judge Marsha Waldorf, including exposure to drug court and mental health court, shaped her approach to problem-solving on the bench.

Transcript Highlights:

• consideration that<01:02:04.359><c> this</c><01:02:04.760><c> body</c><01:02:05.680><c> the</c><01:02
• ><01:02:15.279><c> there</c><01:02:15.400><c> were</c><01:02:15.760><c> a</c><01:02:15.960><c> lot</c
• </c><01:02:31.160><c> of</c><01:02:31.400><c> my</c><01:02:31.640><c> statement</c><01:02:32.160><c>
• :02:48.559><c> but</c><01:02:48.880><c> I</c><01:02:49.440><c> think</c><01:02:50.440><c> probably</c
• I mean<01:02:51.720><c> it's</c><01:02:51.920><c> not</c><01:02:52.240><c> probably</c><01:02:53.079

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism and on Water and Land heard testimony on HB 504, a measure relating to environmental stewardship and funding for natural resource protection and restoration. Supporters included multiple state agencies and advocacy groups, such as DLNR, HTA, Hawaiʻi Ocean Legislative Task Force, Resources Legacy Fund, the Hawaiʻi Climate Action Coalition, and others, who said the bill would create dedicated funding for environmental, climate, and cultural resource needs and help address wildfire, flood, coastal storm, and tourism-related impacts. Several witnesses emphasized that Hawaiʻi’s environmental funding gap is large and that visitor contributions should be directed to stewardship and restoration. Some supporters also urged that the measure be applied equitably across all visitor accommodations and related uses, including cruise ship cabins and state rooms, while a few suggested amendments to broaden coverage or create a working group for implementation. Opposition and concerns focused largely on the bill’s tax structure and legal/administrative issues. The Department of Budget and Finance and the Tax Foundation questioned the reimbursable general obligation bond special fund in part two, suggesting it be converted to a regular special fund or deleted. The Attorney General’s office said part two may violate the single-subject rule in the state constitution and recommended deleting it. The Department of Taxation said the proposed points-and-miles language would be difficult to audit and enforce, and Expedia and others said the proposed tax treatment of loyalty points and certain payment forms would be operationally difficult. Industry witnesses also warned the bill could raise costs in a high-tax destination and asked for more marketing support if the tax is increased. The committee also heard concerns that a new tax on cruise ship cabins could raise federal preemption issues. The chair noted the testimony count as 23 in support, 179 in opposition, and one with comments. No vote was taken in the portion provided, and the hearing ended with questions from senators and agency responses about possible amendments, enforcement, and constitutional concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Representative<00:02:11.120><c> Lewis</c><00:02:11.920><c> here.
• &gt;&gt; Vice<00:02:28.640><c> Chair</c><00:02:29.120><c> Raymer</c> &gt;&gt; Vice Chair Raymer &gt;&
• &gt;&gt; We<00:02:34.560><c> do</c><00:02:34.720><c> have</c><00:02:34.879><c> a</c><00:02:35.040><c>
• quorum</c><00:02:35.440><c> today</c><00:02:35.680><c> and</c><00:02:35.920><c> we</c><00:02:36.080>
• :36.800><c> to</c><00:02:36.959><c> do</c><00:02:37.200><c> business</c><00:02:37.760><c> in</c><00:02

Committee: House State Government

Transcript Highlights:

• It's something that is enshrined in our statutes here in Oklahoma.
• In other words, they can establish a fine up to the state statute amount.
• So the original statute says up to $20.
• It simply puts the current statute into the constitution.
• The statute says up to $20, is that correct?

Bills: SB65 , SB248 , SB330 , SB378 , SB844 , SB1330 , SB1410 , SB1475 , SB1476 , SB1565 , SB1618 , SB1623 , SJR39 , SJR47 , SB2084 , SB1655 , SB1679 , SB2174 , SB1775 , SB1873 , SB1204 , SB1884 , SB1916 , SB1937 , SB1447 , SB1500 , SB2007 , SB2074 , SB1944 , SB2018 , SB1984 , SB2026 , SB2045 , SB2049 , SB2062 , SB2112 , SB2118 , SB2127 , SB2134 , SB2135 , SB2139 , SB2154 , SB1195

Keywords: SB65, naloxone, Narcan, opioid overdose, overdose reversal, opioid antagonist, emergency opioid antagonist, substance abuse services, harm reduction, public health, overdose prevention, good samaritan, civil immunity, criminal immunity, controlled substances, addiction treatment, fentanyl, opioid crisis, school overdose response, first aid

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 378 modernizes Oklahoma's multi-county bail bonds statute by strengthening financial standards
• Many statutes of limitations are after discovery and statute Whether you, Kirk, are recognized for one
• And so, as long as we have that ability standing in our statutes to be able to hold those accountable
• or Not given as their direction by statute.
• This is current statute, and those agricultural leases are still capped at five years.

Bills: SB65 , SB248 , SB330 , SB378 , SB844 , SB1330 , SB1410 , SB1475 , SB1476 , SB1565 , SB1618 , SB1623 , SJR39 , SJR47 , SB2084 , SB1655 , SB1679 , SB2174 , SB1775 , SB1873 , SB1204 , SB1884 , SB1916 , SB1937 , SB1447 , SB1500 , SB2007 , SB2074 , SB1944 , SB2018 , SB1984 , SB2026 , SB2045 , SB2049 , SB2062 , SB2112 , SB2118 , SB2127 , SB2134 , SB2135 , SB2139 , SB2154 , SB1195

Keywords: SB65, naloxone, Narcan, opioid overdose, overdose reversal, opioid antagonist, emergency opioid antagonist, substance abuse services, harm reduction, public health, overdose prevention, good samaritan, civil immunity, criminal immunity, controlled substances, addiction treatment, fentanyl, opioid crisis, school overdose response, first aid

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's governed by Title 19 of our statutes in Montana.
• In addition, under our statutes, we allow retirees And in addition, under our statutes, we allow retirees
• We do have a grace period of up to three years under our statute.
• Our statutes do not allow us to give credit for prior years of service, and we don't.
• I forwarded that to the full committee at 1:02 this afternoon.

Summary: The committee was called to order, a quorum was established, and the minutes from the prior meeting were approved. The first major presentation came from Montana Public Employees Retirement System executive director William Hollahan, who gave an overview of Montana’s Volunteer Firefighters’ Compensation Act plan. He explained that the plan covers volunteer firefighters in unincorporated areas, is funded by 5% of state fire insurance premium taxes, and currently serves 228 departments with about 2,936 active members and 1,242 retirees. He described eligibility rules, annual training and reporting requirements, benefit levels for partial and full pensions, disability, death, medical, and funeral benefits, and said the plan is actuarially sound with roughly $60 million in assets and a funded ratio slightly above 100%. Committee members asked about prior-service credit, whether EMS personnel are included, the effect on recruitment and retention, and whether expanding coverage would require a funding analysis; Hollahan said prior service is not credited, EMS is not currently included, and any expansion would need financial review. Tim Walleen of Workforce Safety and Insurance then presented a draft North Dakota workers’ compensation solution for volunteer firefighters and volunteer EMS personnel. He explained that volunteer responders are already covered by workers’ comp for medical and wage-loss benefits, but the proposal would set a minimum annual wage of $30,000 for calculating wage-loss benefits for qualifying volunteers, with the benefit paid at two-thirds of that amount. Representative Porter suggested tying the volunteer definition to existing code rather than a fixed dollar amount, and Walleen agreed. Questions focused on whether search and rescue or other volunteer emergency services could be included, whether departments would face new paperwork, and whether volunteer organizations can already elect coverage; Walleen said there would be no additional paperwork and that volunteer coverage is already available. The committee also heard from volunteer fire service representatives and the state fire marshal. An Oakes-area firefighter, Mr. Olson, testified that small departments are struggling with retention, communication, and administrative burdens, especially around separate bookkeeping and funding rules for donated or fundraising money, and he said departments need clearer guidance from the state. State Fire Marshal Dr. Matthew Clark introduced himself and outlined a broader effort to improve education, support, and coordination for fire departments, including a planned 10% audit of certificates of existence beginning in 2027, more outreach through his office, and better assistance with training, reporting, and grant access. He said his office is authorized under current law to provide these services, but the role has been vague and underused. Finally, Arnagard Rural Fire District Chief Rick Schreiber testified in favor of new recruitment and retention ideas, including retirement-style benefits, health insurance, tax incentives, scholarships, grants, and more remote or regional training. He said volunteer departments are losing members, that local tax and donation funds are already stretched, and that any new retirement or incentive program should be sustainable and likely involve a mix of state and local support.

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:02:06.480><c> right</c><02:02:06.960><c> right</c><02:02:07.280><c> and</c><02:02:07.560><c> and<
• we</c><02:02:09.840><c> should</c><02:02:10.760><c> we</c><02:02:10.920><c> should</c><02:02:11.199>
• <c> new</c><02:51:10.880><c> statutes</c><02:51:11.319><c> so</c><02:51:11.479><c> I'm</c><02:51:11.600
• ><c> a</c><02:51:12.200><c> little</c><02:51:13.200><c> the</c> these new statutes so I'm a little the
• these new statutes so I'm a little the existing<02:51:14.439><c> statute</c><02:51:15.439><c> can</c

Committee: House Election Law

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:43.599><c> statutes</c><01:02:44.000><c> and</c><01:02:44.160><c> rules</c><01:02:44.680><c> do</
• c> under the these statutes and rules do under the these statutes and rules do not<01:02:45.039><c> apply
• <02:02:08.199><c> the</c><02:02:08.360><c> population</c><02:02:08.800><c> that's</c><02:02:09.280><c
• <02:02:17.440><c> protected</c><02:02:18.440><c> and</c><02:02:18.599><c> becomes</c><02:02:18.880><c
• of the population<02:02:22.679><c> that</c><02:02:22.800><c> needs</c><02:02:22.960><c> to</c><02:02

Summary: The joint hearing opened with House Bill 1462 on crisis services. Testimony from the Department of Law Enforcement, the Community Alliance on Prisons, and the Department of Health supported expanding behavioral health crisis services as an alternative to arrest or incarceration. Witnesses said additional crisis sites would help divert people in mental health crisis to appropriate care, and the Department of Health described its current crisis center in Ewa, including the need for renovations such as a padded room and the time required to get the facility operational. In response to questions, the department estimated the Ewa center’s budgeted cost at about $4.3 million, not including rent or startup repairs, and said a second site’s cost would depend on whether it was freestanding or attached to an existing facility. The committee then heard House Bill 700 on cognitive assessments. The Executive Office on Aging supported the bill’s intent but asked that it be amended to make assessments optional rather than mandated, to pilot the program first, and to allow flexibility in handling HIPAA-protected data. SHPDA also supported the measure but said it should not be mandatory and suggested that payers reimburse for assessments when requested by patients, families, or physicians. The Alzheimer’s Association and caregivers strongly supported standardizing cognitive assessments to improve early detection and access to newer treatments, while noting the existing opt-out provision. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the bill but asked that the age 65 threshold be removed because cognitive decline can begin much earlier for people with Down syndrome, autism, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and related conditions. In response to a question, the Office on Aging said a pilot project could likely be done for about $150,000, with data security being the main added cost. The final bill discussed was House Bill 237 on peer support programs. Testimony from Family Hui Hawaii, Early Childhood Action Strategy, peer support workers, and families described peer-to-peer programs as a cost-effective way to reduce isolation, strengthen families, and provide long-term community support. Speakers said these programs help parents and caregivers navigate crises, child welfare involvement, addiction recovery, and other challenges, and can have lasting benefits for children’s development and family stability. Several witnesses tied the bill to broader state goals, including infant and early childhood mental health, trauma-informed care, and child welfare reform. Written testimony from about a dozen organizations and individuals was also noted in support.