Transcript Highlights:

• So one is the aggregate grant program.
• Are we also then looking at buying future aggregate, you know, what we anticipate a production of aggregate
• In terms of aggregate? Yes. Yes.
• and also storing the aggregate.
• Our marketing is data-driven. The data gives us insight into the markets... We are data-driven.

Summary: The committee met to receive a base budget overview for agencies under its jurisdiction, which include the Division of Emergency Management, Department of Commerce, Department of State, Department of Transportation, Department of Military Affairs, and Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Staff explained the budget format and noted that the Legislature appropriated more than $20.2 billion to these agencies in the current fiscal year, a 66.7% increase over 10 years. The Department of Transportation then presented on the Moving Florida Forward initiative, describing it as a $7 billion effort to advance 20 major congestion-relief projects statewide. Secretary Jared Perdue said the department is ahead of schedule, with 14 of 20 projects expected to be underway by the end of the calendar year. He highlighted major projects including I-4 in Polk and Osceola counties, I-75 improvements, Southwest 10th Street in Broward County, Fruitville Road, Capital Circle in Tallahassee, and I-275, and discussed innovations such as aggregate supply grants, modified phase design-build, workforce hiring events, and voluntary acceleration. Senators asked about business impacts from construction, tourism-related transit funding, aggregate sourcing, and labor shortages; the secretary said FDOT works with local businesses and that additional revenue sources for transit would require legislative action. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reviewed motorist services, revenue collection, licensing, vehicle titling, specialty plates, insurance compliance, driver safety, and commercial driver licensing. Officials said the department collected about $2.9 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2023-24 and described modernization efforts, including electronic verification systems, Real ID compliance, mobile licensing units, and a planned digital driver license. Members asked about the driver license backlog in Miami-Dade and Broward, and the department said service delays were driven by growth and staffing constraints but should improve with $7.5 million in recent funding and the eventual transition of services to county tax collectors. Questions also addressed temporary paper licenses and birth certificate fraud prevention. The Department of Commerce presented on the Job Growth Grant Fund and Visit Florida. Commerce said the grant fund, created in 2017, has awarded $257 million to 70 projects in 37 counties since 2019, with demand exceeding supply about four to one. Officials emphasized that the program supports targeted industries and workforce and infrastructure projects, and they highlighted examples in CDL training, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and health care. Senators raised concerns about small businesses affected by transportation construction, and Commerce said it has an Office of Small Business Innovation and other tools, though the grant fund is limited by statute to targeted industries. Visit Florida then described its public-private tourism marketing role, saying the state’s $80 million appropriation is matched by private investment and that the latest EDR review found a $3.30 return in tax revenue for every state dollar spent. Visit Florida reported record visitation and tourism spending, along with hurricane recovery marketing and rural promotion efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so even if you're using non-identifiable aggregate data, of what value is that aggregate data to
• And so even if you're using non-identifiable aggregate data, of what value is that aggregate data to
• And so even if you're using non-identifiable aggregate data, of what value is that aggregate data to
• Even if you're using non-identifiable aggregate data, of what value is that aggregate data to actually
• I don't think would give you accurate aggregate data.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 768, sponsored by Vice Chair Hudson, was heard with an author’s amendment (A4) adopted to remove a technical section and put the bill in the intended form. Hudson described the bill as a response to concerns about government monitoring of protected speech, saying it would bar the Minnesota Department of Human Rights from creating or maintaining a database of constitutionally protected speech while preserving the department’s ability to investigate actual discrimination, harassment, threats, or illegal conduct. He emphasized First Amendment protections and argued the state should not track speech simply because it is controversial or unpopular. The main testimony in support came from Ran Lee of Americans for Prosperity, who echoed the free-speech concerns and said databases of bias incidents can capture lawful speech and create a chilling effect. Representative Rest said she generally supported the free-speech goal but wanted to preserve the Department of Human Rights’ ability to produce biennial reports and analyze de-identified trend data on civil rights incidents, including emerging threats or hateful rhetoric, so lawmakers can respond to patterns without recording individuals’ protected speech. Representative Curran raised concerns that speech trends can relate to public safety and argued that attacks on human rights often begin as speech. Hudson responded that the Department of Human Rights is not a law enforcement agency and that the bill would not impede criminal investigations. He argued that trying to monitor “trends in thought” would be constitutionally problematic and produce unreliable data, and he distinguished protected speech from criminal conduct. Representative Feist said the department’s existing report already uses aggregate, non-investigative data and suggested there may be room to refine the bill’s language. The bill was laid over for further consideration, with Hudson indicating he was open to continued discussion and possible language changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said the data are clear on that.
• Two-thirds of asphalt is aggregates. That's about 90% of that ton is aggregates.
• Aggregates Aggregates are in nearly Aggregates Aggregates are in nearly everything<01:54:30.400> that
• The inventory gathered data on development, resulting consumption of aggregates, and accessibility of
• aggregates in the area.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The department is required to compile data and report to the Legislature by December 31 of each year
• What we do is collaborate with those professionals to share the data, talk to them about the data-sharing
• It was isolated to aggregate, but aggregate is a part of It was isolated to aggregate, but aggregate
• And we're starting to see a reverse in the trend of aggregate supply challenges.
• create the ability to move more aggregate and also stockpile more aggregate.

Summary: The Committee on Transportation received a presentation from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles on Florida’s camera-based traffic enforcement programs: red light cameras, school bus stop-arm cameras, and school zone speed cameras. The department explained how the programs work, including human review of recorded violations, issuance of civil notices to vehicle owners, and escalation to uniform traffic citations if unpaid or uncontested. Officials also outlined the fee structure and reported preliminary data showing 42 red light camera jurisdictions, 496 red light cameras, and more than 923,000 notices of violation in fiscal year 2024-2025, along with growth in school zone and school bus programs. Senators asked about camera placement, signage, review procedures, and whether reviewers or vendors receive revenue from citations; several questions were left for follow-up because the witness did not have all statutory or operational details. The committee then heard an update from FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue on the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, funded by a $4 billion general revenue investment leveraged into a $7 billion program for 20 major projects. He said the initiative is advancing high-priority congestion relief projects across the state, with 80% of the plan expected to be underway by the end of 2026 and the remaining projects in 2027. Perdue highlighted new delivery methods such as modified phased design-build, voluntary acceleration, and structured acceleration, along with workforce and supply-chain efforts, including regional hiring events and aggregate planning. He cited projects such as I-4 congestion relief lanes, Golden Glades, I-95 at US-1, I-75 auxiliary lanes, and I-275 improvements as examples of the program’s progress. Members questioned FDOT about traffic management during construction, subcontracting opportunities for small businesses, public transit planning, contractor safety and fatalities, bridge strikes, logistics access near ports and airports, aggregate supply, local government coordination, and federal funding uncertainty. Perdue said FDOT continuously reevaluates traffic control plans, works with local governments and industry partners, uses small business participation targets, and requires contractors to be in good standing with OSHA and to implement corrective action plans after incidents. He also said Florida’s transportation revenues are flat, the state remains largely state-funded, and additional resources are the main need for future transportation delivery. The committee adjourned after the chair requested FDOT staff provide senators with district-specific project information.

Transcript Highlights:

• data privacy on private companies. data privacy on private companies. Right? Right? Right?
• that data or misuse that data.
• that data or misuse that data.
• It has positive effects and it will lead to the protection of data privacy and better data management
• protection of data privacy and better<00:09:11.040> data<00:09:11.279> management<00:09

Bills: SF0020, SF0021, SF0022

Keywords: data privacy, government accountability, personal data, data retention, resident rights, stable token, liquidity, trust account, Wyoming, fund distribution, financial regulation, state commission, decentralized, nonprofit association, merger, conversion, liability, membership, governance, indemnification

Bills: SF0020, SF0021, SF0022

Keywords: data privacy, government accountability, personal data, data retention, resident rights, stable token, liquidity, trust account, Wyoming, fund distribution, financial regulation, state commission, decentralized, nonprofit association, merger, conversion, liability, membership, governance, indemnification

Transcript Highlights:

• the utility works very, very closely with the third-party aggregators.
• In terms of the size of aggregations, there is a need to achieve some amount of economy of scale by aggregating
• I had some questions about the third-party aggregators.
• I had some questions about the third-party aggregators.
• And could co-ops be third-party aggregators? And could co-ops be third-party aggregators? Mr.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So your aggregation plan—I live in Winthrop—and Winthrop just did a municipal aggregation plan, which
• The representative had brought up Boston municipal aggregation.
• So Eversource right now is 13.24; Boston aggregation is 14.2.
• That's 22% cheaper than aggregation and 14% cheaper than...
• Among other things, the data dashboard highlights the importance of high-quality data collection provisions

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several energy-related bills, with the main focus on H. 3534/S. 2255, which would ban or sharply restrict residential third-party electric suppliers, and on related reform proposals. Supporters included the Attorney General’s office, municipal and regional planning officials, environmental justice groups, consumer advocates, and city officials from Boston and Chelsea. They argued that the residential competitive supply market has produced higher bills, deceptive sales tactics, auto-renewals into higher rates, and disproportionate harm to low-income residents, seniors, communities of color, and people with limited English. Witnesses cited AG reports estimating hundreds of millions of dollars in overcharges over time, described door-to-door and storefront marketing abuses, and said municipal aggregation programs have saved residents money while offering more stable rates. Several supporters said the Legislature should either ban residential competitive supply or adopt strong guardrails such as ending automatic renewals, banning incentive-based commissions, and capping rates relative to basic service. Opponents or industry representatives from the Retail Energy Advancement League, Vistra, and Constellation argued that the market can provide savings, longer-term price stability, and value-added products such as renewable options and time-of-use offerings. They said Massachusetts has already improved consumer protections through DPU proceedings, that complaints are relatively few compared with the size of the market, and that a ban would eliminate consumer choice. They also defended direct sales and commissions as normal features of a retail market, while saying they would support additional protections, licensing, bonding, and stronger oversight of bad actors. Committee members pressed both sides on whether the market truly saves money, whether automatic renewals should be banned, and whether the AG’s proposed reforms would be enough. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3972, a bill to extend utility shutoff protections during extreme heat, with Rep. Mindy Domb arguing that Massachusetts should treat extreme heat like extreme cold and protect customers facing financial hardship. Rep. Barrett also testified for H. 3450, a municipal broadband/right-of-way bill, arguing that communities need easier and cheaper access to utility poles and public rights of way to build municipal broadband. In addition, Senate Majority Leader Creem testified for S. 2239, which would bar utilities from recovering ratepayer funds for lobbying, promotions, trade association dues, and similar expenses. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• It takes a long time to collect that data. How long?
• We've coexisted with 321 Cement kilns and aggregate production facilities.
• We don't really care who does the data, provides the data.
• We don't really care who does, you know, the, uh, data.
• I represent the Texas Aggregate and Concrete Association.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 2203, relating to certification of discovery issues in TCEQ contested cases referred to SOAH. The chair noted the House had already passed the companion HB 3249, then moved SB 2203 without amendments. The motion prevailed on a 5-0 vote, and the bill was reported favorably to the full House. The committee then heard SB 1898, which would prohibit the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam for testing and training, while still allowing it in emergency firefighting. The sponsor described PFAS as “forever chemicals” and said the bill would protect firefighters, water supplies, and public health. Testimony in support came from Environment Texas, which cited contamination concerns and noted other states and federal actions restricting PFAS foams. No one testified against the bill, and after closing testimony the committee left SB 1898 pending. The remainder of the hearing focused on SB 1758, a Grayson County pilot program aimed at addressing potential conflicts between Global Wafers’ semiconductor wafer facility and a proposed Black Mountain Cement/aggregate operation. Supporters, including Global Wafers, Grayson County officials, and manufacturing groups, argued that vibration from mining or blasting could threaten a major national-security semiconductor investment and that an independent BEG study was needed to set safe parameters. Opponents from Black Mountain Cement and related industry groups argued the bill would improperly interfere with a lawful permitting process, pick winners and losers, and harm Texas’ pro-business climate; they also said they had already revised operations and removed blast mining. The discussion included extensive questioning about geology, vibration, the permitting timeline, and whether the issue was really about mining rather than the air permit. No vote was taken on SB 1758 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• But what would be reported would be aggregate-level data."
• <01:57:11.079> level would be aggregate level would be aggregate level data thank<01:57:16.920
• A big thing is about aggregate data. Some of the pieces are around location, for example.
• Aggregate statewide data includes data reported by Lovering and is available through Guttmacher publicly
• data aggregate Statewide data includes data aggregate Statewide data includes data reported<02

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The department is required to compile data and report to the Legislature by December 31 of each year
• And this has really taken some of the more recent data.
• It was isolated to aggregate, but aggregate is a part of so many elements of highway construction that
• And we're starting to see a reverse in the trend of aggregate supply challenges.
• create the ability to move more aggregate and also stockpile more aggregate.

Summary: The Committee on Transportation received a presentation from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles on Florida’s camera-based traffic enforcement programs: red light cameras, school bus stop-arm cameras, and school zone speed cameras. The department explained how each program works, the distinction between a civil notice of violation and a uniform traffic citation, and the fee distribution for each type of violation. It also reported preliminary data showing 42 jurisdictions operating red light cameras, with 496 cameras at 302 intersections and 923,133 notices of violation in fiscal year 2024-2025; for the newer school bus and school zone programs, the department said preliminary figures showed five active school bus programs and 40 active school zone programs, with prior-year totals of 61,150 school bus notices and 26,300 school zone notices. Senators asked about camera placement, school zone requirements, review procedures, and whether law enforcement or third parties are involved in reviewing violations. The committee then received an update from FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue on the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, which used $4 billion in general revenue to advance a $7 billion package of 20 major congestion-relief projects. He said the department has used innovative delivery methods, including modified phased design-build, voluntary acceleration, and structured acceleration, to move projects forward faster and control costs. He highlighted progress on projects including I-4 congestion relief lanes, the Golden Glades Interchange, I-95 at US-1, I-75 auxiliary lanes, I-75 at Pine Ridge Road, and I-275 in Tampa, and said 80% of the plan is expected to be underway by the end of 2026, with four projects remaining in 2027. Members asked about temporary traffic patterns at Golden Glades, subcontractor opportunities, public transportation planning, contractor safety and OSHA issues, bridge strikes, logistics hubs near airports and seaports, aggregate and material supply, local government coordination, and federal transportation funding. Secretary Perdue said FDOT continuously reevaluates traffic management plans, works with small businesses and local subs, and monitors contractor safety closely, including corrective action plans after incidents. He emphasized that Florida’s transportation revenues are flat, that the state remains largely state-funded, and that additional resources are the main thing the Legislature can provide to support future infrastructure delivery. The committee adjourned after the chair requested FDOT staff provide senators with district-specific project updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I want to be clear, we are discussing aggregate data, the kind already published by the Department
• aggregate data, the kind already aggregate data, the kind already published<00:12:45.040> by<
• <00:12:56.959> student<00:12:57.360> data<00:12:57.760> to stating aggregate
• student data to stating aggregate student data to eliminate<00:12:58.639> any<00:12:58.959>
• 16:00.320> numbers, aggregate data, enrollment numbers, aggregate data, enrollment numbers, spending

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But this first part was aggregating the data that's EFA students annual assessment is done. Done.
• We have to do a lot of different types of data aggregation.
• But all of our data systems are set up to be able to aggregate the data to where the student is responsible
• Because it's a private school, the department's really not doing any kind of aggregation or data analysis
• that data since we have over 10,000 students, aggregate that data by... ...aggregate that data by grade

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Freedom Account Oversight Committee met on March 27 and approved the agenda, adding a request for clarification on how the Children’s Scholarship Fund separates applications for the EFA program and the education tax credit program. The committee also approved minutes from December 30, 2025, and March 27, 2026, with a request that the March minutes include a link to the live stream. Members discussed the status of pending Legislative Budget Assistant audit reports on EFA and special education, noting the reports were still not released and would likely come later in the summer after review by the Department of Education and the Children’s Scholarship Fund. A major topic was the EFA program’s administrative fee, which statute allows up to 10% of deposits. Children’s Scholarship Fund representatives said current administrative costs were under 8%, that staffing had been reduced through the ScholarVia platform, and that any unused amount is reconciled and returned to students at year’s end. Members asked for historical administrative-cost data and a written explanation of how the withholding and reconciliation process works. The committee also reviewed the distinction between the EFA and education tax credit funding streams and was told the two programs use separate applications and separate funds, though both use the same platform. The committee spent substantial time on assessment and accountability. Department of Education staff explained that EFA students may satisfy annual assessment requirements through a portfolio, a norm-referenced test, or the statewide assessment; only about 10 EFA students took the statewide assessment, while most used portfolios or standardized tests such as the California Achievement Test and NWEA. Staff described how statewide assessment data are kept separate by student identifier and can be aggregated for EFA reporting, and members asked for breakdowns by grade, test type, and school district. The department also discussed linking assessments through Lexiles and Quantiles and said it could provide a list of commonly used formative assessments in New Hampshire districts. The committee additionally discussed a possible PSAT addition to the state contract and the costs of the statewide assessment program. Another major issue was special education eligibility and services within the EFA program. Members questioned the rule allowing a medical certification of disability from a licensed professional anywhere in the United States as an alternative to an IEP-based determination. Department staff said the current system allows either pathway, that about 1,000 EFA students are identified as special education students, and that the program does not track growth or service alignment on an individual basis. Members expressed concern that the medical-certification route may be too broad and asked for data on the disability categories used. The committee also discussed career and technical education access for EFA students, noting that Senate Bill 491 would provide guidance and that House Bill 1817 would address access and funding issues, but that current law still allows EFA funds to be used to pay CTE costs. The meeting ended with a request for future agenda items and a decision to leave the next meeting date open until fall, pending further information from the LBA audit process.

Bills: HB1329

Keywords: government spending database, public expenditure transparency, open data, government transparency, school district spending, state spending, local government finance, education finance, budget database, expenditure reporting, salary transparency, benefits data, public records, Legislative Management study, North Dakota, school board training, superintendent, principal, business manager, higher education spending

Summary: The division first discussed Senate Bill 1540 and related amendments involving implementation mechanics, procurement exemptions, and an emergency clause. Bank of North Dakota representatives explained that, based on a timeline review with DPI, the project would be very difficult to implement for the 2026-27 school year without exemptions from state purchasing and IT oversight rules and without an emergency clause; they said the normal procurement process could take about 240 days and that a 15-month implementation window would likely push the start to 2027-28 if those changes were not adopted. Members also raised a separate policy question about a criminal penalty placeholder in the bill, and the committee agreed that the sentence was unnecessary and should be removed. The committee deferred means-testing questions and fiscal-note issues to the next morning, with the understanding that the bill would be drafted in a way that made it workable if it advanced. The committee then turned to the water budget bill and reviewed the latest amended version, which included changes to the Water Topics process, Southwest Pipeline line of credit provisions, Red River supply funding, Mouse River project amounts, general water funding, studies on Missouri River intakes and water governance/finance, and a carryover/transfer adjustment. Chris Cattermas of the Department of Water Resources said most of the carryover funds were already obligated, with the largest unobligated amount in flood control. After review, Senator Thomas moved a do-pass recommendation on the bill as amended, the motion was seconded, and the committee approved it unanimously. The chair noted that other bills would be taken up the next morning, including 1013, 1014, and 1540.

Transcript Highlights:

• First of all, you'd have to create data points of what information you want.
• I mean, he asked me, he says, well, what data points do we need?
• aggregation and those parts there.
• So that way, the most expensive tier, we actually have solid data on.
• The 200 percent A was chosen because the data is there for that.

Bills: HB1329

Keywords: government spending database, public expenditure transparency, open data, government transparency, school district spending, state spending, local government finance, education finance, budget database, expenditure reporting, salary transparency, benefits data, public records, Legislative Management study, North Dakota, school board training, superintendent, principal, business manager, higher education spending

Summary: The Education Division met with all members present and first took up House Bill 1329, which would create a transparency database and website for school spending information. Senator Schaible offered Amendment 0204 to turn the bill into a study, citing concerns that the proposal would impose major data-collection burdens on 168 school districts, require new data standards and privacy protections, and likely cost far more than the $500,000 in the bill. Several members supported transparency but agreed the implementation costs and technical feasibility were unclear. The committee adopted the amendment 4-1, then passed HB 1329 as amended on a 5-0 vote, with Senator Shively to carry the bill. The committee then discussed House Bill 1540, the education savings account/voucher bill. Representatives from the Bank of North Dakota and the Department of Public Instruction explained that they had not been consulted on the original drafting and outlined needed administrative changes, including clarifying the Bank as administrator, using a third-party program manager, involving DPI in rulemaking, adding audit and appeal procedures, and adjusting language on eligible purchases and school disqualification. They also said the current timeline was likely too aggressive to launch by the 2026-27 school year and estimated the program would require about 15 months to implement, with a fiscal note now around $5.1 million. Members also discussed policy-related amendments on means testing and application timing. Senator Shively proposed a 300% of poverty-level means test and a sign-up period to reduce costs and limit open-ended enrollment, while Senator Axman proposed a tiered approach that would keep all students technically eligible but phase in funding levels by income, preserving access for students who qualify for other federal supports. DPI said it could not currently disaggregate some data by family income and that the appeal process and procurement timeline still needed work. The committee did not move HB 1540 out that morning and instead recessed to continue discussion later after members had time to review the administrative and fiscal issues separately from the means-testing proposals.

Transcript Highlights:

• Dan DiIorio for the Data Center Coalition.
• We are the national association for the data center industry, including leading data center owner-operators
• The data center industry is committed to being a collaborative stakeholder for sustainable data center
• In particular, varies very much by data center company. Data center companies are not monolithic.
• Data centers will actually come.

Bills: HF2928, HF2912, HF2297

Keywords: water appropriation, data centers, environmental review, energy conservation, permit application, carbon-free energy, geothermal energy, renewable energy, Macalester College, appropriation, sustainability, solar energy, pollinator programs, license plates, agrivoltaics, environmental sustainability

Transcript Highlights:

• Number three, the aggregate... ...with the pharmacy benefit manager.
• We're not afraid of data.
• I think we can agree we all want info and data.
• It's just the need and the desire for more data to make better decisions.
• It's just the need and the desire for more data to make better decisions.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first addressed Senate Bill 2387, which had previously included language expanding the definition of a sexual assault victim advocate to include advocates from organizations serving victims of sexual trafficking or other sexual violence. After concerns were raised that the language could broaden participation in forensic interviews beyond appropriately credentialed organizations, the parties agreed to remove that added language. The committee then reconsidered its prior action, adopted the amendment striking the new language, and passed SB 2387 as amended on a 12-0-1 roll call vote. The bulk of the meeting focused on Representative Nelson’s proposed changes to a 340B-related bill, centered on expanding reporting and transparency requirements. His draft would require hospitals to report how 340B savings are used, and would also add reporting by drug manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, and health insurers on rebates, pricing, ownership interests, 340B savings, premiums, claims, and related data. Nelson argued the reporting was needed to give lawmakers better information about how the 340B program affects hospitals, insurers, pharmacies, and public costs, and noted the Department of Corrections also benefits from the program. Testimony was mixed but generally supportive of more transparency. Sanford Health Plan said it needed more time to review carrier impacts and had concerns about employer-related language and rebate reporting. The North Dakota Hospital Association supported hospital transparency and said the broader approach was appropriate because hospitals are only one part of the 340B system. Several members raised procedural concerns about the scope of the proposal and the lack of a drafted LC amendment. The committee decided not to take final action on the 340B proposal that day, instead forming a subcommittee led by Representative Hendricks, with Representatives Dobervich and Bolinske, to work with LC and return with drafted language for further review on Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:46.039> see<00:04:46.199> Ryan aggregation of data um let's see Ryan aggregation
• you required okay data in the aggregate you required okay data in the aggregate you still<00:14:
• my department and give you aggregated data data data um<00:15:16.399> they<00:15:16.560> wouldn't
• data I don't going to give aggregated data I don't you<00:15:20.079> have<00:15:20.199> to
• > or<00:15:21.600> it's you have to give aggregated data or it's you have to give aggregated

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 412 HD1, which would expand the definition of lobbying to include certain communications with high-level officials about procurement decisions and create presumptions regarding lobbying on behalf of private clients. The State Ethics Commission and State Procurement Office supported the measure, saying it would improve transparency and align Hawaii with other states, while the Hawaii Primary Care Association opposed it over concerns that employers and others could be swept in too broadly. No public testimony or questions led to any action on the bill during the hearing. The committee then took up House Bill 131, which would allow agencies to disclose government records to researchers for certain research purposes and clarify the Office of Information Practices’ rulemaking authority. OIP and the Public First Law Center supported the bill, arguing it would create uniform standards and that concerns could be handled through rules. The University of Hawaiʻi system, DBEDT, DHS, DLNR, and others raised concerns about the breadth of the terms “research” and “researcher,” privacy, confidential information, and possible misuse; Hawaiian Electric also warned about access to sensitive infrastructure information. Members questioned whether the bill was premature and whether definitions should be narrowed in statute, and OIP said it would consider working with agencies and the University on clearer definitions. House Bill 792 HD1, relating to the Office of the Legislative Analyst, drew no testimony beyond a late written support from the Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and the committee moved on without discussion. The committee then heard House Bill 1424, which would restrict transfers between appropriated funds for positions and operating expenses. Budget and Finance explained that current practice allows transfers from payroll to other current expenses when there are savings, but legislative appropriations for specific purposes must still be spent for that purpose. Several agencies expressed opposition or concerns, saying the bill could reduce flexibility, especially in response to federal funding changes or vacant positions, though members emphasized transparency and accountability. Budget and Finance suggested a reporting approach instead, and the committee discussed quarterly reporting as a possible alternative. Finally, the committee began House Bill 1153 HD1, which concerns funding adjustments for state programs and capital improvement projects and establishes a protocol fund. Budget and Finance, DAGS, and the State Procurement Office supported the measure, while the General Contractors Association and several construction-related groups opposed section two, arguing it would undo recent procurement protest-bond safeguards adopted in Act 162. The hearing then moved on toward House Bill 1297, but the transcript cuts off before that bill was fully discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so even if you're using non-identifiable aggregate data, of what value is that aggregate data to
• And so even if you're using non-identifiable aggregate data, of what value is that aggregate data to
• accurate aggregate data um but then accurate aggregate data um but then again<00:36:10.640> I
• Um, and that was, um, language around, um, like only aggregate data, no private confidential data, no
• Um, and that was language around, um, like only aggregate data, no private confidential data, no private

Bills: HF414, HF768, HF359

Keywords: data practices, filing fee, government transparency, complaints, public access, free speech, human rights, censorship, protected speech, Minnesota Department of Human Rights, real property, partition, eminent domain, transfer on death deeds, property rights, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And what opt-out does is it automatically enrolls customers in an aggregation once an aggregation plan
• plan<00:05:31.640> is aggregation once an aggregation plan is aggregation once an aggregation
• <00:06:32.480> vendors aggregation vendors aggregation vendors uh<00:06:33.920> can't<00
• That would be fairer, more transparent, and more... data before we first launched our data before we
• uh aggregator. uh aggregator.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all