Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> for</c><00:49:50.880><c> the</c> Discussion seeing none chair for the Discussion seeing none chair
• Seeing none, chair for the discussion.
• Any discussion?
• Any discussion? discussion? discussion? Seeing<00:55:06.880><c> none.
• Any discussion? Seeing none. Thank is. Any discussion? Seeing none.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation heard and later voted on several Senate resolutions related to transportation, safety, and infrastructure. Early testimony covered STR 23, on studying highway patrol and speed cameras in speeding hotspots, with support from the Department of Transportation and the Aahu Metropolitan Planning Organization and opposition from five individuals. STR 37 and STR 38 concerned Maui road planning for the Kihei area; the Kihei Community Association and DOT supported both, and the committee later advanced them with amendments to correct the county department with jurisdiction. STR 150 SD1, on a working group for subsidizing waterborne cargo transport, drew support from DOT, the Department of Agriculture, and industry groups, but the committee deferred it for further discussion. STR 153, about transferring jurisdiction over Ho‘i roads to Maui County, received support from the judiciary and was advanced with amendments. STR 180 SD1, on sharing safety and performance information about commercial tour operators, drew mixed testimony, including opposition from DOT and helicopter operators and support from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters; the committee advanced it with amendments narrowing the scope to helicopter and air tours. STR 181 SD1, proposing a working group to lower the blood alcohol limit to 0.05, was supported by DOT, the Governor’s office, public health and safety groups, and one individual opposed; it was advanced with amendments naming the DOT director or designee as chair and adding legislative committee chairs. STR 182, encouraging a Honolulu summer streets pilot program, was supported by the Department of Health, Oahu MPO, and the Hawaii Bicycling League, and after reconsideration the committee passed it unamended. STR 184, seeking increased enforcement against improperly registered out-of-state vehicles, had one supporter and was passed as is. STR 200 SD1, on continuing transportation management training programs, was supported by Oahu MPO and one individual and was passed as is. STR 231 SD1, directing DOT to use scanning equipment at airports and harbors to detect illegal fireworks, was supported by DOT and one individual and passed as is.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any further discussion?
• Is there any further discussion? discussion? discussion?
• </c><00:23:44.799><c> ongoing</c> non-public session uh to discuss ongoing non-public session uh to discuss
• Further discussion. for 15. Thank you. Further discussion. Senator<01:50:58.480><c> Rosen.
• Further<01:52:19.679><c> discussion.</c><01:52:20.400><c> Representative</c> Further discussion.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on March 21, 2025, accepted the February 21 minutes, and approved a shortened consent calendar after removing Department of Safety item 2565 for separate discussion. That item concerned drone/UAS detection for special events and critical infrastructure. Department staff said the system would help locate drones and operators and support enforcement around temporary flight restrictions, but members pressed them on privacy versus security, and the department acknowledged the issue was primarily about security. The committee ultimately approved the item after discussion. Members also approved Department of Transportation item 2572 after a question about whether increased transfer requests would affect paving; DOT said the paving program would continue as normal. Judicial Council items 2566 and 2567 were also approved without discussion. During informational items, members asked for follow-up on Fish and Game’s Hike Safe card revenues versus search-and-rescue costs, and on DHHS reporting issues, including nursing home bed counts and declining community mental health center client numbers; DHHS said it would verify the bed-count methodology and provide a written update on the mental health data. The committee then entered non-public session to discuss an ongoing legal matter and related funding process. After returning, it considered a request under RSA 21-M:11 for an additional $5 million general fund appropriation for fiscal year 2025. Several members said they would have preferred the full $15 million request, but supported the smaller amount as a temporary step during the budget process, with expectations of monthly reporting back to the committee. The motion to approve $5 million passed 6-3. The committee set its next meeting for Friday, April 18 at 11:00 a.m. and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• discussion? Okay. Um we'll just do a discussion? Okay.
• All those in favor raise your hand. discussion. discussion. discussion. No.<00:17:40.280><c> Okay.
• Any further<01:28:37.760><c> discussion?</c> further discussion? further discussion?
• No further discussion. Um, all Okay. No further discussion.
• 14.239><c> discuss</c><01:32:14.639><c> the</c><01:32:14.880><c> final</c> can at least discuss discuss

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first revisited HB 781, the cell phone bill, after previously retaining it. On reconsideration, members moved to OTP the bill, and it passed unanimously. The committee then moved into the budget tracking packet and adopted an amendment to HB 2 to add the same cell phone policy language, also unanimously, and separately reduced HB 1 by $1 million to match the policy change. Members noted the cell phone language had already been stripped of grant funding language in the House version and that the policy and funding pieces were being aligned across the budget bills. The committee then took up a Department of Education technical amendment to HB 2 on charter school grants, which made timing and administrative changes without altering grant amounts, and adopted it unanimously. Members also discussed but held other education-related items, including adequacy grants, pending broader decisions on overall education funding. Another HB 2 item concerning E-911/state police radio communications prompted a longer discussion about whether E-911 surcharge funds were being used for purposes that should instead be general-funded. After debate over whether to leave the current practice in place or split the funding 50/50 between E-911 and general funds, the committee adopted a joint HB 1/HB 2 change to shift the funding source to a 50/50 split and delete the HB 2 language authorizing the prior use; the motion passed 7-0. The committee also discussed but did not act on several lottery-related provisions, including the video lottery terminal amendment, the increase in maximum ticket price from $30 to $50, and related tax split changes, with members planning to hear from the Lottery Commission on Monday. The meeting ended with the committee beginning review of new amendments in the tracking packet, including a Department of Education request related to Public School Infrastructure Commission grant administration, but no action was taken on that item in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if there's a quorum present, no business discussions.
• very high-level discussions.
• It is intended to cover any discussion, any decision, any topic.
• Don't have discussions or actions on related subjects.
• We'll talk about the other one, as we discussed last month.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Further discussion. discussion. discussion.
• Further discussion. There is discussion. Senator Pelton B. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Any discussion?
• Further discussion?
• Further discussion?

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:55:09.599><c> Discussion.
• Discussion. All those in Roford. Second. Discussion.
• Uh, this was discussed with Okay.
• And, uh, any further discussion?
• Further discussion. Seeing none.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion?
• </c> Is there any further discussion? Is there any further discussion?
• </c> Is there any further discussion? Is there any further discussion?
• there any discussion?
• </c> Is there any further discussion? Is there any further discussion?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Discussion? Thank you. The minutes of March 6, 2026, be approved. Discussion?
• There was a discussion about Florida's bill.
• There was a discussion about Florida's bill.
• I don't see any other discussion.
• Don't see any other discussion.

Summary: The committee first approved minutes from March 6 and March 9, then advanced two gubernatorial appointments to the State Building Authority: Nicholas Gouho and Todd Christensen, both with recommendations for confirmation. It also introduced RS 33670 on community schools, RS 33719 on sewer district rate regulation, and RS 33722 related to a presidential primary and down-ballot races. Senate Bill 1376, dealing with online candidate filing and shifting local filing/reporting to county clerks, was supported by the Secretary of State’s office and sent to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Concurrent Resolution 29, which sought to designate the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as terrorist organizations. The sponsor argued the resolution would help guide future state policy, while some senators raised concerns about the strength of the claims and the need for more research. Despite those concerns, the resolution was sent to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. House Bill 659, requiring local law enforcement to apply for available ICE 287(g) agreements and publicly explain any refusal, drew extensive testimony. The sponsor and supporters said it would improve coordination, transparency, and public safety, while sheriffs, police chiefs, and several citizens argued it would undermine local control, add costs, and strain trust with immigrant communities. A motion to send the bill to the 14th order for possible amendment failed 4-5, and the committee then voted 5-4 to hold the bill in committee. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1356, which would make Ada County Highway District elections partisan and countywide rather than district-based. The sponsor said countywide elections would better reflect countywide transportation needs, while numerous residents, advocacy groups, and ACHD representatives opposed the bill as unnecessary politicization that would dilute local representation and increase campaign costs. The transcript ends during continued testimony against the bill, with no final committee action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion?
• Any further discussion? &gt;&gt; Okay. Any further discussion?
• Further discussion.
• Further discussion.
• Further discussion.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The meeting opened with brief remarks honoring Harry Bean after his death on February 14, with members describing him as a larger-than-life figure, a valued colleague, and a friend whose conversations and presence will be missed. The committee then moved to vehicle title bills, beginning with HB 1421, which would change title exemptions for older motor vehicles. DMV witnesses explained the fiscal note was based on 2024 new title applications for vehicles in the affected age range and represented a high-end estimate; members discussed whether the bill would actually be revenue-neutral because reduced title revenue would be offset by reduced staffing work. There was also clarification that the bill applies to cars and regular trucks, not heavy trucks or tractor trailers, and that owners could still obtain titles if they met proof-of-ownership requirements. Members noted antique cars would largely be unaffected because they are already exempt. HB 1421 was moved on an OTP motion and passed 9-8. The committee next considered HB 1466, a related title bill narrowed to boat trailers. Members again raised concerns about lost revenue, but the sponsor and DMV witness said the fiscal note was a high-water estimate and that the bill would likely be close to a wash because the department would save on title-processing costs. The witness also explained that VIN verification, when needed, can be done by local police or a dealership, but not for every trailer title. Members discussed the low value and infrequent resale of older boat trailers, and the bill was described as a practical policy change. HB 1466 was moved OTP and passed 8-0. Finally, the committee discussed HB 1483, which would create a special ham radio operator plate with a lightning bolt symbol and call sign. The sponsor explained an amendment was needed because the bill had mistakenly referred to a House and Senate Ways and Means Committee; the fix would treat the plate under existing vanity plate law. DMV witnesses said the plate would be optional, would require legislative approval, and would function like other special decal plates, which are generally limited to nonprofit-related or legislatively authorized uses. Members asked whether the plate would generate revenue, and DMV confirmed vanity plates carry an added fee that does produce revenue. Discussion focused on the plate’s practical purpose for identifying ham operators, especially in emergencies, and on whether it might set a precedent for other special-interest plates.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:47.720><c> this</c> are the reason why we're discussing this are the reason why we're discussing
• Is there a further discussion?
• Is there a discussion on that? Chair: If there's no discussion, the A4 is what we just heard about.
• ,</c><00:23:44.679><c> so</c> on their own as we've discussed, so on their own as we've discussed, so
• ><c> on</c><00:24:08.920><c> the</c> Is there further discussion on the Is there further discussion on

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Further discussion on the amendment.
• And Senator Wiklund and I discussed this, and I support the A21. Any further discussion on the A21?
• :00.960><c> the</c><00:30:01.040><c> hearing,</c> since our discussion in the hearing, since our discussion
• </c><00:30:09.920><c> and</c> as much um in the I don't discussion and as much um in the I don't discussion
• </c> this could benefit from more discussion. this could benefit from more discussion.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion? Senator San Buenaventura, Mr.
• Is there any discussion? Senator San Buenaventura, Mr.
• Thank you for the further discussion. Senator Fevella, Mr.
• </c> favor thank you forther discussion favor thank you forther discussion Senator Senator Senator favella
• Further discussion? Mr.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think having that discussion discussion discussion um<00:03:24.080><c> is</c><00:03:24.400><c>
• </c> discussing. Thank you. discussing. Thank you.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Any other discussion? &gt;&gt; Any other discussion?
• I think we've discussion on this?
• discussion discussion and<03:08:19.359><c> ongoing</c><03:08:19.920><c> work.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, any discussion? Okay, seeing none, passing with amendments. Chair votes aye.
• Members,<00:00:53.680><c> any</c><00:00:54.000><c> discussion?</c> Members, any discussion?
• Members, any discussion?
• Members, any discussion?
• Members, any discussion? amendments. Members, any discussion? &gt;&gt; Chair? &gt;&gt; Chair?

Bills: SB3275

Keywords: cannabis, low-dose, personal use, cultivation, cannabis accessories, Hawaii cannabis law, medical cannabis, 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection met in decision-making on SB 2760, which had previously been heard jointly with the Agriculture and the Environment Committee. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including language authorizing suspension of certain regulations as needed to enable quarantine treatments and changing the effective date. No members objected, and the recommendation was adopted by unanimous aye votes from the chair, vice chair, and other senators present. The committee then reconvened on SB 3275 relating to cannabis. The chair explained the bill was being kept moving so the Legislature could continue discussing the impacts of recent federal actions on the hemp industry, especially cultivation and processing of CBD products in Hawaii. The proposed amendments would strike several sections and pages of the bill, remove references to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, and substitute the Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation, along with technical non-substantive changes. During discussion, several senators raised concerns about CBD purveyors and the effect on the 329 program, and noted constituent communications on both sides of the issue. One senator said they would vote with reservations, and others said they would vote no. Despite the concerns, the committee voted to pass SB 3275 with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Further discussion to the A8 Chair Noor. Further discussion to the A8 amendment.
• </c> Discussion to the A11 amendment. Discussion to the A11 amendment.
• </c> Discussion to the A14 amendment. Discussion to the A14 amendment.
• Any discussion?
• Any discussion? Seeing none, all Any discussion?

Bills: HF4338

Keywords: human services, medical assistance, Medicaid, provider enrollment, provider revalidation, fraud prevention, program integrity, background study, background check, fingerprinting, licensing, license revocation, payment withholding, payment suspension, prepayment review, postpayment review, surety bond, compliance training, case management, targeted case management

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, are there any discussion on the motion?
• Is there any discussion on the motion? Second, is there any discussion on the motion?
• Senator, you are recognized for discussion?
• Members, is there any more discussion? Members, is there any more discussion?
• Is there any discussion on the motion? Seeing no discussion, all those in favor say aye. Aye.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:25.200><c> um</c> are discussing um are discussing um recommendations<00:07:26.680><c> we<
• </c><00:10:09.320><c> about</c> years we have had a discussion about years we have had a discussion about
• That was a discussion that we had.
• </c> discussions would be similar. discussions would be similar.
• ><c> not</c><00:31:06.000><c> duties</c> in discussing whether or not duties in discussing whether or

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:20:55.280><c> on</c> we definitely need more discussion on we definitely need more discussion
• Members, any questions or discussion?
• Members, any questions or discussion?
• Any discussion or questions?
• Any discussion or questions?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a series of housing measures focused on streamlining approvals, reshaping financing programs, and expanding affordability requirements. SB 27 would exempt state-financed housing developments from County Council approval; SB 38 would bar county legislative bodies from changing housing proposals in ways that increase project costs; SB 25 would let counties reduce housing capacity in one area only if they offset it elsewhere with no net loss; and SB 379 would require perpetual affordability covenants for HHFDC projects and prohibit affordable housing in special flood hazard areas. SB 378 would create an HHFDC working group to identify mixed-use Maui properties for possible acquisition, SB 414 would authorize condemnation proceedings for a new Lānaʻi access road tied to disaster recovery, and SB 13 would eliminate the state income tax mortgage interest deduction for second homes. Testimony was mixed across the bills, with state agencies and housing advocates generally supporting faster permitting and more production, while county planners, NAIOP, Catholic Charities, and others raised concerns about local control, marketability, financing feasibility, and long-term affordability enforcement. A major portion of the hearing centered on the rental housing revolving fund. SB 70 would limit eligible applicants to government agencies or organizations that reinvest all surplus into additional housing; HHFDC said most developers would not object in principle but questioned how the surplus requirement would be enforced, while NAIOP and Catholic Charities opposed it as too restrictive and difficult to monitor. SB 71 would amend the fund’s preference criteria and eligibility rules, and SB 163 would require HHFDC to prioritize projects with the shortest repayment terms and highest unit production per dollar per year. HHFDC and some advocates supported the goal of faster recycling of funds, but NAIOP and Catholic Charities warned that shorter loan terms and narrowed preferences could burden developers and disincentivize projects, especially for lower-income tenants. The chair indicated SB 163 would be deferred and its concerns folded into amendments to SB 71. In decision-making, the committee voted to pass SB 27, SB 38, SB 70, and SB 71 with amendments, and SB 25 unamended. The chair said SB 27 would be amended to include projects with a state financing commitment and a report note that such projects still undergo 21-38 review; SB 38 would receive technical changes and language preventing county bodies from imposing cost-increasing conditions; SB 70 would add language addressing enforcement of the surplus requirement and a preamble citing the need to recycle taxpayer-financed housing value; and SB 71 would be amended to incorporate concerns raised in SB 163, including a broader preamble and revised priority criteria. SB 163 was deferred, while the other measures on the agenda were heard but no final action was described in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you please discuss the bill? Be happy to.
• Please discuss your bill, sir. Thank you.
• Please discuss your bill. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Please discuss. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Would you please discuss your PCS? I think, Mr.

Bills: SB1734, SB1630, SB1894, SB1975, SB1432, SB1437, SB1812, SB346, SB1250, SB710, SB1489, SB2045, SB1614

Keywords: artificial intelligence, AI, schools, public school districts, education technology, edtech, student privacy, FERPA, data privacy, data security, emerging technologies, machine learning, generative AI, classroom technology, instructional technology, teacher oversight, human-in-the-loop, student data, parental consent, opt-out

Summary: The committee took up a series of education-related Senate bills, first accepting untimely filed PCS amendments for SB 1614 and SB 1250 without objection. SB 1734, the Oklahoma Responsible Tech in Schools Act, would prohibit AI tools from being used for instruction in public districts except for educator-directed uses, and it passed 12-0. SB 1630 would allow a school district up to one day or six hours of virtual instruction when students are completing statewide assessments, and it also passed 12-0. SB 1894, using PCS language, caps teacher professional development requirements at 200 hours over five years for teachers with fewer than five years of experience and 150 hours for those with more experience; it passed 11-0. SB 1975 would expand access to AP testing locations and the state’s Horizons online learning platform, and it passed 11-0. SB 1432 removes pilot-program and sunset language from an alternative certification program, and SB 1437 creates the President’s Physical Fitness Act and directs districts to use student fitness results to improve health outcomes; both passed 11-0. SB 1812 requires districts to make K-8 benchmark assessment results available to parents and guardians, and SB 346 modifies the background check process for certain teachers moving to a new district; both passed 11-0. SB 710 would expand the Teach Forward education preparation program to additional providers if funds are available, and SB 1489 concerns special-needs students; both passed 10-0. The committee also approved SB 1614, which creates a teacher induction program for new and emergency-certified teachers, by an 11-0 vote. The committee then considered SB 2045, a recess-related bill that would provide 30 minutes of recess and prohibit recess from being used as punishment. Members asked about possible compromise language with other PE/recess proposals, and the bill passed 11-0. Finally, the committee debated SB 1250, which was described as addressing school library materials and, through amendment, removing the definition of obscene in favor of sexually explicit language. Supporters said it would give districts and superintendents clearer guidance and require local library collection lists to be submitted to the Department of Education; opponents questioned whether the bill was necessary, whether it would require additional staff or create fiscal impacts, and whether stronger repeated-violations language was needed. After discussion, SB 1250 passed 8-2, and the chair noted it was the committee’s last meeting for the year.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any further discussion or debate? See none. Please open the queue for voting.
• Any further discussion or debate? Scene 9. Please open the queue.
• Further discussion debate scene 9. Please open. Close the queue.
• Further discussion about what do have a motion to pass? Do we have a second?
• Further discussion seen none. Please open the cue. CoQ announced the vote.

Bills: SB137, SB1216, SB1226, SB1238, SB1255, SB1256, SB1258, SB1325, SB1460, SB1543, SB1730, SB1733, SB1921

Keywords: electronic monitoring, Department of Corrections, criminal justice, rehabilitation, public safety, SB 1216, drug court, drug courts, Oklahoma drug court, eligibility, substance abuse treatment, addiction, diversion program, criminal justice reform, probation violation, revocation, intermediate revocation facility, plea agreement, speedy trial waiver, preliminary hearing waiver