Transcript Highlights:

• Under the plan proposed by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, or BOEM, 34 permits would be issued
• And in the last little bit, this has been tied to the war in Iran, as if, hey, we'll have more energy
• And in the last little bit, this has been tied to the war in Iran, as if, hey, we'll have more energy
• security if we do this. ...to the war in Iran, as if, hey, we'll have more energy security if we do
• All of this is at risk from the Federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's draft drilling plan.

Committee: Senate Natural Resources and Water

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It slows down our energy shipments. It slows down our energy shipments.
• huge portion of the agriculture coming out of not only Louisiana, but all around America and its energy
• America and its energy exports.
• kind of large-scale infrastructure thinking that supports American manufacturing, agriculture, and energy
• Infrastructure thinking that supports American manufacturing, agriculture, and energy production.

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works met on March 10 and considered a series of highway, bridge, and ferry naming bills, many honoring deceased public servants, veterans, and community leaders. The committee first heard House Bill 346, which redesignates a portion of U.S. Highway 171 as the Speaker Joe Salter Memorial Highway. Members and witnesses from the Secretary of State’s office offered extensive tributes to Salter’s career in education, legislative service, and state government. The bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then took up House Bill 221, which names a proposed Mississippi River bridge crossing connecting LA 1 and LA 30 as the President Donald J. Trump Expressway. Rep. Eccles argued the naming would help draw attention and funding to a long-discussed bridge project and emphasized toll-free, growth-based financing. Some members questioned the political and practical logic, but the bill was reported favorably on a 12-2 vote, with Reps. Murray and Walters voting no. The committee also reported favorably several other memorial naming bills, including HB 356 for the Elward T. Brady Jr. Memorial Bridge, HB 149 for the Senior Police Officer Trevor Abney Memorial Highway, HB 148 for the Eugene Washington Memorial Highway, and HB 716 naming the Schaumet Ferry Terminal after Michael C. Ginnart Jr. Additional measures were amended and reported: HB 355, designating Highway 10 as the Veterans Park Highway, was amended to add “Memorial Highway” and then reported favorably; HB 657, naming portions of LA 182 for Burrick B.J. Lejeune Jr. and Judge Richard T. Dickey Hike Sr., was amended to remove “Memorial” from the designations and reported as amended; HB 675, naming U.S. 425 in Franklin Parish for Assistant Chief Bill Putt Linder, was similarly amended and reported; and HB 384, naming a portion of U.S. 11 as the Dan de Blanc American Hero Highway, was amended to add “Memorial” and reported with amendments. HB 354, renaming the Magnolia Bridge as the Caleb Easterling Memorial Bridge, drew emotional testimony from the victim’s parents about his death in a drunk-driving crash and was reported favorably. HB 358, naming a portion of LA 433 for Charles R. Bordelon Sr., was also reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, the committee voluntarily deferred HB 129, HB 130, HB 360, and HB 401 to a later agenda. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• state funding and because it is under the supervision of a state agency, which is the Department of Energy
• And number eight, also with UAMS, for the west central energy plant boiler.
• This is a revised MOF bringing the new total up to $1.9 million, and they're using energy plant reserves
• Number two, Department of Energy and Environment with InSafe Incorporated.
• Number two, also with the Public Service Commission, is with Daymark Energy Advisors.

Committee: All ALC-REVIEW

Summary: The subcommittee first considered a used tire program contract for Arkansas District 4, an $88,000 one-year contract with LTR Intermediate Holdings. Senators raised concerns that the tire district’s revised business plan had not yet been approved and that the contract could leave the district unable to pay. Questions also focused on solicitation language that excluded bidders under corrective action plans. On motion, the committee held the contract until next month and encouraged the tire board to appear. Members then reviewed and, without objection, moved forward a series of methods of finance, alternative delivery projects, and discretionary grants. These included multiple university and college projects such as renovations, roof replacements, a new UCA multipurpose arena, and a revised financing package for UA Fayetteville’s Maple Hill residence hall. The committee also reviewed DHS and Department of Health grants for aging services, substance abuse prevention, mental health, nutrition outreach, hearing-loss follow-up, HIV services, maternal health, and rural hospital quality improvement. The committee next handled contract items, including a UAMS ratification for FMLA Source after an amendment was not submitted for review and payments continued past expiration; UAMS said it had retrained staff and would review for other missed contracts. Members also reviewed numerous construction, intergovernmental, out-of-state, and in-state contracts across state agencies and universities. Questions were raised about an out-of-state aeronautics study, a U of A Fayetteville parking guidance system, and a Veterans Affairs nursing contract. Most items were reviewed without objection, and the meeting adjourned after informational reports on contract amendments and minor contracts.

Transcript Highlights:

• With new energy, new ideas, and with the courage to try what had not been tried, Mary stood out as the
• With new energy, new ideas, and with the courage to try what had not been tried, Mary stood out as the
• This is where she poured her energy into a 15-year fight to secure collective bargaining rights for over
• This is where she poured her energy into a 15-year fight to secure collective bargaining rights for over
• , and... ...energy, disability services, ag land preservation.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then handled routine procedural matters, including deeming various messages and committee reports read. Senator Arreguín requested removal of SB 239 from the inactive file for second reading. The chamber then took up SJR 9 by Senator Durazo, which was presented as amended and placed on call before later receiving the amendments by a 29-10 vote. The main floor action was on SR 70 by Senator Pérez, commemorating the third anniversary of the Monterey Park mass shooting and honoring the 11 victims. Pérez and Senator Rubio spoke at length about the tragedy, the victims, the community response, and the heroism of Brandon Tsay, who disarmed the shooter. The resolution passed unanimously, 39-0. After adoption, Senator Pérez introduced Monterey Park Mayor Elizabeth Yang as a guest on the floor. The remainder of the session was devoted largely to adjournment-in-memory tributes. Senators honored labor leader Mary Gutierrez Hunter, veteran and political activist Bob Mulholland, former Yolo County Supervisor Betsy Marchand, and Vietnamese American community leader Vu Von Locke, with remarks highlighting their public service, organizing work, and community impact. The Senate also announced that Appropriations would meet after session, and the desk was declared clear before recessing until the next floor session.

Transcript Highlights:

• As we all know, Louisiana has impressive supplies of onshore and offshore energy resources that have
• But in addition to that, we have a history of emerging industries for renewable energy.
• We know that wind energy here in Louisiana, because I was involved in both the vessels that we...
• We need to invest in all forms of energy to maintain an all-of-the-above strategy.
• Thank you very much for all of y'all in renewable energy. Thank you so much. Rep.

Bills: HR179 , HR180 , HR181 , HR182 , HR183 , HR184 , HR185 , HR186 , HR187 , HCR75 , HCR76 , HCR77 , HCR78 , HCR79 , HR165 , HR166 , HR168 , HR169 , HR170 , HR171 , HR172 , HR173 , HR174 , HR175 , HR176 , HR177 , HR178 , HCR65 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HCR68 , HCR69 , HCR70 , HCR71 , HCR72 , HCR73 , HCR74 , SCR34 , SB34 , SB43 , SB52 , SB56 , SB165 , SB173 , SB189 , SB190 , SB260 , SB322 , SB345 , SB374 , SB387 , SB401 , SB448 , SB449 , SB455 , SB487 , SB496 , SB502 , SB505 , HB362 , HB893 , HB990 , HB1007 , HB1153 , HB1243 , HR1 , HR17 , HCR5 , HCR4 , HCR47 , HB55 , HB385 , HB394 , HB396 , HB406 , HB608 , HB622 , HB676 , HB772 , HB897 , HB1030 , HB1035 , HB1038 , HB1045 , HB1049 , HB1056 , HB1058 , HB1059 , HB1092 , HB1100 , HB1117 , HB1160 , HB1161 , HB1162 , HB1177 , HB1180 , HB1189 , HB1216 , HB1239 , HB1240 , HB59 , HB74 , HB159 , HB330 , HB364 , HB414 , HB458 , HB525 , HB568 , HB786 , HB1008 , HB1033 , HB1034 , HB1041 , HB1062 , HB1070 , HB1079 , HB1112 , HB1118 , HB1139 , HB1151 , HB1176 , HB1182 , HB1196 , HB1214 , HB1241 , HB87 , HB115 , HB162 , HB368 , HB433 , HB441 , HB447 , HB466 , HB481 , HB741 , HB1242 , SB162 , SB349 , SB350 , SB382 , SB383 , SB127 , SB244 , HB977 , HB181 , HB31 , HB664 , HB9 , HB192 , HB225 , HB306 , HB310 , HB366 , HB635 , HB911 , HB1230 , HB1236 , HB615 , HB864 , HB1103 , HB1175 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HB284 , HB393 , HB459 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB773 , HB996 , HB1003 , HB1082 , HB1113 , HB1234

Keywords: neighborhood, crime prevention, security districts, law enforcement, community safety, funding, Counseling Day, mental health, Louisiana Counseling Association, community support, mental wellness, Louisiana State University, athletics, NAIA, sports achievements, recognition, success, competition, education, higher education

Summary: The House opened with a prayer, pledge, quorum call, and several personal privileges recognizing guests and special observances, including Junior League Day, Renewable Energy Day, Wholesalers Day, and Sin Law Day. Members also introduced and adopted a number of commemorative resolutions, including condolences, recognitions of schools and community figures, and resolutions related to LSU, ALS Awareness Month, and local festivals. Several Senate and House measures were referred or laid over, and the chamber announced upcoming scheduling changes for House and Senate bills. The most extensive debate centered on House Bill 385, which would require certain TOPS scholarship recipients to repay one semester of aid if they fail to meet academic requirements, subject to listed exemptions and an option to avoid repayment by entering certain high-demand career and technical programs. Opponents questioned the bill’s impact on students, its possible constitutional issues, administrative costs, lack of a fiscal note and implementation details, and whether it would worsen brain drain or convert a merit scholarship into a loan. The motion to recommit the bill to Appropriations failed 34-16, but after continued questioning and criticism, the author later moved to return the bill to the calendar, and that was agreed to. The House then passed House Bill 55, which restricts public disclosure of juror information, after adopting an amendment clarifying that juror interviews are still allowed if jurors choose to participate. The chamber also passed House Bill 394 extending the conditional parole programming period from nine months to 24 months, House Bill 396 making autopsy photographs admissible in criminal proceedings, House Bill 406 directing the Department of Education to study whether it should supervise interscholastic high school athletics, House Bill 622 aligning state criminal history record handling with federal requirements, and House Bill 676 creating the crime of fraudulent patient referrals, or body brokering, with amendments clarifying lawful marketing arrangements. House Bill 1030, concerning reimbursement for non-emergency medical transportation for certain mental health-related services, was taken up with amendments and then temporarily returned to the calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• issues, um we worked through energy issues, um we worked through extensively<00:23:00.240><c> on</c>
• households with their energy bills. supporting our state employees by supporting our state employees
• bills for Maryland families lower energy bills for Maryland families in<00:26:23.080><c> fiscal</c><
• </c><00:26:28.640><c> programs</c> specifically for home energy programs specifically for home energy
• </c> their energy bills. their energy bills.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, March 16, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> mission is to advance gender equity mission is to advance gender equity through<01:15:19.760><c>
• So what you're saying is, for gender equity, a female student who feels that she is a male can go into
• So what you're saying is, for gender equity, a female student who feels that she is a male can go into
• So what you're saying is, for gender equity, a female student who feels that she is a male can go into
• </c> adjustment of other salaries for equity. adjustment of other salaries for equity.

Bills: SB2003

Committee: Senate Water, Land, Culture and the Arts

Keywords: Mauna Kea, land management, University of Hawaii, astronomical observatories, leasable lands, natural resource management, stewardship authority, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts and Education heard testimony and discussed SB 20003, which would require the auditor’s report under Act 255 to include a recommendation on whether the Monarch Stewardship and Oversight Authority is fit to continue managing Monaca lands. Testimony focused on the bill’s reversion language, the role of the auditor, and whether the measure gave the auditor too much discretion without clear criteria. The Office of the Auditor’s position, read into the record, was that it had strong reservations because the bill did not provide standards for assessing fitness and asked that the requirement be held or amended. Other testimony suggested a work group with relevant agencies and Hawaiian practitioners to manage the transition and reduce conflict. Committee members debated whether the bill should simply restore the original reversion language or also require an audit-based fitness determination. Several members questioned the need for a 2031 audit when Act 255 already provides for a performance and financial audit in 2031 and noted that the bill could shift authority away from the legislature. In response, the committee chair explained that the measure was intended to restore language removed during conference and to address the transition back to the University of Hawaii if the authority was not meeting the act’s purpose. The committees ultimately recommended SB 20003 be passed with amendments. The amendments would strike the auditor/audit section, add language addressing timelines by providing a 10-year lease extension and sublease extension, and make technical changes including a defective date. The committees voted to adopt the amended measure and send it forward as an SD1. The transcript also included a separate Education Committee hearing on SB 3286, which would require the University of Hawaii to develop a facilities and student housing master plan and report to the legislature. University of Hawaii testimony said the system supports the intent but that the bill’s requirements are a heavy lift across 10 campuses and should follow development of a broader academic strategy. Members raised concerns about deferred maintenance, shifting priorities, and the lack of a systemwide plan, while the university said it already has a six-year capital improvement plan but acknowledged it does not fully incorporate the broader academic and housing strategy the bill contemplates.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, obviously if you have a mortgage or if you have a home equity, they can still seize your
• It says protect your home equity from creditors through a homestead exemption.
• This has led to certain firms using this equity as a way to leverage greater monetary awards, and the
• I have no equity in a house because the house has always been provided for me."
• I have no equity in a house because the house has always been provided for me."

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 8463, provides a one-year utility bill tax and surcharge holiday, and a two-year green energy
• suspend any tariff or surcharge on a utility bill associated with the construction of a renewable energy
• suspend any tariff or surcharge on a utility bill associated with the construction of a renewable energy
• AYED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF A RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEM, OR EV CHARGING STATIONS FOR TWO YEARS.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met on March 6, 2026, approved the prior day’s journal, and then proceeded through the day’s calendar of bills. A number of measures were passed, including bills amending the Corporation Law, Environmental Conservation Law, Public Officers Law, Executive Law, Cannabis Law, Vehicle and Traffic Law, Penal Law, Labor Law, Public Health Law, Real Property and Actions and Proceedings Law, General Business Law, and Agriculture and Markets Law. Most passed with broad support, though several had recorded negative votes from a small group of senators. One bill on the Legislative Law, Calendar 340, was initially set aside for the controversial calendar. During consideration of Calendar 340, Senator Lanza raised a non-germane amendment offered by Senator Rolison that would have created utility bill tax and surcharge holidays and a green energy tax holiday. The Chair ruled the amendment non-germane, and the Senate upheld that ruling by a show of hands, with 22 in favor of overruling the Chair. The bill in chief was then restored to the non-controversial calendar. Senators May and Krueger spoke in support of the underlying Legislative Law bill, describing it as a procedural reform to make it easier for the Senate and Assembly to reconcile differences between versions of bills, similar to congressional practice. The bill passed 42-1, with several senators recorded in the negative. The Senate then completed the calendar and adjourned until Tuesday, March 10 at 3:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• And if people understand the impact of energy on every single...
• And if people understand the impact of energy on every single thing that impacts our lives right now,
• a hospital, on their cost of running an educational facility, and the list goes on and on because energy
• Energy is critical to the economic growth and the sustainability and viability of our families here in
• That will protect ratepayers who sign up for energy-type programs that are a short period of time.

Keywords: Scheduler, 972, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To Natural Resources and Energy, Senate Bill 222, Senate Joint Resolution 134.
• its first reading, and returned to the Committee on Natural Resources and Energy.
• Please let the journal reflect that Senate Bill 100 has been taken from Natural Resources and Energy,
• given its first reading, I believe, and returned to Natural Resources and Energy for further action.
• been taken from Natural<01:01:33.080><c> Resources</c><01:01:33.760><c> and</c><01:01:34.000><c> Energy

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• heard the first reading of the bill, and it is referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Energy
• heard the first reading of the bill, and it is referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Energy
• . energy. energy.
• We will be joining the House Committee on Energy and Technology, and the hearing has begun in room 10
• </c> joining the House Committee of Energy joining the House Committee of Energy and<00:47:16.000><c>

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We put a lot of energy into the system with literacy.
• What's our call to action to put energy into the system to increase our math and science results?
• So, again, I think when you think about putting energy into the system, the summer reading program is
• Energy into the system to improve our literacy rates. So it's nice to see that.
• And what happens when you put effort or energy into the system, right?

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> bulk energy facilities. bulk energy facilities.
• Um, we have energy facilities.
• Um, we have energy facilities.
• </c> maintenance and energy efficiency. maintenance and energy efficiency.
• If the energy either of them.

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Go Green was one that's operated by the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing
• Authority that provides state-backed funds, kind of a loan program to support energy efficiency upgrades
• then offer lower rates, longer payback terms, higher loan amounts to a broader base of borrowers for energy
• then offer lower rates, longer payback terms, higher loan amounts to a broader base of borrowers for energy
• resilience loan program, as the Senator mentioned, modeled on the State Treasurer's successful Go Green energy

Summary: The Senate Emergency Management Committee heard five wildfire- and emergency-related bills. SB 1270 by Senator Richardson would expand the California Wildfire Mitigation Program to more counties based on wildfire risk and social vulnerability, with the author and county representatives saying the program should better target home-hardening assistance where need is greatest. SB 1079 by Senator Stern would create a Fire Innovation Unit within Cal Fire to identify operational needs, test new wildfire technologies, and speed deployment of successful tools; it drew broad support from fire, environmental, local government, and industry groups. SB 1020 by Senator Niello would require annual reporting on open states of emergency, including spending and lessons learned, to increase legislative oversight without limiting the governor’s emergency powers. SB 894 by Senator Allen would establish a wildfire resilience loan program modeled on the state’s Go Green financing platform to help homeowners afford wildfire hardening and defensible-space improvements; supporters included the State Treasurer’s office, counties, fire-safety groups, local governments, and credit unions. There was no opposition testimony on any of the bills. Committee members generally expressed support, with comments emphasizing wildfire risk, the need for home hardening, innovation, and accountability in emergency powers. Senator Rubio asked to be a coauthor on SB 894, and the chair noted the bill’s importance for making mitigation more affordable at scale. All five measures were approved by the committee on motions for “do pass as amended to appropriations,” with roll calls taken over several quorum interruptions. The bills were advanced out of committee, and the hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, the update with the new name, the House Committee on Energy and Digital Infrastructure, was added
• Natural Resources and Energy will meet at 10:00. Senator from Lamoille.
• 16:23.400><c> Natural</c><00:16:23.640><c> Resources</c><00:16:24.040><c> and</c><00:16:24.120><c> Energy
• Natural Resources and Energy President.
• Natural Resources and Energy will<00:16:24.400><c> meet</c><00:16:24.520><c> at</c><00:16:24.640><c>

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to do that and that available energy to do that and that drives<01:21:01.920><c> National</c><01:21:
• Department of Energy because we are highly attracted to working with them in the national laboratory
• </c><01:23:08.440><c> heat</c> the real economics energy heat the real economics energy heat management
• </c><01:46:45.560><c> Green</c> finally number four green energy Green finally number four green energy
• </c> emissions emissions and energy emissions emissions and energy consumption<01:46:57.840><c> the</

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lauren Ballard, Chief of Staff, Department of Energy and Environment.
• Amanda Land, Chief Counsel, Department of Energy and Environment.
• Wind Energy Development Act.
• Wind Energy Development Act.
• Act 945. 2025, the Arkansas Wind Energy Development Act.

Committee: All ALC-ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

Summary: The Administrative Rules Subcommittee met to review a long agenda of agency rule changes, beginning with housekeeping on the order of business and then taking up rules from multiple state agencies. Early items included Department of Energy and Environment rules on landfill post-closure trust fund spending thresholds and liquefied petroleum gas standards, DFA’s odometer disclosure rule allowing electronic signatures and disclosures, and several Department of Health rules covering ionizing radiation, mobile home and recreational parks, lead-based paint, counseling licensure, hearing instrument dispensers, athletic training, dental specialties and compacts, nursing, pharmacy, physician assistants, medical compacts, speech-language pathology and audiology, radiologic technology, massage therapy, community health workers, doula certification, and cosmetology/body art. Most of these were described as technical updates, conformity with recent acts, federal standards, or compact participation, and nearly all were approved without objection after brief questions and, in many cases, no public comment. The committee also reviewed Department of Labor and Licensing rules on minimum wage/independent contractor standards, boiler rules, motor vehicle commission requirements for ATV/LSV dealers, professional wrestling regulation, appraiser qualifications, and military recruiting and retention programs. Testimony generally emphasized that the rules implemented recent legislation, updated fees or licensing standards, or streamlined existing processes. Members asked a few questions about fee structures, the rationale for regulating professional wrestling, and how the National Guard’s public-private partnership and incentive programs would work; the department said the recruiting incentives would be funded from existing appropriations and were intended to improve retention and force strength. These rules were also approved without objection. The most extensive discussion came on the Department of Education’s Arkansas Children’s Educational Freedom Account Program rule. The department said the revisions, based on Act 920 of 2025, were intended to add guardrails, clarify allowable expenses, and speed approval of core educational purchases. Changes included defining core educational expenses, limiting certain sports-related spending, adding an intentional misuse standard, restricting phone purchases except for disability-related needs, setting a $1,000 threshold for additional review of technology purchases, capping carryover funds at $8,500, and creating a reconsideration process for denied expenses. Members raised concerns about safeguards, appeals, sports equipment, provider credentialing, rural vendor access, and whether the department would be flexible or overly restrictive. The department said it would review every request, provide written explanations for denials, allow appeals up to the State Board, and refer suspected fraud to prosecutors if necessary. After hearing from 13 members of the public, the committee continued to discuss the rule, but the transcript ends before any final vote on the EFA rule is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gradually increases the environmental response, energy, carbon emissions, and food security tax rates
• <00:31:45.039><c> independence</c><00:31:46.320><c> while</c><00:31:46.720><c> protecting</c> energy
• independence while protecting energy independence while protecting vulnerable<00:31:48.080><c> Kamina
• goals, right, that the renewable energy goals, right, that the amounts<00:48:36.480><c> of</c><00:48
• Mike Eyewall from the Energy Justice Network was called on Zoom, but was not available.

Bills: SB2309 , SB2317 , SB2318 , SB2319 , SB2321 , SB2323 , SB2332 , SB2405 , SB2485

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: agricultural loans, financial support, Hawaii agriculture, food security, revolving fund, agriculture, insurance, small producers, state support, biosecurity, farm coverage, public-private partnerships, agricultural policy, agricultural statistics, data collection, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, economic analysis, market development, grant funding, climate resiliency

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture-related measures, beginning with SB 2309, which would require the agricultural loan division to sell portions of its loan portfolio and use the proceeds to expand the agriculture loan revolving fund. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the bill, along with several other organizations and individuals. A committee question focused on the risk of not finding a qualified buyer for the loan portfolio; DAB said a mandatory sale of the full amount could force a less favorable rate, while flexibility to sell different amounts could produce a more equitable return. The measure drew eight supporters and no opposition. The committee then took up SB 2317, which directs DAB to study insurance coverage for small producers and report back to the Legislature. DAB and multiple farm groups supported the bill. In response to a question about cost, DAB estimated about $250,000 would be needed, with the study likely covering crop, health, and liability insurance. The next measure, SB 2318, would establish an agriculture statistics program in statute. DAB said it strongly supported the bill and could ramp up quickly if positions were provided; the committee discussed whether a first report could be completed by year’s end if the bill became law midyear, and DAB said yes. SB 2319, which would fund and make permanent a full-time grant writer position at DAB, also drew strong support from DAB, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Ulupono Initiative, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, the local food coalition, and others, with testifiers emphasizing the position’s return on investment and success in bringing in federal funds. The committee also heard SB 2321, establishing a two-year pilot program to respond to the twoline spittlebug. DAB, ranching groups, and many others supported the bill, citing the pest’s spread and the need to act before it becomes unmanageable. A DAB pest control manager said he would need to research past response details and provide them later. Members emphasized the importance of early intervention. For SB 2323, which creates a farmland transition commission to study barriers to farmland access and recommend solutions, DAB offered comments and support for the intent, while farm groups generally supported the concept but raised concerns about the proposed age range and whether a separate commission was necessary. DAB said the Board of Agriculture likely would not have the capacity to perform the commission’s duties and estimated there would be costs to establish it, though no figure was available at the hearing. Finally, the committee heard SB 2332, which reestablishes the agriculture and food security special fund, creates a carbon emissions tax and dividend fund, gradually raises carbon-related tax rates, and provides a refundable carbon cashback credit. DAB supported the measure and deferred to Taxation on details; the Department of Taxation said it would stand on its comments, and the Attorney General’s office offered comments and recommendations. Carbon Cashback Hawaii and the County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development supported the bill, arguing it would reduce emissions, protect lower-income households, and be relatively simple to administer.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the select committees are kind of only as good as the energy we all put into them.
• PV system to function as an energy source within residential and non-residential electrical circuits
• Sylvia Solis Shaw here on behalf of Advanced Energy United in support. Thank you.
• But to... ...owner; even renters who want to lower their energy costs could have the same benefit.
• Motion to pass as amended to the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy. Haney, aye.

Committee: House Housing and Community Development

Keywords: 988, house, all