Transcript Highlights:

• Now more than ever, we must... ...recognize the long-term consequences and preserve the stable funding
• should hope that we put it in the best posture that we can possibly put it in to make sure that we preserve
• should hope that we put it in the best posture that we can possibly put it in to make sure that we preserve
• Sure that we preserve the integrity of this process and protect our residents from, with transparency

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Summary: The Committee on Appropriations took up SJR 2-F, the proposed constitutional amendment on property tax relief, which would reduce assessment growth on non-homestead property, expand homestead exemptions, create a new exemption for new homesteaders, and direct counties, cities, and school districts to use property tax revenues for specified core services. Senator Avila presented the measure as the governor’s plan to provide historic relief and argued that local governments should tighten budgets and prioritize core functions. Senators raised concerns about the lack of fiscal scoring, the breadth and ambiguity of the permitted uses, the effect on special districts and local services, and whether the proposal would shift costs to fees or other taxes. The committee adopted several amendments, including Avila’s amendment clarifying that ad valorem revenues could be used for county and municipal operations and administration and other expenditures not prohibited by law, and Trumbull’s amendment removing school board ad valorem taxes from the proposal. Other amendments failed, including proposals to allow user fees and non-ad valorem assessments, add a sunset, redirect tourism development taxes, narrow the small-business provision, and change the ballot title to reference local service reductions. Grall’s amendment removing the constitutional trust fund requirement was adopted, while the committee also rejected Berman’s title-change amendment and Smith’s sunset and tourism-tax amendments. The committee then returned to the bill as amended for questions, including extended debate over whether the proposal would affect noncitizen residents, the impact on local government finances, and whether local governments would respond with higher fees or special assessments. The meeting ended with the bill still under discussion after the final round of questions, with Avila saying he would continue working with the governor’s office on the language before the next vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• in the late 1980s to provide public benefits to local companies to stimulate business activity, preserve
• companies to stimulate<00:40:41.680><c> business</c><00:40:42.080><c> activity,</c><00:40:42.960><c> preserve
• </c> stimulate business activity, preserve stimulate business activity, preserve jobs,<00:40:43.720><

Bills: SB2908 , SB2671 , SB3085 , SB2907 , SB2353 , SB2074 , SB2360 , SB2057 , SB3251 , SB2354 , SB3001

Committee: House Economic Development & Technology

Keywords: permit processing, permitting reform, county permits, development permits, building permits, land use, construction delays, housing development, infrastructure development, county workforce, differential pay, salary incentive, performance bonus, recruitment and retention, expedited hiring, vacancy rates, permit backlog, government modernization, county mayor, county council

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several Senate bills, with most measures drawing broad support and a few generating significant opposition or policy questions. SB 2908 SD1 and SB 2671 SD1 were taken up first; both appeared to have majority support, with SB 2908 receiving seven in support, one in opposition, and one comment, and SB 2671 receiving five in support and two comments. SB 3085 SD2, related to film industry operations, drew 11 supporters and no opposition. Georgia Skinner explained that the bill would streamline the approval timeline for productions by reducing delays tied to Land Board review, and she said DLNR supported the effort. Committee members asked about the need for the change and the relationship between the film studio, DLNR, and the approval process. The committee then discussed SB 2907 SD1, which would create an Office of Marine Affairs. Testimony was largely supportive, including from DLNR, HTDC, the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, ocean industry representatives, and others. The governor’s office supported the bill’s intent but objected to placing the office within the Office of the Governor, urging instead that it be housed at HTDC. HTDC said it was willing and excited to take on the work and described ongoing stakeholder engagement. Members asked about the rationale for the placement and the long-term structure of the office. SB 2353 SD2, concerning the Aloha Stadium district and billboard/naming-rights issues, drew strong opposition overall, with four in support, 23 in opposition, and one comment. Andrew Pereira of the Stadium Authority argued the measure could generate revenue to help maintain and operate the stadium and said the district would remain self-contained; he also emphasized that the development would respect the character of the area. The committee then heard SB 2074 SD1, which had five in support and 26 in opposition; only one support testimony from the Carpenters was heard before the discussion moved on. Finally, SB 2360 SD1, an enterprise zones measure, received 14 supportive testimonies and two comments. Testimony focused on updating the program for modern business models, especially e-commerce and direct-to-consumer sales, while committee members questioned whether the program overlaps with higher tax burdens and whether businesses receiving subsidies should be monitored for job retention after graduation from the program.

Transcript Highlights:

• Looking forward, we are not just preserving what we have. We are building the next generation.
• /c><00:21:31.280><c> just</c> Looking forward, we are not just Looking forward, we are not just preserving
• </c><00:21:33.280><c> We</c><00:21:33.440><c> are</c><00:21:33.600><c> building</c> preserving what we
• We are building preserving what we have.

Bills: HF3474 , HF3475 , HF3508

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: agriculture, funding, research, agricultural institute, state appropriations, education, leadership council, compensation, research institute, dairy assistance, investment, relief initiative, farm support, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I mentioned, the main compliance issue is compliance with the federal law while we're trying to preserve
• federal law um while we're trying<00:27:07.760><c> to</c><00:27:07.919><c> pro</c><00:27:08.240><c> preserve
• </c><00:27:08.640><c> some</c><00:27:08.960><c> legislative</c> trying to pro preserve some legislative
• trying to pro preserve some legislative control<00:27:09.760><c> on</c><00:27:10.000><c> this.

Committee: House Appropriations & Revenue

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:15 HB 1 Discussion 00:02:00 HB 1 Vote 00:15:05 HB 2 Discussion 00:17:20 HB 2 Vote 01:13:20, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have to preserve that health care access fund and other uses for that money, so that would be my first
• Minnesota care we off of MA and onto Minnesota care we have<00:53:23.040><c> to</c><00:53:23.200><c> preserve
• c><00:53:23.520><c> that</c><00:53:23.839><c> healthcare</c><00:53:24.400><c> access</c> have to preserve
• that healthcare access have to preserve that healthcare access fund<00:53:25.359><c> and</c><00:53:25.520

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So there's protection somewhat, I think that's already a part of this trying to preserve that confidentiality
• trying</c><01:01:45.280><c> to</c> already a part of this trying to already a part of this trying to preserve
• <01:01:45.920><c> that</c><01:01:46.240><c> confidentiality</c><01:01:47.520><c> the</c> preserve that
• confidentiality the preserve that confidentiality the sensitivity<01:01:48.400><c> to</c><01:01:48.640

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:52:50.640><c> of</c> The purpose of the subcommittee was to, you know, legislation that would preserve
• to, you know, legislation<00:53:14.480><c> that</c><00:53:14.800><c> would</c><00:53:15.119><c> preserve
• </c><00:53:15.520><c> the</c> legislation that would preserve the legislation that would preserve the

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Economies of scale and preserve a lot of culture, tradition, and education around the arts.
• provide many benefits, such as supporting a clean water supply, flood control, and wildlife habitat preservation
• Investing in state parks is not just about natural and cultural resource preservation, but also about
• But that's not just for the visitor experience; it's natural and cultural preservation and conservation

Committee: House Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• These are union jobs, solid blue-collar careers that support families, sustain local economies, and preserve
• 33.440><c> and</c> families, sustain local economies, and families, sustain local economies, and preserve
• c> critical</c><01:07:34.480><c> knowledge</c><01:07:34.799><c> base</c><01:07:35.119><c> in</c> preserve
• a critical knowledge base in preserve a critical knowledge base in transportation<01:07:36.280><c> infrastructure

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It strengthens patient safety, preserves continuity of care, and recenters medical decisions between
• It strengthens patient safety, preserves continuity of care, and recenters medical decisions between
• also on behalf of Resolve: The National Infertility Association and the Alliance for Fertility Preservation
• This is a significant concern, and we need all stakeholders working together to look at how we can preserve

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard a long agenda of health bills focused on access to preventive care, behavioral health, hospital services, and patient safety. Early items included AB 554, which would expand and protect access to HIV prevention drugs like PrEP, including injectable forms and coverage protections; supporters said it would shore up access amid federal threats, while insurers opposed it as a costly benefit mandate. AB 577 would limit insurer and PBM practices that steer medications away from physician offices and require more transparency and patient consent; doctors and patient advocates supported it, while health plans and insurers warned it could raise drug costs and disrupt specialty pharmacy networks. AB 546 would require coverage for portable HEPA purifiers for vulnerable enrollees during declared emergencies, especially wildfire smoke events, with support from air quality and public health groups and opposition from insurers concerned about benefit expansion and cost. The committee also heard AB 224, which would codify California’s updated essential health benefits benchmark plan after a public review process, adding infertility treatment, hearing aids, and durable medical equipment if approved by CMS for the 2027 plan year. DMHC said the state had completed the review and needed legislation to meet federal timing, and the measure drew broad support. AB 1032 would require plans and insurers to reimburse up to 12 additional behavioral health visits for enrollees in wildfire-affected counties for a limited period after an emergency; supporters argued it would fill gaps in trauma care after disasters, while insurers said existing parity and continuity-of-care rules already address the issue and that the bill could create inequities. AB 849 would require trained chaperones for sensitive ultrasound exams and training on how to observe and intervene; it was backed by a survivor and patient advocates, with hospitals and health districts raising staffing concerns. Later, AB 1196 would direct the Department of Public Health to update outdated rules requiring three surgeons for certain heart surgeries using cardiopulmonary bypass; supporters said the rule no longer reflects modern practice and strains staffing, while cardiology representatives had no formal opposition but wanted to review amendments. AB 1113 would codify a right to wear a mask for health reasons in public spaces, with support from disability and public health groups. AB 1386 sought to add perinatal care to the list of basic hospital services, prompting testimony about maternity ward closures, workforce shortages, and rural access; the author said the bill would be amended further and that the committee would need to revisit timelines and implementation details. The committee also heard AB 1429, which would address Kaiser’s repeated mental health parity violations and improve access to behavioral health care, though the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill is shown. Several bills were moved with motions and seconds, but many were held for quorum; AB 1196, AB 1113, and AB 1386 were among the measures advanced to a roll call or held on call, and the committee repeatedly noted that final votes would occur when quorum was available.

Transcript Highlights:

• the ones in the meeting room, not the ones you're wearing, and clean out anything that you want to preserve
• </c><03:26:10.880><c> you</c><03:26:11.040><c> want</c><03:26:11.200><c> to</c><03:26:11.399><c> preserve
• </c><03:26:12.439><c> Um</c> that uh that you want to preserve.
• Um that uh that you want to preserve.

Committee: House Fish and Game and Marine Resources

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• fought fiercely for working people, for teachers and students, for rural communities, and for the preservation
• communities,<01:15:53.840><c> and</c><01:15:54.000><c> for</c><01:15:54.159><c> the</c><01:15:54.320><c> preservation
• </c><01:15:54.640><c> of</c> communities, and for the preservation of communities, and for the preservation

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We get $10,000 a year, and that's for preservation and restoration.
• </c><01:00:34.319><c> you</c><01:00:34.480><c> want</c><01:00:34.640><c> to</c><01:00:34.799><c> preserve
• </c><01:00:35.200><c> them</c> important if you want to preserve them important if you want to preserve

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Legislative Administration Committee opened with Senate Bill 197, which would remove the Department of Health and Human Services commissioner’s supervisory role over the legislative facilities committee nurse and instead place the nurse under the Board of Nursing’s scope of practice. The sponsor’s aide and DHHS legislative director explained that the change updates outdated language last amended in 1995, aligns the statute with current practice, and was reviewed with legislative staff and nursing regulators, who were said to be comfortable with the proposal. Members asked why the change was needed and whether the commissioner had actually been supervising; the response was that the language no longer reflected how the position functioned. The chair said the bill might still be a simple consent item, but additional modifications were being discussed, so the hearing was closed with no vote taken at that time. The committee then heard Senate Bill 186, authorizing the Joint Legislative Historical Committee to accept and display a portrait of former Senator Jeb Bradley in the State House. The sponsor’s aide described Bradley’s legislative and congressional service and urged the committee to move the bill ought to pass. Members asked practical questions about whether the portrait was completed, its size, and where it would be hung. The witness said the portrait was not yet completed and that size and placement had not been determined, though the committee was told the historical committee would decide placement. A committee member noted that portrait sizes and locations are already being reviewed because of space concerns, and the hearing ended without a vote. A work session followed on the portrait bills, with the chair using them as a vehicle to discuss broader problems in the statutes governing portraits and the historical committee. He said the committee had gathered information from other states and suggested possible policy ideas such as portrait moratoriums, waiting periods after death, size limits, and clearer placement rules. Members discussed the need to update the RSAs and better define the historical committee’s authority. The committee did not take final action during the work session, but the discussion indicated that the portrait bills may be held while broader statutory revisions are considered.

Transcript Highlights:

• language, which allows health plans to discontinue individual health plans with low enrollment while preserving
• with low individual health plans with low enrollment<00:20:30.000><c> while</c><00:20:30.240><c> preserving
• </c><00:20:30.720><c> the</c> enrollment while preserving the enrollment while preserving the department's

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Under those rules, the chair is responsible for preserving order and decorum during committee meetings
• , and the chair may ask the sergeant at arms to assist as needed. assist in preserving order and decorum
• They preserve the natural essence of the plant and are completely safe and effective.
• We can protect consumers and preserve the industry that's creating jobs, empowering... veterans and giving

Bills: HB28 , SB3 , SB 3

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, state health, youth protection, licensing fees, criminal offenses, flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program

Transcript Highlights:

• Zeran, um, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in support, and Joyce Renicki, Alliance for Fertility Preservation
• 00:05:12.639><c> Fertility</c> Renicki, Alliance for Fertility Renicki, Alliance for Fertility Preservation
• </c><00:05:14.960><c> Anybody</c><00:05:15.440><c> else</c> Preservation in support.
• Anybody else Preservation in support.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee opened its Health and Human Services calendar, noted quorum, and first took up HB 194. The chair explained amendments to add an exemption for a person invited by a patient to attend a birth outside an accredited birth facility when no compensation is involved, remove a date reference in section 9, and accept Department of Health amendments. Members raised no objections, and the committee voted to pass HB 194 with amendments. The committee then heard HB 139 on insurance, with the Attorney General flagging possible unlawful delegation issues and suggesting clarifying language, while the Insurance Division stood on written testimony. A number of health organizations and advocates, including HMSA, Hawaii Association of Health Plans, oncology and fertility groups, testified in support. HB 613 on homeless youth drew broad support from state agencies, counties, youth advocates, and community groups; testimony emphasized the need for permanent safe spaces and more attention to unaccompanied minors, with one witness asking for clarity on funding and shelter capacity. HB 71 on a tax credit for family caregivers drew support from AARP, Alzheimer’s and children’s advocates, and several individuals, while the Tax Foundation raised concerns about blank provisions and the cost-effectiveness of administering a small credit. The Department of Taxation said a prior version with a $5,000 nonrefundable credit would have cost the general fund about $397.4 million. HB 716 on health care technology support received strong support from SHPDA, OHIN, and many provider groups, who described it as a one-time investment of roughly $20–25 million to connect rural and neighbor island providers to electronic health records; members questioned how the grant program would be allocated. HB 799 on physician hospital privileges also drew mixed testimony: supporters said it would align Hawaii with updated CMS rules and improve access, especially on Maui, while Maui Health and some members worried it could reduce on-call coverage and hospital safety, leading to discussion of a possible report and sunset date.

Transcript Highlights:

• assignment for this population, by making the simple yet impactful accommodation which we believe preserves
• impactful accommodation which<00:17:29.760><c> we</c><00:17:29.960><c> believe</c><00:17:30.520><c> preserves
• </c><00:17:31.080><c> the</c><00:17:31.280><c> Integrity</c> which we believe preserves the Integrity
• which we believe preserves the Integrity of<00:17:32.280><c> our</c><00:17:32.559><c> open</c><00:17

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the estate strongly supports phasing out the estate tax<00:42:32.240><c> to</c><00:42:32.440><c> preserve
• family</c><00:42:33.040><c> farms</c><00:42:33.280><c> and</c><00:42:33.440><c> ranches</c> tax to preserve
• family farms and ranches tax to preserve family farms and ranches uh<00:42:34.520><c> thank</c><00:42
• Peterson: Yes, Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation strongly supports phasing out the estate tax to preserve

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• assault evidence collection kits chapter, and that specifies the process for training, collection, preservation
• specifies the process for training that specifies the process for training collection<00:56:54.640><c> preservation
• </c><00:56:55.119><c> of</c><00:56:55.319><c> evidence</c><00:56:56.240><c> and</c> collection preservation
• of evidence and collection preservation of evidence and how<00:56:56.440><c> to</c><00:56:56.559><c>

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to housing, homelessness, caregiving, and tax relief. On HB 431, which appropriates funds for the CAL initiative and HHFDC, the Department of Human Services supported the bill and noted the Governor’s request for $50 million per year for HMS, the need for more permanent supportive housing, and a technical issue with establishing a special fund in session law. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions strongly supported the measure, describing it as unprecedented funding for CAL projects and linking it to goals of reducing homelessness and expanding housing inventory. Catholic Charities Hawaii, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Reimagining Public Safety in Hawaii Coalition also supported the bill, emphasizing permanent supportive housing, diversion from jail, and public safety benefits. The chair redirected one testifier to stay on the measure when testimony drifted to another program. Written support was also noted from several organizations and agencies. The committee then heard HB 225 on squatting. DHS said it appreciated the intent and deferred to the Attorney General and task force members, while noting that outreach on public lands differs from private land, where owner consent is required. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill and wanted a voice in finding a solution. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions also said it supported the intent, while opposition from the Kingdom of the Hawaiian Islands and support from one individual were noted. For HB 280, which would make the community outreach court permanent and appropriate funds, the Judiciary strongly supported the bill, describing the court as a mobile, community-based program serving vulnerable populations and connecting participants to services. The Office of the Public Defender also supported the measure, saying the program has helped people move off the streets and into stable housing and that permanent funding would allow expansion. Written support from the Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition was noted. The committee then moved to HB 71, creating a refundable family caregiver tax credit, where the Department of Taxation provided comments, the Executive Office on Aging and AARP Hawaii supported the measure, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about duplication with an existing dependent care credit and the lack of incentives for cost control. The committee next heard HB 753, which would increase the applicable percentage for the household and dependent care services tax credit. Support came from the Executive Office on Aging, Catholic Charities Hawaii, AARP Hawaii, and Hawaii Children’s Action Network, while the Tax Foundation again raised technical concerns about complexity and administration but noted the bill adds guardrails against abuse. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• to make sure that people like her, who were going through cancer treatment, had access to wigs to preserve
• had access to through cancer treatment had access to wigs<00:55:05.119><c> to</c><00:55:05.319><c> preserve
• their</c><00:55:05.920><c> dignity</c><00:55:06.760><c> and</c><00:55:06.960><c> she</c> wigs to preserve
• their dignity and she wigs to preserve their dignity and she presented<00:55:07.559><c> that</c><00:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all