Transcript Highlights:

• Much of the bill is current law moved from other chapters to this chapter.
• , which are now located in the new chapter.
• Section 11 is the meat of the bill, enacting a new Chapter 14-07.7.
• Chapter 14-07.1 pertaining to the three types of orders into the new chapter.
• Sections 12 through 16 make citation changes to correspond to the new chapter.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then moved through a series of conference committee appointments and reconsideration motions. Senator Axtman successfully moved to reconsider House Bill 1160, which had previously failed, and the chamber later passed it. HB 1160 creates a statewide bell-to-bell policy restricting personal electronic devices during instructional time; supporters argued it would reduce distractions, improve mental health and academic outcomes, and help teachers, while opponents raised local control concerns. The bill passed 42-4. The Senate also passed several other measures, including HB 1247 on protecting student victims of sexual offenses, HB 1489 consolidating civil protection orders into one chapter, HB 1032 making municipal courts courts of record and updating related procedures, HB 1487 authorizing a Minot facility for the Highway Patrol and Bureau of Criminal Investigation with a line of credit and emergency clause, HB 1469 requiring annual online statements of interest for public officials, HB 1199 creating the Missing and Indigenous People Task Force and related MMIP initiatives, HB 1169 regulating paid veterans benefits claim assistance with consumer protections, HB 1209 directing a foreign adversary threat assessment, and HB 3018 as amended to study water, wetlands, and taxation of inundated lands. Most of these passed with strong bipartisan support, though HB 1169 drew substantial debate over veterans’ service options and HB 1209 passed on a narrower 40-7 vote. The chamber rejected or declined several other measures. HB 1455, which would have required the Indian Affairs Commission to review introduced legislation for tribal implications, failed 7-40 after concerns about an unfunded mandate and duplicative duties. HB 1259, which would have put North Dakota on year-round daylight saving time, was defeated 15-32 after debate over time zones, construction, recreation, and whether the issue should be left to future legislatures. HB 1555, dealing with statements of ownership for foreign organizations of concern, also failed 3-44. The Senate then moved to announcements and committee scheduling for later meetings and conference committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:19.760><c> how</c><00:21:20.000><c> much</c><00:21:20.159><c> tips</c><00:21:20.559><c> are
• </c><00:21:23.840><c> Uh</c><00:21:24.240><c> I</c><00:21:24.559><c> think</c><00:21:25.120><c> there
• with regards to potential violations<00:21:30.000><c> to</c><00:21:30.240><c> the</c><00:21:31.080><
• </c><00:21:32.080><c> Uh</c><00:21:32.480><c> I</c><00:21:32.640><c> was</c><00:21:33.120><c> Can</c>
• 21:34.400><c> those</c><00:21:34.640><c> concerns?

Committee: House Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• Um I<00:21:00.280><c> can</c><00:21:00.360><c> see</c><00:21:00.480><c> a</c><00:21:00.520><c> lot</c
• Okay.<00:21:05.600><c> There</c><00:21:05.720><c> are</c><00:21:05.800><c> there</c><00:21:05.960><c>
• > have</c><00:21:15.680><c> to</c><00:21:15.880><c> spend</c><00:21:16.120><c> more</c><00:21:16.240>
• more time on it.<00:21:16.600><c> Just</c><00:21:17.320><c> Here</c><00:21:17.440><c> are</c><00:21:
• So,<00:21:18.560><c> my</c><00:21:18.680><c> understanding</c><00:21:19.160><c> is</c><00:21:19.280><

Bills: SB888 , SB2479 , SB2489 , SB2519 , SB2521 , SB2527 , SB2575 , SB2591 , SB2611 , SB2665 , SB2667 , SB2695 , SB2697 , SB2713 , SB2730 , SB2751 , SB2765 , SB2795 , SB2797 , SB2806 , SB2812 , SB2818 , SB2835 , SB2849 , SB2851 , SB2896 , SB2922 , SB2970 , SB2972 , SB2973

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met in decision-making only session and took up a long list of Senate bills, mostly advancing them with either no amendments or committee amendments. Early measures included SB 888, which bars smart household security device operators from sharing user data with law enforcement without consent or a warrant, and SB 2479, which allows certain defendants to seek reduced sentences based on family violence, dating violence, or child abuse history; both were adopted, with SB 2479 amended for technical and procedural changes. The committee also adopted SB 2489 on invasive species provisions in Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity leases, SB 2519 on Law Enforcement Standards Board deadlines, SB 2521 and SB 2527 on CDL-related exemptions and training/policies for emergency personnel, and SB 2575 on firearm-related mandatory minimum penalties, which was amended to clarify scope and set a far-future effective date. Several transportation and public safety bills were also approved. SB 2591 created a Waikiki refuse-collection pilot program; SB 2611 expanded criminal trespass rules for school premises to weekends and holidays, though one member raised concerns about use of school property as a park; SB 2665 required driver-license renewal applicants with recent citations to complete a road-safety course, later narrowed to moving violations only; SB 2667 restricted towing vehicles from far-left lanes; SB 2695 clarified crosswalk duties; SB 2697 prohibited driving on shoulders except in limited cases; and SB 2812 required driver testing on dangers posed by larger vehicles, with court-ordered timing for re-examination. Most of these measures passed unanimously or with one or more members recording no votes or reservations, but they were still adopted. The committee also advanced SB 2713 on restricting certain pesticide use near elderly care facilities, SB 2730 on warrantless arrest and detention factors for petty misdemeanors and violations, SB 2765 on condominium foreclosure rental income, SB 2795 on flag display rights in housing associations with health and safety carve-outs, SB 2797 on gift card fraud, SB 2806 on real estate listing restrictions, SB 2818 on boating and ocean recreation penalties, SB 2835 on liquor licensing and education funding, SB 2849 on public meeting notice requirements, SB 2851 on a deafness designation for vehicle registration, SB 2896 lowering the commercial driving age to 18, SB 2922 on cooperative association definitions, SB 2970 on state contracting conflicts involving relatives, SB 2972 on temporary Oahu spearing restrictions for certain fish, and SB 2973 on banning jug-line fishing. A few bills drew objections over breadth or penalties, especially the boating and fishing measures, but the committee still adopted the recommendations. SB 2751 on workers’ compensation prescription drug rules was deferred indefinitely, and the meeting ended with the chair noting upcoming joint and committee meetings for the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• To<00:21:02.840><c> move</c><00:21:03.080><c> it</c><00:21:03.160><c> down</c><00:21:03.440><c> to</c
• </c><00:21:11.600><c> To</c><00:21:11.680><c> move</c><00:21:11.880><c> it</c><00:21:12.000><c> down<
• </c><00:21:21.400><c> Chair,</c><00:21:21.840><c> Senator</c><00:21:22.240><c> Gruenhagen,</c><00:21:
• c> answer</c><00:21:27.080><c> this,</c><00:21:27.440><c> but</c><00:21:28.280><c> much</c><00:21:28.600
• to a report of<00:21:43.040><c> maltreatment</c><00:21:44.200><c> of</c><00:21:44.360><c> a</c><00:21

Committee: Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• :21:05.520><c> if</c><00:21:05.760><c> I</c><00:21:05.919><c> can</c><00:21:06.080><c> be</c><00:21:06.320
• </c><00:21:17.840><c> We</c><00:21:18.000><c> just</c><00:21:18.159><c> had</c><00:21:18.240><c> the<
• So this<00:21:52.880><c> is</c><00:21:53.039><c> the</c><00:21:53.200><c> big</c><00:21:53.360><c> chapter
• :21:55.840><c> ranking</c><00:21:56.240><c> chapter,</c> the the hazard risk ranking chapter, the the
• hazard risk ranking chapter, that's<00:21:57.039><c> a</c><00:21:57.280><c> good</c><00:21:57.440><c

Summary: The House Committee on Public Safety held an informational briefing with the City and County of Honolulu Department of Emergency Management on its hazard mitigation plan and recent emergency events on Oahu. Chair Dela Botti opened the meeting by explaining that the briefing was intended to review the mitigation planning process, the city’s hazard mitigation plan, and lessons learned from recent tsunami and wildfire threats, building on earlier briefings with state emergency management and transportation officials. Director Collins and hazard mitigation staff officer Ian Kio presented the plan, describing it as a five-year FEMA-required document focused on reducing long-term risk to people and property, not an operations plan for active disasters. Kio outlined how the plan was developed over roughly 18 months with a core team, steering committee, consultant support, and public input, and said it was formally adopted by the mayor’s office and approved by FEMA in July 2025. He said the updated plan was aligned more closely with the state hazard mitigation plan, expanded to cover 15 hazards including climate change and sea level rise, and organized around hazard risk rankings and mitigation strategies. He identified the highest-risk hazards as climate change and sea level rise, floods, health risks, hurricanes, tsunamis, and wildfires, and said the plan includes short-, medium-, and long-term actions such as education, Firewise community planning, flood mapping, and major infrastructure projects like tsunami walls and street elevation work. He also emphasized that the plan will be maintained with yearly updates and ongoing public feedback. Collins then discussed after-action findings from the July 6 Meli fire and the recent tsunami response, noting that reviews are still ongoing. He said the fire response showed strong initiative and teamwork, including police officers helping with fire suppression support and door-to-door evacuation efforts before firefighters arrived, and a staff duty officer who initiated a wireless emergency alert without waiting for higher-level direction. He said these actions reflected a culture of rapid decision-making when lives are at stake. Collins also urged residents to prepare by making family plans, gathering supplies, checking flood and tsunami risk maps, retrofitting homes, and obtaining insurance before disasters occur. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:05.679><c> in</c><00:21:05.840><c> the</c><00:21:06.000><c> back</c><00:21:06.640><c> and<
• 21:13.520><c> what</c><00:21:13.679><c> were</c><00:21:13.840><c> some</c><00:21:13.919><c> of</c> a
• <00:21:18.720><c> were</c><00:21:18.960><c> to</c><00:21:19.280><c> pass,</c><00:21:20.000><c> what's
• <00:21:20.720><c> I</c><00:21:20.880><c> know</c><00:21:20.960><c> you</c><00:21:21.120><c> mentioned
• Do<00:21:23.440><c> you</c><00:21:23.600><c> hope</c><00:21:23.760><c> to</c><00:21:24.000><c> maybe<

Summary: Minnesota lawmakers and advocates discussed House File 2444, a veterans and military affairs bill to formally recognize Special Guerrilla Unit (SGU) veterans who fought alongside U.S. forces in Laos during the secret war from 1961 to 1975. Speakers, including Rep. Ethan Cha and other veterans and family members, said the measure is long overdue and framed it as both a symbolic and practical step to restore dignity, honor, and veteran status to Hmong, Lao, and other ethnic minority veterans whose service had not been formally acknowledged. Testimony emphasized the historical role of the SGUs, the secrecy of the war, and the heavy losses suffered by the community. Speakers described the bill as a bipartisan effort with support from House and Senate members, and noted that a similar version had already passed the Senate unanimously. They also said the bill would help Minnesota set an example for other states and improve public understanding of the secret war and the contributions of Southeast Asian communities. Rep. Cha explained that the bill creates a new statutory definition for veterans of the secret war in Laos, establishes eligibility criteria for benefits and privileges, authorizes the commissioner of veterans affairs to verify veteran status, and creates a 12-member task force to advise that process. The bill would allow access to certain state veterans benefits and privileges, including veterans designation on IDs, grave markers, honor guard, state veterans cemeteries, and related preferences. In response to questions, speakers said the main challenge had been educating colleagues because the war was classified, and they estimated fewer than 1,000 SGU veterans are still alive. They also said the bill carries no major monetary benefit and is intended primarily to provide recognition and a framework for verification.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:16.200><c> an</c><00:21:16.480><c> effort</c><00:21:17.279><c> right</c><00:21:17.440><c>
• 00:21:37.080><c> us</c><00:21:37.600><c> they</c><00:21:37.760><c> get</c><00:21:37.919><c> picked</c
• <00:21:40.240><c> is</c><00:21:41.039><c> um</c><00:21:41.400><c> finished</c><00:21:41.760><c> so</c
• </c><00:21:43.240><c> Y</c><00:21:43.760><c> and</c><00:21:44.279><c> so</c><00:21:45.279><c> um</c><
• uh</c><00:21:50.320><c> tax</c><00:21:50.600><c> Foundation</c><00:21:50.960><c> of</c><00:21:51.159

Committee: House Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• this<01:21:43.040><c> but</c><01:21:43.159><c> you</c><01:21:43.320><c> have</c><01:21:43.440><c> to
• :21:45.239><c> connected</c><01:21:45.639><c> to</c><01:21:45.840><c> what</c><01:21:45.960><c> we're
• </c><01:21:46.679><c> tonight</c><01:21:47.679><c> because</c><01:21:48.000><c> the</c><01:21:48.199>
• ><01:21:55.440><c> two</c><01:21:55.800><c> spirits</c><01:21:56.080><c> and</c><01:21:56.280><c> trans
• </c><02:21:35.680><c> be</c><02:21:36.680><c> uh</c><02:21:36.880><c> be</c><02:21:37.080><c> lifted<

Transcript Highlights:

• or<00:21:05.600><c> assist</c><00:21:05.919><c> individual</c><00:21:06.799><c> with</c><00:21:07.039
• </c><00:21:08.480><c> So</c><00:21:08.720><c> that's</c><00:21:08.960><c> that's</c><00:21:09.919><c>
• </c><00:21:14.080><c> So</c><00:21:14.640><c> and</c><00:21:14.799><c> and</c><00:21:15.280><c> it</c
• So it<00:21:19.440><c> you</c><00:21:19.760><c> said</c><00:21:19.919><c> that</c><00:21:20.240><c> this
• </c><00:21:20.480><c> bill's</c><00:21:20.960><c> point</c><00:21:21.200><c> is</c><00:21:21.440><c>

Committee: Senate Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• Transmit the bill to the House, 26, 21.
• House bill 26, 21, and Act, Manatee 10, 15, Chapter 7, Article 4, Article 4, Vice Statute, by adding
• House Bill 2756: an act amending Title 30, repealing Title 30, Chapter 2, and amending Title 40, Chapter
• Secretary, record a vote of 21 ayes, 2 nays, and 3 not voting.
• I a 2 House 12th 21 92 in act many title 23 chapter 2 a a result by adding article 6.2 link to employment

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:21:04.799><c> then</c><00:21:05.039><c> that's</c><00:21:05.919><c> that's</c><00:21:06.120><c> out
• right then<00:21:07.159><c> then</c><00:21:07.480><c> the</c><00:21:07.720><c> bill</c><00:21:08.720
• :21:12.720><c> from</c><00:21:12.919><c> bonding</c><00:21:13.440><c> pays</c><00:21:13.720><c> for</
• 21:25.039><c> and</c><00:21:25.360><c> and</c><00:21:25.840><c> final</c><00:21:26.240><c> question</
• :21:27.919><c> thank</c><00:21:28.080><c> you</c><00:21:28.840><c> so</c><00:21:29.720><c> and</c><00

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• Book of Psalms chapter 33 verse thing.
• LaTisha Mason,<00:21:50.600><c> Shawn</c><00:21:51.080><c> Ashmore,</c><00:21:52.120><c> Ina</c><00:21
• , Ina Goss Davis, Tammy<00:21:53.560><c> McMillan,</c> Tammy McMillan, Tammy McMillan, uh<00:21:55.080
• ><c> McGee,</c><00:21:55.800><c> and</c><00:21:56.120><c> LaShawn</c><00:21:56.840><c> Williams.
• Help make<00:21:58.000><c> them</c><00:21:58.200><c> welcome.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:15.200><c> net</c><00:21:15.440><c> metering</c><00:21:15.919><c> rules</c><00:21:16.799><
• the scope of the<00:21:35.679><c> chapter</c><00:21:36.400><c> EN900</c><00:21:37.840><c> rules</c><
• 00:21:38.240><c> from</c><00:21:38.480><c> the</c><00:21:38.640><c> PUC900</c> the chapter EN900 rules
• from the PUC900 the chapter EN900 rules from the PUC900 rules<00:21:40.559><c> to</c><00:21:40.799><
• 21:38.719><c> and</c><01:21:39.440><c> um</c><01:21:40.400><c> just</c><01:21:40.640><c> try</c><01:21

Summary: The committee opened with housekeeping items, approved the minutes and consent agenda, and reminded the public that JLCAR’s role is limited to determining whether agency rules are within statutory authority, not to decide policy. Testimony was to be limited, and members noted that policy concerns should be addressed through the legislature rather than the committee process. The first major item was Public Utilities Commission rule 25-215 concerning natural gas suppliers. Staff said the proposal had been postponed because the PUC appeared to lack authority to impose fines and penalties in this rule set, especially suspending or revoking registrations, and recommended either a conditional approval removing those provisions or a preliminary objection for lack of statutory authority. PUC counsel responded that the cited authority had been incorrect, that the Department of Energy now has most registration rulemaking authority, but argued the commission still has jurisdiction over mediation and dispute resolution and may still have authority over fines because natural gas suppliers are not expressly excluded from public-utility status. Committee members discussed the split between PUC and DOE authority and the possibility that the transition in authority had not been fully cleaned up in statute. The committee then voted to grant a waiver of the time limit and postpone the item for another month so the agencies could work with counsel and clarify which parts of the rule could proceed. Members also urged that any needed legislative fix be brought forward quickly, noting that the Senate was not taking up non-germane amendments and suggesting the House as the likely venue for a cleanup bill. The committee next took up Department of Energy EN900 and EN1000 rules. Staff said the EN900 net-metering rules had been postponed previously and that the main remaining issue was a retroactive requirement in EN909.03(b), which the agency agreed to revise so the language would apply only on or after the 2026 effective date of the chapter. The agency described the EN900 rules as implementing net metering authority transferred from the PUC and expanding the chapter to cover municipal group net metering and low- and moderate-income community solar projects. The EN1000 interconnection rules were described as implementing 2024 legislation requiring uniform procedures for distributed energy resources. The department said both sets of rules were developed through extensive stakeholder input and asked for approval subject to the oral amendment already discussed."}】【。json

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:02.880><c> I'm</c><00:21:03.200><c> in</c><00:21:03.600><c> complete</c><00:21:04.159><c>
• not</c><00:21:16.720><c> in</c><00:21:16.880><c> person,</c><00:21:17.200><c> not</c><00:21:17.440><
• Oh,<00:21:31.840><c> I</c><00:21:32.000><c> refer</c><00:21:32.240><c> you</c><00:21:32.480><c> to</c
• Um,<00:21:35.200><c> and</c><00:21:35.440><c> I</c><00:21:35.679><c> was</c><00:21:35.760><c> just</c
• ><01:21:29.520><c> what</c><01:21:29.679><c> you</c><01:21:29.840><c> want</c><01:21:29.920><c> us</c

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard opening remarks and ground rules from Chair David Tarnas, including a request for two-minute testimony limits, clear speaking, Zoom etiquette, and respectful conduct. The first measure taken up was HB 2062, relating to gun violence prevention, which would appropriate funds for enforcement of gun violence protective orders and for public awareness campaigns. Judiciary submitted written testimony recommending technical changes to clarify that it does not enforce laws and instead should be funded for personnel to process temporary restraining orders and gun violence protective orders; the Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill and said it is well positioned to conduct public education. Support also came from county and advocacy witnesses, including Moms Demand Action, Giffords Gun Owners for Safety, HGEA, and a retired police officer, while opposition testimony argued the measure raises due process and Fifth Amendment concerns and that education, not enforcement, should be the focus. The chair noted 37 testimonies in support, 103 in opposition, and three comments; no vote was taken in the portion provided. Testimony on HB 2062 emphasized both public safety and constitutional concerns. Supporters described the bill as a way to increase awareness of an existing legal tool, prevent suicides and shootings, and help law enforcement and the public understand gun violence protective orders. Opponents, including gun owners and firearms groups, argued that red flag laws can be abused, lack due process, and should not be expanded through state funding. A county neighborhood safety witness suggested an amendment to allow public, private, and nonprofit consultants to assist with training and implementation. Members asked a few questions, but the agencies with written testimony were not present, so the chair referred members to their submissions. The committee then moved to HB 2061, relating to firearms, which appropriates money for the state gun buyback program and requires at least two buyback events in each county. Written support was noted from the Department of Law Enforcement, Hawaii County Council, the County of Kauai Prosecuting Attorney, and the Hawaii State Association of Counties, with the latter emphasizing that buybacks are voluntary prevention tools that can reduce risk before crises escalate. Opposition came from the Mid-Pacific Pistol League, SDM Training Group/Bows and Bullets, and others; one witness argued buybacks are ineffective, costly, and can be vulnerable to misuse or black-market diversion, and suggested a year-round surrender option instead. The committee heard additional support from a retired police officer and from a gun violence survivor with Students Demand Action, but no final action or vote was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• have</c><01:21:06.520><c> very</c><01:21:06.920><c> little</c><01:21:07.200><c> confidence</c><01:21:
• And um whether<01:21:13.880><c> in</c><01:21:14.040><c> a</c><01:21:14.120><c> year</c><01:21:14.440>
• uh um<01:21:24.840><c> to</c><01:21:24.920><c> the</c><01:21:25.000><c> necessity</c><01:21:25.440><
• Um<01:21:26.400><c> that</c><01:21:26.640><c> said,</c><01:21:26.960><c> I</c><01:21:27.000><c> do</c
• </c><01:21:30.680><c> I</c><01:21:30.720><c> want</c><01:21:30.880><c> to</c><01:21:30.960><c> give</

Bills: SB2069 , SB2177 , SB2342 , SB2060 , SB2544 , SB3011 , SB2061 , SB2552

Committee: House Housing

Summary: The House Housing Committee opened its Friday morning hearing by noting potentially catastrophic flooding on the island and acknowledging that some members were absent helping their communities, so quorum for voting was uncertain. The committee then heard testimony on several housing-related measures, with most bills drawing support from housing agencies and community organizations and little or no opposition in the room. On SB 2069 SD2, SB 2177 SD2, and SB 2342 SD2, witnesses largely supported the measures. HHFDC supported SB 2069 and SB 2177, and HPHA supported SB 2342. For SB 2342, HHFDC raised concerns that the bill would alter the Qualified Allocation Plan outside the normal open, public process required by federal law and could exclude stakeholders; Kathy Charities echoed those concerns and also objected to changing point allocations in ways that could raise rents and weaken long-term affordability. Members questioned HHFDC about how the QAP is normally updated, the meaning of the point system, and whether a legislative working group could mandate changes; HHFDC said recommendations would still need public hearing and board approval. The committee also heard SB 2060 SD2, which would create a mixed-income subaccount in the rental housing revolving fund. HHFDC said the subaccount would likely use tier-two funds, estimated at about $100 million total, to support mixed-income projects above 60% AMI, citing Front Street Apartments as a possible example. Members asked about project selection and funding needs. On SB 2544 SD2, OHA opposed the bill’s Chapter 6E-related exemptions and mandatory review timelines, arguing that burial review protections should not be weakened and that the SPEED Task Force process was a better venue for streamlining. The sponsor later clarified that the bill was not meant to eliminate the 60-day review process but to make the deadline clearer. For SB 3011 SD1, which concerns public housing and pet ownership, HPHA and several humane organizations supported the measure, saying it would help low-income residents and seniors keep pets and benefit from animal companionship. HPHA explained its existing pet policy, including deposits, monthly fees, and restrictions, and said the requested funding would support ADA-accessible pet areas and related administration. Finally, on SB 2061 SD2, HCDA supported the bill while OHA opposed it unless protections for Hawaiian Crown and Government lands were strengthened. Committee members questioned the project’s 60/40 split between income-restricted and market-rate units, the 10-year owner-occupancy restriction, and the procurement exemption; the sponsor said the exemption was tied to a real estate transaction and that the project would still use 103D-like solicitation procedures. No votes were taken during the hearing, and several items were left for later action because quorum was uncertain.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of chapter 14 without amending chapter of chapter 14 without amending chapter 14<00:52:21.520><c
• :23.280><c> can</c><01:21:23.360><c> stay</c><01:21:23.520><c> at</c><01:21:23.679><c> the</c><01:21:
• Chair<01:21:24.880><c> Witty,</c><01:21:25.840><c> Vice</c><01:21:26.159><c> Chair</c><01:21:26.960><
• 01:21:30.880><c> before</c><01:21:31.199><c> the</c><01:21:31.360><c> committee,</c><01:21:32.800><c>
• Chair Whitty,<01:21:33.600><c> I</c><01:21:33.760><c> understand</c><01:21:34.000><c> you</c><01:21:

Bills: HF962 , HF3541 , HF2936 , HF3762 , HF2879

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: Capitol security, public safety, emergency management, state buildings, law enforcement, corrections, legislative approval, rule-making, financial impact, jail regulations, expungement, firearm eligibility, criminal records, organized retail crime, retail theft, supply chain theft, theft enterprise, organized theft, cargo theft, shoplifting

Transcript Highlights:

• 21:35.840><c> and</c><01:21:36.080><c> taking</c><01:21:36.400><c> care</c><01:21:36.560><c> of</c> at
• the</c><01:21:37.440><c> pass</c><01:21:38.440><c> and</c><01:21:38.560><c> the</c><01:21:38.719><c>
• already<01:21:39.560><c> been</c><01:21:40.040><c> allocated</c><01:21:41.040><c> so</c><01:21:41.320
• ><c> so</c><01:21:57.320><c> you</c><01:21:57.440><c> can</c><01:21:57.560><c> see</c><01:21:57.719><
• ><c> of</c><01:21:58.360><c> that</c><01:21:58.480><c> in</c><01:21:58.719><c> last</c><01:21:58.960>

Summary: The subcommittee met to review the lapse extensions in the back of House Bill 25, which governs capital budget appropriations and bonding. Members were walked through how the bill is structured: section 1 covers general, federal, and other funds; section 2 covers highway fund appropriations; later sections authorize borrowing, restrict spending to the stated purposes, and explain why community colleges and the university system operate through their boards of trustees. The chair also explained that lapse extensions are needed because capital projects can span multiple years, and that appropriations normally expire at the end of the biennium unless extended. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on how to identify unspent balances and whether they should be extended, repurposed, or allowed to lapse. Members discussed that if a project is complete or an agency confirms it no longer needs the money, the remaining balance can be reused for another project or, if not needed, lapse back. The committee also reviewed the meaning of bill references and chapter numbers, and how to read prior-year appropriations and extensions in the worksheet. One example discussed was a 2023 Department of Administrative Services courthouse generators item, and members noted that some agencies may rely on encumbered balances rather than explicit lapse extensions, though the chair said he prefers including the extension for flexibility. The committee identified at least one specific change: the Jeffrey Ringe CTE renovation was removed from the governor’s recommended budget because the required local match was not approved, freeing about $18.5 million for possible reuse. Later, the chair noted that lapse extension 49 on the worksheet was no longer needed and could be removed, leaving an unspent balance of $81,500 available for repurposing. The discussion also referenced a Department of Transportation item, Caroline Stratford Freight Rail Improvements, which the agency asked to keep alive through a lapse extension so the funds would not expire on June 30. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

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• c><00:21:05.680><c> of</c><00:21:05.800><c> just</c><00:21:06.040><c> a</c><00:21:06.120><c> flow</c>
• ><c> which</c><00:21:20.480><c> I</c><00:21:20.520><c> understand</c><00:21:20.960><c> it's</c><00:21
• would</c><00:21:26.480><c> fix</c><00:21:26.800><c> the</c><00:21:26.920><c> flow</c><00:21:27.480><
• ><c> of</c><00:21:28.440><c> that</c><00:21:28.640><c> language</c><00:21:29.000><c> there</c><00:21:

Summary: The Minnesota Senate Subcommittee on Veterans met on March 4, 2026, and began with a moment of silence honoring Sergeant First Class Nicole Amore of White Bear Lake, who was killed while serving in Kuwait. The committee then took up Senate File 3956, an MDVA policy bill giving the commissioner clearer authority to direct staff time and other non-monetary resources toward partnerships with organizations serving veterans, especially on food insecurity, homelessness, suicide prevention, and related efforts. MDVA and Disabled American Veterans testified that the bill would help them work more quickly and clearly with outside partners, including food pantry and outreach efforts, while remaining focused on non-monetary support. Senator Howe offered an A1 amendment narrowing the bill to the three named priorities and removing the broader “other critical issues” language; the amendment was adopted after discussion about whether the reporting language also needed adjustment. SF 3956, as amended, was laid over for further consideration. The committee then heard Senate File 3955, which would create a new procedure for temporary closure of a Minnesota veterans home if an involuntary termination notice requires it, bringing state law into closer alignment with federal expectations. MDVA emphasized that it had no intention of permanently closing any veterans homes and that the bill was intended only to establish a temporary closure plan to satisfy survey requirements. Senator Howe offered an A1 amendment clarifying that any closure would be temporary unless the legislature approved a permanent closure; MDVA and the Department of Health indicated the change was acceptable. The committee adopted the amendment and then voted to recommend SF 3955, as amended, to pass and refer it to the full committee. Finally, the committee began Senate File 4072, an MDVA cleanup and conformity bill. After adopting a technical A3 amendment, MDVA explained that the bill would reclassify the Chief of Staff/Deputy Chief of Staff role as Deputy Commissioner for Administration to better reflect the scope of the position, and would also repeal outdated statutes related to environmental hazards assistance and a data-collection requirement that the department said it could not implement. The bill was still being presented when the transcript ended, and no final committee action on SF 4072 was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• 33, Section 1; Laws 2025, Section 1; Laws 2028, Chapter 303, Section 1; and Laws 2020, Chapter 305,
• Laws 2020, Chapter 39, Section 8, as amended by Laws 2025, Chapter 135, Section 8; Laws 2025, Chapter
• Chapter 21, Section 1; Laws 2025, Chapter 211, Section 2; Laws 2025, Chapter 21-C, Section 2; making
• By last 2012 chapter 21 section 2 and last 2018 chapter 199 section 3, opening monies to a team and services
• , 326, 12, and 40, 30, 21, 26, 21, 20, 20, 21, 20, 20, 2, 30, 21, 30.

Transcript Highlights:

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• Thank<00:21:13.440><c> you,</c><00:21:13.600><c> Senator</c><00:21:13.840><c> Lur,</c><00:21:14.159><
• Uh I may turn<00:21:22.240><c> to</c><00:21:22.960><c> uh</c><00:21:23.200><c> my</c><00:21:23.919><c
• > uh</c><00:21:24.320><c> support</c><00:21:24.960><c> uh</c><00:21:25.120><c> for</c><00:21:25.440><
• </c><00:21:26.320><c> I</c><00:21:26.559><c> also</c><00:21:26.799><c> will</c><00:21:27.039><c> just

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety