Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion there?
• Any discussion? discussion? discussion?
• Uh<00:31:54.920><c> any</c><00:31:55.120><c> discussion?</c> Uh any discussion? Uh any discussion?
• Any discussion? date to July 1st, 2050. Any discussion?
• </c> Any discussion with that? Any discussion with that?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard HB 649, which would create a small boat harbor commercial vessel special fund and raise mortgage fees on commercial vessels to fund harbor improvements. DLNR stood on written testimony in support, while the Ocean Tourism Coalition, Activity and Attractions Association of Hawaii, Calypso Charters, and a local commercial operator all opposed the bill, arguing that the fee increase would burden thin-margin businesses without fixing procurement and staffing problems and that the bill’s fee language and fund allocations were too vague. A DLNR witness also noted a prior bill, HB 2477, had sought to broaden the fee base to more ocean operators statewide rather than increase the percentage. No vote was taken on HB 649 during the portion shown. The committee then heard HB 2599 on aquatic protection, which would prioritize ecosystem integrity and use of best available science in managing aquatic resources and set coral reef resilience goals. DLNR supported the measure, and a testifier from the public urged stronger coral goals for Oahu and a broader framework including water quality, herbivore management, fishery management, enforcement, and coral restoration. There was no opposition or vote shown on HB 2599 before the committee recessed to a joint hearing. In the joint Economic Development and Tourism / Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts hearing, members heard HB 2118 on transferring the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission from DAGS to DBED, HB 2474 on authorizing non-binding international cooperative agreements, HB 1863 on creating an honorary ambassador to Canada, HB 1943 on out-of-state DBED offices and export promotion, and HB 2604 on a performing arts ticket surcharge. Testimony was generally supportive for HB 2118, HB 2474, HB 1863, and HB 1943, with questions focused on agency placement, sister-state relationships, and the rationale for overseas offices. HB 2604 drew opposition from the Tax Foundation and others, who argued the surcharge functioned as a tax and would make arts participation more expensive; the chair recommended deferring it. During decision-making, both committees passed HB 2118, HB 2474, HB 1863, and HB 1943 with amendments, including technical changes and revised effective dates. For HB 2474, the amendments were described as clarifying definitions for sister-state and international cooperative agreements, allowing relationships with national governments, and preserving legislative approval and transparency. HB 1943 was amended to require an office in Laoag City, Philippines, rather than a non-existent DBED Philippines office. HB 2604 was deferred. After the joint session, the Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts committee resumed and heard HB 2395 on permits for taking marine deposits and HB 2361 on administrative support for the Kahului Bay Regional Council, both of which drew only DLNR written testimony and no further action in the excerpt. The committee then began HB 1823 on Coastal Zone Management Act exemptions, with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs testifying first, but the transcript cuts off before further testimony or action.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:41:20.720><c> Discussion.</c> &gt;&gt; Senator Mugh seconds. Discussion.
• Any discussion?
• Any discussion?
• Any discussion?
• </c> Any further discussion on the amendment? Any further discussion on the amendment?

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion?
• </c><00:28:30.440><c> Vice</c> technical amendments any discussion Vice technical amendments any discussion
• </c> participated in a few of the discussions participated in a few of the discussions at<01:16:40.320
• Any discussion?
• c> S</c><04:26:37.080><c> sp1</c> is discussion discussion okay by S sp1 is discussion discussion okay

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion on the motion? Hearing none, all those in favor of the motion signify by saying aye.
• Certainly, we discuss House Bill 544.
• Any further discussion, committee? Thank you. Thank you, Senator.
• Any further discussion, committee?
• Any discussion on the motion?

Committee: Senate Commerce and Human Resources

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion on the motion?
• Seeing any discussion, seeing no discussion on the motion? All in favor signify by saying aye. Aye.
• Is there discussion on the motion to introduce?
• Is there discussion on the motion to introduce?
• Seeing no discussion then, the motion is...

Committee: House Transportation and Defense

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Representative Jeff Ehlers, District 21, Meridian, here to discuss RS 3305.
• There'll be a lot of topics of discussion. We worked on this bill in 2019.
• There'll be a lot of topics of discussion. We worked on this bill in 2019.
• If there's any other discussion, I don't see any.
• I'm figuring by Monday, probably next week, we'll discuss the budget issues.

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Jeff Ehlers, District 21, Meridian, to discuss RS 33247.
• For the motion, is there any further discussion or motions?
• I'm Representative Jeff Ayler's, District 21, Meridian, to discuss RS 33352.
• Representative Jeff Ayler's, District 21, Meridian, to discuss RS 33352.
• Is there any other discussion or any other motions?

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee heard and introduced several RS measures, all focused on state budgeting and legislative oversight. Representative Monks presented RS 33238 to shorten the time agencies have to liquidate encumbrances crossing fiscal years from one year to one quarter, and RS 33241 C1 to limit non-cognizable spending to a $10 million cumulative cap, with exceptions for declared emergencies, certain National Guard construction projects, and tuition-related funds. Both were moved for introduction and approved by voice vote. Representative Ehlers presented RS 33247, which would require agencies to report long-vacant full-time positions, reduce budget requests for positions vacant a year or more, adjust requests for positions vacant 180 to 364 days, shift some eliminated positions to the legislative branch, and add more detailed travel reporting. Members raised questions about how the proposal would affect JFAC and agency staffing flexibility, and Keith Bybee explained that budget analysts would determine how savings could be applied. The committee then voted to introduce the RS. Representative Ayler’s RS 33352, which would cap requested increases for compensation and benefits for agencies with 50 or more employees by applying a five-year average factor to the request, was also introduced without opposition. Finally, Representative Petzke presented RS 33494, requiring the governor’s budget submission to include draft legislation and sponsoring House and Senate members whenever the budget contains items needing statutory changes. He said the proposal was prompted by policy changes included in the governor’s budget without accompanying draft language. Members expressed support, and the committee voted to introduce the RS. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any discussion on the motion?
• Is there any discussion on the motion? Seeing no discussion, all in favor signify by saying aye.
• That has been a discussion with other folks.
• Is there a discussion on the motion?
• Is there a discussion on the motion?

Summary: The committee convened with a quorum, welcomed new members and a page, and reviewed digital meeting procedures before taking up three RS introductions. Representative Hill presented RS 32835, an update to the Idaho Code of Military Justice for the Idaho National Guard. He said the proposal would better align military justice procedures with Title 32 Guard operations, improve commanders’ ability to maintain good order and discipline, expand constitutional protections for accused service members, and remove outdated language. The committee asked a few questions about the changes, then moved to introduce the RS, which passed unanimously. Representative Green introduced RS 32973, a follow-up to last year’s transportation-related legislation. She said it would allow government entities receiving federal or other grant funding to make standalone bike and pedestrian facility improvements, and would narrow a violation provision to apply only to elected officials or officers. She declared a Rule 80 conflict because she works as a transportation planner. The committee voted to introduce the RS without opposition. Representative Dygert presented RS 32991, which would make truck inspections valid for 72 hours so vehicles making repeated trips during harvest or logging operations would not be subjected to full inspections each time they pass a port of entry. He emphasized that the bill would not eliminate weigh stops or driver credential checks, only repeated full vehicle inspections. Members discussed the practical impact on farmers and logging trucks, the lack of a current time limit, and the rationale for choosing 72 hours. The committee then voted to introduce the RS, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• last month, during the presentation on the updated actuarial valuation results, there was some discussion
• at our meeting, and that is this idea that is being discussed of a way of asking the legislature to
• at our meeting, and that is this idea that is being discussed of a way of asking the legislature to
• Conversation on that, and we'll discuss the details of it. For executive committee?
• So I'd just ask you to please keep that in mind or keep that discussion going with your constituency,

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy

Summary: The Executive Committee of the State Committee on Pension Policy approved the June minutes and received updates from staff and counsel. The attorney reported on two class action matters: the Fowler/Probst Fowler teacher interest case, where a court ordered the state to pay $118 million and the state has appealed and sought a stay, and the Dawson case challenging last year’s HB 2034 related to the LEOFF 1 plan, where the complaint was amended and the state plans to move to dismiss. The actuary also provided a brief update on asset smoothing and offered to provide additional education on the topic. The committee then focused on interim work planning and the September agenda. Members discussed an ad hoc COLA for PERS and TRS Plan 1 retirees, with staff explaining options for making a COLA part of the base budget or otherwise structuring it. The committee agreed to move forward with a bill for a Plan 1 ad hoc COLA and to have it considered in October, with a request for fiscal analysis. The committee also heard from a Washington State Patrol Troopers Association representative about survivor medical benefits, and staff said a cost estimate could be prepared for October if the proposal included retroactive coverage. For September, the committee set the agenda to include PERS eligibility for animal control officers, a LEOFF 1 medical study update with possible action, and the Plan 1 ad hoc COLA item. Staff said the work plan would also add the ongoing Plan 1 COLA and survivor medical topics to October, along with preliminary 2027 meeting dates. The meeting ended with informal approval of the September agenda and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, we'll turn to our last committee discussion.
• I think this would be a fairly complex discussion.
• Our next discussion... what you expect it.
• Our next discussion. Of our agenda. Okay, what is next?
• Nothing came out of the regular budget discussion on a COLA.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there discussion on that motion? Representative Alfieri: Thank you, Ms....
• Is there discussion on that motion? Representative Alfieri: Thank you, Mr.
• Okay, further discussion on the motion. The motion is to introduce RS 334-29.
• Is there discussion on that motion or further questions? Thank you.
• All right, further discussion on the motion.

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The House State Affairs Committee heard and introduced several RSs and one bill, with most of the discussion focused on election administration, agency structure, business privacy, and parental notification around gender-related issues. RS 332-31 would require in-person canvassers to be qualified electors and wear name badges, with exceptions for volunteers, campaign workers, and phone banking. RS 333-75 would lower the threshold for ballot name rotation from political entities with more than 100,000 voters to those with more than 25,000 voters. RS 334-29 would merge the Office of Species Conservation and the energy and minerals coordinating agency, and members asked for more information later about preserving each agency’s mission. RS 334-38 would allow LLC filers to use an Idaho commercial registered agent address instead of a home address, while still requiring the residential address and consent from the registered agent. All four RSs were moved to introduction and approved by voice vote. The committee then considered RS 3349, a revised version of a bill restricting what the sponsor described as social transitioning of minors without parental knowledge. The sponsor said the changes narrowed the civil cause of action and shifted any recovered funds to the state general fund, but members raised concerns about the breadth of terms like “appearance,” “dress,” and “social transition,” possible conflicts with confidentiality duties for educators and health providers, and the risk of litigation. Despite those concerns, the motion to introduce the RS passed, with Representatives Church and Haas recorded as voting no. House Bill 548, a Fourth Amendment bill, was then debated and sent to the floor with a do pass recommendation. The bill would require reasonable suspicion before law enforcement can stop and board a boat on the water, while still allowing safety and related inspections at boat launches. Supporters said it protects constitutional rights without preventing inspections, and the motion passed by voice vote. Finally, RS 33-408 was returned to sponsor at the sponsor’s request, and the committee ended by thanking its page and adjourning for the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion or debate? Seeing none, please open the queue. Declare the vote.
• Further discussion or debate? Seeing none, please open the queue. I forgot with it.
• Further discussion or debate?
• So, unless there's further discussion. Unless there's further discussion or debate, opening queue.
• Further discussion or debate? Seeing none, open the queue. Clear the vote.

Bills: HB1784 , HB1245 , HB1268 , HB2116 , HB2193 , HB2206 , HB1739 , HB1889 , HB1904 , HB3172 , HB4225 , HB4352 , HB3625 , HB4263

Committee: House Banking, Financial Services and Pensions

Keywords: education reform, local control, student outcomes, curriculum changes, school funding, retirement, pension, public employees, Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System, benefits, survivorship, contribution rates, disability retirement, deferred option plan, service credit, contributions, distributions, HB2116, Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System, OLERS

Summary: The Banking, Financial Services and Pensions Committee heard a series of retirement, banking, and school finance bills after announcing that several measures would be laid over or sent back to Rules and that the committee would recess briefly because of quorum and scheduling conflicts. The chair also explained the committee’s OPLA/safe-harbor process for pension bills and noted that many of the measures would still need oversight and floor consideration. Among the bills advanced were HB 1245, allowing certain DHS CLEET-commissioned agents to join the law enforcement retirement system; HB 4352, helping people refinance homes or businesses while protecting lenders; HB 4263, giving certain retired teachers who go to work for CareerTech a choice between TRS and OPERS; HB 1268, creating a five-year DROP option for EMTs and county sheriffs in OPERS; HB 1739, reinstating a half-pay provision in the law enforcement retirement system for OHP recruitment and retention; HB 2116, expanding OLERS eligibility to certain Office of State Fire Marshal officers; HB 2206, allowing newly hired school resource officers into OLERS; HB 3625, expanding school district investment options; HB 1889, providing a catch-up COLA for older police and fire retirees; and HB 1784, requiring TRS’s assumed rate of return not fall below its past 20-year annualized return. HB 3172, the “Fair Banking Act,” would restrict adverse actions by very large financial institutions based on lawful economic activity and require explanations on request; members asked whether it would affect Oklahoma banks and whether it mirrored a presidential executive order. HB 2193 proposed a COLA for state retirement systems with caps on eligible benefits and salaries, and members raised concerns about differing actuarial estimates and the need for more work before oversight. Most bills were reported out by committee votes ranging from 8-0 to 4-3. The chair and members repeatedly noted that several measures, especially the pension bills, would need further work with actuaries and oversight committees. The meeting ended with a brief acknowledgment of committee staff and support personnel before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Discussion on the bill. Lady from St. Louis County. Thank you, Mr.
• Further discussion on the bill. Lady from St. Louis City. Thank you, Mr.
• Further discussion. Lady from St. Francois in the front. Thank you, Mr.
• Further discussion. Lady from Jackson County in the back. Thank you, Mr.
• Further discussion, lady from Jackson County, elected assessor district.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for February 4, 2026 by roll call vote, 123-1. Members spent a substantial portion of the morning introducing special guests and recognizing birthdays, including visitors from Missouri Technology Corporation, educators, pediatricians, a longtime legislative photographer, and several family members and constituents. A member also delivered a lengthy personal-privilege tribute for Black History Month honoring his father’s military service, postal career, ministry, and mentorship work, and another member paid tribute to the late Donna Kramer Scott. The chamber then took up first reading of House Bills 3218, 3219, and 3220. On third reading, House Committee Substitute for House Bills 1667 and 2294 was debated as a “born alive”/abortion-related measure; supporters argued it protects infants born alive and clarifies provider duties, while opponents said the issue is already covered in statute and that the House should focus on other priorities. The bill passed 103-40. The House also considered House Committee Substitute for House Bills 1694, 1674, 1780, 2056, 2312, and 1755, a package centered on the Act Against Abusive Website Access Litigation and related accessibility/ADA litigation concerns. Supporters described it as curbing settlement-driven lawsuits and helping businesses, while opponents and some supporters emphasized the need for real accessibility improvements. That package passed unanimously, 149-0. During announcements, members highlighted an American Idol contestant from a district, an upcoming rural health care funding informational session, a property tax reform committee executive session, a St. Charles festival, an American Heart Month photo opportunity, and several committee meetings. The House was told to be prepared to consider additional bills upon return, and it adjourned until 4 p.m. Monday, February 9, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:11:40.079><c> all</c> There being no further discussion, all There being no further discussion
• Further discussion to the reading.
• There being no further discussion, the clerk will take the roll.
• Further discussion. Representative Pinto.
• c> will</c><00:16:57.600><c> take</c><00:16:57.759><c> the</c> discussion, the clerk will take the discussion

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But that was the whole discussion.
• So would I like to see a further discussion on that?
• I'd like to see further discussion.
• It seems like this is a discussion you want to have anyway.
• When we had those discussions last year, it wasn't the result of a memorial. It was a decision.

Summary: The House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee met on February 5 and heard three measures. House Bill 246 would provide state matching funds for local governments already approved for federal flood mitigation assistance to buy out and rehabilitate floodplain properties, especially in Lincoln County, to reduce repetitive flood damage and restore land to a more natural floodplain. Supporters included county officials, emergency management, and a racetrack lobbyist, all emphasizing public safety, reduced disaster costs, and community recovery. Some members raised concerns about pre-flood property valuation and anti-donation issues, but the bill passed on a do-pass motion. House Bill 271 would appropriate funds through the Office of Natural Resources Trustee for natural resource recovery and public land access, including disaster recovery projects and expansion of recreational opportunities. Supporters argued it would help restore watersheds, improve access to public lands, and support hunting, fishing, and local outdoor economies. Several members questioned whether the bill was too open-ended, whether it could affect grazing or other existing rights, and why the trustee’s office was the right vehicle; the sponsor and trustee said the office has a transparent public process and that the bill would not create new eminent domain authority or adverse changes to existing rights. The committee approved the bill 9-1, with one member explaining support but noting lingering concerns. House Bill 254 would allow investor-owned electric utilities to count avoided greenhouse gas emissions when evaluating the cost-effectiveness of energy efficiency programs under the utility cost test. The sponsor and utility witnesses said this would help expand programs such as heat pumps, HVAC upgrades, and all-electric development, while opponents worried it could function as a rate increase or “double dipping” because customers already pay fees supporting efficiency programs. The committee passed the bill 7-3. Finally, House Joint Memorial 3 would ask the Environment Department to study PFAS exemptions and report back during the interim as rulemaking on the PFAS Protection Act proceeds. The memorial drew both support and opposition, with critics saying it conflicted with existing statute and was unnecessary, while supporters said it would ensure a thorough review of federal changes and consumer-product exemptions. The memorial passed 8-2, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so all members are present, and we will begin our discussion on medical services.
• Is the discussion regarding the moratorium on ICF beds a part of this discussion? Mr.
• It's what we've been discussing on all of these sheets.
• So I think it was in your testimony or in a discussion...
• It's like the coal tax conversion we had discussion last night. No, right?

Committee: Senate Appropriations - Human Resources Division

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate Appropriations HR Division met with all members present to review the medical services portion of the HHS budget. Sarah Aker, Executive Director of Medical Services, walked the committee through several budget items, including HCBS cost-to-continue adjustments, the DD bed assessment, expansion of value-based purchasing, targeted rate increases for home health and QSP services, and the cross-disability waiver. Members generally supported the targeted increases for home health and QSP, and Aker explained that the cross-disability waiver funding would support startup work, service design, and infrastructure ahead of a planned July 1, 2028 implementation. The committee spent significant time on rate-setting and provider payment issues. Members discussed ambulance rate rebasing, with several senators expressing concern that the proposed increase was too high relative to peer states; the committee ultimately moved toward reducing that item to $1 million rather than zero so it could be revisited in conference committee. They also discussed a House-added critical access hospital networking grant and similarly leaned toward reducing it to $1 million. Aker explained the department’s value-based purchasing plans, including use of a vendor selected through RFP, and clarified how the department’s existing Medicaid managed care and hospital value-based programs work. A major portion of the meeting focused on long-term care and basic care payments, including a House-added extension of the $5 per day basic care add-on and a proposed shift in nursing facility incentive grants toward a withhold-based model. Senator Mathern indicated he would bring an amendment to delay or modify the withhold change, and Aker said the department would prefer language that directly addresses whether a withhold may be implemented. Members also discussed 1915(i) services, FMAP changes, the Medicaid legacy system modernization carryover, and a House-added legislative intent section on medical assistance. The committee adjourned for the morning with plans to return later to continue Human Services budget work and revisit unresolved items in conference committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any other discussion? If not, Vice Chair, for the vote.
• Okay, any other discussion? If not, Vice Chair, for the vote.
• Any further discussion?
• Any further discussion?
• Any further discussion?

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs heard several bills on January 27, 2025. SB 24, relating to identification, would require the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to help inmates obtain civil ID cards and other vital documents for reentry. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from DCR, the Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission, DHS, the Hawaiʻi Disability Rights Center, health and youth advocates, and others, with comments emphasizing that reentry should begin on day one and that lack of identification is a major barrier to housing and employment. A senator asked about the low number of IDs issued in 2022 and DCR said it already has a satellite ID card machine at Hālawa and plans to procure more for other facilities. The committee recommended passage of SB 24 as is. SB 474, relating to psychologists, would require DCR clinical psychologists to obtain licensure within 10 years of employment and would sunset in 2035. DCR strongly supported the bill, citing a severe staffing shortage, low exam passage rates, and many vacant positions, while the Hawaiʻi Psychological Association expressed concerns and one testifier argued psychologists serving incarcerated people should be licensed before employment. Committee members questioned whether the 10-year period was too long and discussed alternative solutions such as pay incentives and shortage differentials. The committee ultimately recommended passage with amendments, shortening the licensure period to 5 years, moving the sunset to July 1, 2030, and making other technical changes. SB 353, relating to emergency management, would clarify emergency authority, bar suspension of public records or vital statistics requests during emergencies, define “severe warning,” and allow the legislature or city councils to terminate a state of emergency. DHS and HMA opposed the bill, arguing it could limit executive flexibility and cut off access to the major disaster fund, while supporters included public-interest and good-government groups. The committee discussed whether legislative termination authority could interfere with ongoing emergency response and recovery, with the bill’s sponsor explaining it was aimed more at situations where emergency conditions have ended, such as prolonged COVID-era proclamations. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including a delayed effective date and committee report notes referencing DHS request data and HMA’s opposition. The committee also heard SB 259, relating to recordkeeping for secondhand dealers and pawn brokers, and SB 37, relating to recordings of law enforcement activities. SB 259 was set for amendment and deferred decision-making to January 29, 2025, so the committee could seek input from HPD. SB 37 drew support from the Legal Clinic and other advocates, with a clarifying question about civil enforcement actions, and the committee recommended passage with amendments and a delayed effective date. The meeting concluded with the committee adopting its recommendations and adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill encourages applicants to discuss the project with the commissioner and require city or county
• The bill encourages applicants to discuss the project with the commissioner and require city or county
• The bill encourages applicants to discuss the project with the commissioner and require city or county
• The bill encourages applicants to discuss the project with the commissioner and require city or county
• So looking forward to the continued discussion.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> have</c><00:26:35.440><c> final</c> other discussion before we have final other discussion before
• </c> people who were involved in discussing people who were involved in discussing this<00:26:50.720>
• &gt;&gt; Any any other discussion before we go to &gt;&gt; Any any other discussion before we go to give
• &gt;&gt; Any other discussion before we go to the &gt;&gt; Any other discussion before we go to the author
• </c> &gt;&gt; Any other discussion on that motion? &gt;&gt; Any other discussion on that motion?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion?
• Any discussion?
• Any discussion?
• Any discussion?
• Any discussion?

Keywords: 1182, all