Transcript Highlights:

• of what we're doing is we want to go and we want to expand the assessments, expand the penetration tests
• So, in the most recent penetration test from DAR, they've found one moderate vulnerability, moderate
• We went out and we procured our own penetration test that identified three significant weaknesses, three

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• as part of a technical review may require more than 30 days to complete, such as subcontracting, testing
• as</c> 30 days to complete, such as 30 days to complete, such as subcontracting,<00:08:46.320><c> testing
• </c> subcontracting, testing, or modeling. subcontracting, testing, or modeling.
• </c><01:04:47.839><c> testifier,</c> Uh, go ahead with this test testifier, Uh, go ahead with this test
• Uh and Sen Senator Kunes, you have some some some test<01:37:23.600><c> the</c> test the test the uh<

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The industry for data centers, as they're growing, does not meet that second prong of the test for the
• I disagree with that view because I believe it clearly does not meet the test since they do not have
• The industry for data centers, as they're growing, does not meet that second prong of the test for the
• I disagree with that view because I believe it clearly does not meet the test since they do not have
• </c><00:18:52.520><c> for</c><00:18:52.840><c> the</c> second prong of the test for the second prong

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• who has left and maybe this is their second career needs guidance on how to register for courses, test
• The next slide shows where we're at. courses test prep um and if with a with courses test prep um and
• </c><00:43:54.200><c> prep</c><00:43:54.800><c> they</c> in cohorts they help them test prep they in
• cohorts they help them test prep they help<00:43:55.160><c> them</c><00:43:55.680><c> have</c><00:43:
• Some of them think it's just a test that you take or just a paper that you have to write.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• agricultural test surveys um by<01:53:54.360><c> a</c><01:53:54.840><c> predecessor</c><01:53:55.840
• We're just testing the efficacy. nent uh population in woa um every once nent uh population in woa um
• That the beetle came from Oahu, but genetic tests suggest that it did not.
• ultimately, we could be on a plane probably this summer to collect and start doing our host range tests
• later this year um it's not up to tests later this year um it's not up to our<02:22:59.319><c> us</c

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House and Senate agriculture committees met on January 17, 2025, for an informational briefing on biosecurity and invasive species; Chair Kahaloa opened by noting there would be no public testimony. Members introduced themselves, and the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council (HISC) program manager Chelsea Arnot outlined the purpose of the briefing and the statewide impacts of invasive species, citing examples such as coconut rhinoceros beetle, little fire ant, coquí frogs, albizia, and mosquito-borne disease. She emphasized that biosecurity requires coordinated action across state departments, counties, federal agencies, universities, and communities, and highlighted HISC’s role in funding interagency projects, island invasive species committees, research, outreach, and early detection efforts. Arnot and HISC representatives described major funding and program needs, including a requested $4.25 million increase to HISC to raise its baseline budget to $10 million, support island committee operations, research, biocontrol, marine biosecurity, surveillance, and staffing. They also requested $500,000 for the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab, saying it is critical to invasive ant research and little fire ant response. The briefing also noted HISC’s leverage of federal dollars, including a $4.6 million REPI award with HISC providing the match, and cited successful collaborative eradications and responses, including veiled chameleons on Maui, axis deer on Hawaiʻi Island, and a 2023 coconut rhinoceros beetle response on Maui that prevented further spread. Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture officials then discussed implementation of updated administrative rules effective January 20, 2025, which permanently restrict movement of coconut rhinoceros beetle host material and give the department stronger authority to stop movement of infested material. They reported 2024 import activity of about 50,000 ship and aircraft arrivals, inspection/clearance of 20 million pieces, and 16,000 interceptions, with additional staffing from Act 231 expected to increase interceptions. They also described Act 231 funding and current spending status: about 65% obligated and 52% encumbered, with some funds tied to contracts for CRB and little fire ant response, plus an $800,000 green-waste hauling RFP that had to be reissued because of a flaw. The department said 580 Oʻahu homes and 290 Hawaiʻi Island homes are slated for little fire ant treatment, while Maui and Kauaʻi will focus on survey and outreach. Members questioned how homes are selected for subsidized treatment, whether HISC and the island invasive species committees received Act 231 support, and whether the state should direct how contracted funds are prioritized. Representative Martin raised concerns that the RFP limited eligibility to private pest control companies and excluded more experienced entities such as the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab. Department officials said they would follow up on prioritization and funding details, and noted that emergency proclamations and procurement flexibility could help with rapid response and hiring during invasive species emergencies.

Transcript Highlights:

• students exhibiting low performance, as indicated by such factors as low standardized achievement test
• Thank you for this so many written test. Thank you for this opportunity. opportunity. opportunity.
• of that, a new market where companies can profit from selling the credits, like with the previous test
• </c> with the previous test? with the previous test?
• </c> we will test. we will test. &gt;&gt; All<01:48:40.000><c> good.

Bills: HB1977 , HB1764 , HB1934 , HB2533 , HB1790 , HB2181 , HB1870 , HB2140 , HB2468 , HB2358 , HB1588 , HB1688 , HB1986 , HB2030 , HB2195 , HB1949 , HB1695 , HB1950 , HB2094 , HB2115 , HB2297 , HB2336 , HB2416 , HB2049

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: maternal health, infant health, mobile application, Medicaid, healthcare access, state programs, music education, public concerts, Hawaii State Library, cultural collaboration, music accessibility, libraries, education, reading programs, early childhood, nonprofit, community engagement, teacher retention, Hawaiian language education, special needs schools

Transcript Highlights:

• They're excited to see where their test results of some of their tests might be.
• They think maybe they'll see improvements in test scores.
• of some of where their test results of some of their<00:05:19.280><c> tests</c><00:05:19.600><c> might
• They think maybe their tests might be.
• </c> they'll see improvements in test scores. they'll see improvements in test scores.

Bills: SF0035 , SF0090 , SF0072

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: education, cell phones, smart devices, school policy, student conduct, school property, rental fees, youth activities, education policy, Wyoming legislature, teacher licensure, teacher mobility, interstate compact, education compact, licensure reciprocity, reciprocal certification, teacher certification, professional teaching standards board, out-of-state teachers, military spouse

Transcript Highlights:

• We've put a metric on everything and the test pressure for testing, the amount of time kids are on devices
• We need to change the way we're focusing on schools and we're putting so much on test results.
• pre the pressure for and the test pre the pressure for testing,<01:40:45.440><c> the</c><01:40:45.679
• , the amount of time kids are on testing, the amount of time kids are on devices<01:40:48.400><c> at<
• </c><01:41:04.800><c> The</c> putting so much on test results. The putting so much on test results.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The commission met to approve the November 21, 2025 minutes, making several clerical corrections before adopting them as amended. The edits included adding the date, correcting a misspelled name, clarifying references to a scholarship fund representative’s title, removing an incorrect “DOE” reference, and fixing a few wording errors. The minutes were approved with one abstention from members who were absent. The bulk of the meeting focused on organizing the commission’s work under SB 57 and identifying which special education cost issues should be prioritized for research and reporting. Members discussed a long list of topics, including student referral rates, why students are classified as other health impaired, increases in referrals since school closures, interventions before referral, costs of non-medically necessary services in IEPs and 504 plans, differences between federal and state requirements, reporting of special education costs, out-of-district and residential placements, dispute resolution, Medicaid and insurance use, graduation rates, and adult learning participation. Several members emphasized the need to combine or narrow topics and to gather better data before the report due July 1, 2026. Representative Ames highlighted HB 742, which would eliminate prorated special education aid payments when state appropriations fall short, and explained that the Education Funding Committee recommended interim study. He argued that local districts are bearing too much of the cost and that the state and federal governments should provide more support. Other members raised concerns about rising special education identification rates, possible overidentification, school climate and mental health factors, bullying, staffing, speech therapy access, and residential placements. One member cautioned that DOE website numbers may be inflated or at least difficult to interpret because of how students are counted. Department of Education staff then explained how special education data and costs are monitored. They said student counts are tied to IEPs and SASIDs in the state system, districts are checked through both desk audits and on-site monitoring, and billed services are compared against IEP requirements. They also described IDEA funding, noting that most DOE special education staffing is federally funded, with a large share of federal money flowing through to local education agencies and the remainder supporting administration, monitoring, and training initiatives. Members discussed whether more staff and more robust oversight would improve accuracy and accountability.

Transcript Highlights:

• , go here to do AA go here to drug test, go here to do AA or<01:13:50.880><c> NA</c><01:13:51.199><c>
• Your drug testing is three manager.
• I mean, some of them are in that program for years, and they do random drug tests.
• Do we require radon testing kits?
• Do we require radon<01:57:16.239><c> testing</c><01:57:16.560><c> kits?

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the September 24 minutes, and heard a briefing from representatives of three Kentucky drug task forces: Greater Hardin County, Bowling Green-Warren County, and Bluegrass Narcotics. The presenters described how multi-jurisdictional task forces operate, their partner agencies, and the kinds of drugs and trafficking patterns they are seeing, with fentanyl identified as the most dangerous and fastest-growing threat. They also described large seizures and investigations involving fentanyl pills, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, tractor-trailer shipments, postal shipments, and a case tied to a pill press and undercover work with the DEA. Bluegrass Narcotics said it was formed in response to overdose deaths and has since seen major reductions in complaints and overdose deaths in Harrison and Bourbon counties. A major theme of the presentation was funding. The task forces said Byrne JAG funding has declined from about $2.1 million statewide in 2023-2024 to $1.4 million this year, while their costs for vehicles, fuel, technology, overtime, office space, and training have risen sharply. They said local support and asset forfeiture help, but the revenue is uneven and unpredictable, and they asked the legislature to consider adding about $1 million per year in state support, with oversight from the Justice Cabinet or Office of Drug Control Policy. They also emphasized that if meth labs return, many agencies would need new training and equipment because those capabilities have largely expired or been scaled back. Members asked about possible statutory barriers, coordination across counties and states, the source of drugs, and how seized cash is handled. The task forces said coordination with federal, state, and other local agencies is generally strong, but money remains the main obstacle to broader operations. They explained that seized cash is held as evidence and, after court proceedings, may be awarded back to task forces or split under statute, with 15% going to the Commonwealth’s attorney and 85% to law enforcement. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• 19.599><c> average</c> like the map and confirm that average like the map and confirm that average test
• 21.119><c> during</c><00:38:21.400><c> the</c><00:38:21.560><c> summer</c><00:38:21.920><c> in</c> test
• scores dropped during the summer in test scores dropped during the summer in grades<00:38:22.720><c>
• We passed the test under the time limit, which was a big relief for all of us.
• we passed the test under the time<01:07:37.920><c> limit</c><01:07:38.279><c> which</c><01:07:38.440

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 03:09.280><c> B24</c> strategic uh facilities plan uh 16 B24 strategic uh facilities plan uh 16 B24 tests
• <c> admin</c><00:03:11.040><c> with</c><00:03:11.239><c> helping</c><00:03:11.560><c> agencies</c> tests
• admin with helping agencies tests admin with helping agencies determined<00:03:12.640><c> space</c><
• and your results on the testing?
• and your results on get into the testing and your results on the the the testing<01:34:13.840><c> commissioner

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We will have sometime early next year, uh, research data on that particular test site.
• We will have sometime early next year, uh, research data on that particular test site.
• We will have sometime early next year, uh, research data on that particular test site.
• Okay, and then so let's say a successful test well is found, that data is provided, and it has a high
• </c> measures um I also noted in our test measures um I also noted in our test testimony<01:23:25.400

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1077, a governor’s administration bill to increase transient accommodations tax revenue and split it between two new special funds: a climate mitigation and resiliency special fund and an economic development and revitalization special fund for tourism/resort areas. Supporters, including the Governor’s Office, recovery and resilience staff, climate and conservation groups, and several state agencies, said the bill would create a dedicated, more reliable funding stream for wildfire mitigation, coastal resilience, land clearing, infrastructure, and community-led projects. Some supporters also urged changes to the bill, including moving the fund to DLNR, adding DHHL and OHA representation, clarifying community grants, and ensuring the fund can support both state-led and community-led resilience work. The Attorney General’s office flagged a drafting issue, noting that the bill references fees deposited into the new fund even though the new chapter does not authorize fee collection, and recommended deleting that language or adding fee authority. The Climate Advisory Team representative also suggested adding DHHL to the decision-making body and requiring at-large members to have climate, resilience, conservation, or infrastructure expertise. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Kohala Coast Resort Association opposed the measure, arguing that the special fund structure does not meet statutory criteria, that the bill functions as a tax increase, and that the transient accommodations tax is not being collected equitably across all lodging types before any increase is imposed. Other opponents, including tourism and lodging interests, warned that hotels and timeshares already bear most of the tax burden and that raising the TAT could hurt an already struggling visitor industry and drive tourists away. Supporters countered that current funding is far short of what is needed and that a dedicated revenue stream is necessary to address climate impacts now. Committee members questioned why the Legislature should cede spending decisions to a separate executive-branch process, and the administration responded that the bill is intended to create a transparent, recurring mechanism for funding priorities that can be adjusted over time. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'll expect everyone to read the entire booklet, and there'll be test on it later.
• And I'll expect everyone to read the entire booklet, and there'll be test on it later.
• And I'll expect everyone to read the entire booklet, and there'll be test on it later.
• And I'll expect everyone to read the entire booklet, and there'll be test on it later.
• And I'll expect everyone to read the entire booklet, and there'll be test on it later.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 19 pandemic, Second Baptist Church became the first community hub in Virginia to provide space for testing
• and vaccinations, earning recognition from both this Virginia to provide space for testing and vaccinations

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. Members received introductions of Pastor Ralph S. Hodge of Second Baptist Church in Richmond and students from the 26th District and surrounding areas. The House also adopted House Resolution 2195 honoring Robert Stouffer, with a request that adjournment be in his memory. During personal privilege remarks, members spoke on Pride Month and LGBTQ+ rights, and another member delivered a lengthy floor speech opposing firearm restrictions and defending self-defense rights. The chamber then adopted memorial and commending resolutions in blocks, including additional commending resolutions added by the clerk. The main item of business was House Bill 30, the budget, on which the House considered the governor’s 14 amendments. Amendments 3, 4, and 5 were taken up together and adopted, followed by adoption of Amendment 1 on referendum costs, Amendment 2 on Atlantic research support, Amendment 6 expanding REGO utility credit to cooperatives, Amendment 7 clarifying law-enforcement facial covering restrictions, Amendment 8 creating a firefighter cancer screening grant program, Amendment 9 funding a digital services team, Amendment 10 relating to acquisition of Oak Hill Farm, Amendment 11 on data center electricity tax technical changes, Amendment 12 on local sales tax referendum timing, Amendment 13 on paid sick leave, and Amendment 14 on firearms in public areas and delayed enactment. Most amendments passed by substantial margins, with Amendment 8 adopted unanimously. The House completed work on the calendar and then agreed to a motion to stand in recess pursuant to House Resolution 2069.

Transcript Highlights:

• I also met with a state trooper recruiter, and ironically, when I took the test in 2013, he also took
• the test and I think was 36 at the time.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Service

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hearing on several public safety-related bills, with testimony focused heavily on firefighter cancer presumptions, death benefits, and age-limit waivers for public safety appointments. Boston Firefighters Local 718 and the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts testified in support of legislation tied to the late Boston firefighter Matt Troy, describing his service, his occupational cancer diagnosis, and the family’s ineligibility for benefits because his diagnosis fell just short of the statutory presumption period. Witnesses urged the committee to advance the bill so his widow could receive accidental death benefits and to address broader concerns about cancer risks, bunker gear, and early detection programs for firefighters. Committee members asked questions about how the diagnosis date affected eligibility and discussed the need for broader systemic changes rather than repeated home-rule petitions. Senator Nick Collins and Representative Dan Hunt both testified in support of the Troy-related bills, and the committee also heard that written testimony had been submitted by additional supporters. The committee also heard local home-rule petitions to extend the employment of fire chiefs in Rochester and Northfield. Representative Alan Silvia supported H. 4235 to allow Rochester Fire Chief Scott Wego to continue serving until age 70, citing his nearly 50 years of service and leadership in department improvements. A Northfield select board chair testified virtually in support of H. 4236 to keep Fire Chief Floyd “Skip” Dennell on the job, explaining that he has been central to building planning, volunteer recruitment, training documentation, and an organizational review as the town prepares for his eventual retirement. Both local bills were presented as measures to preserve continuity and support ongoing public safety planning in their communities. Another major topic was S. 2583, which would waive the maximum age requirement for Jonathan Lewis to be appointed to the Massachusetts State Police. Senator Collins described Lewis’s community service and strong exam score, and Lewis testified about his background in Dorchester, his prior interest in becoming a trooper, and his recent ranking on the eligibility list. Committee members expressed support and noted the importance of recruiting qualified candidates and diversifying the force. The committee also heard support for H. 4443, which would raise the maximum age for original appointment to firefighter or police officer positions, and members discussed related retirement and health-review issues that have arisen in prior home-rule cases. At the end of the hearing, no further witnesses came forward, and the committee voted to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• going on here about, well, we're not a security, and we could spend hours talking about the Howey test
• Well, we're not a security, and we could spend hours talking about the Howey test and all that.

Summary: The committee took up AB 2285, a bill related to cryptocurrency staking and broader crypto regulatory issues. The author said the amendments would give California clearer guidelines for staking-as-a-service, maintain consumer disclosures, and remove a fee cap to make the business model workable. Supporters, including representatives of the Crypto Council for Innovation and the Satoshi Action Fund, said the bill would provide needed clarity and help Californians participate in blockchain-related opportunities. Opposition came from the Consumer Federation of California and credit union representatives, who argued the bill would weaken consumer protections, create an uneven playing field for state-chartered institutions, and move California into the middle of unresolved federal debates over the Clarity Act. They also raised concerns about fraud, money laundering, and the effect of the bill on DFPI’s authority and pending litigation involving Coinbase. The author responded that staking is distinct from buying crypto, that blockchain can improve traceability, and that the bill was still a work in progress with room for further amendments. Members discussed preemption, the pending federal framework, and whether the bill should wait until federal law is settled. The chair emphasized California’s role in setting policy and said other states were allowing consumers to benefit from staking. The committee ultimately adopted a due pass as amended motion and sent AB 2285 out on a 7-2 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• going on here about, well, we're not a security, and we could spend hours talking about the Howey test
• Well, we're not a security, and we could spend hours talking about the Howey test and all that.

Committee: House Banking and Finance

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Italy, in the early 2000s, started testing this, and they kind of just shifted away from it back to lowest
• Florida tested multiple bidding award methods, including average bid price.

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on May 26 and considered several resolutions and one Senate bill dealing with transportation project delivery, vehicle safety, school-zone safety, flooding, and highway signage. The committee first took up SCR 64, which creates a task force to study construction management at risk (CMAR) for public works. An amendment added representatives from Louisiana Associated General Contractors and Associated Builders and Contractors to the task force, and the resolution was reported with amendments. The committee also heard HR 282, which creates a task force to study utility terrain vehicles with Louisiana State Police and other stakeholders; an amendment added the State Fire Marshal, and the resolution was reported with amendments. The most extensive discussion centered on SB 513, which addressed public works project delivery methods and included a proposal for an average-bid award method as well as design-build authority for airports and vertiports. Testimony from a Reason Foundation policy analyst and a Louisiana Associated General Contractors representative opposed the average-bid concept, arguing it lacked U.S. precedent, could encourage collusion, and could raise costs, while airport-related design-build provisions were supported. The committee adopted an amendment in concept to remove the average-bid language, then reported SB 513 with amendments by a vote of 11 yeas and 4 nays. The committee also reported SCR 62 favorably, which urges DOTD to evaluate all school zones on state highways in response to safety concerns and near misses involving crossing guards and distracted driving. In addition, HCR 112 was reported favorably to study flooding on Louisiana Highway 1 in Shreveport, and HR 275 was reported favorably to study an interstate highway signage maintenance and reporting program. The meeting concluded after all items were acted on and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have had issue with IBHS's certification process, and they recommended a unbiased third-party testing
• adjuster cap and removing the IBHS fortified roof certification, replacing that with a non-biased testing

Committee: House Insurance and Banking

Summary: The Insurance Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2250, sponsored by Rep. Jacqueline Zimmerman, which would require insurers to cover full siding replacement when storm damage affects only part of a home and matching siding is not reasonably available. Zimmerman said the bill would codify existing Missouri case law, address homeowner complaints after hailstorms, and make clear that insurers must restore a reasonably uniform appearance. Committee members generally expressed support for the goal, while also discussing possible scope changes, such as limiting coverage to street-facing elevations, and possible disclosure requirements to better explain policy coverage to consumers. The Missouri Insurance Coalition testified in opposition, saying the bill could increase premiums for all homeowners and that consumers should be able to choose more affordable policies with less coverage. Coalition witnesses said matching siding issues are often cosmetic, that carriers already offer different policy options and riders, and that requiring full wrap coverage could create upward pressure on rates. They also noted that severe weather has made these disputes more common and said the Department of Commerce and Insurance and brokers can help consumers understand their policies. Committee members debated whether partial repairs truly make homeowners whole, and several compared the issue to blending paint on cars or matching repairs after hail damage. After the HB 2250 hearing ended, the committee established a quorum and moved into executive session on House Bill 3328. The committee adopted a House committee substitute that renamed the program the Stronger Home program, removed IBHS certification in favor of a non-biased third-party testing lab, and removed an adjuster cap. The committee then voted 9-0 to report the House committee substitute for HB 3328 do pass, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Test check 12 mic test check 12.

Bills: HB1979 , HB1225 , HB3931 , HB4454 , HB3849 , HB1746 , HB3720 , HB4275 , HB4300 , HB3586 , HB2268 , HB3755 , HB4117 , HB4294 , HB3650 , HB4298

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: early childhood education, task force, governance structure, healthcare access, stakeholder engagement, quality services, vital records, birth certificate, birth registration, biological sex, sex designation, male, female, nonbinary, gender identity, X marker, transgender, vital statistics, State Department of Health, State Commissioner of Health