Transcript Highlights:

• continued growth in property taxes, as you see new construction, as you see increases in assessed values
• continued growth in property taxes, as you see new construction, as you see increases in assessed values
• We had a $140 million gap in funding for the Pinal County widening improvements. 60,000 vehicles every

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2780, a technical cleanup measure related to Arizona’s judicial tax lien foreclosure process. The sponsor and a witness explained that it would clarify when a foreclosure should proceed as a public sale, standardize how excess proceeds are distributed, and resolve inconsistencies left from prior reforms. Members asked about the intent to protect lienholders while ensuring former property owners can receive excess funds; the bill was then returned with a due pass recommendation on a 9-0 vote. The committee then took up House Bill 4029, as amended, which would require the Governor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting and the Joint Legislative Budget Committee to evaluate the revenue impact of federal tax conformity changes earlier in the year, and would require the Department of Revenue to issue tax forms consistent with current statute. The amendment added reporting deadlines and a trigger for the governor to assess whether a special session is needed if the revenue impact is at least $100 million. Supporters argued the bill would force earlier action on conformity and prevent tax forms from being issued based on changes not yet enacted; opponents said it added bureaucracy and could delay the long-standing practice of preparing forms based on expected conformity. The committee adopted the amendment and then approved the bill as amended on a 5-4 vote. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 4030 and the related HCR 2052, which would impose a moratorium from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2030 on local increases in municipal and county fees, transaction privilege tax rates, and utility rates. Supporters said the measure would protect taxpayers from higher costs of living and prevent local governments from using utility rates or fees to offset other revenue needs. Opponents from cities, counties, and advocacy groups warned it could limit funding for water, wastewater, roads, public safety, and other infrastructure, especially for fast-growing or rural communities that rely on rate studies, grants, and enterprise funds. After extensive testimony and debate over municipal revenue growth, utility financing, and local control, the committee moved the bill forward; the transcript ends during the roll call and does not clearly state the final vote on HB 4030 or HCR 2052.

Transcript Highlights:

• The exemption does not apply to the value of the land.
• The exemption does not apply to the value of the land.
• against the not-fault party and then reimbursing some of the costs to our insured, or selling a salvage vehicle

Bills: HB2038, HB2297, HB2382, HB2487, HB2018

Keywords: HB2038, Washington, B&O tax, business and occupation tax, social media tax, platform tax, youth behavioral health, mental health, adolescent mental health, children's mental health, telebehavioral health, behavioral health account, state treasury, digital services tax, internet platform, social media companies, youth services, depression, anxiety, public health funding

Transcript Highlights:

• conversations reveal that Washington's cities, developers, and engineers agree that this is a high-value
• and provide funding for transportation improvements directly related to providing pedestrian and vehicle
• centers, and that it could lead to underdevelopment of these cities, resulting in fewer homes or high-value

Bills: HB2459, HB2480, HB2530, HB2129, HB2223

Keywords: school siting, urban growth, education policy, zoning regulations, community planning, residential development, commercial zones, mixed-use zoning, urban planning, state regulations, public facilities district, regional aquatics, sports facilities, local government, infrastructure, agritourism, agriculture, tourism, economic development, local businesses

Transcript Highlights:

• Does this bill cover when somebody is being transported in any capacity in a vehicle or even when they're
• I do very much see value in adding language into RCW 769, tasking OCVA or others with making sure victims
• I do very much see value in adding language into RCW 769, tasking OCVA or others with making sure victims

Summary: The committee heard staff briefings and sponsor testimony on four bills. House Bill 2310 would elevate fourth-degree assault with a finding of sexual motivation to a Class C felony after two prior qualifying convictions within 10 years, with discussion focused on when sex-offender registration would apply and whether the bill would capture repeat conduct that is often pled down. The sponsor said the bill responds to a constituent’s experience and is intended to increase accountability for repeat offenders. Testimony was split: prosecutors and law enforcement supported the bill as a practical way to address repetitive sexual-motivation assaults, while defense advocates warned it would trigger major sex-offense consequences, including registration, prison time, immigration consequences, and possible sentencing disproportionality. No vote was taken and the hearing was held open. House Bill 1239, the reentry readiness bill, would increase earned release time to up to 33.33% for eligible offenses committed on or after July 1, 2026, make certain enhancements eligible for earned release time, create a two-year peer-support pilot for incarcerated survivors of sexual violence and intimate partner violence at the Washington Corrections Center for Women, and require victim-notification materials about sentencing changes. The sponsor and supporters said it would improve reentry, reduce recidivism, and better prepare people for release, while the Sentencing Guidelines Commission said it aligns with prior recommendations for consistency in earned release. Prosecutors opposed the bill, arguing it mainly shortens sentences rather than improving reentry and could reduce accountability. The hearing remained open. House Bill 1228 would allow blood and breath toxicology testing to be considered valid if performed by a lab certified under ISO/IEC 17025, in addition to current state toxicologist methods. The sponsor and several local officials said Washington’s toxicology backlog is causing long delays, sometimes over 300 days, which slows charging decisions and can allow repeat DUI behavior before cases are filed. Supporters said private accredited labs could provide a local option and speed results, while defense advocates asked for discovery protections if outside labs are used. County and law enforcement representatives supported the concept but cautioned against shifting costs to counties and creating unequal access based on local resources. The sponsor indicated an amendment would remove out-of-state labs and add a five-year report-back. House Bill 2464 would require private detention facilities to report serious incidents such as abuse, neglect, deaths, suicides, injuries requiring hospitalization, and service disruptions to the Department of Health and local law enforcement within one business day, and would require annual reporting by law enforcement on calls and follow-up actions. The sponsor said the bill is aimed at transparency and ensuring that incidents in private detention facilities are not hidden. Testimony from advocates, journalists, and researchers described alleged abuse, suicides, hunger strikes, fires, and barriers to reporting at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, and said the bill would improve public access to information. Law enforcement representatives said the bill affects only two agencies and urged the committee to consider the cumulative burden of reporting mandates and the public-trust implications of involving local agencies in federal detention issues. The hearing on this bill was also held open.

Transcript Highlights:

• throughout 2025, so we've been trying to stay on top of them, including tariffs on lumber and heavy-duty vehicles
• show that there is an increase in the amount of jury verdicts, essentially, which pushes settlement values
• surplus is House Bill 2034, which terminated and recreated LEOFF 1 and set aside 120% of the projected value

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held a work session covering the state revenue outlook, caseload forecasts, wildfire costs, budget balance, tort liability, water supply, and pension policy. The Economic and Revenue Forecast Council reported modest near-term U.S. growth, no near-term Washington employment growth in 2026, continued personal income growth, and elevated inflation, with tariffs and federal policy cited as major risks. Revenue forecasts were slightly improved for the current biennium by about $105 million but down about $185 million for the next biennium. Members asked about income inequality and housing permits; staff said personal income is an aggregate measure and housing production remains below long-term needs. The Caseload Forecast Council then reported that most forecasts were unchanged or only slightly changed, but several programs increased, including Washington College Grant, Working Connections, aged/blind/disabled cash grants, nursing homes, home and community services, and developmental disabilities personal care. The largest policy-driven change was in Medicaid low-income adult caseloads, where federal H.R. 1 was projected to reduce coverage substantially through narrower eligibility, community engagement requirements, and shorter eligibility periods. The committee also heard a wildfire funding update and a 2025 fire season review. Staff explained that the state budgets $93 million annually for suppression and uses supplemental appropriations for costs above that level, with an estimated state supplemental need of about $139 million for the current year. Department of Natural Resources officials said 2025 fire activity remained below the 10-year average in acres burned, but fires were more complex and closer to communities, contributing to higher residence loss. They described expanded use of aircraft, firefighters from other states, corrections crews, and the Arcadia 20 hand crew, and said the state did not need National Guard ground support this year. A budget preview then showed that the near general fund outlook had worsened after vetoes, lapses, and forecast changes, and that maintenance-level costs alone would leave a projected negative balance by fiscal year 2027 and about $4.3 billion by fiscal year 2029, before any policy decisions. Jason Seams, the state risk manager, reported a sharp rise in tort claim costs, with indemnity expenses nearly doubling from fiscal year 2023 to 2025 and DCYF accounting for most of the increase. He said the state self-insurance liability account has run deficits for four straight biennia and is now facing nearly $600 million in deficits, driven largely by a surge in DCYF claims, especially juvenile rehabilitation and long-running sex abuse cases. Members asked about the role of old claims, comparisons with other states, excess insurance, and whether more Attorney General staff could reduce special assistant attorney general costs. The committee then shifted to water policy, hearing from tribal leaders, Ecology, and the Washington Water Trust. Tribal witnesses emphasized overappropriation, declining flows, climate impacts, and the need for legislative oversight and tribal participation in water policy. Ecology described major projects in the Odessa sub-area, Yakima Basin, and Dungeness, along with the need for storage, recharge, conservation, and policy changes to support water supply development. The Washington Water Trust argued that climate change is reducing summer flows and that the state needs more funding, enforcement, and long-term commitment to restore instream flows. The final item was a pension update on LEOFF 1 surplus assets; staff reviewed two 2025 bills that would have merged or restructured the plan and used surplus assets, but neither passed, and instead the budget directed the Select Committee on Pension Policy to study the issue and report back.

Transcript Highlights:

• disadvantaged farmers, ranchers, or tribal producers; $15 million to COW vans for the deployment of vanpool vehicles
• consistently approve these environmentally oriented bonds, and so that's a trust that we have to tremendously value
• But that's exactly the value of... ...this committee hearing. We need to hear this from the LAO.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee heard the administration’s spending plan for Proposition 4’s climate smart agriculture and biodiversity chapters, along with related trailer bill language. CDFA outlined proposed funding for existing programs such as SWEEP, Healthy Soils, Urban Agriculture, and invasive species work, plus new or phased-in programs including year-round and mobile farmers’ markets, tribal food sovereignty, and regional farm equipment sharing. The Department of Conservation described funding for the California Farmland Conservancy Program and Working Lands and Riparian Corridors Program, while the Department of Finance and LAO discussed pending allocations and generally found the overall approach reasonable, though LAO suggested the Legislature may want more statutory guidance and reporting, especially for new programs. Members focused on implementation details, equity, and accountability. Questions covered how programs would serve vulnerable and disadvantaged communities, whether new solicitations would be reopened for previously oversubscribed grants, how outcomes are tracked, and how to structure guidance for new programs such as farm equipment sharing. The chair emphasized that the Legislature wants clearer direction on program design and noted that AB 2313 should guide implementation of the regional farm equipment sharing allocation. The committee also discussed the administration’s request to directly appropriate bond funds to departments and to exempt bond program guidelines from the Administrative Procedures Act; LAO supported the APA exemption with possible legislative guardrails for public notice and comment. The committee then heard on the farm-to-school proposal, with CDFA requesting $24.9 million General Fund for incubator grants, technical assistance, and network support. CDFA said the program has reached nearly half of California schoolchildren and has shown strong demand and positive evaluation results. LAO supported the core program but recommended rejecting the $3 million technical assistance component as too broad and suggested the Legislature consider using Proposition 98 for some of the funding. Members debated that point, with some expressing concern about using General Fund dollars for a new discretionary request during a tight budget year. The biodiversity and nature-based solutions chapter included funding for the Wildlife Conservation Board, state conservancies, and tribal nature-based solutions. WCB described major recent investments and proposed projects tied to 30 by 30, habitat restoration, tribal partnerships, and public access. Members raised concerns about long-term stewardship, the size of the WCB allocation, and whether the Legislature should receive more detail on how funds will be distributed. The committee also heard requests for Bolsa Chica wetlands maintenance and Rincon Island decommissioning funding from the State Lands Commission, with members questioning long-term liability, remediation costs, and the role of private oil operators. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended with public comment from stakeholders largely supporting the APA exemption, farm-to-school funding, biodiversity investments, and related conservation programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some value-added perspective to that, roughly a little over $600 million in that perspective.
• So we definitely see the value in that.
• So you've got to put a bunch of push water basically, basically water is the vehicle to move more water

Transcript Highlights:

• I think for efficiency, but also the value in group therapy and also rural capacity.
• plans. and so in order for us to coordinate and understand that, you know, there's a return on the value
• And we'll talk more about our mobile outreach vehicle as we go forward.
• already received, if you haven't... ...already looked in your email an invite to our mobile outreach vehicle

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• code as it relates to tall mass timber, and clarifies that systems or equipment for a space launch vehicle
• for public access to the beach, even if it's not feasible or practical for commercial parking of vehicles
• It's rivers like Wikiwachi, its wildlife, and clean shores, and a care for the environment is a value
• They have no value and are nearly impossible to recover, especially in moving rivers.

Summary: The committee first took up CS/SB 1730, a Live Local Act bill on affordable housing. The sponsor described it as a set of technical and policy adjustments to strengthen implementation, including changes to zoning, height, parking, moratoriums, attorney fees, and related land-use rules. An amendment by Senator Claudio was adopted, adding provisions such as a 10-story height limit near single-family neighborhoods, exclusions for certain protected areas, and changes to fee and use definitions. The committee then reported the bill favorably. Members next considered CS/SB 1674 on unrated bonds for Israel bonds, with a clarifying amendment adopted to make clear the bill applied only to Israel bonds. CS/SB 140 on charter schools was also approved after debate over parent-led conversion of public schools, municipal job-engine charter schools, and surplus school property; opponents warned about local control and impacts on teachers and communities, while the sponsor said the bill preserved district authority and created new school-choice and economic-development options. The committee also passed SB 96, a claims bill for Jacob Rogers, and CS/SB 954 on recovery residences, after strike-all amendments that addressed zoning, ADA concerns, bed caps, staffing ratios, and limits on operation in certain multifamily settings. Senators expressed support for expanding treatment housing but also raised neighborhood and staffing concerns. The committee then approved CS/SB 1714 on local housing assistance plans, which would allow SHIP funds for limited lot-rental assistance for mobile-home owners and require local plans to address mobile-home park closures. SB 658 on standardized construction lien release forms was reported favorably despite testimony from contractors and lawyers warning about possible effects on lien rights and the separate House proposal. The committee also reconsidered and then approved CS/SB 482 after a late-filed amendment addressing local government art fees and a key issue over defining “extraordinary circumstances,” with counties and cities saying more work remained. Finally, the committee passed SB 24 and CS/SB 4, both local claims bills, CS/SB 712 on synthetic turf and related construction rules, SB 952 repealing the emergency firearms/ammunition restriction, CS/SB 1164 allowing email notice delivery in landlord-tenant matters with opt-in safeguards, and SB 202 on municipal water and sewer rates, which drew extensive opposition from North Miami Beach and Miami Gardens officials over utility surcharges and revenue impacts. The meeting ended with SB 202 still under heavy questioning and testimony about the fairness and financial consequences of the surcharge structure.

Transcript Highlights:

• classroom work, and once we complete that the students go to the state to uh any driver's uh motor vehicle
• classroom work, and once we complete that the students go to the state to uh any driver's uh motor vehicle
• He could talk a little bit about the aviation. vehicle station and they can take their vehicle station
• The upkeep of my vehicle was very difficult.
• They have taught me the value of hard work, dedication, and problem solving.

Bills: HF3650, HF1791, HF3489, HF4231, HF4232, HF4269, HF4270, HF3490

Keywords: student career pathways, education framework, experiential learning, employer engagement, career technical education, career and technical education, CTE, postsecondary scholarship, postsecondary grant, school district funding, cooperative unit, Minnesota high school, apprenticeship, certificate program, tuition assistance, workforce training, military transition, education finance, student aid, career pathways

Transcript Highlights:

• I continue to bring value and save lives in the state of Texas.
• These symbols help people feel safe, seen, and valued.
• Liberty, justice, and independence are historic Texas values.
• Those are values that we share.
• Jonathan Saenz on behalf of Texas Values and SELF for the bill.

Bills: HB229, HB229, HB3990, HB5082, HB5510

Keywords: HB 229, Texas, political subdivision, local government, county dues, county association, state association of counties, lobbying, lobbyist, public funds, taxpayer lawsuit, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, Government Code Chapter 556, Local Government Code Section 89.002, legislative advocacy, municipal government, county government, city government, special district

Transcript Highlights:

• 37:07.560><c> electric</c> including electronics and electric including electronics and electric vehicles
• :37:09.599><c> and</c><00:37:10.240><c> uh</c><00:37:10.800><c> this</c><00:37:10.920><c> is</c> vehicles
• among others and uh this is vehicles among others and uh this is both<00:37:11.599><c> a</c><00:37:12.240
• and</c><01:04:28.440><c> I</c><01:04:28.760><c> uh</c><01:04:29.599><c> again</c><01:04:29.839><c> value
• </c><01:04:30.119><c> the</c> opportunity and I uh again value the opportunity and I uh again value the

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And they are programs they value.
• The party of family values.
• The sport utility vehicle.
• vehicles.
• </c><07:34:12.878><c> so</c> so fast and hard and I I I I value so so fast and hard and I I I I value

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Most of them were in vehicles that we borrowed from lots of places.
• State Police was kind enough to let us borrow some vehicles.
• And APD helped us with some of the vehicles.
• Because what we didn't want to do is buy a bunch of brand-new vehicles and then have a bunch of vehicles
• We repurposed some of the vehicles. Of vehicles I didn't know what to do with.

Bills: SB100

Keywords: burglary, aggravated burglary, dwelling, criminal law, property rights, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Oftentimes, the vehicles stolen are high-horsepower, high-end luxury vehicles, which have been known
• In 2023, an estimated 202,800 vehicles were stolen in this state of California, which is an increase
• of 2.1% in vehicle theft.

Summary: The Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety met to consider two Senate-amended bills and briefly operated as a subcommittee until a quorum was reached. Assembly Bill 486 by Assembly Member Lackey would add electronic key programming and key duplication devices to the list of burglary tools, with the author and the California Police Chiefs Association arguing the bill addresses a growing auto-theft trend and sets an appropriate felonious-intent standard. Support came from several law enforcement and local government groups, and there was no opposition testimony. Assembly Bill 1152 by Assembly Member Patterson would exempt prescriptions for human chorionic gonadotropin, used in fertility treatment, from reporting to the Department of Justice, with the author saying the change would protect privacy and that the drug still requires a prescription. No support or opposition testimony was offered on the bill. The committee voted to concur in Senate amendments on both bills. AB 486 and AB 1152 were approved, with roll calls completed after members returned to cast remaining votes. The chair also noted that another bill, AB 1127, might be heard later that night or the next morning, and then adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 717, as amended by the Transportation and Defense Committee, regarding motor vehicles.
• House Bill 717, as amended by the Transportation and Defense Committee, regarding motor vehicles.
• If you fail to register your vehicle, or if those people moving into the state fail to register their
• vehicle within 30 days, there will be an additional fee of $75.
• others to register their vehicles timely as well.

Summary: The House convened, approved the journal, and received messages from the Senate, including enrolled Senate bills sent for the Speaker’s signature and Senate Bill 1326 filed for first reading. Committee reports advanced several bills, including House Bill 850 to Health and Welfare and multiple business, health, and state affairs measures to second reading. House Resolution 26, reviewing certain administrative rules, was sent to Judiciary, Rules and Administration for printing. On the floor, the House passed Senate Bill 1314, a budget rescission measure cutting regional behavioral health director positions and regional behavioral health boards; one member opposed it, warning of a disconnect between local communities and the state council. The House also passed House Bills 716, 648, 846, 825, 815, 717 as amended, 668 as amended, 750 as amended, 847, 848, 849, and 681. These bills addressed highway and local road funding, chemotherapy parity coverage, license plate fee changes tied to the Idaho Heritage Trust, school transportation reimbursement for a charter school, vehicle registration penalties, child custody interference enforcement, programmable money protections, judicial and legislative branch maintenance budgets, career ladder movement for CTE and pupil services staff, and elimination of the statute of limitations for certain child sexual abuse crimes. The House also adopted House Joint Memorial 17, which urges the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider Obergefell v. Hodges; the memorial drew sharp debate over marriage, federalism, and LGBTQ rights and passed 44-26. House Concurrent Resolution 33, creating an interim effort involving education, the attorney general, and the 988 line to address sex torsion and youth protection, also passed by recorded vote. Several bills were held on the third reading calendar, and the House recessed and later reconvened to continue floor action and committee scheduling announcements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee, regarding education; House Bill 825, by the Ways and Means Committee, regarding motor vehicle
• If you fail to register your vehicle, or if those people moving into the state fail to register their
• vehicle within 30 days, they will have an additional fee of $75.
• I'm a good citizen; I register my vehicles timely, and I don't think it's asking that much to expect
• others to register their vehicles timely as well.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It talks about two vehicles, thank you, Mr. Chairman, and Mr. Administrator.
• It talks about two vehicles with 85,000 miles and one with 94,000 miles.
• Are these vehicles beyond repair, or what is the reason for upgrading them? Chairman. Mr.
• These vehicles have reached the end of their useful life and are scheduled for replacement.
• These vehicles have reached the end of their useful life and are scheduled for replacement.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first heard a budget presentation for the Office of Information Technology Services (ITS), which is in the middle of a multi-year consolidation of IT staff and functions from other agencies. The analyst and administrator explained that ITS now has 243 authorized FTP, with more growth expected as Health and Welfare IT staff move over, and that much of ITS’s budget is driven by personnel, security, and pass-through technology purchases funded through dedicated revenues. The agency’s main 2027 requests included a personnel cash transfer to move costs off general fund and onto dedicated funds, $2.7 million for enterprise firewall/security upgrades, continued access to a federal E-CORE grant for an AI/data repository project, and funding for the Health and Welfare modernization/consolidation. Members asked about the grant, the 3% holdback, whether Health and Welfare’s budget would be reduced, the cost of delaying security upgrades, and why the agency’s FTP count has grown while overall IT costs are being centralized. ITS Administrator Alberto Gonzalez emphasized that the agency is defending against more than 100 million cyberattacks per month, with only a small fraction getting through, and said the firewall request was a critical security need. He said consolidation has produced efficiencies and a net reduction in IT personnel statewide, while also improving security and service delivery. He also explained that the agency is working on a possible policy change to separate continuously appropriated cash into a different fund for cleaner accounting. Questions from members focused on cybersecurity, bandwidth pressures from video/body-cam traffic, procurement speed, AI uses, and the rationale for office furnishings and equipment requests tied to the Health and Welfare move. The committee then moved to the Idaho State Tax Commission budget, another roughly $55 million portfolio with five programs and 447 authorized FTP. The analyst noted that the commission’s budget is heavily general-fund supported, but it also has several dedicated funds and large continuously appropriated flows tied to tax distributions and rebates. For fiscal year 2027, the commission requested additional dedicated-fund support for property tax outreach, $400,000 for GenTax automation, use of dedicated funds for the chief operating officer, replacement items, and the governor’s rescission. Chairman Jeff McRae said the agency returns more than $7.8 billion in revenue for about $55 million in spending, but warned the commission is at a “tipping point” where further cuts would reduce its ability to process revenue and serve taxpayers. Members questioned the commission about phone wait times, staffing levels, the multi-state tax compact, conformity work tied to the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” and the parental choice tax credit program. McRae said the call center would need about 45 staff to meet standard service levels but currently has about seven, and that conformity changes would require significant software, form, and testing work, likely with overtime and possible taxpayer filing delays. He also explained that the tax credit program was designed with electronic-only applications, income prioritization, audits, and criminal penalties to reduce fraud. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided; the meeting consisted of budget presentations, member questions, and agency responses.

Transcript Highlights:

• It talks about two vehicles, thank you, Mr. Chairman, and Mr. Administrator.
• It talks about two vehicles with 85,000 miles and one with 94,000 miles.
• Are these vehicles beyond repair, or what is the reason for upgrading them? Chairman. Mr.
• These vehicles have reached the end of their useful life and are scheduled for replacement.
• These vehicles have reached the end of their useful life and are scheduled for replacement.

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations for the Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) and the Idaho State Tax Commission. For ITS, the analyst and administrator described the agency’s role in statewide IT policy, cybersecurity, telecommunications, and consolidation of IT staff from other agencies. The discussion focused on the agency’s growing FTP count as more IT functions are centralized, the treatment of continuously appropriated cash used for hardware and services purchased on behalf of other agencies, and a proposed policy change to separate that cash into a distinct fund. ITS also outlined its fiscal year 2027 requests, including funding for enterprise security/firewall upgrades, a federal E-CORE grant for a statewide data repository using AI, a supplemental for Chinden Campus furnishings, and the next phase of Health and Welfare consolidation. The administrator emphasized the volume of cyberattacks, the need for security investments, and the agency’s efforts to reduce costs through redesign and consolidation. Members asked about the E-CORE grant, the basis for the governor’s 3% holdback, whether Health and Welfare’s budget would be reduced when IT staff move to ITS, and why some equipment and furnishings were being requested instead of simply transferring assets. The administrator said the firewall request was critical, that delaying it could cost about $3 million more later, and that the 58 FTP transfer from Health and Welfare was the final consolidation phase, with some equipment being transferred and some new furnishings still needed. Questions also addressed cybersecurity threats, procurement speed, software review delays, and the use of AI. ITS said it processes over 82,000 tickets annually, works with federal and law enforcement partners on cyber threats, and is trying to improve efficiency while maintaining security. The Tax Commission presentation covered its five programs, its roughly $55 million budget, and its role in collecting and distributing state revenues. The analyst highlighted the agency’s dedicated funds, continuous appropriations for tax rebates and distributions, and fiscal year 2027 requests for property tax education funding, GenTax automation, use of dedicated funds for a chief operating officer, replacement items, and the governor’s holdback. The chairman said the agency returns more than $7.8 billion in revenue and costs less than one penny to collect each dollar, but warned it is at a “tipping point” where further cuts would reduce service and delay revenue processing. He also discussed the Multi-State Tax Compact, the need for more staffing in the call center, and the challenges of implementing tax conformity changes tied to the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which could require substantial software and form updates on a compressed timeline. Members asked about the sustainability of dedicated fund increases, the reduction of two FTP tied to a completed rebate program, customer service delays, vehicle replacements, tax gap enforcement, and the parental choice tax credit. The chairman said the tax credit program was designed with income priority, electronic-only applications, audit and contest procedures, and criminal penalties for fraud. He also explained that the commission had received seven of ten requested staff for the tax credit, and that the new chief operating officer role was intended to provide continuity and operational management. No formal votes or bill actions were taken in the portion provided; the meeting concluded with thanks to the agencies and adjournment until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• First on our agenda is House Bill 242, HD1, relating to electric vehicle batteries.
• First on our agenda is House Bill 242, HD1, relating to electric vehicle batteries.
• to note we prefer one working group that covers all lithium-ion batteries versus just the electric vehicle
• First up to testify is the Department of Health. vehicle working group to streamline the vehicle working
• First was House Bill 242, HD1, relating to electric vehicle batteries.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several energy- and environment-related measures. HB 242 HD1 on electric vehicle batteries drew support from the Department of Health, the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office, SERFCO, and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation; the Energy Office suggested a broader working group covering all lithium-ion batteries, and members later adopted amendments including a date change and revised timing language. HB 751 HD2 on statewide organic waste reduction and diversion received mixed testimony, with the Department of Health opposing it over concerns about compostable food packaging and incomplete testing data; the committee nonetheless moved the bill forward with amendments removing compostable food packaging from the definition of organic waste and changing the effective date to July 1, 2050. The committees also considered HB 1020 HD1 on a statewide program to characterize carbon sequestration potential and underground water resources. The Hawaiʻi State Energy Office and Ulupono supported the measure as part of a broader geothermal and energy security effort, while members raised concerns about overlapping roles between agencies and the need for a single coordinated voice. The committee ultimately amended the bill to place DBEDT in charge, with technical changes, and passed it. In a separate portion of the hearing, HB 350 HD2 on energy was heard with support from the State Energy Office, industry, and advocacy groups; opponents argued the existing solar water heater law is working and that variances already allow flexibility. The committee passed HB 350 unamended. Later, the committee heard HB 977 HD1 on energy financing, HB 1017 HD1 on the greenhouse gas sequestration task force, HB 1051 HD1 on energy efficiency portfolio standards, and HB 1406 HD1 on government procedures. HB 977 received support from the Public Utilities Commission, DCCA, and others and was advanced with technical, non-substantive amendments. HB 1017, which would repeal the greenhouse gas sequestration task force, and HB 1051, which sets energy efficiency benchmarks, were both passed unamended. HB 1406, a task force bill aimed at improving permitting and regulatory processes, was amended to add a Senate representative, include the State Energy Office, make the bill effective on approval, and note prior funding requests in the committee report; it was then adopted. Votes were recorded on each measure, with some members excused and HB 751 drawing one no vote from Senator Rhoads.