Transcript Highlights:

• <00:28:16.200><c> dot</c><00:28:16.519><c> dot</c><00:28:17.279><c> on</c><00:28:17.799><c> page</c><
• :18.039><c> two</c><00:28:18.320><c> lines</c><00:28:18.600><c> 1315</c><00:28:19.480><c> we're</c> dot
• dot dot on page two lines 1315 we're dot dot dot on page two lines 1315 we're going<00:28:19.799><c>
• </c><00:28:30.240><c> language</c><00:28:30.559><c> in</c> B dot dot which is existing language in B
• dot dot which is existing language in there<00:28:30.840><c> and</c><00:28:31.159><c> defective</c><00

Committee: Senate Government Operations

Summary: The committee met for joint decision-making on several measures related to elections, telework, procurement, hiring, public records, and public meetings. On Senate Bill 444, testimony was largely opposed or in comment, and the chairs said the bill raised real issues that needed more time; they deferred it for the year. Senate Bill 1091 on telework and space allocation drew support and discussion about DAGS’ role versus the Department of Human Resources; the committee agreed to amend it in a Senate Draft 1 to remove reference to OE, add a DAGS management analyst position, change “positions” to “allocations,” limit the assessment to executive branch departments in DAGS-managed or DAGS-leased facilities, and add a defective date, then passed it with amendments. Senate Bill 1057 on apprenticeship-related bid incentives received mixed testimony, including support from labor and opposition from some contractor groups, and was passed as a Senate Draft 1 with technical amendments and a defective date. Senate Bill 1065 on skills-based hiring, which would bar bachelor’s degree requirements for most state jobs with exemptions, had support from the Comptroller and outside groups and was passed with technical amendments and a defective date. The committee also took up several procurement and accountability measures. Senate Bill 92 on emergency medical response/defibrillators was deferred indefinitely because a pilot project is already underway in the Capitol building and the committee wants to use that information before expanding. Senate Bill 1175 on a past-performance procurement database was amended to add general fund appropriations and committee-report language about funding needs, then passed. Senate Bill 1587 on retainage was heavily amended to define total project budget, revise retainage language, leave key percentage and day limits blank for further review, limit application to contracts executed after January 1, 2026, and add a defective date; it passed as amended. Senate Bill 1543 on government accountability was amended to incorporate procurement officer changes and add language ensuring inherent government functions are not delegated to contractors, then passed. Senate Bill 1255 on government records was amended to clarify that records used in performing a government function are public records subject to UIPA, add contractor recordkeeping/access requirements, protect certain confidential contract information, and add a defective date; it passed. Additional measures were either deferred or advanced with amendments. Senate Bill 1513 on appropriations was deferred to a time certain on February 11. Senate Bill 1616 on care centers was converted into a feasibility study and passed with a defective date. Senate Bill 74 on state construction projects was deferred indefinitely due to concerns it could slow projects and duplicate another measure. Senate Bill 125 on state organizations and administrations was amended to codify Administrative Directive 19-02, with a note about a possible title issue, and passed. Senate Bill 786 on government records was deferred to February 11 for further amendment work. Senate Bill 1611 on government positions was amended by removing section two and passed. Senate Bill 1637 was deferred for the year after testimony indicated the action could already be done. Senate Bill 1651 on public meetings was amended to require board packets by the third business day before a meeting, remove the word “full,” and adjust notice language, then passed. Senate Bill 1617 on public meetings was deferred because the Office of Information Practices reported no complaints. Senate Bill 1253 on boards and commissions was deferred indefinitely due to no testimony. Senate Bill 1031 on advisory referendums was deferred to February 11 for possible amendments. Senate Bill 1306 on a procurement automation special fund was amended to align procurement statutes and add the School Facilities Authority executive director as a chief procurement officer, then passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• A question for DOT.
• A question for DOT.
• I actually have a question for DOT.
• A question for DOT.
• I actually have a question for DOT.

Summary: The joint Transportation and Public Safety hearing considered HCR 121/HR 117, which asks federal and state transportation and defense agencies to coordinate on expanding Kle Pass as an emergency exit route. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from state departments and community representatives, though one member raised equity concerns about other communities needing similar access solutions. Both committees recommended passage, and the resolutions were adopted in tandem. The Transportation Committee then heard a series of road safety and mobility resolutions. These included HCR 43 on studying highway patrol and speed cameras in speeding hotspots; HCR 52/HR 48 on a sidewalk between Iroquois Point and Ewa Beach; HCR 57/HR 53 on traffic calming around Piywa Street in Waipahu; HCR 112/HR 108 on a pedestrian-first policy; HCR 129/HR 125 on safety and congestion near Haiku Elementary; HCR 131/HR 127 on rural air service and short takeoff/landing aircraft; HCR 136/HR 130 on reflective gear for pedestrians at night; HCR 137/HR 131 on school crosswalk safety at Kipapa Elementary; HCR 177/HR 173 on a summer streets pilot; and HR 43 on an emergency access road on the YNI coast. Testimony was mixed but generally supportive of pedestrian and school safety measures, while some transportation and bicycling advocates opposed the reflective-gear resolution as placing too much responsibility on pedestrians rather than improving the built environment. During decision-making, the committee advanced all measures. HCR 43 was amended to specify the study should include district court impacts. HCR 131/HR 127 was amended to shift the rural air service study from the Legislative Reference Bureau to the Department of Transportation. HCR 136/HR 130 was amended to change the reflective-gear proposal from a requirement to an encouragement. HCR 137/HR 131 and HCR 45/HR 38 were also advanced with technical or clarifying amendments, and the remaining resolutions were passed as is. Several members noted reservations or no votes on the reflective-gear measure, but all recommendations were ultimately adopted and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The growth in lane miles owned by the state DOTs has been slow over time.
• Regarding the state DOT budgets, this information...
• Regarding the state DOT budgets, this information...
• All states’ DOTs do something similar.”
• When I was talking to this Arizona DOT staff, they are very process-oriented.

Bills: HB2109 , HB2139 , HB2192

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: vehicle loads, public highways, transportation, road safety, infrastructure, HB2139, snowmobile registration, snowmobile fee, vehicle license fee, registration fee, Department of Licensing, RCW, vehicle registration, winter recreation, off-road vehicle, moped, motorcycle, trailer, recreational vehicle, vintage snowmobile

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Bill, why don't you talk a little bit about the Iowa trip and then that Tennessee trip, too?
• 00:04:42.800><c> to</c> little bit about the you all going to little bit about the you all going to Iowa
• </c> Iowa and then that Tennessee trip, too. Iowa and then that Tennessee trip, too.
• We did get out to Sioux City in Iowa.

Summary: The meeting opened with a quorum, approval of the September 18, 2025 minutes, and a staff update on recent tobacco settlement-funded agriculture activities. The agriculture side highlighted Commissioner Shell’s outreach, including school visits, farm visits, and speaking engagements in Kentucky and a trip to Tennessee to discuss program models. A representative also described a national conference in Iowa, where Kentucky’s agriculture finance program was praised as a $180 million loan program built with tobacco settlement funds. The board noted September approvals totaling $950,000 for the agriculture development board and $3.3 million for the finance corporation, along with staff activity such as site visits, program closures, and project reports. The board also announced that the KKMP report covering 2015-2022 would be distributed and that the annual report, marking the program’s 25th anniversary, was being prepared. The board then reviewed two featured projects. The Organic Association of Kentucky requested $425,000 for organic producer support, but the board approved only one year of funding at $29,000, with members noting concern about recurring applicants and the need to evaluate long-term funding. The second project, by Joseph Dale Bentley in Lewis County, sought $51,300 to expand a small ruminant facility for goat production and export. Members were particularly interested because the project was already operating and creating market opportunities for Kentucky goat producers; the board approved half the project cost to help expand infrastructure and potentially allow quarantining on site. The cabinet then presented its annual update on tobacco settlement fund use in public health. Julie Brooks, Sarah Johnson, and Andrea Day reported on the HANS home visitation program, tobacco prevention and cessation efforts, lung cancer screening, and early childhood oral health. HANS served more families in FY25, rising from 6,293 to 6,715, and increased services from 139,943 to over 143,000. Tobacco prevention and cessation programs continued to support Quit Now Kentucky and My Life, My Quit, though officials noted federal uncertainty and the loss of federal tobacco control infrastructure. They also reported a slight decline in student outreach and cessation requests, but continued demand from schools and communities for vaping and nicotine prevention support. Lung cancer screening expanded to 55 screens, with Kentucky cited as a model for other states due to improved incidence, survival, and early detection rates. Early oral health efforts continued through local health departments, with more trainings for public health nurses, continued varnish kits, and expanded support for dental graduates and hygiene teams.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Well, as we heard, there's an appropriation in here that says dot dot dot in fiscal year.
• And many times in the legislature, I've seen bills go through dot dot dot and then there's in the tails
• </c><00:17:54.480><c> dot</c> appropriations in here that says dot dot appropriations in here that says
• dot dot dot<00:17:54.880><c> in</c><00:17:55.039><c> fiscal</c><00:17:55.360><c> year.
• </c><00:18:00.640><c> there's</c><00:18:01.039><c> in</c> through dot dot dot and then there's in through

Bills: HF3919 , HF3791 , HF1781 , HF3908 , HF4233 , HF3966 , HF3430

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Vice Chair: I apologize, I just joined from DOT. If this is a question for DOT...
• ] dot what's Please state<00:23:18.240><c> your</c><00:23:18.400><c> name.
• Back to DOT. Um, you know, that was a good concern that we had.
• You have any ... >> DOT already answered the questions I had. >> Okay.
• I &gt;&gt; DOT already answered the questions I had. had. had.

Bills: SB2816

Committee: House Tourism

Summary: The committees heard House Bill 2195, HD1, which would replace the existing transit accommodations tax on cruise ships with a per-passenger infrastructure fee collected by the Department of Transportation and deposited into a new cruise ship special fund. Testimony included support from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and comments from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii warning that the bill should remain narrowly tied to harbor-related uses to avoid potential Tonnage Clause issues. The Department of Transportation testified that cruise-related harbor work includes pier repairs, dredging, terminal upgrades, and shore power, and said a dedicated revenue stream would help prioritize cruise infrastructure needs. The Attorney General’s office said it had submitted written comments but did not address questions about the litigation or constitutional background. Members questioned whether the new special fund was necessary when the existing harbor special fund already finances similar improvements. DOT said the funds overlap and suggested the bill could be amended to use the harbor special fund with a separate cruise subaccount, while still preserving a dedicated revenue stream and separate accounting. DOT also said it currently collects port entry, dockage, and per-head passenger fees from cruise ships and that existing cruise-related expenditures from the harbor special fund have not been challenged. The chair ultimately recommended moving HB 2195 forward as introduced, while continuing discussions about the fund structure and awaiting further clarity from the Attorney General and DOT. In decision-making, the committees voted to pass HB 2195, HD1, as is. They also voted to pass House Bill 916, HD1, relating to the low-income housing tax credit, which would allow certain state low-income housing tax credits to offset state transient accommodations taxes in the same county and make Act 129 of 2016 permanent. Both the Committee on Tourism and the Committee on Economic Development and Technology adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass HB 916, HD1, unamended. The hearing was then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• dot.
• ,</c><00:07:02.479><c> in</c> Carl Sean's book, A Pale Blue Dot, in Carl Sean's book, A Pale Blue Dot
• </c><00:07:08.000><c> That's</c> dot. That's here. That's home. That's dot. That's here.
• ,</c> preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the<00:08:00.000
• </c> So, here we are on this pale blue dot in the eternal silence of infinite spaces.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's similar to Nebraska, Kansas, and Iowa, where I was last week.
• When we were in Iowa, we found that was the case.

Committee: House Higher Education and Workforce Development

Transcript Highlights:

• positive detection and later confirmation by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa
• National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa.

Summary: The task force met to handle routine business, including roll call, adoption of the amended agenda, approval of prior minutes, and withdrawal of one agenda item because a presenter could not attend. The main presentation came from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on the recent chronic wasting disease (CWD) emergency declaration and control-area expansion after a positive deer was confirmed in Concordia Parish, including on Richard K. Yancey Wildlife Management Area. LDWF explained the expanded control area, the enhanced mitigation zone where baiting and supplemental feeding are prohibited, the buffer zone rules, carcass transport restrictions, and the taxidermy waiver process. Officials also said the emergency declaration lasts 180 days unless extended or replaced by formal rulemaking, and that the department will pursue a notice of intent process that may or may not mirror the emergency rules. Members asked detailed questions about where the positive deer may have been exposed, how the control-area boundaries were drawn, how many deer were sampled, and how surveillance targets are set. LDWF and Dr. Roberts said the positive likely reflects prior exposure but the source is unknown, that the map follows roads, waterways, and processor locations, and that the deer was sampled through a hunter check-in process with a large sample size from the WMA. They also explained that surveillance goals are based on risk models and that sample collection is voluntary, with costs covered by the department and some federal research funds, not by hunters. Several members asked for better public-facing maps and parish-level data showing harvest, sample goals, and actual samples, while staff noted the information exists and can be stratified, but some harvest totals are delayed by DMAP reporting. The National Deer Association then read a statement saying CWD is the most serious long-term threat to wild deer and deer hunting and that hunters, landowners, scientists, and wildlife agencies must work together to slow its spread. The task force also discussed its legislative charge under HR/ACR 75, with staff outlining five areas for recommendations: testing and tracking practices, interagency information sharing and public notification, monitoring captive and wild herds, containment protocols, and needed statutory or regulatory updates. Members discussed the timeline for recommendations relative to the commission’s April notice-of-intent process and the 2027 reporting deadline. Near the end, two members reported large declines in retail sales of deer feed products since CWD feeding restrictions, and a public comment thanked the governor for assistance after a severe ice storm. The meeting adjourned without any votes beyond adopting the agenda and approving minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Iowa, this year, actually passed a statute around regulating appraisers and umpires.
• He's from Iowa, not Louisiana. I know. He doesn't know his audience. I didn't know.

Bills: HB813 , HB1680 , HB3569 , HB4074 , HB4635 , HB5178 , SB527 , SB1307 , SB1822

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: autism, health insurance, coverage, medical treatment, health benefit plan, HIV prevention, prescription drug, prior authorization, health benefits, insurance coverage, insurance, contract termination, property and casualty, insurance agents, discrimination, appraiser, umpire, licensing requirements, continuing education, admin penalties

Transcript Highlights:

• right now, there are three states that I'm aware of that have this type of program in their state: Iowa
• And then I've also given you copies of the three programs that I mentioned for Ohio, Iowa, and Minnesota
• 46.360><c> Ohio,</c> programs uh that I mentioned for Ohio, programs uh that I mentioned for Ohio, Iowa
• </c><01:26:34.000><c> Are</c> this like Minnesota, Iowa, and Ohio.
• Are this like Minnesota, Iowa, and Ohio.

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Twenty-five states have directly invested in educator pay, including our neighboring states, where Iowa
• Twenty-five states have directly invested in educator pay, including our neighboring states, where Iowa
• Twenty-five states have directly invested in educator pay, including our neighboring states, where Iowa
• Twenty-five states have directly invested in educator pay, including our neighboring states, where Iowa
• Twenty-five states have directly invested in educator pay, including our neighboring states, where Iowa

Committee: House Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank the infrastructure community, the DOT, and everybody who has put in the time.
• In the New Mexico DOT District 1, we have an absolutely amazing relationship with them.
• I want to back up and say that our law enforcement and the DOT have been phenomenal.
• And I think that's something that maybe could be used by the DOT.
• That allows law enforcement and DOT to prepare for these shutdown situations.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the DOT has previously stated in the previous FIR that removing the exemption may conflict with the
• Chair and Representative, is it okay if I ask DOT?
• The program that DOT is talking about, Mr.
• We have a DOT presentation. Mr.
• Chairman and DOT folks, people for the most part, and I've passed all this on to Secretary Suna, but

Summary: The committee first took up HB 322, as amended, which would create a transportation trust fund and transportation program fund. The sponsor explained that the amendment removed a proposed 1% gross receipts tax on electricity sales, while leaving the broader financing structure in place, including a $400 million seed appropriation and future transfers from motor vehicle excise tax revenues into the new funds and related road accounts. Associated Contractors of New Mexico and the Asphalt Pavement Association testified in support, and there was no opposition. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill on a do-pass vote. The committee then heard HB 270, a public works/apprenticeship bill that would require contributions to approved apprenticeship and training programs or the Public Works Apprentice and Training Fund for certain public works projects, while preserving a zero contribution rate where no approved program exists for a classification. Supporters, including union carpenters, electrical workers, and building trades representatives, argued the bill would close loopholes, expand training opportunities, and strengthen the workforce. Opponents, including utility contractors, highway contractors, and Associated Contractors of New Mexico, argued it would raise project costs, duplicate existing federally approved training programs such as TTCP, and unfairly require payments from contractors who already train workers in-house or cannot access approved programs. Members debated whether the bill would affect existing in-house programs, rural access to training, and whether the language conflicted with existing law. An amendment to limit the bill to projects of $50 million or less was tabled, and the committee then passed HB 270 on a 6-5 do-pass vote. After the bill vote, the committee received a District 3 New Mexico Department of Transportation presentation covering project status, funding, and equipment needs in Bernalillo, Valencia, and parts of Sandoval and Socorro counties. DOT staff reviewed completed and upcoming maintenance and STIP projects, local government and school district cooperative projects, and equipment requests. Members asked about delays on the Rio Bravo Bridge project, which DOT said were caused by utility coordination issues, and about the I-25/Gibson interchange, which remains in design and development with later-year funding anticipated. The presentation also addressed specific local projects such as Paseo del Norte and Paseo del Volcán.

Transcript Highlights:

• The yellow ones with a red dot or orange dot in the center are ones that were active.
• And those are the black dots there, just as kind of a reference.
• The yellow ones with a red dot or orange dot in the center are ones that were active.
• So this is just a snapshot in time. the red dot or orange dot in the center are ones that were active
• And those are the black dots there just as kind of a referenceer.

Committee: Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• This allows the DOT to grant exemptions when school vehicles are unavailable.
• HB 667 CD1, or titled HB 667 MA, the Microchip Identification Act, requires DOT to scan deceased dogs
• </c> contractor to make effort authorize DOT contractor to make effort authorize DOT and<00:12:02.240
• Requires DOT to submit.
• Requires DOT to submit. Sounds good. I'd like to vote on the proposed CD1. Co-chair votes aye.

Summary: The conference committee first took up HB 496 HD2 SD1 on mamaki tea. Members described the agreed conference draft as prohibiting misleading use of Hawaiian words, imagery, place names, and motifs on tea packaging unless all tea or dried leaves were grown, harvested, and dried in Hawaii. The bill also included an appropriation for a measurement standards inspector position at the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, with $65,000 in each of FY 2026 and FY 2027. The House and Senate managers recommended passage with amendments, and the measure was adopted by unanimous votes from the members present, with some members excused. The committee then recessed and reconvened several times to manage a larger agenda of conference bills, moving some items to later times and rooms. Among the measures adopted were HB 862, addressing school transportation shortages by allowing certain nontraditional vehicles under safety conditions; HB 667, retitled the Microchip Identification Act, requiring DOT and counties to scan deceased cats and dogs for microchips and notify animal services; HB 958, regulating electric bicycles and other micromobility devices with safety, labeling, registration, and age requirements; HB 934, relating to broadband and the digital equity office, with appropriations and positions; HB 960, raising DOT capital advancement contract thresholds and annual caps; HB 697, updating automated speed enforcement rules and appropriating $2 million; and SB 26, creating an affordable housing land inventory task force with a $250,000 appropriation. Each of these measures was adopted with amendments by conference vote, with some members excused and several brief recesses taken for quorum or agenda management. Not all bills were resolved. HB 732, relating to the film industry tax credit cap, was deferred after conferees said they had not reached agreement, despite comments supporting the industry and local workers. HB 437, concerning an office in the Philippines under DBED, was also deferred for lack of agreement. The committee adjourned after stating that the remaining measures on the agenda would be deferred indefinitely.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's more of a working group of engineers and staff from DOT, DEM, DEP, FWC, and Commerce.
• DOT and MPOs. That concludes my presentation, and I'm happy to answer any questions.
• And then DOT actually funded the entire project in one year.
• There has to be that back and forth in working with the DOTs.
• There has to be that back and forth in working with the DOTs.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Committee on Transportation met to hear presentations from the Florida Department of Transportation on rural arterial roadways and transportation resiliency, followed by a panel discussion on metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs). FDOT’s Will Watts described the state’s growing population and travel demand, emphasizing that rural arterials are critical for connectivity, freight movement, evacuation routes, and congestion relief. He outlined FDOT’s project selection factors, noted thousands of identified rural arterial needs with billions in unfunded demand, and explained that the department uses community input and long-range planning to prioritize safety, capacity, and economic development. Watts then discussed resiliency planning for hurricanes and flooding, focusing on structural design, storm readiness, and drainage. He highlighted efforts such as elevated bridges, wave attenuators, coastal armoring, drainage upgrades, and materials testing at FDOT’s research facilities to extend service life and reduce storm damage. Committee members asked about local project selection, materials research, LiDAR use, and legislative support; Watts said local coordination drives project priorities and asked lawmakers to protect the Transportation Trust Fund. The MPO panel, led by FDOT’s Kim Holland, explained that MPOs are federally required in urban areas over 50,000 population and that Florida has 27, the most in the nation. Holland said MPOs identify and prioritize transportation needs through long-range plans and public engagement, and she noted that several regions are exploring consolidation after the 2020 Census, especially in Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida. Representatives from MetroPlan Orlando, Forward Pinellas, Pasco MPO, and Hillsborough discussed their structures and the potential benefits and challenges of merging, including representation, governance, funding, and maintaining local voice. Members generally supported regional collaboration, urged patience as studies continue, and emphasized the need for transparent public engagement, while the committee adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• As Commissioner of Georgia DOT, Mr.
• And both state DOTs and local governments have been challenged.
• IIJA discretionary programs enable local government partners to extend the capacity of state DOTs.
• No state DOT has built C scores or you know gas stations. Right.
• And I use this example as, you know, we as DOTs have been playing by the rules.

Committee: Senate Environment and Public Works Committee

Keywords: Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, IIJA, bipartisan infrastructure, funding flexibility, NEPA, environmental reviews, bureaucratic delays, federal funding, infrastructure investment

Summary: The committee meeting focused on the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, discussing the ongoing implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Chairman Capito highlighted the bipartisan nature of the legislation and the necessity of refining existing provisions to ensure effective delivery of transportation projects. Notable emphasis was placed on the need for flexibility in funding to address inflation impacts and delays caused by bureaucratic hurdles, especially relating to environmental reviews under NEPA. Witnesses from state transportation agencies provided valuable insights into real-world challenges faced in project execution, ultimately underscoring the importance of continuous federal support for infrastructure development. The discussion also touched on the broader implications of federal funding freezes by the previous administration, which have reportedly hindered several ongoing and planned projects. This issue raised significant concern among committee members, who urged the need for reliable funding and the removal of unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles that could cause delays in project implementation. The meeting concluded with a commitment from the members to work collaboratively to overcome these challenges and ensure a smooth path forward for critical infrastructure investments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, maybe they got the skill to do something, but they cannot connect the dots.
• situation, there were some very scathing things in it regarding the performance of the department and of DOT

Bills: SB2901 , SB2902 , SB2903 , SB2904 , SB2905 , SB2906 , SB2907 , SB2908 , SB2909 , SB2910 , SB2911 , SB2912 , SB2913 , SB2914 , SB2915 , SB2916 , SB2917 , SB2918 , SB2919 , SB2920 , SB2921 , SB2922 , SB2923 , SB2924 , SB2925 , SB2926 , SB2927 , SB2928 , SB2929 , SB2930 , SB2931 , SB2932 , SB2933 , SB2934 , SB2935 , SB2936 , SB2937 , SB2938 , SB2939 , SB2940 , SB2941 , SB2942 , SB2943 , SB2944 , SB2945 , SB2946 , SB2947 , SB2948 , SB2949 , SB2950 , SB2951 , SB2952 , SB2953 , SB2954 , SB2955 , SB2956 , SB2957 , SB2958 , SB2959 , SB2960 , SB2961 , SB2962 , SB2963 , SB2964 , SB2965 , SB2966 , SB2967 , SB2968 , SB2969 , SB2970 , SB2971 , SB2972 , SB2973 , SB2974 , SB2975 , SB2976 , SB2977 , SB2978 , SB2979 , SB2980 , SB2981 , SB2982 , SB2983 , SB2984 , SB2985 , SB2986 , SB2987 , SB2988 , SB2989 , SB2990 , SB2991 , SB2992 , SB2993 , SB2994 , SB2995 , SB2996 , SB2997 , SB2998 , SB2999 , SB3000

Keywords: geological subsurface characterization, groundwater, geothermal resources, environmental review, Hawaii groundwater and geothermal resources center, scientific research, non-extractive, public trust doctrine, clean energy, greenhouse gas, carbon sequestration, climate change, energy policy, Hawaii state energy office, emissions reduction, sustainable development, fare-free transportation, greenhouse gas emissions, public transit, tax on petroleum

Transcript Highlights:

• next slide shows, I couldn't fit the whole table on here, so that's where you see in the middle, the dot
• , dot, dot.
• I kind of just quickly just go from So that's where you see in the middle, the dot, dot, dot.

Summary: The Public Retirement System Actuarial Committee met on Monday, June 22, with a quorum present and approved the prior meeting minutes. There was no public comment. The main item was an actuarial update from Ms. Johnson on LASERS, prompted by House Bill 312 of 2026, which appropriated about $145 million to LASERS and required the committee to revise the projected fiscal year 2027 employer contribution rate to reflect the funds received. Ms. Johnson explained that $87.6 million was applied to the original amortization base, paying it off, and the remaining $57.9 million was applied to the experience account amortization base. As a result, the projected aggregate employer contribution rate for fiscal year 2027 was reduced from 32.51% to 30.05%, a decrease of 2.46%, with the projected employer contribution amount revised to about $738.7 million. She also noted that the original amortization base balance would be zero by June 30, 2026, while the experience account amortization base would continue to be paid down over time. Committee members asked about the longer-term impact of the changes, including a question about projected savings in 2036. Ms. Johnson said the later-year savings would depend on future actuarial experience and investment performance, but the projected UAL payment in that year would be lower under the revised schedule. The committee then moved to adopt the revised projected fiscal year 2027 LASERS contribution rate of 30.05% by plan, the motion was seconded, and it passed without opposition. The meeting then adjourned.