Transcript Highlights:

• uh Green Peace Hawaii.<02:00:20.239><c> We</c><02:00:20.639><c> uh</c><02:00:20.719><c> we</c><02:00:
• <02:00:24.880><c> written</c><02:00:25.360><c> will</c><02:00:25.520><c> be</c><02:00:25.760><c> bad<
• <02:00:51.520><c> raise</c><02:00:51.840><c> prices</c><02:00:52.239><c> on</c><02:00:52.480><c> all<
• This concern<02:01:01.840><c> has</c><02:01:02.000><c> been</c><02:01:02.239><c> expressed</c><02:01:
• That's exactly<02:01:09.440><c> what</c><02:01:09.599><c> happened</c><02:01:09.840><c> in</c><02:01:

Bills: HB1617

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Keywords: carbon emissions, tax credit, fossil fuel, agriculture, food security, environmental tax, greenhouse gas, 910, house, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on HB 1949, which would create a public dashboard for the green fee to improve transparency and accountability. Testimony from the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, and many community and conservation groups was generally supportive, with several speakers urging that the governor’s project recommendations remain largely intact and that community-driven projects continue to guide spending. One amendment was suggested to place the dashboard at the Department of Budget and Finance for fiscal expertise, while other testimony favored keeping it with the commission. Members asked about procurement, ETS involvement, recurring hosting costs, and whether the dashboard could be funded from green fee revenues; the commission said it could work with ETS and that green fee funds could reasonably be used. The committees then voted to pass HB 1949 with amendments. The committees also heard HB 2618, which would require the governor to submit a separate bill for amounts tied to any increase in the transient accommodations tax and, in later discussion, was expanded into a broader restructuring of future green fee allocations. Testimony from the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, and others supported the bill and emphasized the value of more predictable, dedicated funding for conservation and climate-related work. During decision-making, the chair described amendments creating several special funds under DLNR, including a watershed biodiversity and wildfire risk reduction fund, an aquatic resources conservation fund, a coastal restoration fund, a cesspool conversion revolving loan fund, and a green fee special fund for remaining revenues, with recommended amounts discussed for some of the funds. The committees voted to pass HB 2618 with amendments. The hearing then moved to HB 1644, a consumer protection measure for residential solar sales that would require compliance with consumer protection laws, licensing or contractor affiliation for sellers, and a standardized disclosure form. Testimony in support came from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, and several solar companies and individuals. Supporters said the bill would address complaints about third-party sales practices and improve disclosure, especially around financing. The committee then began hearing HB 2243, which would require electric utilities to provide public, electronic customer bill impact analyses and annual reports to the Public Utilities Commission; the Division of Consumer Advocacy and the PUC offered comments supporting the measure’s intent.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.040><c> that</c><00:02:00.240><c> you</c><00:02:00.360><c> guide</c><00:02:00.640><c> us</c><00:02
• </c><00:02:02.720><c> We</c><00:02:02.840><c> ask</c><00:02:03.040><c> that</c><00:02:03.240><c> you<
• </c><00:02:06.800><c> Father,</c><00:02:07.080><c> we</c><00:02:07.240><c> lost</c><00:02:07.680><c>
• </c><00:02:11.040><c> We</c><00:02:11.200><c> ask</c><00:02:11.440><c> that</c><00:02:11.640><c> you<
• /c><00:02:14.440><c> those</c><00:02:14.640><c> who</c><00:02:14.760><c> served</c><00:02:15.040><c>

Committee: House Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um I would<00:02:45.120><c> also</c><00:02:45.360><c> like</c><00:02:45.519><c> to</c><00:02:45.680><
• :02:48.239><c> to</c><00:02:48.400><c> you</c><00:02:48.560><c> all</c><00:02:48.800><c> in</c><00:02
• ><c> Ross,</c><00:02:52.560><c> would</c><00:02:52.720><c> you</c><00:02:52.959><c> stand</c><00:02:53.200
• <00:02:54.319><c> And</c><00:02:54.560><c> Mama</c><00:02:54.959><c> Dutalo.
• 02:17.280><c> I</c><01:02:17.520><c> know</c><01:02:17.599><c> you're</c><01:02:17.839><c> a</c> our

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee approved the October 15 minutes and observed a moment of silence for the victims of the UPS Worldport plane crash. The main presentation was from Transportation Cabinet Commissioner Bobby Joe Lewis on the Local Assistance Road Program/County Priority Projects Program (LAARP/CPP), which was implemented under House Bill 546 and now requires rehabilitation projects to restore roads to original condition, cap funding at $500,000 per project, use a new scoring matrix, include a local match, and submit one photograph per 300 feet of project length. He reported that the 2026-2027 cycle ran from June 1 to October 1 and drew 1,215 project applications from 107 counties and 106 cities, with total submitted project costs of about $121.1 million and about $102.3 million requested after local match. He also said 30% of submissions scored 10s and 22% scored 9s, and that the list of requests and required photos had been submitted to the General Assembly and LRC. Members asked about how scores change over time, whether roads can move from lower scores to 10s, and whether the new process gives a better picture of local needs. Lewis said scores can change based on weather and road conditions, but the new system provides more information and a more standardized evaluation than before. Several members raised concerns about the volume and size of required photographs, suggesting drone footage or video as an alternative; Lewis said the photo requirement has caused confusion and large file uploads, and he was open to considering easier ways to document conditions. Members also discussed continuity in scoring across districts, and Lewis explained that district staff appointed by chief district engineers use a handbook and scoring matrix, with the scores entered into a computer system so evaluators do not see the final score while scoring. The committee also discussed funding levels and carry-forward balances for the program. Lewis said the program began with $20 million authorized in HR92, noted underruns from completed projects, and reported a carry-forward amount that had grown to $355,432.42 available for reauthorization as of October 13. In response to questions, he said the current process concentrates applications into a short window, with 63% of applications arriving in the last few days and 417 on October 1, which created a heavy workload but was completed on time. The meeting then moved to multimodal funding priorities, with Jennifer Kersner of Kentuckians for Better Transportation introducing herself and offering condolences for the UPS aviation incident before beginning her remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• 45.239><c> why</c><04:02:45.399><c> this</c><04:02:45.600><c> procedure</c><04:02:46.080><c> has</c><
• procedure has to be done<04:02:46.880><c> and</c><04:02:47.000><c> that</c><04:02:47.120><c> is</c><
• done and that is entirely permissible within<04:02:49.159><c> the</c><04:02:49.279><c> bill</c><04:02
• :49.760><c> so</c><04:02:49.960><c> it</c><04:02:50.040><c> is</c><04:02:50.239><c> not</c><04:02:50.439
• > in</c><04:02:51.479><c> that</c><04:02:51.640><c> relationship</c><04:02:52.560><c> it</c><04:02:52.680

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Court interpreting those statutes in relation to the First Amendment.
• statute.
• They have a grooming statute. The next state would be Iowa.
• Ohio has another grooming statute.
• When that scenario happened, it was in Minnesota. And yes, that individual was. Okay.

Summary: The committee met to approve prior minutes and then heard a presentation from Dr. Ramona Danielson on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), focusing on the economic and public-system impacts in North Dakota. She explained that ACEs are a population-level measure, not a diagnostic tool for individuals, and said higher ACE exposure is consistently associated with more chronic illness, mental health challenges, child welfare involvement, justice-system contact, and reduced workforce participation. She emphasized that precise dollar estimates are difficult because of the many interacting factors across a person’s life course, but said the direction of the impact is clear and that evidence-based prevention and protective factors can reduce harm. Members asked about definitions of a “healthy family,” same-sex couples, divorce, substance abuse, historical trends in ACEs, and the role of positive childhood experiences and home visiting. The committee then heard from Allison Mahoney and Missy Barranco about evidence-based home visiting programs in North Dakota, including Healthy Families, Early Head Start, Nurse-Family Partnership, and Parents as Teachers. They described home visiting as voluntary, relationship-based, and tailored to family needs, with referrals coming from hospitals, WIC, human service zones, pregnancy navigators, self-referrals, and other community sources. A parent, Abby, shared that home visiting helped her family after premature births and NICU stays by providing support with postpartum mental health, breastfeeding, developmental screenings, referrals, and parenting guidance. The presenters said the programs are funded through a mix of federal MIECHV/Title IV-E dollars, Medicaid targeted case management, state and tribal funds, philanthropy, charitable gaming, and grants, and they noted that current funding is fragmented and insufficient to serve all eligible families statewide. Members discussed whether the state should expand or better fund these services and how to improve outreach and referrals. Later, the committee received a memorandum on artificial intelligence and sexual exploitation, followed by a presentation from a BCI special agent on how AI is already affecting child exploitation investigations in North Dakota. The memo and testimony described AI-generated child sexual abuse material, deepfakes, sextortion, and risks posed by chatbots, along with relevant federal and state law and recent executive orders. The agent said North Dakota saw 2,698 cyber tips in 2025, the highest on record, and that investigators are increasingly encountering AI-assisted exploitation that is harder to detect and verify. Members discussed the need for child-safety protections, the limits of executive orders, and broader concerns about AI undermining critical thinking and spreading misinformation. No votes were taken on the AI materials during the portion provided, and the committee recessed briefly after the report.

Transcript Highlights:

• but<02:02:31.520><c> also</c><02:02:32.040><c> so</c><02:02:32.239><c> that</c><02:02:32.400><c> it<
• </c><02:02:34.719><c> to</c><02:02:34.880><c> our</c><02:02:35.119><c> students</c><02:02:36.000><c>
• and there are<02:02:37.280><c> um</c><02:02:37.599><c> there</c><02:02:37.760><c> are</c><02:02:38.079
• </c><02:02:40.880><c> do</c><02:02:41.119><c> not</c><02:02:41.400><c> provide</c><02:02:41.719><c> a
• > value</c><02:02:42.560><c> to</c><02:02:43.079><c> to</c><02:02:43.239><c> our</c><02:02:43.400><c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Division 2 Finance Committee work session focused primarily on House Bill 115 and a proposed amendment, 114H, which would carry over language from HB 2 into HB 115 and place limits on Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs). Representative Murray described the amendment as a way to keep the 350% federal poverty eligibility cap, require students to have attended a charter public school in grades K-12 for the preceding year before entering the voucher system, and add guardrails against universal eligibility. She argued the state was facing a severe budget crisis, that expanding EFAs would divert money from other programs, and that public testimony and local votes showed widespread opposition to expansion. She also cited a letter from former Finance chair Neil Kirk opposing expansion. Other members responded that the committee should not revisit policy already decided by the House, though some said the amendment was fair to discuss because of its fiscal implications and supported it on that basis. The discussion then broadened into a debate over the fiscal impact of universal vouchers and the reliability of enrollment and cost estimates. Representative Luno argued that prior EFA projections had relied on assumptions that could badly underestimate state exposure, pointing to Arizona as a cautionary example and saying New Hampshire should not expand the program without better analysis. Representative Papovich similarly warned that universal eligibility could create a large, unexpected cost, estimating a potential exposure of about $285 million based on school-age children not currently in public, charter, or EFA programs. In contrast, Representative Weyler said EFAs can save money because public school spending is already high and parents using EFAs still pay taxes and take on more responsibility for their children’s education. After discussion, Representative Murray moved to accept the amendment, and Representative Bean seconded it. There was some procedural clarification about voting on the original bill and the amendment. The transcript ends before a final recorded vote on the amendment or on HB 115 itself, though the committee had also been told it would likely reconsider several retained bills later in the week, including HB 129, HB 133, HB 671, and HB 781.

Transcript Highlights:

• state</c><01:02:40.559><c> right</c><01:02:40.880><c> now</c><01:02:41.200><c> or</c><01:02:41.440><c
• um at the<01:02:44.960><c> federal</c><01:02:45.359><c> level</c><01:02:46.079><c> or</c><01:02:46.480
• :49.520><c> want</c><01:02:49.680><c> to</c><01:02:49.760><c> take</c><01:02:50.000><c> that</c><01:02
• 02:54.480><c> it's</c><01:02:54.799><c> not</c><01:02:54.960><c> going</c><01:02:55.119><c> to</c> to
• </c><01:02:55.760><c> These</c><01:02:56.480><c> um</c><01:02:57.440><c> children</c><01:02:57.760><c

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee work session focused on House Bill 293, which would prevent minors from accessing obscenity on certain internet-connected electronic devices. Chair Pardell opened by noting the bill had been discussed several times and that the goal was to find language acceptable to the committee. Representative Coutab argued the bill is important for child safety, said parents vary in technical ability, and pointed to Apple as evidence that filtering tools can be implemented. He asked whether the other members saw a path forward and what it might look like. Representatives McFarland and Tur both said they support the underlying concern but questioned the bill’s structure and practicality. McFarland emphasized parental responsibility and individual liberty, said any final language should avoid infringing on rights or creating indirect pressure on corporations, and suggested looking at other states’ approaches and Apple’s closed ecosystem as a limited example. Tur said the bill may solve one problem while creating others, especially by placing the burden on device manufacturers and browsers rather than on the content providers; he cited the recent Texas Paxton decision as an example of a more targeted age-verification approach aimed at websites. Both expressed concern that a broad device-level mandate may be difficult to implement consistently across different platforms. Chair Pardell responded that the bill is intended to add protective measures rather than impose a blanket ban, and compared it to existing restrictions on minors accessing alcohol, tobacco, or pornographic magazines. She said the proposal is meant to ask for the user’s age during device setup, not to require identification or database checks, and stressed that parents would still be responsible for entering accurate information. Members also discussed whether Apple’s tools are generalizable to Android and other ecosystems, whether the market is already developing solutions, and whether a parent-facing filter or device-level controls would be the best route. Pardell said the committee had received public feedback and that another work session would likely be held in October; no vote or final action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under current statute, behavior analysts, qualified autism service paraprofessionals, and qualified autism
• States and is already recognized for licensing in states such as Texas, North Carolina, Arkansas, Minnesota
• Credentialing Board is already recognized for licensing in states such as Texas, North Carolina, Arkansas, Minnesota
• So currently the only minimum enforcement fine amount in statute is $200 for unlicensed activity.
• The only minimum enforcement fine amount in statute is $200 for unlicensed activity, and this amount

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard several measures, including SB 402 by Senator Valadares, which would move existing qualification requirements for qualified autism service providers and related professionals from the Health and Safety Code and Insurance Code into the Business and Professions Code without changing the standards. Supporters said it was a technical cleanup that would improve consistency and legislative oversight, while an opponent argued the bill was unnecessary and could create access issues; another witness urged inclusion of the QABA credentialing board. The committee approved SB 402 on a due pass motion to the Committee on Health. The committee also heard SB 378 by Senator Wiener, aimed at online platforms that facilitate sales of illicit cannabis and intoxicating hemp products. Supporters, including labor, local government, and cannabis industry representatives, said the bill would help protect consumers, minors, legal businesses, and tax revenue by creating accountability for online marketplaces. Opponents from the hemp industry and TechNet argued the bill was overly broad, could sweep in legitimate platforms and payment services, and should better distinguish bad actors from compliant hemp businesses; members discussed implementation, enforcement through a private right of action, and coordination with AB 8. The committee passed SB 378 to the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection. Senator Arreguín presented SB 779, which would establish minimum enforcement fines for Contractors State License Board citations where minimums are currently very low or absent, and would raise the board’s reserve cap from six months to 12 months. The sponsor said the changes would better match penalties to violations and help support consumer protection and board operations during economic downturns. There was no opposition, and the committee approved SB 779 as amended to the Committee on Appropriations. The committee also approved the consent calendar, which included SB 344 and AB 652, both sent to Appropriations. SB 508 was not heard because it had been pulled by the author.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> holding</c><02:02:02.719><c> the</c><02:02:03.599><c> land</c><02:02:03.840><c> owner</c><02:02:
• Yeah,<02:02:10.000><c> I</c><02:02:10.320><c> can</c><02:02:10.480><c> see</c><02:02:10.639><c> that<
• Um<02:06:19.920><c> there</c><02:06:20.159><c> is</c><02:06:20.239><c> a</c><02:06:20.400><c> statute
• </c><02:06:20.800><c> of</c><02:06:20.880><c> limitations,</c> Um there is a statute of limitations,
• Um there is a statute of limitations, but<02:06:21.599><c> we</c><02:06:21.679><c> try</c><02:06:21.840

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land met on February 3, 2026, and heard testimony on several bills, with the chair emphasizing a two-minute limit and noting that bills would die if the hearing ran past noon. For HB 1848, the Commission on Water Resource Management and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development both supported the measure with technical, non-substantive amendments. Testimony focused on requiring early consultation about water availability in district boundary amendment petitions, with water officials explaining that the petitioner should submit a written statement reflecting consultation and that the goal was to identify water constraints earlier in the development process. The Land Use Commission’s representative opposed the bill, arguing that water availability is already addressed through existing environmental review and agency consultation, that the issue had been raised and rejected before, and that the proposal could create unnecessary delay or litigation. The committee then heard HB 1728 on rainwater catchment systems. The Commission on Water Resource Management said it acknowledged the bill’s intent but deferred to counties and other regulatory agencies, including the Department of Health, on regulatory implications. Hawaii Realtors testified in support. No vote was taken during the portion of the hearing shown. For HB 1652 on storm water management systems, the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association opposed the bill, arguing it would weaken protections created by Act 281 (“Sharkey’s Law”) and increase drowning risk for children by exempting certain water features from safety requirements. The American Council of Engineering Companies of Hawaii supported the bill, saying the language clarifies and better balances child safety with practical green stormwater infrastructure, including depth-based limits and exemptions for certain agricultural ponds. The Hawaii Farm Bureau also supported the agricultural pond exemption, saying such ponds are used for irrigation, livestock, and fire control and are generally away from the public. A private testifier, Allison Schaers, opposed the bill and described her daughter’s drowning in a detention basin, arguing that poor maintenance can turn stormwater features into dangerous hazards. The hearing ended without any recorded committee action or vote in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• and the ability of business and industry to compete in regional, national, and global markets. [00:02
• We are required by the LTA statutes to make that determination. And there are four factors.
• In the LTA statutes, that can be considered. Two? One more.
• In the LTA statutes, that can be considered.
• So this is straight from the statute.

Summary: The Louisiana Transportation Authority met on March 26 and approved the minutes from its prior meeting before taking up the Cameron Ferry privatization proposal from Labmar Ferry Services. Staff from DOTD explained the ferry’s current operational problems, including an aging 1964 vessel, reliability issues, maintenance and dry-docking needs, staffing challenges, and the lack of a spare vessel or backup terminal pair. They reviewed the procurement process, noting that after an unsolicited proposal from Labmar, LTA required a competitive solicitation, received only Labmar’s updated proposal, and then selected Labmar as the preferred proposer. Local input was also described: the Cameron Parish Police Jury issued a no-objection letter and the Cameron Port Harbor and Terminal District gave written support, while no public comments were received at prior public comment opportunities. The board first voted that the privatization proposal serves a public purpose, based on statutory factors such as public need, compatibility with transportation plans, reasonable cost, and improved efficiency. It then voted to approve the proposal contingent on execution of a comprehensive agreement, with members emphasizing that the final contract terms would still need to be negotiated. Discussion highlighted that Labmar currently operates New Orleans ferry routes with high uptime, and that the Cameron crossing is important for local travel, emergency response, evacuation, industry, and tourism. Members also stressed the need to respect and retain current DOTD staff as the transition is negotiated. Staff outlined next steps: negotiations are expected to continue through spring and early summer 2026, with a transition period over the summer and possible full Labmar operations in late summer if an agreement and funding are secured. Two new hybrid ferry vessels are under construction and expected in May and August 2026, temporary dock space and site improvements are underway, and training will include Labmar personnel. A feasibility study for terminal expansion found that adding and improving landing slips could cost roughly $30 million to $50 million, but current funding is insufficient; members asked for a phased, multi-year plan and budget breakdown for future consideration. The meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:34.080><c> know</c><02:02:34.400><c> uh</c><02:02:34.560><c> playing</c><02:02:34.800><c> with</c
• Um but um I<02:02:40.000><c> I</c><02:02:40.880><c> yield</c><02:02:41.280><c> back</c><02:02:41.440>
• then</c><02:02:44.560><c> um</c> I<02:02:48.480><c> did</c><02:02:48.639><c> get</c><02:02:49.119><c>
• I'm</c><02:02:49.360><c> sorry</c><02:02:49.599><c> I</c><02:02:49.840><c> did</c><02:02:50.000><c>
• c> own</c><02:03:28.800><c> statutes</c><02:03:29.360><c> and</c><02:03:29.599><c> our</c><02:03:29.920

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting focused on reaching consensus on official Kentucky revenue estimates for fiscal years 2026 through 2028, using updated S&P Global economic forecasts compared with the September presentation. Staff explained that the updated forecast relied partly on alternative data because of the federal government shutdown, and they walked through changes in national and Kentucky economic assumptions across control, optimistic, and pessimistic scenarios. The control forecast was described as slightly more optimistic in the near term but more cautious in fiscal 2027 and 2028, with GDP growth revised up for the current year and down somewhat in the outer years. The pessimistic scenario now assumed a two-quarter recession beginning in the current quarter, while the optimistic scenario was given a higher probability weight than before. The presenters highlighted several Kentucky-relevant variables that changed since September, including weaker manufacturing employment, weaker housing starts, weaker consumer sentiment, and lower expected non-farm employment in fiscal 2026. At the same time, wage and salary disbursements were revised upward in fiscal 2027, reflecting higher disposable income from tax changes, and real consumer spending was expected to be stronger in the near term. They also discussed assumptions about tariffs, business profits, the Federal Reserve, unemployment, oil prices, retail sales, vehicle sales, exports, and consumer sentiment, noting that some indicators were little changed while others shifted materially. Consumer sentiment was attributed to affordability concerns, tariff impacts, and a general sense of malaise, but was expected to improve in later years from a low base. Members asked follow-up questions about why the forecast worsened in later years and about the consumer sentiment assumptions. Staff responded that the forecast assumed larger take-home pay and refunds from tax withholding changes, along with some easing of tariff effects, which they believed would help offset a negative wealth effect from stock market declines. They also noted that S&P Global’s December forecast, which had already been published, was essentially consistent with the presentation and that the firm believed its earlier assumptions had tracked recent data well. No vote or final action was recorded in the portion provided, but the discussion was aimed at settling the revenue estimates that will underpin the upcoming branch budget bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:02:44.719><c> How</c><02:02:44.880><c> many</c><02:02:45.199><c> Ryan</c><02:02:45.520><c> do
• Well,<02:02:50.560><c> we're</c><02:02:50.800><c> going</c><02:02:50.880><c> to</c><02:02:51.719><c>
• </c><02:02:54.880><c> What</c><02:02:54.960><c> exactly?</c><02:02:56.320><c> Okay.
• And we'll<02:02:57.040><c> get</c><02:02:57.360><c> get</c><02:02:57.520><c> a</c><02:02:57.679><c> list
• </c><02:02:57.920><c> for</c><02:02:58.159><c> it.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :54.880><c> the</c><01:02:55.119><c> FBI</c><01:02:55.599><c> criminal</c><01:02:55.920><c> justice</
• ><c> law</c><01:02:57.200><c> unit,</c><01:02:57.599><c> which</c><01:02:57.839><c> is</c><01:02:58.000
• :58.559><c> as</c><01:02:58.720><c> siloo,</c><01:02:59.920><c> must</c><01:03:00.240><c> review</c><
• </c> state statute and grants the authority. state statute and grants the authority.
• </c> until the statute is changed. Thank you. until the statute is changed. Thank you.

Bills: SB2275 , SB2390 , SB2540 , SB3142 , SB2414 , SB2340 , SB2848

Committee: House Health

Keywords: Medicaid, disability, buy-in program, workers with disabilities, income eligibility, premium structure, biomarker testing, health insurance, medical coverage, state law, health maintenance organization, juvenile justice, youth penalties, minors, court fees, court costs, fines, surcharges, restitution, fee waiver

Summary: The House Committee on Health heard testimony on a series of bills related to public health, pharmacy regulation, disability access, and health care infrastructure. HB 1535, creating an income tax credit for automated external defibrillator installations, drew support from the Department of Health, tax department comments, and public testimony emphasizing AED access in community and transit settings. HB 1765, requiring safety warnings for spear fishing gear, received comments from DLNR and strong support from a free-diving safety advocate who described blackout risks and argued for point-of-sale warnings. HB 1549, which would repeal the law prohibiting drug paraphernalia, drew mixed testimony: the Department of Health, the Public Defender, and harm-reduction advocates supported repeal as a public health measure, while HPD and a county prosecutor opposed it, warning it could encourage drug use and create public safety issues. The committee also heard HB 1550, which would exclude drug testing products from the definition of drug paraphernalia. The Department of Health and harm-reduction advocates supported the bill, saying drug checking tools save lives and help prevent overdoses, while one written opponent was noted. HB 1995, allowing people who are blind or deaf to receive disabled parking permits, drew opposition from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability and Communication Access Board, and other opponents, while a few written supporters were also noted. HB 1671, allowing licensed dental hygienists to place interim therapeutic restorations in public health settings, received support from the Department of Health and several oral health organizations, with the Board of Dentistry offering comments. HB 1643, establishing a framework for pharmacy audits and record retrieval, prompted the most extended discussion. The Board of Pharmacy and independent pharmacy representatives supported the bill as a needed framework to limit burdensome audits and protect patient care, while HMSA raised concerns about possible conflicts with upcoming federal PBM reforms and potential unintended consequences. Committee members questioned both sides about timing and workload, and supporters argued the bill was needed now to protect rural and independent pharmacies. Finally, HB 1978, appropriating funds for a new outpatient care center in North Kona, received strong support from Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, Queen’s Health Systems, the Kona-Kohala Chamber, and others, who described it as a long-term investment in West Hawaii’s health care capacity and economy. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:08.080><c> Um,</c><00:02:08.560><c> I</c><00:02:08.800><c> try</c><00:02:09.119><c> very</
• </c><00:02:17.520><c> office</c><00:02:18.640><c> so</c><00:02:18.959><c> that</c><00:02:19.680><c> at
• ,</c><00:02:21.200><c> we</c><00:02:21.440><c> don't</c><00:02:21.599><c> end</c><00:02:21.760><c> up
• :02:31.680><c> we</c><00:02:31.840><c> need</c><00:02:32.000><c> to</c><00:02:32.080><c> be</c><00:02
• 02:31:58.960><c> we</c><02:31:59.200><c> know</c><02:31:59.280><c> who</c><02:31:59.439><c> he</c><02

Keywords: House streaming session for Saturday, April 11, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He says they already give that access now and believes it is a good idea to put it in statute because
• I think it is a good idea to put it in statute because future directors may not feel the same way, and
• He said many states have enshrined into statute limits on warrantless arrests for low-level offenses,
• He said many states have enshrined into statute limits on warrantless arrests for low-level offenses,
• I would be very interested to statute I would be very interested to know<00:24:42.919><c> of</c><00:

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs heard testimony on several public safety and criminal justice measures. HB 433 HD1 would appropriate funds for Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation re-entry services; DCR Director Tommy Johnson said the department supports the bill’s intent but noted the same $4 million request is in the governor’s executive budget, and the Correctional System Oversight Commission, Public Defender, ACLU, OHA, Chamber of Commerce, and other groups testified in support. Members asked whether the funding was already in the governor’s budget, and Johnson confirmed it was requested there for the next two fiscal years. HB 1045 would make emergency appropriations for law enforcement personnel costs, and the Department of Law Enforcement, DAGS, Budget and Finance, and the Judiciary testified in support, with DLE saying the amounts match what Budget and Finance will present. HB 1296 would require timely notice and reporting to the Legislature when the governor transfers money to the major disaster fund; Budget and Finance and the Governor’s office offered comments, and no opposition was noted. HB 1002 would extend the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission coordinator’s term and clarify inspection authority; DCR and the commission supported it, with the commission saying a longer term would help the coordinator do the job effectively and allow inspections without notice. HB 596 would clarify what events qualify as disasters and emergencies for emergency management purposes. Hawaii Emergency Management Agency opposed the bill, while maritime and Grassroot Institute representatives supported it. Members asked whether the bill’s 21-day limit should be extended to 30 days, and HEMA said it opposed any change that would limit the governor’s flexibility in the response phase. The committee also heard HB 1128 HD1, which would set factors for warrantless arrests for petty misdemeanors and violations and require officers to record the justification. The Office of the Public Defender, ACLU, and some reform advocates supported it as a check on police discretion and a way to encourage citations, while the Attorney General, Honolulu Police Department, prosecutors, DLE, county police chiefs, SHOPO, and others opposed it as too restrictive and likely to create litigation and court delays. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:39.440><c> still</c><02:02:39.679><c> on</c><02:02:39.840><c> 906</c><02:02:40.440><c> no</c><02:
• 02:40.520><c> you</c><02:02:40.639><c> better</c><02:02:41.040><c> you</c><02:02:41.199><c> guys</c>
• c> are</c><02:02:45.880><c> anyway</c><02:02:46.800><c> yes</c><02:02:47.159><c> okay</c><02:02:47.840
• yes okay so and then<02:02:49.199><c> this</c><02:02:49.960><c> the</c><02:02:50.199><c> next</c><02
• statute</c> nationhood is part of their statute nationhood is part of their statute establishing<02:26

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• everywhere within our code. or our state statute.
• But there is certification in various statutes throughout our. statutes. Representative Gantt.
• I want to speak briefly about Minnesota.
• In Minnesota, that keeps being brought up.
• Minnesota has 132 practicing dental therapists and 41 percent of them are in rural areas in Minnesota

Bills: SB 5 , SJR 3 , HB 11 , HJR 72 , HB 48 , HB 27 , HB 144 , HB 37 , HB 1481 , HB 581 , HB 1696 , HB 2216 , HB 1035 , HB 1633 , HB 742 , HB 754 , HB 1689 , HB 1690 , HB 2669 , HB 391 , HB 517 , HB 1775 , HB 1024 , HB 1607 , HB 252 , HB 1716 , HB 1562 , HB 4116 , HB 1866 , HB 1741 , HB 2103 , HB 2637 , HB 2884 , HB 3707 , HB 503 , HB 1089 , HB 1757 , HB 2986 , HB 972 , SB 365 , SB 1786 , SB 5 , SJR 3 , HB 14 , HB 43 , HB 36 , HB 26 , HB 149 , HB 121 , HB 206 , HB 136 , HB 3114 , HB 2733 , HB 1732 , HB 3700 , HB 467 , HB 1130 , HB 1846 , HB 1442 , HB 1147 , HB 2176 , HB 2701 , HB 805 , HB 2890 , HB 1154 , HB 1644 , HB 2118 , HB 1718 , HB 2488 , HB 2596 , HB 2468 , HB 484 , HB 2578 , HB 3204 , HB 1041 , HB 307 , HB 685 , HB 538 , HB 2525 , HB 3125 , HB 2027 , HB 2894 , HB 3077 , HB 106 , HB 18 , HB 11 , HJR 72 , HB 48 , HB 27 , HB 144 , HB 37 , HB 1481 , HB 581 , HB 1696 , HB 2216 , HB 1035 , HB 1633 , HB 742 , HB 754 , HB 1689 , HB 1690 , HB 2669 , HB 391 , HB 517 , HB 1775 , HB 1024 , HB 1607 , HB 252 , HB 1716 , HB 1562 , HB 4116 , HB 1866 , HB 1741 , HB 2103 , HB 2637 , HB 2884 , HB 3707 , HB 503 , HB 1089 , HB 1757 , HB 2986 , HB 972

Keywords: dementia, research institute, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, funding, grants, state health initiatives, research funding, state budget, prevention, healthcare, medical research, Dementia Prevention and Research Institute, licensing, reciprocity, regulation, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, interstate agreements, tax exemption, intellectual disability

Transcript Highlights:

• 02:14.800><c> 7</c><02:02:15.040><c> days</c><02:02:15.360><c> for</c><02:02:16.320><c> uh</c><02:02:
• And so this<02:02:18.080><c> puts</c><02:02:18.400><c> it</c><02:02:18.560><c> all</c><02:02:18.719><
• c> in</c><02:02:18.960><c> line</c><02:02:19.199><c> with</c><02:02:19.440><c> the</c><02:02:19.760><
• :02:20.639><c> board</c><02:02:21.520><c> uh</c><02:02:21.679><c> as</c><02:02:22.000><c> well</c><02
• </c><02:02:25.119><c> Uh</c><02:02:25.360><c> and</c><02:02:25.599><c> so</c><02:02:25.840><c> that</

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So some of it is in statute.
• they were doing to reflect the statute.
• they were doing to reflect the statute.
• We have an 85% statute, and that statute applies to seven crimes: gross sexual imposition, sometimes
• We don't have a violent offender statute. We have an 85% statute.

Summary: The committee opened with a moment of silence for a deceased member, then approved the April minutes and heard a presentation from HHS on the Diversion Task Force and related youth services grants. Chelsea Florey described the $750,000 one-time appropriation from HB 1012, the five awarded grants, and how programs in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot are using the funds for youth diversion, including school-based groups, physical activity, and services for problematic sexual behavior. Members raised concerns about staffing shortages, family engagement, service silos, and whether diversion eligibility rules are too rigid; Florey said the task force is focused on better coordination, broader education about available services, and possible changes to diversion criteria, with the Children’s Cabinet likely to drive broader recommendations. The committee then received a North Dakota Lottery biennium report from Director Thomas Lawler, who reviewed the lottery’s history, games, retailer commissions, player programs, and revenue distribution. He reported about $67 million in ticket sales for the 2023-2025 biennium, about $16.2 million transferred overall, including roughly $13.6 million to the general fund, plus transfers to drug task force and compulsive gambling funds. Members asked about the compulsive gambling allocation and whether it is set by statute. Next, the Department of Corrections presented on criminal justice data sharing and reentry. Adam Anderson explained that jails, courts, DOCR, HHS, and other entities use separate systems with limited interoperability, making real-time communication largely manual. He outlined possible hub or point-to-point IT solutions, but noted cost, vendor, identifier, and data-definition challenges. Robin Schmolenberger followed with an update on a Medicaid data exchange project between DOCR and HHS to suspend and reactivate inmate Medicaid coverage automatically and improve care coordination, with full bi-directional exchange expected in fall 2026. The committee also heard from county representatives on 24-7 sobriety program fees and an AG opinion allowing local sheriffs to use cheaper testing options when courts waive fees. Finally, the North Dakota Racing Commission reviewed a troubling audit. Bruce Johnson acknowledged serious findings involving overspending from the promotion fund, missing grant documentation, a reversed decision on breeders fund eligibility, and repeated procurement violations. He said the commission has begun corrective actions, including monthly tracking of the promotion fund cap, stricter grant documentation, written procurement procedures, and clearer eligibility rules in condition books. Members pressed him on how the overspending occurred, whether the commission board would impose consequences, and whether statutory clarification is needed on the promotion fund limit and related spending rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• :55.000><c> with</c><01:02:55.119><c> an</c><01:02:55.240><c> increase</c><01:02:55.520><c> of</c><01
• :02:56.200><c> 15%</c><01:02:57.200><c> from</c><01:02:57.559><c> 2023</c> within with an increase of
• 15% from 2023 within with an increase of 15% from 2023 to<01:02:58.480><c> 2024</c><01:02:59.760><c>
• </c><01:20:36.760><c> says</c> yourself the definition in statute says yourself the definition in statute
• </c><01:21:29.320><c> practice</c> definition of Statute practice definition of Statute practice engineering

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1191, senate, all