Transcript Highlights:

• Oahu<01:02:02.240><c> Youth</c><01:02:02.640><c> Action</c><01:02:03.119><c> Board</c><01:02:03.520><
• 02:32.880><c> more</c><01:02:33.119><c> we</c><01:02:33.440><c> lose.
• :02:45.680><c> to</c><01:02:45.839><c> do</c><01:02:46.000><c> so.
• :02:51.280><c> at</c><01:02:51.280><c> least</c><01:02:51.680><c> mitigate</c><01:02:52.079><c> the</
• To<01:02:54.960><c> protect</c><01:02:55.280><c> our</c><01:02:55.440><c> climate</c><01:02:55.839><c

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1694, which would create a sustainable aviation fuel tax credit, and HB 1695, which would expand the state’s renewable fuels production tax credit. For HB 1694, supporters from the airlines, renewable fuels industry, business groups, and some environmental and youth representatives said sustainable aviation fuel is a practical near-term way to cut emissions in aviation, a hard-to-decarbonize sector, and argued the credit would send a market signal, support local production, and help meet state climate goals. Opponents, including Energy Justice Network and a taxpayer-focused testifier, argued the bill could subsidize expensive fuels that may not be truly clean, could duplicate benefits available under other tax provisions, and should not support transpacific aviation or technologies they said are unproven or harmful. The Department of Taxation stood on written testimony, and the chair later asked that all verbal testimony on remaining bills be limited to one minute because of time constraints. HB 1695 drew similar support and opposition, but focused more broadly on renewable fuels for transportation, trucking, shipping, and other sectors. Supporters, including the Hawaii State Energy Office, airlines, PAR Hawaii, the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, Pacific Biodiesel, and the RNG Coalition, said the bill would help scale local fuel production, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support jobs and agriculture, and advance the state’s climate and energy goals. Several supporters emphasized that the credit would help build a local industry and that life-cycle accounting should be used to measure emissions benefits. Opponents repeated concerns that some biofuels and waste-based fuels may not be climate-beneficial, may rely on flawed modeling, and could create costly infrastructure that would need to be replaced later. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.079><c> but</c><00:02:00.399><c> also</c><00:02:00.960><c> taking</c><00:02:01.280><c> a</c><00:02
• look at requiring<00:02:03.280><c> them</c><00:02:03.439><c> to</c><00:02:03.759><c> report</c><00:02
• </c><00:02:11.200><c> And</c><00:02:11.440><c> one</c><00:02:11.599><c> of</c><00:02:11.680><c> the</
• during<00:02:14.800><c> this</c><00:02:15.040><c> week</c><00:02:15.280><c> with</c><00:02:15.920><c
• :18.560><c> we</c><00:02:18.720><c> do</c><00:02:18.959><c> a</c><00:02:19.280><c> forensic</c><00:02

Bills: HB0150

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: Wyoming business council, economic development, task force, evaluation, policy reform, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's what the board is charged to do under the election statutes.
• The election statutes.
• But it's not an eligibility statute; it's a pay statute.
• And that statute didn't... ...statute, and if it's construed otherwise, it would be a special law, and
• that statute didn't change anything that the Fair case did.

Summary: The Oklahoma State Election Board held a special meeting to address several candidate contests and related procedural matters. After roll call and opening remarks, counsel explained the hearing procedures, burden of proof, and possible outcomes. Several cases were noted as resolved or withdrawn, including Timmons v. Jones, Banning v. Sutterfield, and Roberts v. Gaw. In Ranson v. Riley, the board accepted constructive service after the respondent did not appear, heard that Riley was not a registered voter in the required district for the required period, and voted 3-0 to sustain the petition and strike him from the ballot, with costs assessed to the petitioner. The board then heard Hasenbach v. Pugh, a contest challenging Senator Adam Pugh’s candidacy for Superintendent of Public Instruction under the Oklahoma Constitution’s emoluments ineligibility clause. The petitioner argued that Pugh was a sitting legislator whose office’s salary and benefits had increased during his term, relying on stipulated facts, a compensation commission order, and prior case law. The respondent argued the salary increase came from an independent commission that expressly excluded current legislators and that benefit changes were automatic under a preexisting statute, so no qualifying increase applied to Pugh. The board resolved several procedural issues first, including striking a reply brief as beyond the original petition and admitting joint stipulations into the record. After a recess and executive session, the board returned to open session and voted 3-0 to deny the petition in Hasenbach v. Pugh, retaining Pugh as a candidate on the ballot and assessing costs to the petitioner. The meeting concluded with closing remarks from the secretary and a unanimous vote to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.359><c> hcda</c><01:02:01.359><c> um</c><01:02:01.480><c> we</c><01:02:01.599><c> have</c><01:02:
• :02:16.039><c> you</c><01:02:16.160><c> know</c><01:02:16.599><c> changes</c><01:02:17.119><c> that</
• </c><01:02:19.000><c> um</c><01:02:19.119><c> you</c><01:02:19.240><c> know</c><01:02:19.400><c> the<
• > so</c><01:02:20.880><c> again</c><01:02:21.119><c> want</c><01:02:21.240><c> to</c><01:02:21.400><c
• 01:02:31.279><c> uh</c><01:02:31.559><c> hcda</c><01:02:32.400><c> projects</c><01:02:32.880><c> and<

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Housing Committee heard testimony on several housing-related bills. On SB 26, SD 2, relating to affordable housing, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development explained a prior transit-oriented development study that identified roughly 59,000 possible units and about 25,000 affordable units from known projects, and said the bill would help fill gaps by evaluating additional public lands for housing suitability and possible co-use with existing facilities. Members asked about the need for resources and staffing to do that work, and OPSD said it would need time and consultant support to carry it out. Testimony on the bill included support from state and county housing agencies and comments from planning and land use entities. On SB 66, SD 2, relating to housing and historic preservation review, SHPD and OHA both testified. SHPD said the bill would not override existing burial-site protections and that county staff with proper qualifications could make historic-property determinations locally, while OHA asked for clearer language requiring consultation when Native Hawaiian historic sites are involved and clearer procedures if an adverse effect is found. Committee members and SHPD discussed whether the bill should explicitly preserve existing Chapter 6E processes, whether counties have qualified staff, and how quickly a county would have to decide if it cannot complete the review itself and must use a third-party reviewer. Supporters said the measure could speed permitting and keep decisions local; one opponent argued it could rush approvals and strain infrastructure. The committee also heard support from housing, construction, business, and food-industry groups, and opposition from some preservation and community advocates. The committee then heard SB 332, SD 1, on foreclosure-related protections, with testimony focused on Lānaʻi and concerns about speculative real estate after the foreclosure moratorium ended. SB 414, SD 2, on restoring access to disaster-affected areas, drew support from HHFDC, DHS, and the Maui Chamber; HHFDC noted DOH plans for a temporary paved access road to the Kayola temporary housing site and said agencies were discussing which parcels would be needed. On SB 102, SD 2, relating to affordable housing and third-party historic review, SHPD said it would need to do more upfront screening and that the bill’s timelines and third-party provisions should be clearer; OHA said the measure should include a sunset and better staffing, and asked that the department fill positions to meet review demand. No votes or final committee actions were reported in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:00.599><c> Um,</c><01:02:01.599><c> so</c><01:02:02.319><c> I</c><01:02:02.559><c> am</c><
• in fact<01:02:08.000><c> if</c><01:02:08.319><c> you</c><01:02:08.640><c> go</c><01:02:08.880><c> to
• </c><01:02:09.119><c> your</c><01:02:09.440><c> copy</c><01:02:10.160><c> of</c><01:02:10.480><c> the
• Um, instead<01:02:15.359><c> I</c><01:02:15.599><c> will</c><01:02:15.920><c> ask</c><01:02:16.240><c
• :02:30.960><c> Bill</c><01:02:31.280><c> 118</c><01:02:32.079><c> is</c><01:02:32.319><c> a</c><01:02

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee first took up Senate Bill 63, which Representative Maguire described as a straightforward bill setting funding for the Division of Travel and Tourism. He said it was not controversial. The committee voted to retain the bill by roll call, with one no vote and one member absent, and the motion passed 23-1-1. The committee then considered Senate Bill 74, dealing with annual reporting requirements for state departments that issue permits. Representative Maguire explained Amendment 2282 would shorten the reporting burden by requiring summary data on delayed permits rather than listing every permit, and would delay the first report until 2027 so agencies would not have to reconstruct old data. The amendment was adopted by voice vote, and the bill was then approved as amended by a 24-1 roll call vote. Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 241 on construction of a public pier at Hampton Beach. Representative Sweeney moved inexpedient to legislate, saying the project was ambitious and lacked public support. The motion passed unanimously 25-0, sending the bill to consent. Division Two then took up Senate Bill 145, a replace-all amendment to the education freedom account bill. Supporters said the amendment clarified the bill, kept the policy intact, removed a reimbursement program and an open-ended appropriation, and established a cap of 10,000 students with priority for current students and certain other groups. Opponents argued the measure was still a major expansion, would increase spending after crossover, and that the cap was not meaningful. After discussion, Amendment 2301H was adopted and the bill was approved as amended by a 25-0 vote, with members noting it could go on consent because no money remained in it.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> um</c><02:02:13.760><c> we</c><02:02:14.320><c> uh</c><02:02:14.400><c> get</c><02:02:14.639><c>
• Um the way<02:02:21.760><c> that</c><02:02:21.920><c> this</c><02:02:22.400><c> uh</c><02:02:22.960><
• c> rate</c><02:02:23.280><c> is</c><02:02:23.599><c> changed</c><02:02:24.320><c> um</c><02:02:24.480
• then it<02:02:34.080><c> will</c><02:02:34.880><c> uh</c><02:02:35.360><c> apply</c><02:02:35.760><c
• > higher</c><02:02:36.159><c> tax</c><02:02:36.400><c> rates</c><02:02:36.719><c> to</c><02:02:36.880

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1768, which would prohibit state and county law enforcement agencies and officials from entering into federal immigration-enforcement agreements under 8 U.S.C. 1357(g) and from assisting in certain immigration enforcement actions except in limited circumstances. The Office of the Public Defender, Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, the Legal Clinic, and the ACLU of Hawaiʻi all testified in strong support, arguing the bill would protect due process, reduce fear in immigrant communities, preserve trust in local police, and keep local resources focused on public safety. Testifiers said cooperation with immigration enforcement can chill court attendance, crime reporting, and cooperation with police, and they emphasized that the bill would not stop federal enforcement or affect other deputization agreements for environmental or other criminal matters. Committee members asked whether any 287(g) agreements currently exist in Hawaiʻi; testifiers said they were unaware of any and believed the bill would maintain the status quo. No vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up House Bill 1548, which would reduce the maximum sentence for misdemeanors from one year to 364 days and allow people previously sentenced to one year to seek sentence modification. The Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Legal Clinic, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, the ACLU of Hawaiʻi, and the William S. Richardson School of Law immigration clinic all supported the measure, saying the one-day change could prevent severe immigration consequences such as detention, removal, and bars to relief that can be triggered by a sentence of 365 days or more. Testifiers stressed that the bill would not change criminal liability or public safety, but would align Hawaiʻi law with similar reforms adopted in other states. Members questioned whether the change would affect citizens or create an automatic immigration process; witnesses responded that the issue is the federal immigration consequence tied to the maximum sentence, not actual time served, and that citizens would not face that consequence. The transcript ends during continued discussion of HB 1548, with no final vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• they were doing to reflect the statute.
• We have an 85% statute, and that statute applies to seven crimes: gross sexual imposition, sometimes
• It's far more extensive than the 85% statute.
• We don't have a violent offender statute. We have an 85% statute.
• You're saying Minnesota, it's two-thirds, period.

Committee: Joint Judiciary Committee

Summary: The committee opened with a moment of silence honoring a deceased member, then approved the April minutes. The first major presentation was from Chelsea Florey of Child and Family Services on the Diversion Task Force and related grant programs created with one-time funding from HB 1012. She reported that five of six proposals were funded, with youth diversion services operating in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, and a Red River Children’s Advocacy Center program focused on problematic sexualized behavior. Members discussed barriers such as staffing shortages, voluntary family engagement, service fatigue, and the need for better coordination, broader outreach, and possible changes to diversion eligibility rules so low-level cases can remain in diversion longer. Several legislators pressed for more practical system changes and clearer service navigation, while Florey said the task force is trying to build a service array or hub and is leaning on the Children’s Cabinet for broader recommendations. The committee then heard from North Dakota Lottery Director Thomas Lawler, who gave an operational overview and biennium report. He described the lottery’s history, games, retailer commissions, Pick and Click subscriptions, Players Club membership, and revenue distribution. For the 2023-25 biennium, about $67 million in tickets were purchased, with roughly $16.2 million transferred overall, including money for the general fund, drug task force grants, and compulsive gambling prevention and treatment. Members asked about the compulsive gambling allocation and whether the amount is set by statute. A lengthy presentation followed from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on criminal justice data connectivity and reentry. Adam Anderson explained that North Dakota’s jail, court, HHS, and correctional systems use multiple separate databases that do not communicate in real time, requiring manual cross-checks and staff communication. He said the department is exploring a centralized hub or other integration approach, but noted challenges with identifiers, vendor contracts, confidentiality, and cost. Robin Schmolenberger then updated the committee on a Medicaid data-sharing project with HHS, saying monthly application assistance is now occurring in correctional facilities and that automated bi-directional data exchange is expected in late 2026 to help suspend and reactivate Medicaid coverage and identify former foster care youth. Members also discussed parole, probation, transitional housing, and the need for better real-time notifications and clearer data definitions. The committee also received an update from county representatives on the 24/7 sobriety program, including a recent attorney general opinion that if a court waives 24/7 fees, sheriffs may use the cheaper twice-daily breath test or urine testing instead of SCRAM bracelets or drug patches. Finally, Bruce Johnson of the Racing Commission presented on an audit report, acknowledging serious findings involving overspending from the promotion fund, grant documentation failures, a breeders fund eligibility reversal, and repeated procurement violations. He said the commission has already changed its procedures by tracking fund limits monthly, requiring grant applications and itemized reports, enforcing breeders fund rules as written, and routing purchases through procurement with written contracts. The committee asked follow-up questions throughout but took no formal votes on these presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> current statute current statute throughout<00:44:33.720><c> the</c><00:44:33.800><c> bill.
• Again, this is alignment with statute, Again, this is alignment with statute, clarification,<00:47:04.080
• Sections of statute and reorganized—where did those other pieces come from? Is there a model?
• :55.640><c> to</c><01:02:55.720><c> move</c><01:02:55.960><c> forward</c><01:02:56.440><c> incrementally
• ><c> this</c><01:02:57.760><c> 30</c><01:02:58.080><c> million</c><01:02:58.400><c> dollar</c><01:02:

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe it's been around since the 1980s, and it is, by statute, a, quote, nonpartisan tool.
• We've seen withholding of Medicaid funds in Minnesota. that might be of most interest to you.
• across the country, especially in Democratic states, we've seen withholding of Medicaid funds in Minnesota
• We've seen withholding of Medicaid funds in Minnesota, and Minnesota has now sued CMS to challenge that
• And as you've seen in Minnesota, states like ours are not unwilling to challenge what we need to challenge

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities held its quarterly virtual/in-person meeting and approved the December minutes. The chair announced plans for the next “Meeting the Moment” community forum in Lowell on March 27, in partnership with MassAbility, focused on digital accessibility, education-to-employment transition, workforce supports, long-term services and supports, and health equity, along with a resource fair. The commission also began planning for its October National Disability Employment Awareness Month event and sought volunteers for a small planning group. The meeting featured an update from the Attorney General’s office on federal litigation affecting Massachusetts, including challenges to federal actions on higher education diversity data collection and DEI-related funding conditions, immigration/TPS for Haitians, NIH research grant disruptions, and the nonrenewal of mental health services grants for schools. The presenter said the state has helped protect more than $3 billion in federal funding and noted ongoing or pending appeals in several cases. Commissioners asked about possible impacts on disability-related DEI work and Medicaid; the AG’s office said guidance on DEIA/employment initiatives is available and that the state is closely monitoring federal Medicaid communications and coordinating with the governor’s office. Undersecretary of Labor Josh Cutler and apprenticeship liaison Amara Riemann presented on registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, emphasizing paid, employer-driven pathways with classroom instruction and wage progression. They highlighted growth in nontraditional fields such as human services, IT, early education, biotech, and banking, and described Bridgewater State University’s Excel program for neurodivergent people and people with disabilities as a model that can lead from pre-apprenticeship to apprenticeship. Commissioners discussed expanding similar models through community colleges and disability-focused workforce pipelines. Subcommittee reports covered disability employment, long-term services and supports, and health equity. The employment subcommittee heard from CED on state disability employment initiatives and planned future presentations from the Lawrence Partnership for Transition to Employment and Veterans Affairs. The long-term services and supports subcommittee discussed MassHealth budget pressures, anticipated federal Medicaid changes, the personal care attendant working group, and an upcoming discussion on crisis standards of care. In commissioner announcements, members highlighted recent honors for several commissioners, updates on municipal digital accessibility grants, a June Medicaid summit, and other commission activities. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh Senator<02:02:09.600><c> Fillingane,</c><02:02:10.520><c> uh</c><02:02:10.600><c> the</c><02:02:10.760
• > this</c><02:02:14.280><c> in</c><02:02:14.360><c> the</c><02:02:14.480><c> original</c><02:02:15.000
• &gt;&gt; No,<02:02:15.960><c> it</c><02:02:16.040><c> was</c><02:02:16.160><c> not.
• &gt;&gt; Okay.<02:02:17.440><c> And</c><02:02:18.080><c> um</c><02:02:18.520><c> by</c><02:02:18.800>
• <c> it</c><02:02:19.520><c> by</c><02:02:19.720><c> it</c><02:02:19.920><c> being</c><02:02:20.480><c

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 5 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing<01:02:02.400><c> none</c><01:02:02.559><c> the</c><01:02:02.799><c> recommendation</c><01:02:03.200
• &gt;&gt; Before<01:02:11.920><c> you</c><01:02:12.000><c> adjourn</c><01:02:12.480><c> could</c><01:02
• :12.640><c> I</c><01:02:12.720><c> make</c><01:02:12.799><c> a</c><01:02:12.960><c> brief.
• &gt;&gt; Okay.<01:02:15.040><c> For</c><01:02:15.520><c> those</c><01:02:15.760><c> who</c><01:02:16.079
• 02:36.079><c> gabble</c><01:02:36.480><c> out</c><01:02:36.640><c> and</c><01:02:36.880><c> we'll</c>

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several measures. SB 2723, which would designate April 27 as State Sheriff’s Day, was supported by the Department of Law Enforcement and a long-serving sheriff, who described the historical roots of Hawaii’s sheriffs in the Kingdom of Hawaii and said the bill would recognize that legacy. HGA submitted written comments, and there was no opposition or vote taken on the measure during the excerpt. The committees then heard SB 17 on wildfire mitigation. The Public Utilities Commission, DLNR, the State Fire Council, OPSD, the Attorney General’s office, and Kamehameha Schools all testified, mostly in support of the bill’s intent but with suggested amendments. Several witnesses said the bill should better define the working group’s structure, staffing, and funding, and the Attorney General noted constitutional concerns about placing the group outside a principal department and pointed out possible overlap with Acts 302 and 303 from the prior year. Committee members questioned whether SB 17 duplicated earlier wildfire legislation, and witnesses generally said it did not directly conflict but overlapped with existing efforts. On SB 2358, which would require reimbursement for search-and-rescue costs when people leave trails and enter closed areas, the State Fire Council and the Hawaii SAR Alliance testified in opposition or caution, arguing that reimbursement could deter people from calling for help and that Hawaii’s SAR system still has structural and administrative gaps. A committee member asked whether other jurisdictions had used similar measures without discouraging rescues; the Fire Council said Kauai has a similar law but it has not resulted in invoices being sent. No action was taken in the excerpt. The final measure discussed was SB 2475 on Red Hill remediation funding and reimbursement from the Department of Defense. The Board of Water Supply, DLNR, and other testifiers supported the bill, emphasizing the need for long-term research, monitoring, and cleanup, while also noting the unique groundwater conditions and the importance of keeping the funds focused on Red Hill contamination response. Committee members asked about existing federal and state funding, whether the state had received any direct federal money, and what would happen if reimbursement is not obtained. DLNR said it was still working through the reimbursement mechanism and that some federal funding had gone to the Red Hill registry, but not directly to the state for this purpose.

Transcript Highlights:

• me Vice<01:02:31.839><c> chairman</c><01:02:32.160><c> dry</c><01:02:32.920><c> yes</c><01:02:33.920
• funding<02:21:29.560><c> um</c><02:21:29.920><c> there</c><02:21:30.080><c> shall</c><02:21:30.280><c
• ><c> and</c><02:22:17.240><c> they</c><02:22:17.399><c> are</c><02:22:17.760><c> an</c><02:22:18.000>
• <02:38:09.600><c> a</c><02:38:09.840><c> a</c><02:38:10.080><c> group</c><02:38:11.080><c> in</c><02:
• ><02:55:50.800><c> up</c><02:55:50.920><c> in</c><02:55:51.000><c> the</c><02:55:51.120><c> air</c><02

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 695, relating to school districts and medically related grants. The sponsor argued the bill was vague and could undermine existing law, and another member said it would add an unnecessary mandate for school districts. The committee voted to recommend inexpedient to legislate, and the motion passed 18-0. Next, House Bill 765, which would consolidate school administrative units and make superintendent jobs elected positions, was also recommended inexpedient to legislate. Members said the bill raised too many questions, could duplicate other legislation, and would move away from local control. That motion likewise passed 18-0. House Bill 768, allowing public school districts to contract with approved private schools, drew more debate. Supporters described it as a language cleanup and an expansion of educational opportunity, while opponents raised concerns about the placement of the language and pending Supreme Court cases. The committee voted 10-8 to recommend ought to pass, and then 10-8 to recommend ought to pass as amended, with a minority report noted. The committee then considered House Bill 446, dealing with parental notice for non-academic surveys. An amendment was offered to make the Youth Risk Behavior Survey opt-in rather than opt-out. Supporters said parents should be informed and should choose whether their children participate, while opponents argued the survey is an important tool for mental health data, grants, and school programming, and that opt-in would reduce participation and data quality. The amendment passed 10-8, and the bill as amended also passed 10-8, with a minority report noted. Finally, the committee began House Bill 741, which would allow parents to send children to any school district they choose and expand open enrollment. The sponsor described it as broadening choice and keeping public funds in public schools, and an amendment was proposed to restore provisions for children of military personnel. Discussion on the amendment began, but the transcript cuts off before any vote on House Bill 741 or the amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have lost some of their employees to the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs.
• The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs had poached a couple of their employees, and the starting
• But Representative Bryant, and is the $500,000 dictated in statute that that's the amount?
• And is the $500,000 dictated in statute, that that's the amount on sections 5 and 6?
• I think we're below about 30-some percent, the average between the feds and Minnesota and the CBS.

Committee: House Appropriations - Human Resources Division

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee took up Senate Bill 2025, the Veterans Home/Veterans Affairs budget, and worked through the long sheet line by line. Members discussed base payroll, salary and health insurance increases, FTE pool adjustments, IT rate increases, operating expenses, transportation grants, the PTSD service dog program, salary equity requests, temporary help/intern funding, a Veterans Benefit Specialist FTE, accrued leave, and several one-time or carryover items including the Fisher House, document scanning, and veterans medical transportation. The committee also reviewed proposed policy language that would shift governance authority for the Veterans Home and Department of Veterans Affairs from the Administrative Committee on Veterans Affairs to the governor, and would remove board authority over salary-setting and related hiring powers. A major portion of the meeting focused on clarifying the commissioner salary equity line and how the agency had shifted operating dollars to fund the commissioner’s current salary increase. After discussion with agency staff and Lonnie, the committee voted to remove the separate commissioner salary equity increase line and instead restore operating funding, ultimately setting the operating line at $50,000 above the prior amount rather than fully funding the executive request. The committee also approved funding for the Veterans Benefit Specialist FTE, approved a carryforward/exemption for accrued leave, approved authority to accept $200,000 in federal transportation grant funds, approved the $500,000 transfers related to veterans homelessness, and approved the exemption language for certain federal/state fiscal recovery funds after discussing whether the funds were properly obligated. On the governance amendment, members expressed concern about making a major policy change in an appropriations bill, but also frustration over the board’s salary actions. After debate, the committee adopted the amendment transferring governance authority to the governor by a 7-1 vote. The committee also approved a smaller amount for veteran service officer salary equity than requested, and rejected funding for temporary salaries and an intern. The chair then directed staff to prepare the amended bill for further action, with the committee planning to revisit it once the revised version was ready.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:59:43.599><c> and</c> these two requirements in statute and these two requirements in statute
• So um RSA 541A<01:02:57.760><c> I'm</c><01:02:57.920><c> not</c><01:02:58.000><c> going</c><01:02:58.079
• ><c> to</c><01:02:58.160><c> get</c><01:02:58.319><c> all</c><01:02:58.480><c> the</c> 541A I'm not going
• </c><01:02:59.119><c> reference</c><01:02:59.520><c> but</c><01:02:59.839><c> it</c><01:03:00.079><c>
• </c> &gt;&gt; Keeping the statutes consistent. &gt;&gt; Keeping the statutes consistent.

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:02:00.400><c> and</c><02:02:00.639><c> in</c><02:02:00.880><c> full</c> questions again together
• </c><02:02:02.880><c> honor</c><02:02:03.280><c> education</c><02:02:04.320><c> without</c> context.
• &gt;&gt; Um<02:02:10.560><c> thank</c><02:02:10.639><c> you</c><02:02:10.880><c> Mr.
• </c><02:02:11.360><c> I</c><02:02:11.520><c> don't</c><02:02:11.599><c> think</c><02:02:11.679><c> I<
• I don't think I could<02:02:12.000><c> have</c><02:02:12.159><c> said</c><02:02:12.320><c> it</c><02:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first recessed for a subcommittee meeting on HB 313, which concerned an open-meetings-related issue. In the subcommittee, members discussed concerns that the bill might be unnecessary because current law already allows a person to request an open meeting in advance; the subcommittee then voted ITL on HB 313 by voice vote and closed its work session. The full Judiciary Committee then reconvened and took up CACR 6, the proposed constitutional amendment on a “right to compute,” with members debating whether the language was too broad and could create unintended consequences. Supporters framed it as a forward-looking protection for computation resources and strong encryption, while opponents said it was too open-ended and better addressed by future legislation. The committee voted ITL on CACR 6 by a 17-0 roll call. The committee next turned to HB 232, as amended, concerning the rights of conscience for medical professionals. The amendment narrowed the bill to abortion-related objections, removed sterilization and artificial contraception, aligned the abortion definition with existing state law, and reduced damages from treble damages to actual damages. Supporters said the bill would protect conscience rights, give physicians and patients more choice, and could help attract providers to New Hampshire. Opponents argued it was overly broad, unclear in key definitions, and could interfere with employers’ ability to assign staff, especially in rural health settings. Members also raised concerns about the bill’s scope and enforcement, including the broad definition of “participate,” the lack of clarity around exceptions for providers whose services include abortion as a “major part,” emergency determinations, and the inclusion of nursing homes in the definition of health care institution. Some members argued the bill singled out abortion while other controversial medical procedures were not treated similarly, and others criticized the minimum-damages provision as potentially punitive and designed to deter participation. The discussion continued without a final vote shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:17.760><c> Uh</c><00:02:18.000><c> the</c><00:02:18.160><c> prayer</c><00:02:18.400><c> of
• Uh the prayer of the<00:02:18.640><c> day</c><00:02:18.800><c> will</c><00:02:18.959><c> be</c><00:02
• </c><00:02:21.440><c> If</c><00:02:21.599><c> you'd</c><00:02:21.840><c> please</c><00:02:22.080><c>
• God, I pray<00:02:41.920><c> that</c><00:02:42.080><c> we</c><00:02:42.239><c> would</c><00:02:42.480
• :02:48.640><c> uh</c><00:02:48.879><c> strength</c><00:02:49.360><c> comes</c><00:02:49.680><c> from<

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :50.239><c> both</c><00:02:50.400><c> the</c><00:02:50.640><c> state</c><00:02:50.879><c> and</c><00:
• ><c> give</c><00:02:52.959><c> up</c><00:02:53.200><c> any</c><00:02:53.440><c> rights</c><00:02:53.680
• of the parties<00:02:54.560><c> including</c><00:02:54.959><c> treaty</c><00:02:55.360><c> rights,</
• <00:02:58.000><c> or</c><00:02:58.239><c> jurisdiction.
• Um statute.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Tribal Relations

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:52.400><c> Jonah</c><02:02:52.880><c> building</c><02:02:53.199><c> here</c><02:02:53.360><c> when
• </c><02:02:55.520><c> And</c><02:02:55.760><c> I</c><02:02:55.920><c> just</c><02:02:56.159><c> want<
• And I just want to tell<02:02:56.480><c> you,</c><02:02:56.960><c> this</c><02:02:57.119><c> is</c><02
• :02:57.280><c> a</c><02:02:57.520><c> true</c><02:02:57.679><c> man</c><02:02:57.840><c> of</c><02:02
• </c><02:02:59.040><c> um</c><02:02:59.280><c> he</c><02:02:59.599><c> has</c><02:03:00.400><c> uh</c>

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :22.319><c> my</c><00:02:22.480><c> name</c><00:02:22.680><c> is</c><00:02:22.879><c> Leia</c><00:02:
• 23.319><c> Diaz</c><00:02:24.080><c> I</c><00:02:24.160><c> am</c><00:02:24.319><c> the</c> chair my
• :02:28.599><c> have</c><00:02:28.879><c> with</c><00:02:29.040><c> me</c><00:02:29.480><c> Gavin</c>
• </c><00:02:30.519><c> hopono</c><00:02:31.160><c> services</c><00:02:31.560><c> for</c><00:02:31.760>
• :02:36.720><c> yamane</c><00:02:37.720><c> and</c><00:02:38.120><c> we</c><00:02:38.319><c> stand</c>

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony on several health-related measures, with most of the discussion focused on SB 1419, SB 1494, and SB 1495, which were taken out of order to accommodate ASL/Death Blind Task Force testimony. SB 1419, relating to Act 253 (Session Laws of Hawaii 2023), drew support from the Department of Human Services and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii, with testimony emphasizing use of the term “low vision” and support for the program timeline. The committee later recommended passage with amendments, including technical changes and updated appropriation fiscal years, and the motion was adopted unanimously by the members present. SB 1494, concerning hearing aids, drew broad support from disability advocates and others who argued that hearing aids improve health, reduce accidents, and may help reduce dementia risk. Testifiers also urged that the bill define hearing aids as prescription hearing aids rather than including over-the-counter devices, and the Department of the Auditor and Insurance Division raised cost and coverage questions. The committee recommended passage with amendments, changing the coverage approach to optional coverage similar to vision and dental and requesting a sunrise analysis for prescription hearing aids; that recommendation was adopted. SB 1495, which exempts hearing aids from the general excise tax, also received support, while the Attorney General flagged a possible single-subject issue and the Tax Department estimated a potential $1.1 million revenue impact. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including deletion of the challenged language, technical fixes, and noting the revenue estimate; that recommendation was adopted. The committee then moved through additional measures with mostly supportive testimony. SB 1421 on medical records prompted questions about what happens when a solo practitioner dies or closes practice, and the discussion centered on ensuring patients can obtain records, including a proposed amendment requiring a successor provider to send records to the patient’s last known address. SB 1422, dealing with a special fund and vital statistics funding, was supported by the Department of Health, which said the special fund did not meet criteria and that deposits should instead go to the Vital Statistics Improvement Special Fund. SB 1423 on certificate of need exemptions for Department of Health facilities drew support, with discussion of possibly extending exemptions to dialysis and behavioral health/psychiatric services; the Department indicated it would not oppose that change. SB 1424 on credentialing of health care providers also received support, and SB 1425 on the State Emergency Medical Services Committee focused on reducing quorum requirements because many members are active first responders and cannot always attend meetings. The committee also heard support for SB 1426 on emergency medical services, SB 1431 on viral hepatitis, and SB 1433 on harm reduction, with testimony on hepatitis outreach funding and syringe access best practices; for SB 1433, the Department of Health identified a blank in the bill and recommended a six-month period for the syringe-possession exception.

Transcript Highlights:

• :38.720><c> members</c><00:02:39.040><c> any</c><00:02:39.319><c> questions</c><00:02:39.680><c> of</
• </c><00:02:43.239><c> if</c><00:02:43.360><c> not</c><00:02:43.480><c> we're</c><00:02:43.599><c> going
• to move<00:02:43.879><c> on</c><00:02:44.000><c> to</c><00:02:44.159><c> the</c><00:02:44.440><c> the
• </c><00:02:44.599><c> next</c><00:02:44.760><c> measure</c><00:02:45.080><c> that</c><00:02:45.200><c
• <00:02:48.400><c> and</c><00:02:48.920><c> inspection</c><00:02:49.920><c> first</c><00:02:50.200><c>

Committee: Senate Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing began with SB 133 on energy, which drew opposition testimony from James Abraham, who said the bill was unnecessary because the Public Utilities Commission had already opened a proceeding to investigate wheeling, including intergovernmental wheeling, and should be allowed to finish its collaborative process. The committees then moved to SB 161 on county permitting and inspection, where several agencies submitted written comments or opposition, while the Grassroots Institute and HCDA-related testimony supported the measure. Members raised concerns about accountability and whether state agencies would report back on projects approved under any permitting exemption, and witnesses suggested annual reporting or amendment language to address that issue. The hearing then turned to SB 232 and SB 588, both related to renewable energy permitting. Testimony on SB 232 was largely supportive, but Rocky Mold of the Hawaii Solar Energy Association said SB 232 was an older version of a bill and that SB 588 was the preferred, updated measure. Members discussed whether the bill should be limited to residential or behind-the-meter customer-sited systems rather than utility-scale projects, and Mold clarified that the proposal was intended for customer-sited systems, not utility-scale facilities. For SB 588, the Department of Land and Natural Resources warned that state or county laws inconsistent with the National Flood Insurance Program could jeopardize flood insurance eligibility and related federal assistance, while Mold argued the bill’s FEMA floodway exemption was needed to avoid blocking solar installations on existing structures. The chair expressed concern about risking federal funding and questioned whether the exemption could be narrowed without defeating the bill’s purpose. SB 412, also on renewable energy, received supportive testimony from the State Energy Office and others. Members questioned whether a single coordinating entity should compile agency assessments, and Mark Glick said the Energy Office could take on that role if given the duty and sufficient staff. The committee then discussed SB 635 on energy efficiency, which would require state agencies to use energy-efficient lighting. Mark Glick testified that much of the work was already underway through benchmarking and related contracts, and a DAGS representative said the state was already assessing 590 buildings over 10,000 square feet, with results expected around 2027. Members suggested amending the bill to require annual status reports so the committees could track progress and avoid duplication. No votes were taken during the hearing.