Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, but then a lot of times a real estate project will be dependent on real estate interest rates, and
• :08.880><c> be</c> of times a real estate project will be of times a real estate project will be dependent
• c> real</c><00:21:09.679><c> estate</c><00:21:10.320><c> interest</c><00:21:10.640><c> rates</c> dependent
• on real estate interest rates dependent on real estate interest rates and<00:21:11.200><c> when</c><
• are advocating here today for infrastructure, economic growth, and quality of life that our region depends

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• providing comments, we don't believe we would be the appropriate place to file a party challenge because depending
• filed, we need some type of prompt finality because we still have to print the ballots, and it just depends
• filed, we need some type of prompt finality because we still have to print the ballots, and it just depends
• But I think it really depends on the case and what that civil judgment is under the circumstances.
• case-by-case basis: a letter or memo is sent to every client whether or not remedial action is recommended, depending

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 335 would route objections by political party officers to candidate nomination papers through the Office of Elections. The State Election Director testified that his office was not the right venue for party-membership challenges because it could create conflicts and force the Attorney General to represent the chief election officer in court; members discussed whether all objections should instead go directly to Circuit Court, but no action was taken. SB 280 would expand first-degree negligent injury to cover injuries negligently caused by intoxicated drivers. The Public Defender opposed the bill as too harsh and urged either a lower penalty or clearer statutory definitions of “under the influence,” while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it as a needed increase in accountability for drunk drivers who actually injure someone. Committee members raised concerns about overlap with existing offenses, proportionality, and whether the change would increase jury-trial volume; the prosecutor responded that the bill would apply to a smaller subset of cases involving actual injury and would help ensure more serious treatment of those cases. The committee also heard SB 292, establishing Safe Harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical or law enforcement assistance, with testimony in support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, HPD, U Alliance, and others, and no opposition. SB 31, concerning an additional penalty for dog owners whose dogs destroy property on agricultural land, drew only supportive testimony. SB 356 would require restitution in the form of financial support to the minor children of victims killed or disabled by an intoxicated driver; the Public Defender opposed it as better suited to civil court and questioned enforcement after probation, while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it and said courts can issue enforceable restitution orders. Testimony also strongly supported SB 1284, a proposed constitutional amendment prohibiting discrimination based on ethnicity, age, disability, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes, with supporters arguing it would strengthen protections in response to current political conditions. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Same thing—just if he can abide by the 2-minute time limit, may have to institute a time limit depending
• Public welfare depends on it.
• Public welfare depends on it. comments<00:21:08.320><c> we</c><00:21:08.480><c> have</c><00:21:08.640
• 00:24:47.840><c> public</c><00:24:48.120><c> welfare</c><00:24:48.559><c> on</c><00:24:49.200><c> depends
• We know public welfare depends on diligence in repairing and maintaining these roads, and we're concerned

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation heard a 10 a.m. agenda covering a range of transportation, liability, harbor, and bicycle-related bills. Testimony was mixed on several measures: HB 263, which would exempt full-time college students from vehicle weight tax, drew opposition from the Department of Transportation and others; HB 135, authorizing general obligation bonds to purchase property on the North Shore of Oʻahu, had support; HB 860, granting immunity to the state or county for repairs on roads with disputed jurisdiction, drew support from DOT, DLNR, and the City and County of Honolulu but opposition from the Hawaii Association for Justice; and HB 996, which would abolish joint and several liability for government entities in highway-related civil actions, also drew strong opposition from the Hawaii Association for Justice and support from the Attorney General’s office and DOT. The committee also heard HB 1167, an emergency appropriation for motor carrier enforcement, and HB 1259, which would remove the need for an engineering study before reducing speed limits within 10 mph of the current limit; both had support from DOT and related groups. HB 1156 and HB 960, both related to harbor financing and capital advancement contracts, were supported by DOT, with DOT explaining that higher bond and contract ceilings were needed because project costs have increased since the limits were set decades ago. HB 142, exempting certain nonprofit community-based transportation providers from motor carrier regulation, and HB 914, creating a water carrier inflationary cost index mechanism and allowing PUC exemptions, also received support from multiple stakeholders, with the Consumer Advocacy Division noting that the inflationary adjustment issue was already active in a rate case. The committee also took testimony on several electric bicycle and micromobility bills. HB 486 would restrict where electric bicycles may operate, prohibit unsafe operation and removal of speed-limiting devices, and fund a safety education campaign; it drew opposition from the Hawaii Bicycling League and several individuals, with one supporter. HB 435 would redefine and classify electric bicycles, raise the minimum operating age, and add registration and use rules; it was supported by DOT and the Hawaii Bicycling League, with one individual opposing. HB 958 would regulate motorized bicycles and electric micromobility devices, require helmets for minors, and fund a coordinated education campaign; it drew support from the City and County of Honolulu, Council Member Tyler Dos Santos-Tam, and the Hawaii Bicycling League, but opposition from Moped Doctors and others, who argued the bill could harm the moped industry and that more study was needed. After testimony, the committee recessed and then reconvened for decision-making. In decision-making, the committee deferred HB 263 and HB 996. It passed HB 135, HB 860, HB 1167, HB 1259, HB 1156, and HB 960 with amendments, generally adopting HD1 versions, making technical changes, and setting effective dates to July 1, 3000 for the amended measures. The chair explained that HB 263 was deferred because a blanket tax exemption for one class could create inequities and a tax credit might be a better approach. HB 996 was deferred because the chair said the state’s long-standing policy of ensuring safe roads and maintaining accountability for highway design and maintenance remained important. For HB 960, the chair said the current contract caps were too low for modern harbor projects and that higher limits would improve flexibility and efficiency. The committee also noted Representative Cochran was excused for the remaining votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• So whether subsection C becomes law is dependent on what this outside private entity chooses to do.

Summary: The Rules Committee met to consider a mass motion declaring Senate Bills 1041, 1118, 1168, 1189, 1274, 1286, 1428, 1457, 1497, 1503, 1519, 1582, and 1713 constitutional and in proper form. Counsel reviewed the measures and said they were generally acceptable, but raised one concern about Senate Bill 1428, specifically a Strang-Everting amendment that conditions enactment of a subsection on permission from a private outside entity. Counsel said this could be an unlawful delegation of legislative authority and recommended removing the conditional enactment language. Counsel also suggested replacing the specific entity name with a general description to avoid drafting and continuity issues. Members did not ask further questions, and the committee proceeded to a roll-call vote on the motion. The motion passed with seven ayes and one absent, and the committee recommended the measures as constitutional and in proper form before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Amongst our children, 35% are ventilator dependent and 43% have tracheostomies.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we really depend on donations, sponsorships, fundraising, and other avenues to carry out our mission
• So, we really depend on donations, sponsorships, fundraising, and other avenues to carry out our mission
• So,<00:10:30.880><c> we</c><00:10:31.040><c> really</c><00:10:31.320><c> depend</c><00:10:31.800><c>
• on</c><00:10:32.080><c> donations,</c> So, we really depend on donations, So, we really depend on donations
• </c> today, but everyone that depends on it. today, but everyone that depends on it.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> So it's it's difficult to answer that question because it really depends on what we're looking at
• </c><00:59:58.240><c> So,</c> depends on the cycle. So, depends on the cycle.
• 01:00:26.880><c> because</c><01:00:27.119><c> it</c><01:00:27.359><c> really</c><01:00:27.599><c> depends
• </c><01:00:28.000><c> on</c> question because it really depends on question because it really depends
• It's a case by case on each contract depending how long it is, right?

Bills: HB1559 , HB2012 , HB2297 , HB2122 , HB2345 , HB2398 , HB2534 , HB2621

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: telecommunication devices, student use, public schools, student engagement, educational outcomes, confiscation policy, mental health, statewide policy, community literacy, education, Title I funding, reading proficiency, underserved communities, family engagement, tutoring, literacy support, adult education, community education, literacy programs, workforce development

Transcript Highlights:

• A risky state like us today, particularly with being very dependent upon business taxes and having an
• The parent hours tax credit talks in terms of dependence, which is a tax term for us in terms of dependence
• A definition of what is meant by dependence might be helpful.
• The parent hours tax credit talks in terms of dependence, which is a tax term for us.
• A definition of what is meant by dependence might be helpful.

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We must be able to quickly and reliably get there because lives depend on it.
• And depending on how busy we are that year, that rope may last a year, it may last two to three, but
• Uh, communications, uh, terrible comes to mind. >> It depends on where you are in the gorge.
• Uh, I mean it just depends<01:04:05.200><c> on</c><01:04:05.359><c> where</c><01:04:05.599><c> you</c
• </c> depends on where you are in the gorge. depends on where you are in the gorge.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the August minutes, and heard a brief announcement from Senator Richardson about the Missing in America Project interring unclaimed veterans’ remains at the Western Kentucky Veterans Cemetery in Hopkinsville. He read the names of several veterans being laid to rest with military honors, and the chair thanked the volunteers involved in the effort. The main presentation was an update on Kentucky’s urban search and rescue program from the Department of Military Affairs and Kentucky Emergency Management. Officials said the program is being built around two regional task force hubs, a helicopter aquatic rescue team, an incident support team, and a rescue aid fund for local search and rescue units. They reported that the $8.3 million appropriated for the program in the 2025 budget was fully executed, that $482,670 of the rescue aid fund went to 29 local teams, and that $493,592 has already been allocated in the current year to 36 teams. They also described warehouse and equipment purchases, staffing with full-time and part-time personnel, and a new training site on state property for collapsed-structure and multi-agency exercises. Officials said the program has already been used in recent disasters, including flood response and urban search and rescue operations in several parts of the state, and claimed the effort has impacted more than 1,500 citizens through rescues, evacuations, and related assistance. They said the helicopter aquatic rescue team is fully operational, the task force roster should be finalized by January, incident support should be online by April, and the full program should be deployable by June 30 or July 1, 2026. Members asked about statewide response times, K-9 search capabilities, and the long-term cost of the program, including concerns about reliance on federal matching funds. The presenters said K-9 assets will be part of the task force, that pre-positioning during forecasted storms can reduce response times significantly, and that they would provide more detailed budget information later.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I think that it depends on—I mean, some things will cost more.
• But I think that it depends on I do.
• For example, YNI is simultaneously more car dependent because of our past land use making decisions and
• But a lot of the strategy is going to depend on electrification.
• And what I depend on electrification.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committees received an informational briefing from Hawaii DOT and related partners on the Navahine settlement and the department’s plan to meet its climate and transportation commitments. Speakers described the settlement as a first-of-its-kind agreement rooted in the state constitution, the public trust doctrine, and prior legislative findings and laws, including Act 131. They said the settlement is intended to formalize DOT’s work, establish milestones, and keep climate and transportation policy less dependent on changes in administration. The presentation emphasized that transportation is Hawaii’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and that the plan is aimed at meeting 2030 and 2045 clean energy goals. DOT outlined several major implementation pieces: creation of a new Office of Energy Security and Community Outreach, formation of a youth council, and development of an emissions reduction plan that will be updated over time. The youth council reported on its membership, statewide representation, meetings, and work on charter, bylaws, and committees focused on policy and legislation, events and advocacy, and ground transportation. Youth members said they provided feedback on the energy security plan and discussed walk audits and safe routes to school. The department also described a new project-scoring tool to measure greenhouse gas impacts of every DOT project, which it said is intended to make Hawaii a national leader in evaluating transportation emissions. A major topic was the settlement’s transportation network requirement, which speakers said compresses roughly 15 years of pedestrian, bicycle, and transit network work into five years and will require about $40 million to $50 million per year over the next five years. They said a GIS map is being developed to identify gaps and that the work will involve counties and other partners, with benefits for safety, connectivity, and emissions reduction. Other topics included clean fuel standards, electrification of ground transportation, sustainable aviation fuel, marine fuel transitions, cold ironing at ports, and the costs and availability challenges associated with those transitions. DOT also reported progress on EV charging infrastructure, including two completed sites and more planned, and said it is using a sustainability partner contract to maintain chargers and recover only electricity costs. The briefing also highlighted carbon sequestration and fire mitigation work, including native tree planting. DOT said it has exceeded its minimum annual tree-planting commitment, with 3,000 trees planted in 2024 and 4,200 by mid-2025, and noted that the Legislature provided $15 million for fire mitigation that is being used for this work. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, you know, it depends if we're able to get this filing in and we're able to accelerate this process
• you</c><00:43:36.440><c> know</c><00:43:36.720><c> it</c><00:43:37.000><c> it</c><00:43:37.160><c> depends
• c><00:43:37.480><c> if</c><00:43:37.599><c> we're</c><00:43:37.800><c> able</c> um you know it it depends
• if we're able um you know it it depends if we're able to<00:43:38.119><c> get</c><00:43:38.280><c> this
• Yeah, it just depends on the type of technology used, which is determined by the temperature and the

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee met on March 19, 2025, and first heard SB 137 SD2 HD1 relating to electric utilities. The Division of Consumer Advocacy and the Public Utilities Commission said they stood on their written comments, IBEW Local 1260 supported the bill, and Ulupono Initiative also supported it. Hawaiian Electric supported the intent but asked for an amendment, saying the bill’s definition of “acquiring entity” was too broad and could unintentionally cover purely local utility transactions. A later witness from Life of the Land supported the bill only if the merger/acquisition language were removed, arguing the PUC would not have a workable mechanism to let a cooperative intervene in a utility sale process. Committee members questioned whether the bill could still work without that section, and Ulupono said it was open to clarifying language but did not seek to remove the provision; the discussion ended without a vote in the excerpt provided. The committee then took up SB 1220 SD2 relating to a renewable gas tariff. The Division of Consumer Advocacy and the PUC again stood on written comments. HGas strongly supported the measure, saying it would create a faster, more cost-effective path for a voluntary renewable gas tariff without requiring a full rate case, while preserving PUC oversight and consumer protections. The Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas also supported the bill, emphasizing that it would expand consumer choice and help Hawaii’s clean energy goals while keeping the program voluntary and shielding non-participating customers from costs. Henry Curtis of Life of the Land opposed the bill, arguing that HGas already had an active rate case and could have raised the issue there, and that the proposal did not increase renewable gas supply or speed up acquisition; he called it a gimmick. In response, HGas said the bill was mainly a mechanism to speed filing and that the details would be worked out in a PUC docket. Committee members pressed HGas on whether the measure would actually add renewable gas, what source would be used, and whether customers would simply be paying more for the same gas; HGas said it had two projects in development, including banagrass and hydrogen-related work, and that the tariff would be a voluntary opt-in rate for customers seeking renewable natural gas to meet sustainability goals. No vote was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, it is a scale of fees that is dependent on how much water you use.
• c> how</c><00:20:04.480><c> much</c><00:20:04.720><c> water</c><00:20:05.039><c> you</c> that is dependent
• on how much water you that is dependent on how much water you use<00:20:05.640><c> so</c><00:20:05.960
• especially and making sure that we are minimizing impacts to landfills and to water and land that depends
• especially and making sure that we are minimizing impacts to landfills and to water and land that depends

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The counties usually accept it, but it depends on whether there are some not-to-standard issues.
• We really won't limit you; it depends on how we're doing this morning, but we'd like to make sure that
• won't<00:25:02.520><c> limit</c><00:25:02.880><c> you</c><00:25:03.559><c> um</c><00:25:03.799><c> depends
• </c><00:25:04.320><c> on</c><00:25:05.159><c> uh</c><00:25:05.320><c> how</c> won't limit you um depends
• on uh how won't limit you um depends on uh how we're<00:25:05.720><c> doing</c><00:25:06.200><c> this

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees first heard SB 1146, which would appropriate funds to the University of Hawaiʻi to develop an action plan and pre-engineering concept plan for debris management and water quality control in the Ala Wai Watershed. Testimony was largely supportive from DLNR, a UH student, and a special improvement district representative, while one speaker suggested the work should be coordinated with existing efforts to avoid duplication. Committee discussion focused on the multi-jurisdictional nature of the watershed, existing debris-trap work that captures only about 20 to 30 percent of debris, the role of the university in capstone projects and recommendations, and the relationship to the existing Geni project and other community efforts. Members also asked about costs, tracking progress, and the difference between water-quality improvements and the larger debris problem. The committees then voted to pass SB 1146 with amendments, including blanking out the appropriation and deferring the effective date to July 31, 2050. The motion passed in both committees, with votes recorded in support and no opposition noted during the decision-making. The committees also heard SB 321, which would deem certain fee simple privately owned lands transferred to adjacent property owners or community associations if specified conditions are met. Testimony was in support from several individuals, but members raised concerns about the lack of input from counties and the state, and about how the bill might affect roads already used by the public or maintained by local governments. After discussion, the committees voted to advance SB 321 unamended to the next committees, with the measure adopted in both committees despite one recorded no vote in the Water and Land committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• It depends on if people come with an accent. I was born and raised here.
• So it’s sort of situational depending on what the teachers’ experiences bring with them.
• </c><01:07:09.160><c> on</c> it's sort of situational depending on it's sort of situational depending
• /c><01:09:14.880><c> it</c> born and raised in Hawaii so it it born and raised in Hawaii so it it depends
• in how well are you're going to depends in how well are you're going to study<01:09:17.159><c> again

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 627, which concerns Department of Education school safety funding and staffing. DOE said the bill would restore two positions and related funding that had been removed from the governor’s budget: a targeted violence prevention and threat assessment program manager and a security technology manager. DOE described ongoing work on school vulnerability assessments, fire suppression measures, security camera research, panic buttons, and active shooter prevention training. Testifiers from DOE, the Department of Law Enforcement, fire services, HSTA, and an individual witness all supported the bill, with the individual citing a past school shooting experience as a reason to increase school resource officers and safety measures. Members asked about the positions’ duties, how the request differed from existing security funding, and the status of active shooter training; DOE said it would provide more information on training statistics. The committee then took up HB 249, relating to Executive Office on Early Learning family child interaction learning programs. The Early Learning Board, EOEL, Commit to Kids, Early Childhood Action Strategies, Partners in Development Foundation, and others testified in support. EOEL said it currently spends about $800,000 annually on FCI program contracts and supports expanding state funding for FCIL programs, including infant and early childhood mental health, if the appropriation covers the broader scope. Testifiers emphasized that FCIL programs are trauma-informed, evidence-based, and help families and children, with one provider sharing a long-term example of a parent and child benefiting from the program. Members asked how many programs are supported, whether FCIL exists on all islands, and whether the request was in the governor’s budget; EOEL said the expansion was requested by the office but not included in the governor’s budget. HB 429, concerning pre-K expansion, drew broad support from the Lieutenant Governor, EOEL, HSTA, and community groups. Supporters said the Ready Keiki initiative has already opened more than 50 classrooms and would add another 50 over the next two years, including Hawaiian immersion classrooms. EOEL said it currently administers 72 public pre-K classrooms across 74 campuses and that the bill’s funding was included in the governor’s budget request. Testimony stressed kindergarten readiness, affordability for working families, equity across islands, and inclusion classrooms. Members asked about national quality benchmarks, with EOEL stating Hawaii meets 10 of 10 benchmarks and that only five states had done so at the time referenced. The Lieutenant Governor also described construction and delivery efforts, including refurbishing existing classrooms, modular options, possible use of state buildings, and even collaboration with libraries to expand child care access. Finally, the committee heard HB 439 on J-1 teacher licensure. DOE supported the bill, while the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board opposed it, arguing licensure standards are not place-based and should remain rigorous and uniform for all educators. The Attorney General’s office offered technical comments, including replacing “educators” with “teacher” and clarifying the bill’s language on issuance and renewal conditions. Several organizations and individuals testified in support, including school, cultural, business, and educator groups. One witness, a teacher from the Philippines, said J-1 educators are highly qualified and described the rigor of teacher preparation in the Philippines. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, it depends on what we mean by beginning this path.
• It depends on what the comptroller rules and how they put that together, but it would not be at the higher
• It just depends.
• We use all of the federal poverty levels for our various programs, so it depends on the program being
• But in terms of diversification, I think it would depend on the area.

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened with a quorum, adopted its committee rules, and heard opening remarks from members introducing staff and outlining priorities for the session. Members from both parties emphasized education as a major issue, while several Republicans framed the committee’s work around school choice and parent empowerment. Senator West and other Democrats stressed protecting public schools, listening to Texans, and considering the effects of vouchers or education savings accounts on school districts and communities. Chairman Creighton laid out Senate Bill 2, the Texas Education Freedom Act, describing it as a universal education savings account program modeled on similar programs in other states. He said the bill would provide about $200 million for a universal eligibility pool and additional funding for students with disabilities and lower-income families, with priority weighting for former public school students. He also highlighted anti-fraud measures, vendor pre-approval, criminal background checks, cybersecurity protections, annual testing requirements for participating students, and the use of the Comptroller rather than TEA to administer the program. Creighton repeatedly said the bill is not a voucher and argued it would not take money from public schools, which he said would receive separate historic funding increases. Members questioned Creighton about the 500% of federal poverty line definition, the adequacy of the $10,000 ESA amount, whether the program would favor students already in private school, how microschools and homeschool pods would fit, and whether the bill protects religious liberty and private-school autonomy. Democrats raised concerns about disability protections, 504 students, foster children, public-school funding, open records, and the historical context of vouchers. Republicans generally supported the bill as a way to expand options for parents and students, while also asking about administration, fraud prevention, and data security. After member questions, the committee began invited testimony, with EdChoice President Robert Inlow presenting in support of SB 2 and citing the growth and reported success of school choice programs nationwide.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it would depend on the situation.
• I think it would depend on the situation.
• I think it would depend on the situation.
• I think it would depend on the situation.
• I think it would depend on the situation.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• this and the cost, because there is a cost involved with the programming of these elections and depending
• this and the cost, because there is a cost involved with the programming of these elections and depending
• the programming of these<00:29:46.360><c> elections</c><00:29:47.360><c> and</c><00:29:47.519><c> depending
• </c><00:29:47.880><c> on</c><00:29:48.000><c> the</c> ...these elections, and depending on the type of
• those cities that do not have their own devices currently, I believe our office could work with them depending

Committee: House Election Law

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Election Law Committee held an orientation and then opened a public hearing on House Bill 67-FN-A, which would make permanent the use of accessible voting machines in local elections and provide funding for additional systems. The chair outlined committee procedures, noting a heavy workload of roughly 70 to 80 bills, mostly Tuesday meetings, likely time limits on testimony, and a default of executive session unless a bill is specifically noticed. Members and staff were introduced, and the Secretary of State’s office described its election-related responsibilities, including voter registration, cybersecurity, ballot-counting equipment, and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) program. Secretary of State David Scanlan and Deputy Secretary Aon Hennessy explained the current pilot program created by last year’s law, which requires accessible voting systems for local elections and allows the state to share machines with municipalities during the first half of 2025. They said the office has made hardware available, but towns have raised concerns about the speed of implementation and the cost of programming each election, especially for towns with multiple ballot questions. Scanlan said the state is also vetting longer-term options, including devices that could remain in polling places year-round, and suggested the committee consider delaying the bill’s effective date to January 1, 2026 to better align with implementation needs. Hennessy said the current state devices are older and complicated to reset for each election, and estimated programming costs could be about $600 for a small single-election ballot and much higher for towns with multiple elections. Supporters of the bill emphasized the importance of accessible voting for people with disabilities. Representative Robert Wy said the measure builds on 2024 law and would move the pilot into a permanent agreement, citing ADA concerns and prior testimony about discriminatory voting experiences. Fred Forier, a legally blind voter from Exeter, testified that accessible voting systems allow him to vote privately and independently and urged support for the bill. Committee members asked about the gap if the pilot ends before a permanent system is in place and about the cost range for programming. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the committee moved on after public testimony began.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, for the individuals in New Hampshire who are patients and are depending on this, the cancer patients
• Um, for the individuals in New Hampshire who are patients and are depending on this, the cancer patients
• They would be able to have an extension or a hand control depending on their disability, but they need
• They would be able to have an extension or a hand control depending on their disability, but they need
• on when this a formal break depending on when this hearing<03:24:43.680><c> ends.

Committee: House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've heard anywhere ranging from six months to three years, so it depends where you are.
• Um, I think that would depend on the business.
• Um it depends formal subcommittee.
• Um it depends what<04:21:02.319><c> you</c><04:21:02.560><c> prefer.
• So it may just depend on who's doing the asking. ...on lately.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> &gt;&gt; possibly it just it just be it depends &gt;&gt; possibly it just it just be it depends
• Um, depending on what it says, there's a possibility a waiver could be submitted where some of these
• Um<02:13:54.400><c> depending</c><02:13:54.880><c> on</c><02:13:55.040><c> what</c><02:13:55.280><c>
• it</c><02:13:55.440><c> says,</c><02:13:56.480><c> there's</c><02:13:56.719><c> a</c> Um depending on
• on what the federal government depending on what the federal government will<02:14:41.360><c> do</c>

Keywords: MS House Floor - 15 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all