Transcript Highlights:

• But after seeing the number of slides and also gauging the interest.
• Some of them are monthly, some of them a quarterly. Some of them are annual.
• So the reason I'm interested in this question is I have of my son.
• the financial position of the managing entities for the past 2 fiscal years.
• Many of you may have heard of fact, Florida search of community treatment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we're one of those states that is actually positioned financially well that more than any...
• That is the general fund financial statement. 32.3%, thank you, Madam Speaker, Mr.
• Speaker, what percentage of New Mexico's budget do we spend paying on bonds and interests? Mr.
• The interest rates, 17% of our spending is just to pay the interest, and that's the whole point.
• So, I hesitate to give a blanket statement, but it's certainly part of the fiscal calculation.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, the only thing I could think of, like what kind of statement would be okay on a ballot is if
• of the the has a uniform statement of the the property<00:20:29.760><c> tax</c><00:20:30.280><c> impact
• I just see avenues of potential conflicts of interest in that entire process.
• Of those 167 students, 39% receive some form of financial assistance to help them attend our school.
• Of those 167 students, 39% receive some form<01:30:45.720><c> of</c><01:30:45.800><c> financial</c><

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's focus on getting out-of-state financial investment to Arizona to help rural communities like the
• So it's interesting that some of my colleagues would like to see ongoing funding for some programs and
• As a parent myself, I would assume that every single parent has the best interest of their students at
• And so, you know, it's an interesting conversation to have, but unless we provide some kind of data that
• And so, you know, it's an interesting conversation to have, but unless we provide some kind of data that

Bills: HB2352 , HB2388 , HB2418 , HB2499 , HB2500 , HB2579 , HB2584 , HB2804

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: funding, auditor general, county treasurer, procedural reviews, state appropriations, HB2388, Arizona Commerce Authority, ACA, small modular reactor, SMR, nuclear energy, advanced nuclear, data center, data centers, economic development, study, appropriation, general fund, jobs, wages

Transcript Highlights:

• But I think what we do agree on is care of people, taking care of the public and the public interest.
• I'm reminded of that because one of the things that I'm so interested in making sure this happens is
• The traditional four-year path is often financially and geographically out of reach.
• The traditional four-year path is often financially and geographically out of reach.
• The traditional four-year path is often financially and geographically out of reach.

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard several measures focused on community college baccalaureate programs and trustee compensation. AB 2528 would raise the maximum monthly compensation cap for community college district trustees, with the author and supporters arguing the change is permissive, long overdue, and needed to make service more accessible to working people and better reflect community diversity. CSEA took a tweener position, warning about optics and asking for longer public notice before any compensation increase, while some members raised concerns about taxpayer costs and benefits. The bill was discussed but no final vote is reflected in the transcript excerpt. The committee then took up AB 2053, which would authorize Coast Community College District to offer a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree. Supporters said the bill addresses a workforce shortage, serves working adults and veterans, and includes an LAO evaluation and a sunset. CSU and its Academic Senate opposed the bill, arguing it duplicates existing CSU programs and could set a precedent for more one-off degrees. Members also raised questions about funding, Prop. 98, and whether the program would divert resources; the author said the district already has funding and that the bill is a narrow pilot. The committee voted to do pass and re-refer the bill to Appropriations, with several ayes and some no votes, and the roll left open for additional members. AB 2301, a pilot allowing up to 10 community college districts to offer nursing bachelor’s degrees, drew broad support from nursing, labor, and community college groups who said California faces a severe nursing shortage and that community colleges offer a more affordable pathway for working and rural students. CSU and other opponents argued existing ADN-to-BSN pathways are more efficient and that the bill could worsen competition for limited clinical placements and faculty. Members questioned funding and Prop. 98 impacts; the Chancellor’s Office said the pilot would not require new state funding and would rely on existing mechanisms such as Strong Workforce and nursing infrastructure grants. The committee voted to do pass and re-refer AB 2301 to Appropriations, with the roll again left open. The transcript then began AB 2694, a broader workforce-responsive baccalaureate expansion bill intended to address duplication rules and create a more flexible process for community college bachelor’s degrees, but the discussion was not completed in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• On top of the emotional toll, there was a devastating financial one.
• The financial... ...overwhelming costs that puts the dream out of reach.
• For myself, this has placed a huge burden, both financially and emotionally, on my family, on top of
• That was repealed in 2019 in Section 56 of Senate Bill 482, so if you're ...interested, I would encourage
• Thank all the participants and interested parties for working with us on the effective date of that wage

Bills: AB52 , AB76 , AB163 , AB388 , AB483

Committee: Assembly Commerce and Labor

Keywords: health insurance, claims process, insurance regulation, admin penalties, healthcare access, cannabis, cannabis establishment, medical cannabis, adult-use cannabis, advertising regulations, packaging requirements, unlicensed cannabis activities, state prosecution, confidentiality, Cannabis Compliance Board, disciplinary proceedings, mental health, counseling, interstate practice, telehealth

Transcript Highlights:

• The HHS made a statement addressing this issue and the HIPAA laws where parents are being cut out of
• This is restoring our God-given fundamental right to determine what's in the best interest of our own
• We can only dispossess the land when it is of a financial benefit to the public, so even if we procure
• It's because of, at least in the case of Orange County, we do that for the interest of our tax dollars
• IT'S BECAUSE OF&nbsp;&nbsp; 1471 AT LEAST IN THE CASE OF ORANGE COUNTY WE DO THAT FOR THE INTEREST OF

Committee: House Education & Employment Committee

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and began by welcoming students and coaches participating in the inaugural Sunshine State Debate. Members then heard and voted on a series of education-related bills, with most measures receiving favorable reports by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The first bill, HB 1081, created a Cybersecurity Internship Clearance Readiness Program in the Department of Commerce for NCACE-designated universities and Florida College System institutions; a friendly amendment expanded access to private schools, and the bill passed 19-0. HB 1201 updated Florida’s epilepsy/seizure plan law to clarify protections for charter school students, require acceptance of physician-submitted plans, extend training validity to five years, and expand training to regular bus drivers; epilepsy advocates supported it, and it passed 19-0. HB 851 required annual autism-specific professional learning opportunities for teachers and school-based administrators, and it also passed 19-0. HB 615, dealing with IEPs, required quicker parent notice when services are missed, faster access to service logs, individualized parent orientation, and standardized district service logs; parents and advocates testified strongly in support, and the bill was reported favorably. HB 1503 added technology-related competencies to education courses and directed the Department of Education to develop computer science certification coverage; it passed 19-0. HB 371 required public schools to display portraits of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington in common areas and passed 19-0 after testimony both for and against. HB 731 revised extracurricular eligibility rules and allowed local policies for compensating coaches and activity sponsors; an amendment broadened manual requirements and clarified fee actions, and the bill passed 18-0. The committee also took up HB 173, a parental rights bill that drew the most extensive debate and public testimony. The bill would require parental consent for many medical decisions for minors, give parents access to medical records, and expand parental review/opt-in rights for certain school surveys and biofeedback devices. Supporters argued it restores parental authority, improves safety, and prevents children from being cut out of important medical decisions; opponents warned it would remove confidential access to STI treatment, crisis mental health care, and other services for minors in unsafe or abusive homes. Members raised questions about abuse exceptions, emergency care, and how the bill would affect routine treatment and time-sensitive care. The bill was not voted on in the portion provided, and debate continued through multiple rounds of sponsor responses and member comments.

Transcript Highlights:

• The typical House presentation packet is a list of items. It includes surplus statements.
• The typical House presentation packet is a list of items. It includes surplus statements.
• We have a very gifted group before us, a lot of financial background, both in this I think Representative
• We have a very gifted group before us, a lot of financial background, both in this I think Representative
• </c><00:43:11.400><c> financial</c> before us uh a lot of financial before us uh a lot of financial background

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Committee met for final approval of HB 1 and HB 2, with legislative budget staff Michael Kain reviewing the final amendment documents and surplus statements. Kain explained that HB 1474H and HB 1484H incorporated the committee’s prior votes and the Governor’s recommended sections, and he walked through the budget math for the general fund, education trust fund, Highway Fund, and Fish and Game Fund. He said the committee’s proposal remained balanced overall, though the current-year general fund showed a projected deficit that HB 2 would address by allowing a possible rainy day fund transfer if needed. He also noted that the committee’s revenue estimates were below the Governor’s, requiring reductions and adjustments to appropriations and lapse assumptions. Members discussed the rainy day fund provisions, including a section in HB 2 that suspends existing restrictions so a transfer can be made if the deficit materializes. Kain said the committee’s approach differed from the Governor’s because the state was not below the overall revenue plan, and the fiscal committee would retain a role in determining any transfer. He also summarized that the Highway Fund would end with about a $13 million balance and Fish and Game with about $3 million, both without additional general fund support. The committee then adopted two amendments to HB 2 unanimously: Amendment 1473H, a technical cleanup to the Group 2 retirement seven-year rule, and Amendment 1482H, a technical correction to the recreational services language. Amendment 1484H, which incorporated those changes into HB 2, was adopted on a 14-1 vote after minority members objected to the bill’s broader cuts and policy changes, including reductions to state agencies, health and human services, and education-related provisions. The committee also adopted Amendment 1474H to HB 1A on a 14-1 vote after similar debate over budget reductions, vacancies, university funding, and school spending limits. Finally, the committee voted 14-1 to report HB 1A and HB 2 as amended as ought to pass, with the minority voting no and the committee planning a full House presentation the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's an interesting concept, and I know some of our counties are doing it.
• of interest as it applies to state officials or candidates to be state officials of the judicial branch
• of interest as it applies to state officials or candidates to be state officials of the judicial branch
• the financial disclosure provisions of the public ethics laws and to maintain financial disclosure statements
• the financial disclosure provisions of the public ethics laws and to maintain financial disclosure statements

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation, journalized the prayer, and recognized Read Across America Day with a special resolution congratulating the Maryland State Education Association on the program’s 28th anniversary. Senators also welcomed several guests and student groups, including Eleanor Roosevelt High School students, Maryland Federation of Republican Women members for Red Scarf Day, medical shadows from Johns Hopkins, a student page prospect, and a group from Matthew Henson Elementary School. The chamber then took up multiple Finance Committee consent calendars and individual local alcohol-related bills, all of which were reported favorably, adopted without objection, and ordered printed for third reading. Measures included changes to alcohol license fee refunds for uniformed service members, Anne Arundel County license classifications and compensation for liquor board officials, a Baltimore City racetrack license extension, a Cecil County license quota change, and new or expanded licenses for golf courses, sports venues, and barber shop/beauty salon establishments. The Senate also advanced bills on social work licensing, a rural readiness economic development program, a Maryland-Ireland Trade Commission extension, peer-to-peer car sharing insurance rules, telematics-based auto insurance disclosures and appeals, and veteran status notation on public profiles. Several bills were amended before being advanced, generally with technical or clarifying changes and no recorded opposition. Senate Bill 18 would create a provisional social work license; Senate Bill 351 would regulate insurer use of vehicle telematics data; Senate Bill 395 would revise insurance and liability rules for peer-to-peer car sharing; and Senate Bill 197 would alter comprehensive plan elements in land use law. Senate Bill 439, protecting fire and rescue public safety employees from adverse action based on medical cannabis certification, also moved forward without amendment. One measure, Senate Bill 69, which would make permanent the nonprofit navigator position in the Department of Commerce, was discussed at length after a member raised concerns about oversight of nonprofit grant funding. On request, the bill was special ordered to the next day for further consideration. All other bills discussed in the transcript were advanced to third reading by unanimous or near-unanimous voice action, with no recorded roll-call votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you all have a process of how they would disclose that, any conflicts of interest or financial interests
• Interest or vendor interest with any of the agencies that there's oversight.
• Right now, low Earth orbit is of interest.
• so that's kind of interesting.
• waste and conflicts of interest.

Committee: House Delivery of Government Efficiency

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I led the introduction of this legislation with the help and support of many of the veterans and advocates
• This concludes my statement and we are happy to answer any questions you or other members of the committee
• I have never seen this sort of blatant barrier of outreach. before in my entire time of Congress.
• Financial struggles were there, but thankfully, Within a few months of getting out of the military, I
• Matter of fact, a lot of areas it's gotten worse.

Committee: Senate Senate Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: veterans, mental health, suicide prevention, Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Grant Program, HOPE Act, BRAVE Act, Every State Counts for Vets Mental Health Act, advocacy, legislation, mental health resources

Summary: The committee meeting focused primarily on the critical issues surrounding veterans' mental health and suicide prevention. Discussions centered on the reauthorization of essential programs aimed at providing non-clinical support services to veterans, particularly the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. Senators emphasized the urgent need for adequate mental health resources as the suicide rate among veterans remains alarmingly high. Key testimonies were provided by various advocates and officials, illustrating both successful implementations of these programs and areas needing improvement.

Transcript Highlights:

• And here's the interesting part: we have a lot of warning signs that are going off right now.
• That's a good question because we are, you know, possibly concerned about conflict of interest and so
• With most of these treaties, tribes ceded their land interest in exchange for monetary compensation and
• Thank you so much to both of you for taking the time and making a very compelling statement.
• Thank you so much to both of you for taking the time and making a very compelling statement.

Summary: The committee opened with a work session on effective interrogation techniques, hearing from two remote experts, retired homicide detective Matt Jones and former federal agent Mark Fallon. Both argued for science-based, information-gathering interviewing over confrontational or deception-based tactics, emphasizing rapport, open-ended questioning, corroboration, and avoiding coercion, especially with vulnerable interviewees. They said these methods improve reliability, reduce false confessions and wrongful convictions, and better withstand court scrutiny. Members asked for source materials and raised concerns about how friendly or minimization-style questioning could affect victims; the witnesses said they would provide research and noted that some common tactics can be problematic in sexual assault cases. No votes were taken in the work session. The committee then held a hearing on House Bill 1982, which would expand Washington’s existing process for vacating convictions tied to treaty rights. Staff explained that current law mainly covers pre-1975 fishing convictions, while the bill would extend relief to convictions involving treaty fishing, hunting, gathering, and pasturing rights, remove the date limit, include local ordinances, authorize the Office of Public Defense to provide direct representation and consultation, and create a tribal liaison position. The prime sponsor and tribal leaders testified in support, describing the bill as a way to correct historical wrongs and remove barriers to jobs, housing, and other opportunities. The Office of Public Defense said it supports the bill but needs statutory authority and a hub to identify and process cases; an Attorney General’s Office tribal liaison also supported the concept and suggested clarifying amendments. Some members questioned the scope of the affected population, costs, and whether the legislature could vacate the convictions directly, while others raised concerns about competing resource demands and the need for judicial action case by case. No final action was taken. Finally, the committee began hearing House Bill 2156, which would expand the Attorney General’s Office investigators’ authority in limited circumstances. Staff said the bill would let AGO investigators exercise only the authority of the entity granting concurrent jurisdiction, allow them to serve business search warrants only when authorized by a judicial officer, and clarify that they cannot detain, arrest, or carry weapons. The bill sponsor said it would reduce delays in economic-crime cases by allowing investigators to serve electronic warrants themselves instead of relying on local officers. Opponents from the sheriffs and police chiefs association and a retired veteran argued the bill blurs the line between investigation and prosecution, lacks sufficient oversight, and could create constitutional and training concerns. AGO representatives responded that the bill is narrowly focused, that most investigators are retired law enforcement, and that it would mainly streamline service of electronic warrants in cases such as organized retail theft and wage theft. The hearing was still in progress when the transcript ended, and no vote was recorded on this bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• and a statement of The workforce or project labor agreement used for the construction of the project
• and a statement of the new prevailing or family living wage jobs to be offered as a result of the new
• Although local governments would shoulder the financial risk of these tax breaks, this is not just a
• In the interest of time, I won't provide background on the rest of the technical administrative changes
• Thank you to her for covering those in the interest of time.

Summary: House Finance heard bill briefings and testimony on several tax and property-tax measures. HB 2175 would exempt licensed nonprofit providers of free durable medical equipment from retail sales and use tax on items reasonably necessary to operate and provide care; the sponsor and a nonprofit provider described how the bill would help organizations that refurbish and donate wheelchairs, beds, walkers, and similar equipment, and staff noted a small Department of Revenue fiscal impact. The committee then heard HB 2608, which revises the targeted urban area property tax exemption for nuclear facility projects by requiring labor standards, including submission of a workforce or project labor agreement and related wage/apprenticeship information, and extending project-completion deadlines. Supporters said it would help attract major clean-energy and nuclear supply-chain investment and jobs, while opponents from construction groups, environmental advocates, and some public commenters objected to the PLA requirement, the tax preference for nuclear projects, and the broader policy direction; tribal consultation concerns were also raised. No votes were taken on these bills in the transcript. The committee also heard HB 2227, which expands an existing REET exemption for affordable homeownership sales from self-help housing to other nonprofit affordable homeownership programs, including community land trusts. The sponsor and nonprofit witnesses said the change would lower transaction costs, improve affordability, and support permanently affordable resale models; staff clarified the exemption applies to the initial sale from the nonprofit to an income-qualified buyer, not later resales. HB 2528 would allow cities and counties that fully plan under the Growth Management Act to impose the second local REET without voter approval, aligning opt-in jurisdictions with those required to plan under GMA. Supporters from cities and counties said the revenue would help fund sidewalks, ADA upgrades, water, sewer, and other infrastructure, while opponents argued it would raise home-selling costs and bypass voters. Finally, the committee heard HB 2292, which would subject long-term capital gains from qualified small business stock to the state capital gains tax beginning in 2026. Staff said the bill would affect about 260 taxpayers and raise roughly $1.2 million in FY 2027, while the sponsor and supporters argued the current QSBS exemption mainly benefits very wealthy investors and should be treated like other capital gains; opponents from the tech and startup community said the exemption helps founders attract investment, keep companies in Washington, and create jobs, and warned the bill would send a negative signal to entrepreneurs. The committee also heard HB 2257, a Department of Revenue request bill making technical and administrative changes to the tax code, largely to codify guidance from last year’s sales-tax-on-services law and make other clarifications; DOR said it was intended to provide certainty and had no fiscal impact. School groups testified that the 5814-related service-tax changes have increased costs for districts, especially for staffing and professional learning, and asked for relief or a broader exemption.

Transcript Highlights:

• want a lot of this to do is to accidentally exclude students who are eligible for financial aid.
• And so with all of that in place, we feel like... ...financial aid.
• that really is to the best interest of all Americans.
• In your opening statement, you said that, Cover more area of the state with those programs.
• We're at an interesting time in our industry, and you're probably all aware these aren't the best of

Committee: Senate Rules

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a topic of interest to members on both sides of the aisle.
• a whole new trend of interest.
• it's, you know, in terms of of their economic interests.
• Their pursuit of those resources is adverse to the interests of the United States. Mr.
• I think this era of adventurism... is over, what are the core interests of the United States of America

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Keywords: Greenland, acquisition, national security, Arctic, geopolitical, China, Russia, icebreakers, trade routes

Summary: The meeting convened by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation focused on the potential acquisition of Greenland by the United States. This issue, first raised by President Trump in 2019, has gained renewed significance amidst shifting global dynamics and the strategic importance of Greenland in relation to transatlantic trade routes and national security. The members discussed the geopolitical implications of Greenland's position, especially given the increasing influence of China and Russia in the Arctic region. Notably, the urgency to address military presence and icebreaker capabilities in the Arctic was a major point of contention, with a call for a new fleet to counter foreign dominance in the area.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mark Newberger of the California State Association of Counties, also making comments on behalf of the
• Danny Merkley with the Gwako Group, on behalf of Kings River Interests and Stockton East, in support.
• Repaying even a fraction of what little reimbursement they are owed can cripple their financial health
• Jean Hurst, here today on behalf of the Urban Counties of California, as well as the League of California
• Jean Hurst, here today on behalf of the Urban Counties of California, as well as the League of California

Summary: The Local Government Committee met on March 25, 2026, hearing eight bills, with several measures focused on housing, water, and local government administration. AB 1621 by Assemblymember Wilson sought to speed post-entitlement housing permits by setting clearer timelines, limiting repeated plan checks, and restricting field changes that conflict with approved plans. Supporters from the building, apartment, business, and housing sectors said the bill would reduce delays and costs, while county and city representatives opposed it unless amended, warning it could limit local enforcement of building and environmental codes and create problems for incomplete applications. The bill passed after a roll call vote, with the committee noting it would continue working with local government groups on amendments. The committee also heard AB 1712, which would help Santa Fe Springs sell its small, financially strained water system to a larger regulated provider without requiring a municipal election, using a protest process instead. The author and city officials said the system faces contamination, major deferred maintenance, and rate increases that could otherwise triple; water industry representatives supported the bill and no opposition was heard. AB 2080, sponsored by county treasurers, would make county delegations of investment authority to treasurers ongoing until revoked rather than requiring annual renewal, with supporters saying it would reduce administrative burden and avoid technical lapses. AB 2640 would allow local governments to offset reductions in reimbursement for disallowed state mandate claims against other unpaid mandate reimbursements; Shasta County testified in support, describing a large audit disallowance and long-delayed state payments. Both bills passed. The committee also approved consent items AB 1622 and AB 1834. AB 2180, which would codify a framework for proportional water rates under Proposition 218 based on the Dreher decision, drew broad support from water agencies and local government groups, but opposition from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and the California Association of Realtors, who argued the bill was premature while the Supreme Court reviews related case law. Despite that opposition, the bill passed on a 6-2 vote, and the remaining bills were advanced with roll calls left open for additional votes before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• of New Mexico.
• I suspect there'll be a lot of interest from other states on how to do better maintenance of all of their
• Portion of it, and we need to make sure that districts have the financial resources to do both, not to
• Last question: Yeah, I was interested in the kind of the carrot side of quality maintenance where it's
• That's the basics of energy management: collecting it through a billing statement.

Committee: House Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, because of the order of things and the timing of things, Mr.
• a lot of financial problems.
• </c><00:27:18.799><c> Um,</c> have a lot of financial problems.
• Um, have a lot of financial problems.
• So there is a big financial burden when it comes to all of that stuff.

Bills: HF3474 , HF3475 , HF3508

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: agriculture, funding, research, agricultural institute, state appropriations, education, leadership council, compensation, research institute, dairy assistance, investment, relief initiative, farm support, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That section of the bill, those lines, address what I referred to in my opening regarding financial urgency
• I might not be aware of the compelling state interest to exempt our public safety units.
• I guess I kind of want to know who is the 'we' because, like I said, I'm interested.
• Right now, more than 30% of a bargaining unit must sign a statement of interest card saying that they
• To undergo the arduous collection process for statement of interest cards for more than 30% of 1,000

Transcript Highlights:

• We ask for tax returns or your financial statements. Oh, okay.
• </c> for tax returns or your financial for tax returns or your financial statements.<00:24:22.560><c>
• our business model, it was basically the loss of financial solvency just being agriculture.
• All of those things died because of financial solvency.
• Um, you know, the legislature has been providing, um, a lot of interest and support towards that.

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees met on March 19, 2025, to hear HB 966 HD2, which would create statewide standards for agricultural tourism in counties that adopt ag-tourism ordinances. The bill would require registration with county planning departments, require ag-tourism to remain tied to an active farming operation, and end the activity when the agricultural use stops except in limited circumstances. Testimony from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the Agribusiness Development Corporation, the Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Kualoa Ranch, and the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council was generally supportive of the bill’s intent, with several witnesses emphasizing that agritourism can help farm viability, food security, and public education about agriculture. The Hawaii Farm Bureau and several other testifiers supported agritourism but urged strong guardrails, minimal statewide standards, and deference to county home rule. They said agriculture should remain the primary activity, warned against adding burdens to farmers and ranchers, and suggested better enforcement and agricultural expertise within county planning departments. Phil Weber and others argued for objective standards, such as minimum revenue or work-performed thresholds, annual reporting, and clearer compliance tools, and cautioned that the bill’s termination exemption could be too broad if not tightened. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on whether the bill should apply to Department of Agriculture lands, especially ag park lands, and to DLNR lands. Department of Agriculture staff explained that ag park lands currently do not allow agritourism, while non-ag park lands under Act 90 allow limited related activity tied to farm production, with revenue limits and other conditions. Members and witnesses debated how to define and measure agritourism, how to enforce county rules, and whether to exempt ag park parcels or otherwise clarify that existing DOA rules would control. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing, and the chair requested follow-up language from DOA to address possible exemptions and clarify the bill’s application.