Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; We<00:02:32.480><c> open</c><00:02:32.640><c> all</c><00:02:32.800><c> three.
• &gt;&gt; Or<00:02:33.360><c> do</c><00:02:33.519><c> you</c><00:02:33.599><c> know</c><00:02:33.599><
• </c><00:02:33.760><c> No,</c><00:02:34.000><c> you're</c><00:02:34.160><c> right.
• &gt;&gt; Okay.<00:02:36.160><c> Uh,</c><00:02:36.400><c> the</c><00:02:36.800><c> chair</c><00:02:37.120
• :00.240><c> a</c><01:02:00.400><c> pink</c><01:02:00.640><c> card</c><01:02:00.799><c> and</c><01:02:

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:02:18.000><c> So,</c><02:02:18.159><c> my</c><02:02:18.320><c> wife</c><02:02:18.560><c> just
• So,<02:02:30.080><c> thank</c><02:02:30.239><c> you</c><02:02:30.400><c> so</c><02:02:30.719><c> very
• :02:34.880><c> have</c><02:02:35.040><c> I</c><02:02:35.199><c> picked</c><02:02:35.440><c> a</c><02:
• Um, and<02:02:37.599><c> so</c><02:02:38.239><c> I</c><02:02:38.560><c> am</c><02:02:38.719><c> I</c>
• </c><02:02:41.360><c> Um,</c><02:02:41.679><c> I</c><02:02:41.840><c> I</c><02:02:42.000><c> I</c><02

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• State Moorhead, Minnesota Duluth, St.
• are D2 schools, and we're all in the same conference, the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, Minnesota
• State Moorhead, Minnesota Duluth, St.
• ... ...policy issue in terms of, and I'm not sure exactly it's policy or maybe statute, but there's a
• That's probably one of those out of state—probably from Montana, Minnesota, or South Dakota.

Committee: Joint Higher Education Institutions Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any limitations on how much they can get in our statute?
• And you talked about the statute.
• But yes, we are providing assistance. [02:09:35] We have a wait list.
• That's pursuant to statute, or Constitution rather.
• authorized by law to assess a penalty for violating that particular statute.

Committee: Joint Judiciary Committee

Summary: The Judiciary Interim Committee met to continue its study of charitable gaming, especially the ownership of alcoholic beverage establishments by licensed charitable gaming organizations and the relationship between charities, site owners, and gaming manufacturers/distributors. Legislative Council reviewed the background memo and Attorney General’s Gaming Division explained the legal framework, including site authorizations, rent limits, allowable expenses, and restrictions on distributors and manufacturers. Members focused heavily on electronic pull tabs, asking about the large gap between gross proceeds and adjusted proceeds, how much is paid out in winnings, how much is retained for expenses, and whether the 60% allowable-expense cap is being used as intended. The AG’s office said e-tabs account for most gaming volume, that winnings make up much of the difference, and that some organizations do not use the full 60% while others may exceed it, though only the capped amount counts as gaming expense. The committee also discussed the number of gaming organizations that appear to own or be affiliated with bars, the ways those ownership structures are formed, and whether some arrangements may create conflicts or site-selection pressure. The League of Cities and the Association of Counties described the local site-authorization process and recent model policies adopted after the 2025 session. Cities said they can require signed agreements, limit games and machines, set qualifications, and charge up to $100 for site authorization, but cannot require charities to donate net proceeds or force a specific charity or site. They said the new policies are meant to add transparency and local control, though the more controversial parts involve requiring a local nexus or community connection. County representatives said the issue is mostly a city matter and that counties generally take a lighter-touch approach. Committee members raised concerns about whether local rules could unfairly exclude larger regional charities or create inconsistent standards across cities. The North Dakota Gaming Alliance said it supports the study and provided information on charities that own or are affiliated with bars, emphasizing that most gaming organizations do not own alcoholic beverage establishments. Its representative said some charities may pursue bar ownership for site stability and diversification, while others decide against it because operating a bar is difficult. He also said a ban on charity-owned bars could raise federal tax-law issues depending on how it is written, and agreed to provide more detail. The committee asked Legislative Council and the Gaming Alliance for additional information on ownership structures and federal-law questions before the next meeting. Later, the Racing Commission gave a separate update on live racing, pari-mutuel wagering, and related charitable partnerships, and the State Hospital superintendent reported on the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s support services, staffing, and wait lists; no votes were taken on these presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• It can be a powerful tool, but it does not supersede a statute, and it certainly does not supersede a
• series of statutes.
• That is not to say it's not having immediate impact, but in the long run these statutes govern what we
• All of the authorizing statutes and all the appropriations law are what we have to adhere to.
• worth saying on the record that the law is the law and an EO. does not get to waive away a federal statute

Committee: Senate Indian Affairs Committee

Keywords: Native education, Department of Education, federal funding, testimony, treaty obligations, public schools, educational policies, Indigenous students

Summary: The meeting focused on the responsibilities of the U.S. Department of Education towards Native students, highlighting the importance of federal education programs that satisfy treaty obligations to Native communities. Various witnesses testified about the impact of educational policies designed to support Native students who primarily attend public schools. Concerns were voiced over recent proposals that could potentially undermine these programs, citing the role of federal funding in ensuring successful educational outcomes for Native youth. The chair of the committee emphasized the need for continued federal support and attention to the unique educational challenges faced by Indigenous populations.

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:00:04.320><c> the</c><02:00:04.480><c> end</c><02:00:04.560><c> of</c><02:00:04.639><c> the</c><02
• ><c> So</c><02:02:00.239><c> most</c><02:02:00.560><c> of</c><02:02:00.719><c> the</c><02:02:00.880><
• 02:23:10.319><c> of</c><02:23:10.399><c> it</c><02:23:10.720><c> so</c><02:23:10.880><c> the</c><02:23
• c><02:43:52.240><c> our</c><02:43:52.560><c> statute</c><02:43:53.040><c> of</c><02:43:53.279><c> the
• </c> um despite what's in our statute of the um despite what's in our statute of the certain<02:43:54.399

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:30.320><c> which</c><02:02:30.440><c> will</c><02:02:30.639><c> better</c><02:02:30.960><c> help<
• :42.880><c> as</c><02:02:43.000><c> an</c><02:02:43.239><c> example</c><02:02:43.840><c> a</c><02:02:
• ><02:02:51.199><c> to</c><02:02:51.400><c> the</c><02:02:51.520><c> office</c><02:02:51.960><c> of</c
• <c> public</c><02:02:52.639><c> defender</c><02:02:53.639><c> 30</c><02:02:54.000><c> days</c><02:02:
• days max is hardly<02:02:55.119><c> ever</c><02:02:55.560><c> given</c><02:02:56.000><c> out</c><02:02

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The two-page amendment dated March 3, 2026, at 2:02 p.m. and Senator [questionable: Sonderation]...
• The two-page amendment dated March 3, 2026, at 2:02 p.m. and Senator [questionable: Sonderation]'s name
• I move the [questionable: Cinderation] amendment dated March 3, 2026, at 2:02 p.m. Perfect.
• that govern... ...with several counties to clear up some ambiguity with the statutes that govern.
• The statutes that govern provide the ability to issue loans to applicants meeting either the definition

Committee: Senate Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference

Summary: The Natural Resources Committee heard three bills related to water policy and all were given do pass recommendations. HB 2029 would require disclosure information for applicants to the Water Conservation Grant Fund, and an amendment broadened the disclosure requirements from only certain water users to all eligible entities. WIFA testified neutral on both the bill and amendment, noting it already collects much of the information; the committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill 8-0. HB 2096 would allow counties to receive WIFA financial assistance, including forgivable principal, for cesspool remediation, closure, or replacement when there is a risk to water or public health. WIFA and county representatives from the County Supervisors Association and Gila County supported the bill, explaining that counties need clearer authority to accept loans and grants for cesspool cleanup, especially in rural areas with thousands of aging cesspools and flood-related contamination. Members discussed impacts in Gila County and other areas, and the bill passed 8-0. HB 2116 would appropriate $1 million from the State General Fund in FY 2027 to the Colorado River Litigation Fund. The Arizona Municipal Water Users Association supported the measure as preparation for possible Colorado River litigation, while members emphasized that the funding is a placeholder and that they hope litigation will not be necessary. The committee passed the bill 8-0 and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are<00:02:09.720><c> there</c><00:02:09.840><c> any</c><00:02:09.960><c> questions</c><00:02:10.440><
• </c><00:02:11.480><c> on</c><00:02:11.600><c> the</c><00:02:11.840><c> A5</c> Representative Curran on
• All<00:02:17.600><c> in</c><00:02:17.680><c> favor</c><00:02:18.040><c> of</c><00:02:18.160><c> adopting
• All<00:02:22.400><c> those</c><00:02:22.520><c> opposed,</c><00:02:22.840><c> say</c><00:02:23.000><c
• Motion carries<00:02:24.680><c> and</c><00:02:24.800><c> the</c><00:02:24.920><c> amendment</c><00:02

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :47.440><c> able</c><00:02:47.599><c> to</c><00:02:47.760><c> track</c><00:02:48.160><c> benchmarks</
• recidivism<00:02:51.040><c> uh</c><00:02:51.120><c> with</c><00:02:51.280><c> the</c><00:02:51.440><
• </c><00:02:53.200><c> Uh</c><00:02:53.519><c> at</c><00:02:53.760><c> the</c><00:02:53.920><c> time</
• Uh at the time we were<00:02:54.800><c> running</c><00:02:55.120><c> our</c><00:02:55.440><c> old</c>
• /c><00:02:58.239><c> of</c><00:02:58.560><c> that</c><00:02:58.800><c> system</c><00:02:59.120><c> and

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its October 3 meeting unanimously. It then reviewed follow-up status on prior performance audits, beginning with the Department of Corrections’ sex offender treatment program. DOC said all audit items from the 2016 review were resolved except one related to tracking benchmarks, progress, and recidivism. Officials explained that a new offender management system, Chorus, was recently implemented but has had rollout problems affecting operations, including restitution checks, and that they hope the system will be stable enough within about six months to begin tracking the needed metrics. Members asked about treatment inside prison and after release; DOC described in-prison treatment, parole aftercare, probation and parole oversight, administrative restrictions, and reassessment if conditions are not met. The committee next heard from OPLC on the Real Estate Commission audit. OPLC reported that all but one finding is substantially or fully resolved, with the remaining issue involving review of applicants’ adverse financial history and liabilities. The delay is tied to ongoing rulemaking, and OPLC said the commission is amending its criteria and integrating universal application procedures into board rules. The office estimated substantive completion by March 2027, with rule filing expected sooner. The committee then took up the Board of Pharmacy audit, where OPLC said most findings remain partially resolved because the board is in the middle of a major rule overhaul and a new licensing software project. Officials described a shift toward a compliance bureau and more routine, risk-informed inspections, rather than inspections driven only by complaints, and said updated manuals and forms will follow the new rules and technology. Finally, the Legislative Budget Assistant reported on ongoing audits. For special education, staff said they are writing the report, have 25 completed observations, and have expanded to 70 identified observations, with a full draft expected in the first quarter of 2026 and a final report by summer 2026. For education freedom accounts, 40 observations have been identified, 15 finalized, and a draft is expected by midspring with a fiscal committee presentation in summer. For the Doorway program, the audit plan was finalized with DHHS help, financial activity was isolated, fieldwork is expected to finish by Thanksgiving, and a draft report is planned for January or February 2026, with a final report by March or April 2026. The committee discussed scheduling its next meeting for February 6 at 10 a.m. and emphasized the value of follow-up on older audits; the meeting adjourned after members agreed the follow-up process should continue.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> and</c><02:02:48.400><c> those</c><02:02:48.960><c> children</c><02:02:49.280><c> that</c><02:02
• children that are those are<02:02:50.400><c> are</c><02:02:51.040><c> placed</c><02:02:51.360><c> out
• out of district placements<02:02:52.400><c> that</c><02:02:52.639><c> we're</c><02:02:52.880><c> talking
• :02:55.679><c> not</c><02:02:55.920><c> part</c><02:02:56.239><c> of</c><02:02:56.639><c> special</c>
• 02:08:54.000><c> be</c><02:08:54.159><c> why</c><02:08:54.320><c> it</c><02:08:54.560><c> takes</c><02

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee met to begin work on HB 742, which would require catastrophic special education aid to be drawn from the education trust fund, and more broadly to study special education aid/differentiated aid and related costing issues. The chair said the group was starting early because the issue has been debated for years without resolution, local districts are being forced to absorb prorated costs, and the committee wants to send the Department of Education and HHS Medicaid a clear request for data and recommendations before retained bills return in the fall. A committee clerk was also selected, with Representative Reverend volunteering to take notes for the meeting. Members reviewed background materials on special education enrollment, high-cost students, and possible funding formulas, including data on students in high-cost brackets and prior ideas such as category-based funding and caseload-based approaches. The chair also referenced research on other states, including Arkansas, which uses a different special education funding structure and audits IEPs. The committee emphasized that it was focused on the funding mechanics and costs, not on questioning whether services should be provided. Henry Lipman of HHS explained how Medicaid-to-schools currently works in New Hampshire. He said 172 school districts participate, but utilization dropped during the pandemic and remains below historical levels, in part because districts need the capacity to bill Medicaid. Under the current system, schools receive reimbursement based on half of the Medicaid fee schedule, with the school district effectively providing the state share. He said the federal government is requiring a shift by July 1, 2026, to a true certified public expenditure model based on actual costs, which should allow schools to recover 50% of their true costs and some administrative overhead. The department has received a roughly $2.5 million grant to hire a vendor and support districts through the transition, and an RFP and stakeholder meetings are underway. Committee members asked about how costs would be determined, whether the new system would use actual district-specific costs rather than averages, and how the department would support districts that do not currently participate. Lipman said the cost model would be based on each district’s own reasonable costs, subject to audit standards, and that the department expects to provide templates and technical assistance through the vendor because its staff is limited. He also said about one in four New Hampshire children are enrolled in Medicaid, that child enrollment has been relatively stable, and that continuous coverage rules should reduce churn. No votes or formal actions on HB 742 were taken during the meeting beyond organizing the subcommittee and beginning testimony and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:35.280><c> But</c><01:02:35.520><c> thank</c><01:02:35.680><c> you</c><01:02:35.760><c> so
• &gt;&gt; Will<01:02:42.480><c> the</c><01:02:42.640><c> gentleman</c><01:02:42.880><c> yield</c><01:02
• </c><02:01:02.320><c> And</c><02:01:02.560><c> the</c><02:01:02.719><c> committee</c><02:01:02.960><c
• House bill 651<02:01:08.719><c> from</c><02:01:09.040><c> the</c><02:01:09.199><c> natural</c><02:01:
• &gt;&gt; House<02:01:17.520><c> floor</c><02:01:17.760><c> amendment</c><02:01:18.080><c> one</c><02:

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :28.920><c> you</c><00:02:29.000><c> can</c><00:02:29.160><c> get</c><00:02:29.360><c> back</c><00:02
• :29.519><c> to</c><00:02:29.640><c> me</c><00:02:30.040><c> on</c><00:02:30.239><c> the</c><00:02:30.519
• <00:02:34.400><c> uh</c><00:02:34.599><c> next</c><00:02:34.840><c> up</c><00:02:35.000><c> S</c><00:
• <00:02:40.280><c> uh</c><00:02:40.440><c> first</c><00:02:40.720><c> up</c><00:02:41.239><c> Department
• 00:02:52.280><c> up</c><00:02:52.840><c> uh</c><00:02:53.120><c> AG's</c><00:02:53.640><c> office</c>

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several measures on agriculture, energy, stadium governance, and hotel consumer protections. On SB 448 relating to agriculture, Agra Business Development Corporation and the Hawaii Farm Bureau testified in support of a proposed conservation easement acquisition in Central Oahu; the chair asked follow-up questions about the exact location, cost, and agricultural potential of the land, and the witness said the parcel had good soil and water and was former pineapple land, with cost still to be provided. On SB 827 relating to meat processing, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism said the state needs more meat-processing capacity and that any grant program should complement, not compete with, existing efforts; the Attorney General’s office warned the bill lacked legally sufficient standards for grants of public money under the state constitution and offered draft standards. Several industry and chamber witnesses supported the measure, while discussion focused on the need for brick-and-mortar or modular facilities, infrastructure costs, federal inspection needs, and access for hunters and neighbor islands. The committee then took up SB 1269 relating to geothermal resources, which drew broad support from county officials, energy consultants, utility representatives, and community advocates, with one witness opposing it. Supporters described geothermal as a viable, indigenous, firm baseload energy source that could help reduce Hawaii’s high electricity costs and support clean energy goals; one witness emphasized prior work in New Zealand and another urged the state to move forward with exploration. A DBEDT representative explained that the department is coordinating geothermal-related work with the Hawaii Technology Development Corp., the University of Hawaii, and the Hawaii State Energy Office, noting a prior $3 million appropriation, phase-one community engagement work, and plans to seek a contractor for geoscience and exploration in phase two. Members pressed DBEDT to explain how this bill fits with other geothermal measures moving through different committees, and the chair asked the department to review SB 993 and better coordinate the package of geothermal bills. On SB 1337 relating to the Stadium Authority, the stadium manager testified in support of clarifying quorum rules, explaining that the authority currently has eight seated voting members out of nine possible voting seats and that the bill would help ensure voting members are counted for quorum; he said meetings have not been delayed. Finally, on SB 883 relating to hotels, the Attorney General’s office raised First Amendment and contract-law concerns and recommended adding a purpose statement and a non-impairment savings clause. Unite Here Local 5 and other supporters said guests should be notified of hotel service disruptions such as construction, closures, or labor disputes, while opponents questioned who would enforce the law, what penalties would apply, and whether the measure could require hotels to pay damages even without a complaint. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:21.360><c> front</c><01:02:21.640><c> end</c><01:02:21.920><c> to</c><01:02:22.200><c> build</c><
• brick<01:02:22.800><c> and</c><01:02:22.920><c> mortar,</c><01:02:23.280><c> to</c><01:02:23.400><c>
• </c><01:02:25.160><c> But</c><01:02:25.360><c> on</c><01:02:25.480><c> the</c><01:02:25.600><c> back<
• </c><01:02:30.240><c> And</c><01:02:30.360><c> so,</c><01:02:30.560><c> we</c><01:02:30.760><c> talk<
• /c><01:02:31.000><c> about</c><01:02:31.200><c> this</c><01:02:31.360><c> a</c><01:02:31.440><c> lot<

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> in</c><00:02:22.800><c> your</c><00:02:23.080><c> packet</c><00:02:23.519><c> was</c><00:02:23.959
• c><00:02:26.560><c> any</c><00:02:26.800><c> questions</c><00:02:27.239><c> on</c> uh anyone have any
• 02:30.120><c> have</c><00:02:30.239><c> a</c><00:02:30.360><c> motion</c><00:02:31.000><c> to</c><00:
• 02:32.000><c> do</c><00:02:32.120><c> I</c><00:02:32.239><c> have</c><00:02:32.360><c> a</c> this do
• /c><00:02:35.160><c> secretary</c><00:02:35.560><c> Poli</c><00:02:35.920><c> call</c> second Madame

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate State and Local Government Committee met and first took up Senate Bill 193, described as a simple measure to restore a wallet card for jailers to carry when outside the jail. The chair noted the fiscal impact was essentially zero, there were no questions, and the committee voted to pass the bill 9-0. The committee then heard Senate Bill 9, a proposal focused on the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS). The sponsor argued TRS remains underfunded despite large state contributions, cited rising unfunded liability and negative cash flow, and said the bill is intended to standardize and limit what sick leave, personal leave, and annual leave can count toward retirement calculations. The bill would generally cap TRS retirement credit at 10 sick days and 2 personal days per year, prevent annual leave from being rolled into sick leave, require more uniform reporting and oversight from participating districts and agencies, and shift costs to districts that offer benefits beyond TRS limits. The sponsor also said the bill would add 30 maternity leave days, allow voluntary supplemental contributions for Tier Four teachers, and include a floor amendment directing the state auditor to audit TRS and report on agency leave policies. During the presentation, the sponsor emphasized fairness, transparency, and accountability, and used a hypothetical high-salary administrator to illustrate how leave payouts can increase retirement benefits and create additional unfunded liability. Senator Mills thanked the sponsor and said members had been working to understand the issue, but no committee action on Senate Bill 9 was completed in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:02:25.280><c> saying</c><00:02:25.599><c> I.
• :02:31.040><c> items</c><00:02:31.360><c> on</c><00:02:31.520><c> the</c> approved.
• </c><00:02:32.560><c> We</c><00:02:32.800><c> are</c><00:02:32.959><c> going</c><00:02:33.120><c> to<
• :56.400><c> Uh</c><00:02:56.800><c> there</c><00:02:57.040><c> is</c><00:02:57.280><c> a</c><00:02:57.519
• :24.160><c> they</c><01:02:24.400><c> wear,</c><01:02:24.720><c> so</c><01:02:24.880><c> to</c><01:02

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the October 22, 2025 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel on accidental ingestion of illegal drug products by children. Panel members said pediatric ingestions have become the most common case type they review, with the highest-risk children ages one to four, and that fatal cases have increased in recent years. They reported that the substances most often involved are fentanyl, cannabinoids including THC products, methamphetamine, and increasingly xylazine; they also noted a decline in buprenorphine-related ingestions, which they viewed as a positive trend. The panel used several case examples to highlight recurring problems in investigations and medical response, including delayed DCBS involvement, failure to administer Narcan, inadequate drug testing, lack of child abuse team involvement, and limited or absent law enforcement investigation. They said law enforcement issues are especially common in pediatric ingestion cases and are concentrated in Jefferson County and the Bluegrass/KIPA regions. One example involved a one-year-old who died from fentanyl and Benadryl intoxication; another involved a two-year-old who died after ingesting multiple substances; and a third involved a four-year-old with near-fatal THC gummy ingestion where delayed treatment worsened the child’s condition. They also described a 10-month-old THC ingestion case that resulted in a criminal abuse conviction, which they presented as an example without missed investigative opportunities. Committee members discussed possible policy responses, including creating a more specific criminal child abuse offense or clarifying existing abuse and neglect definitions to cover unsafe access to illegal drugs, while preserving room for true accidents and prescribed medications. Members also raised the need for statewide standardization in reporting, investigation, and medical response, and suggested the panel should be able to call in agencies such as law enforcement, DCBS, judges, and hospitals for closed-session review of selected cases. The panel chair said they were already pursuing meetings with LMPD and would provide Jefferson County-specific breakdowns, and members expressed interest in additional data and agency follow-up before considering legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Relations are but Minnesota, but every for Minnesota. >> From Illinois originally that's because okay
• And so we appealed the spp case and the rule to the statute that to the Supreme Court.
• We don't we don't typically lobby or engage on this statute.
• We view our rule to enforce the statutes.
• That's under Florida statute. 3.50, point. 0, 6, 1, 1, subsection 4.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.000><c> on</c><01:02:00.160><c> the</c><01:02:00.320><c> internet</c><01:02:01.120><c> for</c> remain
• 02:03.760><c> the</c><01:02:03.880><c> victim</c> that the victim that the victim themselves<01:02:05.480
• ><c> may</c><01:02:05.600><c> not</c><01:02:05.760><c> contemplate</c><01:02:06.800><c> and</c><01:02
• therefore may be amplified<01:02:10.480><c> by</c><01:02:10.640><c> the</c><01:02:10.760><c> fact</c
• ><01:02:11.120><c> that</c><01:02:11.280><c> these</c><01:02:11.560><c> images</c> The harm is amplified

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several Senate bills. On SB 2530, relating to campaign contributions, the State Procurement Office suggested clarifying that contractor disclosure information be submitted within 30 days of a fully executed contract, while the Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill but asked that the restriction on contributions by officers be expanded beyond compensated officers. Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action supported the measure and urged keeping the Senate language, arguing it better addresses contractor influence, while no other testifiers appeared. On SB 2970, relating to standards of conduct, the State Ethics Commission supported the bill and proposed amendments to consolidate the new language into existing Chapter 84 contract provisions and use “department head” instead of “director.” The State Procurement Office supported the measure but recommended closing a perceived loophole by limiting the covered contracts to those under $10,000. No opposition testimony was offered. The committee then heard SB 2919, which would fund one full-time Deputy Public Defender position focused on immigration-related advice under Padilla v. Kentucky. The Office of the Public Defender, Hawaii Coalition for Immigrants’ Rights, and the ACLU of Hawaii supported the bill, explaining that the position would help public defenders advise clients about immigration consequences of criminal cases, not provide immigration representation. Members asked several questions about the scope of the position and whether it could assist with citizenship; testimony clarified that it would not handle civil immigration matters. The bill was also described as creating a statewide consistent resource for the public defender system. Finally, on SB 2446, relating to the judiciary, the Intermediate Court of Appeals supported adding a seventh associate judge position but noted the court has only recently been fully staffed at six judges and has improved output through internal changes. The chair emphasized that the bill authorizes the position without funding and encouraged the judiciary to return later if appropriations are needed. The committee also began hearing SB 2730, a criminal justice reform bill on warrantless arrests and citations. OHA supported reducing unnecessary arrests but objected to making citations visible on criminal records; the Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill, citing law enforcement flexibility, identification concerns, and possible litigation costs; and the Judiciary requested a later implementation date and suggested changes to citation-resolution language. The transcript ends while testimony on SB 2730 was still underway.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, approving the prior meeting minutes with one abstention from a member who had been absent. It then received an update from DHHS Commissioner Lori Weaver on the department’s rural health transformation grant submission. Weaver said the grant was submitted ahead of the deadline, reflected input from communities and providers statewide, and would now enter a CMS review and negotiation phase. She explained that the governor’s office will oversee the grant with DHHS, that some proposals may be limited by federal parameters, and that the department may need to hire some staff to administer the grant, within the grant’s administrative cap. Members also discussed DHHS budget pressures and staffing. The department’s CFO, Nathan White, reviewed the agency’s budget mix, noting that DHHS accounts for a large share of the state’s operating and general fund budgets, and explained projected general fund lapse estimates, which he said are currently just under $20 million for the department. He also described why lapse projections are difficult to predict in DHHS because many costs are driven by utilization and because some funds are statutorily non-lapsing. White reported that vacancy rates have risen, citing about 400 unfunded positions in the current biennium and the department’s hiring freeze, while emphasizing that direct-care positions are being prioritized. Committee members raised concerns that back-of-the-budget cuts and weak revenue collections could affect the department’s ability to manage lapse projections. The committee then heard from Division of Public Health Director Ian Watt on vaccine policy and federal changes. Watt said New Hampshire continues to support access to safe and effective vaccines, including through the universal purchase program and seasonal respiratory virus guidance. He explained a recent CDC change regarding the MMRV vaccine, which now discourages the combined shot for the first dose in children under four because of febrile seizure risk, while still allowing it for the second dose. Watt said New Hampshire’s school and child care vaccine mandates remain stable, with nine vaccines required for schoolchildren and 10 for child care, and that the state continues to review federal recommendations cautiously. He also said there have been no supply or funding disruptions affecting vaccine access, and that childhood vaccine funding through commercial insurers remains intact. Finally, the Permanent Subcommittee on Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Related Dementias presented its annual report. The subcommittee said it met about six times, heard presentations on state services, silver alerts, brain health awareness, and palliative/hospice care, and began work on updating the state’s Alzheimer’s plan, which had last been updated in 2015-2016. To gather more direct input, the subcommittee formed a needs-assessment work group to develop a survey for people living with dementia, caregivers, and service providers. It recommended integrating Alzheimer’s and dementia materials into chronic disease, aging, and public health outreach; embedding cognitive health into systems of care and the state health improvement plan; adding cognitive health measures to BRFSS; and continuing partnerships with aging and advocacy organizations. Members praised the report and suggested it should clearly identify the subcommittee and include page numbers in future versions.

Transcript Highlights:

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• </c><00:02:40.160><c> We</c><00:02:40.280><c> believe</c><00:02:40.560><c> that</c><00:02:40.720><c>

Bills: SB2706 , SB2320

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: workforce development, agriculture, biosecurity, pilot program, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, University of Hawaii, Leeward Community College, DHRD, training, apprenticeship, career pathways, credentialing, job training, internship, hands-on experience, state employment, workforce pipeline, agricultural jobs, biosecurity jobs, general fund appropriation

Summary: The committees first heard SB 2371, which would prioritize lease offers on agrivoltaics parcels for beginning farmers, require annual compliance reports to DAB, authorize penalties for noncompliance, and allow solar facilities on certain agricultural lands. DAB, the State Energy Office, PUC, and Hawaii Farm Bureau generally supported the intent, while OPPSD recommended amendments to preserve agricultural lease affordability and strengthen food-production language. Members questioned whether the bill would meaningfully encourage solar on ag lands, whether beginning farmers would have enough information to use such parcels, and how the bill would interact with Land Use Commission review. The Farm Bureau said agrivoltaics remains challenging and largely in pilot form, and noted the Mililani project as a promising example of dual use. The committees voted to pass SB 2371 with amendments, with one member expressing a preference that it be opened to all farmers rather than only beginning farmers. The next measure, SB 2800, appropriates funds to DAB, DLNR, and ADC for acquisition, repair, and maintenance of irrigation systems. All testifying agencies and the Farm Bureau supported the bill, and members pressed them for estimates of needed funding and the condition of existing systems. DAB cited major repair needs, including Waimea, Molokai, Kahuku, and Kawailoa, and said its backlog could total roughly $65 million; ADC estimated about $35 million for several systems; and DLNR said its current needs for three systems were about $35 million, with the largest cost tied to piping in Kekaha. The committees amended the bill to defer its effective date to July 1, 2050 and to blank out the appropriation amounts in the bill text, with the agencies’ requested amounts to be included in the committee report for consideration. SB 2800 then passed in AEN, Water and Land, and EIG. The final measure discussed was SB 2718, a food hub pilot program beginning in 2028 that would require state departments and UH to source 30% of certain food purchases from local agricultural products, create a nutrition- and ʻāina-based school program, and have DAT partner with a regional aggregator for Native Hawaiian staple crops. DAT, DOH, the Farm Bureau, Food Plus Policy Group, HAPA, and others supported the bill’s intent, while the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation opposed it, saying it is already struggling to meet the current local procurement percentage and faces procurement and quantity barriers, especially for staple items used daily. The testimony focused on whether agencies could realistically meet the higher local purchasing target and whether smaller farms could supply the needed volumes.