Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, we got<00:02:32.319><c> all</c><00:02:32.560><c> of</c><00:02:32.720><c> them</c><00:02:33.280><c
• <00:02:35.680><c> you</c><00:02:35.840><c> so</c><00:02:36.000><c> much.
• </c><00:02:36.400><c> And</c><00:02:36.560><c> for</c><00:02:36.720><c> the</c> seconds.
• </c><00:02:37.680><c> And</c><00:02:37.840><c> on</c><00:02:38.000><c> behalf</c><00:02:38.160><c> of
• 02:40.239><c> Tasham</c><00:02:40.720><c> and</c><00:02:40.800><c> Tarnis</c><00:02:41.200><c> as</c>

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:02:01.119><c> Aloha</c><00:02:01.680><c> and</c><00:02:02.000><c> welcome</c><00:02:02.240><c> to
• ><c> number</c><00:02:42.319><c> 71</c><00:02:42.879><c> to</c><00:02:43.120><c> 713.
• Senator<00:02:44.400><c> Decort.</c><00:02:45.120><c> Mr.
• </c><00:02:46.879><c> It's</c><00:02:47.040><c> been</c><00:02:47.280><c> moved</c><00:02:47.519><c>
• <00:02:51.120><c> If</c><00:02:51.280><c> not,</c><00:02:51.519><c> the</c><00:02:51.760><c> motion</

Transcript Highlights:

• that occurs in domestic relationships that aren't exactly fully live-in domestic, and establishes statutes
• They have not been designated a domestic terrorist organization because the statute is not law.
• Expanding terrorism statutes without clear enforcement risks chilling lawful speech and association.
• And we need to put that into our statutes to protect us from Sharia law being enacted by our judiciary
• You can look to Texas, you can look to Michigan, and you can look to Minnesota.

Summary: The committee took up a series of bills and reported several of them favorably, often after brief sponsor presentations, supportive public testimony, and unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Early measures included PCS for CSHB 1069 on background screenings for athletic coaches and qualified entities, CS/HB 365 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism spectrum disorder, and CS/HB 269 plus its linked public-records bill CS/SB 298 on domestic violence and dating violence. The domestic violence package focused on using NG-911 technology for discreet help-seeking, expanding protections to dating violence victims, and preserving confidentiality for participants in related programs. The committee also approved HB 6507, a claims bill for injuries involving DCF negligence, after limited discussion. Members then considered PCS for CSHB 1159, which increases penalties and updates terminology for sexual offenses involving minors, child sexual abuse material, and related crimes. The bill was amended to replace “child pornography” with “child sexual abuse material” and to address childlike sex dolls, and it passed unanimously. The committee also heard CS/HB 529 on community-based care lead agency and subcontractor liability insurance. That bill would remove a statutory liability-insurance requirement for certain child welfare providers amid an insurance market crisis; it drew extensive debate, with supporters saying it would prevent agencies from shutting down and opponents warning it would reduce accountability and leave children vulnerable. It passed 15-4 as amended. The committee next approved PCS for CSHB 277 on domestic violence and protective injunctions. The bill creates a Pinellas County pilot for electronic monitoring with victim notification, raises the victim relocation allowance, strengthens penalties for repeat injunction violations, and adds protections involving military orders and pets. Testimony was strongly supportive, including from survivors, and the bill passed 18-0 as amended. CS/HB 1009 on government publication of advertisements and public notices also passed, after an amendment requiring notices to remain publicly accessible; newspapers and press groups opposed it, arguing it would fragment access to notices, while the sponsor said it modernizes outdated posting rules. Finally, the committee heard PCS for CSHB 1471 on systems of law and terrorist organizations, which would create a state process for designating domestic terrorist organizations and bar public support for them; the bill drew sharp constitutional objections from civil liberties, press, labor, and advocacy groups over due process, free speech, and viewpoint discrimination concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:13.160><c> and</c><00:02:13.360><c> take</c><00:02:13.760><c> pictures</c><00:02:14.760><c> we'll
• ><c> back</c><00:02:15.480><c> into</c><00:02:15.959><c> order</c><00:02:16.400><c> go</c><00:02:16.640
• ><00:02:18.400><c> and</c><00:02:18.560><c> then</c><00:02:18.720><c> we</c><00:02:18.840><c> will</c
• 00:02:21.560><c> cabinet</c><00:02:22.000><c> member</c><00:02:22.400><c> again</c><00:02:22.720><c>
• > come</c><00:02:27.599><c> down</c><00:02:28.080><c> and</c><00:02:28.239><c> then</c><00:02:28.440>

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> I<00:02:04.960><c> hear</c><00:02:05.119><c> a</c><00:02:05.200><c> motion.
• &gt;&gt; All<00:02:08.879><c> those</c><00:02:09.039><c> in</c><00:02:09.200><c> favor</c><00:02:09.520
• :31.920><c> as</c><00:02:32.160><c> the</c><00:02:32.400><c> Joe</c><00:02:33.120><c> Tunnel</c><00:02
• Do<00:02:39.519><c> I</c><00:02:39.599><c> hear</c><00:02:39.760><c> a</c><00:02:39.920><c> motion?
• All<00:02:42.720><c> those</c><00:02:42.879><c> in</c><00:02:43.040><c> favor</c><00:02:43.360><c> say

Committee: Joint Highways and Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• chaplain for today is my pastor, Pastor Matt Baker from Bethel Evangelical Free Church in Fairmont, Minnesota
• Paul, Minnesota, Tuesday, May 13th, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• us former Representative Doug Magnus, who served this body from 2003 through 2010 from Slayton, Minnesota
• Paul, Minnesota, Thursday, May 8th, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul, Minnesota. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
• Paul, Minnesota. Monday, March 3rd, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:00.200><c> pasture</c><00:02:01.200><c> on</c><00:02:01.600><c> HB</c><00:02:02.280><c> 345
• Chair<00:02:05.680><c> votes</c><00:02:06.079><c> I.
• </c><00:02:06.320><c> Vice</c><00:02:06.560><c> chair</c><00:02:06.880><c> votes</c><00:02:07.200><c>
• </c><00:02:11.760><c> Cherry</c><00:02:12.239><c> five</c><00:02:12.400><c> in</c><00:02:12.560><c> favors
• Appreciate<00:02:15.920><c> the</c><00:02:16.319><c> indulgence</c><00:02:16.800><c> everyone.

Summary: The joint committees on Transportation and Culture and the Arts and on Agriculture and the Environment met briefly to correct a clerical error in HB 345 HD2, relating to the state shrimp. Chairs explained that the measure needed to be reconsidered so the bill could be sent to the Governor in its correct final form, with the defective date changed to June 6, 2944. Both committees then voted to reconsider their previous action and recommend passage of HB 345 HD2 with amendments. The votes were unanimous among members present, with Senator Kanuha excused in the Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee and Senator Kanuha also noted as excused in the Agriculture and the Environment committee. The amended recommendation was adopted in both committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• If<00:02:02.640><c> you</c><00:02:02.880><c> could</c><00:02:03.119><c> give</c><00:02:03.280><c> a</
• c><00:02:03.439><c> round</c><00:02:03.600><c> of</c><00:02:03.759><c> applause</c><00:02:04.360><c>
• ><c> High</c><00:02:06.159><c> School,</c><00:02:06.560><c> Sea</c><00:02:06.799><c> Rider</c><00:02:
• </c><00:02:13.520><c> I</c><00:02:13.680><c> would</c><00:02:13.840><c> like</c><00:02:13.920><c> to<
• Oh and then<00:02:34.560><c> I</c><00:02:34.800><c> also</c><00:02:35.120><c> see</c><00:02:36.000><c

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:06.560><c> and</c><00:02:07.040><c> $61</c><00:02:07.520><c> million</c><00:02:08.080><c> of</
• &gt;&gt; Motion<00:02:18.080><c> tiles</c><00:02:18.400><c> fishing</c><00:02:18.720><c> do</c><00:02
• </c><00:02:22.400><c> The</c><00:02:22.640><c> eyes</c><00:02:22.879><c> have</c><00:02:23.040><c> it
• We'll have<00:02:44.560><c> to</c><00:02:44.800><c> have</c><00:02:44.959><c> a</c><00:02:45.599><c>
• final</c><00:02:46.000><c> tally</c><00:02:46.319><c> on</c><00:02:46.480><c> all</c><00:02:46.640><c

Committee: Joint Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Mary Beth<00:02:07.280><c> IMS</c><00:02:08.080><c> a</c><00:02:08.319><c> veteran</c><00:02:08.759>
• :25.800><c> um</c><00:02:26.319><c> I'd</c><00:02:26.519><c> also</c><00:02:26.800><c> like</c><00:02
• </c><00:02:28.000><c> familiar</c><00:02:28.400><c> with</c><00:02:28.519><c> our</c><00:02:28.720><c
• :29.519><c> are</c><00:02:29.959><c> who</c><00:02:30.080><c> are</c><00:02:30.239><c> here</c><00:02
• questions</c><00:02:33.160><c> uh</c><00:02:33.360><c> that</c><00:02:33.480><c> you</c><00:02:33.599

Summary: The House Transportation Committee held its first meeting of the 2025 session, established a quorum, welcomed new members and staff, and reviewed basic committee procedures, including phone silence, speaking through the chair, and the 24-hour amendment rule. The chair then moved to the agenda, which consisted of two bills. House Bill 15, sponsored by Representative Rudy, would lower Kentucky’s learner’s permit age to 15 to match surrounding states. Supporters said it would give parents more choice and help young drivers get licensed earlier; one member explained her yes vote by describing strong support from middle school students. The bill passed the committee with favorable expression, with Representative Lehman voting no and others voting yes. House Bill 161, sponsored by Representative Jackson, would allow third-party entities to process driver’s license renewals, not initial licenses. Jackson said the goal was to improve access after the state reduced renewal locations from county offices to regional centers, creating long travel times and long waits, especially for rural and older residents. He said the third-party model could be used by approved businesses or agencies, with an average added fee of about $2 to $5, and that it would still require the same vision-screening process. Members asked about Real ID renewals, timing, local testing options, and eye exam requirements. The bill also received favorable expression, and the committee adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:10.479><c> I</c><00:02:10.600><c> beg</c><00:02:10.800><c> your</c><00:02:10.920><c> pardon
• &gt;&gt; Can<00:02:11.680><c> I</c><00:02:11.720><c> also</c><00:02:12.000><c> enter</c><00:02:12.240
• &gt;&gt; When<00:02:14.560><c> you</c><00:02:14.840><c> have</c><00:02:15.240><c> mentioned</c><00:02
• ><c> going</c><00:02:23.000><c> to</c><00:02:23.120><c> read</c><00:02:23.360><c> every</c><00:02:23.600
• Come<00:02:42.840><c> on,</c><00:02:42.960><c> all</c><00:02:43.040><c> you</c><00:02:43.120><c> guys

Bills: HB1800 , HB2095 , HB1158 , HB1518 , HB1752 , SCR23 , SCR24 , SCR25 , SCR26 , SCR27 , SCR28 , SCR29 , SCR30 , SCR31 , SCR32 , SCR33 , SCR34 , SCR35 , SCR36 , SCR37 , SCR38 , SCR39 , SCR40 , SCR41 , SCR42 , SCR43 , SCR44 , SCR45 , SCR46 , SCR47 , SCR48 , SCR49 , SCR50 , SCR51 , SCR52 , SCR53 , SCR54 , SCR55 , SCR56 , SCR57 , SCR58 , SCR59 , SCR60 , SCR61 , SCR62 , SCR63 , SCR64 , SCR65 , SCR66 , SCR67 , SCR68 , SCR69 , SCR70 , SCR71 , SCR72 , SCR73 , SCR74 , SCR75 , SCR76 , SCR77 , SCR78 , SCR79 , SCR80 , SCR81 , SCR82 , SCR83 , SCR84 , SCR85 , SCR86 , SCR87 , SCR88 , SCR89 , SCR90 , SCR91 , SCR92 , SCR93 , SCR94 , SCR95 , SCR96 , SCR97 , SCR98 , SCR99 , SCR100 , SCR101 , SCR102 , SCR103 , SCR104 , SCR105 , SCR106 , SCR107 , SCR108 , SCR109 , SCR110 , SCR111 , SCR112 , SCR113 , SCR114 , SCR115 , SCR116 , SCR117 , SCR118 , SCR119 , SCR120 , SCR121 , SCR122

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:22.800><c> He</c><00:02:22.959><c> has</c><00:02:23.120><c> all</c><00:02:23.240><c> kinds
• But<00:02:27.920><c> whether</c><00:02:28.160><c> he</c><00:02:28.280><c> runs</c><00:02:28.560><c> again
• </c><00:02:30.240><c> a</c><00:02:30.280><c> very</c><00:02:30.560><c> few</c><00:02:30.760><c> minutes
• just</c><00:02:31.880><c> to</c><00:02:31.959><c> thank</c><00:02:32.240><c> him</c><00:02:32.360><c
• Shepard, first<00:02:50.440><c> grand</c><00:02:50.760><c> estate</c><00:02:51.120><c> in</c><00:02:51.320

Summary: The House meeting consisted of announcements and a series of tributes honoring Representative Larry Gagne, a Vietnam-era Navy veteran and longtime member of the Veterans Committee. Representative Moffett introduced the recognition, describing the VA Vietnam-era veterans award and noting Gagne’s service, including his Navy enlistment in 1961, his role in the honor guard for Alan B. Shepard, and his service aboard the USS Noah, which recovered John Glenn after his 1962 spaceflight. Gagne was escorted to the front of the chamber and applauded by members. Former Speaker Steve Shurtleff also spoke in tribute, recalling his long acquaintance with Gagne dating back to police training and their later work together in the House, especially on the Criminal Justice Committee. He emphasized bipartisan cooperation, saying criminal justice should not be partisan, and praised Gagne as a friend and effective legislator. Shurtleff also noted Gagne’s later service on the State and Federal Veterans Affairs Committee and thanked Chair Moffett, saying they could disagree without being disagreeable. Gagne then responded briefly, joking about his long tenure and recalling shared memories from the police academy, including a graduation snowball fight and finding an old photo of himself and Shurtleff. He said he planned to run again, reflected on both good and difficult times in the House, and closed by stressing respect across party lines and the importance of getting along. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• It adds two<00:02:01.920><c> department</c><00:02:02.240><c> of</c><00:02:02.479><c> public</c><00:02
• .<00:02:09.119><c> It</c><00:02:09.360><c> allows</c><00:02:09.679><c> the</c><00:02:10.080><c> Department
• the</c><00:02:34.640><c> Isas</c><00:02:35.120><c> has</c><00:02:35.280><c> any</c><00:02:35.519><c>
• :02:37.360><c> the</c><00:02:37.519><c> A1</c> amendment.<00:02:41.760><c> All</c><00:02:42.000><c> in
• </c><00:02:42.160><c> favor</c><00:02:42.400><c> of</c><00:02:42.640><c> adopting</c><00:02:43.120><c

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• If not, the<00:02:34.239><c> motion</c><00:02:34.560><c> is</c><00:02:34.800><c> carried.
• &gt;&gt; Referrals<00:02:37.920><c> and</c><00:02:38.080><c> re-referrals</c><00:02:38.879><c> are</c
• 00:02:42.160><c> that</c><00:02:42.400><c> may</c><00:02:42.640><c> be</c><00:02:42.800><c> filed</c>
• &gt;&gt; No<00:02:44.480><c> further</c><00:02:44.800><c> business,</c><00:02:45.120><c> Mr.
• Not the<00:02:48.720><c> chair</c><00:02:48.959><c> has</c><00:02:49.280><c> one.

Bills: SB2138 , SB2054 , SB2987 , SB2908 , SB2702 , SB2924 , SB3248 , SB2635 , SB3127 , SB3001 , SB2294 , SB2037 , SB2797 , SB2765 , SB2961 , SB2210 , SB2948 , SB3108 , SB3240 , SB2045 , SB2675 , SB2338 , SB2451 , SB2552 , SB2553 , SB3089 , SB3176 , SB3285 , SB2234 , SB2219 , SB2312 , SB2336 , SB2343 , SB2849 , SB2928 , SB2930 , SB3332 , SB2927 , SB2983 , SB2906 , SB2353 , SB2848 , SB2340 , SB2845 , SB3246 , SB3077 , SB3254 , SB2934 , SB2571 , SB2248 , SB2471 , SB2298 , SB2413 , SB2425 , SB3045 , SB2843 , SB2595 , SB2907 , SB3204 , SB2311 , SB2532 , SB2528 , SB2313 , SB3300 , SB2530 , SB2693 , SB2010 , SB3156 , SB2697 , SB2991 , SB3153 , SB2812 , SB2527 , SB2376 , SB3081 , SB3218 , SB3219 , SB3333 , SB2232 , SB2192 , SB2378 , SB2070 , SB3011 , SB2676 , SB2957 , SB2434 , SB2673 , SB3301 , SB2247 , SB2453 , SB2457 , SB2075 , SB2811 , SB2601 , SB2258 , SB2612 , SB3263 , SB3261 , SB3334 , SB2613

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.159><c> uh</c><00:02:01.280><c> may</c><00:02:01.520><c> be</c><00:02:01.680><c> in</c><00:02:01.840
• So,<00:02:04.320><c> uh,</c><00:02:04.479><c> we're</c><00:02:04.719><c> going</c><00:02:04.799><c> to
• </c><00:02:04.880><c> go</c><00:02:05.040><c> a</c><00:02:05.280><c> little</c><00:02:05.439><c> out<
• order</c><00:02:06.079><c> today</c><00:02:07.200><c> and,</c><00:02:07.759><c> uh,</c><00:02:08.000
• ><c> your</c><00:02:45.519><c> staff</c><00:02:45.920><c> member</c><00:02:46.319><c> Logan</c><00:02

Summary: The interim task force on disaster prevention and resiliency met for its fourth meeting and focused heavily on insurance markets, affordability, and mitigation. Cochairs noted they are working toward recommendations for a later fall meeting. The main presentation came from David Snyder of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, who said the insurance industry sees itself as part of the problem and part of the solution because it ultimately pays for losses created by natural conditions, development choices, and construction practices. Snyder described rising losses from natural catastrophes, inflation-driven increases in rebuilding and repair costs, more development in disaster-prone areas, wildfire exposure, severe convective storms, hail, and roof damage. He argued that Kentucky should avoid the mistakes he attributed to California, where regulatory responses contributed to a strained insurance market and greater reliance on the FAIR Plan. He said Kentucky’s private market appears to be functioning better, with relatively few FAIR Plan policies, and urged lawmakers to preserve that market through risk-based rates and policies that do not worsen availability. He recommended a broad mitigation strategy involving stronger building codes, land-use decisions, stormwater infrastructure, public access to risk data, and incentives for resilient construction. He highlighted programs such as the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, fortified-home standards, wildfire-prepared community practices, and examples from Alabama, Louisiana, and Florida showing that mitigation can produce quick returns and insurance discounts. He also suggested catastrophe savings accounts, flexible coverage options, and a whole-of-government approach that includes the insurance department, building-code agencies, first responders, FEMA, NFIP, and NOAA. In questions, a legislator asked about the prognosis if carriers continue exiting markets and if nothing is done to address affordability and accessibility. Snyder said he could not predict market exits but stressed that regulators should monitor the market closely, use available data, and focus on loss prevention and mitigation. He said insurers want to do business in Kentucky and that the long-term solution is coordinated action among public and private stakeholders to reduce risk and keep coverage available.

Transcript Highlights:

• like<01:02:02.160><c> that</c><01:02:02.319><c> that</c><01:02:02.559><c> we're</c><01:02:02.720><c>
• <c> what</c><01:02:03.920><c> we</c><01:02:04.000><c> may</c><01:02:04.160><c> end</c><01:02:04.319><
• </c><01:02:08.559><c> But</c><01:02:08.640><c> we're</c><01:02:08.799><c> going</c><01:02:08.880><c>
• </c><01:02:11.440><c> also</c><01:02:12.079><c> the</c><01:02:12.319><c> highlight</c><01:02:12.640><
• :12.960><c> get</c><01:02:13.119><c> to</c><01:02:13.280><c> place</c><01:02:13.599><c> on</c><01:02:

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Finance, Personnel, and Public Retirement heard presentations from the Secretary of State, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Department of Agriculture. Secretary of State Michael Adams said his office had no major new budget or authority requests, but he updated members on voter-roll maintenance, ongoing litigation over a law preventing voting in multiple states, the Safe at Home program for domestic violence survivors, human trafficking outreach, reduced spending, and new anti-fraud measures for business registrations and electronic service of process. Members then discussed Adams’ remarks, especially his criticism of Kentuckians for the Commonwealth. One senator objected that the organization should not be shut out of the legislative process, citing First Amendment concerns. Adams responded that he was not seeking to ban anyone from speaking, but wanted lawmakers to remember the harm he believes the group’s litigation does to election integrity and bipartisan reform. Representative Jackson praised Adams and his staff for their work. Deputy Attorney General Rob Duncan outlined the office’s work, including criminal prosecutions, civil litigation, body armor grants, administrative hearings, domestic violence and violent crime initiatives, election security, child support services, and the new Office of Data Privacy. He said the child support program transition from CHFS had created budget shortfalls and that the office would seek additional funding next session. In response to questions from Representative Lockett, Duncan said he did not yet have exact cost figures but expected funding needs and noted barriers related to personnel, budgeting, and integration. The committee also heard from Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell, who highlighted the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy’s 25th anniversary, the new Office of Economic Development, and the role of Miss Kentucky in promoting agriculture. He said the department would seek recruitment and retention funding, possible staffing for EV station inspections, and continued support to make the agriculture economic development fund permanent.

Transcript Highlights:

• institutions.<01:02:03.480><c> That's</c><01:02:03.680><c> why</c><01:02:03.800><c> we're</c><01:02:
• /c><01:02:07.480><c> schools</c><01:02:08.000><c> that</c><01:02:08.160><c> are</c><01:02:08.320><c>
• ><c> out</c><01:02:08.680><c> there</c><01:02:08.800><c> in</c><01:02:08.880><c> the</c><01:02:08.960
• </c><01:02:10.600><c> is</c><01:02:10.720><c> a</c><01:02:10.760><c> fair</c><01:02:11.040><c> budget
• You<01:02:15.560><c> know,</c><01:02:15.640><c> I</c><01:02:15.680><c> think</c><01:02:16.000><c> one

Committee: House Education

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met at the University of Hawaii at Manoa to hear testimony on House Bill 2384, which relates to student athlete compensation and NIL. Chair Garrett opened by explaining the hearing was intentionally held on campus so lawmakers could hear directly from those affected. UH President Wendy Hensel and Athletics Director Matt Elliott both testified in support, saying the bill would help the university respond to the changing college athletics landscape, protect student athletes, improve transparency and education around NIL, and support UH’s ability to remain competitive. Elliott also said UH was seeking $5 million in NIL-related funding to support the program. Several UH coaches and student athletes testified in favor, emphasizing the importance of UH athletics to the state, the community, and the student experience. Women’s basketball coach Laura Beeman described UH athletics as a source of pride and hope for the state, while players Jovi, Latoria Tamilo, and others said the program felt like home and that NIL support could help them grow, represent Hawaii, and give back. Women’s volleyball coach Robyn Ah Mow said UH athletics changed her life and that the school must adapt to remain competitive; her players Victoria Leyva, Shealy Reed, and Talia Akase similarly said NIL opportunities could help UH attract talent, expand exposure, and strengthen community ties. Football coach Timmy Chang said the bill was important for recruiting, retaining, and building culture around Hawaiian values, and player Dean Briskie said UH’s developmental approach and team culture mattered more than money, though NIL has made retention harder. Quarterback Micah Alihada said the program’s culture and support from coaches and leadership made it easier to stay, but that the changing landscape made HB 2384 important. Baseball players Elijah Eikez and Ben Zukerman Ball also supported the bill, saying UH athletics carries responsibility to the community and helps student athletes become leaders and role models. No vote or final committee action was described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Aloha. uh<00:02:08.800><c> dean</c><00:02:09.119><c> of</c><00:02:09.280><c> seat</c><00:02:10.640><c
• > um</c><00:02:10.720><c> we</c><00:02:11.599><c> uh</c><00:02:11.760><c> stand</c><00:02:12.239><c>
• here</c><00:02:17.120><c> for</c><00:02:17.520><c> any</c><00:02:17.760><c> questions</c><00:02:18.560
• Leong<00:02:24.959><c> from</c><00:02:25.120><c> the</c><00:02:25.200><c> Attorney</c><00:02:25.599><
• </c><00:02:37.599><c> Uh</c><00:02:37.840><c> we</c><00:02:38.239><c> previously</c><00:02:38.720><c>

Bills: SB2178

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SP 2178, which would create an industrial hemp program in the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, establish an advisory board, support research through the University of Hawaii, and promote hemp-based materials and partnerships with Native Hawaiian practitioners and cooperatives. Testimony was generally supportive from industry, Native Hawaiian advocates, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and the department, with supporters emphasizing economic opportunity, community-based development, and potential uses such as hempcrete and fiber products. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity also said it supported the intent, but its representative explained that the bill would require additional staffing and resources for education, monitoring, testing, and enforcement. Members raised concerns about overlapping regulation with USDA hemp licensing and the cost of new positions; the department estimated three additional positions at about $80,000 each and noted current federal licensing does not charge fees. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including removing state licensing requirements to avoid duplication with USDA authority, making technical changes, and blanking the appropriation amount for later consideration, and the recommendation was adopted unanimously. The committee also heard and later took action on several other measures. SB 2702, relating to Hawaiian Homes and an irrigation system inventory, drew support but was postponed for decision-making until February 5 so additional amendments could be prepared. SB 2785, relating to economic development, received mixed testimony but was recommended and adopted for passage without amendments. SB 2790, relating to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Mākai irrigation system, received strong support and was also passed unamended. SB 2314, relating to the Hawaiian language and the legal effect of Hawaiian versions of laws, drew support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and others, while the Attorney General’s office raised concerns about the wording; the committee adopted amendments incorporating language from the judiciary, clarifying that English and Hawaiian are official languages and that priority goes to the version consistent with legislative intent when there is a material difference, and then passed the bill with amendments. All final votes reported were in favor, with no recorded opposition.