Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:00.520><c> Senator</c><00:02:00.800><c> McKelvey.
• Senator<00:02:03.560><c> Awana.</c> Senator Awana. Senator Awana. Is<00:02:04.880><c> excused.
• </c><00:02:05.440><c> Your</c><00:02:05.560><c> recommendation</c><00:02:06.280><c> is</c> Is excused
• Next<00:02:08.160><c> measure</c><00:02:08.479><c> is</c><00:02:08.600><c> House</c><00:02:08.800><c>
• 02:10.759><c> Draft</c><00:02:11.080><c> 1,</c><00:02:11.200><c> relating</c><00:02:11.560><c> to</c>

Bills: HB2583 , HB1591 , HB1749 , HB2423

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Summary: The joint Ways and Means and Consumer Protection meeting was a decision-making session on a series of House bills, with no oral testimony taken. The committees first acted on HB 2583, recommending passage on amended, and HB 1591, recommending passage with amendments related to health care. They also recommended passage on amended for HB 1749 on cesspools and HB 2423 on biodiesel, with each recommendation adopted by the members present. The committees then considered a second agenda block that included HB 2080, HB 1520, HB 1576, HB 1711, HB 1785, HB 1802, HB 1838, HB 1842, HB 1853, HB 1976, HB 2104, HB 2218, HB 2246, HB 2270, HB 2289, HB 2361, HB 2551, and HB 2606. Most were recommended for passage unamended and adopted without objection. HB 1520 was deferred because the Senate bill had already crossed over. HB 1711 was amended to replace the option period established by the corporation with a period of up to 10 years. HB 2289 was amended to remove repeal of a ceiling and set a $1 million expenditure ceiling for the automated victim information and notification system special fund. Several members noted reservations on HB 1842, which involved transfer of the Westridge parcel near a rail station; concerns were raised about the property’s value, the long-term lease status, and whether the city would actually accept or pursue the transfer. HB 1853 was passed unamended, with the committee noting the Lions Association had suggestions that could be addressed later in conference. HB 2218 was passed unamended while adopting DLNR testimony to clarify collaboration with community groups in stewarding public lands and recreational areas. In each case, the stated recommendations were adopted, often with members voting no with reservation rather than in opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• :09.679><c> language</c><00:02:10.160><c> match</c><00:02:10.560><c> the</c><00:02:10.800><c> tracking
• And<00:02:12.560><c> it</c><00:02:12.879><c> includes</c><00:02:13.440><c> a</c><00:02:13.680><c> couple
• </c><00:02:13.840><c> of</c><00:02:14.200><c> additions</c><00:02:15.200><c> to</c> And it includes a
• ><00:02:17.040><c> from</c><00:02:17.520><c> the</c><00:02:17.760><c> Department</c><00:02:18.080><c>
• </c><00:02:19.280><c> And</c><00:02:19.440><c> it</c><00:02:19.760><c> includes</c><00:02:20.239><c>

Bills: HF2434

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:00.000><c> All</c><00:02:00.079><c> right.
• </c><00:02:00.399><c> With</c><00:02:00.560><c> that</c><00:02:00.880><c> without</c> &gt;&gt; All right
• With that without any<00:02:01.439><c> objection</c><00:02:01.920><c> we'll</c><00:02:02.159><c> go</
• c><00:02:02.240><c> ahead</c><00:02:02.399><c> and</c><00:02:02.560><c> adjourn</c> any objection we'll
• </c><00:02:03.680><c> Thank</c><00:02:03.920><c> you.</c>

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:01.119><c> First</c><01:02:01.280><c> of</c><01:02:01.359><c> all,</c><01:02:01.680><c> let's
• </c><01:02:22.720><c> The</c><01:02:22.960><c> amendment</c><01:02:23.680><c> makes</c><01:02:24.000>
• &gt;&gt; Second.<01:02:32.720><c> Uh</c><01:02:33.040><c> any</c><01:02:34.160><c> objection</c><01:02
• Since you kind<01:02:40.799><c> of</c><01:02:40.880><c> rushed</c><01:02:41.119><c> through</c><01:02
• ><c> change</c><01:02:49.440><c> the</c><01:02:49.599><c> bill</c><01:02:49.760><c> at</c><01:02:49.920

Bills: SB57 , SB155 , HB39 , HB77 , HB104 , SB57 , SB155 , HB39 , HB77 , HB104

Committee: Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund

Keywords: property, acknowledgment, conveyance, business entities, limited liability companies, state employees, payroll deduction, salary deduction, comptroller, membership association, membership dues, voluntary contributions, insurance premiums, financial instruments, deferred compensation, state payroll, employee benefits, association dues, withholding, Alabama Code 36-1-4.3

Transcript Highlights:

• 01:02:09.520><c> for</c><01:02:09.680><c> debed</c><01:02:10.400><c> uh</c><01:02:10.520><c> Governor's
• :02:14.760><c> West</c><01:02:14.920><c> Center</c><01:02:15.240><c> modified</c><01:02:15.720><c> to
• 1100 add funds<01:02:20.000><c> for</c><01:02:20.279><c> other</c><01:02:20.559><c> current</c><01:02
• <01:02:45.079><c> 95</c><01:02:46.079><c> bed</c><01:02:46.640><c> 114</c><01:02:47.319><c> sequence<
• :52.079><c> modify</c><01:02:53.160><c> $1</c><01:02:54.319><c> GM</c><01:02:55.319><c> bed</c><01:02

Committee: House Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• :19.680><c> between</c><00:02:20.000><c> the</c><00:02:20.239><c> departments</c><00:02:21.360><c> um
• ><c> these</c><00:02:22.319><c> parcels</c><00:02:22.800><c> become</c><00:02:23.120><c> ready</c><00
• become ready for um action<00:02:26.959><c> um</c><00:02:27.360><c> that</c><00:02:27.680><c> at</c><
• </c><00:02:32.560><c> Just</c><00:02:32.800><c> making</c><00:02:32.959><c> sure</c> can take place.
• Where's<00:02:47.440><c> the</c><00:02:48.480><c> Sorry</c><00:02:49.280><c> but</c><00:02:49.519><c>

Bills: HCR31

Committee: Senate Water, Land, Culture and the Arts

Summary: The joint committees on Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts and Housing first heard HCR 85, which urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources to transfer parcels in the East Oahu area. DLNR, OPSD, HHFDC, and HCDA testified, and the chairs noted an intent to keep revenues from the lands with DLNR while agencies collaborate until parcels are ready for substantive transfer. Both committees then voted to pass the measure as is, with the recommendation adopted. The committees also heard HCR 101 and HCR 166. HCR 101 was recommended to pass unamended and was adopted by both the Hawaiian Affairs and Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts committees. HCR 166, which asks DLNR to identify state lands in East Oahu suitable for planting native Hawaiian trees, received no opposition in testimony and was also recommended and adopted unamended by both committees. Later, the Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts committee took up several resolutions. HCR 36, establishing a sister-state relationship with Okayama, Japan, drew support from DBED, which highlighted educational, agricultural, and airport-related opportunities, and the committee moved it forward. HCR 19, designating March as March for Water Month, was supported by the Board of Water Supply. HCR 162, creating an arts data mapping task force, received support from DBED and arts advocates, including the Hawaii Youth Symphony. HCR 61, urging investment in reforestation policies, workforce, and nursery capacity, drew broad support from DLNR and multiple community testifiers emphasizing climate resilience, native forests, and storm recovery. The committee also heard HCR 106 on designating Waikīkī as a world surfing reserve, with support from the University of Hawaii, and HCR 14 on a perpetual non-exclusive easement for existing drainage improvements at Waikīkī, which DLNR said had already been approved by the board and only needed legislative passage to execute. HCR 178, concerning a county set-aside for East Maui public trust water resources, drew testimony from the East Maui Water Authority and others supporting local control and public stewardship, while HCR 179, directing the Aamoku Advisory Committee to follow its rules and comply with Sunshine Law, drew testimony both in support and urging amendments to preserve Aamoku’s independent, semi-autonomous role. Because quorum was not available, decision-making on the later measures was deferred to the end of the 3 p.m. agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Shimizu uh with reservations<01:02:34.480><c> please</c><01:02:34.920><c> so</c><01:02:35.160><c> ordered
• </c><01:02:36.960><c> Oda</c><01:02:37.720><c> reservations</c><01:02:38.520><c> so</c> representative
• c><01:02:41.880><c> on</c><01:02:42.079><c> to</c><01:02:42.480><c> S</c><01:02:43.000><c> representative
• <01:02:48.240><c> moving</c><01:02:48.559><c> on</c><01:02:48.720><c> to</c><01:02:48.920><c> SB</c><
• 01:02:49.400><c> number</c><01:02:49.960><c> 1337</c><01:02:50.960><c> sd1</c> ordered moving on to SB

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Hi, &gt;&gt; Hi, &gt;&gt; Hi, &gt;&gt; Senator<00:02:02.640><c> Weise.
• &gt;&gt; Hi, &gt;&gt; Hi, &gt;&gt; Hi, &gt;&gt; Senator<00:02:04.320><c> Yates.
• </c><00:02:05.600><c> Representative</c><00:02:06.240><c> Burke,</c> &gt;&gt; Senator Yates.
• Rey, &gt;&gt; hi.<00:02:19.200><c> Representative</c><00:02:19.840><c> Stevenson.
• &gt;&gt; Yes.<00:02:27.360><c> The</c><00:02:27.599><c> motion</c><00:02:28.160><c> passes.

Summary: The Legislative Research Commission was called to order, a roll call established a quorum, and the commission approved a motion to adopt the June 18, 2025 minutes with specified exceptions, approve new business items A through K, and accept and refer communications items 1 through 52. The motion was seconded, a roll call vote was taken, and it passed unanimously among those present. During new business, a member provided a brief update on planning for the upcoming SLC conference in Lexington, noting that the schedule is still preliminary and that contracts are being signed. The member said the host committee is still raising funds, with about $2.25 million remaining to be raised by next summer, and thanked President Stivers and Speaker Osborne for their efforts. No questions were raised about the conference update, no additional new business or communications were offered, and the commission then moved to adjourn. The meeting adjourned without objection after a second was noted on the motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:00.479><c> So,</c><00:02:00.799><c> thank</c><00:02:00.880><c> you</c><00:02:01.040><c> both
• So, thank you both so very much.<00:02:01.840><c> Please</c><00:02:02.000><c> raise</c><00:02:02.240>
• <c> your</c><00:02:02.320><c> right</c><00:02:02.479><c> hands.
• Do you<00:02:03.200><c> solemnly</c><00:02:03.600><c> swear</c><00:02:03.759><c> to</c><00:02:03.920>
• :02:04.719><c> and</c><00:02:04.880><c> nothing</c><00:02:05.040><c> but</c><00:02:05.200><c> the</c>

Summary: The committee first considered a pulled contract involving the Department of Education and heard from KDE staff Karen Worth, Matthew Courtney, and later Mickey Ray Marinelli. Members asked about contract 42, which related to the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program and broader federal budget uncertainty. KDE explained that the program is forward-funded, so current-year and next-school-year funding were secure, but future funding remained unclear because federal decisions were still in flux. Members asked to be kept informed of any changes and expressed support for the program. The committee then discussed contract 43, a $105,000 general fund agreement for a communications/digital media consultant. KDE said the position was created to help increase awareness of resources for district staff, administrators, and teachers, including Read to Succeed, numeracy, MTSS, website usability, standards resources, and the Kentucky Learning Hub. Members questioned why the work was being routed through the Green River Co-op, whether the role was new, how long it had been vacant, how many similar positions existed, and whether the work amounted to internal marketing. KDE said the selected employee was coming from Thomas More University, the position had existed for about one year, the vacancy had been less than six months, and the role was intended to improve communication and online resources. Some members voiced concern about growing administrative spending and whether more positions were needed. Both contracts were ultimately approved as reviewed without objection after motions, seconds, and roll-call votes. The committee then announced that the September 25 meeting would instead be held on Tuesday, September 9 at 9:00 a.m., and adjourned after a motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• out</c><01:02:04.480><c> of</c><01:02:04.799><c> these</c><01:02:05.119><c> forms</c><01:02:05.440><
• </c><01:02:09.520><c> So</c><01:02:09.839><c> we</c><01:02:10.000><c> need</c><01:02:10.160><c> to</c
• ><01:02:10.319><c> think</c><01:02:10.480><c> of</c><01:02:10.720><c> how</c><01:02:11.040><c> we</c>
• um</c><01:02:18.240><c> go</c><01:02:18.400><c> to</c><01:02:18.640><c> any</c><01:02:18.880><c> type
• ><c> from</c><01:02:28.240><c> a</c><01:02:28.400><c> lot</c><01:02:28.480><c> of</c><01:02:28.559><c

Summary: The House Committee on Public Safety held an informational briefing on the second anniversary of the Maui wildfires, with Chair Dela Alani framing the discussion around emergency preparedness, recovery, and lessons for future disasters. The main presentation came from researchers involved in the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study, who described the project as a grassroots academic-community partnership that has enrolled more than 2,000 adults and children for health screenings, social assessments, and biomonitoring. They said the study has documented elevated mental and physical health conditions, housing instability, unemployment, barriers to care, and exposure to heavy metals and other toxicants, while also noting some modest improvement in adult mental health and self-rated health compared with the prior year. The presenters emphasized that wildfire impacts remain severe two years later. They reported that about half of adult participants had worsening health since the fires, roughly 40% had direct or frequent fire exposure, and many adults showed chronic disease burdens such as hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory impairment. They also said about half of adult survivors reported depressive symptoms, about a quarter had moderate to severe anxiety, more than 4% had considered suicide in the prior month, and nearly one in four had PTSD. A clinician from the Lahaina Certified Community Behavioral Health Center described the clinic’s no-turn-away model, with case management, therapy, psychiatric evaluation, and medication management for anyone who needs it, and urged lawmakers to fund and expand that approach. The researchers also highlighted environmental findings, saying urine testing of more than 1,200 adults found heavy metal signatures that differed between burn-zone residents and those on the perimeter, with higher levels associated with displacement and ash re-exposure. They said about 20% of participants had higher-than-expected heavy metal levels 6 to 12 months after the fires, and cited a negative association between nickel levels and lung function. They argued for long-term monitoring, better cleanup methods, and a centralized health surveillance system tied to community outreach. No vote or formal committee action was taken during the briefing; the chair said the presentation materials and related reports would be posted for public access, and members were invited to ask questions after the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• :52.319><c> authorization</c><00:02:52.840><c> for</c><00:02:53.000><c> hcda</c><00:02:53.519><c> to<
• > bonds</c><00:02:54.400><c> under</c><00:02:54.879><c> new</c><00:02:55.040><c> HRS</c><00:02:55.640
• ><c> 206-</c><00:02:56.640><c> and</c><00:02:56.760><c> the</c> issue bonds under new HRS 206- and the
• issue bonds under new HRS 206- and the amount<00:02:57.120><c> of</c><00:02:57.560><c> blank</c><00:
• 02:58.560><c> uh</c><00:02:58.680><c> to</c><00:02:58.879><c> finance</c><00:02:59.680><c> uh</c><00:

Summary: The committee first took up HB 229 HD1, a transportation measure previously heard jointly with another committee. Members recommended passing it with amendments. The amendments would shift the left-lane restriction from a speed-based standard to apply to vehicles over 10,000 pounds and vehicles towing another vehicle or trailer on roads with three or more lanes in the same direction. The committee also indicated the Judiciary Committee would handle the penalty amounts, while preserving exemptions for passing, left turns, public transit, school buses, and emergency vehicles, and keeping the bill limited to counties with populations over 500,000. The motion was adopted without discussion. The committee then considered HB 1 HD2 relating to the HCDA and transit-oriented development financing. The proposed amendments would give HCDA authority to develop parcels outside community development districts, allow community facilities districts within TOD zones, authorize CFD bonds and HCDA bonds to finance infrastructure, especially transit infrastructure, and incorporate the structure and intent of SB 1669, along with technical changes. The committee recommended passage with amendments, and the measure was adopted. Later, the committee heard HB 1167 HD1, an emergency appropriation to the Department of Transportation. DOT testified in support and clarified that the requested appropriation was $1 million from state highway funds. The committee recommended passing the bill with amendments, including changing the defective date to July 1, 2025 and noting the $1 million request in the committee report for further consideration by Ways and Means. The motion passed, with the chair, Senator Kanuha, and Senator Dort voting in favor and the vice chair excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• :50.640><c> of</c><00:02:50.879><c> compliance</c><00:02:51.360><c> with</c><00:02:51.519><c> the</c>
• order<00:02:52.560><c> will</c><00:02:52.800><c> be</c><00:02:52.959><c> considered.
• Thank<00:02:56.239><c> you.
• </c><00:02:57.200><c> That</c><00:02:57.519><c> will</c><00:02:57.760><c> be</c><00:02:58.000><c> included
• </c><00:02:58.400><c> in</c><00:02:58.560><c> the</c> Thank you.

Summary: The meeting began with a procedural motion to defer consideration of Miss White’s motion to dismiss until a later date to be set in a forthcoming scheduling order. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously. The chair then announced that a motion to compel and postpone was granted, moving the hearing date to December 2 and directing that a scheduling order be issued promptly to outline the schedule leading up to that hearing. At the request of a member, the chair also stated that both parties would be held to the terms of the scheduling order and that filings made outside of compliance would not be considered. No separate action was required on that point because the chair said it would be included in the order. The committee then took a 10-minute break and announced it would return at 11:45 and go into executive session. A motion was made and seconded to enter executive session to review a complaint, and after some clarification that it was not a personnel matter, the motion was approved. The body then entered executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we<00:02:42.160><c> know</c><00:02:42.879><c> that</c><00:02:43.200><c> without</c><00:02:43.680>
• we know that without my offering any examples<00:02:45.360><c> of</c><00:02:45.599><c> the</c><00:02
• </c><00:02:52.640><c> The</c><00:02:52.879><c> Jew</c><00:02:53.200><c> bill</c> definition imperfect
• The Jew bill granted<00:02:53.920><c> Jews</c><00:02:54.319><c> full</c><00:02:54.640><c> political</
• Jews full political rights, but did<00:02:56.319><c> not</c><00:02:56.480><c> include</c><00:02:56.879

Transcript Highlights:

• Kozlowski<00:02:39.640><c> votes</c><00:02:40.000><c> I.
• </c><00:02:40.400><c> Kozlowski</c><00:02:40.880><c> votes</c><00:02:41.240><c> I.
• :02:47.280><c> votes</c><00:02:47.640><c> I.
• </c><00:02:47.800><c> Momany-Hiltsley.</c> Momany-Hiltsley<00:02:55.560><c> I.
• </c><00:02:56.120><c> Momany-Hiltsley</c><00:02:56.880><c> votes</c> Momany-Hiltsley I.

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul, Minnesota. Pledge of Allegiance.
• Paul, Minnesota, Monday, May 12th, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:41.280><c> I</c><00:02:41.599><c> believe</c><00:02:41.760><c> we</c><00:02:42.000><c> have
• </c><00:02:43.120><c> However,</c><00:02:43.680><c> uh</c><00:02:43.760><c> we</c><00:02:44.000><c> are
• </c><00:02:46.879><c> Uh</c><00:02:47.120><c> we</c><00:02:47.360><c> don't</c><00:02:47.760><c> have
• &gt;&gt; Okay,<00:02:49.680><c> let's</c><00:02:49.920><c> roll</c><00:02:50.080><c> this</c><00:02:50.319
• &gt;&gt; Yep,<00:02:53.120><c> that</c><00:02:53.360><c> works</c><00:02:53.519><c> for</c><00:02:53.680

Bills: HB2241 , HB1163 , HB1514 , HB1696 , HB2021 , SB2135 , SB2466 , SB2727 , SB3082 , SB3097 , SB2861 , SCR100 , SB3096 , SB99 , SB2138 , HB2289 , HB2319 , HB1711 , HB2270 , SB3138 , SB3076 , HB1642 , HB2338 , HB2171 , HB1785 , SB2881 , HB2505 , SB2552 , HB1518 , HB1815 , SB3125 , SB3234 , SCR162 , SB2614 , SB3118 , SB2053 , SB2494 , SB2851 , SB3073 , HB1678 , HB1721 , HB2475 , HB2246 , HB1667 , HB1516 , SB2532 , SB3131 , SB3154 , HB2297 , HB1737 , SB2143 , SB2398 , SB2623 , HB1740 , HB1920 , HB1682 , SB2153 , SB3140 , HB2158 , HB1718 , HB2207 , HB1801 , SB3229 , SB2338 , SB3069 , SB2600 , HB2300 , HB1800 , HB1960 , SB2999 , SB2060 , SB2866 , SB2239 , HB1741 , HB1713 , HB2023 , HB2417 , SB2877 , SB2598 , SB2921 , SB2645 , HB2547 , HB2275 , HB2452 , HB2329 , HB2339 , HB1838 , HB1509 , HB1661 , HB2271 , HB2272 , HB2344 , HB1888 , HB1707 , SB2340 , HB2474 , HB1576 , HB1853 , HB1804 , HB1854 , HB2095 , HB2050 , HB472 , SB3215 , SB2247 , SB2400 , HB1618 , HB1802 , HB1969 , HB1541 , HB2310 , HB2498 , HB2443 , HB2218 , HB649 , HB2104 , HB1710 , SB2802 , HB1973 , HB1974 , HB1894 , HB1891 , HB1890 , SB177 , SB2101 , SB3320 , SB2487 , HB2429 , HB1870 , HB1839 , HB2583 , HB1391 , HB2094 , SB2671 , SB2673 , SB2892 , SB2057 , SB3245 , HB306 , HB2592 , SB3157 , SB3204 , SB3324 , SB2580 , SB2074 , SB411 , SB3025 , SB2934 , SB2567 , SB2125 , SB3238 , SB2367 , SB2599 , SB3007 , SB2001 , SB2756 , SB3029

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:00.320><c> All</c><00:02:00.560><c> those</c><00:02:00.719><c> in</c> offered to those bills
• All those in favor<00:02:01.200><c> please</c><00:02:01.439><c> say</c><00:02:01.680><c> I.
• &gt;&gt; I<00:02:03.040><c> opposed.
• </c><00:02:04.079><c> Calendar</c><00:02:04.399><c> is</c><00:02:04.560><c> approved.
• Members,<00:02:05.600><c> that's</c><00:02:05.840><c> our</c><00:02:06.000><c> business</c><00:02:06.159

Committee: House Rules and Legislative Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Um<00:02:55.040><c> why</c><00:02:55.120><c> don't</c><00:02:55.320><c> you</c><00:02:55.400
• ><c> come</c><00:02:55.640><c> in</c><00:02:55.760><c> first,</c><00:02:56.080><c> Senator?
• &gt;&gt; My<00:02:58.000><c> only</c><00:02:58.240><c> concern</c><00:02:58.600><c> of</c><00:02:58.680
• effective date, &gt;&gt; My only concern of the effective date, and<00:02:59.519><c> thank</c><00:02
• :59.680><c> you</c><00:02:59.760><c> for</c><00:02:59.840><c> explaining</c><00:03:00.239><c> that</c

Summary: The committee considered Senate Bill 564 and discussed two related amendments, which were ultimately combined. The main amendment would create carve-outs for wetland buffers and conservation subdivisions, allowing certain facilities or utilities to proceed by conditional use permit or special exception while still requiring site plan review and DES permitting. Supporters said the change would open up developable land and provide a path forward for housing development without an automatic denial. Members also focused on the effective date. The amendment was revised to take effect March 1, 2027, to give municipalities time to update ordinances and, if desired, designate conservation subdivisions. To prevent towns from undermining the bill before it takes effect, a second amendment was added stating that municipalities may not impose additional building or lot-size restrictions on affected properties before the effective date. Senators said this would avoid a “poison pill” response such as increasing minimum lot sizes. After brief discussion, members agreed the amendments were consistent with the bill’s housing and conservation balance. The committee voted unanimously to adopt the combined amendments, agreed to place the bill on consent, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> of</c><00:02:34.760><c> a</c><00:02:34.840><c> cell</c><00:02:35.400><c> phone</c><00:02:35.720>
• If<00:02:37.200><c> the</c><00:02:37.320><c> tower</c><00:02:37.680><c> or</c><00:02:37.800><c> any</
• :02:40.480><c> tower</c><00:02:40.720><c> exceeds</c><00:02:41.080><c> 100</c><00:02:41.400><c> ft,</
• The<00:02:46.560><c> 12-ft</c><00:02:47.000><c> access</c><00:02:47.360><c> point</c><00:02:47.760><c
• <00:02:48.600><c> to</c><00:02:48.800><c> a</c><00:02:49.320><c> right</c><00:02:49.600><c> turn</c><

Summary: The Long Range Capital Planning and Utilization Committee first approved the March 16, 2026 minutes, then took up several Department of Transportation property actions. The committee approved a Greenland access point sale for a cell tower site to Wakefield Investments for $132,800 plus a $1,100 administrative fee, and approved disposal of two Epsom parcels to the town at no cost, with the town assuming demolition of the former depot and the committee waiving the fee. It also approved a Milton access point sale to Jeremy West Champney and Cameron McDermott for $90,000 plus the fee, with conditions requiring permits and other approvals. During the DOT items, members asked about appraisals, access restrictions, and where the administrative fee goes; staff said the fee generally offsets agency administrative costs and may go to a dedicated fund or the general fund depending on the project. The committee then considered three Department of Environmental Services requests for utility easements to bring power to dams so gates can be operated more efficiently and potentially remotely. It approved an easement with New Hampshire Electric Co-op for Pine River Dam in Wakefield, an easement with New Hampshire Electric Co-op for Sunset Lake Dam in Alton, and an easement with Eversource for Suncook Lake Dam in Barnstead. Members discussed whether to waive the $1,100 administrative fee on these items, with some questioning the fee’s purpose and where it is deposited. The committee ultimately approved the DES items as requested, including the fee waivers, while asking staff to research the fee’s history, sufficiency, and use for a future report. Finally, the committee received informational items from the New Hampshire Council on Resources and Development. Members briefly discussed a property at Bloody Point in Newington and the related Sullivan Bridge demolition, and DOT staff said the property had been tabled previously and is now being worked on with Fish and Game for a possible transfer of management and future water access use. No votes were taken on the informational items.

Transcript Highlights:

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• <00:02:47.840><c> we</c><00:02:47.959><c> do</c><00:02:48.200><c> have</c><00:02:48.840><c> many</c><
• programs<00:02:49.959><c> available</c><00:02:50.440><c> to</c><00:02:51.000><c> um</c><00:02:51.519>
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• <c> make</c><00:02:58.280><c> sure</c><00:02:58.560><c> that</c><00:02:59.000><c> our</c><00:02:59.280

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Summary: The Committee on Labor and Technology heard several labor and personnel measures. Senate Bill 1567 would require the Department of Human Resources Development to conduct a comprehensive review of the executive branch classification and compensation system and allow it to contract with a third party outside normal procurement rules. Director Brana Hashimoto testified in support, saying the state has more than 1,400 classes of work and limited staff to keep the system current; she said outside vendor help and market data are needed to update class specifications, minimum qualifications, and pay structures. She noted the project scope and timeline would depend on funding, and said the governor had approved about $1 million for the effort. Members asked about vendor scope, comparisons to the private sector and other public employers, consolidation of obsolete classes, and whether the exemption from procurement rules would speed the work. The committee also heard Senate Bill 326 on defense of state employees, with testimony in support from HGEA, the Hawaii State AFL-CIO, and the Hawaii State Teachers Association. Senate Bill 337 would expand the pool of interest arbitrators used in collective bargaining disputes by allowing the Hawaii Labor Relations Board to request a list from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and to use arbitrators from both FMCS and the American Arbitration Association; HGEA supported the bill, saying the broader pool would improve selection and address communication issues. Senate Bill 1233 would create a State Internship and Workforce Development Program within DeHerd. The University of Hawaiʻi, HGEA, the Hawaii Primary Care Association, and the Chamber of Commerce supported it. DeHerd said the program could help place interns into vacancies and convert them to civil service jobs, but said it would need about five FTE and roughly $330,000 in salaries to administer a program serving about 50 to 75 interns at a time; members questioned whether the positions could be filled and whether the program could proceed without added resources. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1359, which would increase the employer-based composite monthly contribution to the Hawaii EUTF Benefits Trust Fund beginning in January 2026 and then tie future increases to Medicare Part B premium changes with a lag. The EUTF administrator testified, and a member noted the measure resembled a bill that had died in conference the prior year. Senate Bill 1454 would give the Labor and Industrial Relations director authority to issue wage payment violation orders, establish penalties and appeals, and broaden the definition of wage; the department supported it, explaining it would align procedures under chapter 387 with existing chapter 388 enforcement and make investigations easier. Finally, the committee moved through a series of collective bargaining cost-item bills for various bargaining units and related entities, with testimony generally in support from Budget and Finance, HGEA, UH, HHSC, UPW, and other unions and associations. One amendment request was to include bargaining units 1 and 10 in the temporary hazard pay funding bill, and the Hawaii Fire Fighters Association noted its airport firefighters unit was still in arbitration and would provide final numbers later.