Transcript Highlights:

• There's been a lack of planning, and we have constituents in my district that are still, today, almost
• So we submit all the plans, we get them all approved.
• Plans examiners are getting bogged down. Everyone is getting bogged down.
• does not prohibit them from building if it's in their future plans, does it?
• But if they have allotted the dollars for it, and they have the plans for it, it's okay.

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs met and took up a long agenda of bills, beginning with SB 262 on trust law technical changes. Senator Berman explained four clarifications involving trust decanting, successor trustee actions, ademption by satisfaction, and homestead/community trust definitions; a technical amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved SJR 174 and SB 176, which together would prevent certain homestead tax assessment increases when owners elevate flood-prone homes, and SB 180, a hurricane preparedness and response bill that included a strike-all amendment addressing FEMA reimbursement, mutual aid, hazard mitigation, and post-disaster rebuilding issues. Supporters from emergency management, beaches, counties, and local business groups testified in favor of SB 180, and it was reported favorably. Members then approved SB 608, which renames the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America in Florida statutes, despite questions about cost and an appearance in opposition. SB 1002, dealing with utility service restrictions and local government limits on energy-related policies, drew opposition from Earthjustice and Florida for All over possible unintended consequences and fossil-fuel favoritism, but was still reported favorably. SB 466 on the Florida Museum of Black History generated extensive testimony, with strong support from St. Augustine, Florida Memorial University, pastors, local officials, and the museum foundation for locating the museum in St. Johns County; one witness argued for Eatonville instead, but the bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 1128 on building permits for single-family dwellings after an amendment clarified local zoning review and added insurance and liability protections for design professionals. SB 582, increasing penalties for unlawful demolition of historic buildings and structures, was reported favorably with support from preservation advocates. SB 1202, extending family health insurance premium benefits to firefighters permanently disabled during training exercises, also passed without opposition. Finally, SB 1242 on community redevelopment agencies prompted the most debate: supporters argued CRAs can be valuable tools for affordable housing and redevelopment, while opponents warned the bill would effectively end all CRAs by 2045 and block new projects; after extensive discussion, the bill was reported favorably. At the end, senators recorded additional votes on several tabs, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's been a lack of planning, and we have constituents in my district that are still today, almost
• So we submit all the plans, we get them all approved.
• Plans examiners are getting bogged down. Everyone is getting bogged down.
• does not prohibit them from building if it's in their future plans, does it?
• But if they have allotted the dollars for it, and they have the plans for it, it's okay.

Committee: Senate Community Affairs

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs met and considered a series of bills on trust law, homestead property assessments, emergency preparedness, utility service restrictions, Black history museum planning, historic preservation, firefighter benefits, and community redevelopment agencies. Several measures were presented as technical or policy updates, including CS/SB 262 on trust code clarifications, SJR 174 and SB 176 on limiting homestead assessment increases for flood-mitigation elevations, SB 608 renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America in Florida statutes, SB 1002 on utility service restrictions, SB 582 increasing penalties for unlawful demolition of historic buildings, SB 1202 extending health insurance premium benefits to firefighters permanently disabled during training, and SB 1242 phasing out CRAs and restricting new projects. SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response also advanced after a strike-all amendment that added FEMA reimbursement streamlining, mutual aid coordination, and other disaster-response provisions. SB 1128 on building permits for single-family dwellings was amended to clarify local review authority and professional liability protections before passage. The committee heard substantial testimony on SB 466, which implements the Black History Task Force’s recommendation to locate the Florida Museum of Black History in St. Johns County/St. Augustine. Supporters emphasized the area’s civil rights and Black history significance, the task force process, and the backing of Florida Memorial University and local leaders; one witness opposed the bill and urged a feasibility study and consideration of other sites. SB 1242 drew the most sustained debate, with supporters arguing many CRAs have outlived their purpose and opponents warning the bill would eliminate a valuable local economic development tool, harm affordable housing projects, and create uncertainty for phased developments and existing projects. SB 1002 also drew opposition testimony from advocates who warned of broad unintended consequences for municipal utilities and local energy choices, while the sponsor said the bill was intended to resolve a specific legal misunderstanding. Votes were taken on each measure, and all of the bills considered were reported favorably by the committee. The committee adopted the amendment to CS/SB 262, the strike-all amendment to SB 180, and the amendment to SB 1128 before final passage. Several senators requested to be recorded on specific tabs after the meeting, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Members, Matthew Bakerworth, Planning Conservation.
• I would also say it's important for us to plan.
• This goal is clearly identified in multiple state plans, including the CARB scoping plan, the recent
• Good evening again, Matthew Baker, Planning Conservation League.
• Matthew Baker with Planning Conservation League.

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> metropolitan planning organization metropolitan planning organization grants<00:08:27.840><c> of
• That's 500,000 left of that planning.
• ,</c><00:57:43.839><c> project</c> revenue uh for planning, project revenue uh for planning, project
• </c> projects in Scott County planned. projects in Scott County planned.
• </c><02:13:27.920><c> Uh</c> develop the implementation plan. Uh develop the implementation plan.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And there are challenges whenever you look at returns of a plan versus other plans, because you're not
• And there are challenges whenever you look at returns of a plan versus other plans, because you're not
• So out of 110 plans, the Legacy Fund was like number six.
• So the plans have been managed in a low-cost way.
• So this is really in the benefit of the plan.

Summary: The committee met to approve prior minutes and receive updates on the Legacy Fund transparency website and fund performance. Staff reported the website procurement was in contract negotiations, with a planned go-live around November 1, and that the site would provide downloadable, more transparent information on fund holdings, allocations, history, and legislative appropriations while protecting confidential data. The investment office then reviewed performance through January 2026, describing strong returns relative to benchmarks, noting real estate and fixed income as weaker areas, and explaining that the fund’s diversification and internal management had helped offset market volatility, including recent geopolitical impacts. Members also discussed the in-state investment program, especially the Bank of North Dakota’s CD-match allocation. Several members questioned whether the program had been static for years and whether the uncommitted balance should remain parked there if it was not being used. The committee voted to pause further transfers into the program until the Bank provides a report and the committee can consider possible statutory changes; the motion also requested a cost-benefit analysis from RVK, and it passed by roll call vote. In the afternoon, RVK presented its review of the investment policy statement as it relates to the in-state investment program. The consultant said it found no major policy impediments, and that implementers and stakeholders generally felt the program was proceeding as intended. RVK emphasized best practices such as third-party due diligence, competitive risk-adjusted returns, diversification, pacing, and exit strategies, while cautioning that required lower-return investments or spending commitments can create pressure on the fund’s long-term real value. The consultant also raised ancillary concerns about state-level concentration risk, the need to distinguish between public and commercial infrastructure, and the lack of a central repository for all state funding commitments to the same projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, behavior treatment plan concerns were a common challenge.
• In addition, behavior treatment plan concerns were a common challenge.
• If this passes, what would be the plan to bring back...
• So how do you see this plan rolling out?
• Are providers that work a lot with the American Indian plan or program?

Committee: Senate Senate Health and Human Services COR

Summary: The committee first approved the January 21 minutes and then heard SB 1179, which would remove the delayed repeal date and appropriation contingency from the Developmental Disabilities Group Home Monitoring Program. Testimony from Disability Rights Arizona and program managers described the program’s monitoring and investigative work, including identified systemic concerns in group homes, while the sponsor said the effort should continue. SB 1179 received a do-pass recommendation on a 6-1 vote, with some members reserving their right to revisit the bill on the floor. The committee then took up SB 1114, appropriating $1 million for the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office to investigate behavioral health patient brokering. Witnesses, including Native advocates, described widespread recruitment of vulnerable people—especially Native Americans—into fraudulent treatment and sober-living schemes, often through social media and across state lines. Members and the sponsor framed the bill as an enforcement response to long-running abuse. SB 1114 passed 6-0. The committee also heard SB 1115, which would require AHCCCS/Access employees to work in person rather than remotely; supporters argued remote work had harmed oversight and service delivery, while Access said it would need substantial office space and warned of costs and staffing impacts. SB 1115 passed 4-3. The committee next considered SB 1051, requiring hospitals that accept Access payments to collect patients’ citizenship or immigration status on intake forms and report aggregate data to DHS. Supporters said it was a data-collection and accountability measure; opponents, including nurses and physicians, said it would deter care, undermine trust, and function as immigration surveillance. The bill passed 4-3. SB 1122, dealing with prior authorization and prepayment review for behavioral health services under the American Indian Health Plan, was amended to require a corrective action plan before 100% prepayment review; Access said it had minimal concerns with the amended version. It passed unanimously 7-0. SB 1132, a blank appropriation for a new Arizona State Hospital wing, drew testimony from families and advocates about the shortage of psychiatric beds and the effects of the Arnold v. Sarn consent decree; it passed 7-0. The committee also approved SB 1169 for graduate medical education funding, SB 1171 on dual enrollment checks between AHCCCS and exchange plans, and SB 1172 on DCS investigations and court notification, with votes ranging from 4-2 to unanimous support. Finally, the committee heard SB 1173, which would require owners and applicants for outpatient behavioral health facility licenses to be U.S. citizens or lawfully present, with an amendment clarifying lawful permanent resident status. The sponsor said the bill was intended to curb fraud tied to behavioral health licensing and patient brokering; discussion focused on whether the bill language matched that intent. The transcript ends before a final vote on SB 1173.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any plans to amend the GGRF spending plan, given the many new challenges this year, such as
• ...with that planning? I'll take this.
• Does the administration have any plans to allocate?
• Does the administration have any plan?
• What's the best plan now for the state? Thank you.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In other words, how is it making room in its budget to pay its bills, as well as how is it planning to
• They'd be able to plan a little bit better, knowing the leave liabilities that they have.
• In August 2025, CDCR announced the planned closure of the California Rehabilitation Center by October
• One DGS is working with an affordable housing provider on a plan.
• One DGS is working with an affordable housing provider on a plan.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We completed one TMDL implementation plan for EPA-approved new TMDLs, or maximum daily loads, during
• TMDL implementation plans are anticipated to be completed within 18 months of EPA approval.
• The bottom table summarizes the budget reduction plans that our agency submitted to legislative services
• see how we had proposed meeting a 1% or 2% additional holdback on top of the existing 3% if those plans
• The bottom table summarizes the budget reduction plans that our agency submitted to legislative services

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next are the four benefit plans, the three traditional plans: coordinated, basic, enhanced, as well as
• the expansion Medicaid plan.
• Next are the four benefit plans, the three traditional plans, coordinated, basic, enhanced, as well as
• the expansion Medicaid plan.
• of those plans.

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THE SAME OR A WHOLE PLAN YEAR.
• WE'RE PUTTING IT IN THE HANDS OF OIR AND AHCA TO IMPLEMENT THIS, WHAT IS THE CONTINGENCY PLAN IF IT IS
• I WANT TO GO BACK TO THE CONTINGENCY PLAN.
• IS THERE A PLAN, LIKE A BACKUP PLAN IF LEADING UP TO IT WE ARE SEEING THE COSTS ARE NOT COMING DOWN AND
• THERE'S THREE BIG PBM'S THAT CONTROL 80% OF ALL COVERED PLANS, THE PBM'S ARE OWNED BY THE HEALTH PLANS

Transcript Highlights:

• That plan is a living document.
• That plan is a living document.
• That plan is a living document.
• That plan is is a living document. this. That plan is is a living document.
• </c> the plan when it's actually released. the plan when it's actually released.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing focused on the Hawaii Department of Transportation’s work under the Navah settlement, which was described as a first-of-its-kind climate agreement tied to the state’s constitutional public trust and clean-environment obligations. Speakers said the settlement was intended to accelerate progress toward Hawaii’s 2030 and 2045 clean energy goals, especially by addressing transportation, the state’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. They emphasized that the agreement formalizes milestones, reduces dependence on changing administrations, and includes a role for the legislature alongside the courts and executive branch. DOT and Earthjustice representatives outlined the main settlement deliverables: creation of a new Office of Energy Security and Community Outreach, formation of a youth council, and development of an emissions reduction plan that will be updated over time. They also highlighted a new project-level greenhouse gas/VMT scoring tool, described as the first of its kind in the nation for DOT-wide use, to evaluate the climate impact of transportation projects. The presentation tied these efforts to prior legislative actions, including the state’s climate emergency declaration, net-zero/net-negative targets, and Act 131’s requirements for multimodal network planning and emissions reporting. A substantial portion of the briefing was devoted to the youth council, which reported 20 members selected from 83 applicants, representation from across the islands, and work on bylaws, committees, and outreach. Youth members described feedback they gave on the energy security plan, a student leadership summit presentation, and future plans to meet with legislators and participate in the Climate Future Forum. DOT also said the settlement’s transportation strategies include clean fuels, electrification, aviation sustainable aviation fuel, marine shore power, and carbon sequestration, including expanded native tree planting and fire mitigation work. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the briefing. Members discussed implementation challenges, including cost and supply constraints for aviation and marine decarbonization, but DOT said industry stakeholders were not rejecting the goals, only raising affordability and timing concerns. Officials also noted that a GIS map for network gaps was in development and that the settlement’s pedestrian, bike, and transit connectivity requirement would compress roughly 15 years of work into five years, with an estimated annual commitment of $40 million to $50 million.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> create a plan obviously for the state. create a plan obviously for the state.
• :58.319><c> the</c><01:02:58.559><c> plan</c><01:02:58.799><c> is</c> Approve the plan.
• be part of the program plan.
• So working with the agency, plan.
• </c> plan proc plan process that we correct. plan proc plan process that we correct.

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Jason Saunders, General Government Coordinator with the Department of Planning and Budget.
• Next up on our agenda is our proposed plan and the recap of the 2024 and 2025 work.
• That brings us to this year's plan. We have two bills to study.
• I haven't set meeting dates yet because I recognize everyone may have summer plans.
• Are there any questions or discussion about the 2026 work plan? No? All right.

Keywords: Public Body Procurement Workgroup, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• not covered just because there is either already a covered alternative that is less costly for the plan
• , we are removing just because there are over-the-counter alternatives that are less costly to the plans
• to, before this meeting got over, obviously there's been new pharmaceutical, you know, the Trump RX plans
• And then, of course, what the overall impact to our plan will be, if we're pushing members to use that
• We are, there's a lot of unknown still with the rolling out of the Trump RX plan and those kind of things

Committee: All ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The State Insurance Programs Oversight Subcommittee met to review and approve several Employee Benefits Division (EBD) and pharmacy formulary actions. Grant Wallace, director of EBD and the Office of Property Risk, presented a $280,000 Boston Consulting Group contract to help develop the third-party administration RFP, and the committee approved it. The committee also approved the December 2025, January 2026, and February 2026 pharmacy formulary recommendations, along with February 2026 medical drug recommendations. The formulary changes focused on removing prior authorization for injectable migraine CGRPs, replacing a discontinued capsule with a tablet, updating items for FDA guidance, and leaving some drugs not covered when lower-cost alternatives or insufficient efficacy data existed. For February 2026, EBD recommended removing Skyrizi and Renvoke in favor of lower-cost biosimilars and other alternatives, re-tiering several drugs to encourage generics, adding an anti-seizure medication developed by the Department of Defense, and adding a subcutaneous version of Keytruda for faster administration. The medical drug list similarly shifted toward biosimilars and aligned coverage for Skyrizi and Renvoke across pharmacy and medical settings. Members raised broader questions about the impact of new pharmaceutical discount programs such as Trump RX and Mark Cuban Cost Plus, as well as concerns about PBM compliance and whether Navitus might be violating state law or paying affiliate pharmacies more than independent pharmacies. Wallace said the new programs and their effects were still being studied, that EBD was working with Navitus to evaluate pricing opportunities, and that Navitus had said it was in compliance with Rule 118, though additional research and auditing were underway. All items were approved by voice vote, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• For people on medical assistance who also have a commercial plan, the commercial plan is responsible
• </c> state will be on the hook and the plans state will be on the hook and the plans off<00:04:25.480
• ,</c><00:26:45.440><c> this</c> supplement a major medical plan, this supplement a major medical plan
• </c><00:52:10.120><c> names,</c> insurance carriers, plan names, insurance carriers, plan names, actuarial
• </c> property regime, and exempting 529 plans property regime, and exempting 529 plans from<01:47:45.920

Bills: HF3794 , HF4472 , HF4410 , HF4347 , HF4412 , HF4398 , HF4397 , HF4201 , HF4199 , HF4203 , HF3706 , HF4071 , HF4120 , HF4175 , HF4188

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: surveillance, price discrimination, wage discrimination, automated decision systems, consumer protections, data privacy, biometrics, school district health insurance, charter school health benefits, employee benefits, public sector health insurance, health insurance survey, Legislative Budget Office, LBO report, premium costs, retiree coverage, broker commissions, third-party administrator, health plan transparency, health reimbursement arrangement

Transcript Highlights:

• to the Non-Represented Employees Compensation Plan.
• </c><00:27:07.120><c> I've</c> something because the 2030 plan I've something because the 2030 plan I've
• every legislative session to plan and build.
• </c><00:37:08.079><c> for</c> produce a Statewide strategic plan for produce a Statewide strategic plan
• </c> citizens will provide the Strategic plan citizens will provide the Strategic plan that<00:37:17.680

Bills: HF1837 , HF361 , HF2725 , HF2566 , HF2744 , HF1685 , HF501 , HF1889 , HF1389

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: state policy, employment, health insurance, fossil designation, public funds, community resources, Capitol Mall, grantmaking, community vitality, livability, funding, healthy aging, aging policy, older adults, seniors, elderly, gerontology, long-term care, assisted living, nursing homes

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm with the planning department.
• It's a master plan, not a piecemeal plan, not a piecemeal attempt. It's a master plan.
• It's a master plan, not a piecemeal plan, not a piecemeal attempt. It's a master plan.
• It's a master plan, not a piecemeal plan, not a piecemeal attempt. It's a master plan.
• </c> master planning. master planning.

Bills: HB1817 , HB2056 , HB2616 , HB1718 , HB1842 , HB1740 , HB1919 , HB1616 , HB1774 , HB1984 , HB1603 , HB2171

Committee: House Water & Land

Keywords: fishing regulation, ʻamaʻama, striped mullet, bag limit, overfishing, Hawaii fisheries, funding, appropriations, Honolulu, housing, construction, grant-in-aid, community development, Banyan Drive, Hawaii community development authority, cultural revitalization, special fund, public safety, economic development, affordable housing

Summary: The committee heard HB 1817, which would create a daily bag limit for amaa/ama fish to protect Hawaii’s fisheries. DLNR said the biggest stressor on amaa populations is diversion of freshwater flows that cut off food sources for juvenile fish, and suggested that place-by-place rulemaking with fishers and stakeholders would be the most effective approach. A teacher and several Waialua Elementary students testified in strong support, describing research on declining catch data, cultural importance, and the need to preserve the fish for future generations. Other supporters said the fish is being outcompeted by invasive species and cited historical declines, including testimony that bag limits in Hilo Bay have helped increase populations. Committee members asked DLNR about traditional and cultural gathering rights, whether the bill’s bag limit would apply to native Hawaiian practices, and whether the limit was 10 per day or per season. DLNR said constitutional Hawaiian practices are protected, but also noted that if the bag limit is set in statute it would limit the department’s flexibility to tailor rules by area. Members also asked about other conservation efforts, and DLNR said fish pond revitalization and amaa production are underway statewide. One member raised concern that a statewide statutory limit might not fit conditions on every island, and DLNR said it has authority to adopt area-specific rules through rulemaking, though that process can take months to more than a year. The committee then moved to HP 206, an appropriations measure for the City and County of Honolulu involving school land transfers, and HP 266B relating to Banyan Drive. On HP 206, the county said the request is a one-time item and estimated costs were about $3.25 million, with the city and county already spending more than $350,000 on the transfers. On HP 266B, HCDA said it is conducting a master planning effort for Banyan Drive and plans a community visioning exercise this summer. Testimony from the Banyan Drive redevelopment agency emphasized the need for more flexible land-tenure rules, while OHA supported the bill with amendments to include cultural specialists and lineal descendants in the redevelopment process and to protect ceded lands. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• That was always the plan, and that's how it was constructed.
• </c><00:23:20.240><c> and</c> with the City Department of planning and with the City Department of planning
• </c><00:31:18.840><c> um</c> fruition hopefully that is the plan um fruition hopefully that is the plan
• </c><00:48:25.400><c> of</c> preserve and promotee the planning of preserve and promotee the planning
• </c> science behind the beach management plan science behind the beach management plan um<01:05:25.079

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism and Higher Education heard HB 1494, relating to sports facilities. Testimony was largely in opposition to the bill as drafted from the Stadium Authority, the Department of Accounting and General Services, and the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, with several other written comments also opposing; each asked that if the measure advances, Senate language from related stadium bills be incorporated instead. The University of Hawaiʻi testified in support of the Nāʻid project and said it wants the project delivered at Halawa so the university can have a football facility, though members pressed the university on whether it was effectively supporting both the project and the bill’s current approach. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on the stadium project’s financing, schedule, and oversight. DAGS and Public Works discussed a consultant contract that had grown to about $28 million and an audit that recovered $441,000 after improper travel and expense reimbursements, including first-class airfare and other personal expenses; officials said the audit exposed weak internal controls and led to revised reimbursement policies. Members questioned whether the problems would have been found without media reporting and whether stronger oversight should have been in place earlier. The committee also discussed the current Ching Field setup for UH football, with witnesses describing it as less than ideal and temporary until the new stadium is built. Stadium Authority representatives said the current preferred offeror is Aloha Halawa Development Partners, negotiations have recently accelerated, and the goal remains a contract this summer and a fall 2028 opening. They said the state is committed to $350 million in general obligation bonds, with the overall project expected to cost more, and that the developer is exploring other financing sources such as TIF or CFD while the state and city work to expedite permits and demolition. No vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The planning window for that is around 50 years.
• Well, instead of plans for a new one. Yeah.
• of how we plan to use those 20 positions, but I'm hopeful.
• Certainly making plans for what a shutdown would look like.
• I'm only advised on our plan, but then to also provide an independent validation of that plan because

Committee: Joint Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Committee

Keywords: 996, all