Transcript Highlights:

• Food Coalition,<00:02:07.200><c> Hawaii</c><00:02:07.600><c> Military</c><00:02:08.000><c> Affairs</c
• Uh PA Hawaii opposes<00:02:30.640><c> uh</c><00:02:30.800><c> HB1</c><00:02:31.360><c> 1369,</c><00:02
• <00:02:49.840><c> Hawaii's</c><00:02:50.400><c> 2045</c><00:02:51.840><c> uh</c><00:02:51.920><c> energy
• By repealing<00:02:53.440><c> this</c><00:02:53.680><c> credit,</c><00:02:54.000><c> it</c><00:02:54.160
• c><00:02:56.879><c> bofuel</c><00:02:57.680><c> production</c><00:02:58.480><c> use</c><00:02:58.800>

Summary: The committee heard testimony and then took up House Bill 1369, which would repeal several tax credits and exemptions, including the renewable fuels production tax credit. Testimony was overwhelmingly opposed: Hawaii Gas, the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, and the Tax Foundation all raised concerns, with opponents arguing the renewable fuels credit has supported major local investment, cleaner fuel production, and energy resilience, while Hawaii Gas warned repeal would raise costs for customers. The Department of Taxation said it did not take a position but provided revenue estimates, saying the bill would increase revenues by about $33.8 million in FY 2026 and $121.7 million in FY 2027; DBEDT said it would follow up on broader economic impacts. The chair proposed a series of amendments that removed some repeals, added five-year sunsets to certain exemptions, narrowed or conditioned others, and tied the renewable fuels exemption to a dollar-for-dollar match for renewable fuel production certified by the state energy officer. The committee recommended passage with amendments, and the motion was adopted with multiple members voting with reservations. The committee then moved through a series of other measures. HB 159, HB 244, HB 280, HB 316, HB 716, HB 1298, and HB 1295 were recommended for passage, with HB 1295 amended to change a date to 2050. HB 455 was amended to remove the Hawaii Startup Business Loan Program language and instead fund DBEDT contracting for startup financing and support, excluding businesses already eligible for the community-based economic development loan program. HB 504 was amended to add non-recurring appropriations for the Hawaii Tourism Authority, conditioned on formal commitments to purchase local products under the HRS 27-8 timeline; members discussed the cruise passenger tax and where the revenue would go, and the bill was passed with amendments. HB 606 was amended to recognize DHHL authority over mercantile projects licenses, remove some reporting requirements, and replace the appropriation with $25 million for mercantile projects and $25 million for repair and maintenance. HB 1378 was amended to allow the foundation to enter public-private partnerships, adjust appropriation language, and cap a proposed limit at $15 million, with the committee noting the changes addressed concerns raised in testimony from BNF and the attorney general. HB 974 was deferred indefinitely because the House had already passed SB 1501. Finally, HB 1007 was amended to rename the transit-oriented development infrastructure district program as the transit-oriented community improvement program, consolidate the boards into one, expand board membership, add conflict-of-interest provisions, and allow legislative designation of areas; after discussion about HCDA’s role and the stadium district, the measure was adopted with one reservation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Vice<00:02:20.826><c> [clears throat]</c><00:02:21.000><c> Chair</c><00:02:21.360><c> Raymer.
• </c><00:02:43.760><c> all</c><00:02:43.960><c> that</c><00:02:44.120><c> was</c><00:02:44.280><c> going
• ,<00:02:45.480><c> we</c><00:02:45.760><c> had</c><00:02:46.200><c> a</c><00:02:46.320><c> House</c><
• :02:53.200><c> to</c><00:02:53.400><c> our</c><00:02:53.560><c> committee.
• No<00:02:56.280><c> fault</c><00:02:56.640><c> of</c><00:02:56.760><c> no</c><00:02:56.960><c> one's.

Committee: House State Government

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:02:48.000><c> Any</c><00:02:48.519><c> opposed?
• </c><00:02:49.519><c> House</c><00:02:49.760><c> file</c><00:02:50.080><c> 2440</c><00:02:50.800><c>
• :02:52.480><c> front</c><00:02:52.560><c> of</c><00:02:52.720><c> us.
• </c><00:02:55.680><c> Thank</c><00:02:55.760><c> you</c><00:02:55.840><c> so</c><00:02:55.920><c> much
• </c><00:02:57.840><c> uh</c><00:02:58.000><c> what</c><00:02:58.160><c> we've</c><00:02:58.400><c> just

Bills: HF2440

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• :38.560><c> the</c><00:02:38.879><c> departments</c><00:02:39.440><c> required</c><00:02:39.920><c> to
• to identify that<00:02:41.680><c> particular</c><00:02:42.080><c> rule</c><00:02:43.120><c> any</c><
• and<00:02:49.200><c> and</c><00:02:49.599><c> but</c><00:02:49.920><c> we've</c><00:02:50.239><c> added
• </c><00:02:50.560><c> in</c><00:02:50.800><c> there</c><00:02:51.519><c> and</c><00:02:52.000><c> we<
• c> a</c><00:02:53.280><c> house</c><00:02:53.760><c> are</c><00:02:54.560><c> agreeable</c><00:02:55.200

Summary: The committee of conference met on HB 718, focusing on the Senate’s changes to the bill. Members discussed language requiring the Department of Education to report rules that exceed state or federal minimum requirements and, when fiscal impacts on local school districts are indeterminable, to identify the unfunded financial impact. The committee also reviewed added language related to the new Pasquani school district and its need to set a tax rate for the 2025-2026 school year. The chair explained a House amendment, 2725H, that would make two technical corrections: restoring the word “certified” in the provision directing the Department of Revenue Administration to expedite certified adjusted rate applications, and changing the bill’s effective date to “upon passage” so the new tax-rate provisions could take effect in time. A further clarification was proposed to specify July 1, 2025, in the tax-rate language. One member raised concern that the bill’s underlying special education fiscal effects were indeterminate and said they could not support it without a fiscal note, but the committee proceeded with the technical changes. A vote was taken among House conferees on the three changes, and the chair reported two yeses and one no, treating the result as effectively unanimous. The committee agreed to draft the report and indicated the bill would move forward, with the Pasquani school district language and the technical corrections included.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:02:45.120><c> Our</c><00:02:45.519><c> lived</c><00:02:45.840><c> experience</c><00:02:46.400><c
• :02:54.640><c> experts</c><00:02:55.120><c> as</c><00:02:55.440><c> the</c><00:02:56.239><c> is</c> has
• :00.720><c> but</c><01:02:01.040><c> it</c><01:02:01.280><c> says</c><01:02:01.440><c> here</c><01:02
• </c><01:02:10.400><c> JC</c><01:02:10.960><c> Mulan</c><01:02:11.760><c> I</c><01:02:11.920><c> see</
• JC Mulan I see I he<01:02:12.799><c> was</c><01:02:13.040><c> here</c><01:02:13.599><c> for</c><01:02

Bills: SB3263 , SB3261

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The joint Senate Committee on Education and Committee on Health and Human Services heard testimony on several bills related to student health and safety, University of Hawaii programs, and workforce development. For SB 2969, which would appropriate funds for the University of Hawaii to expand and sustain the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study and Maui Health Registry, testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Witnesses described the ongoing physical and mental health impacts of the August 2023 Maui fires, said the study has identified serious untreated conditions and connected participants to care, and emphasized its role in serving survivors and training students. The committee also heard support from the Department of Health, the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Lung Association, Maui residents, and study staff. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee then heard SB 2657, which would establish an Alzheimer disease and related dementia research center at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. University of Hawaii and Alzheimer’s Association representatives supported the bill, saying a local center would improve coordination of existing research, build state capacity, and help Hawaii compete for future NIH designation and federal funding. A family member affected by Alzheimer’s also testified in support, citing the disease’s impact in Hawaii. In response to questions, the university said the proposal would follow a five-year phased plan, with the first year funding used to recruit a senior neuroscientist and staff person, at an estimated cost of about $375,000, and that the effort would still strengthen Hawaii’s research infrastructure even if federal funding is not secured. For SB 2612, which clarifies immunity for Department of Education employees and agents who assist students with medication administration under certain conditions, the Department of Education said the bill is intended to protect volunteers and help ensure students can participate in school activities even when staffing is limited. The committee discussed how volunteers would be selected and whether every school would have someone available, and DOE said schools currently rely on health attendants, nurses, and trained volunteers. The committee also briefly discussed liability language and gross negligence exceptions. The hearing then moved to SB 2412, which would fund a bachelor’s degree program in sign language and sign language interpretation at UH Mānoa with a future master’s pathway. Testimony from interpreters, educators, and university officials emphasized the shortage of interpreters, the need to retain local talent, and the program’s role in building a pipeline; university representatives said the initial request would fund a faculty/staff position as a first step, with additional funding needed later. No final committee action or votes were announced in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:02.240><c> here</c><00:02:02.880><c> in</c><00:02:03.200><c> very</c><00:02:03.520><c> strong</c>
• 06.479><c> the</c><00:02:06.640><c> chief</c><00:02:06.880><c> judge</c><00:02:07.119><c> of</c><00:02
• Um, I have<00:02:09.599><c> submitted</c><00:02:10.080><c> my</c><00:02:10.239><c> letter,</c><00:02:
• :12.720><c> um,</c><00:02:12.879><c> I</c><00:02:13.120><c> first</c><00:02:13.280><c> met</c><00:02:
• c> and</c><00:02:24.879><c> just</c><00:02:25.120><c> being</c><00:02:25.280><c> so</c><00:02:25.520>

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Governor’s Message 790, the nomination of Karen T. Nakasone to serve as chief judge of the Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals for a 10-year term. The chair announced that no vote would be taken that day and that the committee would vote on Thursday. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with the chair reading that there were 103 supporters, zero opposed, and one comment. Supporters included current and retired judges, public defenders, bar association representatives, former elected officials, and community members. They described Nakasone as intelligent, fair, hardworking, well respected, and a strong leader with deep legal experience. Several speakers emphasized her judicial temperament, her work as an advocate and judge, and her community involvement, including leadership in civic and civil rights organizations. One pro se litigant also testified that she had been treated kindly and respectfully by Nakasone in prior interactions. The Hawaii State Bar Association reported that it had conducted an interview and review process and found her qualified for the position. In her own remarks, Nakasone introduced family and colleagues, described her 30-year legal career, and said her first job after law school was as an ICA law clerk. She highlighted the court’s backlog reduction efforts under Acting Chief Judge Katherine Leonard, saying the number of older pending appeals had dropped significantly through team-based reforms, and stated that she would continue that work if confirmed. The hearing ended without questions from the committee and with the nomination held for a later vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is<00:02:02.320><c> there</c><00:02:02.440><c> any</c><00:02:02.560><c> discussion</c><00:02:03.080><
• </c><00:02:06.560><c> Chair,</c><00:02:07.080><c> I</c><00:02:07.200><c> believe</c><00:02:07.479><c>
• these</c><00:02:07.680><c> are</c><00:02:07.800><c> from</c> Uh Mr.
• Chair, I believe these are from yesterday<00:02:08.720><c> if</c><00:02:09.080><c> the</c><00:02:09.200
• ><c> calendar</c><00:02:09.600><c> is</c><00:02:09.720><c> correct</c><00:02:10.240><c> and</c> yesterday

Committee: House Rules and Legislative Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• clerk uh<00:02:26.480><c> clerk</c><00:02:26.879><c> staff</c><00:02:27.360><c> Reggie</c><00:02:27.840
• Chang,</c><00:02:30.720><c> please</c><00:02:30.959><c> stand</c><00:02:31.200><c> up</c><00:02:32.080
• </c><00:02:49.040><c> Welcome</c><00:02:49.280><c> to</c><00:02:49.360><c> the</c><00:02:49.440><c> Hawaii
• </c><00:02:50.319><c> Please</c><00:02:50.480><c> rise</c><00:02:50.640><c> and</c><00:02:50.879><c>
• be</c> welcomed.<00:02:56.239><c> Is</c><00:02:56.560><c> Alex's</c><00:02:57.280><c> guest</c><00:02

Summary: The Senate convened with all 25 members present, approved the prior day’s journal, and heard several introductions, including visiting staff, guests, and Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, who was recognized for her work with the food bank and noted as acting governor that week. The chamber also received House communications returning several Senate concurrent resolutions adopted unamended, and one House-amended resolution, SCR 192, was taken up. Senator Wakai moved to disagree with the House amendments to SCR 192, the motion was seconded and carried, with conferees to be named later. Standing committee reports were then taken up, including reports 1931 to 1939 for one-day notice and report 1940 for adoption, which was adopted without objection. The Senate then considered a series of advice-and-consent nominations, beginning with education-related appointments. Senators spoke in support of nominees to the Hawaii Teachers Standards Board, the State Board of Education, and the School Facilities Authority Board, while Senator Awa and others raised objections to several nominees, arguing that campaign donations by some appointees created the appearance of “pay to play.” Despite those objections, the nominations were ultimately confirmed. The chamber also confirmed Dwight Takamini as chair of the Hawaii Labor Relations Board after strong support from multiple senators who cited his labor, legislative, and public service background. The Senate next confirmed Christine Sakuda as chief information officer for the Office of Enterprise Technology Services, with supporters emphasizing her IT leadership and public service and noting she is the first female and Native Hawaiian to hold the post. The chamber also confirmed Kahuanoi AD Jackson as judge of the Circuit Court of the Third Circuit and Sonia H. Toma as judge of the District Family Court of the Second Circuit, with senators highlighting their prosecutorial and public service experience and the favorable testimony received in committee. After these confirmations, senators introduced the new appointees and their families in the gallery. Later, the Senate adopted additional standing committee reports on House concurrent resolutions and passed SB 849 HD2 on final reading, relating to wildlife conservation, by unanimous consent. The body also reconsidered and reversed earlier disagreement on House amendments to SB 116 and SB 946, agreeing that the amendments were technical and giving one-day notice for final reading. The meeting concluded with a late introduction of the Honokaʻa Jazz Band, which was praised for its national recognition and community service, and senators invited members to a later concert in the rotunda.

Transcript Highlights:

• be</c><00:02:03.360><c> doing</c><00:02:03.680><c> Senate</c><00:02:04.120><c> Bill</c><00:02:04.360>
• So, that<00:02:06.280><c> makes</c><00:02:06.600><c> our</c><00:02:07.080><c> agenda</c><00:02:07.520
• </c><00:02:09.320><c> first</c><00:02:09.600><c> I'd</c><00:02:09.679><c> like</c><00:02:09.880><c> to
• :49.640><c> we</c><00:02:49.760><c> have</c><00:02:49.880><c> a</c><00:02:49.920><c> motion</c><00:02
• Uh I understand<00:02:57.920><c> we</c><00:02:58.080><c> are</c><00:02:58.200><c> in</c><00:02:58.280

Committee: House Natural Resources & Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• That's we<01:02:01.040><c> don't</c><01:02:01.240><c> go</c><01:02:01.320><c> down</c><01:02:01.560><
• Who<01:02:02.720><c> Who</c><01:02:02.880><c> would</c><01:02:03.040><c> that</c><01:02:03.200><c> be
• Well, so<01:02:06.320><c> most</c><01:02:06.640><c> of</c><01:02:06.720><c> that</c><01:02:06.840><c>
• that's</c><01:02:07.040><c> why</c><01:02:07.160><c> most</c><01:02:07.440><c> of</c><01:02:07.520><
• that's why um so<01:02:14.560><c> like</c><01:02:14.760><c> even</c><01:02:15.080><c> so,</c><01:02:

Bills: HB1700

Committee: Senate Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs

Summary: The joint committees heard several housing, land use, and infrastructure bills. HB 6019 HD2 on electric vehicle infrastructure and HB 1728 HD1 on rainwater catchment systems both drew limited testimony and were advanced. For HB 1728, the chairs said they would designate the Department of Health as the regulator and incorporate suggested technical amendments from plumbing and rainwater industry groups. Both measures were reported out with recommendations to pass, with HB 6019 passed unamended and HB 1728 passed with amendments. HB 1844, which would have required the Land Use Commission to reclassify lands designated for urban growth, drew significant opposition from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Sierra Club, who argued it would bypass land-use review and threaten agricultural land, water planning, and long-term resilience. Grassroot Institute supported the bill, and the Land Use Commission said the bill raised concerns. After discussion, the chairs deferred the measure in one committee and later the recommendation to pass it with amendments was not adopted in the other committee. HB 1990 on penalties and liens for unresolved residential zoning violations was advanced with amendments. The chairs adopted Grassroot Institute’s suggested changes requiring any county sale of such property to be at no less than fair market value and requiring excess proceeds to be returned to the owner. HB 2424, which would allow county planning agencies to petition for temporary reclassification of certain agricultural lands to rural, also drew mixed testimony; the Land Use Commission raised due process concerns, and agriculture interests opposed it. One committee advanced it with amendments, but in the other committee the recommendation failed after members cited lack of county support. The later portion of the hearing began on HB 1738 and HB 1739. HB 1738 would expand county authority to amend district boundaries for housing on parcels over 15 acres; OHA, Sierra Club, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau opposed it, while Grassroot Institute supported it. HB 1739 would require transit-supportive densities in county TOD areas and limit local restrictions; DPP raised concerns about timing, permitting, and conflicts with existing TOD frameworks, while OPSD and Grassroot supported it. The transcript cuts off before final action on these later bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:04.759><c> Kenny</c><00:02:05.079><c> fin</c><00:02:05.399><c> director</c><00:02:05.680><c> fin<
• <00:02:13.599><c> in</c><00:02:13.800><c> support</c><00:02:14.680><c> Rod</c><00:02:15.000><c> Miley
• c><00:02:17.640><c> support</c><00:02:18.120><c> Marian</c><00:02:18.519><c> suji</c><00:02:19.440><c
• 02:35.640><c> havayi</c><00:02:36.360><c> and</c><00:02:36.480><c> we</c><00:02:36.599><c> are</c><00
• </c><00:02:41.720><c> in</c><00:02:41.840><c> Wy</c><00:02:42.319><c> Kei</c><00:02:42.560><c> and</c

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Summary: The committees met on February 19, 2025, to hear advice-and-consent nominations, beginning with GM 645/GM 650 for Mike Lambert as Director of the Department of Law Enforcement. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from state officials, community leaders, nonprofit representatives, and others, who praised Lambert’s collaboration with communities, communication skills, and practical approach to public safety. Several speakers highlighted his work on homelessness, game rooms, community policing, and his ability to work across public health and law enforcement lines. Lambert told the committee he has 22 years of law enforcement experience, including patrol, community policing, training, narcotics/vice, and work on fentanyl, internet crimes against children, and ghost guns, and said his priorities would include building community trust, improving training and discipline, and addressing fireworks and firearms enforcement. Senators asked about fireworks, federal collaboration, ports and airport screening, recruitment, pay parity, and whether the department should expand into a more formal state police force; Lambert said he would need time to learn the new port/shipping environment and would support a state police class and expanded enforcement capacity. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion of the transcript provided. The committee then heard GM 567 for Jean Dello Jr. as chairperson of the Hawaii Paroling Authority. Supporters, including Hawaii Friends of Restorative Justice and Hawaii Paroling Authority staff, described him as honest, ethical, fair, and experienced in balancing public safety with rehabilitation and re-entry. Dello said he came out of retirement in 2021 to serve on the board, and that his background in federal probation and state corrections led him to favor evidence-based practices over simple compliance monitoring. He emphasized the need to weigh public safety with giving inmates a real opportunity to transition successfully back into the community. No final action or vote was announced in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:03.920><c> I</c><00:02:04.159><c> must</c><00:02:04.320><c> say</c><00:02:04.479><c> was</
• They're<00:02:06.560><c> they're</c><00:02:06.880><c> closed</c><00:02:07.200><c> on</c><00:02:07.360
• They're<00:02:08.080><c> they</c><00:02:08.319><c> work</c><00:02:08.479><c> with</c><00:02:08.640><c
• agencies<00:02:12.480><c> and</c><00:02:12.640><c> all</c><00:02:12.800><c> that</c><00:02:13.040><c
• </c><00:02:16.000><c> So</c><00:02:16.480><c> I</c><00:02:16.720><c> have</c><00:02:16.879><c> them</

Summary: The committee met to adopt the minutes of the second meeting by voice vote, then heard an update focused on disaster preparedness, resiliency, response, and coordination among state agencies and partners. The chair emphasized avoiding duplication of resources and highlighted the importance of agriculture-related response issues, including animal evacuation, feed distribution, and the role of extension services during disasters. The Department for Public Health was invited to explain its role in emergency planning and response. Public Health described its Emergency Preparedness and Response Branch as the lead coordinating agency for Emergency Support Function 8, covering health and medical services under Kentucky’s emergency operations framework. Testimony outlined its broad responsibilities, including support for hospitals, morgues, local health departments, behavioral health, crisis counseling, suspicious package testing, disease outbreaks, and coordination with emergency management, EMS, transportation, and nonprofit and private partners. Officials also described the agency’s risk-assessment process, training and exercise programs, and deployed assets such as PPE caches, deployable communications, a federal medical station, a mobile treatment center, and alternate care support used in events like the eastern Kentucky floods and COVID-19. The agency also discussed funding through federal cooperative agreements for public health emergency preparedness and hospital preparedness, noting that these programs have evolved since 9/11 and have been shaped by major disasters and emerging threats. Officials said Kentucky’s funding has declined over time and that current awards are partially funded for the first time in the program’s history. They expressed support for efficiency if federal programs are consolidated, but cautioned that combining programs could risk further funding losses.

Transcript Highlights:

• They wanted<00:02:28.480><c> to</c><00:02:28.560><c> make</c><00:02:28.720><c> sure</c><00:02:29.000>
• <c> that</c><00:02:29.120><c> it</c><00:02:29.240><c> was</c><00:02:29.400><c> spelled</c> wanted to
• 02:31.040><c> clear</c><00:02:31.520><c> through</c><00:02:32.080><c> the</c><00:02:32.240><c> entire
• ><c> this</c><00:02:36.320><c> is</c><00:02:36.560><c> focusing</c><00:02:37.440><c> on</c> entire bill
• So, in that process,<00:02:41.080><c> we</c><00:02:41.200><c> made</c><00:02:41.400><c> it</c><00:02:

Committee: House State Government

Transcript Highlights:

• :33.120><c> and</c><00:02:33.440><c> welcome</c><00:02:33.760><c> to</c><00:02:34.000><c> the</c><00:
• [applause] Welcome.<00:02:40.000><c> My</c><00:02:40.319><c> wife</c><00:02:40.560><c> is</c><00:02:41.040
• ><c> a</c><00:02:42.000><c> proud</c><00:02:42.560><c> owl</c><00:02:42.959><c> herself.
• I<00:02:43.760><c> won't</c><00:02:44.000><c> say</c><00:02:44.160><c> what</c><00:02:44.400><c> year
• </c><00:02:47.200><c> Welcome</c><00:02:47.519><c> to</c><00:02:47.760><c> the</c><00:02:47.920><c> Capitol

Bills: SB2097 , SB2317 , SB2319 , SB2177 , SB2190 , SB2424 , SB2524 , SB2627 , SB3084 , SB895 , SB896 , SB3102 , SB3157 , SB3215 , SB2050 , SB2090 , SB2211 , SB2572 , SB2096 , SB2025 , SB2127 , SB2046 , SB2262 , SB2354 , SB2387 , SB2487 , SB2955 , SB3234 , SB2851 , SB2573 , SB2391 , SB3282 , SB3055 , SB2189 , SB2194 , SB3152 , SB2635 , SB888 , SB2203 , SCR1 , SCR2 , SCR3 , SCR4 , SCR5 , SCR6 , SCR7 , SCR8 , SCR9 , SCR10 , SCR11 , SCR12 , SCR13 , SCR14 , SCR15 , SCR16 , SCR17 , SCR18 , SCR19 , SCR20 , SCR21 , SCR22 , SR3 , SR5 , SR6 , SR7 , SR8 , SR9 , SR10 , SR11 , SR12 , SR13 , SR14 , SR15 , SR16 , SR17 , SR18 , SR19 , SB2010 , SB3118 , SB3276

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:44.480><c> I</c><00:02:44.640><c> had</c><00:02:44.800><c> a</c><00:02:45.040><c> deep</c>
• ><00:02:48.480><c> related</c><00:02:49.360><c> to</c><00:02:49.920><c> the</c><00:02:50.239><c> real
• <c> of</c><00:02:51.360><c> what</c><00:02:51.760><c> government</c><00:02:52.879><c> the</c><00:02:53.280
• the human cost of<00:02:54.480><c> government</c><00:02:54.959><c> failing</c><00:02:55.519><c> or</
• ><c> important</c><00:02:58.720><c> to</c><00:02:59.040><c> not</c><00:02:59.280><c> be</c><00:02:59.440

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.159><c> discussion</c><00:02:00.960><c> see</c><00:02:01.320><c> none</c><00:02:01.920><c> I</c><
• your for<00:02:02.439><c> the</c><00:02:02.520><c> vote</c><00:02:02.680><c> chair</c><00:02:02.920><
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• 00:02:08.280><c> a</c><00:02:09.080><c> sh</c><00:02:09.280><c> your</c><00:02:09.399><c> recommendation
• <c> adopted</c><00:02:10.440><c> thank</c><00:02:10.640><c> you</c><00:02:11.080><c> and</c><00:02:11.280

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Summary: The committee met on February 12 in Room 224 and via videoconference to consider several measures. First, it heard Senate Bill 547 on water conservation, which would create an income tax credit for gray water recycling systems and atmospheric water generators, along with a rebate program and building code standards. The chair recommended passing the bill with amendments from DOA and the Department of Health and deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050; the recommendation was adopted unanimously by the members present. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1633, a Green Building tax credit measure tied to the use of Hawaii-grown hemp in primary structures, and also addressing hemp and cannabinoid product regulation, including age limits, packaging requirements, THC limits, and a separate hemp program within the Department of Health. The chair recommended passing the bill with DOA amendments and a further amendment allowing hemp processors to sell certain edible or beverage cannabinoid products with limited THC content, plus a deferred effective date of July 1, 2050. The motion passed with five votes in favor. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 391 on recycling, which would expand the Electronic Device Recycling and Recovery Act to cover certain lithium-ion batteries and require manufacturers to ensure their safe collection and recycling. The chair instead recommended amending the bill into a working group under the Hawaii State Energy Office to study battery end-of-life management, costs, safety, environmental impacts, in-state versus out-of-state recycling options, and related feasibility questions, with a report due before the 2026 regular session and dissolution on June 30, 2026. That amended approach was adopted unanimously, and the hearing concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 32 counseling is relatively new to Arizona, Ohio, and Minnesota, with more than 30 more states already
• and duties, removing gifted students from special education, recompiling current special education statutes

Bills: HB95 , HB111 , HJR1 , HB32 , HB33 , HB61 , HJM2 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM3 , HM11 , HM14 , HM15 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50 , HB8 , HB30 , HB43 , HB156 , HM2 , HM16

Keywords: HB95, additional judgeship, district court, judicial district, First Judicial District, Second Judicial District, district judges, court administration, judicial staffing, caseload, access to justice, New Mexico courts, judiciary, judge vacancy, court backlog, state courts, water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order

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• Last year, Great River Energy in Minnesota found that one line had an average of 60% more capacity with
• An individual or entity that receives money at a non-residential address, as defined in the statute,

Bills: HB551 , HB 1281 , HB1378 , HB1617 , HB2868 , HB2881 , HB3374 , HB4439 , HB4726 , HB4732 , HB4878 , HB4914 , HB4921 , HB4958 , HB5200 , HB5318 , HB5360 , HB5402 , HB5568 , HB5573 , HB5623 , HJR218

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: political contributions, address privacy, Texas Ethics Commission, election transparency, campaign finance, international organizations, World Health Organization, jurisdiction, state law, enforcement, United Nations, World Economic Forum, attorney general, Texas attorney general, state sovereignty, legal enforcement, Texas Attorney General, electric energy storage, municipal regulation, county regulation

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• don't ask her so<00:02:27.200><c> she</c><00:02:27.520><c> called</c><00:02:27.760><c> me</c><00:02:

Summary: The committee approved the minutes unanimously and then heard extended testimony from Senator Jimmy Higdon, who reflected on Kentucky’s 2011 childhood obesity task force and said the state’s childhood obesity problem has worsened since then. He described prior recommendations from that task force, including more physical education, nutrition education, classroom-based physical activity, complete streets, bike lanes, sidewalks, and safe routes to school. Higdon also argued that government programs have contributed to obesity and drug abuse, focusing especially on SNAP and Medicaid, and said he has long advocated for a waiver to distribute SNAP benefits twice a month rather than once a month. Higdon said SNAP fraud and abuse are significant, claiming some recipients sell benefits and some retailers bend the rules on eligible purchases. He also said spreading benefits through the month could help families keep fresh food in the home and stabilize grocery store business, especially in food deserts and rural areas. In response to questions, he said he would not support allowing hot prepared foods under SNAP, though he said a grocery-store produce incentive similar to the farmers market match could be beneficial if structured separately. He also said the WIC program is a model for how SNAP could be better administered. Members thanked Higdon for his service and discussed whether the issue is food insecurity or poor nutrition. Senator Douglas emphasized adding stronger guardrails to nutrition-related programs, and Representative Proctor asked about the challenges of operating grocery stores in rural areas and food deserts. Higdon said independent grocers face thin margins, competition, and cyclical market pressures, and that SNAP distribution patterns can worsen those challenges. After Higdon’s testimony, the committee heard from Ann Cressilious, a registered dietitian with the Kentucky Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, who began a presentation on the profession and on efforts to improve nutrition and access to nutrition information in Kentucky.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's truly an understatement. to say that this statute represents a careful and delicate balance among
• Now, while we believe the current statute continues to balance the interest of diverse stakeholders.
• We also understand that there have been challenges and scaling, and implementing the statute in today's
• Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Illinois.
• AGC was a stakeholder in the creation of the original. 811 statutes, and we appreciate the opportunity