Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> be</c><00:02:04.159><c> a</c><00:02:04.280><c> shortfall</c><00:02:05.039><c> because</c><00:02:
• then</c><00:02:26.760><c> the</c><00:02:26.920><c> purpose</c><00:02:27.239><c> of</c><00:02:27.440><
• :02:30.000><c> all</c><00:02:30.280><c> you</c><00:02:30.360><c> know</c><00:02:30.480><c> for</c> uh
• ><00:02:30.959><c> do</c><00:02:31.480><c> no</c><00:02:31.720><c> supplemental</c><00:02:32.319><c>
• ><00:02:35.280><c> the</c><00:02:35.440><c> AG's</c><00:02:36.080><c> budget</c><00:02:37.040><c> the

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard several bills on January 30. SB 286 and SB 287 both concerned supplemental funding for the Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney: SB 286 for the career criminal prosecution unit and SB 287 for the victim witness assistance program. Testimony from the department explained that these bills are filed each year because the Attorney General’s core budget allocation may not be sufficient, though the department said the core had recently been increased and the supplemental request might no longer be necessary. For SB 287, the department also warned of a possible federal Victims of Crime Act funding freeze that could cut about $1.88 million and severely harm victim services. Both bills drew support from county and community witnesses, and members asked about prior-year funding and why the requests were limited to fiscal 2025-26; no votes were taken in the excerpt. SB 289, from the State Ethics Commission, would create a more uniform administrative fine process under the ethics code and lobbyist law. The commission said the measure would not change substantive enforcement but would let it issue a notice and order of fine first, with the respondent able to request a hearing within 20 days, which would speed up cases that are not factually disputed. Members questioned whether the bill would deny due process or function like an automatic parking ticket, and the commission responded that respondents could still challenge the fine and that the process would apply to violations with fines under $1,000. The committee also heard SB 304, which would add 11 positions for the First Circuit Adult Client Services Branch; Judiciary testimony said probation caseloads are high, with an average of 116 cases per officer, and the added staff would help meet national supervision standards and better serve higher-risk clients. Members asked whether the positions were already in the budget and about current staffing ratios; the witness said the positions were not already funded and that the Judiciary supported the bill with amendments. The committee then heard SB 311, a proposed constitutional amendment to exclude spending money to influence elections from protected free speech. Testimony was strongly divided: supporters argued that Citizens United has distorted elections and empowered special interests, while opponents warned the language was too broad and could affect nonprofit advocacy and grassroots groups. Finally, SB 313 would impose a 1% wealth asset tax on individuals with $20 million or more in assets. The Department of Taxation said it had concerns about the bill’s ambiguity and administration and noted it would require annual valuation and likely additional resources; opponents, including family business representatives and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, argued the tax would be difficult and costly to administer, would require sensitive business disclosures, and could force family businesses to pay from company cash. Supporters said wealthy residents should pay a fair share. The committee heard testimony and questions on these bills, but the excerpt does not show final committee votes or actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Okay.<00:02:03.400><c> Do</c><00:02:03.520><c> you</c><00:02:03.640><c> have</c><00:02:04.280
• > some</c><00:02:29.120><c> of</c><00:02:29.200><c> the</c><00:02:29.280><c> photos</c><00:02:29.640>
• So<00:02:34.200><c> the</c><00:02:34.320><c> programs</c><00:02:34.800><c> will</c><00:02:34.880><c>
• </c><00:02:55.680><c> The</c><00:02:55.800><c> challenge</c><00:02:56.200><c> for</c><00:02:56.320><c
• will</c><00:02:57.360><c> be</c><00:02:58.160><c> one,</c><00:02:58.920><c> having</c><00:02:59.239>

Bills: HB389 , HB1166 , HB1510 , HB1541 , HB1605 , HB1661 , HB1663 , HB1678 , HB1769 , HB1785 , HB1801 , HB1802 , HB1815 , HB1824 , HB1838 , HB1840 , HB1853 , HB1860 , HB1891 , HB1952 , HB1960 , HB1969 , HB1970 , HB1972 , HB1976 , HB2050 , HB2094 , HB2104 , HB2158 , HB2165 , HB2171 , HB2208 , HB2246 , HB2271 , HB2300 , HB2310 , HB2315 , HB2319 , HB2338 , HB2339 , HB2343 , HB2443 , HB2498 , HB2551 , HB2599 , HB2606 , SB17 , SB83 , SB99 , SB148 , SB411 , SB709 , SB847 , SB874 , SB888 , SB1032 , SB1166 , SB2001 , SB2014 , SB2031 , SB2041 , SB2050 , SB2057 , SB2061 , SB2074 , SB2075 , SB2089 , SB2095 , SB2101 , SB2102 , SB2108 , SB2109 , SB2110 , SB2125 , SB2135 , SB2138 , SB2140 , SB2146 , SB2151 , SB2152 , SB2175 , SB2203 , SB2239 , SB2246 , SB2247 , SB2253 , SB2261 , SB2268 , SB2271 , SB2272 , SB2320 , SB2340 , SB2347 , SB2353 , SB2363 , SB2367 , SB2372 , SB2376 , SB2386

Transcript Highlights:

• me that pretty much all of the reporting requirements are not actually usable if we did pass this statute
• There are some people here that know more of that, but I believe it has in Minnesota, but it may not
• She grew up in Minnesota and lived in Alaska. So her situation is not paraquat.
• They have to sometimes interpret the statute that you've written, and sometimes we write laws that are
• systems, if you want a different outcome, write a better law, they have to sometimes interpret the statute

Committee: House General Laws

Transcript Highlights:

• Monique Zampus on<00:02:27.599><c> behalf</c><00:02:27.840><c> of</c><00:02:27.920><c> the</c><00:02:
• Um just want<00:02:34.000><c> to</c><00:02:34.160><c> note</c><00:02:34.560><c> that</c><00:02:35.120
• carbon sequestration<00:02:37.280><c> although</c><00:02:37.680><c> we</c><00:02:37.920><c> do</c><00
• :02:38.239><c> focus</c><00:02:38.640><c> on</c><00:02:39.760><c> uh</c> sequestration although we do
• respectfully</c><00:02:52.560><c> ask</c><00:02:52.800><c> to</c><00:02:52.959><c> be</c><00:02:53.120

Bills: SB2699

Committee: Senate Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs

Summary: The committee reconvened and first addressed SB 2699 on public transit/free transportation for young people. Members noted that the Committee on Transportation had already deferred the measure, and this committee said it would defer it as well before adjourning that brief reconvened session. The hearing then moved to SB 2373, which would establish a state goal to strengthen nature-based carbon emissions reduction solutions and authorize the Hawaii State Energy Office to develop methods to quantify carbon reductions from marine ecosystem restoration. The Energy Office said marine carbon sequestration was outside its expertise and asked to be removed from that portion of the bill, while DLNR and OPSD offered comments and said the work fit better with their areas, with DLNR saying it could take it on if properly resourced. Testimony included support from environmental groups, and committee discussion focused on which agency should lead and whether existing methodologies could be used. Next was SB 21001 on organic waste reduction and diversion. The Department of Health supported the intent but raised implementation concerns. Hawaii Farmers Union strongly supported the bill, arguing it would help build compost supply, improve soil health, and give counties time to develop infrastructure; they cited Vermont as a model and said the bill could extend landfill life and reduce methane. Members asked about the Vermont approach and the need for infrastructure before household-level diversion. The committee also heard SB 2905, which would increase the environmental response, energy, and food security tax and direct more revenue to the electric vehicle charging system subaccount. The Energy Office, PUC, and Tax Department offered comments; youth and clean transportation advocates strongly supported the bill as a way to expand charging access and meet EV adoption goals. A member questioned whether the proposed increase would outpace the state’s ability to deploy chargers, and PUC staff said the current annual appropriation is about $750,000 and that they could provide more data on an appropriate funding level. Additional measures were briefly taken up: SB 3231 on condominium maps and county zoning certification in A districts drew support from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau; SB 2486 on climate change drew comments from the Energy Office, Climate Commission, and OPSD, who said it duplicated existing climate planning and should include adaptation language; and SB 2376 on the renewable fuels production tax credit drew support from industry and agricultural groups, while the Energy Office and Tax Department raised concerns about the rollover provision and the scale of the credit. No final votes were recorded in the excerpt beyond the earlier deferral of SB 2699.

Transcript Highlights:

• :23.840><c> in</c><00:02:24.080><c> that</c><00:02:24.239><c> committee,</c><00:02:25.360><c> uh</c><
• to</c><00:02:26.560><c> the</c><00:02:26.720><c> bottom</c><00:02:26.959><c> of</c><00:02:27.120><c>
• Uh<00:02:28.319><c> the</c><00:02:28.560><c> first</c><00:02:28.800><c> bill</c><00:02:29.040><c> on<
• /c><00:02:29.280><c> our</c><00:02:29.440><c> agenda</c><00:02:29.760><c> is</c><00:02:30.000><c> House
• ><c> 282,</c><00:02:31.920><c> uh</c><00:02:32.160><c> sponsored</c><00:02:32.720><c> by</c><00:02:33.519

Committee: House Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• to</c><00:02:03.280><c> this</c><00:02:03.439><c> committee,</c><00:02:04.079><c> but</c><00:02:04.320
• c> she</c><00:02:04.799><c> has</c><00:02:05.040><c> new</c><00:02:05.200><c> faces</c><00:02:05.520>
• that she's going<00:02:06.079><c> to</c><00:02:06.240><c> bring</c><00:02:06.399><c> with</c><00:02:
• &gt;&gt; Hello,<00:02:43.840><c> my</c><00:02:44.080><c> name</c><00:02:44.160><c> is</c><00:02:44.400
• ><c> branch</c><00:02:45.840><c> manager</c><00:02:46.160><c> of</c><00:02:46.239><c> the</c><00:02:46.400

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from its August 21 meeting and then received an update from Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation leadership on implementation of Senate Bill 299 and House Bill 566. Jamie Eids and staff described the agency’s new structure after charitable gaming was brought under the corporation, including new divisions, staffing, banking, payroll, insurance, procurement, and reporting systems. They also unveiled the corporation’s new logo and tagline, and said the transition had been designed to avoid interruption for charities, licensees, and racing operations. A major focus was the fee structure required by House Bill 566. Eids outlined current licensing fees across racing, sports wagering, and charitable gaming, compared Kentucky’s fees with other states, and recommended keeping the status quo for one more year because the agency has only recently brought all three components fully in-house. Members asked about whether charitable gaming had harmed veterans’ groups or other nonprofits, whether any revenue should be transferred back to the state, and whether the charitable gaming licenses cover one-off raffles as well as standing operations. Eids said she had not heard complaints, said the licenses include all such activity with some exemptions, and agreed to look at the question of future transfers. The committee then heard from Melissa Combs Wright on pari-mutuel wagering and Hannah Sims on sports wagering. They reported continued growth in historical horse racing, more than $11 billion in total pari-mutuel wagering in fiscal year 2025, over $10.5 billion in HHR wagers, and about $161 million in pari-mutuel tax revenue, with most of that supporting the general fund and horse-breeding development funds. They also said sports wagering has generated nearly $5 billion in wagers since launch, $73 million for the public pension fund, and more than $2 million for problem gambling services, while expanding to 13 retail locations and 92 additional sports events. Members raised concerns about players being cut off after winning, the lack of local government revenue sharing from gaming facilities, and the growth of computer-assisted wagering; the witnesses said they were reviewing CAWs and that Kentucky does not license poker rooms through the corporation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:07.320><c> chair</c><00:02:07.560><c> Smith</c><00:02:08.560><c> president</c><00:02:08.959
• of our<00:02:12.440><c> last</c><00:02:12.640><c> meeting</c><00:02:13.239><c> motion</c><00:02:13.640
• :14.720><c> those</c><00:02:14.840><c> in</c><00:02:14.959><c> favor</c><00:02:15.160><c> to</c><00:02
• /c><00:02:16.959><c> likewise</c><00:02:17.360><c> the</c><00:02:17.480><c> motion</c><00:02:18.200><
• :02:20.879><c> order</c><00:02:21.280><c> today</c><00:02:21.800><c> so</c><00:02:22.080><c> I'm</c><

Summary: The Natural Resources Committee first approved the minutes from the prior meeting and then took up Senate Bill 245, which would give the legislature more authority to review appointments to the Fish and Wildlife Resources Commission and clarify language about commissioners serving before confirmation. The sponsor said the bill was meant to allow a deeper background review and prevent unconfirmed appointees from voting on budget matters. The bill was adopted with a sub and title amendment, and Senator Boswell explained his yes vote as a way to ensure timely and proper confirmation votes in the future. The committee then discussed Senate Bill 112, concerning fishing on privately owned lakes and ponds. Senator Boswell argued that landowners should be able to fish on their own property without a license and should control fish harvest on private waters, while still requiring permission for others to fish. Commissioner Rich Storm opposed the proposal, saying landowners already may fish on their property, warning that the bill could reduce fishing-license revenue and federal grant support, and noting the department’s work stocking fish, maintaining access, and funding conservation programs. Senator Webb said he was exploring possible compromise language, and other members raised concerns about pay lakes, youth access, and potential abuse of exemptions. Boswell ultimately withdrew the bill voluntarily, and the committee agreed not to vote on it that day. Finally, the committee heard a discussion-only presentation on Senate Bill 8, focused on long-term energy policy and the role of the Public Service Commission. The sponsor said Kentucky needs a broader energy strategy to address growing demand from new industries such as large data centers, grid capacity limits, and the need for expertise and possibly different pay scales to recruit qualified staff. Members responded positively to the discussion, noting the importance of the PSC and the need for continued work on the issue, but no vote was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> some</c><00:02:22.720><c> of</c><00:02:22.800><c> the</c><00:02:22.879><c> the</c><00:02:23.200>
• ><00:02:26.160><c> keep</c><00:02:26.239><c> our</c><00:02:26.480><c> roads</c><00:02:27.280><c> uh</
• :02:30.879><c> received</c><00:02:31.120><c> a</c><00:02:31.280><c> note</c><00:02:31.520><c> from</c
• c><00:02:42.800><c> over</c><00:02:42.959><c> the</c><00:02:43.200><c> last</c><00:02:43.440><c> few<
• ><c> and</c><00:02:44.400><c> and</c><00:02:44.560><c> if</c><00:02:44.720><c> it's</c><00:02:44.959>

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met without a quorum and first received a maintenance update from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials James Ballinger and John Moore. They described how repeated disasters, including floods, tornadoes, and ice storms, have strained routine road maintenance and forced crews to focus on emergency response, snow and ice removal, pothole patching, ditching, signal repairs, mowing, striping, sign work, and other day-to-day upkeep. They said snow and ice costs have averaged about $60 million to $61 million annually in recent years, disaster response has totaled hundreds of millions of dollars over five years, and the cabinet often must carry those costs until FEMA or FHWA reimbursement arrives. They also said maintenance work is increasingly contracted out because of staffing and resource limits, and that competitive pay is needed to retain employees and contractors for around-the-clock emergency work. Members then discussed traffic roundabouts and other intersection designs. Senator Hickden asked about their cost savings and safety benefits compared with traffic signals, and cabinet staff said they would provide life-cycle cost figures later. They emphasized that roundabouts and related designs reduce serious injuries and fatalities, with serious injuries down roughly 70% to 80% and fatalities over 90% in their experience. Chair Douglas and others asked about roundabout sizing for trucks and farm equipment, and staff explained that designers tailor the inscribed diameter to local traffic needs and context. The committee also briefly discussed red-light running and traffic-light cameras, with members stressing the safety risks of drivers ignoring signals. The committee adopted the minutes from the prior meeting by motion and voice vote. It then heard from Sarah Jackson and Matthew Cole on the Real ID and driver licensing transition. They said the cabinet has expanded from almost no regional offices to 35, grown driver licensing staff from 89 to 400, and now issues about 1.3 million credentials annually. They reported improvements in office capacity, queue management, staffing, and compensation, including added workstations, new or expanded offices in Louisville, Lexington, and Bardstown, and the use of contract staff. They said statewide average wait times have fallen to just under 30 minutes, and Kentucky’s Real ID adoption rate has risen to 42.9%. Members asked follow-up questions about driver testing and CDL scheduling. The presenters said all permit and CDL testing is coordinated through Kentucky State Police, with written tests available in most regional offices and CDL testing at a smaller number of KSP locations. Senator Douglas asked when the driver testing requirements were last updated, and the presenters said that was set by KSP. The discussion ended with additional questions about which regional offices lack KSP testing presence, but no further action was taken before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• :30.319><c> are</c><00:02:30.480><c> left</c><00:02:30.720><c> on</c><00:02:31.040><c> on</c><00:02:31.599
• :32.560><c> It</c><00:02:32.720><c> gives</c><00:02:32.959><c> them</c><00:02:33.280><c> the</c><00:02
• </c><00:02:38.160><c> They</c><00:02:38.400><c> just</c><00:02:38.560><c> needed</c><00:02:38.959><c>
• airports</c><00:02:41.120><c> to</c><00:02:41.440><c> do</c><00:02:41.599><c> that.
• Um<00:02:43.680><c> there</c><00:02:44.000><c> have</c><00:02:44.239><c> been</c><00:02:44.400><c> some

Committee: Joint Ports and Marine Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> as</c><00:02:02.520><c> it</c><00:02:02.600><c> relates</c><00:02:02.840><c> to</c><00:02:02.960
• <00:02:38.040><c> by</c><00:02:38.320><c> a</c><00:02:38.440><c> constituent,</c><00:02:39.240><c> a<
• And<00:02:43.480><c> it</c><00:02:43.600><c> contains</c><00:02:44.480><c> uh</c><00:02:44.920><c> a<
• > and</c><01:02:05.240><c> then</c><01:02:05.320><c> of</c><01:02:05.440><c> course,</c><01:02:05.960
• </c> Um,<01:02:18.840><c> and</c><01:02:19.280><c> what</c><01:02:19.440><c> we</c><01:02:19.560><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• We're honored<00:02:15.760><c> to</c><00:02:16.000><c> be</c><00:02:16.080><c> asked</c><00:02:16.319
• Uh I'm<00:02:18.000><c> going</c><00:02:18.080><c> to</c><00:02:18.239><c> start</c><00:02:18.879><c>
• </c><00:02:23.520><c> Uh</c><00:02:23.760><c> and</c><00:02:24.000><c> then</c><00:02:24.560><c> uh</
• </c><01:02:01.920><c> And</c><01:02:02.640><c> as</c><01:02:02.880><c> you</c><01:02:03.040><c> will<
• And<01:02:46.400><c> in</c><01:02:46.720><c> doing</c><01:02:46.960><c> so,</c><01:02:48.000><c> if</

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary heard testimony from the Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) on attorney compensation and alternatives to incarceration. Because the committee lacked a quorum, the chair skipped formal roll call and minutes approval, then invited DPA Public Advocate Damon Preston, Deputy Public Advocate Melanie Lowe, and alternative sentencing worker Cena/Tina Mills to present. Preston said DPA is fully state-funded, has 698 funded positions, and was near full staffing with 673 filled positions and 42 new law graduates expected to join in August. He argued that DPA’s resources lag behind those of prosecutors, noting that local prosecutorial offices receive substantially more total funding and have additional revenue sources beyond the state budget. Preston focused on salary disparities and turnover. He said DPA trial-office attorneys total about $26 million in salaries, compared with about $41.9 million for prosecutors on publicly listed state funding, and estimated that more than 100 additional prosecutors are paid through other sources, bringing total prosecutor compensation to a little over $50 million versus DPA’s $26 million. He said starting DPA attorney pay is $58,200, experienced attorney pay averages about $73,000, and that these levels are too low given law school debt and the state’s constitutional obligation to provide defense counsel. He also said DPA attorney turnover is about 20%, median service time before separation was 15 months in 2024, and exit interviews often cite salary as the main reason for leaving. He gave examples of former DPA attorneys moving to prosecutor offices for raises ranging from 12% to 50%. Committee members asked about how often defendants are represented by private counsel versus DPA and how that affects workload. Preston said a 2017 study found about 50% of misdemeanor cases and about 75% of circuit court cases were handled by DPA, with DPA handling most of the most labor-intensive cases. He said DPA will step aside when a defendant hires private counsel or is found ineligible, and he acknowledged the system historically erred by denying counsel in some cases, though he said the current concern is whether DPA is now appointed too broadly. Members requested updated trend data on appointments over the past decade. Preston also described DPA’s pay scale and said the agency’s compensation structure makes retention difficult. Mills then described DPA’s alternative sentencing worker program, which she said has operated for about 20 years and has received national recognition. She shared a case example involving a client named Patrick, who faced a prison sentence on a possession charge and was referred to a horse-based treatment and certification program in Shelbyville. She said the client wanted treatment and a fresh start, a bed became available, and she and the client’s attorney presented an alternative sentencing plan to the court. The presentation was interrupted briefly by a technical issue, but the testimony continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• This motion will be denied<00:02:46.720><c> in</c><00:02:46.840><c> part</c><00:02:47.400><c> and</c
• ><00:02:47.920><c> accepted</c><00:02:48.520><c> in</c><00:02:48.640><c> part.
• It's<00:02:51.000><c> going</c><00:02:51.280><c> to</c><00:02:51.360><c> be</c> The<00:02:54.400><c>
• exception</c><00:02:55.080><c> will</c><00:02:55.320><c> be</c><00:02:56.040><c> for</c><00:02:56.400
• which</c><00:02:57.520><c> we</c><00:02:57.720><c> were</c><00:02:57.959><c> going</c><00:02:58.280>

Summary: The commission met in open session to take action on several motions related to an adjudicatory hearing. It denied a motion to dismiss, granted a motion to quash, and granted in part a renewed motion to compel and for sanctions only to the extent it continued the hearing that had been scheduled for that day. Two motions in limine, one by Mr. Jenkins and one by Representative Grossberg’s attorney, were denied, with the chair noting that relevance issues would be decided during the hearing and that the focus should remain on the conduct and allegations at issue. The commission then set hearing dates for January 26 and February 2, with hearings to begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude before the General Assembly reconvened. It also approved the financial report/budget for October. During discussion, members noted the need to keep the commission’s work moving despite legislative schedules and the importance of not pulling members away from General Assembly responsibilities. In other business, staff announced a current issues training/CLE event for January 7, the hiring of new general counsel Larissa Pletcher effective December 16, and the start of re-registration. The chair reported ongoing efforts to fill remaining commission vacancies through the Speaker’s and President’s offices, and members discussed a possible tentative special meeting on January 12 at noon if needed. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which was approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• Constitution, not federal statutes.
• It is not in statute; it is case law derived.
• It is not in statute. It is case law derived.
• We're talking about the statute of limitations primarily. Underlying liability.
• Uh, there are lengthy statutes of limitations under, uh, California law.

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.079><c> and</c><00:02:01.640><c> Nicholas</c><00:02:02.640><c> we</c><00:02:02.840><c> added</c><
• and Nicholas we added those those counties<00:02:04.560><c> to</c><00:02:04.759><c> it</c><00:02:05.000
• :02:07.880><c> change</c><00:02:08.440><c> Mr</c><00:02:08.720><c> chairman</c><00:02:09.599><c> uh</
• a change Mr chairman uh the rest of<00:02:10.200><c> it</c><00:02:10.720><c> your</c><00:02:10.920><c
• > fine</c><00:02:11.239><c> work</c><00:02:11.520><c> that</c><00:02:11.680><c> you</c><00:02:11.840>

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first considered House Joint Resolution 46, a county priority projects resolution. Members approved a committee substitute that added $1.47 million and included Butler, Carroll, Casey, Cumberland, McGoffin, Monroe, and Nicholas counties. The resolution was then reported favorably with a title amendment and an expression of opinion that it should pass. The committee next took up House Bill 546, which creates the local assistance road program and related rules. The committee substitute moved $47 million from the state-supported construction program back to priority projects and amended the Transportation Cabinet budget to unlock I-69 funding tied to Garvey bonds. After discussion about continuing to refine the program, the committee approved the substitute, adopted a title amendment, and reported the bill favorably with an expression of opinion that it should pass. House Bill 443 was then heard, extending the Hal Rogers Parkway from Hazard along Kentucky Route 80 to Perry and Floyd to support future federal funding and four-laning of the corridor. The committee reported it favorably with the expression of opinion that it should pass. Finally, House Bill 783 was presented as a response to temporary tag fraud in auto sales, with testimony from Representative Jackson, Warren County Sheriff Brad Hightower, and the Kentucky Auto Dealers Association. Supporters said the bill adds enforcement tools, including felony penalties for serious violations and discretion for the Motor Vehicle Commission so mistakes are not treated the same as deliberate fraud. The committee voted to report the bill favorably with the expression of opinion that it should pass.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you all<00:02:11.920><c> for</c><00:02:12.080><c> coming</c><00:02:12.319><c> back</c><00:02:12.480
• I know you<00:02:13.360><c> were</c><00:02:13.440><c> here</c><00:02:13.599><c> a</c><00:02:13.760><c
• > couple</c><00:02:13.840><c> of</c><00:02:14.000><c> months</c><00:02:14.160><c> ago</c><00:02:14.480
• and concerns.<00:02:17.599><c> So</c><00:02:17.840><c> go</c><00:02:18.000><c> ahead</c><00:02:18.239
• :53.760><c> 2010</c><00:02:54.480><c> to</c><00:02:54.800><c> 2013</c><00:02:55.599><c> we</c><00:02:

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including a roll call, approval of the prior meeting minutes, and a set of informational reports. Those reports covered University of Louisville research equipment purchases, a Kent County school district debt issue for elementary school renovations, the University of Kentucky’s planned use of construction management risk for a new engineering building, APA certification reports for underwriter and bond counsel selection committees, and a KCNA status report on infrastructure upgrades and purchases. The main presentation was an informational update from the Louisville Arena Authority. Board representatives said the arena was created to drive economic development and reported about $1.4 billion in economic impact from 2010 to 2013. They explained the authority’s financial structure, including arena operating revenues, TIF revenues, debt service, and a long-term capital plan for major repairs and replacements. Members questioned the low net revenue figures, the long timeline before TIF revenues are projected to exceed debt service, the size of capital expenditure spikes, and the University of Louisville revenue-sharing arrangement. The authority said the $2.42 million annual UL payment is fixed under a 2017 refinancing agreement, while other amounts vary with ticket sales and related revenues. They also said the COVID-era state and Metro funds, combined with authority cash, were used to prepay debt and reduce interest, lowering the debt service schedule. The committee then considered and approved a new capital project for a new HVAC system for the student wellness center pool area. The project, presented by university staff, was approved by the board and required committee action. The committee took a roll call vote, and the project passed unanimously. Finally, Janice Thomas of the state budget office presented two tourism, arts, and heritage cabinet grid resilience projects at Kincaid Lake State Resort Park and Kentucky Down Village State Resort Park. Each project costs $7,834,600 and is funded mostly by a federal grid resilience grant, with the remainder from state utility infrastructure replacement funds and energy policy funds. Staff explained that the projects will move park electrical service ownership and maintenance to regional utilities, allowing the state to exit the infrastructure-management role while continuing to pay utility bills through normal metering. The committee approved the action item by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• This<00:02:09.160><c> is</c><00:02:09.280><c> the</c><00:02:09.399><c> confusing</c><00:02:09.880><c>
• Are we going to<00:02:10.800><c> do</c><00:02:10.880><c> it</c><00:02:11.000><c> 4:30</c><00:02:11.640
• It's<00:02:14.040><c> good</c><00:02:14.200><c> that</c><00:02:14.360><c> our</c><00:02:14.440><c> room
• &gt;&gt; I<00:02:47.440><c> have.</c><00:02:48.000><c> 1:35.</c><00:02:48.960><c> 1:35?
• </c><00:02:50.160><c> Is</c><00:02:50.200><c> it</c><00:02:50.280><c> 1:30?

Bills: SB2057 , SB2109 , SB2400 , HB1752 , SB2599 , SB2930

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:02:09.200><c> And</c><00:02:09.280><c> if</c><00:02:09.440><c> you'll</c><00:02:09.599><c> call<
• /c><00:02:09.759><c> the</c><00:02:10.000><c> first</c><00:02:10.160><c> bill,</c> us.
• </c><00:02:19.520><c> Um</c><00:02:20.080><c> this</c><00:02:20.239><c> bill</c><00:02:20.480><c> is<
• I think if<00:02:23.120><c> we'</c><00:02:23.360><c> had</c><00:02:23.520><c> this</c><00:02:23.760><
• c> bill</c><00:02:24.879><c> last</c><00:02:25.200><c> year</c><00:02:25.360><c> or</c><00:02:25.599>

Bills: HB393 , HB61 , SB234 , SB234

Committee: Senate Tourism

Keywords: entertainment district, alcohol consumption, local governance, city council, public spaces, home school, career and technical education, public schools, K-12 education, enrollment policy, Cherokee County, off-road vehicle park, ORV park, ATV, all-terrain vehicle, dirt bike, off-highway vehicle, recreational vehicle, county permit, inspection

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.479><c> best</c><00:02:00.640><c> way</c><00:02:01.200><c> for</c><00:02:01.439><c> us</c><00:02:
• 01.680><c> to</c><00:02:01.920><c> address</c><00:02:02.320><c> this</c><00:02:02.719><c> from</c> the
• </c><00:02:04.000><c> or</c><00:02:04.320><c> from</c><00:02:04.640><c> a</c><00:02:05.520><c> government
• What we're proposing<00:02:09.119><c> in</c><00:02:09.360><c> this</c><00:02:09.520><c> bill</c><00:02
• </c><00:02:44.560><c> Williams</c><00:02:44.959><c> is</c><00:02:45.200><c> working</c><00:02:45.440>

Committee: Joint Government Structure

Transcript Highlights:

• of</c><01:02:06.240><c> a</c><01:02:06.280><c> federal</c><01:02:06.680><c> trigger</c><01:02:06.960
• 02:14.560><c> to</c><01:02:14.840><c> to</c><01:02:15.000><c> be</c><01:02:15.120><c> approved</c><01
• I<01:02:17.120><c> didn't</c><01:02:17.440><c> go</c><01:02:17.560><c> back</c><01:02:17.840><c> and<
• /c><01:02:18.000><c> look</c><01:02:18.680><c> at</c><01:02:18.800><c> why</c><01:02:18.960><c> that<
• Do you<01:02:23.200><c> recall</c><01:02:23.560><c> why</c><01:02:23.760><c> that</c><01:02:23.960><c

Bills: SB3302 , SB2061 , SB2050 , SB2102 , SB2694 , SB2089 , SB847

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on April 9, 2026, and heard testimony on several measures. SB 3302 SD1 HD1, dealing with homemade food products, would require the Department of Health to adopt rules for farm kitchens producing homemade food products that are no more stringent than rules for home kitchens. The Department of Health said it supported the bill with technical amendments, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association and Grassroot Institute of Hawaii also supported it. No opposition was heard. A lengthy discussion focused on SB 2061 SD2 HD1, which concerns a 99-year leasehold residential condominium project and HCDA’s rules for sales, income restrictions, and buyback pricing. HCDA supported the bill and said the House draft clarified unclear provisions and would help move the project to pre-sales. Testimony and committee questions centered on whether the project should remain owner-occupied in perpetuity or allow investor purchases after an initial sales period. HCDA explained that the bill was revised to make the project feasible in the market, that 60% of units would be income-restricted for buyers at or below 140% of area median income, and that the remaining units could be sold without owner-occupancy restrictions. Some members and testifiers expressed concern that the bill had shifted away from the original owner-occupancy vision and could become an investment property model, while others argued the changes were necessary for the project to pencil out and compete with fee-simple developments. No vote was taken during the discussion shown. The committee also heard SB 2050 SD1 HD1, which would allow chiropractic students in accredited programs to engage in clinical practice beginning July 1, 2028. The Hawaii Board of Chiropractic and the Hawaii State Chiropractic Association supported the measure, and one testifier described personal experience with student chiropractic care in California. Members questioned why the board requested delaying implementation until 2030, and the board said it needed more time to develop rules because it meets only a few times a year and rulemaking is lengthy. Finally, SB 2102 SD2 HD1, on industrial hemp in commercial feed, was introduced; the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity offered comments, the Department of Health raised concerns about regulating pet food and possible jurisdictional conflict, and a farmer testifying in support suggested narrowing the bill to federally approved livestock feed rather than pet food.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> Tia</c><00:02:53.879><c> heart</c><00:02:54.319><c> director</c><00:02:54.599><c> of</c><00:02:54.760
• </c><01:02:02.599><c> recommend</c><01:02:03.039><c> it</c><01:02:03.440><c> thank</c><01:02:03.559><
• :19.160><c> there</c><01:02:19.279><c> is</c><01:02:19.400><c> a</c><01:02:19.520><c> stamp</c><01:02
• stamps</c><01:02:22.440><c> so</c><01:02:22.559><c> we</c><01:02:22.680><c> ask</c><01:02:22.839><c>
• > 2026</c><01:02:27.960><c> yes</c><01:02:28.559><c> thank</c><01:02:28.720><c> you</c><01:02:28.880>

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony on several measures related to child welfare, health care access, overdose response, disability services, and waste management. For SB 710 on child welfare, the Department of Human Services, the Office of Wellness and Resilience, the Attorney General’s office, and multiple advocacy groups testified in support, with the Governor’s office noting support but deferring to the Attorney General on implementation because of separation-of-powers concerns. For SB 952 on child welfare services, DHS, the Governor’s office, and child- and trauma-informed care advocates supported the bill, saying it would help families access services, provide basic material support, and reduce strain on the child welfare system. SB 954 on a home health services rate study also drew support, including from DHS, the Hawaii Healthcare Association, and a public testifier who said the study would help ensure funds reach low-income, disabled, and kupuna recipients. SB 957 on overdose prevention received support from the Department of Health and the Attorney General, who said overdose prevention centers are evidence-based but raised federal-law concerns and recommended amendments; the Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center and others also testified in support. The committee then moved to the 1:00 regular calendar and heard SB 850 on disability health disparity, which was supported by the Executive Office on Aging, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Hawaii Disability Rights Center, self-advocates, and others. Testimony emphasized that a disparity study could improve workforce development, training, and services for people with disabilities. SB 838 on continuous glucose monitoring drew support from health agencies and advocates, with testimony stressing that monitors can be critical for some diabetes patients. SB 829 on health care was supported by the Department of Health and health care stakeholders, who said it would help rotating physicians serve neighbor islands without local hospital privileges and align with CMS rules. SB 446 on waste management drew mixed testimony: the Department of Health and several public entities provided comments, the County of Maui opposed, and environmental advocates urged stronger aquifer protections and limits on ash reuse. During decision making, the committee adopted recommendations to pass SB 298, SB 322, SB 299, SB 450, SB 451, SB 949, SB 710, SB 957, SB 69, and SD 952 with various amendments, including technical changes, blank appropriations, and defective dates. SB 323, SB 324, SB 712, SB 950, SB 954, and SB 959 were deferred, largely because companion House measures were moving or similar Senate measures had already passed. The chair also announced recesses to find quorum and noted that some bills from the earlier Monday calendar were being deferred to avoid duplication.