Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:12.440><c> the</c><00:21:12.559><c> point</c><00:21:13.400><c> so</c><00:21:13.640><c> I'm
• ><c> to</c><00:21:14.120><c> answer</c><00:21:14.320><c> any</c><00:21:14.600><c> questions</c><00:21
• c><00:21:22.039><c> believe</c><00:21:22.279><c> we</c><00:21:22.400><c> have</c><00:21:22.559><c> a<
• c> Prosperity</c><00:21:41.640><c> chapter</c><00:21:42.120><c> here</c><00:21:42.320><c> in</c><00:21
• :21:21.320><c> 32</c><01:21:22.320><c> uh</c><01:21:22.400><c> it's</c><01:21:22.520><c> the</c><01:21

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:00.320><c> So</c><00:21:00.480><c> what</c><00:21:00.640><c> law</c><00:21:00.880><c> are<
• ><c> fiscal</c><00:21:04.720><c> estimate</c><00:21:05.840><c> um</c><00:21:06.000><c> and</c><00:21:
• Oops.<00:21:10.799><c> Then</c><00:21:11.039><c> they</c><00:21:11.280><c> have</c><00:21:11.440><c>
• then</c><00:21:25.039><c> again</c><00:21:25.280><c> in</c><00:21:25.440><c> 2022</c><00:21:26.080><c
• Uh<00:21:40.880><c> what</c><00:21:41.200><c> law</c><00:21:42.240><c> uh</c><00:21:42.480><c> then</

Transcript Highlights:

• I move that House Bill 21, House Bill 22, be voted due pass. Any discussion?
• One is to combine House Bills 21, 22, and 1626.
• House Bills 21, 22, and 1626, offered by Representative Haley and myself.
• The first item that you mentioned was something having to do with Chapter 100.
• Can you clarify what your intention with the Chapter 100 tie-in that's there?

Committee: House Utilities

Summary: The committee first took up House Committee Substitute for House Bills 21, 22, and 1626, which would combine the bills and add a clawback/refund provision for construction work in progress in base rates if costs were imprudently incurred or a project is not placed in service in a reasonable time. Supporters argued Missouri should remove its CWIP ban to stay competitive with neighboring states and attract utility investment, while opponents warned about unknown costs and timelines for ratepayers. The substitute was adopted, and the committee voted the combined bill do pass by 12 ayes and 7 noes. The committee then considered House Bill 2711, as amended by a substitute, dealing with broadband-related property tax treatment. The sponsor explained the substitute narrowed the bill to new installations, added a seven-year sunset, and aimed to clarify assessment issues. Supporters said the measure would help expand broadband infrastructure and improve service in underserved areas, while opponents argued the tax break should not apply to upgrades within existing service territories and questioned whether the bill truly expanded access. The committee adopted the substitute and voted the bill do pass by 12 ayes and 7 noes. The remainder of the hearing focused on House Bill 2762, a broad solar/wind/water measure. The sponsor described provisions setting a $2,500 per megawatt tax on solar nameplate capacity, creating more uniform assessment rules, establishing setbacks for solar facilities, limiting eminent domain use, and including smaller sections on water district dissolution and wind turbine lighting. Testimony was mixed: solar developers, Clean Grid Alliance, Renew Missouri, and Missouri Farm Bureau supported clearer rules, grandfathering, and setbacks they viewed as reasonable, while landowners and local residents raised concerns about property rights, transparency, runoff, glare, noise, and the impact of large solar projects on neighboring farms and homes. No final action on HB 2762 was taken in the portion provided, but the chair said a committee substitute would be developed to address the solar issues more comprehensively.

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota<00:21:02.960><c> has</c><00:21:03.360><c> Minnesota</c><00:21:03.840><c> has</c><00:21:04.080
• However,<00:21:12.720><c> even</c><00:21:12.880><c> with</c><00:21:13.120><c> all</c><00:21:13.280><c
• in<00:21:16.559><c> general</c><00:21:17.360><c> isn't</c><00:21:17.679><c> without</c><00:21:18.000
• <00:21:22.240><c> disease</c><00:21:22.640><c> issues</c><00:21:23.120><c> with</c><00:21:23.360><c>
• I don't intend to go and chapter 21.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• under<00:21:07.600><c> the</c><00:21:07.760><c> requirements</c><00:21:08.240><c> of</c><00:21:08.480
• 00:21:11.400><c> me</c><00:21:11.760><c> examination</c><00:21:12.760><c> by</c><00:21:13.000><c> by<
• :21:46.719><c> from</c><01:21:46.880><c> the</c><01:21:47.000><c> Department</c><01:21:47.320><c> of<
• 01:21:52.520><c> establish</c><01:21:52.960><c> parity</c><01:21:53.800><c> across</c><01:21:54.080><
• for questions if<01:21:58.199><c> you</c><01:21:58.360><c> guys</c><01:21:58.560><c> have</c><01:21:

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard Senate Bill 1322, SD2, HD1, a comprehensive measure revising Hawaii’s mental health code. The bill would clarify emergency transportation, examination, and hospitalization procedures for people who may be mentally ill or suffering from substance abuse and deemed imminently dangerous, expand notice requirements, allow certain information-sharing for assisted community treatment petitions, and add liability protections for emergency responders and providers. The Department of the Attorney General supported the bill as a collaborative update to the law, while the Department of Health asked for a copy of provider-generated emergency transport documentation within five days for data and planning purposes. Testimony was sharply divided. Queen’s Health System, Hawaiʻi Pacific Health, HHSC, and the Institute for Human Services supported the measure or parts of it but requested amendments, including clarifying whether a second psychiatric exam is required, restoring a 72-hour rather than 48-hour stabilization window, and adjusting where patients are taken when an MEO cannot be reached. The ACLU of Hawaiʻi strongly opposed the bill, arguing it weakens due process and civil liberties, especially around involuntary commitment, assisted community treatment, emergency transport by police, and reduced procedural safeguards; it urged the committee to hold the bill and consider an interim working group. Louie E.K. of the Hawaiʻi Disability Rights Center also opposed the bill, focusing on immunity from negligence, the use of police for transport, and the reduction of a three-provider review to one in state-hospital treatment orders. Other testimony included support from an individual who said the bill could improve mental health care delivery amid provider shortages, and a comment from Hawaiʻi Health and Harm Reduction Center warning that the substance use portion of the bill lacks evidence of effectiveness and could be misused. In response to committee questions, the Attorney General’s office said the measure was developed with input from multiple stakeholders, including state agencies, hospitals, the ACLU, HHSC, and IHS, and that it aims to make assisted community treatment more accessible and effective by streamlining the legal process and improving consequences for noncompliance. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Secretary, by a vote of 21-6, with three not voting, you've passed Senate Bill 1153.
• Secretary, by a vote of 21 ayes, 6 nays, and 3 not voting, you've passed Senate Bill 1242.
• Title 20, Chapter 7, Article 12, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section 20-28-20-70.40, amending
• ; Chapter 21, Section 13, amending Section 48-2161, Arizona Revised Statutes, amended by the laws of
• 2017; Chapter 46, Section 1, repealing Section 48-2161, Chapter 261, relating to the multiple conflicting

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the prior journal. The President introduced guests from California, then announced committee substitutions and a referral change for Senate Bill 1267, which was withdrawn from Judiciary and Elections and sent to Appropriations, Transportation, and Technology. The chamber then moved through third-reading consent-calendar bills, with several measures on mental health services, special license plates, optometrists, claims relief, Department of Revenue matters, and Attorney General-related provisions. Senate Bill 1112 failed, while Senate Bills 1153, 1242, 1023, 1097, 1210, 1401, 1430, 1452, and 1613 all passed and were transmitted to the House. The Senate also adopted SCM 1003, urging Congress to amend the Constitution to allow states to regulate and limit campaign finance, after debate about money in politics and Citizens United. The chamber then received House Concurrent Resolution 2060, a death resolution honoring former legislator and University of Arizona administrator George Cunningham. The resolution was read in full, adopted unanimously, and signed in open session. The Senate recessed to allow Cunningham’s family onto the floor, where several senators offered personal tributes describing his public service, budget expertise, mentorship, and work with the Grand Canyon Institute and the University of Arizona. After the memorial observance, the Senate resumed briefly for announcements. Committee notices were given for Judiciary and Elections, Rules, and caucuses on the following Monday, while Federalism, Finance, and Military Affairs and Border Security were announced as not meeting. Senator Sears read a legislative proclamation honoring Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. for his civil rights and economic justice legacy. The Senate then adjourned until Monday, February 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• is an act relating to special proceedings, amending Title 7, Idaho Code, by the addition of a new Chapter
• 21, Title 48, Idaho Code, to establish provisions regarding the capture or use of biometric identifiers
• House Bill 746, by the Ways and Means Committee, is an act relating to fire, amending Chapter 1, Title
• Act relating to biometric identifiers, amending Title 48, Idaho Code by the addition of a new Chapter
• In times like this, if you read there on line 21, I love to read this part.

Transcript Highlights:

• privilege but the difference<00:21:01.120><c> is</c><00:21:01.360><c> that</c><00:21:01.679><c> with
• Um, Um, Um, &gt;&gt; so<00:21:38.640><c> if</c><00:21:38.880><c> you</c><00:21:39.280><c> if</c><00:21
• :41.520><c> wanted</c><00:21:41.679><c> to</c><00:21:41.840><c> pro</c><00:21:42.159><c> to</c><00:21
• ><c> some</c><00:21:44.640><c> other</c><00:21:44.880><c> way</c><00:21:45.360><c> that</c><00:21:45.679
• ><c> had</c><00:21:47.760><c> been</c><00:21:48.000><c> bribed</c><00:21:48.799><c> and</c><00:21:49.520

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills related to bribery and public corruption. On SB 2249, which would increase penalties for bribery under certain circumstances, the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the measure, arguing that Hawaii’s current class B felony penalty is probationable and too weak to secure cooperation in corruption cases, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Snyder decision narrowed federal bribery prosecutions. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that elevating bribery to a class A felony and making it non-probationable was excessive, overbroad, and would remove judicial discretion. Multiple individuals also testified in support. Committee members questioned the prosecutor about removing deferred acceptance of plea provisions and asked HPD about the $20,000 threshold; the prosecutor said alternative charges could still be used in plea bargaining, and HPD said the threshold aligns with first-degree theft. The committee also discussed how current law tolls the bribery statute of limitations while an official remains in office, with the prosecutor explaining it can extend up to six years total. The committee then heard SB 2494, which would set a nine-year statute of limitations for bribery offenses. The Public Defender opposed the extension, saying the justification based on the length of federal investigations was too broad and that bribery already has a longer limitations period than most felonies. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill, saying bribery cases often involve coordination with federal investigators, that federal and state evidence-gathering methods may differ, and that a longer period would help ensure admissible evidence and allow state prosecution when federal law no longer applies. Members asked whether there were public examples of cases lost to the current limitations period; the prosecutor said he was not aware of any publicly available examples, but maintained nine years was a reasonable period. The committee also considered SB 2737, which would create a misdemeanor for failure by a state or county elected official to report bribery. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments and suggested changing the term to “public servant” for consistency with existing law. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the intent but warned the reporting requirement could create Fifth Amendment issues for witnesses who might otherwise be useful in grand jury proceedings. The bill drew broad public support, with 33 supporters and no opposition noted. Finally, the committee took up SB 3071, which revises sex trafficking and promoting prostitution statutes by redefining “profits from prostitution” and adding an affirmative defense for certain lawful transactions. The Public Defender opposed the measure, saying it still could reach people without the required criminal intent and that the affirmative defense language could be applied unevenly. The Attorney General and Honolulu Prosecutor supported the bill, saying it better addresses concerns raised by the State v. Ibarra decision while closing loopholes that allow traffickers to disguise profits as loans or gifts. The prosecutor emphasized that traffickers are sophisticated and can structure transactions to evade current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:18.920><c> Law</c><00:21:19.080><c> Center</c><00:21:19.480><c> via</c><00:21:19.760><c> Zoom
• Seeing<00:21:31.160><c> no</c><00:21:31.320><c> one</c><00:21:31.440><c> here,</c><00:21:31.600><c> so
• Aloha<00:21:38.800><c> Chair</c><00:21:38.960><c> Belatti,</c><00:21:39.360><c> Vice</c><00:21:39.560
• </c><00:21:51.120><c> agencies</c><00:21:51.680><c> given</c><00:21:51.920><c> that</c><00:21:52.040>
• </c><00:21:55.000><c> the</c><00:21:55.120><c> last</c><00:21:55.400><c> week</c><00:21:55.600><c> and

Bills: SB2109 , SB2151

Committee: House Public Safety

Summary: The committee on Public Safety met on March 20, 2026, and the chair opened by noting severe rain and flooding conditions in Hawaii and said the committee would proceed with the hearing but defer decision-making until the next meeting on March 25. The first measure discussed was SB 2109, an omnibus bill on emergency preparedness communications. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, including from state agencies and advocacy groups such as the Disability and Communications Access Board, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Legal Clinic, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, and others. Supporters emphasized the need for funding and planning for multilingual emergency materials and language access, citing current evacuation notices that were not available in languages such as Ilokano or Tongan. The chair stated that action on SB 2109 would be deferred until March 25. The committee then heard SB 2151, relating to emergency management and changes to the governor’s emergency authority. Testimony was mixed but heavily focused on concerns about executive power. Earthjustice supported the bill with amendments, saying it should narrow extraordinary emergency powers, add definitions for emergency and disaster, preserve transparency under the Uniform Information Practices Act, and lower the legislative threshold to terminate an emergency proclamation from two-thirds to a simple majority. Other supporters, including the League of Women Voters of Hawaii and some individuals, also backed reform. Opponents, including Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and numerous individuals, argued the bill still gave the governor too much power, used overly broad disaster definitions, and did not sufficiently protect constitutional rights; several urged major amendments or repeal of portions of Chapter 127A. Some opponents specifically objected to the two-thirds termination standard and to provisions they said could enable compulsory immunizations or other mandates. Members questioned Earthjustice about whether the bill would suspend constitutional rights. Earthjustice responded that the bill would not authorize constitutional violations, but would allow suspension of laws enacted by the legislature, and pointed to existing statutory procedures for individuals to challenge emergency proclamations. The witness described a Mauna Kea case in which a three-judge panel granted relief to an individual under the current statute, and explained that the process could potentially affect a broader proclamation if allowed to run to completion. The hearing continued with additional testimony and questions, but no final vote or committee action on SB 2151 was taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• onlines</c><00:21:06.760><c> 14</c><00:21:07.159><c> and</c><00:21:07.400><c> 15</c><00:21:08.240><c>
• <00:21:11.400><c> days</c><00:21:11.640><c> to</c><00:21:12.000><c> still</c><00:21:12.200><c> be</c>
• 21:15.520><c> days</c><00:21:16.159><c> we</c><00:21:16.320><c> want</c><00:21:16.440><c> to</c><00:21
• ><00:21:23.279><c> to</c><00:21:23.640><c> on</c><00:21:23.840><c> page</c><00:21:24.080><c> two</c><
• ><c> page</c><00:21:34.240><c> 2</c><00:21:34.520><c> line</c><00:21:34.760><c> 10</c><00:21:35.039><

Committee: Senate Government Operations

Summary: The committee met for joint decision-making on several measures related to elections, telework, procurement, hiring, public records, and public meetings. On Senate Bill 444, testimony was largely opposed or in comment, and the chairs said the bill raised real issues that needed more time; they deferred it for the year. Senate Bill 1091 on telework and space allocation drew support and discussion about DAGS’ role versus the Department of Human Resources; the committee agreed to amend it in a Senate Draft 1 to remove reference to OE, add a DAGS management analyst position, change “positions” to “allocations,” limit the assessment to executive branch departments in DAGS-managed or DAGS-leased facilities, and add a defective date, then passed it with amendments. Senate Bill 1057 on apprenticeship-related bid incentives received mixed testimony, including support from labor and opposition from some contractor groups, and was passed as a Senate Draft 1 with technical amendments and a defective date. Senate Bill 1065 on skills-based hiring, which would bar bachelor’s degree requirements for most state jobs with exemptions, had support from the Comptroller and outside groups and was passed with technical amendments and a defective date. The committee also took up several procurement and accountability measures. Senate Bill 92 on emergency medical response/defibrillators was deferred indefinitely because a pilot project is already underway in the Capitol building and the committee wants to use that information before expanding. Senate Bill 1175 on a past-performance procurement database was amended to add general fund appropriations and committee-report language about funding needs, then passed. Senate Bill 1587 on retainage was heavily amended to define total project budget, revise retainage language, leave key percentage and day limits blank for further review, limit application to contracts executed after January 1, 2026, and add a defective date; it passed as amended. Senate Bill 1543 on government accountability was amended to incorporate procurement officer changes and add language ensuring inherent government functions are not delegated to contractors, then passed. Senate Bill 1255 on government records was amended to clarify that records used in performing a government function are public records subject to UIPA, add contractor recordkeeping/access requirements, protect certain confidential contract information, and add a defective date; it passed. Additional measures were either deferred or advanced with amendments. Senate Bill 1513 on appropriations was deferred to a time certain on February 11. Senate Bill 1616 on care centers was converted into a feasibility study and passed with a defective date. Senate Bill 74 on state construction projects was deferred indefinitely due to concerns it could slow projects and duplicate another measure. Senate Bill 125 on state organizations and administrations was amended to codify Administrative Directive 19-02, with a note about a possible title issue, and passed. Senate Bill 786 on government records was deferred to February 11 for further amendment work. Senate Bill 1611 on government positions was amended by removing section two and passed. Senate Bill 1637 was deferred for the year after testimony indicated the action could already be done. Senate Bill 1651 on public meetings was amended to require board packets by the third business day before a meeting, remove the word “full,” and adjust notice language, then passed. Senate Bill 1617 on public meetings was deferred because the Office of Information Practices reported no complaints. Senate Bill 1253 on boards and commissions was deferred indefinitely due to no testimony. Senate Bill 1031 on advisory referendums was deferred to February 11 for possible amendments. Senate Bill 1306 on a procurement automation special fund was amended to align procurement statutes and add the School Facilities Authority executive director as a chief procurement officer, then passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02.559><c> as</c><00:21:02.679><c> you</c><00:21:02.840><c> may</c><00:21:03.039><c> know</c><00:21:
• 21.200><c> so</c><00:21:21.400><c> the</c><00:21:21.559><c> plant</c><00:21:21.799><c> was</c><00:21:
• ><00:21:29.400><c> tribal</c><00:21:29.760><c> members</c><00:21:30.200><c> worked</c><00:21:30.520><
• national<00:21:44.799><c> repository</c><00:21:45.400><c> for</c><00:21:45.600><c> nuclear</c><00:21:
• ><00:21:48.600><c> was</c><00:21:48.799><c> a</c><00:21:49.039><c> a</c><00:21:49.240><c> site</c><00

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• special fund<00:21:09.240><c> there's</c><00:21:09.480><c> no</c><00:21:09.679><c> special</c><00:21
• fund yeah yeah<00:21:13.279><c> okay</c><00:21:13.559><c> any</c><00:21:13.720><c> further</c><00:21
• ><00:21:27.440><c> everyone</c><00:21:27.880><c> know</c><00:21:28.080><c> that</c><00:21:28.200><c>
• ><c> there's</c><00:21:37.080><c> no</c><00:21:37.240><c> special</c><00:21:37.520><c> fund</c><00:21
• the</c><00:21:47.960><c> um</c><00:21:48.880><c> industry</c><00:21:49.880><c> the</c><00:21:50.039><

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Summary: The joint Ways and Means and Judiciary committee met in decision-making mode and took up a long list of measures, mostly recommending passage with or without amendments. Early actions included S.B. 414, which was amended to blank the appropriation, draw funds from the major disaster fund, and change the effective date to 2050, and S.B. 223, which would require fire breaks in hazardous fire areas and create or expand wildland fire prevention and protection programs with blank appropriations for FY 2026 and 2027. The committee also advanced S.B. 1009 on state reserve parking space enforcement, S.B. 1149 on reported hate crime definitions and reporting, S.B. 402 on mooring-line requirements for certain vessels, S.B. 1441 on the Oahu regional health care system transfer, S.B. 1442 on child and adolescent mental health responsibilities, S.B. 1478 on harbor evacuation orders, and S.B. 493 on written notice for emotional support animal sales or verifications. Members generally raised little opposition, and most measures were adopted without reservations. Some bills drew brief discussion or committee-report notes, including S.B. 1149, which referenced a Hawaii Civil Rights Commission report encouraging policy-level hate crime data reporting, and S.B. 1442, which was amended with a far-future effective date and a committee-report note about whether mental health services should be expressly subject to funding. S.B. 1441 was substantially revised to require a memorandum of agreement between the Oahu Regional Health Care System and the Department of Health by November 30, 2025, with patient care to begin by December 31, 2025, and a report to the legislature before the 2026 session. The committee also considered several finance and energy-related measures. S.B. 897 on the wildfire liability trust fund prompted questions about whether costs would be passed to consumers; the response was that the proposal contemplated cost sharing and that some amounts were still blank. S.B. 1395 and S.B. 1396 were amended to remove special-fund structures, direct revenues into the general fund, and require the governor to include equivalent amounts in the executive budget for climate-related projects. S.B. 501 was amended to expand step-in agreement provisions for future PPAs and establish a fund outside the State Treasury, and S.B. 1589 was amended so private donations to the stadium authority would go into the NID special fund for stadium infrastructure and sod, with members discussing accountability and the source of stadium-related consultant spending. The committee adopted the recommendations on all measures considered, with some members noting reservations on a few bills, and one item, S.B. 1418, was deferred.

Transcript Highlights:

• chapter<00:21:03.840><c> law</c><00:21:04.400><c> I</c><00:21:04.559><c> cited</c> chapter law I cited
• chapter law I cited earlier<00:21:08.159><c> is</c><00:21:08.480><c> also</c><00:21:08.799><c> sorry
• 23.960><c> 342</c><00:21:24.720><c> chapter</c> in a different part of that 342 chapter in a different
• part of that 342 chapter we<00:21:25.120><c> can</c><00:21:25.279><c> give</c><00:21:25.400><c> you<
• :21:05.000><c> to</c><04:21:05.199><c> give</c><04:21:05.359><c> you</c><04:21:05.760><c> an</c><04:21

Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session continued its review of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Medicaid budget and related policy issues, with CFO Nathan White and Medicaid Director Henry Litman presenting updated materials. The discussion focused on a crosswalk between the adjusted FY 2025 Medicaid budget and the governor’s FY 2026 recommendation, plus handouts showing service additions, eligibility changes, dental rates, and other Medicaid changes since 2019. The department also said it would provide a clearer breakdown of the pharmacy cost-sharing item by general, federal, and other funds. Members asked detailed questions about the Medicaid enhancement tax, the 80% plan, and how funds are allocated between hospital payments, directed payments, and DSH uncompensated care. The department explained that the MET is being used more toward rates and directed payments to better align with federal matching rules, while DSH remains important for uncompensated care. They also noted that a pending Senate Bill 249 would keep the 80% structure and move to Senate Finance. On the trigger law, the department identified the governing provision as Chapter 342:12, Laws of 2018, and explained that if the federal match for Medicaid expansion falls below 90%, the state must notify legislative leaders and participants and the program would sunset after 180 days unless the legislature acts. The committee also reviewed current Medicaid expansion enrollment and program trends. Officials said enrollment was just under 59,000 as of March 3, with about 87,000 people enrolled over the past year and more than a quarter-million residents having used the program over its lifetime. They said enrollment has fallen from a post-pandemic high of nearly 97,000 and may eventually settle in the low 50,000s. Finally, the department discussed federal DSH funding risk, saying New Hampshire could face a significant reduction if Congress does not extend current protections, which is part of why the state has shifted more funding toward payment rates and directed payments.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:51.039><c> of</c><00:21:51.240><c> Hosting</c><00:21:51.880><c> 60%</c><00:21:52.679><c> of
• ><c> their</c><00:21:58.320><c> V</c><00:21:58.840><c> to</c><00:21:59.000><c> increase</c><00:21:59.360
• 01:21:03.159><c> none</c><01:21:03.600><c> Vice</c><01:21:03.840><c> chair</c><01:21:04.080><c> for</
• to</c><01:21:06.840><c> pass</c><01:21:07.040><c> SB</c><01:21:07.400><c> 1331</c><01:21:08.239><c>
• :21:28.000><c> on</c><01:21:28.880><c> uh</c><01:21:29.120><c> as</c><01:21:29.320><c> well</c><01:21

Summary: The Water and Land Committee heard several measures related to DLNR, coastal management, and public lands. SB 561, which appropriates funds for conservation enforcement equipment for the Oʻahu branch of DOCARE, drew broad support from DLNR and multiple organizations, with the chair noting 18 supporters and no opposition. SB 465 would require DLNR to study the carrying capacity of Kīkiʻola Small Boat Harbor on Kauaʻi and report to the Legislature; DLNR supported the intent but suggested the study be timed with an ongoing $41 million capital improvement project. Senator Kouchi explained the bill was meant to close a permit loophole that has allowed operators to increase passenger capacity without additional approval, while one testifier opposed the measure as unnecessary and late. Supporters included county and community representatives, while some written testimony opposed it. The committee also heard SB 1456, which broadens the definition of beach restoration to include work on eroded beaches and degraded dune systems, including sand management, native vegetation, and removal of abandoned materials. DLNR, the University of Hawaiʻi, and other testifiers supported the measure as an administrative update. SB 1460 would require BLNR lease extensions to use updated forms reflecting current leasing practices; DLNR supported it as an administrative bill. SB 1517 would authorize public land leases for recreational residential use by public lottery limited to county residents. DLNR supported the bill, and Chipper Wiman and others testified that it would help preserve Kauaʻi’s historic recreational cabins and create fairness for local families; the committee also heard concerns about older cabins, market-based auction prices, and the need to keep these leases affordable for residents. The committee then heard SB 1511, which would prohibit vessels longer than 75 feet from entering Honoliʻi Bay, with an exemption for government vessels; DLNR and at least one additional testifier supported it. SB 1019 would allow the Ocean Stewardship Special Fund to be used for beach restoration planning and grants to nonprofits for cleanup, but DLNR said that purpose fit better under the separate Beach Restoration Special Fund, and the Ocean Tourism Coalition opposed the bill on that basis. Finally, SB 1457 would authorize DLNR to issue interim rules on commercial and recreational water sports equipment use for up to two years; DLNR described it as an adaptive-management tool for changing conditions, while multiple water-sports operators and residents opposed it, arguing it would reduce public participation, expand agency power, and target the foiling community. The hearing closed with the chair noting heavy opposition to SB 1457, including 88 written testimonies against it and only a few in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• The subcommittee that is creating the new chapter 16.
• The next section of this new chapter is 16.108.204, line 15, starting on line 15.
• Chapter-wide, received or receipt changed to deposit or deposited.
• Moving on to 08.208, line 16, page 21.
• provision of this chapter is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

Bills: SB2156

Committee: House Government and Veterans Affairs

Summary: The subcommittee met to review HB 2156, which reorganizes North Dakota campaign finance disclosure law by repealing Chapter 16.1 and moving the provisions into a new Chapter 16.2 with mostly technical cross-reference updates. Legislative Council and the Secretary of State’s office walked through the bill section by section, explaining that most language is carried over from current law, with some cleanup to definitions, reporting requirements, public access rules, and filing procedures. The committee discussed how the new chapter would apply to candidates, candidate committees, political committees, political parties, ballot measure groups, and conduits. Several substantive issues were raised and adjusted during the discussion. Members questioned the open-records language for expenditures and contributions over $250, the use of “deposit” versus “receipt” as the reporting trigger, and whether the 48-hour supplemental reporting deadline should be changed to three calendar days; the group ultimately favored keeping 48 hours and using “deposit” consistently. They also clarified reporting dates, including changing one special-election deadline from 40 days to 39 days, and confirmed that balances of campaign funds would be reported but not made publicly available. The Secretary of State’s office also explained that the bill would make late fees public and that the chapter-wide penalty for willful violations remains a Class A misdemeanor. The main policy change debated at length was the late-filing fee schedule. Members expressed concern that the existing penalties were too low to deter intentional non-filers, and after discussion the committee agreed to increase the final late fee from $100 to $500 while keeping the new public posting of delinquent filers. The committee also reviewed an inflation-adjustment provision for reporting thresholds and the “ultimate true source of funds” language, which was described as existing law being carried into the new chapter. The meeting ended with the understanding that additional drafting changes would be made and that the bill would be ready for further committee action later in the week.

Transcript Highlights:

• Calendar Number 21, Senate Print 8778, by Senator Brisport.
• In relation to Calendar 21, voting in the negative: Senator Borrello. Ayes 58, nays 1.
• An act to amend Chapter 1 of the law to turn 25. Read the last section. Section 2.
• An act to amend the chapter 1625. Read the last section. Section 2.
• An Act to amend the to amend the chapter 1625. Read the last section. Section two.

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, adopted the resolution calendar, and heard an introduction welcoming the parents of Detective Wenjun Lu, with remarks honoring their family’s sacrifice and service. The chamber then proceeded through a lengthy reading of the calendar and passed a series of bills, most by wide margins, covering topics including social services, labor, insurance, mental hygiene, county law, education, financial services, criminal procedure, executive law, general business law, tax law, and powers and trusts law. Several measures were passed unanimously or with only one or a few dissenting votes, while others drew larger partisan splits. The main floor debate centered on Calendar 44, Assembly Bill 9516, a Correction Law bill expanding the membership of the State Commission of Correction from three to five and adding qualifications for certain appointees, including a former inmate and a health care, legal, or policy professional. Senator Murray argued the bill should require victims’ rights experience and said the criminal justice system should not ignore crime victims; Senator Salazar responded that the commission’s oversight role is focused on correctional facilities and that the bill does not exclude anyone with victims’ experience. Senators Rivera and Martins also explained their votes, with Rivera supporting the bill as part of a more rehabilitative approach and Martins opposing it, citing high recidivism and public safety concerns. After debate, the bill was restored to the non-controversial calendar and passed. The Senate then completed the remaining calendar items and adjourned until Thursday, January 29 at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.880><c> Yeah,</c><00:21:01.200><c> but</c><00:21:01.440><c> it</c><00:21:01.600><c> it</c><00:21:
• c><00:21:14.799><c> go</c><00:21:15.039><c> back</c><00:21:15.200><c> at</c><00:21:15.360><c> it</c><
• Yeah.<00:21:18.080><c> And</c><00:21:18.159><c> J,</c><00:21:18.720><c> you</c><00:21:18.960><c> had<
• </c><00:21:46.960><c> You</c><00:21:47.200><c> try</c><00:21:47.520><c> looking</c><00:21:47.760><c>
• the federal level<00:21:50.320><c> or</c><00:21:50.640><c> the</c><00:21:50.799><c> state</c><00:21:

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Summary: The committee heard multiple gubernatorial confirmation nominations, beginning with GM509 for Jay Stone to the Environmental Advisory Council. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and other supporters praised Stone’s more than 30 years of engineering experience and said he would help balance environmental protection with economic development. Stone said he wanted to contribute to environmental health and sustainability, and identified sea level rise and PFAS in drinking water as key concerns. The committee then moved to GM531 and GM532, nominations of Judson Leair and Nicholas Ta to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. The Department of Agriculture and Hawaii Farm Bureau supported both nominees. Leair emphasized his farming background and said pesticide policy should be more comprehensive, selective, and threshold-based rather than relying on broad-spectrum use; Ta said he would focus on integrated pest management, label compliance, education, and using the least amount of pesticide necessary, including non-chemical alternatives such as exclusion and behavior changes. The committee next considered GM533, Janet Ashman’s nomination to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. The Department of Agriculture, the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau all supported her, citing her experience, responsiveness, and prior service. Ashman said she wanted to help make pesticide regulations more understandable and stressed targeted pest control, scouting, and more precise products. Members asked about the complexity of pesticide regulations and the shift away from broad-based pesticide use; Ashman explained that regulations are complicated for both farmers and homeowners and that newer, more targeted products are needed as pests develop resistance. The committee then heard GM57 for Don Hegger Nordl to the Environmental Advisory Council. Supporters said she has environmental planning experience and knowledge of Chapter 343 and related rules. Nordl said she could bring state, county, and federal experience to the council and identified the need for more volunteers and broader professional representation as the council’s biggest challenge. Finally, the committee took up GM697, Dean Matsukawa’s nomination as deputy director of the Department of Agriculture. The Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and several other testifiers strongly supported him, highlighting his 30 years with the department, his family farming background, and his understanding of farmers’ needs, especially access to capital and biosecurity challenges. Testifiers said he is calm, logical, experienced, and already familiar with the department’s work. Matsukawa was described as a reluctant nominee who was sought out for the role. The transcript does not show any final votes or committee action on the nominations during the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• 21:12.919><c> change</c><00:21:13.360><c> it</c> to<00:21:18.440><c> as</c><00:21:18.600><c> much</c>
• <00:21:18.880><c> as</c><00:21:19.279><c> practic</c><00:21:20.400><c> practicable</c><00:21:21.400><
• sorry</c><01:21:22.560><c> sorry</c><01:21:23.199><c> going</c><01:21:23.280><c> to</c><01:21:23.440>
• </c><01:21:26.600><c> is</c><01:21:26.760><c> to</c><01:21:27.040><c> defer</c><01:21:27.719><c> that
• <c> there's</c><01:21:29.520><c> no</c><01:21:30.120><c> support</c><01:21:31.120><c> sorry</c><01:21

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to cesspools, Red Hill cleanup, water testing, environmental governance, and beverage container recycling. For SB 472, SB 501, SB 675, and SB 958 on cesspools, most testimony supported accelerating cesspool conversion and expanding Department of Health capacity, though the Attorney General flagged a single-subject issue on SB 472 and the Department of Health and others raised concerns about funding, program structure, and coordination. Supporters emphasized cesspools as a major water pollution source and urged earlier deadlines, while some testimony questioned the tax credit approach and asked for clearer grant and staffing language. For SB 639 on underground storage tanks and Red Hill cleanup, the Department of Health asked for clearer cleanup standards and noted limits on laboratory detection and sampling, while supporters argued the bill would create a binding legal standard for remediation and help prevent reopening of the facility. Testimony also stressed the need to remove all contamination to the extent practicable and protect aquifers and drinking water. SB 664 on water quality testing drew strong support from residents and water advocates, but the Department of Health warned the measure could duplicate existing authority and create significant cost; the Board of Water Supply supported the concept while noting it would expand responsibilities into private-property testing. SB 674 on environmental advisory council and waste reduction received mixed testimony: supporters said it would help address landfill siting and protect water resources, while industry groups requested changes to advisory council membership and exemptions for certain products, and one witness opposed the measure. For SB 1067 on deposit beverage container recycling, the Attorney General said the grant language may be constitutionally problematic because it lacks standards, while industry testimony both supported the recycling goals and asked for amendments, including broader representation on the advisory council and clearer treatment of compostable and packaging-related issues. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, one<00:21:02.000><c> in</c><00:21:02.120><c> three</c><00:21:02.440><c> Minnesotans</c><00:21:
• <00:21:04.240><c> car</c><00:21:04.760><c> due</c><00:21:04.920><c> to</c><00:21:05.120><c> age,</c><
• That<00:21:08.880><c> includes</c><00:21:09.360><c> one</c><00:21:09.520><c> in</c><00:21:09.600><c>
• </c><00:21:15.840><c> This</c><00:21:15.960><c> includes</c><00:21:16.320><c> my</c><00:21:16.440><c>
• </c><00:21:27.720><c> The</c><00:21:27.880><c> average</c><00:21:28.240><c> new</c><00:21:28.440><c>

Bills: HF3373 , HF4449 , HF3486 , HF4180 , HF4227 , HF2505

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: transportation, interchange, funding, bonds, St. Paul Park, transit, Metropolitan Council, Twin Cities, metro area, high-frequency transit, bus rapid transit, busway, guideway, transportation policy plan, transit performance measures, regional transit benchmarks, transit-oriented development, TOD, zoning, land use

Transcript Highlights:

• :43.760><c> all</c><02:21:43.920><c> the</c><02:21:44.080><c> best</c><02:21:44.240><c> as</c><02:21:
• all the best as they take on their them all the best as they take on their next<02:21:45.439><c> chapter
• </c><02:21:45.840><c> Madam</c><02:21:46.160><c> Speaker,</c><02:21:46.399><c> I</c><02:21:46.560><c>
• Columbus and sponsored by the Cleveland Columbus and Cincinnati<07:21:55.200><c> chapters</c><07:21:
• chapters of the Society of Cincinnati chapters of the Society of Professional<07:21:56.958><c> Journal

Bills: HB1522 , HB1917 , HB3937 , HR600

Keywords: Federal Retirement Fairness Act, FERS, federal retirement, creditable service, temporary employees, temporary federal service, Postal Service, USPS, Office of Personnel Management, OPM, retirement buyback, annuity, pension, civil service retirement, federal workforce, government employees, Members of Congress, retirement benefits, Great Lakes, fishery management