Transcript Highlights:

• Just I guess the classifications of waste water treatment plans.
• Just I guess the classifications<00:05:32.880> of<00:05:32.880> of<00:05:33.600> waste
• <00:05:33.919> water classifications of of waste water classifications of of waste water treatment

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:00:11.359> are let's make sure that these jobs are let's make sure that these jobs are
• Job classifications and they looked at Job classifications and they wanted<01:00:56.559> to<01
• those job classifications now, so that has been a change to those employees who are getting paid less
• Those working in the same job are paid the same rate and same ranges for those job classifications now
• accommodation for employers and job accommodation for employers and job applicants<01:12:45.040>

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Judiciary and Civil Law Committee met to hear an informational presentation from the Board of Judicial Standards. After brief member and staff introductions and a review of committee rules, the board’s executive secretary, Sarah Bas, and Mary Pat Maher explained the board’s history, mission, and operations. They described the board as an independent state agency that handles complaints about judicial misconduct and disability, issues advisory opinions, and educates judges on ethics. The presentation covered the board’s composition, complaint intake and screening process, and the levels of discipline available, ranging from summary dismissal and letters of caution to private admonitions, deferred disposition agreements, public reprimands, and formal complaints that can lead to Supreme Court review. Members asked about the board’s budget, public access to discipline records, confidentiality of complaints, and how the board balances accountability with protecting public confidence in the judiciary. The board said public discipline is posted on its website, while private admonitions, deferred dispositions, dismissals, and letters of caution remain confidential. It also said judges generally are told who complained so they can respond, though the board can withhold the source for good cause. Questions also focused on whether attorneys are underreporting misconduct, how many complaints are nuisance complaints, and whether the online complaint system changed the types of complaints received; the board said nuisance complaints make up more than half, the complaint types have not changed much, and it does not have data comparing complaint sources to outcomes. No votes or formal committee actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• that credit, um, and then there's nonconformity to the section 530 federal rules about employee classifications
• at the state level for businesses that have acted reasonably and in good faith regarding their classification
• 00:32:31.600> their and in good faith regarding their and in good faith regarding their classification
• of workers the Safe classification of workers the Safe Harbor<00:32:34.279> protects<00:32:34.600
• Development, Nobel Prize-winning economists, and even the authors of former President Trump's tax cuts and Jobs

Bills: HF2274, HF1932

Keywords: taxation, income tax, property tax, corporate tax, homestead credit, local government aid, tax credits, economic development, taxpayer assistance, tax credit outreach, tax preparation, free tax help, IRS, Department of Revenue, general fund appropriation, earned income tax credit, child tax credit, volunteer income tax assistance, VITA, low-income taxpayers

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:44:00.880> of<00:44:01.000> a created a separate classification of a created a
• separate classification of a class<00:44:01.559> F<00:44:01.800> felony<00:44:02.760>
• Great, thank you very much to the director, and thanks for taking the job. You're welcome.
• <01:15:56.040> for<01:15:56.239> taking<01:15:56.480> the<01:15:56.679> job
• director and thanks for taking the job director and thanks for taking the job you're<01:15:57.719

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a series of transportation and public safety bills, beginning with HB 706, which would require skateboard users under age 16 to wear helmets. The Department of Transportation supported the measure, and the chair noted written support from AAA Hawaii, Kulani Medical Center for Women and Children, and several individuals. No opposition was mentioned, and the bill appeared to draw no questions. Members then heard HB 860, which would grant immunity to the state or county that repairs or maintains a street when ownership or jurisdiction is disputed. DOT and DLNR supported the bill, with county support from Maui and a Hawaii Island county representative, while the Hawaii Association for Justice opposed it. The committee also heard HB 1162, requiring applicants for a motorcycle instruction permit to complete an approved basic rider course, with DOT support and a recommended amendment to exempt motorcycles used for training; the Public Defender asked about the current process, and DOT explained the bill was intended to improve safety given motorcycle fatalities. HB 1259, allowing speed-limit reductions within 10 mph of the current limit without an engineering study, also drew DOT support and support from the AAHU Metropolitan Planning Organization and individuals. The committee next considered HB 1158, a governor’s package bill limiting civil liability for people who provide firefighting services with vessels at commercial harbors or roadsteads to gross negligence or wanton conduct. DOT Harbors said the bill was prompted by lessons from the Lahaina fires and was intended to encourage privately owned firefighting-equipped vessels to assist without hesitation; the Hawaii Harbor Users Group and an individual supported it. HB 54, which would make a third or subsequent excessive speeding offense a Class C felony and allow vehicle forfeiture, drew DOT support but strong opposition from the Public Defender, who argued the bill was overly harsh, would force jury trials, and could create sentencing problems; the Public Defender also said existing penalties were already significant. The committee then heard HB 1334, which would exempt donations of wild game meat, including axis deer, to charitable and nonprofit organizations from certain meat inspection and transportation laws; DLNR and multiple community and food-related groups supported it, and no opposition was noted. Finally, the committee took up HB 698 on animal cruelty, which would increase criminal penalties for various offenses. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing the cases are rare, enforcement is limited, and the proposed penalties—up to Class A felony treatment in some cases—were too severe; animal welfare advocates strongly supported the measure, saying cruelty cases are widespread, underreported, and under-enforced, and that stronger penalties are needed as a deterrent. No votes or final actions were taken on any of the bills in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:19:55.480> of the challenging tax classification of the challenging tax classification
• <00:20:43.640> but<00:20:43.760> we'll away this tax classification but we'll away
• this tax classification but we'll just<00:20:44.200> call<00:20:44.400> it<00:20:45.240
• You got a job. All right, so the third was whether or not we separate ocean safety.
• Mike did an incredible job getting salaries up and so on and so forth.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <04:47:09.840> and<04:47:10.080> and different uh classifications and and different
• uh classifications and and components<04:47:11.040> and<04:47:11.360> operations<04:47
• We have effectively two classifications that matter here.
• <04:48:24.958> of regarding the classification of regarding the classification of customers
• that effectively two classifications that effectively two classifications that matter<04:48:31.680

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Good job. The chair now recognizes the gentleman from Greene County, the Majority Leader.
• you're ag or residential or all the others, commercial or personal property, the four different classifications
• we have, you're already paying a different rate because we apply... ...different classifications we
• And I do agree with that classification.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal for the prior day by a vote of 131-2, and the Speaker signed several enrolled measures, including HB 1768, HB 1866, HB 1870, HB 2180, and HJR 173 and 174. Members also made a series of guest introductions and personal announcements, including remarks recognizing National Infertility Awareness Week and HCR 28, as well as notices about upcoming themed dress days. The chamber then received Senate messages returning a number of budget bills and other measures with Senate amendments, and the House budget chair moved to refuse the Senate versions and send HB 2002 through HB 2013 to conference. Members discussed major budget differences, including child care subsidies, transportation funding, higher education funding, and the shifting of broadband grant dollars, but all of the motions to go to conference were approved. The House also took up Senate Bill 975, relating to ambulance districts and emergency medical services. An amendment was adopted to restore compromise language on community paramedics and make a minor change to first responder mental health provisions. The bill passed 136-7. Later, the House considered a property tax reform package on Senate Bills 1066 and 1088. Amendments were adopted to correct technical drafting issues, require uniform levy increases across property classes and timely use of voter-approved tax increases, and add assessor training, electronic taxpayer notification, and changes to how disputed assessments are paid. Debate centered on local control, transparency, and the impact on schools and other local taxing districts. The combined bill passed 83-61. The House then adjourned until 4 p.m. Monday, April 27, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good job. The chair now recognizes the gentleman from Green County, the majority leader.
• you're ag or residential or all the others, commercial or personal property, the four different classifications
• we have, you're already paying a different rate because we apply... ...different classifications we
• But I do agree with that classification.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the 56th day by a roll call vote of 131-2. The Speaker also signed several measures, including House Bill 1768, House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1866, Senate Substitute for House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1870, Senate Committee Substitute for House Bill 2180, and Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for House Committee Substitute for House Joint Resolutions 173 and 174. Members then offered a point of personal privilege recognizing National Infertility Awareness Week and shared a constituent’s testimony in support of HCR 28, followed by numerous introductions of student groups, guests, and legislative announcements such as Hat Day and Ken Waller Day. The House received Senate messages on a series of budget bills and other measures, including House Bills 2002 through 2013, and then adopted motions on each of the budget bills to refuse the Senate substitutes and send the bills to conference committees. During discussion, members highlighted major budget differences, including child care subsidies, transportation funding, higher education funding, and a large broadband-related funding shift that would affect the apparent size of the operating budget. The budget chair said he had not yet seen all of the Senate’s printed changes but supported going to conference and expressed hope for compromise on disputed items. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 975, relating to ambulance districts and emergency medical services. After adopting a House committee substitute and a House amendment that restored compromise language on community paramedics and made a minor change to first responder mental health services, the bill passed 136-7. Supporters said it would help struggling ambulance districts, improve emergency response, and keep patients out of emergency rooms when appropriate; one member noted the bill was the same language as a previously passed House bill. The House also considered a property tax reform package in Senate Bills 1066 and 1088, adopting two technical and policy amendments on assessor training, electronic notices, protest payments, levy uniformity, and timing of voter-approved tax increases. Despite support from several members, concerns were raised that the bill could limit local control and create legal or fiscal issues for counties and taxing districts. The combined bill ultimately passed 83-61, and the House adjourned until April 27, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:40:46.079> of insurers about the classification of insurers about the classification of
• Section two outlines the classification Section two outlines the classification of<00:41:07.920>
• The data classification provisions are consistent with existing data classification for similar data
• classification provisions are consistent classification provisions are consistent with<00:43:52.880
• with existing data data classification with existing data data classification for<00:43:54.960><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is an Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act appropriation request. There's only one.
• This is a budget classification transfer request. Thank you, Mr. Chair. We're in Section H.
• This is a budget classification transfer request. It's from the Commissioner of State Lands.
• At all the centers, because it's a hard job. But right now, yes.
• K-7 is the Infrastructure Investment in Jobs Act report.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We could follow up to get the exact job classifications if you are interested.
• You talk about there's people floating out there that could be going from job to job.
• So these investigators you have are investigators along the line, the classification, state classification
• of. job during COVID.
• As you can imagine, that is a stressful job.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the sponsor of this bill, who opened up her testimony for 1217, permitting classification of
• Um, again, on this whole line of bills, the classification meets a state compelling interest.
• <00:27:01.560> of<00:27:01.679> individuals permitting classification of individuals
• permitting classification of individuals based<00:27:02.600> on<00:27:02.760> biological
• uh the classification uh the classification meets<00:27:42.760> a<00:27:42.840> state<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're able to provide jobs.
• It's 'State jobs are great jobs for New Mexicans.'
• State jobs are great jobs for attorneys. I see some of the other agencies here.
• State jobs are great jobs for plumbers. So we're really excited about it.
• Great job, Henry.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . ...and probably one of the absolute highlights of what I get to do in this job.
• I think we've done an amazing job. ...been signed into law. I think we've done an amazing job.
• And I flippantly said, do you need a job? And she's like, yeah, I do.
• And I flippantly said, do you need a job? And she's like, yeah, I do.
• And it's all, oh, it's on, you know, did the provider do a good job?

Keywords: Disability Commission, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Cops have a, it's an interesting job.
• an interesting job I mean you<00:27:12.799> go<00:27:13.080> from<00:27:13.880> um<
• officer's job to chief law enforcement officer's job to make<00:29:27.480> sure<00:29:27.720>
• <01:01:06.440> or Just changed in the classification or how it's broken up.
• He had 22 years on the job. It ended just like that, and he had no recourse.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, our tariffs also include language that, you know, defines how those rate classifications are
• You know, our tariffs also include language that, you know, defines how those rate classifications are
• You know, our tariffs also include language that, you know, defines how those rate classifications are
• It's our job here at the Science, Technology and Energy Committee to represent the people.
• So maybe if the bill allowed them to... our job here at the science technology our job here at the science

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for speakers of languages other than English to learn English and subsequently help fill in-demand jobs
• And as usual, my good friend did an outstanding job of presenting the basic architecture of this bill
• To learn English and subsequently help fill in-demand jobs.
• You're doing an outstanding job on the rostrum.
• Madam President, you're doing an outstanding job on the rostrum.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate took up Senate House No. 4010, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill funded largely by surplus Fair Share revenues. The Ways and Means chair described the bill as a $1.28 billion package, with major investments in education and transportation, including special education circuit breaker aid, higher education deferred maintenance, career technical education capital grants, school construction relief, high-dosage tutoring, English language learning grants, MBTA reserve replenishment and safety training, commuter rail maintenance, Chapter 90 local road aid, regional transit authority support, ferry and micro-transit funding, and a small World Cup transportation appropriation. Members from both parties generally praised the bill’s one-time, regionally balanced approach while emphasizing fiscal discipline and the limited, surplus-based funding source. The minority leader and others questioned the fund balances and the use of the education and transportation innovation and capital fund, the Student Opportunity Act trust fund, and the transitional escrow account; the chair said the bill would zero out the innovation and capital fund, leave about $430 million in the SOA trust, and about $200 million in the escrow account. Several members highlighted specific priorities. Senator Cronin and Senator Feeney strongly supported the $100 million career technical education investment, arguing it would expand vocational opportunities in comprehensive high schools and help meet workforce needs. Senator Feeney also emphasized MBTA funding, special education, local road repairs, English language learning tied to workforce needs, and World Cup preparations in Foxborough. Senator Comerford praised the bill’s regional equity, higher education maintenance funding, special education support, and transportation investments, while also noting the need for broader future work on Chapter 70 and school finance. Senator Tarr supported the bill but repeatedly stressed that the spending was a unique one-time opportunity and that the Commonwealth should preserve fiscal reserves and continue to address school funding inequities and MBTA finances more broadly. The chamber then considered numerous amendments. Amendment 1 on tariff pricing transparency was withdrawn after brief remarks, and Amendment 14, proposing a DESE study on educational outcomes for young men and boys, was rejected. Amendment 182, funding Worcester Regional Transit Authority capital expenses, was adopted. Amendment 228, adding $500,000 for Free Period to expand access to menstrual products in schools, was adopted. Amendment 257, funding Springfield Public Schools communication and safety systems, was also adopted. Other amendments, including Tarr amendments on supplemental district aid, MBTA reporting, and the Foundation Budget Review Commission, were rejected. Amendment 308 concerning MBTA Communities and Milton was withdrawn, after which Senator Driscoll began a presentation arguing Milton was being misclassified under the MBTA Communities Act and should be treated fairly under the law.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the second point is that it moves the classification to a classified felony if 50 gallons or more
• And they're not going to have a job in the first place if it wasn't for people like them.
• And they're not going to have a job in the first place if it wasn't for people like them.
• who might have been found to have a mental issue, but are certainly entitled to challenge that classification
• Issue, but are certainly entitled to challenge that classification and still entitled to many of their

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, guest introductions, and routine communications from the governor and Senate. Members then moved into multiple Committee of the Whole sessions to consider a large number of Senate bills and later House bills on final reading. Several measures were retained on the calendar, while many others advanced with or without amendments. The House also adopted a group concurrence motion on numerous Senate amendments to House bills and later took up third-reading votes on a series of House bills. Among the main committee actions, SB 1049, SB 1315, SB 1401, SB 1418, and SB 1540 were amended and recommended do pass; SB 1332 and SB 1538 also advanced, while SB 1016, SB 1519, SB 1624, SB 1627, SB 1723, and SB 1725 were retained. Debate centered on school safety and interoperability equipment in SB 1315, housing and zoning issues in SB 1118, and school discipline/bullying transparency in SB 1684. Members also discussed SB 1074 on student discipline notifications, SB 1275 on diversion program wording, and SB 1684 on bullying reporting and school liability, with supporters emphasizing safety, accountability, and clarity and opponents warning about unfunded mandates, litigation, and impacts on public schools. On final reading, the House passed a long list of bills, including HB 2032, HB 2035, HB 2109, HB 2120, HB 2176, HB 2189, HB 2195, HB 2203, HB 2342, HB 2383, HB 2423, HB 2428, HB 2439, HB 2440, HB 2573, HB 2594, HB 2621, HB 2641, HB 2673, HB 2693, HB 2752, HB 2756, HB 2875, HB 2895, HB 2916, HB 2923, HB 2946, and HB 2999, with recorded votes ranging from narrow to unanimous. HB 1118, dealing with municipal zoning and historic properties, failed on the floor after debate over housing policy and charter/public school issues, though a motion to reconsider was later made. The session ended with personal announcements, including recognition of Child Help, a memorial reading for Major General W. Bill Van Dyke, caucus meeting notices, a retirement reception reminder, an anniversary acknowledgment, and a Pride Month statement.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:41:45.240> rate<00:41:45.480> on<00:41:45.680> that<00:41:46.520> I jobs
• what is your success rate on that I jobs what is your success rate on that I don't<00:41:46.920>
• Yes, essentially SP 417 from this past legislative session used the old classification language when
• it it should be a DI classifications it it should be a DI Minimus<01:12:42.440> impact<01:12:
• It's not an hourly position." there's kind of three major there's kind of three major classifications

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first recessed briefly, then took up HB 570, the prescription drug affordability board (PDAB). The chair and several members discussed the House amendment to repeal the board, which removed the fiscal note. The main concern raised was that the PDAB had not yet produced a clear business case showing value for the taxpayer investment, despite several years of work and four annual reports. Supporters of the repeal said the board’s recent report was largely redundant and that the board should either demonstrate a strong return on investment or be shut down; others cautioned against discarding the program too quickly and urged more time to refine the mission and legislative language. No vote was taken, and the committee appeared to agree to retain the bill for further work, with the possibility of revisiting it in a formal executive session on Tuesday. Members also shifted into discussion of HB 2, beginning with Section 85 on opioid abatement trust fund dollars for shelter programs. Department of Health and Human Services officials explained that the provision would provide $10 million from the opioid abatement trust fund, replacing general funds in the governor’s budget, while also noting an additional $2.5 million prioritized needs request for shelter care that was already fully funded. Committee members asked about shelter bed capacity, job placement efforts, and the remaining balance in the opioid fund; DHHS said there are 934 contracted beds and that case management includes help with housing and employment. Officials also said the current proposed budget includes another $1 million later in HB 2 from the opioid fund. The committee then began discussion of Sections 86 through 87, which would preserve the department’s ability to transfer funds between personnel lines. DHHS said the provision is operationally critical and that losing it would make it extremely difficult to manage the department, though it would not have a direct fiscal impact. The next item introduced was Section 88, extending a suspension related to eligibility for services until July 1, 2027; DHHS indicated that if the suspension were not continued, it would likely increase expenditures for Community Mental Health Centers and potentially others. No votes were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's quite frequent that these programs, when they are offered, apply to other groups, other classifications
• It's quite frequent that these programs, when they are offered, apply to other groups, other classifications
• Typically, through the workers' compensation process, we first want to return them to their regular job
• send an employee for this exam before it's determined whether they can or cannot return to their usual job
• So as long as it has been determined that they cannot return to their usual and customary job, then that

Keywords: 910, house, all