Transcript Highlights:

• It issued its draft earlier this year.
• It issued its draft earlier this year.
• We don't just believe in it. We live it and we work it.
• And it is joy. You can feel it, and it is joy.
• The hatchery will take in what it needs for its eggs to get its production.

Summary: The hearing opened with the Joint Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture’s annual Zeke Grader Fisheries Forum, where members and witnesses discussed the state of California’s commercial and recreational fisheries, the economic importance of the sector, and the pressures from drought, climate change, wildfire, warming oceans, and federal policy uncertainty. Secretary of Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot and CDFW Marine Region Manager Craig Schumann described the state’s salmon strategy, including barrier removal, habitat restoration, flow protection, hatchery modernization, and new technology. They highlighted progress such as the Klamath River dam removals, floodplain restoration projects, and the reopening of a limited commercial salmon season after several years of closures, while warning that Sacramento River conditions, federal endangered species policy, and delayed disaster funding remain major concerns. A major panel focused on the Klamath River restoration. CDFW’s Crystal Robinson reviewed the dam-removal timeline and post-removal restoration, noting that fish returned to historic habitat within days of barrier removal and that revegetation, habitat work, and monitoring are underway. Yurok Chairman Joseph James, Karuk Chairman Russell “Buster” Attebery, Dr. Craig Tucker, and Golden State Salmon Association’s John McManus emphasized the cultural, ecological, and economic significance of salmon recovery. They praised the dam removal as a historic achievement but said continued work is needed on cold-water tributaries, hatchery operations, minimum instream flows, tribal consultation, and defense against federal efforts to weaken ESA protections and rewrite the Klamath biological opinion. Committee members asked about spring-run salmon recovery, the role of Fall Creek Hatchery, and how the state can support tribal and legal efforts going forward. The final panel addressed the outlook for the 2026–27 Dungeness crab season. CDFW’s Joanna Grable explained that the season is managed under the RAMP program, which weighs whale entanglement risk, domoic acid, meat quality, and fleet dynamics. She said whale migration patterns and warm ocean conditions suggest a conservative opening, and that domoic acid is a major concern given forecasts of a strong El Niño and the possibility of a prolonged bloom similar to 2015–16. She also noted that evisceration rules can help if domoic acid is confined to crab viscera, and that meat-quality testing will depend on whether domoic acid levels allow the fishery to open. The hearing did not include formal votes or committee actions in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> bring it up to the modern bring it up to the modern standards<00:37:02.359><c> y</c><00:37:02.560
• </c><00:58:53.359><c> in</c> it in were you just trying to add it in it in were you just trying to add
• </c><01:00:34.280><c> may</c><01:00:34.520><c> it</c> get the person back to work it may it get the person
• </c><01:07:03.119><c> it</c><01:07:03.240><c> is</c> now that they can request and it it is now that
• ><01:20:43.920><c> to</c> it to make sure it does what it needs to it to make sure it does what it needs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 117 on condominiums. Testifiers were split: reserve-study professionals and the Community Associations Institute opposed tying reserve requirements to assessed value, arguing reserve studies should be based on actual components and costs and that the bill could lead to over- or under-collection. Condominium owners and advocates supported the bill, saying some associations are not completing reserve studies or are failing to provide audits and adequate funding, and urging stronger fiduciary accountability. A member later asked about compliance rates, and a witness said he was not aware of any association that had failed to do a reserve study, estimating compliance at well over 95 percent, likely close to 100 percent. The committee then took testimony on HB 544 on pet insurance, which drew support from the Attorney General’s office and the Insurance Division with comments about contract-impairment issues, as well as support from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association and the Hawaiian Humane Society. Testifiers said the bill would help consumers understand and use pet insurance as veterinary costs rise. HB 983 on certified public accountants also drew mostly support, with the Hawaii Society of CPAs and the Hawaii Association of Public Accountants offering conditional support and proposed amendments. Public accountants said the bill could help address a shortage of CPAs and expand pathways into the profession, while some speakers cautioned that the language needed clarification and that public accounting experience should be tied to CPA-firm work. An instructor from UH West Oahu said students cannot afford the extra credits currently required and would benefit from a more accessible pathway. The committee also heard HB 1050 on Title 24, with DCCA supporting the measure and no opposition or questions. The discussion then moved to HB 256 HD1 on environmental protection and incinerator emissions. The Department of Health offered comments, while Energy Justice Network and Climate Protectors Hawaii supported strengthening the bill, warning that it could weaken existing standards at H-Power unless amended to preserve stricter state rules and require modern pollution controls. A member questioned the Department of Health about H-Power’s permits and whether additional controls would be required if federal rules change; the department said permits are reviewed every five years and that the facility currently meets state and federal requirements, while EPA rules remain in a public comment process. Finally, the committee heard HB 1051 HD1 on energy efficiency portfolio standards, with support from the Consumer Advocate, State Energy Office, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaii Energy. The committee then heard HB 350 HD1 on energy, where the State Energy Office supported the bill, Solar Ray Corporation offered conditional comments urging any new mandated water-heating technology to meet the same efficiency level as existing solar thermal systems, and the Kauai Climate Action Coalition testified in support. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it seemed like a natural extension, and that there's precedent for it because they already do it with
• </c> it wouldn't be possible to do it it wouldn't be possible to do it comprehensively<00:57:20.079><
• it looked it looked workers I'm sorry it looked it looked like<01:37:12.119><c> you</c><01:37:12.239
• </c><01:38:19.080><c> from</c> because all it does is expand it from because all it does is expand it
• and I hope for your time in hearing it and I hope that<01:41:30.560><c> it</c> that it that it passes

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1233, relating to storm management systems, which would add safety and maintenance requirements for detention and retention ponds. Supporters, including Alison Schafers of the Ki Injury Prevention Coalition and Kristen Herstead of the Hawaii Lifeguard Association, said the measure is needed because poorly maintained ponds can become hidden drowning hazards, especially for children, and argued that fencing, signage, and life-saving equipment would have minimal cost. Schafers described the death of her daughter in a detention pond and said the bill reflects recommendations in the Hawaii Water Safety Plan. Members asked about whether the issue should be handled at the county level; testifiers responded that a statewide standard is needed, though counties would likely handle permitting. No vote was taken on the bill during the excerpted discussion. The committee then heard HB 867, relating to recreational facilities, which would require accessible playgrounds. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said it submitted comments and that state parks do not generally have recreational facilities affected by the bill, while most such facilities are under county jurisdiction. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability Communication Access Board, and the Disability Rights Center all supported the bill’s intent but recommended changes, including replacing the term “special needs” with “accessible,” focusing the requirement on new and renovated playgrounds, and specifying wheelchair-accessible swings. Testifiers emphasized that accessible play spaces promote inclusion for children with disabilities and benefit all children. No final action or vote was reported. The committee also took up HB 1358, relating to a public land trust working group. DLNR supported the measure and said it had provided written comments, while the Office of Hawaiian Affairs strongly supported the bill and described longstanding problems with incomplete land inventories, self-reported revenue data, and disputed public land trust payments. OHA said an audit it funded suggests the state owes more than current payments reflect, and other supporters said the bill is needed for transparency, accountability, and a complete inventory of public trust lands, including submerged lands. Committee questions focused on how the public land trust information system is maintained, who updates it, and how revenue reporting works; DLNR said the system is older, has limited dedicated IT staffing, and relies on agency self-reporting rather than independent verification. No vote or final committee action was announced in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also strengthens oversight.
• It also efficient for everyone involved. It also strengthens<00:02:36.400><c> oversight.
• If we put it out into the world, then anyone can use it, scrape it.
• If we put it out into the world, then anyone can use it, scrape it.
• ,</c> take that administrative burden off it, take that administrative burden off it, it<00:18:46.960

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• THIS BILL SEEKS TO MODERNIZE THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACCESS SYSTEM ACT OF 1991, ALSO KNOWN AS TSA BUT
• ENCOURAGE YOU TO BE IN FAVOR OF OUR REVISIONS BUT FIRST OF ALL THE TASA WAS SET UP IN 1991 AND NOW IT
• BUT WE DO NEED TO CONSIDER TO OFFER WIRELESS TO PEOPLE WHO NEED IT.
• THEY WANT IT FOR SAFETY REASONS. THAT IS A CONSIDERATION DEFINITELY.
• AS SENATOR RODRIGUEZ SAID, SHE MENTIONED IN THE ANNUAL REPORT FROM PSE IT DEFINITELY WAS RECOMMENDED

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm gonna call it the militia, but it's not a militia that you might think of in the modern sense, right
• It had a mess hall. It had a housing hotel.
• So, it makes more sense to bring it back.
• I met a lot of people Who hate the system as it is, but it definitely needs modernization.
• it.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But it needs to be modernized. The institution needs to be modernized.
• Got it, okay. Got it. Okay. Oh, there it is.
• Don't read it, please. It wasn't a hot mic. I knew it was on, and I still said it. So maybe this...
• A hot mic — it was. Uh, I knew it was on, and I still said it.
• And I'm aware of it; it makes me uncomfortable with the whole history of it. I'm aware of it.

Bills: HJR6, HJR7, HB120, HB60, HB151, HR1, HM13, SB40, SB104

Keywords: constitutional amendment, legislative sessions, veto override, New Mexico legislature, session length, legislative session, even-numbered years, New Mexico Constitution, student behavior, physical restraint, seclusion, public schools, training, de-escalation, student safety, behavior interventions, criminal offenses, peace officer, Victims of Crime Act, law enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• to do it.
• to do it.
• We've been through it. We should know how to handle it. We should know how to respond to it.
• We've been through it. We should know how to handle it. We should know how to respond to it.
• It is. Mr.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Part of it is having the records available, and so our modernization project really had helped with that
• This indicates where the request here is to be able to fund this IT modernization project for the branch
• This indicates where the request here is to be able to fund this IT modernization project for the branch
• This indicates where the request here is to be able to fund this IT modernization project for the branch
• This indicates where the request here is to be able to fund this IT modernization project for the branch

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Finance held an informational briefing with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations on its budget, staffing, and operations. The director reviewed department leadership and reported on recruitment and retention efforts, including a 14% vacancy rate, a 10.5% workforce increase from filling 189 positions, and the Hela Imua internship program, which has placed 516 interns since inception and led to 62 permanent hires. The department also described modernization efforts, including the UI Huakai project and the Disability Compensation Division’s electronic case management system, and said the unemployment compensation trust fund exceeded $71.5 million, triggering Schedule C for calendar year 2025. The department’s main budget requests included $2.9 million for fiscal year 2026 to support maintenance and operations of the electronic case management system, plus restoration of two enforcement specialist positions. Officials said those positions are needed to address a decline in investigators from 11 to six since 2009, improve compliance, and handle Hawaii Compliance Express certificate work. Additional requests included two human resources specialists to address recruitment backlogs, two labor enforcement specialists to reduce a backlog of Chapter 104 prevailing wage and wage cases, and two positions for the Office of Community Services to expand immigrant services and access centers. The department also discussed federal funding for unemployment insurance and workforce programs, including National Dislocated Worker Grants and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds, and said some funding is received in increments and may require extensions. Members asked about Kauai inspection coverage, federal funding uncertainty, the size of the special unemployment insurance fund, and whether the department could ramp up staffing during a future crisis. Officials said Kauai is currently served by inspectors from Honolulu and there are no plans to open a permanent island position because of staffing constraints. They said the department is meeting federal guidelines and is not in jeopardy, and that the special unemployment insurance fund has about $10 million, with current UI operations funded at a little over $15 million, meaning the fund may need to cover roughly $5 million if federal support declines. The director said the department would use the special fund to supplement shortfalls, but noted that federal funding cuts and the loss of ARPA support have already affected operations.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it couldn't be further from the truth.
• And it couldn't be further from the truth.
• Members, Senate Bill 1920 is a government modernization bill.
• It modernizes the Oklahoma Insurance Law on salvage title and allows the threshold for salvage titles
• And I turn it back over to Chairman Sneed. With that, we're adjourned.

Bills: SB1684, SB1443, SB1447, SB378, SB1920

Keywords: SB1684, Oklahoma Highway Remediation and Cleanup Services Act, highway cleanup, roadway remediation, tow truck, wrecker service, liability insurance, DEQ, Department of Environmental Quality, motor vehicles, licensing, public safety, cleanup operators, roadside services, commercial towing, insurance requirement, license fee, revocation, suspension, Turnpike Authority

Summary: The committee considered several bills and moved each one forward without opposition. Senate Bill 1684, presented by Representative Bayshore, would require highway remediation companies to carry at least $3 million in liability insurance before entering roadways to protect the public; it passed 6-0 and was recommended to the next committee. Senate Bill 378, also presented by Bayshore, would modernize the multi-county bail bonds statute by adding flexibility in writing capacity and strengthening financial oversight and transparency; it passed 6-0 and was recommended for the floor. Senate Bill 1447, presented by Representative Marti, would change requirements for the RFP for the state employee prescription drug plan. Marti used the presentation to sharply criticize the State Chamber and outside messaging about the bill, arguing the legislation would not raise drug costs and that similar laws in other states have produced savings; the bill passed 6-0. Senate Bill 1920, presented by Representative Tedford, would raise the salvage title threshold for autos from 60% to 70% to align more closely with neighboring states and avoid prematurely totaling vehicles; it passed 6-0 and was sent to the next committee. After a brief suspension, the committee took up Senate Bill 1443, presented by Representative Sneed on behalf of Chairman Chad Caldwell, which concerns anesthesia services. No questions or debate were raised, and the bill passed 6-0. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• handle it makes sense, sir.
• This bill would add some additional requirements for the agency where it would take it from 50 ft to
• In its March 2025 report.
• It also requires state agencies to biannually evaluate progress towards website modernization, including
• That's it. That's it. Good. Um, members, thanks for getting here.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I suspect most of it is to modernize their, their facilities so they can meet the new state inspection
• Sometimes when you boil it, it starts turning black. Does that mean it has afrotoxins in it? Mr.
• The shop in Tucum Cary was so small that the modern equipment wouldn't even go in it.
• Chair and Representative, it, it is, uh, it is a geo fence.
• Is it vehicles? Is it music instruments? Is it.

Transcript Highlights:

• Actually, what it does is it allows them to come into the state by endorsement.
• I'll leave it at that if you have follow-ups. I'm happy to address it.
• support on it as well.
• support on it as well.
• support on it as well.

Summary: The Insurance and Banking Subcommittee met with a quorum present and heard four bills. HB 1231, relating to final disposition, funeral, and cemetery services, was presented as a consumer protection and workforce modernization measure. After questions about hospice/funeral provider exclusivity, direct disposal licensing, causes of action, and funeral director/embalmer licensure, the bill was amended by strike-all to remove some provisions and add authorization and regulation of natural organic reduction. Support came from funeral industry representatives, and the bill was reported favorably with the committee substitute. HB 943 would require Citizens Property Insurance Corporation to create a commercial lines clearinghouse by January 1, 2027, to move certain commercial residential and other commercial risks into the private market while maintaining current eligibility rules. The sponsor and members discussed Citizens’ remaining commercial exposure, surplus lines participation, and carrier financial-strength guardrails. A strike-all amendment conforming to the Senate version and making technical corrections was adopted, and the bill passed favorably with the committee substitute after supportive debate from members. HB 1221, a Department of Financial Services bill, was described as streamlining DFS processes, improving licensing, updating the My Safe Florida Home Program, strengthening public adjuster protections, and modernizing unclaimed property rules. Three amendments were adopted: notice before a My Safe Florida Home application is deemed abandoned, removal of a misdemeanor disclosure requirement for certain licensure applicants, and a provision allowing public officials to appoint or promote relatives to firefighter positions through a competitive process in a collective bargaining agreement. Testimony was generally supportive, including from firefighters and unclaimed-property claimants’ representatives, and the bill was reported favorably with a committee substitute. HB 99, concerning reinsurance intermediary managers, would exempt certain underwriting managers handling limited facultative reinsurance business from the intermediary manager statute and instead require an agency license. With no public testimony or debate, the bill was reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'll turn it over to Mark. Well, thanks so much, Julie, Ms. Jones, appreciate it.
• Too often we take it for granted and simply expect it to work, right?
• It costs a value, it cost us a valuable resource in addition to wasting tax dollars.
• Uh, if anyone drove on it today, it was probably congested.
• Appreciate it.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> fraud protection and modern fraud protection and modern modernization<00:02:23.160><c> of</c><00
• :02:49.800><c> it</c> to use it to use it um<00:02:52.040><c> through</c><00:02:52.280><c> the</c><00
• and control it, delete it, track it for their purposes.
• and control it, delete it, track it for their purposes.
• and control it, delete it, track it for their purposes.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It is necessary modernization to meet the needs of a 2026 public.
• And so what we're really trying to do here is modernize um a It is about the border city tax credit.
• It has been around, as Senator Coopek said, since the 80s and is simply a modernization.
• Uh, it has been around, as Senator Coupek said, since the 80s and, uh, simply a modernization.
• It has been around, as Senator Coopek said, since the 80s and is simply a modernization.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is not an abortion; it is a life-saving procedure.
• </c><00:48:02.760><c> it</c> Tolson so um uh representative it it Tolson so um uh representative it it
• If they support it and vote for it on the floor, it goes to the voters, who approve it and essentially
• </c><01:01:36.839><c> to</c> vets give it to the pets give it to vets give it to the pets give it to
• c><02:02:51.719><c> to</c><02:02:51.840><c> some</c> modernization when when it comes to some modernization

Bills: HF25, HF4

Keywords: pregnancy support, women's health, maternity homes, nonprofit organizations, grant funding, abortion, family services, tax relief fund, budget surplus, surplus revenue, tax rebate, tax refund, one-time refund, income tax, property tax, constitutional amendment, Minnesota Constitution, general fund, budget reserve, taxpayer relief

Transcript Highlights:

• We are in a new conference room, so members, thank you for finding it.
• </c> stand ready to help Hawaii modernize stand ready to help Hawaii modernize emergency<00:15:53.720
• We can move it as is. >> If you're inclined to edit it to pregnant women, I think that'd be more appropriate
• We can move it as is. >> If you're inclined to edit it to pregnant women, I think that'd be more appropriate
• </c><00:19:16.200><c> is</c> this federal law is overturned, it is this federal law is overturned, it

Bills: SCR7, SCR59, SCR182

Keywords: emergency care, reproductive health, abortion services, EMTALA, patient safety, hospital regulations, medical treatment, health care professionals, emergency response, licensure, disaster response, telehealth, SCR182, S.C.R. 182, Hawaii Trauma System, trauma care, trauma center, Tripler Army Medical Center, military-civilian partnership, civilian trauma patients

Summary: The Committee on Health heard testimony on three concurrent resolutions. SCR-7 would affirm that hospitals must provide life-saving emergency care to pregnant people; supporters included the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, AAUW Hawaii, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and Hawaii Women’s Lawyers, with two individuals in opposition. A member raised a wording concern about “pregnant people” versus “pregnant women,” and the chair agreed to note the comment in the committee report. The committee then recommended passage, and the measure was adopted by vote, with Representatives Alcos voting no and Garcia not voting. SCR-59 SD1 would ask the governor to establish procedures allowing certain health care professionals to practice in Hawaii without a Hawaii-issued license during a state of emergency. The Hawaii Organization of Nurse Leaders strongly supported the resolution, citing emergency response problems during Kona low storms and the Lahaina wildfires when out-of-state licensed providers were available but could not serve. The committee recommended passage as is, and the recommendation was adopted, with Representative Garcia voting with reservations. SCR-182 would request that the governor and Department of Health work with the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal military partners to explore a military-civilian trauma partnership to strengthen Hawaii’s trauma system. The Department of Health supported the measure, and a member suggested the title should reflect “Department of War,” while another member noted the federal department name has not changed; the chair said the comments would be noted in the report. The committee recommended passage, and the resolution was adopted without objection, with Representatives Martin and Olds excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't make sense. And what I hear is there's not enough food.
• It goes up to a 10% cost share based on higher error rates in Minnesota.
• </c> administration is using to achieve its administration is using to achieve its agenda. agenda. agenda
• It goes up to a 10% is no cost share.
• </c><00:04:04.480><c> To</c> modernize our systems. Absolutely. To modernize our systems.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• it on this bill.
• Where does it go?
• James, they do it under rule right now. What's that? They can do it by rule. It is. Thank you, Mr.
• It was put there forever ago. It says x-ray. Yes. It was put there forever ago, I believe.
• Is it a liability shield or is it so they can order things...

Bills: SB1165, SB1206, SB1212, SB1291, SB1347, SB1516, SB1554, SB1649, SB1689, SB1812

Keywords: breast cancer, screening services, health insurance, cost sharing, preventive care, storm damage, catastrophic storm, hail damage, wind damage, roof repair, roof replacement, post-storm repairs, insurance claim, property and casualty insurance, adjuster, public adjuster, contractor licensing, homeowner protections, deductible waiver, insurance fraud prevention