Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:07:58.480><c> supply</c> information from border of water supply information from border of water
• Familiar with that water system. Um, okay.
• And we have pipelines in the water.
• </c><01:15:48.800><c> Um</c> familiar with with that water system.
• Um familiar with with that water system.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seen now are at something of a high-water mark.
• There's no water. There's no food.
• And the West Kern Water District, that pumps the water over to my Los Angeles colleagues that can't afford
• Now that's water for 27 million... ...capacity by 87%.
• Now, that's water for 27 million Californians.

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard opening remarks on the Governor’s 2026-27 budget and presentations from the Department of Finance and the Legislative Analyst’s Office. Chair Laird described the proposal as roughly balanced with $23 billion in reserves, while Vice Chair Niello argued the revenue estimates were overly optimistic and warned of a structural deficit, calling for a deeper review of programs and concern over the state’s $20 billion unemployment insurance debt. Finance said the budget is balanced in the budget year but still leaves a roughly $2.9 billion deficit, with out-year gaps above $20 billion, and characterized the plan as largely a workload budget with limited new spending or cuts. The LAO said its office sees substantial downside risk to the revenue forecast, emphasized the volatility of stock-market-driven revenues, and urged the Legislature to begin addressing the structural deficit now rather than waiting until May. Members focused on the implications of federal policy changes, Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and the MCO tax, as well as the state’s reserve strategy. Senators Menjivar and Richardson raised concerns about health coverage reductions, county costs, hospital finances, and the lack of a broader revenue solution, while Finance said the state cannot fully backfill federal cuts and is still assessing the impacts. The LAO recommended rejecting the proposal to suspend the rainy day fund deposit and setting aside the proposed Proposition 98 settle-up rather than using it for spending. Finance defended both proposals as necessary to balance the budget year and said it plans to begin discussions with legislative leaders before the May Revision. The committee also discussed climate and transportation funding, including cap-and-trade/GGRF allocations for Cal Fire, interest earnings from the fund, zero-emission vehicle incentives, and AB 617 air quality investments. Senator Reyes questioned the focus on light-duty ZEV incentives instead of heavy-duty vehicles, and Finance said the proposal is intended to partially replace the federal consumer tax credit and that some heavy-duty funding remains from prior years. Senator Richardson also raised concerns about Olympics-related infrastructure, courthouse repairs, and displaced workers, while other members stressed homelessness funding and the need for more immediate action on out-year budget problems. No formal votes or actions were taken during the portion provided; the hearing was informational and moved into member questions after the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• to aquatic plants in public Waters to aquatic plants in public Waters to employ certain methods to ensure
• this bill would also provide Waters this bill would also provide Waters this bill would also provide
• okay you've heard the public Waters okay you've heard the public Waters okay you've heard the explanation
• that's what I'm saying well that's water that's what I'm saying well that's water that's what I'm saying
• well contractor's license the water well contractor's license the water well contractor's license the

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The state providing childcare and after-school programs for working families, swim lessons, water safety
• Even as we feed and fuel the nation, we must realize that food grows where water flows.
• Even as we feed and fuel the nation, we must realize that food grows where water flows.
• end of next year, we'll lose more farmland because we need an additional 2.5 million acre-feet of water
• His roots in California ran deep, from his great-great-grandfather, Swiftwater Bill Waters, who settled

Summary: The Senate convened with a roll call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then recognized the YMCA’s 175th anniversary through floor remarks highlighting its long history of community service, youth programs, child care, and civic engagement. The body then moved through routine messages and appointments, confirming three gubernatorial appointments: former Judge Frank Darnell Jr. to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board, Michelle Edgar to the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and David Galavis to the State Park and Recreation Commission. On third reading, senators debated and adopted Senate Joint Resolution 12, which opposes the federal offshore oil and gas leasing proposal off California and calls for California to be removed from the plan and for stronger environmental review and public participation. Supporters emphasized coastal protection and climate goals, while opponents argued the state faces energy supply and affordability problems and needs more domestic production. The resolution passed by roll call. The Senate also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 118, urging full release of unclassified Jeffrey Epstein investigation files to promote transparency and accountability for survivors, and Senate Resolution 99, declaring April 21, 2026, California Agriculture Day and recognizing the state’s agricultural production, farmworkers, and climate-smart practices. The final major item was Senate Resolution 100, designating April 16, 2026, as Breaking the Silence Day of Awareness to raise awareness of child sexual abuse, support survivors, and expand prevention and mandated reporter training. The author and supporters spoke about the prevalence of abuse, the importance of reporting, and survivor support; the resolution was adopted unanimously. The Senate then lifted the calls and confirmed the earlier appointments, adopted the consent calendar, announced upcoming budget subcommittee meetings, and adjourned in memory of Rob Trice and Alwyn Ben Holman. The session ended with notice that the next floor session would be Monday, April 27, 2026, with Denim Day observed that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• But also, I wanted to speak specifically about the water program.
• Well, as we all know, as a peninsula surrounded by water, besides the, you know, algae situation that
• comes and goes based on environmental issues, drinking water is going to be an issue.
• And if we can't supply clean drinking water and, you know, clean water for our recreational and our,
• Of course, we want to continue to build on our unique water school, as my good friend Bob Ramo already

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I can't cut my water. I can't cut power. I can't cut fertilizer.
• We are always facing labor issues, water issues, transportation issues.
• Obviously, these take more water, they take more time, they take more resources.
• We had found some water rights in our area.
• They do use more water and they are not cheap.

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Summary: The Agricultural Committee held its first meeting of the session with member introductions, welcome remarks, and introductions of two committee pages. The chair also noted that committee rules would be reviewed later and that the session would likely be busy. No formal legislation was considered or voted on at this meeting. The main presentation focused on Idaho’s sugar beet industry. Growers described sharply lower crop prices, rising input costs, and the resulting strain on farm finances, especially for small and family farms. They said the downturn is largely tied to federal sugar policy and trade issues rather than state policy, and emphasized that reduced farm income will also hurt rural businesses and communities. Committee members asked about the volatility of sugar prices and whether any Idaho-level changes could help. A second presentation highlighted regenerative agriculture practices such as strip-till, cover crops, and manure application. The speaker argued these methods can improve soil health, reduce costs, and conserve water, while also noting that cover crops may be cut back when farm finances tighten. Members asked about cover crop choices and whether similar practices are used internationally. The final presentation from Amalgamated Sugar explained the federal sugar program, the role of import controls and loan rates, and why the company believes the current system is failing because of excess imports, inflation, and an outdated high-tier duty. The presenter said the industry is working with federal officials to raise the duty, improve demand estimates, and protect domestic sugar production and food security.

Transcript Highlights:

• I can't cut my water. I can't cut power. I can't cut fertilizer.
• We are always facing labor issues, water issues, transportation issues.
• Obviously, these take more water, they take more time, they take more resources.
• We had found some water rights in our area.
• They do use more water and they are not cheap.

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In some places, this water is inundated over this farmland.
• This water is inundated over this farmland, and there are people still paying property taxes on that
• land that's underneath that water.
• late water.
• Then the other one we have left is another water bill.

Bills: HCR3018

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs

Keywords: water rights, wetlands, inundated lands, taxation, property tax, drainage, flooded land, seasonal wetlands, meltwater, navigability, jurisdiction, county tax rolls, agricultural land, soil health, wildlife habitat, environmental regulation, public health, land ownership, riparian, drain and fill

Summary: The Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee met with a quorum and first took up House Concurrent Resolution 3018, which was amended to expand a study of wetlands and jurisdictional water issues, including questions about taxing authority over land inundated by water. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the resolution as amended on a roll call vote, with all members present voting yes or aye. Senator Weston agreed to carry the measure. The committee then considered House Bill 1581, relating to funding for the Native American Tourism Alliance. Senator Marcellais explained an amendment restoring the funding level to $500,000 and adding a 10% tribal match. Members debated the budget impact and the likelihood of the bill surviving in that form. The amendment failed on a 3-3 tie, after which the committee moved to the original House version. That version, with $100,000 total funding and matching requirements, received a 4-2 do pass recommendation and was sent to Appropriations, with Senator Marcellais designated as carrier. The committee also discussed House Bill 1541, which would create a new commission to oversee septic systems, but members indicated a preference for a different approach already moving in the House that would place licensing and oversight under DEQ with health units still handling inspections. No final action was taken on that bill. Finally, the committee reviewed House Bill 1280, a water/drainage-related measure involving voting eligibility for landowners who have not paid assessments, but members raised legal questions and deferred further action. The committee also discussed broader concerns about a chemical-labeling bill and related public emails, then recessed until the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• . waters. waters.
• under periods of high water.
• </c> going to hear above water? going to hear above water?
• >> It's above water. It's what leaks from the water up was. And as I say, I have no clue.
• They just pump gallons of water.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council met on May 27, 2026, approved the January 7 minutes and the day’s agenda, and reported no conflicts of interest. The executive director gave staff updates, including introductions of new staff member Cara Castanza and DNR liaison Jason Co., both of whom were welcomed by the council. Members were also informed about three minor easement/conveyance matters in the packet, including a small Bowser easement impact with about $1,600 returned to the Outdoor Heritage Fund, a Minnesota Land Trust easement request involving a DNR trout stream easement, and an access easement revision in Itasca County. The council also noted several upcoming dedication events and a June field tour in southeast Minnesota beginning in Winona on June 16, with visits to Whitewater WMA, bluff prairie and stream sites, and a river segment if a boat is secured. A major agenda item was a legislative session recap on the Outdoor Heritage Fund portion of Senate File 2077, the omnibus Outdoor Heritage Fund, Legacy, and Lands bill. Staff reported that all council recommendations were incorporated into the bill, which passed both chambers on May 17 and was expected to be signed by the governor. The fiscal year 2027 Outdoor Heritage Fund recommendations covered 53 programs totaling about $188.9 million, with the February forecast increasing the appropriation slightly so the final total was about $191.16 million; eligible programs were proportionately increased. Staff also highlighted a few changes made during the legislative process, including adjustments to the Roso Lake rehabilitation phase three project, the conservation partners legacy grant language, and statutory provisions affecting the council. The recap also covered policy changes in the bill: a public member term limit of eight years, with a short vacancy exception and transition rules for current members; a revised executive director hiring process allowing the Legislative Coordinating Commission to provide support while preserving the council’s final hiring authority and permitting closed meetings for candidate discussions; and an extension of the Upper Mississippi River invasive carp deterrent design deadline to June 30, 2027. Members discussed the Roso Lake amendment at length, with Senator Lang and Representative Burkel explaining that the added delay and injunction-related language were intended to address local concerns and preserve the council’s process while litigation proceeds. The meeting ended without any additional formal action beyond receiving the updates and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Each soil and water conservation district is a political subdivision of the state.
• and Water Conservation... ...conservation.
• and Water Conservation Board.
• This is, again, soil and water conservation.
• We have folks who are soil and water experts who are doing resource management.

Committee: House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture & Rural Development

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum, adopted the prior meeting minutes, and heard a series of agriculture-related bills, most of them sponsored by Representative Domain or Chairwoman Butler. The first major bill, HB 121, would expand the Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s authority over imported seafood by allowing its inspectors, in addition to the Department of Health, to seize and destroy adulterated seafood already under stop order. Representative Domain and Commissioner Strain framed the bill as a seafood-safety and anti-fraud measure aimed at protecting Louisiana shrimpers from tainted imports and bad actors. Members asked about cost, testing rates, countries of origin, and whether the bill would affect imported shrimp prices; the commissioner said it would not raise consumer prices and that Louisiana’s testing is focused at retail rather than ports. HB 121 was reported favorably with no objections. The committee then considered HB 725, which requires restaurants/retailers to retain invoices from imported seafood vendors for six months. After a technical amendment changing the bill’s one-liner from “restaurants” to “retailers,” the bill was explained as a recordkeeping tool to help auditors verify country-of-origin and labeling compliance without costly product testing. It was reported favorably with amendments. The committee also heard a bill reducing the required number of annual meetings for the Agriculture Finance Authority from four to two; Commissioner Strain said the change would streamline operations when there is no business to conduct, and it was reported favorably. Next, the committee took up HB 344 and HB 370 dealing with the Grain and Cotton Indemnity Fund. HB 344 raises the fund’s balance thresholds for suspending and restarting assessments, while HB 370 increases the assessment rate on agricultural commodities to replenish the fund more quickly. Commissioner Strain described recent large losses from grain broker bankruptcies, including Hansen-Mueller, and explained that the fund has been paying farmers but needs a larger balance to handle future defaults. Members discussed the risks posed by brokers, the adequacy of bonding, and the need to protect farmers and rural communities; both bills were reported favorably. The committee also advanced HB 367, aligning Structural Pest Control Commission hearing notices with the Administrative Procedure Act, and HB 847, which modernizes Soil and Water Conservation district supervisor elections by shifting administration to the Secretary of State and updating petition and ballot procedures after a crowded, ballot-short election. Finally, HB 505 streamlined certification and renewal rules for commercial applicators, pesticide salespersons, and agricultural consultants, including a technical amendment to keep unexpended pesticide-fund money in the fund; it too was reported favorably with amendments. After the bills, Commissioner Strain gave a lengthy update on the state of agriculture, forestry, and aquaculture. He highlighted continued pressure on shrimp from low-cost imports, currency shifts, and inadequate domestic marketing and cold storage, as well as ongoing seafood labeling enforcement and testing. He also discussed feral swine damage, drought and wildfire concerns, fertilizer and diesel cost increases, crop acreage trends, and export efforts for rice and timber, including Louisiana wood pellets used in the United Kingdom. LSU Ag Center Dean Matt Lee followed with a presentation on the center’s research and extension work, emphasizing its statewide network, high research ranking, and the economic return from agricultural science, especially in sugarcane variety development. He said LSU Ag Center research has helped Louisiana maintain strong sugar production and supports producers across the state.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, the second subcommittee is a subcommittee on Minnesota water policy.
• </c> is a subcommittee on Minnesota water is a subcommittee on Minnesota water policy.<00:18:05.600><
• </c><00:20:45.280><c> Discussion</c><00:20:45.679><c> to</c> Minnesota water policy.
• Discussion to Minnesota water policy. Discussion to the<00:20:46.000><c> motion.
• </c> Minnesota water policy is adopted. Minnesota water policy is adopted.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• If a camp is far away from any water, floodplain is by nature irrelevant.
• We think the Texas Water Development Board would be a good stopgap, uh, before them.
• , that spread the water, that sink the water, and all of that means when the next flood comes down, instead
• You have people trying to, uh, stop these low water crossings.
• We saw pallets of water.

Bills: HB1 , HB 2 , HB18 , HB19 , HB20

Committee: House Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select

Keywords: youth camps, emergency preparedness, safety standards, health regulations, camp licensing, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner, county judge, sheriff, mayor, emergency coordinator, emergency manager license

Transcript Highlights:

• The biennial request for a West Texas Water resilience Center is $4 million and it's dedicated to the
• region-wide water.
• When we have something like a main water main that goes down, main water pipe that goes down, that's
• We support wildlife services through water conservation programs.
• We focus on the state's natural resources to include water to maximize our maximize our efficiency.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Transcript Highlights:

• The biennial request for a West Texas Water Resilience Center is $4 million and it's dedicated to the
• region-wide water crisis. resources that produce food, fuel, and fiber for our state and nation. and
• When we have something like a main water main that goes down, main water pipe that goes down, that's
• Some of these commodities include cattle. cotton, water, as well as food, nutrition, and human health
• In this area, we focus on the state's natural resources to include. water to maximize our efficiency.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I had worked quite a bit with Senator David Waters and all those people you can see there on the
• and all those people you can see Waters and all those people you can see there<00:27:55.279><c> on</
• We look at each IEP and ensure that it’s accurate and it meets the federal regulations.
• For special education aid, regulations.
• Get some water. Yeah.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 209, which would require schools seeking building aid for construction or reconstruction projects to use an owner’s project manager. The chair explained an amendment that would remove the bill’s requirement that the manager be engaged before application and instead revert to current law, while updating the project threshold from the older $1 million figure to a more current amount and clarifying that the manager’s role is to protect the project owner’s interests. Members asked about the cost of hiring a project manager over several years before a project is funded, the 1.5% fee in rule, and whether the rules already define the manager’s duties. The chair said the amendment addressed those concerns by leaving the timing to current law and relying on existing administrative rules for qualifications and responsibilities. The committee then voted 18-0 to adopt the amendment and 18-0 to recommend SB 209 OTPA, placing it on the consent calendar. The committee then moved to SB 99, which concerns allowing students enrolled in career and technical education programs at receiving comprehensive high schools to take additional academic courses there. The chair said the bill was intended to make it easier for students to access CTE without being blocked by scheduling conflicts in their sending schools, and to clarify how agreements between sending and receiving districts would work. He described concerns about the bill’s cost formula, transportation, part-time versus full-time status, and whether the proposal could unintentionally create open-enrollment or athletic-transfer issues. He said the amendment would mirror existing treatment for homeschool and charter school students, use a familiar funding model, and limit participation to students already enrolled in one or more CTE classes at the receiving school. The chair also emphasized that comprehensive high schools already have a statutory definition and that the bill would help more students participate in CTE, which he said currently reaches only a relatively small share of students statewide. He noted that transportation would be covered only when a CTE bus is available, otherwise students would be responsible for arranging travel as under current practice. After brief discussion, the committee voted 18-0 to adopt the amendment and 18-0 to recommend SB 99 OTPA, also placing it on the consent calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is about local regulations.
• </c><01:37:00.600><c> to</c> officers to establish regulations to officers to establish regulations to
• </c> that you could still adopt regulations that you could still adopt regulations for<01:38:02.760><
• </c> facilities to be zoned and regulated facilities to be zoned and regulated like<03:39:01.239><c>
• </c><04:08:41.680><c> which</c> um some of the zoning regulations which um some of the zoning regulations

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:58.160><c> or</c> time there is a bend in your water or time there is a bend in your water
• You know, water is gold these days. If you don't have water, you don't have anything.
• </c><00:45:31.839><c> You</c> to have the roads and the water. You to have the roads and the water.
• If you know, water is gold these days.
• ><c> don't</c><00:45:34.800><c> have</c> don't have water, you don't have don't have water, you don't

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee received an update from Secretary Jeff Noel of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, joined by Matt Wingate and Terry Bradshaw of the Kentucky Association of Economic Developers, on the Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI) and the closing fund. The presentation focused on how KPDI helps communities develop shovel-ready industrial sites by funding infrastructure, engineering, geotechnical work, and other site-preparation costs. Noel emphasized that the program is designed to reduce uncertainty for companies, improve speed to market, and support statewide job creation and investment, especially in rural and eastern Kentucky where development costs are often higher. Testimony highlighted the complexity and expense of preparing sites, with examples of road, water, power, and rock-removal costs, and the importance of third-party evaluation in scoring applications. Noel said the program has 116 total projects statewide, with 20 active projects stemming from pilot efforts and 35 projects already resulting in about 6,381 jobs and $4.4 billion in investment. He cited examples including Crown Holdings, Flash Metals, Phoenix Paper, Pratt Paper, AESC, Sound Elements, Kitchen Foods, Latte, Krueger, Biomass, and Anna Munsman. Bradshaw added that even communities that have not yet landed a project have benefited by building spec buildings or improving access to industrial property. The speakers said the last KPDI round drew $81 million in requests but only $35 million in available funding, and they urged lawmakers to consider whether additional funding or program adjustments are needed. Suggested changes included modestly increasing eligibility or funding flexibility for rural and eastern Kentucky, while maintaining third-party performance metrics, and continuing to prioritize finishing existing parks and creating strong regional sites. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was trying to... and treat with a water repellent and treat with a water repellent coating,<00:09:07.600
• Um, and so today for our three grant projects from round one of the Cleaner Water Program, which was
• </c> from round two of the cleaner water from round two of the cleaner water program<00:23:56.320><c>
• So, we do have the one line item grant for a water project.
• The line item water grant required no action. Does any member have any questions? Thank you, Mrs.

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:49 Approval of Minutes 02:06 Information Items 03:48 Project Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 14:38 Lease Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 18:50 OFM – Ky Infrastructure Authority 26:40 OFM – Cabinet for Economic Development 31:50 Office of Financial Management 40:40 Remaining 2025 Meeting Dates 41:25 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with prayer and a quorum call, then the committee approved the prior meeting minutes. Staff reported several informational items, including University of Kentucky medical and research equipment purchases, school district debt issues, leasehold improvements, and Kentucky Community and Technical College System bond allocations. The committee then approved a line-item appropriation increase of $350,000 in federal funds for the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ Cumberland Forest Conservation Program, along with two Department of Military Affairs projects: the Ashland Readiness Center window replacement and the MATES HVAC replacement at Fort Knox. It also approved four larger maintenance-pool projects without further action: HVAC and smoke evacuation work at the Kentucky State Penitentiary, HVAC and hot water tank replacements at Oakwood, a Green Bank energy-savings performance project across state facilities, and roof replacement at Lake Barkley Lodge. Members asked about the prison project, the roof procurement process, and whether minority-owned firms receive special bidding preference; staff said capital projects are awarded through open low-bid procurement with qualification and warranty requirements, and that minority participation is preferred but not a bidding criterion. Two lease modifications were approved for Franklin County agencies: an expansion and renovation for the Auditor of Public Accounts and a downsizing and renovation for the Kentucky Workers Compensation Funding Commission. The committee also approved Kentucky Infrastructure Authority items, including a Monticello sewer loan, several Cleaner Water Program grants and reallocations, and a House Bill 1 water grant that required no action. Members questioned engineering costs and were told the KIA board reviews technical details and anomalies before approval. Finally, the committee approved six economic development grants: one EDF grant for V Simple in Jefferson County and five KPDI EDF grants for projects in Breckinridge, Erlanger, Todd, and Washington counties. The last action item was approval of Western Kentucky University’s up-to-$10 million general receipts revenue bond issue for athletic facilities. An informational Kentucky Housing Corporation multifamily bond item prompted concern from members about rising per-unit costs for affordable housing, and they requested further explanation from the housing corporation at a future meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first one is Senate Bill 1221, relating to storm water management systems.
• </c> Hawaii and our primary focus is on water Hawaii and our primary focus is on water safety<00:04:04.120
• I think we need a comprehensive... it's not just an ocean issue water it's not just an ocean issue water
• DLNR has some level of expertise in maintaining and looking over bodies of water because they're the
• DLNR has some level of expertise in maintaining and looking over bodies of water because they're the

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on SB 1221 and SB 1222, both relating to storm water management and detention/retention ponds. Testifiers, including the Department of Health, the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, and a family member affected by a drowning death in a poorly maintained detention pond, strongly supported stronger statewide safety standards, inspections, and maintenance requirements. Several speakers urged that the bills be combined or aligned so they would cover both existing and future ponds, and there was discussion about whether responsibility should remain with DOH or be shifted to DLNR, which members said has more relevant expertise. The committee ultimately amended SB 1221 to move responsibilities from DOH to DLNR, add two positions, and include existing ponds, then passed SB 1221 with amendments. SB 1222 was deferred. The committees also heard SB 1432, concerning changes to the Department of Health’s responsibilities related to Kalaupapa as the patient population declines. DOH testified in support, saying the bill begins the conversation about future responsibilities after there are no longer patients at Kalaupapa. Testimony from K
4dhana O Kalaupapa, descendants, and community members emphasized that the affected community and other stakeholders should be included in planning, and several speakers asked for more detail on the state’s transition plan, financial responsibilities, and preservation of the site’s cultural and historical significance. Members discussed the need for a coordinated plan among DOH, DLNR, and DHHL, and asked for more detailed cost information and a clearer roadmap. The committee passed SB 1432 with amendments, including stakeholder consultation language and a requirement for a state plan and financial details to be reported back. Later, the committees heard SB 1339, which would create a program to characterize statewide carbon sequestration potential and underground water resources. DBEDT and the Chief Energy Officer testified in support, describing it as part of a broader coordinated effort involving DHHL, DBEDT, the University of Hawaii, and the Energy Office to advance geothermal and related research. No vote or final action on SB 1339 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, he is actually the head of our water and maintenance department in our little small town of Pots
• Constantly working, doing things, whether it be on water or just anything and everything that keeps a
• head</c><00:03:24.720><c> of</c><00:03:24.879><c> our</c><00:03:25.840><c> um</c><00:03:26.080><c> water
• </c><00:03:26.319><c> and</c> actually the head of our um water and actually the head of our um water
• <00:03:40.239><c> or</c><00:03:41.280><c> um</c> water or um water or um just<00:03:44.000><c> just</

Committee: Joint Judiciary, Division B

Keywords: Judiciary, Division B - Room 409, 24 March, 2026; 9:00 A.M., 925, all