Transcript Highlights:

• Any further discussions?
• </c> discussion? Chair votes I. Vice Chair? discussion? Chair votes I. Vice Chair?
• Any discussions? Hearing amendments. Any discussions?
• Any discussion?
• Take any discussions.

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees met on March 19, 2025, to hear HB 966 HD2, which would create statewide standards for agricultural tourism in counties that adopt ag-tourism ordinances. The bill would require registration with county planning departments, require ag-tourism to remain tied to an active farming operation, and end the activity when the agricultural use stops except in limited circumstances. Testimony from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the Agribusiness Development Corporation, the Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Kualoa Ranch, and the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council was generally supportive of the bill’s intent, with several witnesses emphasizing that agritourism can help farm viability, food security, and public education about agriculture. The Hawaii Farm Bureau and several other testifiers supported agritourism but urged strong guardrails, minimal statewide standards, and deference to county home rule. They said agriculture should remain the primary activity, warned against adding burdens to farmers and ranchers, and suggested better enforcement and agricultural expertise within county planning departments. Phil Weber and others argued for objective standards, such as minimum revenue or work-performed thresholds, annual reporting, and clearer compliance tools, and cautioned that the bill’s termination exemption could be too broad if not tightened. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on whether the bill should apply to Department of Agriculture lands, especially ag park lands, and to DLNR lands. Department of Agriculture staff explained that ag park lands currently do not allow agritourism, while non-ag park lands under Act 90 allow limited related activity tied to farm production, with revenue limits and other conditions. Members and witnesses debated how to define and measure agritourism, how to enforce county rules, and whether to exempt ag park parcels or otherwise clarify that existing DOA rules would control. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing, and the chair requested follow-up language from DOA to address possible exemptions and clarify the bill’s application.

Transcript Highlights:

• Really enjoyed the robust discussion here. Thank you. So, I'm from Ag Guy.
• Really enjoyed the robust discussion here. Thank you. So, I'm from Ag Guy.
• And so based on those discussions, we signed the JDA.
• It was very... ...not part of the discussions on some of these projects.
• But we didn't have these discussions earlier.

Committee: Joint Capital Improvement

Summary: The committee met to finalize the FY27 bond bill, beginning with a roll call and a detailed review of updated appropriation amounts. The Comptroller General walked through major changes across agencies, including additions for OMB, the Department of State, DNREC, Agriculture, Education, and Transportation, and explained the funding sources that would cover the total $1.256 billion package. Members then debated several large items, especially the $110 million appropriation for the Diamond State Port Corporation, the $35 million Legislative Hall addition, the $20 million Community Reinvestment Fund, and the $30 million land and building acquisition line. Questions focused on the port project’s costs, expected jobs, return on investment, and whether the state would face future commitments; Secretary of State Charney Patitofunded Chances and other officials testified that the port expansion would create construction and permanent jobs and support long-term economic growth, while some members remained skeptical and objected to the process and spending priorities. The committee also discussed school construction funding, with officials explaining that additional money would forward-fund projects already in the pipeline and help districts that had been turned down for certificates of necessity. Other items reviewed included funding for park improvements, marina acquisition, the Plummer Center demolition and transfer, the Pyle Center sewer project, the Site Readiness Fund, affordable housing, the Arts Endowment Fund, an unclaimed property task force, and various transportation and community transportation projects. Several members raised concerns about county distribution, minority-party involvement in negotiations, and the scale of certain appropriations, but the majority defended the package as statewide investment and economic development. The committee then voted on the Section 1 addendum and a series of new and replacement epilogue sections, including provisions for the port project, Legislative Hall minor capital improvements, land acquisition, affordable housing, the Community Reinvestment Fund, downtown development districts, the Rite Aid demolition, the Site Readiness Fund, school construction formula review, and enhanced school capital funding. Most motions carried, with a few recorded no votes or abstentions on the main addendum. The meeting concluded with a motion authorizing technical corrections by the Comptroller General’s office, followed by closing remarks thanking staff and members for their work and noting that this was likely the final bond committee meeting for some participants before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm excited about having this discussion that we have on the agenda coming up next.
• And so I think this was discussed.
• So it's a very big, complicated discussion.
• And maybe we could talk a little bit more about in our discussion.
• It's good to see you here for this discussion.

Summary: The committee first approved a motion, then heard a lengthy presentation on homelessness in Arkansas, with a focus on unsheltered homelessness, untreated mental illness and substance use, public safety, and the role of local law enforcement and shelters. Presenters from law enforcement, homeless service providers, mental health, and policy groups discussed federal Continuum of Care funding, the need for better data and accountability, and proposals such as statewide camping enforcement, stronger treatment access, and consolidating or reworking the continuum-of-care structure. Much of the discussion centered on the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model, with witnesses describing it as a way to expand crisis services, treatment, and coordination with housing and justice systems. They also discussed homelessness among sex offenders, family homelessness, workforce supports, and how to scale successful local programs statewide. No formal action was taken on the homelessness proposals during the discussion. The committee then reviewed several Department of Energy and Department of Health/Board of Nursing rules. The energy rule updated solid waste post-closure cleanup thresholds from $50,000 to $2 million to match Act 791 of 2025. Nursing-related rules added fees for the new dialysis patient care technician registration created by Act 198 of 2025, updated contact-information requirements, implemented APRN authority under Act 862 of 2025, clarified durable medical equipment language under Act 431 of 2025, and incorporated delegation changes from Act 959 of 2025. Additional nursing rules updated certified medication assistant training and duties under Act 265 of 2025, and corrected rules for full independent practice to include clinical nurse specialists under Act 872 of 2023. Each rule was reviewed without objection. At the close of the meeting, members received an update that UAMS had completed its NCII designation submission for the Winthrop Rockefeller Cancer Institute, which was described as a major milestone. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we're going to open it up for discussion.
• Yeah, I mean, I wouldn't... okay, well, let's have that discussion.
• But, you know, there's been a lot of discussion about the Norwegian model.
• But, you know, there's been a sort of a lot of discussion about the Norwegian model.
• It wouldn't hurt to have some discussion with me.

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The special commission on consolidation and cooperation among public safety agencies held a hearing focused on correctional labor perspectives, with testimony from union representatives and correctional officers from state and county facilities. Chair Dan Hunt and Senator Brownsberger opened by noting the commission’s extensive site visits and prior testimony, and they recognized Correctional Officers Week. Witnesses emphasized that officers are central to any reform discussion and described the daily realities of staffing shortages, violence, mental health crises, substance use, and the need for better wellness support. Kevin Flanagan of the correctional officers’ union said officers face serious safety risks, citing weapons recovered, assaults, suicides, and the spread of synthetic drugs like K2 that are often introduced through paper soaked with chemicals. He urged stronger contraband controls, including paperless systems and technology to detect synthetic drugs, and criticized policies he said can be manipulated in gender-identity housing and search situations. He also argued that staffing shortages, forced overtime, and low morale are worsening retention, and that officers need more support after traumatic incidents, including fuller use of the OnSide Academy program. Other union representatives, including NCU and county officers, opposed consolidating sheriffs’ offices or merging them with the Department of Correction, warning it could weaken collective bargaining, reduce local accountability, and harm programming and reentry work. They argued that county facilities are distinct and should be funded and staffed based on local needs, not a one-size-fits-all model, and several speakers supported expanding vocational and reentry programming. Commissioners responded with support for officer wellness and asked for more information on EMS transports, medical interventions, and possible models from other jurisdictions, including Norway and Germany. At the end of the hearing, the commission discussed extending its reporting deadline beyond September 30, with members agreeing to seek an extension to November 30. The commission also agreed to continue site visits, including the upcoming Barnstable visit, and adjourned after adopting the motion to request the extension.

Transcript Highlights:

• Discussion?
• </c> Further<00:38:37.800><c> discussion.</c> Further discussion. Further discussion.
• Discussion.
• Further discussion? Motion is for an interim study. Motion is for an interim study.
• Discussion?

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Covered California appeared before this committee in March to discuss the sweeping impacts that HR1,
• That proposed budget will be taken to our board in May for public discussion.
• However, we can share where we are headed directionally and discuss important changes we will propose
• That proposed budget will be taken to our board in May for public discussion.
• The board would then budget will be taken to our board in May for public discussion.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Remember discussions about, I think there was confirmations that were $7 or $8 million, million, million
• </c><00:01:19.120><c> and</c><00:01:19.240><c> allegations</c><00:01:19.840><c> of</c> was discussions
• I haven't got that far yet, but certainly that's part of the discussion.
• </c> discussed as it moves forward as well. discussed as it moves forward as well.
• Can I just say um the discussion.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: Senator Steve Drazkowski and Representative Anderson held a press event promoting the bipartisan, bicameral “Take It Back Act,” a bill aimed at recovering taxpayer money lost to government fraud. They cited major Minnesota fraud cases, including medical assistance fraud, CCAP, and Feeding Our Future, and argued that the state has become a destination for fraud. They said the bill would impose a 100% tax or excise tax on money obtained through fraud, with proceeds deposited into a tax relief fund for income and property tax relief. The sponsors said the measure is intended to create a stronger deterrent and to recover money even when criminal restitution or prosecutions do not fully recoup losses. They discussed examples of unrecovered funds, said the Department of Revenue could use criminal findings, data analytics, and IRS-sharing data to identify fraud, and noted that the bill includes an appeal process through tax court. They also said the current draft focuses on convicted fraudsters and people or organizations determined by the commissioner to have obtained money by fraud, while trying to avoid sweeping in innocent employees or others who were unaware of wrongdoing. Anderson said the bill already has significant bipartisan support, including 11 House Democrats and Senator Rest, and that the House Tax Committee hearing is scheduled for April 30. He said the sponsors are working with the Department of Revenue on implementation and may revise the bill to make administration easier. The sponsors said they hope to move the bill through the House and Senate this session, and they closed by encouraging the press to review the fraud website they referenced, mnfraudfiles.com.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I have a motion by Senator Carley, a second by Senator Chandler's discussion.
• So, I have a motion by Senator Carley, a second by Senator Chandler's discussion.
• Clerk, call the roll. >> Other questions or discussion?
• Is this the U bill that we had a discussion in caucus about? >> It's not.
• that we had a discussion in caucus about?

Bills: HB2 , HB163 , SB326 , HB17 , HB363 , HB2 , HB163 , SB326 , HB17 , HB363 , SB333

Committee: Senate County and Municipal Government

Keywords: vaccination, parental consent, minors, medical consent, guardian approval, income tax, research expenditures, economic development, tax deductions, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Alabama tax law, sheriff, credit card, debit card, financial procedures, Jackson County, purchasing authority, HB17, Alabama Squat Truck Law, squat truck

Transcript Highlights:

• Discussion, Representative Zahn. Yes, thank you, Madam Chair.
• Discussion, Representative Orcutt.
• Discussion, Representative Orcutt.
• Discussion: I'm asking for a yes on this amendment.
• So that's always going to be a creative discussion.

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Can we have a motion and a second for discussion? Okay. It's been moved.
• Can we have a motion and a second for discussion?
• We also discussed when Rep.
• So I just bring that to the discussion as well, Madam Chair. Discussion as well, Madam Chair.
• We've had a good long discussion then.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: During the legislative meeting, House Bill 287 was discussed, which proposes the establishment of a permanent Health and Human Services Committee to oversee the state's $14.4 billion expenditure in this area. An amendment to the bill was adopted, which clarified funding and operational details. Public comments were solicited, but no one spoke in opposition. The committee ultimately voted, with some members expressing concerns about budget implications, but the motion to pass the bill as amended was made and seconded, with several members opposing it. House Bill 371 was also addressed, which focuses on creating an Acequia Infrastructure Fund to support land grant and Acequia communities. The bill aims to provide a financial mechanism for these communities to access funds for infrastructure projects without relying on capital outlay requests. The committee discussed the bill's implications, potential funding sources, and the need for further amendments regarding representation and oversight. A motion to pass the bill was made, with some opposition noted, particularly regarding the lack of specificity in the bill's provisions. Lastly, Senate Bill 143 was presented, which seeks to raise the caps on inspection fees under the Egg Grading Act, among other agricultural regulations. Supportive testimony was provided by representatives from agricultural organizations, emphasizing the need for updated fee structures. The committee engaged in discussions about the bill's implications for consumers and the agricultural sector, ultimately moving towards a vote to pass the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we had finished the discussion with high school class. This is...
• And we had finished the discussion with high school class.
• Free Speech Coalition case, which discussed age verification.
• Free Speech Coalition case, which discussed age verification.
• Any discussion? We will be combining those two bills into the bill string.

Committee: House Children and Families

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Further discussion, Ranking Member Waters? Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Discussion, Representative Stearns. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Discussion. House Bill 2176 be reported out of committee with a do pass recommendation. Discussion.
• Further discussion, Representative Walsh. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• No further discussion. Will staff please call the roll? No further discussion.

Bills: HB2356 , HB2574 , HB2572 , HB2460 , HJR4212 , HB2631 , HB2333 , HB2462 , HB2419 , HB2176 , HB2491

Committee: House State Government & Tribal Relations

Keywords: homicide, public records, transparency, law enforcement, victim rights, election, ballot, candidates, deceased, voting law, voting access, military voters, overseas voters, Native American voters, disabled voters, election reform, accessibility, ballot measures, vacancies, elected offices

Transcript Highlights:

• Further discussion, Ranking Member Waters? Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Seeing no further discussion, will staff please call the roll? Mena, aye.
• Discussion, Representative Stearns. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Discussion, Representative Doleo. Yes, asking for a yes vote on this.
• Further discussion, Representative Walsh. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills. HB 2356 would let a homicide victim’s next of kin seek a court injunction to block examination of law enforcement records in homicide cases; staff explained current Public Records Act rules, the sponsor said the bill was intended to protect families and children after especially graphic cases, and open-government testimony opposed the measure as an unnecessary secrecy expansion. HB 2460 and HJR 4212 would change vacancy-filling rules for partisan offices so an appointee must be from the same party only if the former officeholder had declared a party preference; the sponsor said this would address vacancies involving no-party-preference officials and avoid delays or litigation. HB 2631 would create a pilot to extend the governor’s customer-experience initiative to the Secretary of State, Fish and Wildlife, and the Insurance Commissioner, with deadlines for liaisons, metrics, reports, and service-improvement plans; the sponsor and supporters emphasized better service and accessibility, while agency representatives raised concerns about cost, autonomy, and whether participation should be optional. HB 2574 would streamline procedures when a candidate dies before or after ballots are printed, allowing removal from ballots or noncounting of votes based on a death certificate; the sponsor said it would avoid unnecessary recounts and costs. HB 2572 would require county-tribal election meetings and create an electronic ballot return portal for certain voters, including tribal voters on reservations, military and overseas voters, and voters with disabilities; county auditors and election officials supported the tribal outreach and access goals but stressed the need for security testing and careful implementation of the portal. In executive session, the committee considered five bills and adopted amendments on two of them. For HB 2333, which addresses protections against political violence for elected officials, candidates, election officials, and criminal justice participants, the committee adopted amendment Omley 307 to allow P.O. boxes or ACP addresses in campaign-related filings and contributions, then advanced the substitute bill on a 4-3 vote. HB 2462, concerning authority to counter unpiloted aircraft systems, was advanced 5-2. HB 2419, which expands the address confidentiality program to certain administrative law judges and Office of Administrative Hearings employees, was amended to include the chief administrative law judge and then advanced 5-2. HB 2176, exempting collaborative drug therapy agreement information from the Public Records Act, advanced 4-3 after debate over privacy versus transparency. HB 2491, exempting personal information submitted to Washington Technology Solutions for digital experience platform services, also advanced 5-2. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The discussion on the state budget is the same across regions.
• Nonetheless, the discussion about funding— a lot of this is about reimbursement because the funding is
• That's the discussion around wages. That's a big part of it.
• No, but I think that is going to, we'll be able to have a discussion about what incentives the court
• I think we discussed that earlier already.

Summary: The committee heard several labor and employment measures. AB 465 would require local public employers, at a union’s request, to negotiate minimum disciplinary and grievance procedures in MOUs, including progressive discipline, just-cause protections, grievance appeal rights, and paid release time for representatives. Supporters, including AFSCME and SEIU, said it would create fairer and more consistent due process protections for local government workers; opponents from county and city groups argued it would impose binding arbitration and rigid discipline rules that could undermine local flexibility and accountability. The bill passed on a 5-0 vote and was re-referred to Appropriations. AB 792 would allow court interpreter bargaining to be consolidated when multiple regions are negotiating at the same time. The author and the California Federation of Interpreters said the change would reduce repeated bargaining, improve efficiency, and help address interpreter recruitment and retention. There was no opposition, but some members questioned whether the proposal would really solve wage and staffing problems; the bill passed 5-0 and was placed on hold. AB 1309, which would improve Cal Fire firefighter compensation by tying salaries more closely to comparable local fire departments, drew strong support from firefighters and no opposition. Members praised Cal Fire’s work and the bill passed 7-0 and was held for add-ons. The committee also approved AJR 8, a resolution urging protection of Social Security and opposing federal cuts or office closures. Supporters said Social Security is essential to seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and children, and warned that reductions would increase poverty and homelessness. One member objected to naming political figures in the resolution, but the measure still passed 7-0 and was held. AB 1247, which would require contracted-out school classified workers to meet the same training and qualification standards as direct hires and address related retirement contributions, passed 5-2 despite opposition from county superintendents and school administrators who said it would add costs and limit contracting flexibility. Finally, AB 288, which would authorize PERB to act when the NLRB fails to remedy labor claims by a deadline, passed 6-0 with strong union support and no opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any objections to discuss the strike-all amendment?
• Are there any objections to discuss the strike-all amendment?
• We are willing to discuss all options, and the... ...are willing to discuss all options.
• The end-of-line testing, which is what we had discussed in the work group. Follow-up.
• That is not something we discussed in the work group.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard a lengthy agenda of bills, with the chair limiting public testimony to about one minute per speaker. Early action included passage of HB 203, which allows certain counties to opt back into transportation concurrency, as amended to narrow the bill to small counties. The committee also favorably reported CS/HB 43, allowing renters to reuse tenant screening reports for 30 days, and HB 897, a timeshare-related strike-all that clarified timeshare governance provisions and annual board meeting requirements. The committee then approved HJR 1,215, proposing a constitutional amendment to eliminate tangible personal property tax for farmers and agricultural businesses, with support from agriculture and business groups. A major portion of the meeting focused on the committee’s hemp package. Members discussed the committee bill PCB for HAT-25-01, which would create a regulatory framework for hemp-derived intoxicating products, including licensing, packaging and labeling restrictions, testing, and sales limitations. Testimony was mixed: industry representatives and distributors generally supported regulation but urged changes on branding, packaging, milligram limits, and sales locations; convenience store and petroleum marketers opposed restrictions that would exclude gas stations; and consumer-safety and addiction advocates supported tighter controls, including bans on synthetics, online sales, and child-appealing packaging. The committee also heard and approved PCB for HAT-25-02, a companion tax bill imposing excise taxes on hemp consumables and beverages, despite concerns raised about possible triple taxation and higher compliance costs. The committee next passed HB 211, expanding the definition of farm products to include edible and non-edible plants and clarifying agricultural preemption on bona fide farm operations. It also favorably reported PCS for HB 561, creating a chief manufacturing officer role within the Department of Commerce, a workforce development grant program, a voluntary manufacturing promotion campaign, and required reporting, along with PCS for HB 563, which adds an annual fee of up to $100 for participants in the promotional campaign. Both manufacturing bills drew broad support from industry and economic development groups. Finally, the committee took up HJR 1257 and its conforming bill HB 1259, which would create property tax benefits for long-term rental properties owned by Floridians with a separate homestead. Supporters argued the measure would encourage long-term rentals and investment in Florida, while opponents from counties and cities warned it would shift tax burdens and reduce local revenue. After debate, the joint resolution passed 9-4 and the implementing bill also passed 9-4, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any further discussion?
• </c> and is there any further discussion? and is there any further discussion?
• Any further discussion?
• Any further discussion? Any further discussion?
• </c><00:29:32.640><c> on</c> back with a more robust discussion on back with a more robust discussion

Bills: HF3379

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: housing stabilization, disability services, predatory funding, provider requirements, housing accessibility, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Further discussion on the Thank you.
• Further discussion hearing? None.
• </c> Further<00:22:23.760><c> discussion</c> Further discussion Further discussion hearing?
• Um, so I'm going to further discussion.
• So further discussion on the amendment?

Committee: House Election Law

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, any discussion?
• Members, any discussion?
• Members, any discussion?
• Members, any discussion?
• Members, any discussion?

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several energy and environmental bills. On HB 974, which would authorize state step-in agreements for certain power purchase agreements and create a trust fund/reserve mechanism, the Attorney General’s office raised concern that the state should not incur liability beyond the trust fund. The Division of Consumer Advocacy said it had comments but did not take a position, while the Public Utilities Commission, Ameresco, Hawaiian Electric, and other industry groups supported the measure, saying it would help developers secure financing for renewable projects and improve reliability. Hawaiian Electric said the bill would not use state funds and that its proposed reserve account would be held in trust and returned to customers if unused. Committee members questioned whether the reserve would raise customer costs; Hawaiian Electric said the amount would be small and would be offset by avoiding higher financing costs, while Consumer Advocacy suggested the language should be strengthened to ensure unused funds are fully returned. The committee then heard HB 338, which would clarify that premium interest-rate adjustments for non-fossil fuel generation are just and reasonable and allow the PUC to include them in rates. DCCA and the State Energy Office supported the bill, and the PUC also supported it. Hawaiian Electric opposed unless amended, arguing the PUC already has discretion and warning the bill could weaken competitive procurement by encouraging higher bids tied to the utility’s credit rating. DCCA said the concern was that developers might not seek the best financing if premium rates are recoverable, but said Hawaiian Electric’s suggested amendment requiring clear and convincing evidence of unavoidable financing-cost increases would help. Members also asked about refinancing and whether developers could later lower debt costs after locking in a premium rate; DCCA said that ability exists and suggested a time limit or review mechanism. For HB 337, which would direct the PUC to establish standards requiring utilities to remove certain fossil-fuel costs from the rate base when adding renewable resources, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Hawaii Clean Power Alliance, and the State Energy Office supported the measure. Hawaiian Electric opposed it, saying it misunderstood utility cost recovery and could threaten grid reliability because fossil plants provide ancillary services such as voltage regulation and balancing, not just energy. Hawaiian Electric pointed to its integrated grid plan and recent fossil-unit retirements as evidence of ongoing transition, and asked the committee to defer the bill and leave oversight to the PUC. The committee also heard HB 879 on cesspool conversions, which would raise the maximum grant from $20,000 to $30,000 and add DOH positions; DHHL, DOH, environmental groups, Hawaii Realtors, and others supported it, while DOH discussed staffing needs and the practical effect of the higher grant cap. The committee also began HB 379 on requiring denitrification capacity for certain wastewater systems near shorelines or groundwater, with DLNR testifying in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• Discussion to the bill.
• Discussion to the bill. I &gt;&gt; Third reading. Discussion to the bill.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Discussion to the bill. &gt;&gt; Discussion to the bill.
• Discussion to the bill.
• ,</c><01:02:52.720><c> all</c> There being no further discussion, all There being no further discussion

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion? Okay, seeing none, passing with amendments.
• Members, any discussion?
• Members, any discussion? 1, 2050. Members, any discussion?
• Any discussion? Okay, seeing none, passing with amendments. Chair votes aye.
• Any discussion?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up a short-form administrative licensing measure requested by the administration to correct and clarify renewal provisions in a prior bill. Members raised no questions, and the committee voted to adopt the proposed Senate draft and recommit the bill back to the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee for a further public hearing. The committee then heard SB 2876 on natural hair braiding, which would exempt natural hair braiders from licensing under certain conditions. The Board of Barbering and Cosmetology said it views hair braiding as within the broader scope of cosmetology, but agreed that people who only braid hair should not need a license because the training and exam requirements are minimal. The board warned, however, that exempting braiders could create consumer protection gaps involving sanitation, training, and enforcement, and noted that related services such as waxing, cutting, coloring, shampooing, and relaxing would still require licensure. Supporters included the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii and the Institute for Justice. The committee also heard SB 2950 on captive insurance and SB 2951 on insurance proceeds. On SB 2950, the Insurance Division opposed the bill, saying captive insurance is designed for formal self-insurance for companies and that allowing captives to insure the public would not fit the existing regulatory framework; a fire survivor advocate supported the measure as a way to expand disaster-related insurance options. On SB 2951, which would require mortgage servicers to follow certain rules for disbursing insurance proceeds after residential damage or destruction, United Policy Holders strongly supported the bill, citing delays in releasing funds and the need to help survivors rebuild, while banking and financial industry groups submitted opposition or comments. Finally, the committee heard SB 2952, SB 2960, and SB 2964, all related to property insurance and disaster recovery. SB 2952 and SB 2960 would extend the time policyholders have after a declared disaster to submit documentation and recover replacement cost value, with supporters arguing that rebuilding after major disasters takes far longer than standard policy deadlines allow and that the bills would improve consumer protection and transparency; the Insurance Division, the Insurance Council, and national insurance groups opposed the measures. SB 2964 would require annual disclosures of replacement cost value and coverage sufficiency; the Insurance Council opposed it as costly and unnecessary because policies already include inflation-related adjustments, while United Policy Holders and fire survivors supported it, saying many homeowners are underinsured and do not understand their coverage.