Transcript Highlights:

• You hear budget projections, not the cries of families that are torn apart.
• You hear budget<00:17:47.039><c> projections,</c><00:17:48.000><c> not</c><00:17:48.160><c> the</c><00
• :17:48.400><c> cries</c><00:17:48.720><c> of</c> budget projections, not the cries of budget projections
• to take their place, and are requested to serve on the working group.
• to take their place, and are requested to serve on the working group.

Committee: House Economic Development & Technology

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Economic Development Technology Committee met on April 17, 2025, to hear STR 121, a resolution to form a working group to explore legalized gaming in Hawaii. Supporters, including DBED, labor representatives, and some industry interests, argued the measure would allow the state to gather more information, consider economic growth, job creation, investment, and tax revenue, and include a range of viewpoints before any final policy decision. Several supporters emphasized that a working group would help ensure informed decision-making and community input. Opponents argued that legalized gambling would disproportionately harm low-income residents and Native Hawaiians, increase addiction and related social harms, and bring crime, corruption, and human trafficking. Some cited examples from other states, illegal game rooms in Hawaii, and concerns that gambling revenue would be limited while social costs would be high. Others said the conversation should be led by local communities rather than industry stakeholders, and one testifier requested community representation on any working group for a potential stadium-area project. The committee also heard from witnesses who framed the measure as a way to address money leaving the state and to create a regulated alternative to illegal gambling. No vote or final action on STR 121 was taken during the hearing, and the chair noted the committee would need to adjourn in time for floor session if the hearing ran long.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that all of the members of the committee... ...request again.
• Perfectly fair request.
• Vice Chair, there's no request to speak. Our final is Molly Murphy.
• Vice Chair requests to speak. We have one speaker, Megan Delertino.
• Vice Chair, would you—let's see, any additional request to speak? No.

Bills: HB2143 , HB2273 , HB2290 , HB2373 , HB2784 , HB2794 , HB4037

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: public safety, retirement system, investments, trust fund, board of trustees, financial report, income tax rebate, Pinal County, taxpayer eligibility, state revenue, financial assistance, transaction privilege tax, business location, tangible personal property, shared vehicle, sourcing, income tax, veterans, donations, tax refunds

Transcript Highlights:

• But then they gave us the budget in 24. So I just wanted to give you a little bit of a timeline.
• The legislature finished their budget earlier than they ever have in history, I think.
• They appropriated us with a flat budget, meaning no increase, no decrease, no special funding for any
• When we go through the budget hearing in the House and the Senate, as I've told you all several times
• Um, the rector mentioned the budget, so I won't go further into that.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I think if you look at the priorities of budgeting over the last decade, it's been grossly out
• I mean, in 2013, going into that session, the budget was about $32 billion.
• So it just comes down to their budget priorities, and their budget priorities are, frankly, out of touch
• It's about $200 million a year, to Senator McCune's point, in a budget of $78 billion.
• The Senator McEwen's point, in a budget of $78 billion.

Summary: Senate and House Republican leaders used the media availability to focus heavily on affordability and to criticize a newly unveiled Democratic income tax proposal. Leaders John Braun, Drew Stokesbary, and others argued the bill would function as a broader income tax, harm small and medium-sized businesses, include a marriage penalty, deny loss carryforwards, and ultimately raise costs for Washington residents. They also said the proposal would do little to offset regressive taxes and would not meaningfully improve affordability. In response to questions, they said the bill was a non-starter for Republicans and warned it could contribute to business and household outmigration. Republicans also highlighted a range of other bills they said would increase costs or worsen public safety, including proposals related to insurance, tires and 6PPD, textiles, local taxes, social media, cigarettes, and solid waste. They criticized housing-related bills on homelessness and camping near schools and parks, saying they could limit local control and expose cities to lawsuits. On public safety, they said Democratic leaders were not advancing Republican-backed bills on sexually violent predators, family safety, and related issues. Braun also said his bill on oversight of NGOs and suspected fraud had a good hearing and remained a priority, while Republicans said they were watching fraud-related bills and a SNAP-related bill on restricting purchases of unhealthy foods. The leaders said they were holding listening sessions on the initiatives because they believe the legislature must give them precedence, and they said they invited both supporters and opponents to participate. They also discussed Senate Bill 602 on automated license plate readers, saying it had bipartisan support in committee but still faced concerns from cities, counties, and law enforcement. On the governor’s statement that he could not support the income tax proposal as written, Republicans said it showed there may be room for negotiation within the Democratic side, but they doubted Republicans would be included in those talks. No votes were taken during the media availability.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, I request a moment of personal privilege. >> Granted. >> I would like to start by introducing
• /c> immediately applicable after high immediately applicable after high school.<00:32:54.880><c> Budgeting
• Budgeting, banking, credit, school.
• Budgeting, banking, credit, interest,<00:32:57.120><c> debt,</c><00:32:57.519><c> and</c><00:32:58.000
• Committee will be joining the health committee today and presenting the governor's budget.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> respect the request the Senate. respect the request the Senate.
• Should the request the House recede.
• </c> claim asserted and the relief requested claim asserted and the relief requested do<02:18:57.359>
• </c><03:38:04.160><c> A</c><03:38:04.319><c> budget</c><03:38:04.560><c> and</c> budget and tax calendar
• A budget and budget and tax calendar. A budget and tax<03:38:04.960><c> calendar.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, April 13, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As you know, here at the state, we do a biennial budget.
• In the second year, the House members can go deal with their county budget for a biennial budget, a two-year
• budget, to get it onto the ballot.
• And if the voters say yes, then they move to a budget cycle on the off year of the state budget cycle
• Uh on how counties currently do budgets.

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm curious why, if you requested to see this bill in state government...
• My understanding of the purpose of this bill is to try to expand access to data practices requests coming
• Chair, I know there was a request submitted from our side for a fiscal note, and I think the reason was
• ><00:02:41.440><c> that</c> changes the way that uh requests that changes the way that uh requests that
• </c><00:03:14.680><c> being</c> about data practices uh requests being about data practices uh requests

Committee: House Rules and Legislative Administration

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Our budgets are very tight, and so some of these projects are pretty costly.
• Our role in this doesn't, we can't meet what's being requested.
• Think of a landowner who doesn't have a million dollars budget.
• It's, it's if they request it. This provision is not a windfall.
• And for most of these cities, They're working on small budgets.

Bills: HB 1520 , HB 1525 , HB 1530 , HB 1535 , HB 2068 , HB 2091 , HB 2347 , HB 2372 , HB 2805 , HB 2815 , HB 2867 , HB 3154 , HB 3482 , HB 3483 , HB 3663 , HB 3781 , HB 3901 , HB 3915 , HB 4135 , HB 4153 , HB 4158 , HB 4329 , HB 4331

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: Angelina and Neches River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, Special District Local Laws Code, local government, natural resources, board of directors, director training, board governance, public testimony, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, ethics, complaint system, general manager, board president, staggered terms, removal of director

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the framework of that funding, and so we could come back next session when we have a budget to
• This is the framework of that funding, and so we could come back next session when we have a budget to
• when</c><00:07:28.319><c> we</c><00:07:28.479><c> have</c><00:07:28.639><c> a</c><00:07:28.840><c> budget
• </c><00:07:29.560><c> to</c> session when we have a budget to session when we have a budget to actually
• However, when the time comes for the next budget session, there may be a request for additional funding

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Primary and Secondary Education Committee met and first took up House Bill 14, which would establish Alyssa’s Law in Kentucky public schools. The bill, as amended by committee substitute, would allow districts to implement wearable panic alert systems for school staff beginning in the 2025-26 school year. Sponsor Rep. Kevin Jackson and supporters described the system as a silent badge/button that can alert school offices, 911, first responders, and other personnel, with different button sequences for different emergencies. Testimony from Lori Alade, Alyssa’s mother and founder of Make Our Schools Safe, emphasized that “time equals life” and said the technology can help in active threats, medical emergencies, weather events, and other urgent situations. Students from St. Margaret Mary’s Kentucky Youth Assembly also supported the bill, citing the Georgia school shooting response as an example of how such systems can save lives. Members asked about vendor neutrality, costs, training, and whether the system could be used off campus; sponsors said the bill is intended to be vendor neutral, estimated statewide costs ranged from about $2 million to $6 million, training would be provided before the school year, and they would follow up on the off-campus question. The committee approved HB 14 with the committee substitute attached. The committee then reconsidered and approved House Bill 48, a cleanup measure related to school reporting requirements. The substitute was described as addressing department concerns about eliminating certain reporting forms while preserving district flexibility and reducing burdensome reporting. It would allow schools to maintain or use alternative reporting methods, provide KDE a timeline and guidelines for reporting on Cognia software used for CPS and C-dips, and require a written report to the LRC describing reporting requirements imposed on public schools and districts, with items not reapproved by the legislature sunsetting in 2026. The bill passed the committee with the committee substitute attached. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 190, as amended by committee substitute, which would shift the measure from a planning-and-action bill to a planning-only bill for advanced coursework and codify some gifted-student regulations. Rep. Duvall and Dr. Julia Link Roberts of WKU said the bill is intended to expand opportunities for high-potential students by requiring districts to set policies on advanced coursework or accelerated learning options for grades 4 through 12. The substitute changes the standard from “proficient” to “distinguished,” allows districts flexibility in how they implement the policies, and may require automatic enrollment for students scoring distinguished, with opt-out provisions and a principal exception if coursework conflicts with career pathways or CTE access. Members discussed how the proposal differs from current advanced programs, the broader inclusion of students, and district variation in available opportunities. No final vote on HB 190 was included in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• As we moved through the process and through this year's budget forecast, we knew that this was existing
• Ninety-five percent of that was for rent requests. So, I agree with you, Senator Port.
• So, I agree with was for rent requests.
• </c> budgets, uh, county based purchasing. budgets, uh, county based purchasing.
• Requests for rental assistance to all counties are up.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am here today to request approval to repeal docket number 24-09-01-25.
• With that, I respectfully request approval... ...rules prepared for your consideration.
• I am here today to request approval to repeal docket number 24-1901-2501, starting on page 446 of your
• If there are no questions, I respectfully request the committee's approval to repeal docket number 24
• We have Senator Groh coming in to present on the health and welfare budget sections of it for us.

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• will be focusing on discussing the fiscal impact that these bills before us will have on the state's budget
• These bills before us will have on the state's budget and not on the merits of the bill itself.
• I believe it has been provided for in the budget. Thank you. Questions by committee members.
• The fiscal note is near $3 million, and it's not in the budget, so we've asked for a delay in implementation
• We request your help in supporting the fiscal investment needed in primary care reform.

Bills: SB219 , SB9

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: military pension, military retirement pay, veterans, retiree tax relief, income tax exemption, pension exclusion, Delaware income tax, retirement income, state tax subtraction, armed forces retirement, National Guard, Space Force, Coast Guard, NOAA, Public Health Service, taxable income, Title 30, Section 1106, wetlands protection, nontidal wetlands

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee met to hear several bills, with members repeatedly reminded to focus on fiscal impacts rather than policy merits. The committee first considered SB 9 on freshwater wetlands, which would combine tidal and non-tidal wetlands programs into one permitting framework; supporters said the bill resulted from a two-year consensus process and that the governor’s office and DENREC would absorb a significant share of the cost. Public testimony was largely supportive, emphasizing flood control and ecosystem services, though one speaker opposed the spending. The committee voted to release SB 9. The committee then heard SB 278 on child care assistance, which would preauthorize summer camp for eligible school-age children and create a separate lower co-payment for half-day care. The sponsor and the YMCA of Delaware said the change would better align family co-pays with provider reimbursement and make before- and after-school care more affordable for working families. The committee also released SB 278, SB 168 on alcohol delivery for package stores, SB 120 on health insurance coverage for certain testing and treatment, and HB 4, a pilot program for artificial intelligence and extended reality in schools; HB 4 was described as having a near-$3 million fiscal note and a one-year implementation delay because it was not funded in the budget. Later, the committee approved SB 219, which gradually increases the military pension income tax exclusion from $12,500 to $25,000 over three years and includes related joint-filing and residency changes. Supporters argued it would help attract and retain military retirees and bring federal dollars into the state. The committee also released SB 1, a major primary care reform bill that would increase primary care spending and implement hospital payment reforms, with projected long-term savings to the state employee health plan, and SB 325, which expands background checks and wrap-back monitoring for fire service personnel and adds an investigator position for the Fire Prevention Commission. In each case, public commenters and committee members generally supported the bills, and all were released from committee by recorded vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• of data requests that cities are seeing.
• of data requests that cities are seeing.
• of data requests that cities are seeing.
• just achieve another agenda through data requests.
• just achieve another agenda through data requests.

Bills: HF1917 , HF1083 , HF367

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: data practices, public official, transparency, government accountability, employment data, domestic abuse, domestic violence, battered women, victim advocate, advocacy, confidentiality, privilege, evidence law, witness privilege, court-ordered disclosure, shelter, crisis intervention, sexual assault counselor, victim services, protective services

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Lang moves the committee amendment to add in that language that was requested.
• They did it so that it would take effect after any budgets.
• </c><01:17:17.920><c> last</c> um Concord that was in the budget last um Concord that was in the budget
• It's meant to go into the next budget cycle. Yeah, it won't begin until next budget cycle.
• </c> happening this summer, um DAS requested happening this summer, um DAS requested that<01:28:08.680

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, same request. Chair votes I. Vice Chair votes yes.
• Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, same request. Chair votes I. Vice Chair votes yes.
• We have a position that we're asking for in our budget, which is in the budget, um, to bring that program
• </c><00:45:50.119><c> which</c><00:45:50.280><c> is</c> we're asking for in our budget which is we're
• asking for in our budget which is in<00:45:50.599><c> the</c><00:45:50.800><c> in</c><00:45:50.960><

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard SB 252 on invasive species, which would broaden the Department of Agriculture’s authority to inspect items moved into or within Hawaii, prohibit the sale of pest-infested merchandise, and allow quarantine, treatment, or destruction of affected materials with clarified penalties. Testifiers from the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, the Farmers Union, and many others strongly supported the bill, emphasizing gaps in current inspection authority and the need to address high-risk non-agricultural commodities such as outdoor furniture and other cargo that can carry pests like red imported fire ants. Members raised concerns about staffing, inspection capacity, commerce impacts, and whether better manifest descriptions or scanners could help target higher-risk shipments. The chairs recommended passage with Department of Agriculture and technical amendments, and the committees adopted the recommendation. The joint CPN/EDT hearing then took up SB 148 on combat sports, which would create a Hawaii Combat Sports Commission and regulate combat sports while prohibiting no-rules contests. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs offered comments on effective dates and later said other jurisdictions generally use a single commission for boxing and MMA. Supporters, including a professional fighter and a longtime advocate, argued the bill would help revive the sport in Hawaii, improve local opportunities, and reduce costs associated with separate commissions; one testifier initially appeared opposed but clarified he was actually in support. Committee members asked about safety, medical coverage, staffing, vacancies, and whether separate commissions could share staff. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including an Attorney General effective-date amendment, amendments from the Hawaii Association of Professional Nurses to increase health-care coverage at fights, and DCCA’s recommendation to unify boxing and MMA under one commission; the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050, and the recommendation was adopted. A later joint CPN/Housing agenda began with SB 69 on deposits of public funds, which would require the Director of Finance to consider the benefits of using in-state depositories, including favorable lending terms for affordable housing. The Department of Budget and Finance and the Hawaii Bankers Association offered comments, and no other testimony or questions were noted before the discussion moved on. The next measure introduced was SB 24 on limited profit housing associations, which would create a regulatory framework and a limited profit housing council; the transcript cuts off as testimony on that bill was beginning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, creating capacity to deliver or fully fund requests.
• Political subdivisions to request funding for water projects.
• Chair, Madam Chair, are not multi-million dollar requests.
• a request and we could go as legislators and lobby.
• So that was just to be clear that NMFA could request funds for those.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 103, which would prevent a homeowner from losing the 3% valuation cap solely because of a zoning change. The sponsor and supporters, including the New Mexico Business Coalition, Realtors, and the City of Albuquerque, said the bill would protect homeowners from unexpected tax increases when the property’s use has not changed. There was no opposition, and the committee approved HB 103 with a due pass recommendation by voice vote. The committee then considered House Bill 145, which extends the high-wage job tax credit sunset from 2026 to 2036. The sponsor and the Economic Development Secretary said the credit has been effective in attracting and retaining higher-wage jobs, especially because employers need long-term certainty. Business and economic development groups testified in support, while no one spoke in opposition. Members discussed the wage thresholds, the value of keeping a sunset for review, and the bill’s fiscal impact. The committee passed HB 145 on a 7-2 roll call vote. House Bill 247, a major capital outlay modernization bill, generated the most extensive discussion. The sponsor described the bill as a response to billions in unspent capital outlay balances and repeated reauthorizations, and proposed amendments to require ICIP inclusion for larger appropriations, limit reauthorizations, and change how water projects are handled. Public testimony was mixed: some rural and tribal representatives supported modernization but warned that the water provisions could harm small communities, fire suppression systems, flood-control dams, and other local projects. After debate, the committee adopted an amendment striking the water-related Section 2, then later passed the bill as twice amended with a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is my last policy bill, so I request your support. Thank you.
• So, to clarify, my request was to actually TP this bill, okay?
• I know our budgets are in good hands, regardless of who sits in these seats, I know our budgets are in
• Its culture is not the other, but also its budget is not the other.
• Its culture is not the other, but also its budget is not the other.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for Army Sergeant Benjamin Pennington, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of guests including law enforcement officers and several student visitors. The chamber then adopted the special order report and moved to the special order calendar, with members also approving the journal and establishing a quorum. Later in the day, the House paused for several introductions and farewell remarks, including extended closing speeches from Representatives Eskamani and Overdorf reflecting on their service, staff, constituents, and policy priorities. The House passed several bills, often after brief explanations and amendments. CS/SB 590 on the statute of limitations for failures to report child abuse was clarified to apply prospectively and passed 111-0. SB 418 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism spectrum disorder was amended to include House language and passed 111-0. CS/CS/SB 1668 on the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA) passed 112-0 after an amendment merging House and Senate provisions, and CS/SB 1246 on the linking industry to nursing education fund passed 112-0 after amendments expanding eligible contributions and program support. Additional bills approved included CS/CS/SB 1404 on memory care standards, CS/CS/SB 1030 on recovery residences, CS/CS/SB 422 on automatic dependent surveillance broadcasts for aviation safety, CS/CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services, and CS/CS/SB 178 on athletics in public K-12 schools, which would allow school coaches to use limited personal funds to support student-athletes with items such as food, transportation, and rehabilitation services, with parental consent added by amendment. Most of these measures passed unanimously or near-unanimously, with SB 422 passing 108-2. The House also heard debate on CS/CS/SB 1134, a bill restricting counties and municipalities from taking official actions related to DEI and limiting the use of public funds for DEI-related activities and contracts. Members questioned how the bill would affect local government practices, observances, and staff functions, and the sponsor explained several exceptions and enforcement provisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, and I respectfully request your aye vote. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Dax Proctor, Californians United for Responsible Budget, in opposition.
• Dax Proctor, Californians United for Responsible Budget, in support.
• Dax Proctor, Californians United for Responsible Budget, in support.
• We respectfully request your aye vote.

Summary: The committee first adopted a seven-bill consent calendar, then heard several public safety measures. AB 1127 by Assembly Member Gabriel would restrict sale of certain semi-automatic handguns that can be easily converted to automatic weapons with “switches”; supporters, including Everytown and Moms Demand Action, said it targets a specific Glock-style design flaw linked to mass shootings, while the NRA and gun-rights groups argued the bill duplicates existing federal law and effectively bans popular handguns. The bill was moved on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Judiciary and remained on call. AB 468, also by Gabriel, would increase penalties and clarify offenses involving looting and impersonating emergency personnel in evacuation zones and during disasters; firefighters, district attorneys, and law enforcement supported it as a deterrent, while public defenders and justice advocates warned it was overbroad and could worsen racial profiling. The committee approved the bill on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations, also held on call. The committee then heard AB 1187 by Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez, which would require eight hours of firearm safety training, including live-fire instruction, before obtaining a firearm safety certificate and would add a requirement for new residents who import firearms. Supporters said California should require training comparable to other safety-sensitive activities and that the measure would reduce gun deaths; opponents argued the bill misunderstands the existing FSC process, would be hard to implement because of range and instructor limits, and would burden a constitutional right. The bill passed on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations and was held on call. The committee also heard AB 1424 by Rodriguez, which would require CDCR climate resiliency and heat-safety measures in prisons, including temperature monitoring, shade, showers, fans, and emergency planning. Prisoner-rights and labor groups strongly supported the bill, citing extreme heat, wildfire, and flooding risks, while one opponent said the monitoring mandate could be too costly; the bill was moved on a due-pass motion to Labor and Employment and held on call. Finally, the committee began hearing AB 1258 by Assembly Member Kalra, which would extend the sunset of the Young Adult Deferred Entry Program through 2029 for selected counties. Kalra and Santa Clara County Judge Erica You described the program’s success in reducing recidivism and providing wraparound services for young adults with felony charges, including housing, counseling, and parenting support. The transcript cuts off before the committee completed action on AB 1258.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have not had those conversations; those groups have not requested that.
• Chair, I’d like to request a roll call. Before we vote on it, I had a question for Senator Balden.
• Chair, I’d like to request a roll call. Senator Limmer, thank you, Mr. Chair.
• No, we have a roll call vote requested.
• Common Cause Minnesota has been a national group for years, but they have a low budget.

Committee: Senate Elections

Keywords: 1187, senate, all