Transcript Highlights:

• Let’s go ahead and petition the court and say, here is all of the photos.
• And then what happens is they go into prison and then they get treated.
• And then what happens is they go into prison and then they get treated.
• and kill people.
• And if there could have been interventions earlier, it’s possible that he wouldn’t have had years to

Committee: House Legislative Review

Summary: The committee met in executive session first and approved several measures. House Bill 2516 was voted do pass by a 6-yes, 1-present roll call. House Joint Resolution 171 was amended, rolled into a new House committee substitute, and then voted do pass by a 7-0 roll call. House Bill 3090 was also amended to remove three sections, rolled into a new House committee substitute, and then passed unanimously, 7-0. The committee then returned to open session to hear House Bill 2512, sponsored by Representative Tricia Burns. The bill would replace the current “imminent danger” standard with “predictable harm,” create a “qualified petitioner” process, and expand court involvement in ordering treatment, including long-acting antipsychotic injections for certain patients with severe mental illness. Burns argued the bill is meant to help families and police intervene earlier in cases involving schizophrenia, bipolar disorder with psychotic features, and similar conditions, and said current law leaves families with too few tools and too little communication from providers. Members asked about how the bill differs from current 96-hour psychiatric holds, how “predictable harm” would work in practice, and whether the proposal raises constitutional concerns. Burns said the bill is intended to allow earlier intervention based on documented patterns of behavior and to provide due process through the courts. In opposition, Lisa Pennett of Armour Vine raised concerns about court-ordered treatment against a patient’s will, unclear standards for incapacity, immunity provisions, funding penalties for noncompliant clinics, and criminal penalties for interference. The hearing on House Bill 2512 concluded without a vote, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• ...able to have a program for college tuition forgiveness for nursing and LPNs, to come and work for
• So we have an LNA program, and they commit to a year. And what we can't do is create nurses.
• So we have an LNA program, and they commit to a year. And what we can't do is create nurses.
• So we have an LNA program, and they commit to a year. And what we can't do is create nurses.
• We have an LNA program and an M&A program.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: Division 3 opened a work session focused on direct care agencies, with the chair saying the day would center on the Veterans Home and other state hospitals and homes. Members first discussed the upcoming Finance Committee process, including how many bills would be assigned to Division 3, whether they would appear on the House calendar, and how much time would be allowed for each bill. The chair said the division would likely spend about an hour on each bill, then return for a second day of review before making recommendations. Staff later identified three bills expected on the calendar: House Bills 704, 751, and 54. Members also raised a question about the use of educational trust fund money in the budget, but that issue was deferred. The main presentation came from Kim McKay, commandant of the New Hampshire Veterans Home, who described the facility as a long-term care intermediate facility serving eligible veterans. She said the home is licensed for 250 beds, budgeted for 225 veterans, and currently has 135 residents with four more scheduled to arrive. McKay highlighted improvements over the last two years, including a reduction in the admission wait list from more than a year to about three to six months, the creation of an LNA training program, energy-saving and Wi-Fi upgrades, and a new electronic learning management system that will provide mandatory training and continuing education units for staff. She said the home’s long-term goal is to return to a 225-bed census, but staffing remains the biggest hurdle. Members asked about admissions, wait times, staffing, vacancies, and the home’s use of contract nurses. McKay explained that the wait time is measured from the initial application date, not from a completed packet, and that staff now help families gather records and paperwork more quickly. She said the home averages about 45 deaths per year, residents stay about 2.5 years on average, and the vacancy rate is around 35 percent, though some positions are intentionally held open until census grows. She attributed staffing shortages largely to retention problems, citing higher private-sector pay, bonuses, and more flexible hours, and said the home has a handful of contract nurses, mainly on second shift. On finances, she said pharmacy services are contracted, the VA reimburses some medication costs based on disability, and the home is pursuing federal changes to cover high-cost medications and catastrophic disability cases. The discussion also covered the home’s off-book donation account, which is overseen by the state and transferred into the state system when funds are spent.

Transcript Highlights:

• And what the saddest thing here to me is actually early COVID, where you see a massive gap between the
• It's a jobs program, and we got to—that's mainly focus on dairy and hogs here.
• Uh and the program<01:28:39.199><c> is</c><01:28:39.520><c> modeled</c><01:28:40.320><c> after</c><01
• even though I'm interested it in program even though I'm interested it in it.<01:32:02.560><c> and</c
• and um you know you can go large program and um you know you can go large animals<01:34:22.560><c> or

Bills: HF3718

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, animal care, licensing, client consent, continuing education, emergency services, teletriage, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> prevention, and reporting. prevention, and reporting.
• and recovery programs and professionals.
• and recovery programs and professionals.
• and recovery programs and professionals.
• families who rely on Minnesota's early intensive developmental and behavioral intervention program,

Committees: Senate Health and Human Services , Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• expand the Truancy Court and the Early Education Intervention Program, also in the First Circuit.
• the Early<00:05:42.960><c> Education</c><00:05:43.400><c> Intervention</c><00:05:43.919><c> Program<
• /c> Early Education Intervention Program Early Education Intervention Program also<00:05:44.840><c> in
• </c> and out of pre-trial diversion programs and out of pre-trial diversion programs post<00:16:41.839
• support of thei program and it is support of thei program and it is through<01:49:52.520><c> that</c>

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard House Bill 4000, the Judiciary’s biennium budget bill for FY 2026-2027. Judiciary Director of Policy and Planning Brandon Kimura testified in strong support, outlining operating requests of about $6.17 million in FY 26 and $6.25 million in FY 27, 17 permanent positions and one temporary position, plus $9.9 million in capital improvements. He described funding needs for specialty courts, preparations for the Wahiawa District Court, an additional district court judge and staff for Kona, cybersecurity upgrades, the Criminal Justice Research Institute, statewide priority items, and restoration of several essential staff positions. He also said the Judiciary was seeking an additional $2 million for the Children’s Justice Center relocation lump sum because updated estimates had risen to about $8 million. The committee also discussed potential impacts from uncertain federal funding and asked for written follow-up on those risks and on the capital request, including coordination with Budget and Finance. Several organizations and individuals testified in support of the Judiciary budget, including the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association, Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi, and legal service providers. Mioko Eto asked for an additional $1 million for civil legal service providers, explaining that the current funding is spread across multiple providers and that the need remains high. David Copper of Legal Aid supported the request, citing statewide demand, 105 staff, 7,100 cases closed in the past year, and 15,000 calls received, while noting that many people seeking help cannot be served because of capacity limits. He also said recent federal funding disruptions and proposed cuts could affect legal services and related programs. Committee members asked about the Criminal Justice Research Institute’s mission; Kimura said its primary statutory role is to build a database focused on pre-trial reporting and data analysis, though it is also working on probation and mental health-related projects. No vote or final action on HB 4000 was taken in the hearing excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Prevention</c> Program Integrity and Fraud Prevention Program Integrity and Fraud Prevention Act.<02:
• The unprecedented expansion of government programs and lack of commensurate and adequate fraud prevention
• and fraud preventers preventers cutters and fraud preventers preventers act.<03:33:51.040><c> This</
• Bill, as a young man, even worked on the Apollo program in the late 60s and early 70s, and he shared
• </c><07:37:55.840><c> early</c><07:37:56.240><c> 70s</c> program in the late 60s and early 70s program

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, June 8, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• hope and a future.
• Memorial 10 and House Bills 518 and 519, Scog Chairman.
• and crime information.
• And so she approached the gentleman and started talking to him, and he was going to commit suicide.
• And so I think this is a great bill, and I would urge a green light. Thank you.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum present, approved the previous day’s journal, and received a notice naming Grayson Stone as a qualified substitute for District 25CA for Representative Donald Hall. It also received an enrolled House Concurrent Resolution 22 from the Senate. Committee reports referred several printed measures, including House Joint Memorial 10 and House Bills 518 and 519, and the House introduced and referred House Bills 520 through 531, covering topics such as administrative procedure, criminal history records, unmanned aircraft near correctional facilities, Capitol Mall property and access rules, child custody, execution procedures, cottage food operations, the Yellow Dot medical information program, directed blood product transfusions, anti-cancer medications, and epinephrine delivery systems. On third reading, House Resolution 20 passed by voice vote after brief remarks emphasizing civility, reducing political violence, and supporting public servants. House Bill 489 was held on the calendar for one legislative day. House Bill 491, which would expand Good Samaritan protections to encourage layperson intervention in suicide crises, passed 67-0 with three absent and excused; supporters cited the need for bystander intervention and examples of lives saved. House Bill 492, which adds a juvenile justice administrator position to a council to better represent those working directly with youth in detention and probation settings, also passed 67-0 and was transmitted to the Senate. The remaining bill on the calendar was held one legislative day. During announcements, members welcomed University of Idaho students, FFA visitors, and other guests, noted a firefighters’ Medal of Honor application event in the rotunda, and mentioned Idaho Potato Commission potatoes available in the rotunda. Committee meeting notices were announced for several standing committees later in the week. The House then adjourned until 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Domestic violence abusers frequently obstruct their ability to prevent pregnancy, and they change it.
• me from getting an abortion and a proactive treatment to prevent further risk and diseases.
• We will use that in order to go forward and pay for and create some government programs that are supposed
• , prevent, and deter insurance crimes.
• , and unfortunately, they're doing nothing, nothing to prevent it.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Senate Bill 1272 on guardianship, which would limit a guardian’s ability to isolate an adult ward from family and require notice of major events such as a ward’s death or relocation to a more restrictive setting. Senator Jones and supportive speakers said the bill was intended to protect wards from abuse and isolation by bad actors, while still preserving good-faith guardianship. With no opposition testimony or debate, the committee voted 8-0 to report the bill favorably. The committee then considered CS for Senate Bill 1284, which would expand Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow civil claims for the death of an unborn child. An amendment was adopted to define “unborn child” as a member of the species Homo sapiens carried in the womb and to state that the act does not authorize claims against the mother or against health care providers acting within the lawful standard of care. The bill drew extensive debate and testimony. Supporters argued it would give parents parity and fuller damages, including economic losses and mental anguish, when negligence causes the death of an unborn child. Opponents, including the ACLU, medical professionals, and reproductive rights advocates, warned it could be used to target abortion care, increase malpractice exposure, worsen physician shortages, and create speculative damages. The committee approved the bill 6-4. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 1288 on parental rights, with a strike-all amendment that would strengthen parental control over minors’ medical decisions, surveys, and biofeedback devices, while adding exceptions for emergencies, court orders, certain legal statuses, and situations involving abuse or out-of-home placement. Supporters said the measure restores parents as primary decision-makers and protects children from inappropriate questioning or treatment without consent. Opponents argued it could block minors from confidential care for STIs, mental health, or abuse-related issues, and could chill school and medical screenings. The transcript ends during testimony and debate on this bill, before any final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• then a full 15% in the fourth year, giving contractors, training programs, and the workforce time to
• recommendations on the use of apprentice and pre-apprenticeship programs in all industries.
• Without immediate intervention, CPR, and access to an AED, survival drops dramatically with every passing
• Without immediate intervention, CPR, and access to an AED, survival drops dramatically with every passing
• it completely on our cities and towns and our local youth sports programs.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• then a full 15% in the fourth year, giving contractors, training programs, and the workforce time to
• recommendations on the use of apprentice and pre-apprenticeship programs in all industries.
• Without immediate intervention, CPR, and access to an AED, survival drops dramatically with every passing
• themselves with every youth sports program in the town, with the schools, and the town recreation department
• it completely on our cities and towns and our local youth sports programs.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House began with routine procedural business, including adoption of resolutions congratulating Yolanda Kruger on her 100th birthday and two orders extending the Public Health Committee’s reporting deadline on House documents 4984 and 4988. The chamber then moved through a series of local bills and calendar items, passing to engrossment measures including authorization for the town of Hudson to grant an additional wine and malt beverage license, authorization for Cohasset to grant five additional liquor licenses, and an amendment to the Plymouth town charter. It also advanced several other bills on second reading, including a land conveyance for Barnstable County and Bourne, a bill requiring automated external defibrillators at sporting events, and a bill preparing apprentices through training and hiring in Massachusetts. The House took up House 3417, designating June 16 as Domestic Workers’ Rights Day. Representative Sousa spoke in support, describing domestic workers as essential but often invisible workers and arguing that the designation would raise awareness of rights and protections under the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. The bill passed to engrossment by roll call, 156-0. The House also passed House 4992, authorizing Barnstable County and Bourne to convey certain parcels of land, and later passed House 4994, the Paths Act, which would require a phased-in apprentice-hours requirement on large public construction projects, condition bidding on participation in approved apprenticeship programs, and create a commission to study apprenticeship participation. The chamber then debated House 4993, the Preston Settles Every Minute Counts Act, requiring AEDs and trained personnel at sporting facilities and events. Representative Decker urged passage, citing the death of a young athlete and the need to close safety gaps outside schools. Representative Frost offered amendments to create a state fund to help communities pay for AEDs and to allow exemptions for remote fields without permanent power, arguing the bill could otherwise burden municipalities; both amendments were defeated on roll call. The bill itself then passed to engrossment by roll call, 154-1. The House also enacted a bill allowing Hingham to use municipal property for a center for active living, and the session ended with an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• both organics diversion programs and environmental targets will suffer for it.
• typically in opt-in programs, and they're also in programs that are more medium-scale, right?
• And that just builds strength of the program. Yeah, okay. All right.
• However, some plan strategies are funded through existing air grants and programs.
• And in fact, Cap and Invest has now authorized $250 million for the 617 program as of last year, right

Committee: Senate Environmental Quality

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , preventive care, and parasite<00:08:55.600><c> testing.
• And I think what's to prevent them from going to their friendly vet and get another prescription.
• And I think what's to prevent them from going to their friendly vet and get another prescription.
• And I think what's to prevent them from going to their friendly vet and get another prescription.
• And I think what's to prevent shopping.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first reviewed several Fish and Wildlife regulations. Staff explained amendments to 301 KAR 2:176, 4:112, and 6:030, including updating wildlife control tag language, creating an impoundment agent program for seized wildlife, and clarifying boating safety rules. A member raised a concern about boat wakes near docks, and staff said the commission had recently voted on related changes that were not yet included because the regulation had been filed earlier; those changes would have to come back later. The committee approved the staff amendments without objection. The Board of Veterinary Examiners then presented 201 KAR 16:767, which would require veterinary managers to be physically present during business hours and limit them to five registered facilities. Board representatives said they had tried to meet with affected parties before the hearing but had not reached agreement. A representative for Kentucky Pet IQ argued the rule was written for full-service hospitals and would be impractical for short, limited-service clinics that only provide vaccinations, preventive care, and parasite testing. Members expressed concern about the rule’s impact on veterinary access in underserved areas, and the committee voted to defer the regulation until the next month so the parties could continue negotiating. The committee next considered Transportation Cabinet 601 KAR 9:120, the online insurance verification system, in both ordinary and emergency form. The chair said staff had identified conflicts with a bill passed the prior year and moved to find the regulations deficient. The motion passed on a roll call vote, with six ayes and two pass votes. The committee then found ordinary ABC regulations 804 KAR 12:020 and 12:030 deficient as well, again by six ayes and two pass votes, after noting that the emergency versions had already been found deficient the previous month. Finally, the committee reviewed Cabinet for Health and Family Services 902 KAR 55:110, which would require veterinarians to report dispensed controlled substances to KASPER while exempting administered medications. OIG staff said the rule was meant to align regulation with statute, which includes veterinarians as prescribers, and emphasized that the reporting duty applies to prescriptions, not administration to animals. Some members supported the change as a needed anti-diversion measure, while others worried about implementation burdens and timing. After discussion, the committee found the regulation deficient by a 6-2 vote. The meeting then moved into full review of 922 KAR 1:565, a Department for Community Based Services rule implementing kinship care provisions from Senate Bill 151; staff said it was needed for implementation once funding is available, but a member criticized the two-year delay and the inclusion of language conditioning implementation on funding. A public witness from the Kinship Families Coalition argued the rule should not shift the 120-day application window in a way that could affect federal funding eligibility and urged the committee to reject the regulation as written.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I have gotten some pushback from people because they're saying it's government intervention and interfering
• And I'm going to go ahead and pass off to Terry, and then we will have questions. Thank you, Mr.
• having a certified helmet and protective gear could help prevent a serious injury or even... ...and
• And we see enough in both adults and children on that.
• And I think it's unfortunate that government has to step in and take the rights away from parents and

Committee: House Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight

Summary: The Transportation Committee first met in executive session on House Bill 2741. Members adopted a committee amendment correcting a wording error, then voted the House committee substitute do pass by a roll call of 9 ayes, 2 noes, and 1 present. Supporters said the bill addressed safety concerns, especially for commercial vehicles, while opponents objected to the subjective standard for proving proficiency and to the $3,000 penalty for violations. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bills 1831, 2328, and 2553, all related to motorcycle passenger safety for children. The bills would require young child passengers to wear helmets, be able to reach foot pegs, and ride on properly equipped seats; the discussion also focused on whether officers could stop motorcycles based on a reasonable suspicion that a child passenger was underage or improperly secured. Bill sponsors said the measures were intended to prevent child deaths and injuries, citing the death of Calvin James, a 4-year-old grandson of one witness, as the reason for “Calvin’s Law.” Testimony was mixed. Family members and several supporters, including emergency nurses, argued the bills were common-sense child protection measures and could prevent traumatic brain injuries or fatalities. Motorcycle advocacy groups and some witnesses said the bills were overbroad, could lead to arbitrary stops or family services involvement, and needed clearer definitions for terms like “proper passenger seat.” Several members raised questions about enforceability, age verification, and whether the fine structure was an effective deterrent. No votes were taken on the three motorcycle bills, and the committee adjourned after closing the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm going to go ahead and pass off to Terry, and then we will have questions. pass off to Terry,
• having a certified helmet and protective gear could help prevent a serious injury or even... ...and
• And we see enough in both adults and children on that.
• And I think it's unfortunate that government has to step in and take the rights away from parents and
• That they lost their grandchild in a tragic accident, and I wish it could have been prevented.

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• both organics diversion programs and environmental targets will suffer for it.
• typically in opt-in programs, and they're also in programs that are more medium-scale, right?
• It's a much more niche program. Exactly. And that just builds strength of the program. Yeah, okay.
• And that just builds strength of the program. Yeah, okay. All right.
• And in fact, Cap-and-Invest has now authorized $250 million for the 617 program as of last year, right

Committee: Senate Environmental Quality

Summary: The committee heard several bills related to environmental quality, housing, transportation, and waste policy. SB 1375, by Senator Cortese, would create a narrow CEQA exemption category for certain transit and rail projects that have already undergone extensive environmental review. Supporters, including VTA, the City of San Jose, BART, Caltrain, MTC, and Climate Reality Silicon Valley, said it would reduce duplicative review and speed projects like the Diridon Station modernization. Committee members emphasized added amendments requiring displacement, construction-impact, and natural resources plans, and the bill passed 5-0 as amended to Transportation. The committee then took up SB 1031 on compostable plastics labeling. The author and supporters such as Californians Against Waste and the California Compost Coalition argued the bill would reduce consumer confusion, curb contamination in compost and recycling streams, and direct OEHHA to study health and environmental impacts. Opponents including manufacturers, BPI, retailers, and other industry groups said the bill would effectively ban compostable products in California, harm businesses, and fail to fix the underlying National Organics Program issue. After extensive discussion about labeling, composting capacity, and costs, the bill passed 2-2 on call to Appropriations. SB 958, relating to the Midway Rising redevelopment project in San Diego, was presented next; supporters said it would help move forward a large housing and mixed-use project on city-owned land after years of review and voter approval, and it passed 3-0 on call to Local Government. SB 1075, the Clean Air Promise, drew the most extensive debate. The bill would strengthen implementation and enforcement of AB 617 community emissions reduction plans and local plans in overburdened communities. Environmental justice advocates and youth supporters backed the measure, while local governments, business groups, air district representatives, and industry groups warned it would create uncertainty, add land-use constraints, and act as a housing and cost driver. The author accepted several committee amendments and said the bill was still being worked on, but the motion to pass it to Local Government resulted in a 2-2 tie and the bill remained on call. SB 1064, by Senator Dahle, would reduce clean truck check testing frequency for low-use heavy-duty vehicles and equipment from twice a year to once a year. Agricultural and trucking witnesses supported it as a practical, cost-saving change, while air quality advocates opposed weakening a program they said prevents excess emissions and protects public health. The bill passed 4-0 on call to Transportation. Finally, SB 1258 was presented as a revised measure on remediation of hazardous waste sites on the Cortese list. The author said the committee amendments replaced the bill’s original approach, but he continued to argue that remediation should be aligned with housing development so contaminated infill sites can be cleaned up and built on more efficiently. Developers and environmental consultants supported the concept, saying current timing rules create risk and leave sites idle, while the committee continued to hear testimony as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• intervention in some shape, form or fashion.<00:27:01.679><c> And</c><00:27:01.919><c> that's</c><00
• And to respond to that, we put forth this job/community intervention initiative, not only to stop the
• and and and<00:36:53.040><c> and</c><00:36:53.280><c> and</c><00:36:53.880><c> and</c><00:36:54.880>
• is and the facts that that suggest and is and and<01:06:58.559><c> and</c><01:06:58.799><c> and</c><
• </c> and and and yields us to find uh uh and and and and yields us to find uh uh and and<01:07:02.319

Committee: Senate Rules and Administration - Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:16:09.120><c> and</c> might as well shut down the program. and might as well shut down the program
• Um and and when the teams are programs.
• support these programs and have a good NIL program and graduate students at a very high level.
• c> and</c><00:30:22.159><c> have</c><00:30:22.240><c> a</c> and support these programs and have a and
• ><c> and</c><00:30:23.760><c> and</c><00:30:24.080><c> graduate</c> good NIL program and and graduate

Bills: HB2384

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Keywords: student-athletes, compensation, name image likeness, NCAA, Title IX, transparency, education, Hawaii, athletic programs, 910, house, all

Summary: The joint committees heard HB 2384, relating to student athlete compensation, with testimony largely in support from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Athletics, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Athletics, and several other supporters. UH Mānoa said the bill would create a framework for name, image, and likeness (NIL) policies, including education, financial literacy, agent regulation, transparency, and reporting. Supporters argued NIL is now a necessary part of college athletics to recruit and retain athletes, keep Hawaiʻi talent in-state, and remain competitive, while also helping student athletes develop as future leaders. One supporter also emphasized the need for financial guidance so young athletes do not mishandle NIL income. Committee members questioned why the bill would direct public funds to NIL payments rather than broader athletic operations or other student groups, whether other states are funding NIL directly, and whether the approach could create a bidding war. UH representatives said the university already has NIL contracts in place, but the bill would strengthen and formalize policies. They said the requested funding model includes about $5 million for NIL and $10 million for athletics operations, with the NIL amount intended to supplement private fundraising; they also noted UH has raised roughly $1.5 million to $2 million for NIL since July 1 and is targeting $3 million this fiscal year. Members also raised concerns about fairness, public spending priorities, and whether the university’s policies adequately protect student athletes. The committees voted to pass HB 2384 HD1 with amendments. The chair said the bill should be amended to explicitly state that allocated funds may be used by UH for NIL payments to student athletes, and asked the next committee to examine whether a different payment scheme, similar to those used elsewhere, might be more appropriate for public funds. One member announced a no vote, citing concerns about direct public funding of NIL and unequal treatment of student athletes versus other students. The JHA committee adopted the same recommendation, with some members voting with reservations. Afterward, the meeting moved on to HB 644 HD1 on single-use plastics, where the first testimony was in opposition from the Hawaii Food Industry Association and the Biodegradable Products Institute, both arguing the bill as drafted would improperly exclude certified compostable products and should better align with composting and certification standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs and the Committee on Labor and Technology
• </c> situation and have a a property and situation and have a a property and place<00:07:28.800><c> to
• a</c> being stored and and evaluated at a being stored and and evaluated at a later<00:22:08.880><c>
• That board, among other things, provides programs, standards, training, and certification of law enforcement
• </c><00:31:37.559><c> you</c> intervention tools and tactics thank you intervention tools and tactics

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on House Bill 1064, which would implement recommendations from the Fire Safety Research Institute’s Maui wildfire report, clarify the role of the State Fire Marshal, and appropriate funds. Testimony was generally supportive from DLNR, the Climate Advisory Team, the State Fire Council, Hawaiʻi Electric, the Attorney General’s office, the Honu Fire Department, AARP, the Hawaiʻi Insurance Council, and others. Governor Green’s office said it supported the bill but wanted the office of the State Fire Marshal placed under the Department of Defense rather than the governor’s office, citing constitutional and administrative concerns. Members also questioned the State Fire Council about the selection process for the fire marshal and about defensible space and wildfire resilience in different communities. After discussion, the committees deferred decision-making on HB 1064 to Friday, March 14, at 3:00 p.m. in Room 225 for the Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs, with the same recommendation from the other committee. The hearing then moved to House Bill 697, which would expand who may review automated speed enforcement images. HDOT supported the bill but said it would prefer funding from the Highway Special Fund or the automated speed enforcement special fund rather than general revenues. Opposition testimony from the ACLU raised privacy concerns, argued the bill blurs the line between law enforcement and infrastructure management, and said DOT staff lack the mandate and expertise for the task. Judiciary said it would need additional capacity to process citations and hearings, and noted the program’s likely workload and costs were still uncertain. The committees then took up House Bill 277 on vehicular pursuit policy. The Attorney General and the Law Enforcement Standards Board urged the committees to defer the bill and let the board develop policy first, while Hawaii County Police opposed the measure as unnecessary, confusing, and too restrictive of officer discretion. Honolulu Police Department and the Policing Project supported the bill, arguing that clearer statewide standards and transparency are needed because pursuits can cause serious injuries or deaths and existing policies are inconsistent or not public. The Policing Project said the bill could be improved with amendments on serious crimes, but supported legislative action to set statewide standards while still involving the board. No final vote or action on HB 277 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> is often asked to do things and is often asked to do things and undertake<00:20:24.080><c> programs
• </c><00:20:39.520><c> and</c> have to change the types of programs and have to change the types of programs
• And so when Senator Kim says, um, when you make the intervention that people come for sun, sand, and
• given the invoices by the program managers and the program.
• And there was a program that was, um, that the governor and the administration approved, and then it

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint House Committee on Tourism and Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism held an informational briefing on the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s interim action plans, current projects, contract updates, destination management action plans, and state auditor findings. Interim CEO Caroline Anderson described her role as temporary and said she was focused on identifying problems, gathering information, communicating with stakeholders, and implementing solutions. She said HTA is now operating as a typical state agency subject to state controls, but noted that HTA’s work often involves nontraditional programs that can create process errors. She also said she had directed staff to review the auditor’s findings on the destination management action plan process and that the review was posted publicly. A major topic was the search for a permanent CEO and the agency’s restructuring under SB 1571. HTA board chair Tata Po said he hoped to select a CEO within about four months, with three to six finalists expected in roughly two to two-and-a-half months, and said the job description would largely remain the same except for compensation and reporting changes under the new law. Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism representatives explained that HTA’s board is now advisory and does not approve the budget, while DBEDT retains budget authority. They also said HTA is working with the governor’s office and DBEDT on contract and budget transitions, including a possible shift to a calendar-year process so grantees and contractors have more certainty. Members pressed HTA on staffing, oversight, and accountability, especially around the destination stewardship team and the CNHA/Kilohana and HVCB contracts. HTA said the destination stewardship team supports destination management and product development, including workforce development, sports, and implementation of destination management action plans, and that staff provide direction to contractors rather than simply handing work over to them. Anderson said the stewardship team had 11 people and that the destination management side covered about 15 contracts, while the branding side had three managers overseeing nine contracts. She said the agency had 47 contracts overall and that the major contracts included CNHA/Kilohana and HVCB. Several members criticized HTA’s management history, questioned staffing qualifications and compensation, and expressed concern that the agency had lost public trust. No votes or formal actions were taken during the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• That program, as I understand, is still not up and running. And correct me if I'm wrong on that.
• That program, as I understand, is still not up and running. And correct me if I'm wrong on that.
• All of these programs, when done and implemented properly, as has been demonstrated time and time again
• <c> when</c><01:04:36.760><c> done</c><01:04:37.400><c> and</c> All of these programs when done and All
• /c><01:05:25.840><c> are</c><01:05:25.880><c> before</c> programs and and others that are before programs

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard and considered a long list of Governor’s messages for appointments to state boards and commissions, including the Board of Dentistry, Barbering and Cosmetology, Speech Pathology and Audiology, Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, Elevator Mechanics Licensing Board, Real Estate Commission, Board of Naturopathic Medicine, State Boxing Commission, Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects, Hawaii Medical Board, Board of Physical Therapy, Board of Pharmacy, and the Public Utilities Commission. Most nominees and supporting agencies testified in support, and many nominees simply stood on their written testimony. Several nominees also answered questions about their experience and the issues facing their boards, including dental insurance and Medicaid concerns, condo and real estate disputes, pharmacy regulation and telepharmacy, boxing and MMA rule updates, and medical board service in rural areas. The committee discussed some contested or notable nominations in more detail. Richard Emery’s nomination to the Real Estate Commission drew opposition testimony tied to a condo management dispute, and he responded by emphasizing the need for factual evidence, mediation and complaint data, and better consumer education. Trinette Kahui and Andrea Ushijima were also nominated to the Real Estate Commission, with broad support. For the Boxing Commission, Robin Jumawan described ongoing statutory updates, MMA-related work, and delegation of amateur boxing rules. For the Hawaii Medical Board, Elizabeth Ignacio was strongly endorsed by state and industry witnesses as highly qualified and familiar with rural health issues, while Rebecca Sawai also received support from the board and Kaiser Permanente. In the decision-making portion, the committee moved to advise and consent to nearly all nominees on the agenda. Senator McKelvey stated reservations about Richard Emery due to opposition and possible conflicts, and also about nominees who were not present at the hearing, specifically Corrine Muldrow Soto and Stacie Kealoha Inouye; Senator Lamasao also noted reservations on those absent nominees. The chair disclosed personal acquaintance with Dr. Sawai and Andrea Ushijima. The committee then voted to adopt the recommendations, with the noted reservations and one no vote on GM 697 reflected in the record, and later reconvened to take up Governor’s Message 514/515 for John Etemura as chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission, where additional support testimony was heard from the Governor’s office, DCCA, and former consumer advocacy staff.