Transcript Highlights:

• The first being the bond capacity, the second being surplus funds from last year.
• So right now, the HB 2 bond capacity this year is $574 million.
• Right now, the state, we have 75% of bond capacity goes to state projects, 25...
• Right now, the state, we have 75% of bond capacity goes to state projects, 25.
• We have 75% of bond capacity goes to state projects, 25 to local projects at maximum.

Bills: HB2

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• But we know that at the time we make the loans, we know kind of where they sit in terms of capacity to
• They are at capacity for the applications they're currently receiving.
• So that's, I think, the capacity issue.
• The Finance Authority has the capacity under the Water Trust Board to forgive their outstanding debt
• Here, but we don't have the capacity, it seems to me.

Committee: House New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• What if there's no capacity?
• However, and this goes to your question, there are capacity limits.
• Many, many of our municipalities with water and sewer are at or near capacity.
• For example,... ...have water and sewer are at or near capacity.
• Always... ...no capacity in its sewer system at all for new communities.

Summary: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on Initiative Petition 25-03, House Bill 5000, which would allow single-family homes on small lots in areas with adequate infrastructure. Committee chairs outlined the Article 48 process and the hearing format, then heard first from two subject-matter experts. Under Secretary Chris Clutchman of Housing and Livable Communities explained that the proposal would amend Chapter 40A’s Section 3 (the Dover Amendment) to require most municipalities, except Boston, to allow single-family homes on residentially zoned lots of at least 5,000 square feet with 50 feet of frontage and access to public water and sewer, while still allowing reasonable local regulations on setbacks, height, bulk, and short-term rentals. He distinguished the proposal from Chapter 40Y starter-home zoning, said implementation would likely require regulations to address issues such as wetlands, infrastructure capacity, and nonconforming lots, and answered committee questions about lot subdivision, MBTA Communities, and the relationship to existing zoning tools. Attorney Susan Murphy testified that the petition would significantly override local zoning and could create conflicts with existing statutes, including Chapter 40A Section 6 protections for certain nonconforming lots, subdivision control law, and other residential zoning districts. She raised concerns about how “access” to water and sewer would be defined, whether the measure could apply in business or industrial districts where residential uses are allowed, and whether the proposal could allow large homes on small lots without any affordability limits. She also warned that the measure could have significant infrastructure impacts and argued that the Legislature should consider broader, more comprehensive housing legislation rather than expanding exceptions to the zoning framework. Committee members asked both experts about frontage, lot size, infrastructure capacity, and how the proposal would interact with 40Y and MBTA Communities. The proponents, led by Andrew McCulla of the Legalized Starter Homes Coalition, argued that Massachusetts faces a severe housing shortage and affordability crisis, citing high home prices, high rents, declining listings, and outmigration of younger residents. They said the measure would legalize modest single-family homes on smaller lots, increase housing supply, and help first-time buyers and downsizing seniors, while leaving most other local rules in place. Other proponents, including representatives from Abundant Housing Massachusetts, the Charles River Regional Chamber, and individual residents, emphasized workforce retention, the need for more starter homes, and the view that large minimum lot sizes are a major barrier to production. Committee members pressed the panel on the lack of any home-size or affordability requirement, possible effects on 40B compliance, the number of new lots and homes that might result, and the fact that the ballot initiative would not be amendable by the Legislature. The hearing then turned to opponents from the Massachusetts Municipal Association, who urged the committee to take no action. MMA leaders said zoning should remain a local decision made by residents and elected local officials, and argued that the proposal would preempt local control with a one-size-fits-all mandate. They also said the measure is impractical because many communities with water and sewer are already at or near capacity, so infrastructure availability does not necessarily mean development capacity. The hearing ended during the MMA’s testimony, with no vote or final committee action taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• No local capacity,<00:27:02.320><c> no</c><00:27:02.560><c> problem.
• We'll just see capacity, no problem.
• </c><00:27:33.320><c> to</c> we're counting on about capacity to we're counting on about capacity to
• </c> superintendent did confirm that capacity superintendent did confirm that capacity is<00:28:16.240
• capacity disappears, Once local capacity disappears, rebuilding<00:29:17.160><c> it</c><00:29:17.400

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I'm here in my personal capacity, since the commission has not yet had a chance to meet to vote on
• </c><00:09:00.000><c> uh</c> I am here in my personal capacity uh I am here in my personal capacity uh
• Um, you know, in my capacity as a COO with the patients that we serve I see how much this touches their
• </c><00:27:26.960><c> at</c><00:27:27.200><c> a</c> represent that rural capacity at a represent that
• rural capacity at a statewide<00:27:27.760><c> level.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services heard testimony on a series of gubernatorial nominations to health, disability, aging, and advisory boards. Early nominees included Pria Tay for the Kauaʻi Service Area Board on Mental Health and Substance Abuse, who emphasized her 25 years in the mental health field and commitment to community access to training and resources, and Ashley Mishihara for the Fuel Tank Advisory Committee, who described her involvement in the Red Hill response and ongoing concern about protecting the sole-source aquifer and ensuring remediation. Christopher Luthie, nominated to the State LGBTQ+ Commission, said he wanted to advocate for LGBTQ+ residents statewide and help improve programs so people are not overlooked, and he received support from commission member Michael Galuyo Jr., who said the commission had lacked a Hawaii County representative since December. The committee also heard from nominees to the Radiologic Technology Board, including David Wodsworth and Reena Shimata. Wodsworth said the board should modernize rules and regulations, while the Department of Health supported him and clarified that the board focuses on policy and procedures rather than direct licensing decisions. Shimata said she wanted to help protect patients, technologists, and the public from radiation exposure, and the Department of Health and several medical professionals supported her, with one witness noting that modern technology reduces dose but competent technologists remain essential to avoid unnecessary exposure. The committee deferred GM712, a nomination not present at the hearing, until Monday, March 9. Additional nominations included Judy Pike for the disability communications/access board, who cited her prior DECAP staff experience and long involvement in disability access work, with strong support from a current board member; Rick Taber for the Policy Advisory Board for Elderly Affairs, who sought a second term and highlighted his committee leadership and long mental health career; Amy Healey Austin for the Statewide Health Coordinating Council, who said she wanted to represent rural health needs and described her leadership roles in West Hawaiʻi health care; and Ed Chevy for DECAB, who stressed the importance of interpreter access and communication access, with support from Christine Pagano. The committee took no final votes in the portion of the hearing provided, and several nominees were told their decisions would be taken up later in the meeting or at the end of the calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've heard last year's version of this bill, and we heard a little bit today about capacity at JR.
• We've heard last year's version of this bill, and we heard a little bit today, capacity at JR.
• Operating capacity level. We've heard over the years that JR is a rehabilitative setting.
• Unfortunately, the focus seems to be on capacity rather than upstream.
• In this discussion, our request has been capacity.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2456, which would create a juvenile firearm early intervention alternative for youth charged in juvenile court with unlawful possession of a firearm in the second degree. Staff explained that the program would require prosecutor agreement, intensive community supervision, random suspicionless searches, therapy and mentoring services, periodic court review, and dismissal of the charge upon successful completion. The bill would also raise concealed pistol license fees by $100 each and dedicate the revenue to a new account funding the alternative. Representative Davis said the bill is intended to fill the gap between firearm possession charges and later juvenile sentencing, and to fund evidence-based services; one member questioned whether the fee increase functions more like a tax than a fee. The chair then paused testimony on HB 2456 to return to the other bill. The bulk of the hearing focused on House Bill 2389, which would expand suspended disposition alternatives, reduce some juvenile robbery sentencing ranges, add a midpoint review for certain youth committed to DCYF, and create new rules for juvenile rehabilitation capacity and emergency transfers. Supporters, including youth currently or formerly in juvenile facilities, defense advocates, restorative justice providers, and some judges, argued the bill would reduce overcrowding, improve rehabilitation, address racial disparities, and give judges more individualized options. Several testified that youth need treatment, family connection, and incentives for progress rather than long confinement, and that current sentencing practices are outdated and underuse suspended dispositions. Opponents, including sheriffs, prosecutors, county officials, victim advocates, and some judges, argued the bill would shift costs and responsibility to counties, require resources that do not exist, and weaken accountability for serious offenses such as robbery, assault, and trafficking. They raised concerns about expanded appeals, added court workload, the need for more staffing and programming, and the impact on victims and public safety. DCYF said it supports reducing overcrowding but wants clearer emergency transfer authority for Green Hill; facility staff described improved conditions as population has fallen, but said overcrowding still creates safety and programming problems. No vote was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sustained emergency response resources are critical to maintaining the front end capacity as HR1 makes
• Not necessarily pulling back anything that we've seen yet on our capacity to do that.
• We're also working with the state, philanthropic, and other partners on a capacity assessment.
• And so that capacity analysis is underway. And will be completed this year.
• I'm here today not only as a councilwoman, but also in my capacity...

Transcript Highlights:

• and toddler capacity.
• But I get to select and choose if I go up to that capacity.
• It's a little little 13.2% of our capacity.
• It's a percentage of their capacity.
• Did they have the capacity to do it?

Committee: All EDUCATION- HOUSE EARLY CHILDHOOD SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The committee received an extensive update from the Office of Early Childhood on Arkansas child care and early learning funding streams, including CCDF/School Readiness Assistance (SRA), Arkansas Better Chance (ABC), Head Start/Early Head Start, EIDT, PDG B-5, and local school district funding. Staff explained how each stream is funded and administered, noted that federal SRA funding follows the family while ABC funds go to agencies, and reviewed current enrollment, provider counts, spending, and compliance data. They also reported that co-pays and tighter enrollment verification have stabilized SRA spending, that ABC allocations are now based more on demonstrated community need, and that a market rate survey and cost analysis are underway to inform future reimbursement decisions. Members asked about provider closures, wait lists, utilization rates, infant-toddler shortages, suspended licenses, workforce pay, and whether the state tracks outcomes for children who attend different early childhood settings. Staff said there are about 1,800 licensed providers, with recent net capacity gains but ongoing closures for reasons including financial strain, ownership changes, retirement, and relocation. The SRA wait list was reported at 2,364 families covering 3,428 children, with priority given to federally defined categories such as homelessness, foster care, special needs, teens, and TANF families. Officials also said they do not currently track average tuition, workforce turnover, or long-term child outcomes across all providers, though they do have some ABC readiness data and are exploring better data systems. The committee also heard from Forward Arkansas’s Center for Early Learning Solutions, which described a new statewide effort focused on early childhood systems improvement. The presentation highlighted a landscape analysis showing families’ difficulty finding infant-toddler care, providers’ administrative burden, and interest in shared services, better data systems, and quality supports. The center outlined projects on local lead networking, governance and finance analysis, tech-enabled child care management systems, and an open-source HQIM pilot. Members discussed the need for more funding, better coordination across agencies, and stronger data on child care access, affordability, and outcomes. No votes were taken beyond the initial motion to approve the minutes, and the meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we are gearing is funny and I'm glad to see you all here in this capacity now.
• There really isn't any excess capacity available for new large loads such as data centers.
• We have capacity shortfalls. We're experiencing rapid load growth across our system.
• Capacity shortfalls.
• So a very big project in terms of transfer capacity.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Energy Supply, Energy Conservation, and Energy Resilience

Summary: The Joint Committee on Energy Supply, Energy Conservation, and Energy Resilience opened by electing Senator Shewmake as chair and Representative Alex Ybarra as vice chair. Members then turned to a work session on data centers, transmission, and workforce issues, with the committee noting the statutory rotation of leadership and the urgency of these topics for 2026 and beyond. Kate Bruns and Glenn Blackman presented preliminary findings from the governor’s Data Center work group, which met from May through November and received more than 1,000 public comments. They said the group did not reach full consensus, but agreed Washington’s grid has limited excess capacity, data centers are expected to be a major source of future load growth, ratepayer protections and better load forecasting are important, and the state should preserve its energy and climate laws while seeking more clean power and transmission. They also described tribal consultation underway through the Department of Revenue, and noted that a proposed expansion of the data center sales tax exemption tied to new clean electricity narrowly failed and was left for the legislature to consider. The committee then heard from West Tech consultant Keegan Moyer on regional transmission planning. He described a broad Western transmission portfolio developed through interconnection-wide studies, including roughly 70-plus planned projects and additional upgrades totaling about 12,000 line miles and an estimated $56 billion. He said the West faces rapid load growth, reliability stress, and major transmission constraints, and that the portfolio is intended to support reliability, economic efficiency, and public policy goals. Members asked about crossing utility and market “seams,” state ownership or pre-permitting of corridors, and whether the process could speed interconnection delays; he said the main barriers are permitting, rights-of-way, and interconnection queues, not construction itself. Stephanie Scott then summarized the electrical transmission workforce needs study. She said the study focuses on substation technicians, line workers, and line clearance tree trimmers, and found that meeting Washington’s clean energy goals will require far more workers than current training pipelines produce. She emphasized that apprenticeship depends on active projects, that retirements are reducing experienced mentors, and that barriers such as costly CDL training, limited pre-apprenticeship access, and wraparound support needs must be addressed. The committee also heard from Brant Johnson of Grid United on barriers to new transmission, using the North Plains Connector as a case study. He described a long development process centered on early stakeholder engagement, tribal consultation, route changes, and coordinated federal and state permitting, and said the project has largely relied on private capital with a federal GRIP grant covering a portion of costs. Members discussed eminent domain, landowner compensation, financing, and whether similar approaches could help speed other transmission projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• So there's 39% additional capacity available. That was not used.
• in there's enough capacity to cover demands of clients.
• So when you look at this, this is kind of how we view the Florida trees capacity below the fhcf capacity
• alongside in the capacity of both.
• So we're able to kind of piece together traditional capacity.

Transcript Highlights:

• They don't have capacity for large-scale seed production and storage.
• </c> country because we have no capacity country because we have no capacity right<00:59:09.559><c> now
• And so you folks have the capacity and the ability to waive on your own, right?
• And so you folks have the capacity and the ability to waive on your own, right?
• And so you folks have the capacity and the ability to waive on your own, right?

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism and Higher Education heard HB 1494, relating to sports facilities. Testimony was largely in opposition to the bill as drafted from the Stadium Authority, the Department of Accounting and General Services, and the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, with several other written comments also opposing; each asked that if the measure advances, Senate language from related stadium bills be incorporated instead. The University of Hawaiʻi testified in support of the Nāʻid project and said it wants the project delivered at Halawa so the university can have a football facility, though members pressed the university on whether it was effectively supporting both the project and the bill’s current approach. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on the stadium project’s financing, schedule, and oversight. DAGS and Public Works discussed a consultant contract that had grown to about $28 million and an audit that recovered $441,000 after improper travel and expense reimbursements, including first-class airfare and other personal expenses; officials said the audit exposed weak internal controls and led to revised reimbursement policies. Members questioned whether the problems would have been found without media reporting and whether stronger oversight should have been in place earlier. The committee also discussed the current Ching Field setup for UH football, with witnesses describing it as less than ideal and temporary until the new stadium is built. Stadium Authority representatives said the current preferred offeror is Aloha Halawa Development Partners, negotiations have recently accelerated, and the goal remains a contract this summer and a fall 2028 opening. They said the state is committed to $350 million in general obligation bonds, with the overall project expected to cost more, and that the developer is exploring other financing sources such as TIF or CFD while the state and city work to expedite permits and demolition. No vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• were not open beds and there at capacity were not open beds and there was<01:05:26.960><c> a</c><01:
• We want to work with you, DHS, to figure out how to do that better, how to expand capacity.
• </c><01:20:05.960><c> for</c> building on that Regional capacity for building on that Regional capacity
• </c><01:24:49.800><c> in</c> expand positive support capacity in expand positive support capacity in
• </c><01:26:20.159><c> we</c> that's confident and has capacity we that's confident and has capacity we

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Our most effective treatment models haven't been built to scale, and we do not have sufficient capacity
• Our most effective treatment models haven't been built to scale, and we do not have sufficient capacity
• We need to develop capacity throughout our continuum to meet this trend.
• </c><00:02:31.680><c> This</c> residential treatment capacity. This residential treatment capacity.
• </c><00:02:45.080><c> throughout</c> We need to develop capacity throughout We need to develop capacity

Transcript Highlights:

• we've all heard, the Senate appears... ...to be moving a Senate tax package in which they create capacity
• , and then we'll have debate about what fills up that capacity.
• Next, creating capacity to deliver or fully fund requests.
• It was discussed that maybe there should be sweeps to ensure that we would have full capacity for this
• Madam Chair, the Water Trust Board and its capacity—tell me about it, your capacity.

Committee: House House Taxation & Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, the workforce capacity is internal.
• So, that's what that workforce capacity is.
• This discusses capacity and population of correctional facilities.
• What is being done to improve access and expand capacity?
• Representative Herndon, as I understand, in previous capacities, represented you in previous capacities

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> density capacity could be for NASED? density capacity could be for NASED?
• needs and infrastructure capacity.
• ,</c> capacity where there's a sewer capacity, capacity where there's a sewer capacity, could<02:14:17.240
• </c> capacity would be needed and the cost. capacity would be needed and the cost.
• and infrastructure capacity needs and infrastructure capacity.<02:15:19.440><c> And</c><02:15:19.560

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's a 10-capacity magazine.
• So it's a ban on high capacity magazines.
• So it's a 10 capacity magazine.
• We're not going to find common ground here with this capacity, make amazing capacity ban.
• Let's be honest: when the words 'not high capacity magazine' are used, we're talking about standard capacity

Transcript Highlights:

• Capacity expansion. Perfect.
• plan, provider capacity for community supports continues to improve statewide.
• Provider capacity for community supports continues to improve statewide.
• Statewide initiatives, statewide reach, and prioritizing building the state capacity.
• So by doing this, we hope that we're expanding the capacity, building the capacity of our local partners

Transcript Highlights:

• Where are capacity issues?
• Yes, workforce will include education capacity expansion. Capacity expansion. Perfect.
• Provider capacity for community supports continues to improve statewide.
• Provider capacity for community supports continues to improve statewide.
• So by doing this, we hope that we're expanding the capacity, building the capacity of our local partners

Summary: The hearing began with testimony from Let California Kids Hear and supporters urging action on pediatric hearing aid coverage. Advocates said California has repeatedly failed to enact a workable solution over the past eight years and argued that children need early access to sound to support development. The proposal discussed would limit the coverage mandate to the large-group market, which advocates said would cover roughly 70% to 80% of affected children and avoid the exchange-related cost issue that contributed to prior vetoes. Supporters, including parents, audiologists, and children’s health groups, backed the proposal, and the chair expressed sympathy and support while noting hope for a federal solution for exchange plans. The Department of Finance then gave opening remarks about the state’s structural deficit and the need to balance new investments against projected out-year shortfalls. HCAI followed with a broad overview of its programs, including CalRx insulin and naloxone initiatives, reproductive health grants, the Office of Health Care Affordability, hospital seismic compliance, workforce programs, and the diaper access initiative. Members asked about geographic targeting of workforce funds, the behavioral health workforce pipeline, and the status of the 21st Century Nursing Initiative, which HCAI said had reverted funds. The committee also discussed a proposed transfer of the Data Exchange Framework and Office of the Patient Advocate to HCAI, new reporting on long-term care staffing and health coverage waiting periods, and a Behavioral Health Services Act workforce proposal that would use BHSA funds to support training, stipends, and technical assistance while offsetting $100 million in General Fund spending; members and LAO questioned the offset and asked for more detail, and the item was held open. HCAI also presented the Rural Health Transformation Program, explaining that California received $233.6 million in federal funds for the first year and had to revise its proposal so that $35 million in provider payments would be tied to specific transformative activities rather than general financial relief. The program will fund rural care model redesign, workforce development, and technology/infrastructure improvements, with grants to be rolled out on a tight timeline and subject to CMS approval. Members asked about the size of California’s award, the use of funds for maternity care, labor and delivery access, dialysis, tribal set-asides, and the role of a technical assistance contractor. The department said the program will use supply-and-demand workforce modeling to target funding and that all funds must be obligated by October 30. Finally, the Department of Managed Health Care outlined its budget and two major bill-related proposals: SB 41 on PBM reform and SB 306 on prior authorization transparency. DMHC said SB 41 would require PBM licensure, ban spread pricing, require rebate pass-through, and regulate pharmacy network practices, while SB 306 would require reporting on prior authorization and create a list of services exempt from prior authorization. DMHC requested additional positions and funding to implement both measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• What if there's no capacity?
• However, and this goes to your question, there are capacity limits.
• Many, many of our municipalities with water and sewer are at or near capacity.
• For example, have water and sewer, are at or near capacity.
• . mitigation to avoid reaching or going over their capacity.

Bills: H5009

Committee: Joint Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions

Keywords: collective bargaining, worker rights, labor relations, public counsel services, state employees