Transcript Highlights:

• requirements for single family dwellings requirements for single family dwellings which<00:16:06.000
• <00:16:17.600> units standards for attached dwelling units standards for attached dwelling
• A student rental is a residential dwelling composed of one or more dwelling units on a single parcel
• A student rental is a residential dwelling composed of one or more dwelling units on a single parcel
• Well, obviously not that dwelling unit. Well, obviously not that dwelling unit.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill requires local governments to allow accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, in any area zoned for
• An accessory dwelling unit is a smaller, independent, fully functioning home located on the same lot
• An accessory dwelling unit is a smaller, independent, fully functioning home located on the same lot
• The homestead exemption needs to be reconsidered separately only if the dwelling is rented.
• units, local government can't use parking as a reason to say no to accessory dwelling units.

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs heard three measures. First, SB 184 by Senator Gates would require local governments to allow accessory dwelling units in single-family residential areas, with exceptions for planned unit developments and master-planned communities. The bill and its amendments were discussed at length, including parking restrictions, homestead exemption treatment, short-term rental concerns, impact and mobility fees, pre-approved designs, manufactured ADUs, and an OPPAGA study on mezzanine financing and tiny homes. Testimony from the Florida League of Cities raised concerns about parking, short-term rentals, and fee parity, while several senators supported the concept but asked for further refinement. The committee adopted the amendments and reported CS for SB 184 favorably. The committee then took up SB 118 by Senator Brodeur, which preempts regulation of presidential libraries to the state and defers regulation to the federal government, with the stated purpose of preventing local governments from imposing obstacles to a future presidential library in Florida. There was no debate or public testimony, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee considered SPB 7704, a proposed committee bill to repeal the sunset date on a public records exemption for property photographs and personal identifying information of applicants or participants in disaster-related housing assistance programs held by state and local housing entities. With no questions, debate, or public testimony, the committee approved the motion to submit it as a committee bill and reported it favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:38:51.839> um multif family dwelling happening. um multif family dwelling happening. um
• that permit single-family dwellings.
• > uh<01:03:48.559> town single family dwellings such as uh town single family dwellings such
• <01:05:55.280> So dwellings in the same district. So dwellings in the same district.
• be a on-site built, stickuilt dwelling. be a on-site built, stickuilt dwelling. um<01:16:51.600>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Would prohibit political subdivisions preventing residential property owners from building accessory dwelling
• Height, height setback and zoning requirements that apply to the primary dwellings will also apply to
• unless the lot is plied into two separate lots for the primary dwelling unit and accessory dwelling
• Accessory dwelling units are a really fantastic way to gently increase our density in our neighborhoods
• Accessory dwelling units can help homeowners, uh, with their housing costs by being able to add a renter

Transcript Highlights:

• prohibits political subdivisions from preventing residential property owners from building accessory dwelling
• Requirements that apply to primary dwellings will also apply to ADUs on the same residential lot.
• unless the lot is divided into two separate lots for the primary dwelling unit and the accessory dwelling
• Accessory dwelling units can help homeowners with their housing costs by allowing them to... ...to add
• The debate around accessory dwelling units...

Bills: HB407, HB871, HB882, HB2011, HB3572, HB3578, HB4038, HB4866, HB4897, HB4978, HB5380, HB5555, HB5668, HB5670, HB5674, HB5676, HB5679, HB5688, SB673

Keywords: solar energy, residential construction, building code, municipal regulations, energy compliance, building codes, interconnection, education, funding, teacher support, student resources, school infrastructure, municipal requirements, environmental sustainability, municipalities, construction, agricultural operation, International Code Council, county regulations, construction fees

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll also take HHFDC's amendment to appropriate $450,000 out of the dwelling unit revolving fund for
• appropriate 450,000 out of the dwelling appropriate 450,000 out of the dwelling unit<00:05:21.400
• It also establishes a long-term residential lease tax credit for taxpayers who own and lease a dwelling
• It also establishes a long-term residential lease tax credit for taxpayers who own and lease a dwelling
• Multiple persons own a leased dwelling unit, and prohibit credit claims by taxpayers who lease the dwelling

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Housing met on February 6, 2025, first in a joint session with the Committee on Labor and Technology. The joint committees heard SB 1235, which would create a Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation program for government employee housing, including a revolving fund and a leasehold rent-to-own program. Testimony was generally supportive from HHFDC, the Department of Budget and Finance, and UPW, with one testifier opposing the bill because it was limited to state workers and should be broader. The committees recommended passage with amendments, including technical changes, $450,000 for two positions, removal of an income restriction, and clarification that leasehold and day-one projects are eligible; both committees adopted the recommendation unanimously, and the joint meeting adjourned. The Housing Committee then took up SB 67, SB 1133, and SB 1333. SB 67 would bar inclusionary zoning requirements on certain housing offered for sale or rent to qualifying residents, and it received support from HHFDC, the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, and others; the committee recommended passage with technical amendments and adopted it. SB 1133 would allow counties to set rent increase limits tied to CPI and create a long-term residential lease tax credit; testimony included support from the Department of Taxation and opposition from Hawaii Realtors, NAIOP Hawaii, and the Tax Foundation, which warned about rent-control consequences. The committee recommended passage with amendments that made the credit nonrefundable, allowed limited carry-forward, restricted claims in certain family-lease situations, set filing deadlines, and applied the measure to disaster-affected counties; the recommendation was adopted. SB 1333 would allow certain counties to use surcharge revenues for transportation and housing infrastructure and extend the surcharge period. DBEDT, OPSD, HCDA, county officials, and the Grassroot Institute supported the bill, while the Tax Foundation opposed it, arguing temporary taxes were becoming permanent. The committee recommended passage with technical amendments, and members noted concerns that prior surcharge revenues had not produced enough housing projects, which were to be reflected in the committee report. Finally, the committee deferred SB 834 indefinitely because it had already been deferred indefinitely by the Hawaiian Affairs Committee, and the Housing Committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our maximum dwelling limit for the homeowners and dwelling fire product is 450,000.
• Our maximum dwelling limit for the homeowners and dwelling fire product is 450,000.
• Our maximum dwelling limit for the homeowners and dwelling fire product is 450,000.
• Our maximum dwelling limit for the homeowners and dwelling fire product is 450,000.
• So, HBIA, HHRF providing that buffer against Our maximum dwelling limit for the homeowners and dwelling

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint committees held an informational briefing on efforts to expand insurance capacity in Hawaii’s property market, especially for condominium and homeowners coverage. The Insurance Commissioner reviewed the background: a legislative task force, the governor’s emergency proclamation in August 2024, and Senate Bill 1044 in May 2025 led to new condo insurance products. He said the work over the past two and a half years was producing positive results and introduced representatives from HPIA and HHRF/HHR to provide updates. HPIA’s board chair and its administrator described the organization’s history, structure, and current products. HPIA said it was created in 1991 as a residual market for homeowners insurance, now writing four residential products: HO2 homeowners, renters, HO6 condo unit owners, and dwelling fire. They reported policy counts have grown again as admitted-market carriers tightened underwriting, and they discussed financial pressure from reinsurance costs, though those costs had declined in 2025 after different purchasing decisions. They also said the market has become more favorable overall, with some capacity returning and deductibles beginning to ease. Members focused much of their questioning on HPIA’s proposed higher dwelling limits. HPIA explained that the current $450,000 limit for homeowners and dwelling fire was set in 2023, but agents are now asking for a higher limit in the $650,000 to $750,000 range because construction costs have risen and many policies are not being submitted when the limit is too low. HPIA said it has the authority to raise the limit through a filing with the Insurance Division and expects more submissions if the cap increases. They also discussed the shift in the book of business from roughly 70% lava-zone coverage to closer to a 50/50 split between lava and non-lava risks. HPIA outlined strategic initiatives: a new policy administration system that went live October 1 and now allows online payments, online claims reporting, and electronic notices; a filed request to raise the homeowners and dwelling fire limit to $650,000 effective March 1 for new business and April 1 for renewals; an increase in the HO6 condo unit owners limit from $5,000 to $100,000; and a planned commercial property all-other-perils-excluding-hurricane condo product targeted for filing by January 31. No votes were taken, and the meeting was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• Technically, it would allow 10 dwellings per acre.
• And I've got some pictures for what 10 dwellings per acre looks like.
• But with the casita, the ADU that we're talking about, accessory dwelling unit, that's one dwelling.
• One dwelling. That's it. Thank you.
• Extra dwelling.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THIS BILL REQUIRES LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO ALLOW ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT OR ADUS IN AREAS ZONED FOR SINGLE-FAMILY
• AND ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT IS A SMALLER INDEPENDENT FULLY FUNCTIONING HOME LOCATED ON THE SAME LOT AS
• IN THE BILL, AND I'M NOT SURE WHAT LINE IT IS OR AMENDMENT NOW, WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THE ACCESSORY DWELLING
• WHAT YOU WERE SAYING IS THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION NEEDS TO BE RECONSIDERED SEPARATELY ONLY IF THE DWELLING
• INTO SUCH ORDINANCE MAY NOT REQUIRE THAT THE OWNER OF THE PARCEL OF WHICH THE DWELLING UNIT IS CONSTRUCTED

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As an affirmation of property rights, this bill requires local governments to allow accessory dwelling
• In other words, if you have an accessory dwelling unit, you cannot...
• Dwelling unit, you cannot, the local governments cannot say that a homestead exemption will no longer
• , but the actual dwelling unit is 2,000...
• Unit that, let's say, is 2,000 square feet of living space, not an accessory, but the actual dwelling

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met with a quorum present and took up three bills. The first two, both by Senator Truenow, addressed Florida manufacturing. SB 600 would codify the Office of Manufacturing in the Department of Commerce, support workforce development grants, create a Florida Manufacturing Promotional Campaign, and require biannual reporting. A strike-all amendment clarified that the chief manufacturing officer already exists, the campaign is voluntary, the program falls under Chapter 288, and grant awards are at the department’s discretion. Florida Makes, Associated Industries of Florida, and the Florida Chamber of Commerce appeared in support, and the committee reported CS/SB 600 favorably. SB 602 established fees for the promotional campaign, with an amendment setting the fee at no more than $100 to administer the voluntary program; Florida Makes supported the bill, and the committee reported CS/SB 602 favorably. The committee then considered CS/CS/SB 184 by Senator Gates, an affordable housing and property rights bill requiring local governments to allow accessory dwelling units in single-family residential areas, while exempting planned unit developments and master-planned communities. The bill also limited local restrictions on parking and homestead treatment, allowed a density bonus for housing affordable to military families, and referenced an OPPAGA study on mezzanine financing. An amendment clarified that ADUs could not be used as short-term vacation rentals and must be rented for at least 30 days, allowed manufactured homes if they meet local standards, and removed a requirement that the unit be rented at an affordable rate or to a moderate- or low-income person. Senators asked about homestead exemption treatment, property tax impacts, and local control, and Gates explained that ADUs could be built later and would be separately taxed without affecting the original homestead exemption. Several groups appeared in support of SB 184, including AARP, Americans for Prosperity, Florida Realtors, and the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Senators Smith and Arrington spoke in favor, with Arrington noting concerns about parking flexibility for local governments. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported CS/CS/SB 184 favorably. At the end of the meeting, Senator Collins asked to be recorded as voting yes on tabs two and three, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:38:51.839> um multif family dwelling happening. um multif family dwelling happening. um
• <01:03:32.798> [gasps] accessory dwelling unit. [gasps] accessory dwelling unit.
• <01:05:55.280> So dwellings in the same district. So dwellings in the same district.
• be a on-site built, stickuilt dwelling. be a on-site built, stickuilt dwelling. um<01:16:51.600>
• that dwelling unit. that dwelling unit. >> Thank<01:18:34.800> you.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on HB 1065, a housing bill that would clarify when multifamily and mixed-use housing may be allowed on commercially zoned land, define infrastructure standards, and preserve municipal discretion over where such development can occur. Prime sponsor Representative David Priest said the bill is intended to help address the housing shortage by using already developed commercial areas without overriding local planning. The New Hampshire Municipal Association, through Brody Dees, said it supports the bill and views it as a priority, but noted it is still discussing related language with stakeholders and wants clearer definitions for multifamily development, infrastructure, and adaptive reuse while preserving local control over commercial land use. Testimony was mixed. Ivy Van, a certified planner, opposed the bill because she said the infrastructure language is too restrictive and could exclude properties served by private utilities or septic systems. Chris Freeman, a housing provider, was generally supportive but recommended technical changes, arguing the infrastructure definition may be too broad and that the adaptive reuse language could unintentionally block useful building modifications. He said the bill should be clarified so it does not discourage reuse projects. The committee then moved to discussion of an accessory dwelling unit bill, with Representative Turkot describing changes that would shift some ADU approvals from a matter of right to conditional use or special exception, allow municipalities more control over attached versus detached units, set parking standards tied to single-family dwellings, and adjust size limits. He argued the bill would restore local discretion and prevent ADUs from becoming primarily rental units. Representative Reed pushed back, saying detached ADUs can help meet housing needs and provide opportunities for small landlords, while other members questioned how the bill would affect existing detached structures and breezeways. No votes were taken in the excerpt, and the chair also noted a recess and time limits for later testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Later on today, we'll be talking about accessory dwelling units.
• be talking about accessory dwelling be talking about accessory dwelling units.<00:54:33.440>
• <02:57:27.840> in sustain like multif family dwellings in sustain like multif family dwellings
• I can't imagine affordable dwellings.
• of people living in the dwelling unit. of people living in the dwelling unit.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• use, provided that such business does not violate noise, garbage, or light ordinances; whether a dwelling
• <00:24:43.200> unit<00:24:43.600> so Wetlands um per primary dwelling unit so Wetlands
• um per primary dwelling unit so the<00:24:44.440> way<00:24:44.559> I<00:24:44.640>
• unit uh we added ro per primary dwelling unit uh we added ro road<00:24:56.240> Frontage<00:24
• <00:25:14.120> is ordinances uh whether a dwelling is ordinances uh whether a dwelling is

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And how is dwelling also defined in federal law, or do you go by a state law definition of dwelling?
• It's a dwelling and density thing, so some people believe that the more dwellings that you have, there
• Obviously, you go from one dwelling with five bedrooms to multiple dwellings with five bedrooms total
• <01:19:41.800> and each dwelling it's a it's a dwelling and each dwelling it's a it's a dwelling
• with five bedrooms to one dwelling with five bedrooms to multiple<01:20:44.080> dwellings<01:

Keywords: 910, house, all

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

Transcript Highlights:

• or dwelling unit in a priority level three area to continue serving that dwelling or dwelling unit,
• subject to certain conditions. continue serving that dwelling or continue serving that dwelling or dwelling
• <00:24:53.760> or<00:24:53.880> dwelling within the existing dwelling or dwelling within
• or dwelling unit.
• or dwelling unit.

Bills: HB1730, HB1985, HB1749, HB1921

Keywords: cesspool, wastewater systems, public health, environmental protection, affordable upgrades, coral reefs, water quality, Hawaii legislation, cesspools, wastewater, environment, pollution, Hawaii, sustainable development, sewerage system, real estate, disclosure, environmental impact, wastewater management, housing

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several cesspool-related measures. HB 1730 HD2 would create a cesspool conversion implementation working group to help the Department of Health review rules and practices and develop changes to make conversions more affordable. DOH and DLNR stood on written testimony, while environmental and wastewater advocates strongly supported the bill, emphasizing the need for dedicated staffing, technical expertise, and smaller, more focused advisory groups. Members discussed the high cost of upgrades and the need for new technologies that reduce excavation and leach field costs. The bill was passed with amendments, including clarifying the DOH director’s discretion over the size of the working group, and the committee noted DOH’s appropriation request for consideration. HB 1985 HD1 would extend certain cesspool conversion deadlines and authorize funding for consultants, while also advancing outreach and education. Testimony split sharply: advocates supported the education component but opposed deadline extensions as premature, arguing the state still has many years before the 2050 mandate and should not weaken the conversion timeline. The committee agreed to amend the bill to delete the deadline-extension portion, keep technical changes, and note DOH’s position request. HB 1749 HD2 would require sellers to disclose cesspools to buyers before a real estate purchase contract is executed and direct DOH and the Real Estate Commission to create a standardized form. Realtors supported the intent but asked to avoid duplicative statutory form requirements, and advocates stressed that disclosure should be prominent and not buried in paperwork. The committee adopted amendments removing the standardized-form mandate and passed the bill. HB 1921 HD2 would allow certain existing cesspools in priority level three areas to continue serving dwellings with additional bedrooms under conditions. DOH brought the measure, and supporters from the real estate and environmental sectors discussed innovative wastewater technologies, retrofits, and composting toilets as ways to reduce costs while improving treatment. The committee amended the bill to require DOH director-approved wastewater technology using solid waste separation for bedroom-count increases and to clarify priority-level determinations using block-level data from the Hawaii cesspool prioritization tool, then passed it. The committee also heard HB 2310, an emergency appropriation for the Department of Human Services to restore funding used to keep SNAP benefits flowing during the federal shutdown; DHS, public health, children’s advocates, and others supported it, and members questioned why it was not handled through the budget. The discussion clarified that the bill sought new money to move quickly for ACA-related premium support. No final vote on HB 2310 was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• No one had any problem with the strict liability for unauthorized entry into a dwelling.
• We used to have unauthorized entry into a dwelling place in the first degree.
• No one had any problem with the strict liability for unauthorized entry into a dwelling.
• <00:19:40.480> in<00:19:40.640> the unauthorized entry dwelling in the unauthorized
• They only changed it when they dwelling.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard a series of gubernatorial nominations, primarily to the State Rehabilitation Council, the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs (PABEA), the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, and the Center for Nursing Advisory Board. Nominees included Patrick Gartside, Judith Daniels, James Montgomery (not present), Christine Park, Tammy Napoleon, Scott Spelina, Roy Katsuda, and Dr. Sylvia Rom. Each nominee described their background and why they wanted to serve, with recurring themes of disability advocacy, vocational rehabilitation, nursing workforce development, elder issues, and LGBTQ+ health and community support. Department of Human Services and Executive Office on Aging representatives generally testified in strong support of the nominees and emphasized their qualifications and relevance to the boards’ missions. Members and agency witnesses also discussed substantive policy issues during the nominations. For PABEA nominee Scott Spelina, the committee asked about a bill involving strict liability and elder abuse-related criminal penalties; Spelina supported the approach, saying it would be easier to enforce and better protect seniors. For other nominees, testimony highlighted the need for stronger rehabilitation services, qualified vocational rehabilitation counselors, adult education partnerships, and nursing recruitment and retention, especially on Kauaʻi. Dr. Sylvia Rom’s nomination drew broad support from commission members and community supporters, with testimony focusing on LGBTQ+ health, gender-expansive youth, and intersectional advocacy. No final votes were taken during the hearing. The chair repeatedly stated that decision-making would be deferred until later in the calendar, and in some cases until the nominee was present or quorum was available. One nomination, James Montgomery, was skipped because he was not present on Zoom, and Kevin Nakamura’s nomination was also deferred to a later date. The committee accepted written and oral testimony and generally moved through the nominations without questions from members.

Transcript Highlights:

• The dwelling would be at 8.3.
• <01:05:07.920> The The dwelling would be at 8.3. The The dwelling would be at 8.3.
• dwelling and the associated land.
• dwelling and the associated land.
• dwelling and the associated land.

Bills: SF0061, SF0098, SF0110

Keywords: sales tax, motor vehicle, family transfer, tax exemption, Wyoming legislation, veteran, property tax exemption, Wyoming National Guard, honorable discharge, tax benefits, surviving spouse, military service, property tax, residential real estate, tax assessment, primary residence, tax revenue, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Precious Heavenly Father, we gather today in the shelter of your presence, trusting that those who dwell
• As the psalmist declared in Psalms 91:1, he that dwells in the shelter of the Almighty, he that dwells
• under the shelter of the Most High shall abide under the He that dwells under the shelter of the Most
• May they dwell close to you, seeking your counsel, as we work May they dwell close to you, seeking your

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Precious Heavenly Father, we gather today in the shelter of your presence, trusting that those who dwell
• As the psalmist declared in Psalms 91:1, he that dwells in the shelter of the Almighty, he that dwells
• under the shelter of the Most High shall abide under the He that dwells under the shelter of the Most
• May they dwell close to you, seeking your counsel as we work May they dwell close to you, seeking your

Summary: The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved into a lengthy signing session in which the Speaker suspended business to sign numerous enrolled measures. The transcript lists many House bills, Senate bills, substitutes, and conference committee substitutes, indicating final passage and enrollment of a broad set of legislation, though the specific subject matter of the bills is not described in the record provided. After an at-ease, the House resumed and the Speaker signed additional Senate bills and joint resolutions so they could become law, again without debate or recorded objections. The measures included a wide range of Senate bills and several House committee substitutes, along with Senate Joint Resolutions 87 and 95. The only other business noted was an announcement asking members to check in with the clerks to record attendance. The session then adjourned sine die at midnight on May 30, 2026, ending the second regular session of the 103rd General Assembly in accordance with the Missouri Constitution.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, there's all of these things that make urban dwelling more livable.
• <00:34:12.879> that<00:34:13.200> make<00:34:13.679> urban<00:34:13.919> dwelling
• these things that make urban dwelling these things that make urban dwelling more<00:34:15.359>
• And so although this bill is not necessarily addressing the gentleman farms, and that's a dwelling issue
• And so although this bill is not necessarily addressing the gentleman farms, and that's a dwelling issue

Bills: HB1739, HB1741, HB2606, HB2362, HB2608, HB2294, HB2431, HB2375, HB2582, HB2585, HB2231, HB1601, HB2424, HB1956

Keywords: transit-oriented development, zoning, land use, urban planning, density, local governance, housing, inclusionary zoning, inclusionary mandate, affordable housing, below-market-rate housing, inclusionary housing, development exaction, impact fee, housing affordability impact fee, needs assessment study, financial feasibility, rough proportionality, essential nexus, county ordinance

Summary: The committee on Water and Land met on February 19, 2026, and the chair opened by emphasizing strict time limits and that all bills would be deferred if the agenda was not completed before the noon session. The first major measure discussed was HB 1739 HD1, which would preempt county land-use authority in transit-oriented development areas. The Department of Planning supported the bill, saying it could promote state-funded TOD and infrastructure, while the city and county’s position was raised in questioning. Unite Here Local 5 opposed the bill, arguing it would strip counties of self-determination, disrupt state-county policy collaboration, and remove a check on unrestrained development. Committee members pressed the supporters on whether the bill was really about higher density and whether it would override local zoning and sustainability concerns. The committee then heard testimony on HB 1741 HD1, a housing bill described by supporters as reducing inclusionary housing mandates and increasing supply. Grassroots Institute of Hawaii argued affordability mandates reduce overall housing production and raise market-rate prices, while a Zoom testifier said the bill would improve housing stability, health, and community outcomes for working families, kupuna, and young residents. Members asked about the bill’s needs assessment and who would conduct it, with a witness saying the counties would likely contract it out but that the bill did not clearly specify the reviewer. HB 2668 HD1, dealing with water heating systems, drew testimony from the Hawaii State Energy Office and industry representatives. Supporters generally backed adding heat pumps to the law, but one solar-water-heater industry witness asked for amendments to remove or extend the current 15-year statutory life limit for solar water heaters and to update outdated standards and variance rules. A Kauaʻi Climate Action Coalition witness opposed the existing solar-only structure, arguing heat pump water heaters are cheaper, align with climate goals, and should be allowed without a variance. The Energy Office said the current law already allows variances in some cases, suggested adding high-efficiency heat pump water heaters to the exemption, and said the 15-year figure may be too short, with 18 years mentioned as a possible alternative. The committee also briefly moved through several other bills, including HB 2606 HD1 on off-site construction and HB 2362 HD1 on housing, with no notable testimony or action recorded in the excerpt.