Bills: SCR47, SCR21, SCR163, SCR169, SCR170, SCR50, SCR75, SCR149, HCR83, HCR111, HCR110, HCR122, HCR118, HCR61, HCR162, HCR36, HCR19, HCR106, HCR14, HCR178, SB3022, SB3102, SB3144

Keywords: sister-state, Hawaii, Okayama, Japan, cultural exchange, economic partnership, tourism, agriculture, international relations, healthcare, rural clinic, feasibility study, access to care, community health, Volcano community, Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation, emergency services, health assessment, Pacific Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, Legislative Cooperation

Transcript Highlights:

• This investment will extend its life, improve accessibility, and preserve the environment.
• The state owns the buildings, and the City of Duluth owns the land.
• By preserving features like this, we can learn about engineering and the environment.
• They preserve vital habitat for nearly 300 rare plants and animals.
• transfer of certain land owned by the University of Minnesota.

Bills: HF474, HF218, HF210, HF441, HF691, HF720, HF1068, HF1314, HF1465, HF1860, HF2046, HF1389, HF2404, HF2854, HF2985, HF3128, HF3103, HF778, HF3125

Keywords: HF474, Hubert H. Humphrey, Henry Mower Rice, Statuary Hall, United States Capitol, statue replacement, capital investment, general fund appropriation, Minnesota State Capitol, Minnesota State Historical Society, public art, commemorative statue, National Statuary Hall Collection, commissioner of administration, cultural heritage, monument, Washington D.C., HF218, Minnesota, Department of Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• :29:05.679><c> of</c><00:29:05.760><c> Minnesota's</c> preserving access to one of Minnesota's preserving
• land land purchase.<00:42:02.400><c> The</c><00:42:02.640><c> counties</c><00:42:03.040><c> are</c><
• We have the land and now we're million.
• They preserve some of the most rivers.
• That, uh, returns the Clo Forestry through a land transfer of certain land owned, um, to the University

Bills: HF474, HF218, HF210, HF441, HF691, HF720, HF1068, HF1314, HF1465, HF1860, HF2046, HF1389, HF2404, HF2854, HF2985, HF3128, HF3103, HF778, HF3125

Keywords: HF474, Hubert H. Humphrey, Henry Mower Rice, Statuary Hall, United States Capitol, statue replacement, capital investment, general fund appropriation, Minnesota State Capitol, Minnesota State Historical Society, public art, commemorative statue, National Statuary Hall Collection, commissioner of administration, cultural heritage, monument, Washington D.C., HF218, Minnesota, Department of Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:09.040><c> and</c><00:07:09.200><c> sea,</c> responders on land and sea, responders on land
• And with Pohakuloa and any state land.
• For the Department of Land and Natural Resources, we have Charles Taylor. Welcome.
• For the Department of Land and Natural Resources, we have Charles Taylor.
• ><c> Natural</c> Department of Land and Natural Department of Land and Natural Resources,<00:18:57.720

Bills: SCR56, SCR25, SCR79, SCR179, SCR181, SCR182, SR54, SR22, SR81, SR174, SR176, SR177

Keywords: lifeguards, first responders, public safety, ocean safety, emergency response, community wellbeing, Pohakuloa, condemnation, federal government, land sovereignty, Hawaii, native Hawaiians, public trust land, invasive species, octocoral, Pearl Harbor, environment, Navy responsibility, marine ecosystem, ecosystem preservation

Summary: The committee first heard SCR 56 and SR 54, which recognize open water lifeguards as first responders and acknowledge their role in emergency response and public safety. Testifiers from the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, Hawaii Water Safety Coalition, Honolulu and Kauai Ocean Safety, and a junior guard all strongly supported the resolutions, describing lifeguards as often first on scene for drownings, cardiac arrest, spinal injuries, flooding rescues, and other emergencies. Several speakers said formal recognition would better reflect the work lifeguards already do and could improve training, support services, pay equity, and access to benefits such as retirement and trauma resources. Members asked about what legal or administrative changes would follow, and the discussion suggested the resolutions were a first step toward broader recognition and related policy changes. The committee then took up SCR 25 and SR 22, opposing federal condemnation or threats of condemnation to take control of Pohakuloa and other state land. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the resolutions, saying Pohakuloa has deep historical, cultural, genealogical, and ecological significance and that any future decisions should go through existing state legal processes with meaningful consultation with Native Hawaiians. Members discussed the role of the governor’s advisory process, the need to follow DLNR/BLNR procedures, and concerns about environmental and health violations at the site. The committee also noted 14 written testimonies in support. Next, the committee heard SCR 79 and SR 81, urging the U.S. Navy to take responsibility for eradicating octocoral and other invasive species in Pearl Harbor waters, including West, Middle, and East Loch. DLNR supported the resolutions, and testimony focused on the spread of invasive coral, the difficulty of eradication, and the limited access state agencies have inside Pearl Harbor. Members raised concerns about contamination, responsibility for the problem, and whether the Navy should fund or carry out the cleanup; DLNR said it could not speak to broader contamination issues but supported the resolution as a way to encourage action. The committee then began discussion of SCR 179 and SR 174, which urge Maui County to enforce fire code provisions on brush clearance, fuel breaks, roadside vegetation clearing, and emergency access, with written support noted from Aloha Independent Living Hawaii.

Transcript Highlights:

• air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources.
• They love to have land to to drink.
• , and enhance Minnesota's air, preserve, and enhance Minnesota's air, water,<00:05:16.960><c> land,</
• So, you know, these are public dollars for our public lands. Can't take a call right now.
• </c> dollars for our public lands. dollars for our public lands.

Bills: HF3426, HF3428

Keywords: natural resources, environment, sustainability, conservation, outdoor recreation, land acquisition, real property, trust fund, commissioner approval, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, conservation easement, land purchase, state land, public lands, property acquisition, value assessment, tax assessed value, Metropolitan Council, Board of Water and Soil Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the Land Bank Bill. I briefed this proposed substitute in committee.
• planning strategies, annual county audits, the requirement that surplus properties be prioritized for land
• I commend the Spokane Regional Land Bank for kicking this off to include nonprofits in this land banking
• And I commend the Spokane Regional Land Bank for kicking this off to include nonprofits in this land
• So with that I Also doing land banking work that are going to get some additional benefits.

Bills: HB1974, HB2118, HB2236, HB2269

Keywords: land bank, land banking authority, affordable housing, housing crisis, housing supply, public corporation, public housing authority, nonprofit housing, tax-foreclosed property, blight remediation, redevelopment, anti-displacement, equity, redlining, racial segregation, deed restriction, affordability covenant, property tax exemption, excise tax exemption, predevelopment

Summary: The House Housing Committee met to executive several bills after a staff briefing on proposed substitutes and amendments. House Bill 1974, the land bank bill, was explained as being narrowed from the original version by removing several county oversight and grant-program provisions, while adding annual reporting and a real estate excise tax exemption. Members discussed land banking as a tool to support affordable housing, but some raised concerns about expanding tax exemptions and the effect on private developers and local tax bases. The committee voted 10-7 to report the substitute bill out with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 2236, dealing with Housing Finance Commission authority, was presented with a substitute clarifying that the commission may not make residential mortgage loans directly to individual homebuyers for owner-occupied housing, while allowing certain down-payment assistance and emphasizing that the commission is not intended to function as a retail mortgage lender. Discussion focused on whether removing language about using public funds could create concern about state-backed lending; supporters said the bill modernizes outdated law and clarifies intent, while opponents worried about taxpayer exposure and competition with private lenders. The committee voted 13-4 to advance the substitute. House Bill 2269, on middle housing and on-site sewage systems, was described as restoring current law so any county may allow middle housing in LAMIRDs, while limiting septic use to middle housing in LAMIRDs and requiring public sewer in non-rural counties. The sponsor said the substitute reflected collaboration with stakeholders and was a step toward expanding middle housing in rural areas. The committee unanimously approved the substitute 17-0. House Bill 2118 was discussed in staff briefing but was not moved during the executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> for lands presumed nomally sensitive. for lands presumed nomally sensitive.
• </c><00:30:31.679><c> containing</c> uh clearly identify lands containing uh clearly identify lands containing
• </c> try to preserve EV component in place. try to preserve EV component in place.
• And then also in the um as we occurs on land containing sandy soils, occurs on land containing sandy
• </c> there's not a lot of government land there's not a lot of government land there<02:32:42.000><c>

Bills: HB2611, HB2102, HB1710, HB1868, HB1920, HB1812, HB1733, HB1715, HB1723, HB1724, HB1727, HB1711

Keywords: HB2611, Hawaii antitrust, rental housing, rent price-fixing, algorithmic pricing, algorithmic rent-setting, property management software, pricing algorithms, rent coordination, price-fixing, collusion, cartel, multifamily housing, landlord software, occupancy levels, lease terms, Attorney General, public education program, consumer protection, housing affordability

Summary: The committee first took up HB 2611, which would prohibit algorithmic price-setting in Hawaii’s rental market, require public education by the Attorney General, and establish fines and penalties. The Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill, saying its language was too unclear and could expose landlords and agents to criminal and civil liability for ordinary rent-setting practices based on public information or assistance from property professionals. Members asked about antitrust standards, tacit agreement, and whether using county-published affordable-rent schedules would be unlawful; the AG said that would not be unlawful if based on public information and without collusion. Testimony was mixed, with the chair noting support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Hawaii Realtors with comments, 50501 Hawaii and General Strike Hawaii, Haloha Project, 13 individuals, and one opponent. The committee then heard HB 2102, which clarifies that residential projects involving ground disturbance in high-risk areas remain subject to state historic preservation review and removes an exemption for lands presumed nominally sensitive. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and the Department of Planning and Permitting supported the measure, saying it would improve clarity and ensure review focuses on projects most likely to affect historic properties or iwi kupuna, while also urging language refinements to better define sensitive sandy-soil areas and balance preservation with housing timelines. NAP Hawaii opposed the bill, arguing it would undo progress made last session and that the current process already includes protections for inadvertent discoveries and efficiency for lower-risk areas. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs strongly supported HB 2102, explaining it was responding to beneficiary complaints about late-added language in last year’s law and saying the nominally sensitive-area language should be removed because it was adopted without sufficient stakeholder input and could be harmful to iwi kupuna protections. Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation and several individuals also supported the bill. Committee discussion focused on how “nominally sensitive” areas are determined, whether project proponents could self-certify areas as exempt, and how high-density residential projects should be treated; SHPD said it uses survey and monitoring data to map sensitivity, that highly sensitive areas like Kīauea are not nominally sensitive, and that some high-density projects should remain exempt if they do not involve new ground disturbance. The hearing included no final vote in the portion provided, but the chair noted 48 individuals in support and continued questioning on the bill’s definitions and implementation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Allowed for a lot of tribal lands to be taken for settlers.
• My family has had land since that allotment time in 1869.
• for a hundred years, the Massachusetts Land Court had said all these lands were entitled to what they
• There was an easement to the land, and there wasn't any.
• It is that plot of land needs to be used as a hospital.

Bills: H3599, H5047, S2922

Keywords: Native American, easements, land access, property rights, public utility, vehicular access, eminent domain, health care access, land acquisition, Norwood hospital, public health, electric infrastructure, NSTAR, Eversource Energy, land conservation, Massachusetts legislation, 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This authorizes a state historic preservation division to conduct a phase review of proposed projects
• division to conduct a phase preservation division to conduct a phase review<00:03:16.360><c> of</c><
• So, recommend amending page two, line seven as follows: 'January 1, 2026,' excluding lands owned by or
• > seven as follows, "January 1, 2026 seven as follows, "January 1, 2026 excluding<00:05:03.480><c> lands
• owned by or under excluding lands owned by or under control<00:05:04.960><c> of</c><00:05:05.000><c>

Bills: HB2592

Keywords: Mauna Kea, MKSOA, Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority, University of Hawaii, UH, Board of Land and Natural Resources, BLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, DLNR, Hawaii Revised Statutes chapter 195H, land management, transition period, management plan, administrative rules, rulemaking, lease extension, sublease, public lands, Native Hawaiian rights, cultural stewardship

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met on several decision-making agendas and first considered HB 1696, which would lower the minimum age for commercial driving in-state from 19 to 18 and adjust qualifying criteria. The committee agreed to accept amendments, including changes suggested by the Operating Engineers Union, and voted unanimously to pass the bill with amendments. HB 2333, which would authorize airport special districts and increase penalties for certain aeronautics violations, was deferred after concerns were raised about treatment of people outside airport security perimeters. On the next agenda, the committee passed HB 1710 with technical amendments only. That bill would allow the State Historic Preservation Division to conduct phase reviews of certain private-property projects and revise concurrence deadlines. HB 1737, clarifying allowable agricultural district uses related to farm dwellings and farm employee housing, also passed with technical amendments only. HB 1823, dealing with coastal zone management and excluding certain state- or county-funded infrastructure projects in Lahaina from the definition of development, passed with amendments from the Attorney General’s office. The committee then took up HB 1897, an alternative dispute resolution measure for condominium-related disputes, including facilitated mediation, evaluative mediation, and binding arbitration. Despite noting broad opposition and a reservation from Senator Buenaventura, the committee adopted the measure and moved it forward as is. Finally, HB 2576, which streamlines background check requirements for health care facilities and workers, passed with amendments reflecting input from OHA, HAH, and DOH. The meeting concluded with notice of a later joint agenda and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• At the beginning of the year, it looked like we might not have any money for preservation.
• We did put more money in for preservation and maintenance.
• This budget also helps with the maintenance and preservation of ferries. There is a...
• This budget also helps with the maintenance and preservation of ferries.
• It means that that does not pull crews from the regular maintenance and preservation that is already

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2681, SB5467, SB5820, SB5863, SB5892, SCR8406, HB2487, HB2711, SB5816, SB5919, SB5995, SB6278

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• At the beginning of the year, it looked like we might not have any money for preservation.
• So we did put more money in for preservation and maintenance.
• This budget also helps with the maintenance and preservation of ferries.
• This budget also helps with the maintenance and preservation of ferries.
• An act relating to the preservation and inspection of state historical...

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2681, SB5467, SB5820, SB5863, SB5892, SCR8406, HB2487, HB2711, SB5816, SB5919, SB5995, SB6278

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, approved the prior day’s minutes, and then moved through caucuses and a series of transportation, elections, energy, historical records, cannabis, abortion-access, and fiscal bills. Members repeatedly emphasized that several measures were supplemental or technical updates to existing law, while others involved larger policy disputes over taxes, fees, clean energy, election security, and reproductive health. The chamber also received Senate messages on other bills and briefly recessed for caucus during the day. The most prominent action was final passage of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6005, the supplemental transportation budget, after adopting a technical amendment and a larger striker amendment. Supporters highlighted preservation and maintenance funding, rail investments, ferry maintenance, road safety, and continued work on major projects statewide; opponents largely reserved comments or noted concerns about future needs. The House passed the bill 93-0 with five excused. The House also passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2711 on transportation resources, after adopting a technical amendment that removed the aircraft tax and delayed an RV-related tax change; supporters said it protected businesses and jobs, while opponents objected to trade-in treatment and other tax changes. That bill passed 83-10. On elections, the House considered Senate Bill 5892 to protect the voter registration database. An amendment to reduce penalties from a felony to a civil infraction and remove the emergency clause failed, while the committee amendment passed 50-34. Supporters said the bill was needed to safeguard sensitive voter data and clarify access; opponents argued it created conflicts with federal law and imposed excessive penalties on local election officials. The bill then passed 57-36. On energy, Substitute Senate Bill 5982 updating consumer-owned utility provisions drew debate over carbon capture, resource adequacy, data centers, and clean energy policy. Amendments on carbon capture and blackout-triggered termination failed, while an amendment preserving cogeneration exceptions passed; the bill then passed 57-37. The House also passed Senate Bill 5863 on preservation and inspection of state historical records, after rejecting an amendment to require longer retention but adopting the committee amendment; supporters stressed preserving the history of residential habilitation centers and the value to families seeking records. Substitute Senate Bill 5874, allowing the Employment Security Department to waive penalties for minor employer reporting errors, passed unanimously. Engrossed House Bill 2681, raising cannabis license fees while removing an escalator, passed 52-42. Finally, Substitute Senate Bill 5917 on access to abortion medications saw several failed amendments from opponents seeking to narrow, reframe, or add fiscal limits to the bill; supporters said it preserved flexibility to ensure access and avoid waste, and the bill passed 57-36.

Bills: HCR3018

Keywords: water rights, wetlands, inundated lands, taxation, property tax, drainage, flooded land, seasonal wetlands, meltwater, navigability, jurisdiction, county tax rolls, agricultural land, soil health, wildlife habitat, environmental regulation, public health, land ownership, riparian, drain and fill

Summary: The Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee was brought back to order and first took up a conference committee report on House Bill 1151, which concerns cultured meat. Members noted that the House had refused to concur with the Senate amendments and that the bill had previously been turned into a study. The committee discussed appointing conferees, with Randy identified as chair and Weston agreeing to serve as well. The chair explained that because the House did not concur with the committee’s change, further action would be needed and the House would chair the conference committee since it is their bill. Members briefly discussed whether additional conferees were needed, but no further names were settled beyond those mentioned. The committee also reported that Representative Porter could not be reached, leaving the committee at a standstill. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned until 9:00 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• studying wetlands, just different things about them, jurisdictional water sitting over the top of land
• This water is inundated over this farmland, and there are people still paying property taxes on that land

Bills: HCR3018

Keywords: water rights, wetlands, inundated lands, taxation, property tax, drainage, flooded land, seasonal wetlands, meltwater, navigability, jurisdiction, county tax rolls, agricultural land, soil health, wildlife habitat, environmental regulation, public health, land ownership, riparian, drain and fill

Summary: The Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee met with a quorum and first took up House Concurrent Resolution 3018, which was amended to expand a study of wetlands and jurisdictional water issues, including questions about taxing authority over land inundated by water. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the resolution as amended on a roll call vote, with all members present voting yes or aye. Senator Weston agreed to carry the measure. The committee then considered House Bill 1581, relating to funding for the Native American Tourism Alliance. Senator Marcellais explained an amendment restoring the funding level to $500,000 and adding a 10% tribal match. Members debated the budget impact and the likelihood of the bill surviving in that form. The amendment failed on a 3-3 tie, after which the committee moved to the original House version. That version, with $100,000 total funding and matching requirements, received a 4-2 do pass recommendation and was sent to Appropriations, with Senator Marcellais designated as carrier. The committee also discussed House Bill 1541, which would create a new commission to oversee septic systems, but members indicated a preference for a different approach already moving in the House that would place licensing and oversight under DEQ with health units still handling inspections. No final action was taken on that bill. Finally, the committee reviewed House Bill 1280, a water/drainage-related measure involving voting eligibility for landowners who have not paid assessments, but members raised legal questions and deferred further action. The committee also discussed broader concerns about a chemical-labeling bill and related public emails, then recessed until the call of the chair.

Bills: SF0027, SF0124

Keywords: game management, hunting regulations, black bear, tracking dogs, wildlife conservation, tourism, economic development, rodeo, cowboy heritage, Wyoming, funding, cultural preservation, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• respectfully urge this committee to support House Committee Resolution 108 and... ...and advocate for the preservation

Bills: HCR108, HCR127

Keywords: Tomato Suspension Agreement, trade, Mexico, Texas economy, agriculture, import tariffs, job preservation, Taiwan, U.S. relations, economic cooperation, sister-state, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> relating to public school land transfer. relating to public school land transfer.
• Every piece of land and parcel is different. That's what makes land use law exciting.
• Every piece of land and parcel is different. That's what makes land use law exciting.
• </c> piece of land and parcel is different. piece of land and parcel is different.
• </c> especially if it's land court issues. especially if it's land court issues.

Bills: SB2613, SB2147

Keywords: public school land transfer, Department of Education, DOE, land conveyance, fee simple title, tax map key, TMK, Act 307, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, Act 139, Board of Land and Natural Resources, BLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, DLNR, Kauai, Maui, Honolulu, Kaimuki Middle School, Wilcox Elementary School, school property

Summary: The committee heard SB 2613, a cleanup bill relating to public school land transfers under Act 307 (2022), which revises tax map key references and the conveyance process for properties transferred to the Department of Education. The Hawaii State Public Library System supported the measure, saying it would complete the long-unfinished separation of the library system from DOE property control and make future building projects more efficient and cost-effective. DOE also supported the bill and requested an amendment to remove TMK 43-62 parcel 10, the Wilcox Elementary School parcel, so that it could instead be transferred to the county for use with the adjacent park and tennis courts. Members focused heavily on why land transfers and construction approvals have been slow, especially the need for right-of-entry documents and an MOA for a library construction project. Library and DOE witnesses said the delays stemmed from site-control issues and confusion over property status, and that the bill would clarify which parcels are transferred by operation of law and remove the need for additional transactional documents in many cases. Several members questioned whether the bill actually changes authority or simply clarifies existing practice, and DOE said it wanted legislative clarity so the transfers are unmistakably effective on a date certain. The committee also discussed a separate section of the bill dealing with public use of school facilities after hours, including parking fees on property under DOE jurisdiction. DOE explained that any parking charges would apply only to property it controls, not county roads, and that fees are set through existing facility-use procedures. Members raised concerns about the pace of land transfers generally and urged DOE to move more expeditiously on pending parcels. The hearing then moved on to SB 2147, which would designate the first Friday in February as Love My Library Day; the library system testified in support as the committee began that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Land held by a land bank is exempt from the property tax, the excise tax in lieu of property tax, and
• Land held by a land bank is exempt from the property tax, the excise tax in lieu of property tax, and
• will mean to the Spokane Land Bank and land banks across the state.
• DNR land for natural space preservation is one example.
• The land bank will move this land into ready-to-build developers' hands in an equitable manner.

Bills: HB1974, HB2265, HB2452

Keywords: land bank, land banking authority, affordable housing, housing crisis, housing supply, public corporation, public housing authority, nonprofit housing, tax-foreclosed property, blight remediation, redevelopment, anti-displacement, equity, redlining, racial segregation, deed restriction, affordability covenant, property tax exemption, excise tax exemption, predevelopment

Summary: The Housing Committee held public hearings on three bills. HB 2265, sponsored by Rep. Mena, would add tenant protections during extreme heat by allowing portable cooling devices, requiring landlords in the RLTA to provide cooling as reasonably required, and barring physical evictions during declared extreme heat periods. Committee members and the sponsor raised questions about how “reasonably required” cooling would be defined, how the eviction pause would work with sheriffs and unlawful detainer timelines, and whether the bill could raise rents or create liability and operational problems for landlords. Public testimony was split: supporters cited the 2021 heat dome, climate projections, and deaths from overheating, while opponents from landlord and property manager groups warned about costs, safety, building capacity, and eviction delays. Several witnesses asked for amendments, and the sponsor said she was open to further work on implementation details. The committee then heard HB 1974, a proposed substitute authorizing land banks in county urban growth areas to acquire, hold, improve, and transfer property for affordable housing, with tax exemptions and affordability requirements. The bill sponsor described it as a scaled-back version developed through an interim work group, and supporters from land banks, housing authorities, developers, youth shelter providers, and housing advocates said it would help assemble land, reduce costs, and support affordable and starter-home production. A counties representative also testified in support but said the grant program removed from the substitute would be worth restoring. One member asked staff about the bill’s priority transfer of tax-foreclosed property to land banks and whether that could affect surplus proceeds, and staff said the language applies to properties that have already gone through the auction process, though the terminology may need further review. Finally, the committee heard HB 2452, which would change service requirements for rent increase notices by allowing personal delivery, regular mail, or posting on the dwelling unit, instead of the current certified-mail-style requirement tied to unlawful detainer notices. The sponsor said the current system has led to notices not reaching tenants and unnecessary costs, and supporters from landlord, property management, realtor, and business groups said certified mail is expensive, inefficient, and often ineffective. Tenant advocates opposed the bill, arguing that mail-only service weakens notice protections and can cause tenants to miss time-sensitive rent increases; they said any reform should preserve door posting or personal service. The committee took no votes on any of the bills and closed the public hearings after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaii in support. Hawaii Appleseed in support.
• </c><00:13:50.320><c> Land</c><00:13:50.639><c> Use</c><00:13:50.880><c> Research</c><00:13:51.120><c
• Land Use Research Foundation &gt;&gt; Thank you.
• Land Use Research Foundation of<00:13:51.600><c> Hawaii</c><00:13:51.920><c> in</c><00:13:52.160><c>

Bills: SB2060, SB2063, SB2062, SB2069, SB2070

Keywords: rental housing revolving fund, HHFDC, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, mixed-income housing, mixed-income rental project, affordable housing, low-income housing, housing finance, housing development, preservation, rehabilitation, pre-development, construction financing, equity investment, credit enhancement, collateral, gap financing, area median income, AMI, perpetual affordability

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the director of land protection with the Minnesota Land Trust.
• I am the director of land protection with the Minnesota Land Trust.
• </c> counties land owners with riparian lands counties land owners with riparian lands may<00:30:38.760
• </c> land owners over the past decade land land owners over the past decade land owners<00:31:08.080>
• /c> owners and land owners with riparian owners and land owners with riparian lands<00:32:00.600><c>

Bills: HF1698, HF632, HF1352, HF2197, HF618, HF1248, HF1697

Keywords: property tax, exemption, leased land, public use, commercial property, HF632, Minnesota property tax, conservation easement, conservation restriction, assessed value, property valuation, tax assessment, real property, land conservation, farmland preservation, natural areas, riparian buffer, water quality, water quantity, county assessor

Transcript Highlights:

• So we want to annex land.
• We can annex land, and we want to participate in the policy to preserve those large tracts of areas so
• Removing these tools from the district’s toolbox will reduce our state’s ability to preserve ag land
• Our community has consistently identified farmland preservation, farm succession, and keeping land in
• agricultural land or acquiring rights on those lands.

Bills: HB2201, HB2154

Keywords: urban growth, city planning, county regulations, development standards, land use, land ownership, conservation districts, property rights, regulatory authority, environmental policy, 904, all

Summary: The Local Government Committee first held a work session on the Washington Zoning Atlas. Commerce staff explained that the atlas is a statewide, web-based zoning map built from local zoning codes with help from university planning students. It lets users compare zoning across jurisdictions, query where uses like residential, industrial, commercial, multifamily, or agriculture are allowed, and link back to local development codes. Members asked about using the atlas as a “single source of truth,” layering it with other state data such as transportation or public works projects, update frequency, and whether environmental sensitivity data could be added in the future. Commerce said the atlas is not a parcel-specific buildability tool, is being updated on an ongoing basis, and needs additional funding because the planned update source is not in the governor’s budget. The committee then heard House Bill 2201, which would require counties to align planning and development regulations within urban growth areas with the city’s regulations unless the city agrees otherwise or another law requires a different standard. The sponsor and several city representatives said mismatched county and city rules can undermine annexation planning, infrastructure investment, and long-term development coordination. Cities from Vancouver, Pasco, Ferndale, and Lynnwood described “donut holes,” infrastructure misalignment, and the need for better annexation pathways. The Association of Washington Cities and planning groups said the issue is real and merits more policy work, but the bill needs refinement. Counties, the Washington State Association of Counties, and other opponents said the bill is too broad, does not account for existing interlocal agreements, would add workload without funding, and fails to require timely annexation by cities. The sponsor said the bill needs more work and invited continued discussion. No vote was taken. The committee also heard House Bill 2154, which would prohibit conservation districts from buying or acquiring interests in agricultural land 20 acres or larger that is actively used for farming and would require districts to inventory certain land holdings. The sponsor argued that taxpayer-funded district purchases can drive up farmland prices and reduce opportunities for private farmers to expand. Conservation district representatives, the Washington Association of Conservation Districts, the Puget Sound Partnership, and several local districts opposed the bill, saying conservation districts use voluntary tools such as purchases, easements, leases, and donations to keep land in agricultural production, support beginning farmers, and preserve farmland from development. They said many district-owned parcels are donated rather than purchased, often leased back to farmers, and used for education, demonstration, and conservation. Testifiers emphasized that farmland conversion to development is the larger threat and that the bill would remove an important preservation tool. The hearing closed without action on the bill.