Transcript Highlights:

• The Housing Finance Corporation acts as a public-private partnership entity.
• It supports a developer or other private entity that has an ownership interest or leasehold and other

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• REQUIRES AN MS 4 TO CONDUCT ANNUAL OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONS AND DURING THE INSPECTION THE ENTITY
• HARRY SUPPORTED MANY ENTITIES THROUGH HIS PHILANTHROPY AND JACKSONVILLE LIKE CLINIC, ST.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• DISCLOSURES ON INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INSURANCE AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES
• FINANCIAL HARM OR OTHER ADVERSE IMPACTS AS WELL AS INFORMATION OF A CONFIDENTIAL NATURE CONCERNING ENTITIES

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• entity entity uh<00:30:36.440><c> um</c><00:30:36.960><c> and</c><00:30:37.120><c> the</c><00:30:37.320
• He said it was not because the Department was an inappropriate entity to put out an RFP, especially on
• The commissioner said it was not because the Department might not be an appropriate entity to put out
• be an because the department might not be an appropriate<01:22:15.880><c> uh</c><01:22:16.080><c> entity
• put</c><01:22:16.840><c> out</c><01:22:17.000><c> an</c><01:22:17.120><c> RFP</c> appropriate uh entity

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to chart a bold new solution for the future of healthcare in our state: a new nonprofit healthcare entity
• communities that have growing health care needs would also be impacted. non-for-profit Health Care entity
• system non-for-profit Health Care entity system that<00:03:18.599><c> combines</c><00:03:19.080><c>
• 00:08:35.719><c> new</c><00:08:36.200><c> health</c><00:08:36.479><c> system</c><00:08:36.839><c> entity
• </c><00:08:37.200><c> and</c> create that new health system entity and create that new health system

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:13:50.800><c> that</c> road tolls which is the entity that road tolls which is the entity that
• So we do, again, unrestricted entities.
• So if you're a multinational entity, you are filling out a Waters Edge return for us.
• We had not really understood the differences, and sometimes we're classifying one entity as another entity
• one entity as another entity<04:12:31.000><c> this</c><04:12:31.239><c> revision</c><04:12:31.720><c

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee received an overview from Chris of the Legislative Budget Assistance Office on how it will estimate unrestricted revenues for the General Fund, Education Trust Fund, Highway Fund, and Fish and Game Fund. He explained that the committee’s work is based on current law, not pending bills, and that the estimates will feed into a House resolution and an amendment to House Bill 1, the operating budget. He also described the broader budget process, including how House and Senate estimates are reconciled, how surplus statements account for revenue changes from enacted bills, and how a committee of conference could resolve differences later in the session. No votes were taken. Members then asked about why the Education Trust Fund was running below plan. Chris said the shortfall appeared to be driven largely by business taxes, including differences in the BET/BPT split and improved tax-processing systems that better track where business tax payments belong. Representative Orr also asked about tobacco tax collections and out-of-state sales; Chris said tobacco revenue was likely overestimated in 2023 based on COVID-era patterns, with more people smoking at home, and noted that e-cigarette tax revenue goes to the General Fund while cigarette taxes are split between the General Fund and Education Trust Fund. He said he did not have a specific estimate for cross-border sales. Commissioner Lindsay St. Pierre of the Department of Revenue then began a deeper dive into the department’s role and the taxes it administers. She reviewed the department’s mission, organizational structure, taxpayer services, and the tax policy and legislative analysis staff who prepare fiscal notes and testify on bills. She noted that the department administers about $2.9 billion in revenue across major taxes such as business taxes, meals and rooms, and utility property tax, and that the figures being discussed were preliminary because the annual report had not yet been issued. The discussion was informational only, with no formal action taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires private entities that apply for a grant under the CARA program to include information about
• important to the state for the mobility of your constituents, the businesses, and the government entities
• That originally there were nine different entities, corporations, whatever, that were involved in some
• But I think here, when we have a distressed entity that needs additional improvements or investments,
• It must create a burden for the federal government, not borne by any other entity. In Washington v.

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There is no profit margin built in and no other entity involved; these are public entities owned and
• There is no profit margin built in and no other entity involved; these are public entities owned and
• There's no other entity<01:12:36.640><c> involved.
• Uh we we are all public entity involved.
• :39.360><c> and</c> entities owned [clears throat] and entities owned [clears throat] and controlled<

Bills: HF1669, HF4709, HF3531, HF4048

Keywords: tax credits, sustainable aviation fuel, environmental policy, corporate franchise, Minnesota taxation, electricity generation, property tax exemption, renewable energy, incentives, economic development, fuel delivery, tax exemption, retail transactions, diesel exhaust fluid, fuel lubricants, healthcare tax, gross receipts tax, hospitals, chiropractors, healthcare providers

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is a good way to let entities get current.
• So this is a good way to let entities get current.
• Of online sellers since then, you know, and smaller entities that are trying to sell into the state of
• As with a lot of our health care entities, there's just a lot of challenges with finances, and costs
• We tax our health care entity that's getting Medicaid. So we tax them. They bring it to the state.

Summary: The House debated a series of amendments to a major income tax bill, with repeated arguments over tax fairness, affordability, administrative feasibility, and the role of the Department of Revenue. Early motions to reconsider a failed child care amendment were rejected, and Amendment 2561, which would have restricted data sharing with the IRS, was also defeated after debate over privacy, federal relationships, and whether the proposal was administrable. Amendment 2579, which would have required annual reporting on the tax’s effects on filers, businesses, and charitable donations, likewise failed, with supporters emphasizing transparency and opponents arguing DOR was not the right agency and the report was too speculative. Amendment 2598, proposing to use half of new revenue for a broad sales tax cut, was rejected despite arguments that it would reduce regressivity and provide immediate relief; Amendment 2556, expanding sales tax exemptions for diapers and other child-care essentials to include adult diapers and earlier implementation, also failed after debate over scope and timing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 133, an act relating to the fiscal reporting of local entities.
• Senate Bill 133, an act relating to the fiscal reporting of local entities. Senator Nunn.
• Senate Bill 133, an act relating to the fiscal reporting of local entities. Senator Nunn.
• In other words, even when public officials or entities use tax dollars in violation of the law, there
• In other words, even when public officials or entities use tax dollars in violation of the law, there

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened, opened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum, excused absent members, and approved the journal. The House clerk then announced that the House had passed several bills and requested concurrence. The chamber also received second-reading reports for a number of bills and resolutions, which were referred to the Rules Committee, and committee reports from the Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor Committee and the Judiciary Committee recommending passage of several measures. New resolutions were also introduced, including one honoring Michael Mingi, Amanda Maize, and Senator Maize Bledsoe, and another designating March 31, 2026, as Kentucky Transitional Science Day. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 145, relating to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The chamber concurred in House Committee Substitute 1 and House Floor Amendment 1, then passed the bill as amended by a roll call vote of 35 yeas and 2 nays. The Senate next considered Senate Bill 59, relating to prohibited uses of tax dollars and resources. After adopting Senate Committee Substitute 1, members debated whether the bill’s enforcement provisions were needed to prevent public funds from being used to influence ballot questions; supporters cited prior school-related advocacy, while one opponent raised concerns about possible uneven treatment of schools receiving federal funds. The bill passed 28-9. Finally, the Senate took up Senate Bill 137, relating to a provisional license to practice medicine. Supporters described Kentucky’s physician shortage, especially in rural areas, and argued the bill would help recruit foreign medical graduates by allowing a path to licensure based on prior residency and work experience. A floor amendment was offered to preserve standards by emphasizing U.S. residency pathways and cautioning against lowering the standard of care, but the amendment was withdrawn after discussion. The bill remained under consideration at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Third, it ensures stakeholder input by setting up an advisory committee of uh many entities from the
• Third, it ensures stakeholder input by setting up an advisory committee of uh many entities from the
• Third, it ensures stakeholder input by setting up an advisory committee of uh many entities from the
• Third, it ensures stakeholder input by setting up an advisory committee of uh many entities from the
• Third, it ensures stakeholder input by setting up an advisory committee of uh many entities from the

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The text in Part Roman numeral II of the bill requires information requested by various oversight entities
• Um, so traditional public entities.
• So if we didn't have to, if we were recognized as a government entity and didn't have to go through the
• So we would not be exempt entities.
• In Salem, they do recognize us as a government entity, but we do still have to go before the planning

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard HB 1334, which would remove the Education Freedom Account scholarship organization’s authority to approve “any other educational expense” under the EFA statute. The prime sponsor, Representative Porchelli, said the bill would narrow the law to the specifically listed qualifying expenses, avoid broad interpretation, and shift any questions to the Department of Education or the legislative oversight committee. In response to questions, she said she did not think the open-ended category had been needed and that the statute already clearly lists allowable expenses. A representative of the Children’s Scholarship Fund testified in opposition, saying the category is used rarely but is important for unusual cases, especially students with special needs, and that removing it could create unintended consequences. After testimony, the chair closed the hearing on HB 1334. The committee then heard HB 1513, which would move several EFA reporting and oversight requirements from administrative rules and the contract with the Children’s Scholarship Fund into statute. Representative Porchelli said the bill would consolidate existing requirements on timely responses to oversight requests, publication of expense reports by category and provider, and transmission of eligibility and enrollment data to the Department of Education. She described the bill as mostly a clarification and transparency measure rather than a substantive policy change. Members asked about the meaning of “timely access,” the 45-day deadline, whether the contract already covered these duties, and whether the scholarship organization had ever failed to comply. The Children’s Scholarship Fund said it had generally met the 45-day deadline, had not knowingly refused information requests, and that the quarterly reporting requirement could add cost; the sponsor said the DOE had provided guidance and was neutral. The hearing on HB 1513 was then closed. Finally, the committee heard HB 1256, which would repeal the state librarian’s authority to award scholarships for graduate library school attendance at American Library Association-accredited schools. Representative Drago said the law was unnecessary because the state does not currently have a state librarian, scholarships are not typically granted by statute, and he objected to the ALA accreditation requirement and what he described as the association’s political advocacy. In questions, he clarified that the bill targets the accreditation requirement rather than a specific school and said he did not think the state should direct taxpayer-funded scholarships toward ALA-accredited programs. A member raised First Amendment concerns, but the sponsor said the issue was not speech itself, only the use of taxpayer dollars and state law to support that direction. The transcript cuts off before any vote or final action on HB 1256.

Transcript Highlights:

• fewer for an individual source and 25,000 metric tons of emissions for sources owned by the same entity
• So both of those entities will be looking at this, and that's just a requirement of the plans that we
• Entities of foreign concern, which are essentially those entities are Iran, North Korea, Russia, and
• The next steps for those potential awardees is to begin contract negotiations with each entity.
• So that's an average of about 3 to 6 months for the recipient entities to obtain the ordinance that's

Transcript Highlights:

• In other words, even when public officials or entities use tax dollars in violation of this law, there
• In other words, even when public officials or entities use tax dollars in violation of this law, there
• And so that's really when individual entities need to have their own representation. I agree.
• ,</c><00:29:17.520><c> um,</c> the challenges for public entities, um, the challenges for public entities
• And so that's really when when when individual<00:30:03.200><c> entities</c> individual entities individual

Keywords: Discussion of BR 25 (2026 RS) 04:15 Presentation on voting systems by ES&S 48:14 Presentation on voting systems by Hart InterCivic and Harp Enterprises 01:13:07, 958, all

Summary: The committee met, approved the October 21 minutes, and then took up BR 25 for the 2026 regular session, a proposal to prohibit the use of tax dollars and public resources to advocate for or against ballot questions, including constitutional amendments. Senator Rawlings and the other presenters argued the current law already bars such advocacy but lacks meaningful enforcement, citing the 2024 school choice amendment campaign and other examples where public officials and school systems allegedly used taxpayer-funded resources to influence voters. They said the bill would add civil and criminal penalties, while preserving First Amendment rights for public employees acting in their personal capacities. Much of the discussion focused on whether the bill should be limited to school districts or broadened to cover other public entities, and on how to define terms such as “advocating in impartial terms.” Members raised concerns about possible effects on county and city lobbying through groups like KLC and KCO, on legitimate factual explanations by public officials, and on whether the bill could unintentionally restrict needed representation for local governments. The sponsors said the measure was intended to be narrow, would be vetted further, and would not bar individuals from speaking on their own behalf. Several members suggested revisions. Representative Lockett asked that schools and school employees be specifically named, and suggested separating the lobbying restrictions from the ballot-measure provisions into different bills. Representative Layman questioned the meaning of the bill’s language and whether it would cover factual testimony by officials. Representative Heen asked about a Jefferson County example involving legal fees used to challenge petition signatures; counsel said that situation would likely be allowable under the bill as drafted, though some members thought it should be covered. No final vote was taken on BR 25 during this discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• PBMs started off as small administrative entities designed for health plans to put together formularies
• But if this is merely a fight between two entities on who keeps more of the profits within the system
• hemp product references from the bill while also working to address strict liability issues for entities
• And for each dollar more than we get from a private entity, we need one less dollar of public subsidy
• But we also recognize the complexities that are challenging our public entities.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with SB 41 by Senator Wiener, which would regulate pharmacy benefit managers by increasing transparency, banning patient steering and spread pricing, and requiring full pass-through of rebates. Supporters, including independent pharmacists and health advocates, said PBM practices are driving up drug costs and closing neighborhood pharmacies. Opponents from PBM and health plan groups argued the bill overlaps with recently enacted licensing and reporting requirements, would not lower consumer prices, and may be preempted by ERISA. Members discussed confidentiality issues, consumer savings, and the relationship between SB 41 and the new budget trailer bill; the author asked for an aye vote. The committee then took up SB 378, also by Senator Wiener, aimed at online marketplaces that advertise illegal intoxicating hemp and unlicensed cannabis products. Supporters from labor, public health, and the licensed cannabis industry said online sales are undermining regulated businesses and exposing children to unsafe products. Opponents from tech and hemp industry groups warned the bill is overbroad, could sweep in general-purpose platforms and lawful hemp wellness products, and raises Dormant Commerce Clause and First Amendment concerns. The author said he would narrow the bill, remove industrial hemp references, and address strict liability and standing issues; members largely focused on how to target illegal products without capturing lawful marketplaces. SB 243 by Senator Padilla addressed AI companion chatbots, with supporters including Common Sense Media and transparency advocates warning that these systems can be addictive, manipulative, and dangerous for minors and vulnerable users, citing studies and the death of a Florida teenager. The bill would require disclosures, anti-addiction design limits, self-harm protocols, audits, reporting, and a private right of action. Tech and business groups opposed the measure as overly broad and said its definitions could sweep in general-purpose AI tools; several members supported the goal but questioned the breadth of the definitions and the private right of action. Finally, SB 522 by Senator Wahab would extend just-cause eviction protections to rental units that were previously covered by the Tenant Protection Act but were destroyed in disasters and later rebuilt. Supporters, including Los Angeles city officials and tenant advocates, said the bill would help keep displaced renters housed after wildfires and other disasters. Apartment and realtor groups opposed it, arguing it would remove a key exemption needed to finance rebuilding and could discourage post-disaster reconstruction. Members expressed support for tenant protections in disaster areas, and the author asked for an aye vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• eligibility criteria for their own institutional funds or partnerships with other philanthropic entities
• eligibility criteria for their own institutional funds or partnerships with other philanthropic entities
• and then you know of course entities and then you know of course news<00:37:31.800><c> about</c><00:
• It is spread across the rest of the house, so the organization as a health care entity covers all these
• said the audited statements are included in some of the materials today and that the health care entity

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:48:12.800><c> that</c> are a studio or a production entity that are a studio or a production
• entity that is<00:48:13.200><c> planning</c><00:48:13.680><c> an</c><00:48:13.839><c> indie</c><00:48
• So amended returns ensure that exemption and refund claims are made by the proper entities or persons
• </c><01:21:27.440><c> and</c><01:21:27.639><c> or</c> are made by the proper entities and or are made
• </c> Judiciary to partner with entities Judiciary to partner with entities capable<01:53:04.920><c> of

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Technology met on March 12, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures. On SB 9, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation testified in support, and there were no questions or objections. On SB 148, the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs offered comments, and a member of the public testified in support of combining boxing and MMA oversight into a single combat sports commission, with amendments to preserve safety standards and separate or distinct treatment for the two sports. Committee discussion focused on whether proposed requirements were primarily safety-related or cost-related, how to handle smaller events, and whether a one-year implementation delay was necessary; the department said many safety provisions already exist in the MMA program, that it was open to continued discussion on costs, and that it needed time to combine rules and appoint new commissioners. The chair suggested possible amendments to account for event size and to reduce burdens on smaller events. The committee then heard SB 816, which drew extensive testimony on providing legal representation for immigrants in immigration proceedings. Supporters included the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, ACU Hawaii, the Refugee and Immigration Law Clinic, the Legal Clinic, Hawaii Friends of Civil Rights, the Hawaiʻi Coalition for Immigrant Rights, Pride at Work Hawaii, and others. Supporters argued that immigration cases can be as serious as criminal cases, that counsel is essential for due process, and that representation improves outcomes; several also emphasized the economic importance of immigrants to Hawaii. One supporter noted a suggested amendment to include training for attorneys and partners doing deportation defense and asylum work. Opposition came from a Navy veteran who argued the bill would use state resources for a federal issue, create inequities, and impose fiscal burdens. The chair noted 69 testimonies in support and 44 in opposition, and later an additional supporter brought the total to 70 in support. No vote was taken in the portion of the meeting provided. The committee also heard SB 125, with the Department of Economic Development, the Agreed Business Development Corporation, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association in support, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii offering technical comments about complicated nested definitions in the bill. Testimony on SB 125 focused on updating the Enterprise Zone Program so local manufacturers selling directly to retail could qualify, along with value-added products and certain health-related sectors. Finally, on SB 732, the State of Hawaii Creative Industries testified with comments, raising concerns about county permit-fee waivers, implementation timing, and the bill’s lack of a carry-forward provision for the film tax credit. The witness said uncertainty in the credit was already causing productions to delay coming to Hawaii and urged stability to support the industry and local workers. The committee then moved on to additional testimony on the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> be</c><01:27:16.880><c> making</c><01:27:17.199><c> quite</c><01:27:17.360><c> a</c> oligarch entities
• will be making quite a oligarch entities will be making quite a bit<01:27:17.600><c> of</c><01:27:17.719
• like that so I'm going with entities like that so I'm going with serious<01:27:22.480><c> reservations
• :11.119><c> the</c> retail rate and allow the Pu to be the retail rate and allow the Pu to be the entity
• to set any kind of compensation entity to set any kind of compensation to<01:28:14.719><c> the</c><01

Keywords: 912, senate, all

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

Transcript Highlights:

• provides the valuations for utility and pipeline property, and the reason for that is that these entities
• We typically acquired them from another government entity.
• We typically acquired them from another government entity.
• We typically acquired them from another government entity.
• </c><01:16:12.560><c> um</c> them from another government entity um them from another government entity

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:06:04.639><c> so</c> just like uh other licensed entities so just like uh other licensed entities
• that's based in DC so entity that's based in DC so interpreters<03:01:54.920><c> um</c><03:01:55.920
• It's important that we have an entity set up to oversee what is being provided within our community.
• It's important that we have an entity set up to oversee what is being provided within our community."
• and distinct with distinct entities and distinct with distinct responsibilities<04:02:53.479><c> and

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up House Bill 702, which would change how extra or special duty pay for retired police officers is treated for retirement and work-limit purposes. Supporters argued the bill would let retirees work more special-duty hours, helping municipalities fill traffic-detail and similar assignments without added state cost, and said it would not prohibit retirees from working but would simply stop those hours from counting toward the return-to-work threshold. Opponents argued the change would be inconsistent with the retirement system’s 2011 reforms, could increase pension liabilities, and would treat the same compensation differently for active employees and retirees. Members also discussed whether the bill would affect current and future retirees, the role of municipalities, and whether the policy amounted to “policing for profit.” The subcommittee ultimately voted 3-2 to recommend inexpedient to legislate (ITL) on HB 702, sending it to the full committee with that recommendation. The committee then discussed House Bill 581, which would create a Group Three retirement plan for new state employees hired after the bill’s effective date. The chair outlined a housekeeping amendment to delay implementation, moving the effective date to January 1, 2026, and noted a sponsor amendment addressing health insurance group inclusion and medical and surgical benefits so those benefits would not be put at risk for the new group. Testimony and discussion focused on the shift from defined benefit to defined contribution, with supporters citing Michigan examples and arguing the bill would help recruit and retain employees while giving them more flexibility. Opponents said the change could weaken retirement security and increase unfunded liability, though supporters responded that the bill still requires employer contributions toward accrued liability and is intended to keep the state on track to pay off its unfunded liability by 2039. The transcript ends with continued discussion of the bill and no final vote shown on HB 581.