Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion on that motion? None. All in favor say aye. All those opposed say no.
• see none all in favor say I discussion see none all in favor say I all<00:11:17.680><c> those</c><00
• on Senator wand's other discussion on Senator wand's motion<00:11:57.560><c> C</c><00:11:58.000><c>
• Any discussion to that motion? All in favor say aye. All those opposed say no. The motion prevails.
• Any discussion to that motion? All in favor say aye. All those opposed say no. The motion prevails.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing no further discussion, Mr. Co-Chairman. Mr.
• Is there any further discussion? Representative Ligori. Mr.
• All right, any further discussion?
• We will have a discussion with them about the new system.
• Is there any further discussion? Senator Dunn. Thank you, Mr.

Committee: Joint Joint Legislative Audit Committee

Summary: The committee first heard an update on Topok Elementary School District’s long-running noncompliance with Arizona’s Uniform System of Financial Records. The Auditor General’s office explained the USFR noncompliance process and reported that Topok had made substantial progress, correcting many deficiencies in areas such as open meeting law, procurement, payroll, attendance reporting, property control, and information technology. The district’s superintendent and staff described the corrective actions they had taken, the use of outside consultants, and their plan to maintain compliance through stronger leadership, training, and consistent procedures. Members praised the district’s progress and asked about the remaining deficiencies and the status of the 3% state-aid withholding, which the Auditor General said would be addressed by the State Board of Education. The committee then considered a request for a fourth school safety special audit, tied to concerns raised by Representative Martinez about Phoenix Union High School District and school violence response practices. The Auditor General said the proposed audit would be a new topic focused on policies and procedures for responding to credible threats of violence and allegations of staff misconduct affecting student safety, and could include Phoenix Union in the sample. Representative Martinez described a fatal 2024 shooting, weapons incidents, and concerns about district oversight. The committee approved the motion 10-0. Next, staff presented the fiscal years 2027-2028 school district performance audit schedule, describing 26 randomly selected school districts and career and technical education districts, plus 84 planned follow-ups. The Auditor General said the schedule is intended to shorten the average time between audits and that the school audits division is now fully staffed. Members asked about county coverage and the inclusion of ESA accountability, but the schedule was ultimately presented for review rather than approval. The committee also heard a detailed federal compliance audit presentation on the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) administered by DES. The Auditor General reported repeated findings involving missing provider documentation, questioned costs, and FFATA reporting errors, including a 2024 sample that led to questioning $2.88 million in costs. The office recommended stronger documentation, record retention, reporting procedures, and staff training; DES concurred and said it would correct the findings in 2026. Members discussed the limits of the single-audit scope, the possibility of a broader special audit, and the federal government’s recent actions on CCDF oversight in other states. Finally, the committee considered and discussed a special audit request for CCDF that would broaden review to provider oversight, licensing, site visits, and billing accuracy across multiple state agencies, with estimated costs of $547,000 to $625,000 and a projected report date of July 31, 2027.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing no further discussion, Mr. Co-Chairman. Mr.
• Is there any further discussion? Representative Ligori. Mr.
• All right, any further discussion?
• We will have a discussion with them about the new system.
• Is there any further discussion? Senator Dunn. Thank you, Mr.

Committee: Joint Joint Legislative Audit Committee

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• be moving through a lot of information pretty fast, so I'll try to leave time for questions and discussion
• That, and an updated career ladder placement forecast that we'll discuss more later, create the $22.3
• And so I think the discussion... ...for the class in order to get them there.
• And so I think the discussion is an important one.
• Just for—I really appreciate the presentation and the discussion today, and just for a brief comment,

Summary: The committee received a detailed JFAC presentation on the K-12 public school support budget from Legislative Services analyst Kellan McGurkin, followed by testimony from Superintendent Debbie Critchfield. McGurkin reviewed how Idaho’s school funding formula works, including support units, staff allowance, career ladder salary funding, discretionary funding, health insurance, transportation, facilities, and the Public Education Stabilization Fund. He explained the FY 2026 revised budget, including a reduction in projected support units and an ongoing $22.3 million general fund rescission, and then walked through the FY 2027 request and the Governor’s recommendation. Major FY 2027 items included health insurance adjustments, transportation growth, federal fund authority, and proposed one-time special education initiatives: a $5 million high-needs fund and a $1 million regional service model, both tied to interest or transfers from other funds. The Governor also recommended eliminating or reducing some items, including virtual school-related payments and a reduction to Idaho Digital Learning Academy funding, which would lower the general fund request compared with the agency proposal. Critchfield framed the budget around enrollment trends, shifting student populations, and the need for flexibility in how districts use existing dollars. She highlighted gains in literacy, graduation rates, dual credit and career technical participation, and said the department wants more categorical flexibility for professional development, technology, and digital content funds so districts can redirect unused money to higher priorities such as literacy or special education. She also described the Idaho Career Ready Students grant as having created 170 new programs and said remaining funds are obligated. On special education, she said costs are growing faster than current funding and argued for a bridge solution while broader funding issues are addressed; she also said the department is pursuing a regional service-center model to help rural districts share hard-to-fill specialists. Critchfield additionally outlined planned federal waivers on assessments and flexibility, and said the state is seeking more control over education decisions. Committee members focused heavily on funding mechanics, especially whether career ladder and health insurance money is distributed per teacher or through support units, how discretionary funds are used, why insurance amounts in the budget book differed from current projections, and whether districts can use leftover health insurance dollars for other purposes. Members also questioned the proposed special education funding, the use of interest earnings from dedicated funds to support the general fund, the size and use of school contingency balances, and whether the state should revisit the funding formula itself. No votes were taken during this portion of the meeting; the discussion remained in presentation and questioning, with several follow-up requests for data and clarification.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion on second the motion. Any discussion on these<00:34:01.760><c> items?
• Any discussion on these items? motion. Any discussion on these items?
• That's a bailout dressed up as a policy discussion.
• Their seat at the table discussion.
• Um, I'm changing my vote for discussion.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We know, and we've had discussion about this, that transgender women are subject to far higher rates
• You said there's three in Shakopee that we are discussing that this bill would affect, but I believe
• </c><00:19:46.919><c> about</c> we know and we've had discussion about we know and we've had discussion
• She has sat here and listened to all this discussion and testimony and back and forth.
• </c><00:32:50.200><c> the</c> has not been one meeting to discuss the has not been one meeting to discuss

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, we will be discussing the historic and enormous challenges facing CalFresh and efforts to fight
• Department of Finance, do you agree to participate in these discussions?
• Yes, we've been participating in the discussions with the counties and with DSS.
• Okay, Department of Finance, do you agree to participate in these discussions?
• Yes, we've been participating in the discussions with the counties and with DSS.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services opened its first hearing of the year with a discussion centered on CalFresh, the Department of Social Services, and related anti-poverty and immigrant services programs. Chair Jackson framed the hearing as a response to the “historic and enormous challenges” created by H.R. 1, emphasizing that the committee’s goal was to minimize harm to vulnerable Californians. No votes were taken in the hearing. The first major topic was the impact of H.R. 1 on CalFresh eligibility and administration. CDSS estimated major federal funding reductions, with hundreds of thousands of Californians potentially losing benefits under new time limits and work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents, and additional losses among certain non-citizen groups. County welfare directors, eligibility workers, SEIU, and other advocates argued that counties are underfunded and understaffed to implement the new rules, and urged release of the previously authorized $20 million General Fund, a county match waiver, and an additional ongoing workforce investment. LAO and the Department of Finance said they were reviewing the administration’s proposals and emphasized the need to use existing data, automation, and statutory direction to reduce administrative burden and improve implementation. A second panel addressed county administrative backfill and the broader fiscal effects of H.R. 1. CDSS explained that the law shifts more administrative costs to the state and counties beginning in federal fiscal year 2027 and could also create future state benefit costs tied to payment error rates. County and food bank representatives warned that many counties will struggle to absorb the higher match and that penalties tied to payment error rates could worsen budget pressure. Members pressed Finance and CDSS for clearer timelines, written responses, and more detailed workload assumptions, while Finance said it was still analyzing the federal guidance and county resource needs. The final major topic was the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) and possible state responses for people losing federal CalFresh eligibility. CDSS said CFAP remains limited by statute and by the federal structure it currently uses, but that the planned expansion to Californians age 55 and older regardless of immigration status remains on track for October 1, 2027, subject to funding. Immigrant advocates urged the state to fold newly excluded humanitarian immigrants into CFAP and to invest in outreach and administration, while Western Center on Law and Poverty proposed a broader state-funded anti-hunger response for people cut off by H.R. 1. LAO noted that the CFAP expansion is difficult to estimate and that further policy and technical work would be needed to assess costs and implementation options.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Side and then quite a bit of discussion Side and then quite a bit of discussion about<00:05:01.400
• </c><00:10:34.760><c> this</c> testifier some time for discussion this testifier some time for discussion
• Discussion, folks?
• Discussion, folks?
• Members, questions, discussions?

Bills: HF3023 , HF3078 , HF107 , HF2171 , HF3079 , HF689 , HF1316

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: unemployment benefits, iron ore mining, economic support, workforce development, Minnesota, unemployment insurance, deferred resignation, employment, worker rights, benefits eligibility, Ellsworth Independent School District, ISD 514, school construction, school renovation, sales tax exemption, use tax refund, construction materials, HVAC replacement, boiler replacement, window replacement

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:37:52.640><c> of</c> I remember well discussions of I remember well discussions of unintended
• So moved. know a good discussion on uh this bill know a good discussion on uh this bill senile senile
• </c><01:32:02.639><c> to</c><01:32:02.719><c> your</c> further into discussion to your further into discussion
• part of what we begin this discussion part of what we discussed<01:49:13.880><c> at</c><01:49:14.000
• So I offer this just for some discussion.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion? Seeing none—it's in this group. What are you looking for, the amendment?
• Is there any discussion? H has been distributed, and I moved for its adoption.
• Is there any discussion? Why am I surprised? Representative, to inquire. Proceed.
• Any further discussion? Further questions?
• Any discussion? Seeing none, please call the roll. Chairman Coleman. Aye. Vice Chair Simmons.

Committee: House Special Committee on Tax Reform

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion? Seeing none... it's in this group.
• Is there any discussion? H has been distributed, and I moved for its adoption.
• Is there any discussion? Why am I surprised? Representative, to inquire. Proceed.
• Any further discussion? Further questions?
• Any discussion? Seeing none, please call the roll. Chairman Coleman. Aye. Vice Chair Simmons.

Committee: House Special Committee on Tax Reform

Summary: The Special Committee on Tax Reform met in executive session, established a quorum, and took up House Bill 2234. The main issue discussed was an amendment offered by Representative Tricia Burns that would replace “as soon as practicable” with specific deadlines: notice within 30 days and payment within 60 days. Burns explained the change was intended to ensure the person entitled to funds is paid on a definite timeline. Members asked clarifying questions and generally expressed support for adding clearer deadlines. The committee adopted the amendment by voice vote, then rolled it into a House committee substitute. The committee then moved House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2234 to a due pass recommendation. A roll call vote was taken, and the substitute bill passed 8-0. The meeting then adjourned from executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion? Yes, Mr. Chair. Representative Schultz? Yeah.
• Any further discussion?
• Any discussion? Representative Long. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Any further discussion? Seeing none, I renew my motion. A roll call has been requested.
• Any member discussion? Any questions for Representative Liebling or Ms. Spear?

Bills: HF3321

Committee: House Rules and Legislative Administration

Keywords: legislative corrections, technical errors, legal consistency, Minnesota statutes, overhauling laws

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion?
• Any discussion? All in favor say Baker. Any discussion? All in favor say I. I. I.
• </c> Any discussion or questions? Any discussion or questions?
• </c> Any discussion? All in favor say I. Any discussion? All in favor say I. &gt;&gt; I.
• Any discussion. discussion. discussion.

Bills: HB517 , HB520 , HB233 , HB354 , HB517 , HB520 , HB233 , HB354

Committee: House Ways and Means Education

Keywords: underground damage prevention, one-call notification system, utility locating, excavation safety, dig safe, call before you dig, 811, utility lines, underground utilities, pipeline safety, gas pipeline, electric utility, telecommunications, water utility, wastewater, cable television, locate request, premark, tolerance zone, positive response

Transcript Highlights:

• No amendments were presented or discussed.
• Any discussion? All those in favor say aye. Aye.
• Any discussion? All those in favor say aye. Aye. All those opposed? Any discussion?
• No amendments were presented or discussed.
• No amendments were presented or discussed.

Bills: AB102 , AB108 , AB117 , AB213 , AB220 , AB221 , AB251 , AB259 , AB331 , AB336 , AB375 , AB379 , AB409 , AB475 , AB476 , AB550 , AB575 , AB594 , SB466

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: emergency medical services, ambulance, licensing, health district, paramedic, training requirements, outdoor education, recreation, grant program, environment, funding, special license plates, vehicle registration, custom plates, state revenue, transportation, public works, prevailing wage, custom fabrication, nonstandard materials

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor say aye. Opposed?
• But again, thanks for the discussion. Thank you, Lead Howard.
• So with that, seeing no more further discussion...
• So with that, seeing no more further discussion...
• With that, seeing no more further discussion, I renew my...

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I have discussed the changes with the prior committee chair, and he concurs with the changes.
• I have discussed the changes with the prior committee chair, and he concurs with the changes.
• I have discussed the changes with the prior committee chair, and he concurs with the changes.
• I have discussed the changes with the prior committee chair, and he concurs with the changes.
• I know that there needs to be further discussion as to exactly where such a database would be located

Committee: House Health

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Health heard testimony on several measures. On HB 1233 relating to storm water management, the Attorney General’s office said the state may need to share costs with counties for any new inspection or regulatory program. Testifiers strongly supported the bill, including the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association and a community member who described her daughter’s death in a poorly maintained detention pond and urged statewide inspections and a comprehensive approach. A member asked the Attorney General about the cost-sharing issue, and the office said state appropriations would be needed if counties are required to take on new duties. The committee then heard HB 245 on student heat exposure safety. The Department of Education, Department of Health, and the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the measure. A physician testifying for the Climate Change and Health Working Group described children’s vulnerability to heat and cited examples from other states that adopted stronger heat guidelines after school heat deaths. The Department of Education said it could do the feasibility study without additional funding and preferred to wait for the study before deciding on equipment needs. The Attorney General’s office later testified on HB 903, authorizing schools to maintain bronchodilators, supporting the concept but warning that the bill’s definition of school was broad and that DOE may not have jurisdiction over all covered entities; it suggested changing “protocol” to “guidelines” and involving the Public Charter School Commission. On HB 1314 relating to youth mental health, the Department of Education testified in opposition, though no additional testimony was offered. The committee also heard HB 1334 on meat donation, with DLNR and the Hawaii Farm Bureau supporting the measure. HB 799 on health care drew support from HMSA and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans, while the Department of Health said it supported the intent but wanted amendments, including limiting the bill to Maui, adding a sunset, and requiring a study of quality and access impacts. On HB 952 relating to Parkinson’s disease research, the Department of Health said the proposal would require additional appropriations and staffing and suggested a public-private partnership approach; the Hawaii Parkinson Association, Queen’s clinicians, and other supporters testified that a registry would help identify the number of patients and improve care. Finally, SHPDA strongly supported HB 1431 establishing an oral health task force, saying the state lacks sufficient dental oversight and that both keiki and kūpuna need better access to services.

Transcript Highlights:

• In our discussions with the various DCCA agencies, it was kind of clear that... issue arose you know
• with the um uh various our discussions with the um uh various dcca<00:33:37.480><c> agencies</c><00:
• Any discussion? Okay, seeing none, Vice Chair passing with amendments. Chair votes aye. Thank you.
• Any discussion? Okay, seeing none, Vice Chair passing with amendments. Chair votes aye. Thank you.
• </c> 2050 any discussion 2050 any discussion okay<00:40:29.000><c> seeing</c><00:40:29.319><c> none</

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee held its first hearing of the 2025 session and reviewed several measures. SB 102 would restrict third-party restaurant reservation services from listing or selling reservations without a written agreement from the restaurant; the Attorney General recommended amendments to strengthen the bill against First Amendment and Contracts Clause challenges, and the Hawaii Restaurant Association strongly supported it, saying restaurants should control who represents them. The committee also heard SB 137 on electric utility mergers and acquisitions, with support from Ulupono Initiative and IBW Local 1260. Supporters said the bill would preserve state policy protections, including renewable energy and rate-making goals, and protect workers; IBW also suggested amendments, including a severability clause. The committee discussed a possible alternative approach from the PUC involving solicitation of bids from non-investor-owned utilities, and Ulupono said it would consider that idea but was concerned about preserving time for co-op formation. Members then heard SB 142, which would require insurers paying claims by check to send them by certified mail with restricted delivery and return receipt. The Insurance Division stood on its written testimony, while the Hawaiian Insurers Council, State Farm, NAMIC, and the American Property Casualty Insurance Association opposed the bill. A senator questioned whether the measure was too prescriptive and could create problems for claimants displaced by disasters; the response was that insurers and claimants usually remain in contact and that other payment methods may already be available depending on the carrier. SB 157 would ban algorithmic price setting in Hawaii’s rental market and require a public education program; the committee noted written testimony in support and comment, but no oral testimony was taken before moving on. SB 158 would create a state-owned bank implementation board within DCCA; DCCA’s financial institutions division, the Budget and Finance Department, and the Legislative Reference Bureau submitted comments, while the Hawaii Bankers Association opposed and the Hawaii Credit Union League commented. The committee also heard SB 318, which would require DCCA to adopt privacy rules for direct-to-consumer genetic testing and specify whether genetic information may be used for investigative genetic genealogy. The Office of Consumer Protection and Andrew Crossland opposed the bill, saying federal law and existing state protections already cover much of the area and that rulemaking would be a better way to address it; members raised concerns about federal changes and the need for state protections, but OCP said the bill was not the best approach. SB 332 would prohibit bundling foreclosed homes at public sale and delay finality of sales; L. Strong and written testimony supported it, citing Lahaina’s post-fire foreclosure risks and warning of investors profiting from the disaster. The final measure, SB 525, would require written notice and consent before mortuaries, cemeteries, or pre-need funeral authorities sell or recycle precious metals recovered after cremation. DCCA’s consumer protection and licensing divisions offered comments, while the Hawaii Funeral and Cemetery Association opposed the bill, saying it was surprised by the measure and was unaware of current consumer problems in the industry.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion? So, Mr.
• No further discussion.
• Further discussion.<00:33:24.320><c> Chairman</c><00:33:24.640><c> Brown.</c> discussion.
• </c> little bit of a discussion little bit of a discussion about<01:20:20.800><c> the</c><01:20:21.199
• Further discussion.<01:26:06.960><c> Chairman</c><01:26:07.280><c> Brown.</c> discussion.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:12:38.639><c> around</c> the discussion around the discussion around um<00:12:41.440><c> uh</
• </c> lots of flexibility in our discussions lots of flexibility in our discussions but<00:12:58.079><
• I think both we had a discussion about this this morning.
• </c> discussion about this this morning. discussion about this this morning.
• And when we come back, we're going to bring up the discussion of the TIF article.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I I just the thing that's discussion.
• Uh, and discussion, members. Thank you.
• Um, had a a big discussion about this.
• Um, hopefully this one will discussion.
• </c><01:32:00.480><c> The</c> briefly discuss in a minute. The briefly discuss in a minute.

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: 1183, house