Video & Transcript Research : 'classification review'
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MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 3/6/25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- I think everyone agrees that you need to have certain divisions and classifications to have fair and
- to have fair and safe classifications to have fair and safe competition<00:03:05.040>
and <00: - should be uh what those classifications should be uh it's<00:03:14.080>
important <00:03:14.440 - by the Canadian Center rigorous review by the Canadian Center for<00:15:44.519>
ethics <00:15: - <00:28:56.840>
amongst to sex which is a classification amongst to sex which is a classification
Bills:
HF1233
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- from constituents or residents about some values or shifts or increases in property taxes, uh, a review
- /c><00:02:36.720>
uh <00:02:36.800>some <00:02:36.920>of property taxes uh a review - County assessors determine the classification, the use, if you're familiar with that property tax classification
- There's a lot of different classifications, so it's the county assessors and auditors that are trying
- You can use this example if you extrapolate it to other classifications, too.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Norris, have you had a chance to review the minutes?
- <00:31:44.279>
policy <00:31:44.559>makers <00:31:44.840>to <00:31:45.000>review - approaches for policy makers to review approaches for policy makers to review aggregate<00:31:45.760
- We review them and we try to get as many organizations to ask for them, but we do try to give a little
- them and we for these amounts we review them and we try<01:13:48.760>
to <01:13:49.080>do<
Keywords:
taxation, income tax, property tax, corporate tax, homestead credit, local government aid, tax credits, economic development, taxpayer assistance, tax credit outreach, tax preparation, free tax help, IRS, Department of Revenue, general fund appropriation, earned income tax credit, child tax credit, volunteer income tax assistance, VITA, low-income taxpayers
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- Access to inmate records, including medical, criminal, and classification data, is essential to protect
- So I hope that the committee reviews this and passes it favorably.
- ; H. 2735, an act related to public safety and police evidence review; and H. 2738, an act providing
- ; H. 2735, an act related to public safety and police evidence review; H. 2735, an act establishing a
- ; H. 2735, an act related to public safety and police evidence review; H. 2735, an act establishing a
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on a wide range of public safety bills, with strong support from law enforcement, advocates, and other stakeholders. Several measures focused on police and correctional officer wellness and protections, including bills on critical incident leave and post-incident support for officers, a bill to improve POST Commission representation, and a bill to protect correctional officers from assaults and exposure to synthetic drugs like K2. Witnesses described traumatic incidents, rising assaults in prisons, staffing shortages, and the need for confidentiality in peer-support debriefings. Committee members asked questions about assault classifications, K2 smuggling, tablet-related contraband, and whether counseling records would remain confidential. No votes were taken during the hearing.
A major portion of the hearing was devoted to canine-related bills. Testimony supported creating a fund for retired police dogs and expanding emergency care training for working dogs injured in the line of duty. Speakers described police dogs as partners who locate suspects, missing persons, drugs, and weapons, and said retirement and medical costs are currently borne by handlers or nonprofits. The committee also heard testimony in favor of a purple alert system for missing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with advocates citing wandering risks, drowning dangers, and data from other states showing faster recovery times.
The committee also heard testimony on a bill to expand the definition of sexual assault by an officer to cover situations beyond formal custody, including investigations and other encounters where police have coercive power. Advocates for sex workers and anti-trafficking organizations said the change would close a loophole, protect vulnerable people, and address documented abuses. In addition, testimony was taken on a bill to protect Massachusetts residents from federal surveillance through fusion centers, with critics calling for stronger oversight of BRIC and related databases. Representative Jeff Turco also testified on bills to change POST Commission membership, arguing for more law enforcement representation.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
TRN Public Hearing - Tue Feb 10, 2026 @ 8:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- So, as of right now, there are no carriers for these classifications of electric bicycles.
- <00:26:50.240>
I classifications of electric bicycles. - I classifications of electric bicycles.
- and classifications across all counties<00:41:05.200>
to <00:41:05.359>make <00:41:05.440 - 25:19.359>
on <03:25:19.439>the classification has been premised on the classification
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 2021, a transportation measure creating a framework for electric bicycle and micromobility regulation. The bill would define electric bicycle and electric micromobility device, set age and helmet rules, restrict class 3 e-bikes from sidewalks, allow limited sidewalk use for class 1 and 2 bikes, prohibit high-speed electric devices and certain nonconforming devices in specified locations, update county tax definitions, and change related terminology. Testimony was largely supportive from DOT, police, Honolulu officials, Hawaii Bicycling League, AAA Hawaii, the Hawaii State Teachers Association, and several individuals, while DCCA’s Insurance Division asked for clarity on whether insurance would be required. Committee discussion focused on safety, enforcement, and the fact that no insurance market currently exists for these e-bike classes; members also discussed the need to target bad actors rather than ordinary riders.
The chair then proposed and the committee adopted amendments to HB 2021, including clarifying that road-legal, permitted, classified electric bicycles are not subject to insurance requirements at this time; allowing properly classified electric bicycles on sidewalks at 10 mph or less subject to county restrictions; barring high-speed electric devices and other nonconforming devices from public roadways; authorizing impoundment of non-road-legal or improperly registered devices; and requiring direct parental supervision for riders under 16 on class 2 or 3 e-bikes. The committee also made technical and effective-date changes. The recommendation to pass HB 2021 with amendments was adopted unanimously by the members present.
The committee next took up HB 1641, a related transportation bill addressing high-speed electric devices. The chair explained that the measure would prohibit the sale, lease, rental, distribution, possession, or operation of high-speed electric devices and establish penalties, but the committee’s version would narrow the focus to devices covered by HB 2021. The amended bill would prohibit offering high-speed electric devices for lease or rent, require sellers to comply with the new regulatory framework, ban operation on bicycle lanes, highways, roadways, and streets, and set a civil penalty of $250 to $1,000 per violation.
After no further questions, the committee voted to pass HB 1641 with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted. The meeting then moved to HB 1709, which would transfer regulation of the Hawaii Water Carrier Act from the Public Utilities Commission to the Department of Transportation and make conforming changes with an appropriation. DOT testified in support, while the PUC and DCCA’s Consumer Advocacy Division raised concerns about preserving consumer protections and the complexity of moving the regulatory framework. Young Brothers supported the bill and said the current system is outdated, but the discussion remained ongoing; the transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 1709 is shown.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- material change so that county assessors can go into agricultural properties and reassess their classifications
- material change so that county assessors can go into agricultural properties and reassess their classifications
- verifying how land is being used, confirming its improvements, and ensuring the correct legal classification
- House Bill 2203, providing for a review of public schools reporting requirements.
- Providing for a review of public schools reporting requirements.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several guest introductions recognizing Disability Day at the Capitol, the Arizona Cattle Association, Nurse-Family Partnership nurses, Navajo Nation visitors, and others. Members also made personal privilege remarks on topics including a strike by ASU Aramark food service workers, Lent and Ramadan, and Black History Month. The chamber then adopted House Resolution 2006, a death resolution honoring Yvonne Glee Lyme Federson and her work with Childhelp, with a moment of respectful silence.
The House resolved into Committee of the Whole and then Additional Committee of the Whole to consider several bills. HB 2089, HB 2177, HB 2258, HB 2322, HB 2786, and HB 2825 were all recommended do pass, with HB 2177, HB 2322, and HB 2825 amended. HB 2074, dealing with abortion-related language, drew extensive debate over a floor amendment that removed a life-of-the-mother exception; the amendment was adopted and the bill was then recommended do pass as amended. HB 2104 and HB 2105, both relating to county property tax assessment procedures and inspections, were amended to address assessor concerns and then recommended do pass as amended.
After the committee reports were adopted, the House considered and passed several third-reading bills. HB 2173, HB 2203, HB 2223, and HB 2501 all passed 57-0. HB 2307, an emergency measure concerning dangerous and incompetent defendants and out-of-state treatment options, passed 37-20 but did not receive the required two-thirds vote to enact the emergency clause. The House then received announcements about upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations (3-10-26)
Licensing & Occupations
Transcript Highlights:
- Again, Madam Chair, it's simply to put it in the same category and classification as alcoholic-derived
- <00:04:28.680>
as <00:04:28.840>alcoholic classification as alcoholic classification as - Yeah, I'm aware that the whole hemp industry is being reviewed by the federal government and there's
- Now I'm speaking somewhat confidently; I haven't reviewed all 50 states' regulatory guidelines.
- I haven't reviewed somewhat confidently.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- That is how we review them.
- And that's the bulk of our file reviews, or all of our file reviews, the bulk of our hearing process.
- then we have file reviews. file reviews. then we have file reviews. file reviews.
- , file reviews or all of our file reviews, file reviews or all of our file reviews, the<01:26:35.520
- <01:27:30.800>
for <01:27:31.040>parole review, they are reviewed um for parole review
Bills:
HB60
Keywords:
geoengineering, weather modification, environmental safety, atmospheric pollutants, criminal pollution, Meeting Start: 00:00:02
Roll Call: 00:00:08
26 RS HB 60 - AN ACT relating to geoengineering: 00:01:35
Department of Corrections Update: 00:32:59
Kentucky Parole Board Update: 01:19:21, 958, all
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes package of public safety policy measures 4/30/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- analyzes, and distributes crime and justice-related data, currently they do not fall under a classification
- don't fall under uh a classification don't fall under uh a classification process.<00:04:13.920>
- I have reviewed the bill. I've considered all of your advice.
- I have reviewed<00:51:24.960>
the <00:51:25.040>bill. - I've considered all reviewed the bill.
Summary:
The House took up Senate File 4760, a public safety package, and first adopted an amendment to insert House language into the Senate file. Members then heard brief explanations of several included provisions, including a section from House File 3870 that would make Office of Justice Programs research and victim-related data private, clarify privacy for data collected by the Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls office and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives office, and remove outdated statutory language. Representative Novotny also described the package as combining a number of previously passed stand-alone bills and a few additional provisions.
The chamber then adopted amendments A5, A7, and A8. A5 inserted House language and adjusted an effective date related to public employer discretion in hiring; A7 allowed the Office of Legislative Auditor to request BCA fingerprinting and federal tax information as required by federal rules; and A8 clarified language affecting jail medical services and custody-related safeguards after collaboration among Representative Witty, the sheriffs association, the Department of Corrections, and advocates. Representatives Hansen, Moller, and Witty all urged support for those changes.
A proposed A3 amendment from Representative Duran, which would have kept the current age of delinquency rather than implementing the previously enacted change, drew extensive debate. Supporters argued counties, law enforcement, and other stakeholders were not ready for the change and lacked infrastructure, while opponents said the 2024 law was intended to address serious gaps in juvenile justice and child welfare and should take effect as planned. After a roll call, the House rejected A3 by a vote of 66 yeas to 67 nays. The transcript then indicates another Duran amendment, A2, was called up, but the excerpt ends before its disposition.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Aging and Independence Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Aging and Independence
Transcript Highlights:
- ALR building classification standards and modernizing building code requirements for ALRs, which was
- to bolster emergency preparedness and safety by reviewing ALR building classification standards and
- I propose a formalized acuity documentation and review that requires rest homes to demonstrate that..
- . ...documentation and review that requires rest homes to demonstrate that alignment between resident
- Thank you so much, and we certainly will review all the written testimony. Mr.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Aging and Independence held a hearing on two assisted living bills, Senate 3057 and House 5376, which would create an Assisted Living Residence Trust Fund to support certification staffing, compliance reviews, complaint investigations, ombudsman services, public reporting, appeals, and oversight. Testimony from MassALA, AARP, and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman generally supported the bills and the dedicated funding stream, but MassALA urged amendments to expand career pathways for staff through certified medication aides and to add guardrails on the use of fines as a funding source. The Ombudsman supported the fund and emphasized the need for additional staffing to better serve the state’s assisted living residents. Committee members asked for draft amendment language, and the chairs indicated they were open to further discussion, especially on fines and CMA language.
The committee then heard testimony on Senate 3056 and House 5243 regarding medication administration in rest homes. Providers, including the Massachusetts Association of Residential Care Homes, LeadingAge Massachusetts, and several rest home operators, opposed proposed Department of Public Health changes that would eliminate the long-standing “responsible person” model and move rest homes toward the Medication Administration Program (MAP). Witnesses said the current model has been used for decades, is tailored to rest homes, and is essential to affordability, staffing stability, and resident continuity of care; they warned that replacing it with MAP or nurse-only administration would raise costs, worsen workforce shortages, and could force closures or resident displacement. They asked the committee to support legislation preserving responsible persons’ authority to administer medications while improving training and oversight.
Committee members asked questions about the history of the responsible person model, how medication administration works day to day, whether other states use similar systems, and whether data exist comparing medication error rates under MAP and the current model. The chairs said they were still reviewing building-code-related recommendations raised in the assisted living discussion and noted that some issues might be better addressed through a task force. The hearing concluded after testimony and questions, and the committee voted to adjourn.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- All are well-intentioned ideas, but this is... ...a complex issue needing an extensive and careful review
- appraisals to four or five professional appraisal firms, and these firms do act as a de facto peer review
- The Commission will conduct a comprehensive review of the Education Code, specifically aimed at reducing
- Without the review, we risk making piecemeal changes and continuing legislation, and we potentially take
- I think we would need to have a longer list of classifications listed beyond ethnic, or we would just
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (02/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Despite a classification of part-time and a job description saying 32 hours a week, if the person actually
- classification the employer made<03:14:57.560>
have <03:14:57.840>ascribed <03:14:58.319 - of part-time and a job classification of part-time and a job description<03:16:23.960>
that <03 - <03:17:17.319>
they <03:17:17.399>were <03:17:17.600>working person's classific - they were working person's classific they were working more<03:17:18.239>
hours <03:17:19.000>
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 180, which concerns critical incident stress management teams. Representative Mark PR, the bill sponsor, proposed an amendment to add a definition of “team leader” and to clarify that teams may or may not be affiliated with a municipality. He argued that a certification test offered by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation is unnecessary and too expensive at $400, since team members are volunteers who already receive training and continuing education. Committee members asked about the training structure and certification language, and the sponsor explained that the teams are self-certified and that the amendment was intended to clean up the bill’s language.
The committee then voted on HB 180 in executive session. Amendment 0261H was adopted 11-0, and the bill was then moved as amended and passed 11-0. The committee placed the bill on consent.
Later, the committee heard House Bill 438, sponsored by Representative Timothy Horan, dealing with immigration detention and related state policy. Horan described the bill as an update to earlier legislation and said it would codify best practices, prohibit state cooperation with mass deportation efforts, bar for-profit operation of immigration detention facilities, and require Executive Council approval before the governor could deploy the National Guard for immigration deportation activities. Committee members questioned whether the bill could be read as authorizing detention facilities and discussed the relationship between the state and Strafford County Jail. An amendment presented on behalf of Representative Patrick Long was described as a technical rewrite that removed several sections and changed language, but the hearing ended before any vote was taken on HB 438.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Property Tax Reform Jan 13th, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Special Committee on Property Tax Reform
Transcript Highlights:
- I have, it's $800— ...according to the fiscal note I have, it's $882 billion, and I'm the fiscal review
- And after reviewing, like I said, serving in the office for 24 years, you know, and seeing how these
- abatement, by ignoring the overall legal structures in place that, again, have been past judicial review
- So they'd reclass it back to commercial, and every year they'd have to appeal the classification.
- And finally, someone put in these protections that said, if you keep changing the classification after
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- period of time so this legislature can better define what, now that there's all these different classifications
- And because it, again, I don't believe this is the true classification of what you were told hybrids
- up a moment ago: the federal government has actually now divided hybrids into four different classifications
- ones that are getting remarkably better gas mileage by virtue of falling into these other hybrid classifications
- We review the application, review the parties that they are going to hire.
Keywords:
property tax, blighted properties, urban rehabilitation, tax exemption, local government, financial incentives, blighted property, derelict property, property tax exemption, local redevelopment plans, rehabilitation standards, ad valorem tax, community development, senior citizens, homestead exemption, Louisiana Constitution, motor vehicles, local fees, transaction fees, funding
NJ
New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Appropriations Jun 4th, 2026
Senate Budget and Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- by Senator Steinhardt and Stalk, creates a crime of political violence, establishes an independent review
- The amendments to the bill would delete the provision establishing a political violence review board,
- The bill before you today carves out various professions from the ABC test to determine classification
- The bill's very existence also suggests that a broader review is warranted for the framework and, to
- And so applying the ABC worker classification framework to our industry may create unnecessary uncertainty
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 04/08/25
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:20:32.240>
plan department's authority to review plan department's authority to review - It's not a problem, but just making sure that there's a bit of review there.
- making sure that there's a bit of review there.<00:45:14.560>
Okay, <00:45:15.119>Senator< - process, we stand our license review process, we stand ready<00:48:47.839>
to <00:48:48.000> <00:56:05.680>So process of reviewing those now. So process of reviewing those now.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I've not reviewed every single application, but certainly that can be a huge concern.
- HB23 by Harris relating to the authority of certain persons to obtain third-party review of plats and
- HB 869 by Lalani, relating to the review and revision by the state.
- Classification of information in the position classification plan regarding state information technology
- Members, HB 869 is to modernize state IT job classification. I move passage.
Bills:
HJR98, HJR8, HJR133, HB23, HB33, HB144, HB 109, HB 103, HB148, HB3809, HB1686, HB2217, HB2156, HB220, HB2421, HB2363, HB3773, HB421, HB2584, HB2615, HB2455, HB3711, HB2559, HB3747, HB2775, HB2886, HB3126, HB3666, HB3595, HB3260, HB3506, HB1638, HB3376, HB3826, HB3628, HB1349, HB3770, HB1831, HB1762, HB2614, HB3113, HB267, HB322, HB431, HB869, HB 1203, HB 1201, HB 1244, HB1875, HB1950, HB2152, HB2290, HB2341, HB2436, HB2809, HB2856, HB3012, HB2954, HCR56, HCR102, HB 107, HB1587, HB3684, HB658, HJR99, HB1399, HJR5, HJR2, HJR6, HJR31, HB1971, SJR3, HB1775, HJR72, HB502, HB3109, HJR98, HJR8, HJR133, HB 118, HB388, HB 114, HB205, HB2789, HB2791, HB499, HB2960, HB3163, HB3135, HB2427, HB1618, HB1672, HB1722, HB1338, HB787, HB2618, HB879, HB 1126, HB4134, HB3513, HB718, HB1536, HB1445, HB1640, HB1893, HB1734, HB3229, HB3306, HB 1276, HB3272, HB3276, HB3516, HB4145, HB1585, HB4810, HB2989, HB2558, HB3014, HB2742, HB1695, HB23, HB33, HB144, HB 109, HB 103, HB148, HB3809, HB1686, HB2217, HB2156, HB220, HB2421, HB2363, HB3773, HB421, HB2584, HB2615, HB2455, HB3711, HB2559, HB3747, HB2775, HB2886, HB3126, HB3666, HB3595, HB3260, HB3506, HB1638, HB3376, HB3826, HB3628, HB1349, HB3770, HB1831, HB1762, HB2614, HB3113, HB267, HB322, HB431, HB869, HB 1203, HB 1201, HB 1244, HB1875, HB1950, HB2152, HB2290, HB2341, HB2436, HB2809, HB2856, HB3012, HB2954, HCR56, HCR102
Keywords:
Article V, federal government, fiscal restraints, constitutional amendment, term limits, nuclear energy, electric generation, funding, Texas nuclear development fund, advanced reactors, HJR 133, Texas constitutional amendment, ad valorem tax, property tax exemption, homestead exemption, surviving spouse, veteran, veterans benefits, service-connected death, presumed service-connected condition
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee Jun 23rd, 2026 at 10:00 am
Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Yes, because that's when the total presentation on the PRC will be available for us to review.
- On the PRC will be available for us to review.
- We then review them. You know, this is after the disbursement, but then we're... Review them.
- So... review them.
- We were also asked to present the property tax levied by property classification in the state.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee Jun 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Yes, because that's when the total presentation on the PRC will be available for us to review.
- On the PRC will be available for us to review.
- We then review them. You know, this is after the disbursement, but then we're... Review them.
- We then review them. You know, this is after the disbursement, but then we're, review them.
- We were also asked to present the property tax levied by property classification in the state.
Summary:
The Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee met with a quorum, approved the March 17, 2026 minutes, and heard a lengthy update from Tax Commissioner Brian Croshys on property tax relief programs. He reviewed the Homestead Property Tax Credit, Disabled Veteran Credit, and Primary Residence Credit, noting increased relief after House Bill 1158 and House Bill 1176, but also discussing how some households “income adjust out” of eligibility over time. Members asked about indexing income thresholds, expanding eligibility by age alone, simplifying administration, county-level notices, and whether the county and state systems could be streamlined. Croshys said the programs are heavily used, largely administered at the county level, and that the department is still refining compliance and reporting; he also said there were no material findings or overarching concerns in the latest review. The committee agreed more detailed PRC information would likely come back in a September meeting, and the chair announced an afternoon recess for lunch before later reconvening.
Shelly Myers then presented the statewide property tax increase report, the zero-growth report, and a statistical report on property values and tax levies by class. She explained how county auditors report levy and valuation data, how increases and decreases are counted, and identified counties and cities with the largest percentage changes in growth or decline. She also summarized recent trends: agricultural values remain relatively flat, while residential, commercial, and centrally assessed values have risen over the last five years; in 2025, residential property accounted for the largest share of statewide property tax levies, followed by commercial, agriculture, and centrally assessed property. Committee members asked about unusual zero-growth figures, the effect of annexation and land-use changes, and whether the 3% levy cap was forcing political subdivisions to use reserves or defer spending. Myers said many counties complied by using reserves, delaying capital projects, or limiting increases, and that some counties had not used their full cap.
The committee then moved to the stripper oil extraction tax exemption. Commissioner Croshys reviewed the state’s oil tax structure and estimated the revenue impact of keeping stripper wells exempt from extraction tax while still paying production tax. He said the exemption saves operators hundreds of millions of dollars over a biennium, while the state still collects production tax on those wells. He also discussed projected impacts if the exemption were changed for future wells and noted that future outcomes depend on oil prices, production declines, and technology such as CO2 enhanced oil recovery. Nathan Anderson of the Department of Mineral Resources briefly explained the historical difference between the 35-barrel and 30-barrel thresholds for certain wells, citing differences in completion costs and lateral lengths. The committee then heard from EERC CEO Charles Gorecki, who presented an analysis of oil well life cycles and said most oil is produced before wells reach stripper status, but that refracturing or other reinvestment can significantly extend production and keep wells above the threshold for years.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HRE-EDU, HRE-LBT, HRE Public Hearings 02-11-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We do have all testimonies that have been submitted, so we have been reviewing them, and with that, I
- them and and with that I am reviewing them and and with that I am going<00:01:31.920>
to <00:01 - We have a new classification for faculty beyond the faculty classification.
- the the faculty classification we have the the faculty classification we have also<00:14:31.079>
faculty - at programs every year and we do review at programs every year and we do review of<00:20:15.159>
Summary:
The hearing covered Senate Bill 426, which would create an early learning apprenticeship grant program. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive from the City and County of Honolulu, the Department of Human Services, the Executive Office on Early Learning, the University of Hawaiʻi College of Education, the Attorney General’s office, the Early Childhood Action Strategy, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, the University of Hawaiʻi’s early childhood educator project, and a Zoom testifier who described the importance of investing in high-quality early childhood education. Committee discussion focused on the program’s estimated cost, with figures of about $14.5 million in 2025-26 and $15 million in 2026-27, and on whether the program would require ongoing base-budget funding. The committee recommended technical, non-substantive amendments, including a statewide-concern amendment and a deferred effective date, and both committees adopted the recommendation by vote.
The committees then heard Senate Bill 1622, which would appropriate funds to establish the Aloha Intelligence Institute within the University of Hawaiʻi to support statewide artificial intelligence initiatives. University representatives described the proposal as the product of campus-wide input and outlined five pillars: governance and policy, outreach and engagement, research and development, workforce development, and AI tools for key sectors such as health care, creative industries, manufacturing, data science, astronomy, and climate change. Members questioned staffing distribution, tuition, enrollment timing, housing, campus placement, and whether positions would be permanent or temporary; the university said it planned about 10 positions across campuses, would start with internal resources, and would house the effort under the Vice President for Research and Innovation initially. The committees recommended an SD1 with the appropriation amounts blanked out, a July 31, 2050 effective date, and committee-report language on housing and West Oʻahu, and the higher education and labor/technology committees adopted the amended recommendation.
Finally, the Higher Education Committee took up Senate Bill 1488, a housekeeping measure to consolidate existing University of Hawaiʻi conference center statutes into a single revolving fund structure, and Senate Bill 636, which would fund retention and internship coordinator positions and broader enrollment management efforts at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. SB 1488 drew university support and no opposition. SB 636 prompted substantial questioning about Hilo’s declining enrollment, current retention rate of 72.8 percent, and the scope of the request, which includes not only two named positions but also about $432,000 for enrollment management initiatives such as data analysis, IT support, and other student services. Hilo said it is targeting 3 to 5 percent annual enrollment growth and that the positions would support recruitment, retention, internships, and data-driven enrollment strategy. The committee pressed for a clearer broader plan, but the discussion in the transcript ended before a final vote on SB 636 was shown.