Transcript Highlights:

• HAVE WE DONE A REPORT ON ANY OF THE TRANSPORTATION SUR TAXES LEVIED THROUGHOUT THE 67 COUNTIES?

Keywords: 999, senate, all

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• is Manatee County. ...Representative Chad Johnson, District 22, which is all of Gilchrist, all of Levy

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some are by Mill<00:59:30.400> Levy,<00:59:30.880> some<00:59:31.119> are<00:59:
• 31.280> by<00:59:31.520> our<00:59:31.760> county Mill Levy, some are by our county
• Mill Levy, some are by our county commissioners<00:59:32.640> and<00:59:32.960> stuff<
• and do anticipated purchases for whatever it may be on the anticipated incomes coming in on mill levies
• disagree with you there, but, like, for instance, several conservation districts are receiving mill levies

Keywords: 916, all

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• imagine they just had not had the same mechanism to file for collection of a penalty that they had levied

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, Senate Bill 406 by Senator Owen authorizes the city of Slidell to levy a hotel occupancy tax

Bills: SB406

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, Senate Bill 406 by Senator Owen authorizes the city of Slidell to levy a hotel occupancy tax

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on May 26 and first took up Senate Bill 406, which authorizes the city of Slidell to seek voter approval for a local hotel and motel occupancy tax. The bill was described as a local measure giving the city council authority to place the tax on the ballot, with members noting that similar taxing authority exists in many other municipalities. Representative Wiley moved favorable passage, there was no objection, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then received an update from the Division of Administration’s Office of Facility Planning and Control on capital outlay savings identified through cash-flow review and project “scrubbing.” Officials said they found about $50 million in savings from updated cash flows, over-appropriations, projects bid under budget, and reduced appropriations in bundled projects. They explained that bundling projects, including some LED-related projects, allows agencies to shift savings within a bundle and manage overruns or underruns more flexibly. Members praised the savings work but asked whether the process could be moved earlier so the House could benefit sooner, and whether similar reviews could be expanded to other administering agencies and non-state projects. One member raised concerns about whether some projects, including schools and certain NGO-related items, should qualify for capital outlay funding at all, and urged a review of the statutory definition and project approval criteria. Staff said they would look at the definition, review recommendations from prior discussions, and consider ways to tighten the process. The committee then adjourned without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also provides that the qualifying locality may impose an additional levy on electric utility

Keywords: House Room A, General Assembly Building, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Furthermore, we noted that the agency paid over $17,000 in error for sales tax levied on four vehicles

Summary: The committee first approved prior meeting minutes by motion and voice vote. It then took up audit reports, with several reports without findings filed without objection. The main discussion centered on the FY24 Department of Human Services audit, which contained three findings: alleged fraud involving disaster SNAP and Medicaid benefits, a delayed notification of a nearly $610,000 altered state warrant, and asset-control issues including missing or misidentified equipment and improper sales tax paid on vehicle purchases. DHS representatives said some fraud cases had been resolved with restitution, others were pending or dismissed, and they described corrective steps such as updating internal notification procedures and asset controls. Committee members questioned the missing assets, the notification delay, and the sales tax issue, and the report was deferred to the next meeting so DHS could return with written policy changes. The committee also reviewed the FY24 Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism audit, which had two findings: loss of nearly $3,500 in museum receipts and cash-control exceptions involving $100 missing from a park camping drawer and an $80 overage at War Memorial Stadium. Agency officials said the museum loss was believed to be theft, that controls had since been strengthened with a point-of-sale and reservation system, and that the stadium issue reflected the unique mix of cash and bank balances used for events. Members asked about the investigation, reimbursement through the bond board, and whether the employee’s final paycheck could be withheld. The chair later relayed that the prosecutor’s office said the Parks and Tourism investigation remained open and that additional information had been requested from the agency, so the report was also deferred to the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Furthermore, we noted that the agency paid over $17,000 in error for sales tax levied on four vehicles

Summary: The committee first approved the prior meeting minutes and then heard audit reports from Mr. Bullington. Four reports without findings were filed without objection. The Department of Human Services FY24 report contained three findings: suspected fraud involving disaster food assistance and Medicaid benefits by employees, a delayed notification of a forged and cashed state warrant for nearly $610,000, and several fixed-asset and sales-tax errors. DHS officials said they had referred the benefit fraud cases to prosecutors, recovered some restitution, and would change internal procedures so accounts payable staff report such incidents directly to the chief fiscal officer. Committee members questioned the missing assets, the warrant delay, and the tax issue, and the report was deferred to the next meeting so DHS could return with written policy changes. The Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism FY24 report had two findings: the loss of nearly $3,500 in museum receipts, believed to be theft at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, and issues with change funds at Daisy State Park and War Memorial Stadium. Agency officials said they had implemented new controls, including a point-of-sale and reservation system for museum rentals and more frequent reconciliation of change funds. Members asked about the criminal case, the statute of limitations, bond board reimbursement, and whether the employee’s final paycheck could be withheld. Mr. Bullington later reported that the prosecutor’s office said the Parks and Tourism investigation remained open and that additional information had been requested from the agency. The committee then deferred that report as well, and adjourned after setting the next meeting for February 12, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• insufficient to cover their related expenses, so they had to rely on other revenue sources such as levies

Summary: The JLARC I-900 Subcommittee heard a State Auditor’s Office performance audit on special education services, focused on comparing student needs, district identification practices, and funding. Auditors said Washington does not appear to under-identify any particular population for special education, though districts face ongoing challenges with identification, documentation, staffing shortages, and inconsistent referral tracking. They explained that their analysis used statistical models because the true prevalence of disabilities is unknown, and found Washington districts generally clustered near the national average, with little evidence that any demographic group was systematically under-identified. The audit also found that special education funding has historically been insufficient, with districts collectively covering about $500 million in costs not paid by state or federal sources, and that districts spent about 26% more per student than they received in funding. Auditors noted recent legislative changes that removed the special education enrollment cap and changed the safety net process, but said it was too soon to assess their effects. Their recommendations to OSPI included clarifying what counts as an official special education referral, requiring districts to report referral data even when no evaluation follows, and ensuring the new statewide data system is developed with district input, training, and possibly a mandate for uniform use. OSPI staff said they concurred with the report and appreciated the work of the auditor’s office and JLARC. During member questions, Representative Paulette raised concerns that the audit did not directly examine prevalence of specific disabilities, such as autism and dyslexia, in vulnerable populations or compare Washington’s identification practices to medical and peer-reviewed prevalence data. Auditors responded that medical prevalence is not known in a systematic way, that educational eligibility differs from medical diagnosis, and that the report’s conclusions should not be read as proving no populations are under- or over-identified. No public testimony was offered, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• and groundwater conservation district, covering the full county, and authorize the new district to levy

Bills: HB103

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh as I think you're aware, we levy 38 million a year for uh uncompensated care that we provide to the
• hospital currently, but we also levy property taxes to either pay cash for some of these projects or
• If they were unable to make that payment, the county would have to levy property taxes to make those
• <01:20:52.480> would<01:20:52.640> have<01:20:52.800> to<01:20:52.880> levy
• payment, the county would have to levy payment, the county would have to levy property<01:20:53.560

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• policy changes, the tightened workforce environment, and other factors placing strain on our local tax levy
• If the levy amounts change and we have mandates coming from this body to the local entities and in this
• <01:41:16.640> If<01:41:16.840> the<01:41:17.560> levy "Well, wait a minute.
• If the levy "Well, wait a minute.
• If the levy amounts<01:41:18.360> change<01:41:18.800> and<01:41:18.920> we<01:41

Bills: HF3665, HF3002, HF4217, HF4125, HF4174

Keywords: foster care, early childhood education, child care programs, placement plan, social services, extended foster care, kinship care, relative custody, permanent legal and physical custody, Northstar kinship assistance, independent living plan, transition services, youth aging out of care, medical assistance, Medicaid, child welfare, children youth and families, out-of-home placement, case plan, relative placement

Transcript Highlights:

• Um the the the levying<01:40:59.360> of<01:40:59.520> our<01:40:59.760> general<
• tax on levying of our general excise tax on agricultural<01:41:01.679> inputs<01:41:02.639>
• So by<01:41:34.400> continuing<01:41:34.800> to<01:41:34.960> levy<01:41:35.280>
• those<01:41:35.520> taxes<01:41:36.159> while by continuing to levy those taxes
• while by continuing to levy those taxes while we<01:41:37.119> state<01:41:37.440> that

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing focused on how federal policy changes, tariffs, funding cuts, the federal shutdown, and delays in the farm bill are affecting Hawaii agriculture and food access. Opening remarks emphasized Hawaii’s heavy dependence on imported food and farm inputs, the state’s vulnerability to disruptions in USDA services, and the need for stronger state, county, and community coordination. Speakers also noted that immigration enforcement and broader global supply-chain pressures can affect local farm labor, production, and food availability. Sharon Herd, chair of the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, described both positive and negative federal impacts. She said Hawaii has benefited from some recurring grants and a large new $8.8 million federal grant, but also reported about $22 million in losses from suspended or terminated grants, including farm-to-school and water-related projects. She said some USDA programs, such as microgrants for food security and FISMIP, are currently suspended, while the specialty crop block grant remains active. She also said Hawaii farms declined from 7,328 to 6,569 between the 2017 and 2022 censuses and argued the state cannot rely on imports alone to feed its people. Amanda Shaw of Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii presented findings from federal funding cut reports. She said the first report, in March, identified about $88 million in potential cuts, and the newer report found $64.7 million in confirmed cuts and about $175 million in potential cuts. She said federal shifts are creating uncertainty for farmers, food-system organizations, and school and community food programs, and noted that 4,000 to 5,000 Hawaii farmers could receive less money because of changes to payment-factor provisions for socially disadvantaged farmers. She also said Hawaii has lost 18% of local USDA staff since September 2024, with possible further national reductions expected. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only, and the chair noted that any legal questions, including the reported SNAP changes, would be for the Judiciary Committee to assess later.

Transcript Highlights:

• And there were no changes to the levy tracking in the A31 amendment.
• And there were no changes to uh<01:00:45.760> the<01:00:45.920> levy<01:00:46.319> tracking
• <01:00:46.720> in<01:00:46.960> the<01:00:47.119> A31 uh the levy tracking in
• the A31 uh the levy tracking in the A31 amendment.<01:00:49.520> But<01:00:49.760> members
• know, if they had to take on the additional property tax, you know, if a school district decided to levy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• wealthier districts can afford more comprehensive extended learning programs enhanced through local levy
• ; however, in districts like intermediates and service co-ops, we do not have access to the local levy
• <00:35:34.240> however<00:35:34.480> in<00:35:34.680> districts through local Levy
• however in districts through local Levy however in districts like<00:35:35.680> intermediates
• access<00:35:39.880> to<00:35:40.040> the<00:35:40.200> local<00:35:40.520> Levy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When I dig into what the commission does, when I get to page 11, it looks like the commission may levy
• <02:06:10.639> on<02:06:11.000> and 27 um the commission may levy on and 27 um the
• commission may levy on and collect<02:06:11.679> an<02:06:11.960> annual<02:06:12.599><
• <02:07:48.400> currently<02:07:48.840> Levy<02:07:49.320> such<02:07:49.480>
• an compacts that currently Levy such an compacts that currently Levy such an assess<02:07:50.520

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• here under, it would be 16-105 under E where it appears that they had to ask the voters for this levying
• here under, it would be 16-105 under E where it appears that they had to ask the voters for this levying
• My understanding is, in the city of to ask the voters for this to ask the voters for this levying<00:
• :04.800> I'll<00:55:04.960> just<00:55:05.119> say<00:55:05.359> call levying
• I'll just say call levying of this tax.

Bills: SF0099, SF0116, SJ0006

Keywords: easement, electricity delivery, public utility, prescriptive easement, landowner rights, surface water, drainage utilities, municipality, elections, environmental management, shared parenting, family law, joint custody, child well-being, parental rights, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, my name is Levi Wardell.
• ; Yeah,<00:48:25.359> my<00:48:25.599> name<00:48:25.680> is<00:48:25.839> Levi
• c><00:48:27.440> I<00:48:27.760> am<00:48:28.079> a >> Yeah, my name is Levi
• I am a >> Yeah, my name is Levi Wardell.
• Thank you, Levi. Appreciate your testimony. And with that, I will close public comment.

Bills: HB0103, HB0070, HB0091

Keywords: First Amendment, free speech, lawsuits, immunity, public participation, strategic lawsuits, foreign censorship, digital innovation, constitutional rights, Wyoming GRANITE Act, extraterritorial laws, civil actions, speech protection, legal jurisdiction, joint liability, artificial intelligence, social scoring, biometric data, privacy rights, government regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Levi Randon. I'm a 17-year-old from Wailua High School.
• My name is Levi Randon. I'm a 17-year-old from Wailua High School.
• I also go to Wailua High School with Levi.
• I also go to Wailua High School with Levi.
• I also go to Wailua High School with Levi.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees first heard House Bill 229, which would establish a statewide speed restriction for motor vehicles under certain circumstances. Testimony on the bill was limited and came in support from the City and County of Honolulu’s transportation services, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. No one testified in opposition, and there were no questions. The committees then took up House Bill 860, which would grant immunity from liability to the state or counties when they repair or maintain a street whose ownership or jurisdiction is disputed between them. The Department of Transportation and the Department of Land and Natural Resources submitted written testimony, and the Hawaii State Association of Counties, Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee, Hawaii County Council member Heather Kimble, and the Iolani Homestead Community Association for Justice testified in support. The Ho Association for Justice opposed the bill, arguing the immunity was too broad and that the issue had already been addressed by prior legislation. In discussion, members raised concerns about liability and asked whether a different approach, such as extending the 2017 law transferring Oahu roads in limbo to the counties, would be acceptable; county representatives said that path could be considered if immunity were removed. House Bill 1161, which would authorize counties to use a road usage charge mechanism similar to the state’s, drew support from the Department of Transportation, the Energy Office, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, several county and city offices, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. Rental car companies and industry groups supported the concept but asked for amendments, including a flat fee instead of a per-mile charge, relief for plug-in hybrid vehicles, and a delayed implementation date. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii also supported relief for hybrids. Members questioned the rental car representatives about the flat-fee proposal, and they said a per-mile charge would be difficult to calculate and pass on to customers. At the end of the joint agenda, the committees deferred decision-making on HB 1161 to Tuesday, March 18 at 3:00 p.m., and the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee also deferred the three measures to that date and time. The Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee then began hearing House Bill 925, which would create a Performing Arts Special Fund, and House Bill 1378, which would establish a Performing Arts Grants Program and Special Fund and revise the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ responsibilities and funding sources. HB 925 received support from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and written support or comments from DBEDT, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, and others. HB 1378 drew extensive testimony and discussion focused on preserving arts funding while addressing concerns about the use of Works of Art Special Fund dollars for positions and programming. The Governor’s office said it supported the intent but had concerns; the Attorney General warned that the bill’s cap and transfer provisions were unclear and could affect the tax-exempt status of bond-funded dollars; and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts opposed the measure, urging an audit, tracking of deposits, and a shift of positions and programs to general funds instead of changing the law. The chair explained that the bill was intended to protect arts funding while tightening the legal guardrails around bond-financed dollars and preserving federal support, and asked testimony to focus on new points as the hearing continued.