Transcript Highlights:

• I think the hardest challenges we have is that it's cost reimbursable, and they can't find the cash to
• We met with the Eastern Land Agency at one time because they were thinking that we were selling our land
• But in the end, sir, I think it's, and meeting with them, it was 7.2, and the chairman of the agency—that's
• That's actually a challenge for a lot of municipalities and entities throughout the whole state, so I

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:19.840><c> are</c> think about as how those agencies are think about as how those agencies
• </c><00:08:00.160><c> and</c> the federal banking agencies and the federal banking agencies and Treasury
• I don't know the legal challenge.
• </c><01:39:26.080><c> of</c> address some of the challenges of address some of the challenges of requiring
• So there are some chains is challenging.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with roll call and introductions of commission members and guests, followed by approval of the agenda and a motion to approve the February 10 minutes with a correction clarifying that one quoted statement was misattributed. The commission then moved into presentations. The main presentation came from the Conference of State Bank Supervisors on implementation of the federal GENIUS Act for stablecoins. The speaker reviewed the OCC’s recent 367-page proposed rule, noting it raises many open questions and design choices for states, and discussed expected upcoming rulemaking from the FDIC, Federal Reserve, and Treasury. The presentation focused on six areas: permissible issuer activities, reserve assets and redemption, risk management and supervision, treatment of state-qualified issuers, capital/operational backstops, and foreign issuers. It also flagged unresolved issues around Bank Secrecy Act/AML requirements and the meaning of “digital asset service provider” activities. A substantial portion of the discussion addressed yield restrictions, with the presenter explaining the OCC’s broad definition of yield and its rebuttable presumption against issuer-affiliated or related third-party yield arrangements. The speaker said this likely forecloses many existing white-label structures but leaves some room for third-party payments depending on distance from the issuer, and noted ongoing Senate debate over similar provisions. The presentation also covered reserve valuation, liquidity and diversification requirements, redemption timing, and supervisory expectations such as third-party oversight, IT security, exam cycles, and reporting. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the amended minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:00.240><c> the</c> argument be if it if it's challenged the argument be if it if it's challenged
• The timelines in the proposed bill only work if one book is challenged.
• ,</c> challenged.
• If one book is challenged, challenged.
• </c><00:22:23.760><c> and</c> challenged for use in the classroom. and challenged for use in the classroom

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As was mentioned, they're going through a lot of challenges right now.
• That means we have audit approval of this agency.
• And we definitely didn't have the challenges of today's society that they had in 1912.
• And we definitely didn't have the challenges of today's society that they had in 1912.
• This bill is unnecessary, harmful, and likely to face serious constitutional challenges.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, guest introductions, and a proclamation recognizing March as International Women’s Celebration Month. Members also welcomed guests from several school districts and the Arizona FFA. The chamber then moved through first readings of numerous Senate bills and took up several motions, including reconsideration of HB 2169 and referral of HB 210 and HB 2103 to an additional Committee of the Whole for further amendment. In Committee of the Whole, the House advanced HB 2100 and HB 2103 with technical amendments and due-pass recommendations. It then considered a series of bills on Calendar 2, including HB 2048, HB 2364, HB 2415, HB 2775, HB 2833, HB 2862, HB 2870, HB 2995, and HB 4067. Debate centered on election administration, sovereignty and international organizations, private school regulation, law enforcement face coverings, domestic violence and coercive control, and voter roll categories. HB 2862 drew the most procedural attention, with a division vote on a substitute amendment; the House rejected a motion to replace the adopted amendment, and the report was later adopted. On Calendar 3, the House considered education bills. HB 2093, which repeals the requirement for K-12 health education to include mental health instruction, prompted extensive debate over student suicide prevention, school counseling, parental responsibility, and whether schools should provide mental health support; it received a due-pass recommendation by a 27-22 division vote. The House also advanced HB 2313, which was described as responding to a Tucson Unified School District work stoppage tied to a political protest, and HB 2423, HB 2478, and other education measures after amendments and, in one case, withdrawal of an appropriations amendment. The session continued into HB 2830 as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:35.280><c> councils</c> distributed to State agencies councils distributed to State agencies
• </c><00:15:25.079><c> sometimes</c> committees with those agencies sometimes committees with those agencies
• So there's two main state agencies: DNR and BWSR.
• </c> it's a direct appropriation to an agency it's a direct appropriation to an agency or<01:13:36.159
• </c> to ask um either the Fiscal Agent agency to ask um either the Fiscal Agent agency or<01:14:50.520

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> improving coordination across agencies, improving coordination across agencies, increasing<00:16
• This ensures suicide prevention is not owned by one agency.
• </c> challenges become a crisis. challenges become a crisis.
• Some of the most challenging moments of their lives. CVSOs are federally accredited.
• And uh the more visibility challenge.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened its first meeting of the session with member introductions and a statement from the chair that veterans issues would remain distinct and receive separate attention. The first item was an update on the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum at Camp Ripley from Executive Director Randall Dietrich. He said the museum has operated for nearly 50 years, has outgrown its current space, and is building a new 40,000-square-foot facility with $32 million in state support plus several million more in private funding. He described construction progress, planned exhibits including restored military artifacts and the USS Ward gun, and said the museum is scheduled to open on September 12. In response to Senator Kunish, Dietrich said the museum is actively incorporating stories and flags representing women, tribal nations, and other underrepresented groups, including 11 tribal flags at the entrance, and is working to integrate those stories throughout the galleries rather than isolating them. The committee then received an update from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs on the veterans suicide prevention plan from Rachel Johnson, Veterans Committee Health Director, with John Kelly later answering questions on department impacts. Johnson said the plan is a coordinated statewide framework built with legislative support, expanding regional coordinators, veteran health navigators, data analytics, and community partnerships, including a suicide mortality review pilot in Hennepin County. She said Minnesota loses about 100 veterans a year to suicide, that firearms remain the primary mechanism, and that prevention must address community connection, economic stability, and access to care, not just clinical treatment. She also said the plan aligns with state and federal strategies and is intended as a living roadmap. In response to questions, Johnson said the department is exploring data-sharing policy issues, has not seen a direct financial impact from federal VA staffing changes, and is tracking federal proposals affecting VA advisory groups. She also said 988 data is available in general but more Minnesota-specific data on the veteran option is still being gathered. Members asked follow-up questions about trends in veteran suicide, the role of families in identifying warning signs, and the Hennepin County mortality review pilot. Johnson said the annual number has remained around 100 for about 15 years, with a dip in 2024 and a return to that level in 2025, and that the Hennepin County pilot was chosen because it offers a manageable geography and existing coalition work, with an initial review expected by May or June. The final item began a presentation from the Minnesota Association of County Veteran Service Officers. Legislative chair Larry Fonder said the group’s priorities are protecting veterans from fraud and modernizing the property tax benefit for disabled veterans, but the presentation would focus on educating the committee about the role, training, certification, and accountability of county veteran service officers. President Tom Anderson, the Winona County VSO and a Navy veteran, began describing his background and office staffing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:51.360><c> that</c><00:02:51.519><c> we</c> address some of the challenges that we address
• challenges for greater Minnesota<00:14:04.160><c> cities.
• This city responsibility is a challenge.
• And, uh, the challenges that are described, we don't have most of them.
• And uh, and the challenges that cities.

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• surplus property, school districts, educational service districts, and other state or local government agencies
• notice and making the items available to school districts and private schools, a school district or agency
• More often, challenges stem from complex funding systems, enrollment decline, levy outcomes, fluctuating
• So, from a school governance structure, it might make sense in that case if there's a financial challenge
• So, from a school governance structure, it might make sense in that case if there's a financial challenge

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• surplus property, school districts, educational service districts, and other state or local government agencies
• notice and making the items available to school districts and private schools, a school district or agency
• More often, challenges stem from complex funding systems, enrollment decline, levy outcomes, fluctuating
• So from a school governance structure, it might make sense in that case if there's a financial challenge
• So from a school governance structure, it might make sense in that case if there's a financial challenge

Summary: The House Education Committee heard several bills focused on school district operations, student access, and special education. Substitute Senate Bill 6222 would allow school districts and educational service districts to sell or grant surplus technology hardware, such as laptops and tablets, directly to public school students, with priority for low-income students and documentation of the transfer. Testimony from the sponsor, district staff, and advocates emphasized helping students keep familiar devices, reducing waste, and extending the public investment in technology. The committee also heard Second Substitute Senate Bill 5969, which would better integrate IEP transition plans with the statewide online IEP system and the universal high school and beyond plan platform to reduce duplication; staff noted a fiscal note had been requested, and there were no public testifiers on the bill. The committee spent substantial time on Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6247, a school district financial management bill. The bill would require additional ESD oversight and support for districts showing signs of financial distress, create mandatory school director training on funding and finance, strengthen penalties for knowing violations of budget expenditure limits, and require disclosure authorizations before hiring certain budget or accounting personnel. Senator Dozier said the bill was prompted by district financial problems, declining enrollment, failed levies, and reserve fund declines. ESD, WSSDA, WASA, WOSBO, and OSPI testified in support overall, though some witnesses raised concerns about mandatory training, funding for implementation, and whether training should extend beyond school directors. Committee members asked about the bill’s scope, the undefined term “significantly,” the $750,000 reimbursement cap, and how it compared with House Bill 2593. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 622, which would exempt school districts and ESDs from certain surplus-property notice requirements when selling or granting surplus technology hardware to students at depreciated cost or no cost to low-income students. Senator Hunt said the bill came from constituent concerns about unused laptops and tablets and would help students transition to work, college, or technical school. Zero Waste Washington and an Issaquah School District official supported the measure, citing environmental benefits and practical student access to technology. The committee closed public hearings on the bills, noted sign-in counts for pro and con positions, and announced amendment deadlines and upcoming executive sessions.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are a few of the agencies that still will have to do their own.
• There are a few of the agencies that still will have to do their own, like the military division, judicial
• will surely result in continued religious discrimination, as well as potentially expensive court challenges
• know a lot of the organizations that have come up here and testified, I would encourage them to challenge
• I would encourage them to challenge this in court.

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 2 and 3, then heard RS 33159 on OITS powers and duties, which would shift most state IT procurement to IT professionals rather than other departments, with exceptions for entities like the military, judiciary, legislature, constitutional officers, and schools. The motion to introduce the RS passed. The committee also heard RS 33195, a campaign finance cleanup bill requiring candidates to maintain a separate bank account for election funds and to certify loans to campaign accounts within seven days; that motion to introduce also passed. The main item was H.J.R. 7, which would place before Idaho voters the question of repealing Article 9, Section 5 of the Idaho Constitution, the Blaine Amendment prohibiting aid to sectarian institutions. The sponsor and supporters argued the provision is rooted in anti-Catholic and anti-Mormon discrimination, conflicts with U.S. Supreme Court precedent on religious neutrality, and has already caused litigation and confusion in Idaho. Opponents argued the amendment helps preserve separation of church and state, protects public school funding, and prevents state money from flowing to religious schools or creating entanglement with religion. Testimony was split along those lines, with supporters emphasizing equal access and constitutional conflict, and opponents warning about discrimination, public funding, and the consequences of repeal. After extensive questioning and testimony from advocates, clergy, policy groups, students, and attorneys, the sponsor closed by saying repeal would not automatically send money to religious schools and that any future funding issues would require further legislation. The committee then voted on the motion to send H.J.R. 7 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and it passed 8-6.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is an attempt to deal with the challenges that the emergency room physicians were having.
• But I think, and I think that I see some challenges with potentially, you know, making it—I wouldn't
• Unfortunately, ambiguity in our law opens the door to frivolous lawsuits challenging these convenience
• Department of Financial Services agency bill, SB 1452, updates the administration of my Safe Florida
• The agency bill, SB 1452, updates the administration of the My Safe Florida Home program by clarifying

Bills: S0158 , S0314 , S0618 , S0684 , S0838 , S0990 , S1000 , S1082 , S1452 , S1494 , S1500 , S1568 , S1706

Committee: Senate Banking and Insurance

Keywords: pet insurance, consumer protection, insurance regulation, policy disclosure, agent training, payment stablecoin, financial regulation, anti-money laundering, state oversight, digital currency, financial services, workers compensation, Florida statute, commercial insurance, insurance board, electronic signatures, vehicle titles, insurance regulations, auditing, total loss vehicles

Summary: The Banking and Insurance Committee heard and advanced a wide range of insurance, financial services, and probate bills. Early in the meeting, SB 1000 on trust fund interest for attorney trust accounts was explained as setting a floor and ceiling tied to the Wall Street Journal prime rate and was reported favorably. The committee then took up CS/SB 1082 on a statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program for emergency out-of-network claims. After extensive discussion about the relationship between the state and federal No Surprises Act processes, an amendment was withdrawn due to concerns about clarity and scope, but the bill itself was supported by providers and insurers and was reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 684 on electronic signatures for total loss vehicles and vessels, CS/SB 158 on pet insurance consumer disclosures and agent education, SB 1494 expanding breast cancer screening coverage, CS/SB 314 on digital assets and stablecoin issuers, and CS/SB 1500 on uncontested probate procedures and small-estate administration. SB 618 on workers’ compensation insurance was amended to raise the consent-to-rate cap for workers’ compensation policies from 10% to 20% and then reported favorably, with supporters saying it would help keep higher-risk employers in the voluntary market. CS/SB 1568 creating a Florida Stablecoin Pilot Program was amended to remove authority for a Florida coin and limit the program to existing stablecoins, then passed. Later, the committee approved CS/SB 838 on electronic payment convenience fees for retail installment contracts, with the sponsor emphasizing that a fee-free payment option must still be offered. SB 1452, the Department of Financial Services agency bill, was amended and reported favorably; it covered My Safe Florida Home administration, insurance and licensing changes, unclaimed property updates, and other DFS-related provisions. The committee also passed SB 1706 on the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, targeting owner-occupied condominiums at or below 80% of area median income, and SB 990 on protected cell captive insurance companies, which supporters said would modernize Florida’s captive insurance laws and encourage more competition. The meeting ended with all listed bills reported favorably and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This particular bill is from the Department of Environmental Protection to make that agency a little
• It requires septic tank permitting agencies to provide notice of upcoming B-MAP requirements to property
• And that's a huge challenge that Pinellas County is going to face here pretty soon.
• I was in the industry for a long time, and we have challenges with waste-to-energy or with, you know,
• We know all of the challenges and kind of negative consequences that brings.

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met with a quorum present and took up several environmental bills and one confirmation. First, the committee considered SB 1422 on surface waters, which was amended with a strike-all focused on coral reef protection and designation of coral reefs as critical natural infrastructure. Senator Garcia described the amendment as a way to support restoration, disaster resilience, and access to federal funding; Audubon Florida waived in support. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported CS for SB 1422 favorably. The committee next considered SPB 7034, a DEP rule ratification concerning the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee River minimum flows and levels and recovery strategy. Senator Rodriguez explained the rule would replace prior MFLs and allow longer permits, while opponents from the Florida Springs Council and local river advocates argued the plan relies too heavily on one future wastewater reuse project, delays restoration, and lacks a clear funding source. DEP and JEA waived in support. After debate, the committee approved the motion to submit the proposal as a committee bill; the measure was favorably reported, with Senator Smith voting no. The committee then heard SB 1510 on DEP-related matters, as amended. The strike-all addressed Outstanding Florida Springs B-MAP mediation plans, septic system upgrades where sewer is unavailable, rural cost-share eligibility, notice to property owners, rulemaking procedures, and land acquisition governance, while removing biosolids and fee provisions. Florida Springs Council opposed the 60-day delay for B-MAP effectiveness, saying it could slow restoration and allow more conventional septic systems to be installed before stricter requirements take effect. DEP and others supported the bill. The committee reported CS for SB 1510 favorably. It also heard SB 1196 on waste facilities, which would prohibit new ash-producing incinerators and waste-to-energy facilities within two miles of certain federally authorized water impoundment areas, with an amendment narrowing the bill to Miami-Dade and Broward County. Supporters, including the City of Miramar, said it would protect water resources and Everglades restoration; opponents from the Florida Waste-to-Energy Coalition warned it would limit local solid waste options and could force more landfilling. The committee adopted the amendment and reported CS for SB 1196 favorably. Finally, the committee considered SB 912 on battery collection and recovery, establishing a battery stewardship program and requiring producers and retailers to join a stewardship organization by 2028. Supporters from the battery industry and recycling sector said the bill would reduce fires and keep batteries out of the waste stream. The committee adopted the amendment and reported CS for SB 912 favorably. The committee also recommended confirmation of Gary Jennings to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This particular bill is from the Department of Environmental Protection to make that agency a little
• It requires septic tank permitting agencies to provide notice of upcoming B-MAP requirements to property
• And that's a huge challenge that Pinellas County is going to face here pretty soon.
• I was in the industry for a long time, and we have challenges with waste-to-energy or with, you know,
• We know all of the challenges and kind of negative consequences that brings.

Bills: S0912 , S1196 , S1422 , S1510 , S7034

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Keywords: battery collection, battery stewardship, environment, recycling, hazardous waste, waste management, regulation, environmental protection, facilities, hazardous materials, coral reefs, natural resource, climate change, coastal flooding, solar facilities, wastewater treatment, nutrient reduction, land conservation, water conservation, Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Summary: The Environment and Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum and took up several environmental bills and one appointment. SB 1422, as amended by a strike-all focused on coral reef protection and designating coral reefs as critical natural infrastructure, was reported favorably after support from Audubon Florida was noted. The committee then considered SPB 7034, a DEP rule ratification related to minimum flows and levels for the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers and associated recovery strategy; witnesses from the Florida Springs Council and local river advocates criticized the plan as too delayed and too dependent on a single future water project, while committee members raised questions about funding and utility responsibility. Despite concerns, the committee approved the bill as a committee bill, with Senator Smith voting no. The committee next heard SB 1510, as amended, which made technical changes to DEP-related provisions including B-MAP notice and timing, septic system requirements in Florida Springs areas, biosolids, fees, land acquisition, and rulemaking procedures. The main public testimony came from the Florida Springs Council, which opposed the 60-day delay for B-MAP effectiveness as harmful to spring restoration, while DEP and others supported the measure. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered SB 1196, a targeted siting bill restricting new ash-producing incinerators or waste-to-energy facilities within two miles of large federally authorized water impoundment areas, with an amendment narrowing the practical effect to Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Supporters, including the City of Miramar, argued it would protect water resources and communities; opponents from the Florida Waste-to-Energy Coalition argued it would limit local waste-disposal options and could force more landfilling. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 912, the Safe Battery Collection and Recovery Act, which would require battery stewardship organizations and related recycling plans to keep batteries out of the waste stream. Industry and recycling representatives supported the bill, citing growing battery volumes and fire risks at recycling facilities. The committee also recommended confirmation of Gary Jennings to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. All measures were approved favorably except that Senator Smith voted against SPB 7034; the meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• after a year of just combing through different sources, collecting primary data from the licensing. agencies
• we also wanted to make sure that we're including that important element to the bill so that our agencies
• professionals across the state, urging your support for AB 875. to address some unintended workforce challenges
• Black Caucus for continuing to do the challenging but important work to address the systemic barriers
• AB 1175 provides real world solutions to addressing pipeline challenges and modernizing mobility. while

Committee: House Business and Professions

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's relating to the establishment of a skilled labor task force by certain agencies. local workforce
• HB112 helps us respond to that challenge head-on by creating The conditions for secure, self-sustaining
• As many of you know, I'm a small business owner, and I understand the challenges faced. by Texans.
• Yes, small businesses indeed are the most challenging. Thank you.
• from the Texas Workforce Commission, which I will say, Texas has one of the best state workforce agencies

Bills: HB 112 , HB199 , HB621 , HB1349 , HB2214 , HB3466 , HB3698 , HB3699 , HCR9 , HB112 , HB199 , HCR9

Committee: House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development

Keywords: science park district, economic development, technology innovation, higher education collaboration, infrastructure development, Texas Economic Development Office, workforce development, unemployment benefits, state average unemployment rate, benefit year, economic support, Texas Workforce Commission, property owners' association, free speech, assembly rights, government officials, political candidates, floodplain, landlord, tenant

Transcript Highlights:

• messenger RNA to the body and has been purported by pharmacists. pharmaceutical companies and federal agencies
• It was discovered that they both have rare antigens in their blood making... it challenging to always
• efforts to ensure access to safe blood donations, SB 125, as currently written, presents. critical challenges
• for our hospital members we have shared these challenges with center hall staff and we look forward
• in 1951 and we're the sole provider of blood to over 50 hospitals, clinics, and first responder agencies

Bills: SB 53 , SB53 , SB125 , SB315 , SB379 , SB457 , SB541 , SB599 , SB896 , SB921 , SB963 , SB1038 , SB1084 , SB1330 , SB1461

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Keywords: voter registration, election procedures, provisional ballot, change of address, residence requirements, mental health, court proceedings, notice requirements, legal filings, electronic documents, autologous blood donation, direct blood donation, blood bank, hospital, Health and Safety Code, physician order, preoperative blood donation, patient blood reserve, transfusion, surgery

Transcript Highlights:

• and institutions for and of its agencies and institutions for and during<01:18:09.280><c> the</c><01
• challenging challenging uh<02:00:58.360><c> process.
• So, each federal agency has a director or administrator.
• I would challenge the priorities in that space.
• :22:59.320><c> in</c><03:22:59.440><c> that</c> challenge uh the priorities in that challenge uh the

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Industry, Explore Minnesota, the Film Board, the Bureau of Mediation Services, and several other agencies
• He says he has been grateful for the chance to co-lead the charge and get those agencies funded.
• Representative Pinto says this is a good bill that will provide funding for those agencies.
• work when you have parents paying in the most challenging time of their lives.
• Workers challenging time of their lives.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• With all the challenges and moment.
• 22:44.920><c> that</c><01:22:45.080><c> we're</c> The what The challenge that we're The what The challenge
• And who has agency, and do we strengthen the agency that people outside this building have, or do we
• </c> in this building about agency. in this building about agency.
• </c> The BHA has had significant challenges The BHA has had significant challenges with<03:58:20.640>

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The main thing is the automobile dealership structure has been challenged nationwide, and dealers find
• The main thing is the automobile dealership structure has been challenged nationwide, and dealers find
• </c> there's a lot of push towards an agency there's a lot of push towards an agency uh<00:48:58.680>
• Advances in technology since 2013 are raising new challenges for access to vehicle data that did not
• </c> since 2013 are raising new challenges since 2013 are raising new challenges for<00:58:04.119><c>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 1484 on transit-oriented development and HB 157 on transportation. For HB 1484, testimony included a request from the Hoi Community Development Authority to be removed from the measure while offering to assist if the transit-oriented development law is implemented, along with testimony in opposition and support from several individuals. The committees later recommended HB 1484 be passed with amendments, including an HD1, a defective date, deletion of a reference to section 225 on page 11, adoption of H-CDA’s proposed amendment, and related committee report changes. The vote was adopted in both committees, with Representatives Cochran and Lee excused and Representative Mora voting with reservations. HB 157 concerned the transfer and acceptance of roads in the Villages of Kapolei. HHFDC supported the bill’s intent and explained that the roads were originally self-permitted, the city had not accepted dedication, and HHFDC has been maintaining and upgrading the roads under an MOA that requires improvements to city standards before transfer. Testimony from the Villages of Kapolei Association and others described ongoing problems with non-emergency police services, illegal parking, abandoned vehicles, and the need for city enforcement on roads that are open to the public. Committee members asked about the current holdup, the possibility of transferring roads in segments, and whether a cash settlement could resolve the issue; HHFDC said it was working in segments and that the city had mentioned a $60 million figure. The committees then recommended HB 157 pass with amendments, noting they were awaiting an Attorney General opinion on authority to compel the transfer and that the matter would continue to the Committee on Water and Land. The Transportation Committee also heard several additional bills. HB 1083, concerning vessels in state commercial harbors, drew support from the Department of Transportation and some industry groups and opposition from charter operators; HB 1159, which would require compliance with harbor master evacuation orders and increase penalties, drew DOT support and opposition from multiple vessel operators, who argued the bill was too broad and should define emergencies more clearly and use tiered penalties. HB 58, limiting civil liability for firefighting at commercial harbors, received DOT and Maritime Group support. HB 1165, on county disposal of ocean-bordering property and state highway acquisition, received DOT support. HB 938, a broad motor vehicle franchise and EV-related bill, drew support from the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association and the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, but strong opposition from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Tesla, Rivian, Scout Motors, and others; opponents argued it would restrict direct-to-consumer EV sales and innovation, while dealers said the bill was too broad and needed further stakeholder work. No final votes were taken on the Transportation Committee’s remaining measures in the portion provided, and the joint hearing was adjourned after decision-making on HB 1484 and HB 157.