Transcript Highlights:

• discussion okay okay uh all in favor say discussion okay okay uh all in favor say I<00:18:01.240><c>
• </c><00:19:42.559><c> thank</c> this back for future discussion thank this back for future discussion
• </c> that discussion that discussion too<00:24:54.000><c> that's</c><00:24:54.240><c> right</c><00:24
• enough time to actually take care of that after a caucus. discussion about trying to find a better discussion
• </c><00:47:16.920><c> about</c> back until we've had discussion about back until we've had discussion

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:04.159><c> any</c> will reconvene to discuss any will reconvene to discuss any outstanding
• Any further discussion?
• Any further discussion?
• Any further discussion?
• Members, do we have any discussion?

Committee: Senate Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing focused primarily on Senate Bill 1409, which would cap county user fees charged to Department of Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries. Department of Hawaiian Home Lands supported the measure, arguing it would reduce monthly housing-related costs for lower-income beneficiaries and help make homesteading more affordable. Several testifiers, including the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and some individuals, also submitted comments or support. County and city water and sewer agencies, including the County of Kauai Department of Water, the City and County of Honolulu Department of Facility Maintenance, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, and the City and County Department of Environmental Services, strongly opposed the bill, saying it would shift substantial costs to other ratepayers, create lost revenue, and could force fee increases for everyone else. They also raised concerns about the bill’s cap structure and potential misuse, while noting their systems are funded by user fees rather than taxes. During committee discussion, Honolulu Board of Water Supply officials estimated about 4,500 DHHL customers on Oʻahu and projected lost revenue of roughly $30 million to $36 million over five years, with larger cumulative impacts over time; they said any waiver would be absorbed by other customers. The County of Hawaiʻi representative estimated nearly 2,000 DHHL customers on the Big Island and about $2.4 million in annual lost revenue. DHHL responded that it is pursuing revenue-generating projects on unused lands, but members questioned whether the department should do more to generate its own revenue and suggested looking at other affordability mechanisms, including market rent on commercial properties or a similar cap on other beneficiary fees. After hearing the testimony and discussion, the committee chair announced the recommendation to defer SB 1409 indefinitely, and the Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs agreed with that decision. The hearing then moved to Senate Bill 1408, a housekeeping measure. DHHL testified in support, saying the bill was part of an effort to lower housing costs through a modular manufacturing approach. DHHL described plans to use an unused hangar at Kalaeloa for a potential modular housing manufacturing plant, including discussions with the University of Hawaiʻi and a Denver-based company, and said it was also exploring a pilot project with Habitat for Humanity on Maui. No vote or final action on SB 1408 was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'll pass it to respectful dialogue and discussion uh, respectful dialogue and discussion uh, around
• Um, how does this... we discussed um the state grant program, we discussed um the state grant program
• Appreciate the discussion.
• Appreciate the discussion.
• Other amendments discussion. adopted. Other amendments discussion.

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 37:01.119><c> of</c><00:37:01.280><c> the</c> to discuss the Department of the to discuss the Department
• </c> abatement law uh which I just discussed abatement law uh which I just discussed uh<00:46:42.160>
• </c> um legislative discussions. um legislative discussions.
• </c> how we kind of fit in to the discussions how we kind of fit in to the discussions but<01:55:48.639
• but um and I think to the discussion but um and I think to the discussion<01:57:56.480><c> as</c><01

Bills: HB1974 , HB1853 , HB1973 , HB1574 , HB2619 , HB1966 , HB1643 , HB1671 , HB2558 , HB1854 , HB2173 , HB1575 , HB2229 , HB1535 , HB1978 , HB2508 , HB1549 , HB2187 , HB1550 , HB1977 , HB2314 , HB1871 , HB2319 , HB1591 , HB1858 , HB1898 , HB2372 , HB1765 , HB2012 , HB1706 , HB1962 , HB1963 , HB1975 , HB2009 , HB2083 , HB2224 , HB1877 , HB1959 , HB1626 , HB1665 , HB2488 , HB2456 , HB2548 , HB2207 , HB1832 , HB2079 , HB1985 , HB1618 , HB2486 , HB2242 , HB2045 , HB1703 , HB2236 , HB2480 , HB1976 , HB2287 , HB2288 , HB1777 , HB276 , HB1660 , HB1676 , HB1605 , HB1751 , HB1967 , HB2383 , HB2340 , HB1946 , HB2268 , HB1950 , HB2156 , HB2118 , HB1859 , HB1863 , HB1996 , HB2114 , HB2423 , HB2429 , HB2475 , HB2534 , HB2545 , HB1813 , HB1941 , HB2474 , HB2583 , HB1576 , HB1886 , HB1939 , HB2540 , HB2590 , HB2000 , HB2163 , HB2386 , HB1691 , HB1680 , HB2516 , HB1993 , HB2442 , HB1510 , HB1958 , HB1692

Keywords: HB1974, hearing loss, audiology, audiologist, hearing screening, hearing aids, cochlear implants, tele-audiology, communication access, assistive technology, speech-language pathology, deafness, hard of hearing, public health, kupuna, keiki, dementia, cognitive decline, fall prevention, State Health Planning and Development Agency

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> we're</c><00:36:10.400><c> going</c> those are discussions that we're going those are discussions
• As as discussed Public Schools area.
• There was no policy discussions.
• </c><01:11:19.840><c> The</c><01:11:20.080><c> discussion</c> no policy discussions.
• The discussion no policy discussions.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing focused on the Hawaii Department of Transportation’s work under the Navah settlement, which was described as a first-of-its-kind climate agreement tied to the state’s constitutional public trust and clean-environment obligations. Speakers said the settlement was intended to accelerate progress toward Hawaii’s 2030 and 2045 clean energy goals, especially by addressing transportation, the state’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. They emphasized that the agreement formalizes milestones, reduces dependence on changing administrations, and includes a role for the legislature alongside the courts and executive branch. DOT and Earthjustice representatives outlined the main settlement deliverables: creation of a new Office of Energy Security and Community Outreach, formation of a youth council, and development of an emissions reduction plan that will be updated over time. They also highlighted a new project-level greenhouse gas/VMT scoring tool, described as the first of its kind in the nation for DOT-wide use, to evaluate the climate impact of transportation projects. The presentation tied these efforts to prior legislative actions, including the state’s climate emergency declaration, net-zero/net-negative targets, and Act 131’s requirements for multimodal network planning and emissions reporting. A substantial portion of the briefing was devoted to the youth council, which reported 20 members selected from 83 applicants, representation from across the islands, and work on bylaws, committees, and outreach. Youth members described feedback they gave on the energy security plan, a student leadership summit presentation, and future plans to meet with legislators and participate in the Climate Future Forum. DOT also said the settlement’s transportation strategies include clean fuels, electrification, aviation sustainable aviation fuel, marine shore power, and carbon sequestration, including expanded native tree planting and fire mitigation work. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the briefing. Members discussed implementation challenges, including cost and supply constraints for aviation and marine decarbonization, but DOT said industry stakeholders were not rejecting the goals, only raising affordability and timing concerns. Officials also noted that a GIS map for network gaps was in development and that the settlement’s pedestrian, bike, and transit connectivity requirement would compress roughly 15 years of work into five years, with an estimated annual commitment of $40 million to $50 million.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're not taking any votes today, but public comment will be heard after the presentation and discussion
• But public comment will be heard after the presentation and discussion.
• And so it is important that we have a discussion among ourselves to at least understand what's there
• And the Assembly had a fairly confusing discussion about this.
• I think with all the hearings and the discussions, there's no magic number.

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion on that motion? Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying aye. Aye.
• Is there discussion on that motion or further questions?
• Domestic violence and rape were not discussed openly.
• That's a big discussion right now.
• Discussion on the motion or further questions.

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, any discussion? Just what? Oh, come on in. Oh, you're already here. Oh, Alexandra Mendoza.
• You're still in discussion? Yes. Just for the record, this doesn't reflect on Ms.
• Members, any more discussion? Okay.
• Okay, members, the discussion hearing done. Members, any discussion? Hearing none.
• I'm impressed with the— I'm impressed by the way he did engage in discussion oftentimes.

Committee: House House Government Committee of Reference

Summary: The House Committee on Government heard and advanced several bills. SB 1479 would require photo identification for certain documents recorded at county recorder offices, add identifying measures for notarized real property documents, and increase the penalty for knowingly submitting a false claim or forgery related to real property from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a Class 5 felony. Testimony from a deed fraud victim, county assessors, the Attorney General’s office, and an online notary representative emphasized the bill’s role in preventing deed fraud; the chair also said he would run a floor amendment to tighten the ID-recording provisions. The committee voted 7-0 to give SB 1479 a due pass recommendation. SB 1473 would prohibit counties and municipalities from capping the number of residents in assisted living homes, restricting such homes on residentially zoned property, or requiring extra administrative documents based solely on resident count. Supporters from the Arizona Assisted Living Homes Association and a Paradise Valley operator said local occupancy reductions from 10 beds to 6 could force closures, worsen the shortage of senior care beds, and undermine affordable residential care; members discussed parking concerns and the growing need for assisted living. The committee voted 7-0 to give SB 1473 a due pass recommendation. The committee also considered SB 1663, which creates a Freedom of Speech Monument Committee to nominate two deceased individuals each year for the Freedom of Speech Monument and allows placement of a monument in the governmental mall. After limited testimony, including one opponent, the committee voted 4-1 to advance the bill. Finally, SB 1686, which would rename Wesley Bolin Plaza the Wesley Bolin and Charlie Kirk Freedom Plaza and authorize memorials for Charlie Kirk and Don Bowles, drew extended debate and an unsuccessful amendment to separate the Charlie Kirk and Don Bowles provisions. After testimony for and against, the committee voted 4-3 to give SB 1686 a due pass recommendation, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, any discussion? Just what? Oh, come on in. Oh, you're already here. Oh, Alexandra Mendoza.
• You're still in discussion? Yes. I just—this doesn't reflect on Ms.
• Members, any more discussion? Okay.
• Okay, members, in the discussion hearing done. Members, any discussion? Hearing none. Okay.
• I’m impressed with the way he did engage in discussion oftentimes.

Committee: House Government

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion? I do have a House Committee substitute to offer ending in .02C.
• Any discussion?
• Committee, any discussion? Representative Hyde. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• So the question merits discussion.
• So the high priorities...” “...that Representative Hein and I discussed.

Committee: House Higher Education and Workforce Development

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion or questions related to the motion?
• Any discussion or comments regarding that motion?
• We have been a part of these discussions, and we hosted the discussions at our building.
• Okay, committee, any further discussions or questions on the motion? Okay, Mr.
• Any further discussions or questions on that motion, committee?

Committee: House Business

Summary: The House Business Committee met with a quorum and first considered two pending fee rules from the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses. The committee approved Rules Docket 24-21-2501 for the Idaho State Contractors Board, which raises annual registration and renewal fees from $50 to $60 to help the board meet statutory cash-balance requirements. It also approved Rules Docket 24-2201-2501 for the Board of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety, which increases licensure fees by 15 to 20 percent to address a negative cash balance and comply with Idaho’s board solvency statute. Members asked about the causes of the shortfalls, possible consolidation of boards, and why one training fee was left unchanged. The committee then took up Rules Docket 24-2801-2501 for the Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board. Representative Graham moved to hold the docket subject to call of the chair, citing concerns raised by industry participants and the need to work through issues with the department before advancing the rule. The motion carried, and the docket was held in committee. The longest discussion centered on Rules Docket 24-3930-2502, the Idaho Building Safety Code rules, which would adopt the 2024 building codes with Idaho-specific amendments. Supporters said the proposal would improve housing affordability, add flexibility for builders, address lithium-ion battery fire risks, and update energy and residential provisions while preserving many 2018 standards. Committee members raised concerns about overlapping authority with the State Fire Marshal, wording on garage heat detectors, whole-house ventilation language, and whether some provisions should remain in the building code at all. After public testimony from building officials, home builders, and city representatives in support of the rule, the committee first failed a substitute motion to hold the docket, then adopted a motion to reject the rule docket. The meeting adjourned with a reminder that the next floor session would begin at 11 a.m. the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries.
• Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor, aye. Any further discussion?
• So what I wanted to discuss with you for a few minutes today Takes that in.
• There's been a lot of discussion over time on who's assessing.
• There's been a lot of discussion over time on who's assessing.

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Senate Education Committee approved the January 20, 2026 minutes and then took up Senate Bill 1225, sponsored by Senator Den Hartog. The bill would codify a search committee process for public university president searches and add a 10-business-day waiting period before naming a sole finalist, with the stated goal of increasing transparency and allowing public engagement while also protecting candidates’ current jobs. Senator Den Hartog said the bill was prompted in part by the Boise State presidential search and asked that it be sent to the amending order so the waiting-period language would apply only to university president searches and not other government entities. After questions about student representation in the process, the committee voted to send SB 1225 to the amending order. The committee also heard a print request from Senator Carlson to rename Lewis-Clark State College as Lewis-Clark State University. The request was brief and was approved to print without objection. Later, Superintendent Debbie Critchfield introduced Idaho’s 2026 Teacher of the Year, Laron Johnson of Rigby High School. Johnson spoke at length about the importance of teacher-student relationships, mentoring, Holocaust and economics instruction, and keeping students connected to school. Committee members asked about growing school size, supporting new teachers, and rebuilding public respect for educators. Johnson emphasized relationships, administrative support, and staying focused on students. No formal action was taken on the Teacher of the Year presentation. Critchfield then presented an informational overview of proposed federal education waivers and an EdFlex-style request that would give Idaho more flexibility over reporting and assessment requirements. She said the state wants to reduce duplicative testing, especially for third graders, and allow students to choose from an approved list of high school assessments aligned to state standards and college/career readiness. Members asked about possible inclusion of ACT, NAEP, and other multi-measure assessments. Critchfield said the list is not final and that the State Board would evaluate options. The meeting ended with a reminder that the committee would take up rules the next day, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there discussion or any comment? Anybody here for a comment on this one?
• Okay, is there any further discussion? Seeing none, will the secretary please call the roll?
• ...discussion seeing none, will the secretary please call the roll? Mr. Carroll, aye.
• Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, will the secretary please call the roll.
• Okay, members, is there any further discussion?

Committee: Senate Senate Federalism Committee of Reference

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• with where our stabilization funds are and cash balances, and then finish up with the total budget discussion
• Let's transition into a discussion about that. The floor is still yours, Mr. Bybee. Thank you, Mr.
• Representative Ehlers, do you have a question or did you want to weigh in on that discussion? Mr.
• So I'm happy to discuss that further at length when the appropriate time comes.
• Yes, we won't take up time to have that discussion and debate if it turns into that today.

Committee: House Revenue and Taxation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Director, would you like to discuss the implementation plans and what those include?
• Questioning, but Madam Chair, it's your discussion. I just...
• So I think what I'm saying is that Block brought up, yeah, let's finish our discussion.
• We've been having this discussion. And we're already making progress.
• Very interesting topic to discuss here. I'm a first-year representative.

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Three board members discussed the possibility of legal and rightful legislation in order to consider
• Discussions about the assessment were not driven by political ideology but by a commitment to fiscal
• So my understanding based on my reading of it and discussions.
• It was when it was behind closed doors and there wasn't any discussion, but when it came to light...
• So we can discuss this, and obviously we've heard both sides, and I happen to agree with one.

Bills: HB4 , HB54 , HB775 , HB850 , HB 1122 , HB 1249 , HB1405 , HB2336 , HB2757 , HB3372 , HB3622 , HB4442 , HB4687 , HB4893 , HB5089 , HB5515 , HB5606 , SB10 , SB24 , HB1573 , HB3369 , HB4 , HB54 , SB 10 , SB 24

Committee: House Public Education

Keywords: non-human behaviors, education, Texas schools, policy, regulation, funding, teacher salaries, school districts, state budget, non-enrolled students, University Interscholastic League, participation, eligibility standards, school participation, academic standards, Texas education, interscholastic league, extracurricular activities, academic proficiency, AED

Transcript Highlights:

• to the media before Thursday's House floor session about some of the bills scheduled for floor discussion
• to the media before Thursday's House floor session about some of the bills scheduled for floor discussion
• We won't have a full discussion on all of them.
• No, we'll go to a full discussion, debate, and then a vote on those.
• Um, that's going to be an important part of the discussion.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the things we've discussed is depredation permits.
• We've had a lot of these discussions before, too.
• There's been a lot of good means, good discussion.
• So let's continue that discussion. Thank you all for your time and for being here.
• So I want to start by discussing mountain lions.

Summary: The hearing focused on human-wildlife conflict in California, especially predator management involving bears, mountain lions, coyotes, and wolves. The chair and Assemblymember Hadwick framed the issue as a balance between protecting people, livestock, and property while preserving wildlife and biodiversity, citing habitat loss, development, drought, wildfire, and climate change as drivers of conflict. Department of Fish and Wildlife officials described their conflict-response work, including public education, depredation permits, wildlife incident reporting, and coordination with sheriffs, counties, and other agencies. They also noted that wildlife sightings and conflicts are increasingly common in both rural and urban areas, including recent mountain lion activity in San Francisco and ongoing bear conflicts in places like Tahoe and Sierra Madre. CDFW staff outlined the department’s human-wildlife conflict program, including the WEIR reporting system, a public toolkit, limited-term staff, and regional response efforts. They said the program grew out of drought-related incidents and later state funding, but that one-time money has expired, creating service gaps. Officials also discussed specific management approaches such as Tahoe’s trap-tag-haze bear program, DNA-based incident tracking, and the use of nonlethal deterrents before lethal action. For wolves, they explained that the species is protected and managed differently from bears and lions, that there is no general depredation-kill process for wolves, and that the department is working on data-sharing agreements, county liaisons, compensation programs, and improved coordination with ranchers and local law enforcement. Members pressed the department on underreporting, trust in state agencies, the need for sheriffs to participate in investigations, and whether more authority should be given for public-safety removals or hazing. Assemblymember Gonzalez also raised wildlife trafficking and border enforcement issues in Southern California. The panel repeatedly emphasized that more resources, technology, and local partnerships are needed. Officials gave budget context, saying roughly $17 million in one-time funding over several years supported conflict response and wolf compensation efforts, but that staffing and program capacity remain limited. The chair concluded by noting interest in further work on technology, funding, and institutionalizing collaboration, and the hearing then moved to a second panel of university researchers who presented on wolf and mountain lion conflict, habitat planning, trust, and the need for flexible, science-based, locally tailored mitigation strategies.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and uh we'll continue those discussions. and uh we'll continue those discussions.
• So any further discussion?
• </c> discussion on this, Senator Anderson. discussion on this, Senator Anderson.
• Any other discussion? Well, Mr.
• further discussion?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion on these items beginning with HSCR number 2066?
• So, we're going to move on to discussion of this item. Any discussion?
• Uh, would like to ask if there's any further discussion.
• Representative Any further discussion?
• ,</c> Okay, if there no further discussion, Okay, if there no further discussion, um,<01:33:04.400><c

Keywords: 910, house, all