Transcript Highlights:

• In the proposed conference amendment, the rent increase limit is 7% plus CPI or 10%, whichever is less
• conference amendment also updates the notice form to reflect the changes made to the rent increase limit
• The amendment also includes a July 1, 2040, expiration date for the rent increase limit, exemptions,
• Under the Manufactured Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Act, the rent increase limits are the same as in the
• Senate version, which is limiting rent increases to 5% during any 12-month period and prohibiting any

Summary: The conference committee met on engrossed House Bill 1217 and received a staff briefing on the proposed conference striking amendment S-3395.2. Staff explained that the amendment would set rent increase limits under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act at 7% plus CPI or 10%, whichever is less, retain and modify various exemptions, update notice requirements, add a July 1, 2040 expiration date, and require the Department of Commerce to create an online landlord resource center. For manufactured/mobile home tenancies, the amendment would limit rent increases to 5% in any 12-month period, adjust exemptions and notice provisions, and align enforcement language with the RLTA changes. The amendment also removes certain miscellaneous provisions from the Senate version, including a social vulnerability assessment and a JLARC review requirement. Representative Lowe raised a procedural point of order about whether the landlord resource center could be added in conference, but the chair ruled the point not well taken under Joint Rule 18. Senator Gainer asked for clarification about the landlord resource center and the referenced RCW 43.31.605; staff explained it would direct landlords to existing Commerce resources, including the landlord mitigation program and related subprograms, and noted that the resource center language was originally in the House bill. A motion was made to reject prior amendments, adopt striking amendment S-3395.2, and give the bill a do pass recommendation. Senator Gainer and Representative Lowe spoke in opposition, citing concerns about the bill’s balance, the landlord provisions, and the speed of the process. The committee then voted 4-2 to recommend the conference committee report, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's going to limit us, and there are already limits, people. Understand, there are already limits.
• You just referenced that they had most of them to limit the attorneys, and that would limit the billboards
• a limit on how many trucks I could have.
• There was no limit maybe on size, and we have those limits on billboards as well, but not numbers.
• They have very little limit.

Bills: HR1 , HB96 , HB345 , HB360 , HB401 , HB592 , HB703 , HB723 , HB729 , HB776 , HB838 , HB844 , HB882 , HB885 , HB888 , HB966

Committee: House Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Keywords: coastal protection, restoration, flood management, public hearings, environmental compliance, drag racing, public roads, vehicle impoundment, law enforcement, penalties, rail infrastructure, ports, Class II railroads, Class III railroads, transportation, memorial highway, Louisiana, commemoration, signage, memorial bridge

Summary: The committee first heard House Resolution 1, which approves the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority’s annual State Integrated Coastal Protection Plan for fiscal years 2026-2027. CPRA officials described the plan as about $1.54 billion, with roughly 93% directed to project implementation and construction, funded through state mineral revenue, GOMESA, BP spill dollars, surplus funds, and newly available coastal sediment funds. They outlined projects across the coast, including marsh creation, barrier island restoration, levees, pump stations, freshwater diversions, and nonstructural flood protection, and said the plan had been unanimously approved by the CPRA board after public hearings. Members asked about specific coastal and basin issues, including the Sabine River, the Chafalaya Basin, Bayou Sorrel, and tidal flooding in interior parishes. HR 1 was reported favorably without objection. The committee then considered House Bill 838, as substituted, dealing with vehicle inspection stickers and related OMV modernization. The substitute would repeal inspection requirements for assembled vehicles, keep periodic inspections for commercial and student transportation vehicles, address federal inspection requirements, allow out-of-state inspections in some cases, and create a Louisiana Vehicle Identification Program using QR codes. Members focused on privacy and enforcement questions, and OMV and state IT officials explained that the QR code would contain only the VIN and that the system would support police ticketing applications. The bill also ties implementation to the OMV modernization effort and takes effect January 1, 2027. HB 838 was reported by substitute. The committee next advanced House Bill 888 on temporary dealer plates, adopting a set of amendments that added security features, clarified timing for the new electronic issuance system, and adjusted rules for temporary tags and dealer plates. Testimony from the auto dealers’ association said the bill was intended to reduce fraud, resolve confusion over five-day versus 60-day tags, and extend certain temporary loaner tag periods from five to ten days. HB 888 was reported with amendments. The committee also heard House Bill 885 on electronic titles and lien recordation, which would allow electronic signatures, electronic lien notifications, and electronic titling/recordation for participating commercial entities, with civil immunity for good-faith actions and a severability clause. Members raised questions about fraud prevention and consumer participation, and supporters said the bill would modernize the process and align Louisiana with current industry practice. HB 885 was reported by substitute. Finally, the committee advanced House Bill 723, which allows certain two- and three-wheeled motorcycles and mopeds to proceed through a red light under specified circumstances when sensors fail to detect them. The sponsor said the measure is a safety fix for riders stuck at malfunctioning signals, and the bill was amended to clarify the vehicle types covered. The committee also considered House Bill 882 on outdoor advertising, which would increase billboard spacing on state highways from 150 feet to 1,000 feet and allow certain signs damaged by an act of God after January 1, 2010, to be rebuilt. Supporters said the bill would reduce billboard density and improve aesthetics, while opponents argued it would harm smaller operators and impose a one-size-fits-all rule. After testimony, HB 882 was amended and reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• This isn't limiting that. Just cash donations are limited to $1,000. It can't be given back.
• This isn't limiting that. Just cash donations are limited to $1,000.
• Section 11 includes the limitations for personal usage, and limitations are on personal use only.
• </c> 11 includes on [snorts] the limitations 11 includes on [snorts] the limitations for<00:35:58.480
• </c> funds expended over the thousand limit funds expended over the thousand limit subject<00:37:18.000

Committee: Joint Elections

Keywords: Elections - Room 210; 29 January, 2026: 2:30 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The current $70 prize limit and $2 tickets were established more than 30 years ago and have never been
• </c><00:01:18.600><c> and</c><00:01:18.720><c> $2</c> The current $70 prize limit and $2 The current
• And when participation statutory limits.
• :10:07.320><c> charitable</c> updates outdated limits to charitable updates outdated limits to charitable
• You tell me, I assume this extends the limits to what you guys are able to...

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The meeting was a press event and advocacy push for HF 4090 and SF 4515, bills that would modernize Minnesota’s charitable meat raffle rules. Speakers, including Amanda Jackson of Allied Charities, Rep. Jim Nash, Sen. Judy Seeberger, and Sen. Zach Duckworth, argued that the current ticket and prize limits are decades old and no longer reflect inflation or current meat prices. They said raising the ticket cap to $5 and the prize limit to $200 would help charitable organizations keep raffles attractive and financially viable without expanding gambling overall. Testimony from representatives of the American Legion and a youth wrestling club emphasized that meat raffles help fund veterans’ programs, youth sports, scholarships, travel costs, and other local needs. Speakers also said the events support bars, restaurants, and local meat markets, and that the money stays in the community. Several lawmakers described the proposal as bipartisan and noncontroversial, while also criticizing efforts to tie it to other legislative disputes. One speaker said the Senate had just taken a procedural step to bring the bill directly to the floor, and another said the conference committee report had failed but could still be revived. The event concluded with a mock meat raffle demonstration and a call for a clean vote on the legislation. No formal committee vote on the bill was taken during the transcript, but the speakers said the measure remained alive procedurally and positioned for further action in the Senate and House.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are on a limited time schedule today. Health and Welfare meets after our committee.
• Public testimony will be limited to two minutes. Please try to keep to that schedule.
• It limits Congress to enumerated powers.
• A convention, however, cannot be safely topic-limited.
• Spend without limits, borrow without a plan, and pass the bill to someone else.

Summary: The Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee approved the February 11, 2026 minutes and then heard House Concurrent Resolution 25, which would apply for an Article V convention limited to proposing a balanced budget amendment, with a seven-year sunset on Idaho’s application. Senator Ricks and supporter Lauren Enz argued that federal debt is unsustainable, Congress has failed to act, and the states should use Article V pressure to force a balanced budget amendment. Supporters said the resolution is narrowly limited, that ratification would still require 38 states, and that Idaho should join the 28 states already on board. Opponents, including representatives of the Idaho GOP and several private citizens, warned that an Article V convention could not be safely limited, could become a runaway convention, and would place the Constitution at risk. They argued Congress, not the states, controls the process once a convention is called, and that the real problem is federal overreach and failure to follow the Constitution rather than the need for a new amendment. Several speakers also said Idaho should not pursue a balanced budget amendment while relying heavily on federal funds. After public testimony and committee discussion, Senator Foreman moved to send HCR 25 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation, seconded by Senator Ricks. The committee debated the risks of a convention versus the urgency of federal debt, then took a roll call vote. The motion failed 5-4, and HCR 25 was held in committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are on a limited time schedule today. Health and Welfare meets after our committee.
• Public testimony will be limited to two minutes. Please try to keep to that schedule.
• It limits Congress to enumerated powers.
• A convention, however, cannot be safely topic-limited.
• Spend without limits, borrow without a plan, and pass the bill to someone else.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Rules

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The two-hour limit was not waived for the committee hearing.
• This committee does not... have a tradition of limiting debate.
• Equally inappropriate for the Senate to impose new speech limits.
• allegations that are going to be, you know, limited by this bill.
• Because then you would give us another two-hour limit and then it wouldn't happen.

Bills: SB163 , SB558

Committee: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

Keywords: civil rights, higher education, discrimination, complaints, awareness campaign, antisemitism, education, Civil Rights Act, IHRA definition, federal enforcement, Jewish community, anti-discrimination laws, Anti-Semitism Awareness Act, Protecting Students on Campus Act, First Amendment, Senator Tim Scott, free speech, college campuses, legislation, Trump administration

Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on reviewing two significant bills: S558, the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act of 2025, and S163, the Protecting Students on Campus Act. Senator Tim Scott introduced S558, emphasizing its importance in combatting anti-Jewish violence and harassment, and providing the Department of Education with necessary tools to investigate incidents of anti-Semitism on college campuses. The bill sparked a vigorous debate among members who expressed concerns over potential implications for free speech, particularly regarding its definitions of anti-Semitism, and whether it would infringe upon First Amendment rights.

Transcript Highlights:

• It connects AI instruction with critical evaluation, recognition of limitations, and ethical reasoning
• Instruction that addresses both capabilities and limitations helps reduce overreliance and misuse.
• So I'm going to ask that all of the speakers limit their comments to about a minute and a half.
• We appreciate that this bill recognizes that teaching students the limitations acknowledge the limitations
• . the benefits of using AI systems, but also its limitations.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that limited?
• So we would want to limit the projects or limit this to projects where there is existing pedestrian access
• We also appreciate that the bill is limited to specific zones.
• Why is the limit at 9,000 pounds? I just tried to explain that.
• But the RCW puts it at 2,000 limits.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held public hearings on several bills. Substitute Senate Bill 6066 would authorize counties, cities, towns, and WSDOT to designate crash prevention zones on roads with repeated serious or fatal collisions, require public hearings and engineering/traffic studies, increase enforcement, add a $73 penalty for certain infractions in signed zones, and dedicate those funds to zone-related safety work. The prime sponsor and Pasco officials cited repeated crashes on U.S. 395 and U.S. 12; supporters said the bill would help address dangerous corridors, while one member of the public argued it was unnecessary and duplicative. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6253, which would make labor-recommended seats on public transportation benefit area boards voting members while limiting participation in executive sessions on labor and personnel matters. Labor representatives and transit workers supported the change as giving frontline employees a meaningful voice, while Washington Policy Center opposed it, warning of conflicts of interest and reduced accountability. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6311, which would require continuous, accessible pedestrian passage during certain construction projects near hospitals, parks, and school zones, authorize inspections and stop-work orders, and direct WSDOT to adopt rules for reroutes and detours. Cities and counties said they support the safety goal but want more flexibility and less risk of added cost or liability; disability and transit advocates strongly supported the bill. Senate Bill 6262 would raise the transportation benefit district vehicle-fee exemption from 6,000 pounds to 9,000 pounds for certain trucks, allowing local districts to charge heavier vehicles a flat fee; Spokane, Spokane Valley, Port Orchard, and AWC supported it as a fairness and pavement-preservation measure, while several members of the public opposed it as another tax increase. Finally, Senate Bill 6335 would narrow and revise the statutory responsibilities of the State Transportation Commission, removing some planning and outreach duties while retaining toll, ferry fare, and other functions. Local governments, ports, and commission members opposed the bill, arguing the commission provides independent statewide planning, public input, and coordination; the sponsor said the goal was to eliminate duplication and focus the commission’s role. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• resources, limited dollars.
• </c><00:35:27.200><c> resources,</c><00:35:27.760><c> limited</c> say uh limited resources, limited say
• uh limited resources, limited dollars.<00:35:28.400><c> How</c><00:35:28.560><c> are</c><00:35:28.640
• Um, I think this policy will allow... section 4, we talk about a limited section 4, we talk about a limited
• </c> apologies for um being somewhat limited apologies for um being somewhat limited in<01:01:49.359>

Bills: HF1546 , HF2403 , HF2389 , HF2398

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: fire safety, public safety, statewide fire code, code cleanup, repeal, obsolete statutes, matches, strike-anywhere matches, safety matches, match packaging, match storage, tent safety, flame resistant tents, public assembly tents, flammable materials, fire code modernization, Minnesota Statutes chapter 325F, commerce policy, financial institutions, insurance regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• Properly before the committee is RS 330-0 on congressional term limits.
• What I have before you for this introduction is a term limits bill.
• This focuses specifically on an Article V call just for term limits.
• to one thing and one thing only: to set term limits for members of the House of Representatives of the
• The purpose of term limits, and the hope for this in passing some additional other amendments that have

Summary: The House Judiciary, Rules Committee met and approved the minutes from January 21 by unanimous voice vote. The chair reminded members that bill requests should be submitted quickly and must include the SOP fiscal statement before reaching Nancy’s desk. A new member, Representative Stone, was introduced to the committee. The committee then considered three RS introductions. RS 330-0, by Representative Shirts, would make an Article V call limited to congressional term limits for the U.S. House and Senate; after discussion, it was introduced on an 11-4 roll call vote. RS 32831, by Representative Skaug, would add public records exemptions for Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections safety and security matters; it was introduced by voice vote. The chair also noted that if members or the public strongly oppose a bill, he wants to hear that before it returns for a public hearing. Finally, RS 32908, by Representative Tanner, would expand Idaho’s child enticement law to cover 16- and 17-year-olds, while keeping a five-year age-gap threshold to avoid Romeo-and-Juliet situations; it was introduced by voice vote. The committee adjourned with a reminder that it would meet again on Thursday.

Transcript Highlights:

• Properly before the committee is RS 330-0 on congressional term limits.
• What I have before you for this introduction is a term limits bill.
• This focuses specifically on an Article V call just for term limits.
• to one thing and one thing only: to set term limits for members of the House of Representatives of the
• I'll be happy to discuss, if this committee decides to introduce this bill, in depth about term limits

Committee: House Judiciary, Rules and Administration

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, year served on the council before July 1, 2026 count towards the limits, the eight-year limits imposed
• 8-year limits imposed, um members 8-year limits imposed, um members appointed<00:19:27.039><c> before
• </c><00:19:35.919><c> And</c> limits imposed by section three. And limits imposed by section three.
• </c> voted on unanimously for term limits voted on unanimously for term limits back<00:35:39.119><c>
• We try to limit things.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council met on May 27, 2026, approved the January 7 minutes and the day’s agenda, and reported no conflicts of interest. The executive director gave staff updates, including introductions of new staff member Cara Castanza and DNR liaison Jason Co., both of whom were welcomed by the council. Members were also informed about three minor easement/conveyance matters in the packet, including a small Bowser easement impact with about $1,600 returned to the Outdoor Heritage Fund, a Minnesota Land Trust easement request involving a DNR trout stream easement, and an access easement revision in Itasca County. The council also noted several upcoming dedication events and a June field tour in southeast Minnesota beginning in Winona on June 16, with visits to Whitewater WMA, bluff prairie and stream sites, and a river segment if a boat is secured. A major agenda item was a legislative session recap on the Outdoor Heritage Fund portion of Senate File 2077, the omnibus Outdoor Heritage Fund, Legacy, and Lands bill. Staff reported that all council recommendations were incorporated into the bill, which passed both chambers on May 17 and was expected to be signed by the governor. The fiscal year 2027 Outdoor Heritage Fund recommendations covered 53 programs totaling about $188.9 million, with the February forecast increasing the appropriation slightly so the final total was about $191.16 million; eligible programs were proportionately increased. Staff also highlighted a few changes made during the legislative process, including adjustments to the Roso Lake rehabilitation phase three project, the conservation partners legacy grant language, and statutory provisions affecting the council. The recap also covered policy changes in the bill: a public member term limit of eight years, with a short vacancy exception and transition rules for current members; a revised executive director hiring process allowing the Legislative Coordinating Commission to provide support while preserving the council’s final hiring authority and permitting closed meetings for candidate discussions; and an extension of the Upper Mississippi River invasive carp deterrent design deadline to June 30, 2027. Members discussed the Roso Lake amendment at length, with Senator Lang and Representative Burkel explaining that the added delay and injunction-related language were intended to address local concerns and preserve the council’s process while litigation proceeds. The meeting ended without any additional formal action beyond receiving the updates and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've also attempted to work with community care licensing but received limited response.
• This isn't about limiting access to care.
• This isn't about limiting access to care.
• You know, so I'm just wondering, why are we just limiting?
• We have very limited resources, and yet we have more people needing food on a daily basis.

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> doesn't have that kind of limit. doesn't have that kind of limit.
• Um so she does put a time limit on that. So um I would encourage member support. Thank you.
• So um I does put a a time limit on that.
• Adding red tape only undermines its purpose and limits opportunities for students in need.
• Adding red tape only undermines its purpose and limits opportunities for students in need.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• All right. 10 minute break. knows, I'm sure um space is is limited knows, I'm sure um space is is limited
• So they’re very limited in terms of where they can display their portraits.
• Uh so they're very limited third floor.
• And while that is certainly all well and good, the space is limited, right?
• And so eventually is limited, right?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Legislative Administration Committee opened with Senate Bill 197, which would remove the Department of Health and Human Services commissioner’s supervisory role over the legislative facilities committee nurse and instead place the nurse under the Board of Nursing’s scope of practice. The sponsor’s aide and DHHS legislative director explained that the change updates outdated language last amended in 1995, aligns the statute with current practice, and was reviewed with legislative staff and nursing regulators, who were said to be comfortable with the proposal. Members asked why the change was needed and whether the commissioner had actually been supervising; the response was that the language no longer reflected how the position functioned. The chair said the bill might still be a simple consent item, but additional modifications were being discussed, so the hearing was closed with no vote taken at that time. The committee then heard Senate Bill 186, authorizing the Joint Legislative Historical Committee to accept and display a portrait of former Senator Jeb Bradley in the State House. The sponsor’s aide described Bradley’s legislative and congressional service and urged the committee to move the bill ought to pass. Members asked practical questions about whether the portrait was completed, its size, and where it would be hung. The witness said the portrait was not yet completed and that size and placement had not been determined, though the committee was told the historical committee would decide placement. A committee member noted that portrait sizes and locations are already being reviewed because of space concerns, and the hearing ended without a vote. A work session followed on the portrait bills, with the chair using them as a vehicle to discuss broader problems in the statutes governing portraits and the historical committee. He said the committee had gathered information from other states and suggested possible policy ideas such as portrait moratoriums, waiting periods after death, size limits, and clearer placement rules. Members discussed the need to update the RSAs and better define the historical committee’s authority. The committee did not take final action during the work session, but the discussion indicated that the portrait bills may be held while broader statutory revisions are considered.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of the limitations they're working with...
• Is there a statute of limitations on when we recoup those funds?
• The true limit to Medicaid expansion is 138%.
• Normally, I'm just taking them in order, but yes—explain the upper payment limit.
• We use the upper payment limit not just for hospitals, though.

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee held a budget hearing on the Division of Medicaid within the Department of Health and Welfare. Legislative Services analyst Alex Williamson reviewed Medicaid’s five budgeted programs, enrollment groups, staffing, historic spending growth, and the distinction between ongoing base adjustments and one-time enhancements. She explained that most Medicaid spending is in trust and benefit payments, discussed the large FY 2026 and FY 2027 budget changes, and walked through the governor’s recommendations, including hospital assessment fund alignment, claims forecast updates, MMIS procurement funding, estate recovery, program integrity support, and population forecast adjustments. Members asked extensive questions about the 4% provider rate reduction, the expansion population, federal match rates, and the effect of House Bill 345 and federal changes on Medicaid costs and eligibility. Williamson and Deputy Director Sasha O’Connell said the expansion population has declined, but costs are driven by utilization, provider rates, pharmacy, hospital, developmental disability, behavioral health, and long-term care services. They said the department is pursuing cost containment through prior authorization, redeterminations, higher cost sharing, and program integrity efforts, while noting that expansion is codified in law and any repeal or major eligibility change would require legislative action and could affect hospital assessment revenue and other offsets. The committee also discussed the MMIS replacement project, with lawmakers emphasizing milestone-based funding and risk control. O’Connell explained the estate recovery request as a replacement case management system plus contractor support to help recover Medicaid costs from estates, and said the program is federally required and revenue-generating. Several members raised concerns about backlogs, contractor costs, and whether AI or other technology could improve efficiency in program integrity and estate recovery. No votes were taken during the hearing; the discussion remained informational and focused on the governor’s budget recommendations and possible future reductions or policy changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:07:53.799><c> to</c> industry including but not limited to industry including but not limited
• </c><01:24:40.760><c> for</c> was on the statute of limitations for was on the statute of limitations
• :25:13.800><c> limitations</c><01:25:14.400><c> specifically</c> that statute of limitations specifically
• </c><01:26:17.840><c> on</c> think there should be a limit on think there should be a limit on taxpayers
• </c> this threeyear statute of a limitation this threeyear statute of a limitation does<01:28:41.920>

Committee: House Economic Development & Technology

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Technology met on March 12, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures. On SB 9, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation testified in support, and there were no questions or objections. On SB 148, the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs offered comments, and a member of the public testified in support of combining boxing and MMA oversight into a single combat sports commission, with amendments to preserve safety standards and separate or distinct treatment for the two sports. Committee discussion focused on whether proposed requirements were primarily safety-related or cost-related, how to handle smaller events, and whether a one-year implementation delay was necessary; the department said many safety provisions already exist in the MMA program, that it was open to continued discussion on costs, and that it needed time to combine rules and appoint new commissioners. The chair suggested possible amendments to account for event size and to reduce burdens on smaller events. The committee then heard SB 816, which drew extensive testimony on providing legal representation for immigrants in immigration proceedings. Supporters included the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, ACU Hawaii, the Refugee and Immigration Law Clinic, the Legal Clinic, Hawaii Friends of Civil Rights, the Hawaiʻi Coalition for Immigrant Rights, Pride at Work Hawaii, and others. Supporters argued that immigration cases can be as serious as criminal cases, that counsel is essential for due process, and that representation improves outcomes; several also emphasized the economic importance of immigrants to Hawaii. One supporter noted a suggested amendment to include training for attorneys and partners doing deportation defense and asylum work. Opposition came from a Navy veteran who argued the bill would use state resources for a federal issue, create inequities, and impose fiscal burdens. The chair noted 69 testimonies in support and 44 in opposition, and later an additional supporter brought the total to 70 in support. No vote was taken in the portion of the meeting provided. The committee also heard SB 125, with the Department of Economic Development, the Agreed Business Development Corporation, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association in support, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii offering technical comments about complicated nested definitions in the bill. Testimony on SB 125 focused on updating the Enterprise Zone Program so local manufacturers selling directly to retail could qualify, along with value-added products and certain health-related sectors. Finally, on SB 732, the State of Hawaii Creative Industries testified with comments, raising concerns about county permit-fee waivers, implementation timing, and the bill’s lack of a carry-forward provision for the film tax credit. The witness said uncertainty in the credit was already causing productions to delay coming to Hawaii and urged stability to support the industry and local workers. The committee then moved on to additional testimony on the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'll point out that there's no upper age limit to who is eligible to vote in the United States right
• The other one that we have is term limits.
• The second one we have was under term limits, and this creates an order that sets term limits within
• There was a big controversy in the town over whether we wanted term limits or not.
• The rate of term limits came on.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Election Laws

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House Committee on Election Laws, chaired by Dan Hunt and co-chaired by Senator Keenan, held a hearing on 27 bills with testimony limited to three minutes per speaker. The main policy theme was expanding youth participation in elections. Senator O'Connor testified in support of Senate Bill 526 and House Bill 854, which would allow 17-year-olds to vote in a primary if they turn 18 before the general election. Lawan Allen of Vote 16 USA also supported bills to lower the voting age, arguing that youth voting becomes habitual, can increase turnout more broadly, and is already in place in several cities and states. Robin Chen, the lead petitioner for S. 508 and H. 814, gave extended testimony in favor of children's right to vote, saying children are affected by government decisions and should have a voice. Representative Sousa raised concerns about misinformation and the vulnerability of younger voters, but Chen responded that misinformation affects adults too and pointed to historical civil rights activism by children. Several local election-law measures were also discussed. Cynthia Hogan, Brockton’s elections director, supported a bill requiring candidates for local office to have lived in the city for a year, saying people have sometimes used business addresses or other questionable claims of residency to run for office. Representative Suzy testified in favor of H. 872, a Pembroke home-rule petition to reduce the signature threshold for a recall petition from 20% to 10% of registered voters, describing the change as a response to low-turnout local elections and not aimed at any current official. Representative Gallagher supported two Bridgewater home-rule petitions: one establishing a recall process for elected officials and another creating term limits for town councilors, both of which had been approved by the town council and would still require voter ratification in Bridgewater if adopted by the legislature. The hearing concluded without any bill votes or committee actions beyond accepting testimony. The chair noted that written testimony would continue to be accepted until action is taken on the bills, and the committee adjourned after no further witnesses came forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• JRH 12, joint resolution authorizing limited remote joint committee voting through the remainder of the
• JRH 10, joint resolution authorizing limited remote joint committee voting through the remainder of calendar
• Um, they left our transaction limits in place. I shouldn't say it that way.
• They left our increase in transaction limits in...
• Our increase in transaction limits, from 1 oz. to 2 oz.

Keywords: 927, senate, all