Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:10.840><c> when</c><00:21:11.840><c> they</c><00:21:12.159><c> have</c><00:21:12.559><c> more
• .<00:21:20.640><c> It's</c><00:21:20.960><c> been</c><00:21:21.120><c> a</c><00:21:22.000><c> couple<
• I<00:21:31.480><c> really</c><00:21:32.480><c> have</c><00:21:32.720><c> a</c><00:21:32.960><c> hard<
• ,<00:21:40.720><c> would</c><00:21:40.960><c> be</c><00:21:41.200><c> against</c><00:21:41.520><c> this
• If<00:21:50.960><c> parents</c><00:21:51.520><c> do</c><00:21:51.840><c> something</c><00:21:52.679><

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• :25.760><c> or</c><00:21:26.080><c> make</c><00:21:26.240><c> it</c><00:21:26.480><c> harder</c><00:21
• </c><00:21:29.919><c> food</c><00:21:30.159><c> for</c><00:21:30.400><c> Hawaii.
• Thank<00:21:31.600><c> you</c><00:21:31.760><c> for</c><00:21:31.919><c> your</c><00:21:32.159><c> time
• &gt;&gt; Thank<00:21:34.720><c> you</c><00:21:34.880><c> very</c><00:21:35.120><c> much.
• Also<00:21:37.679><c> on</c><00:21:37.919><c> Zoom,</c><00:21:38.960><c> Stephen</c><00:21:39.360><c>

Bills: HB1979

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1979 HD3, which would shorten the time to file certain judicial challenges to environmental assessments and environmental impact statements for affordable housing and clean energy projects, and would also affect transfer of some environmental court appeals to the Supreme Court. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the amended bill, saying the changes were improved from earlier versions and that the shorter filing period was reasonable for these priority projects. Hawaii Gas asked that the bill’s clean energy definition be broadened to align with existing renewable energy law so emerging technologies like renewable hydrogen and renewable gas would be included. Kauai Island Utility Co-op and Greenpeace Hawaii testified in support and opposition, respectively, with supporters arguing the bill would reduce litigation uncertainty and opponents saying the shorter deadline would limit public participation and not solve the real causes of project delays. Opposition testimony came from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Earthjustice, Sierra Club, 350 Hawaii, and others, who argued the bill could chill legitimate public-interest claims, especially where there is limited public notice, and that environmental review was being unfairly blamed for delays caused by permitting, financing, or infrastructure problems. Several speakers said the measure would reduce transparency and make it harder for communities to respond in time. One testifier from Earthjustice said the environmental review process itself is not the problem and should not be weakened for projects that still need public disclosure and community engagement. The committee then moved to decision-making and, citing the volume of opposition and concerns about public participation, transparency, and whether the bill would actually improve timelines, the chair deferred HB 1979 HD3 indefinitely. The hearing was adjourned after the vote decision was announced. The transcript then shifted to HB 2585, relating to tourism and statewide standards for agritourism. Testimony was mixed: farmers and agricultural groups described agritourism as essential to keeping small farms and ranches viable, while also urging safeguards so it would not be abused or displace real agricultural production. Some speakers warned the bill’s revenue-based limits could unintentionally shut down existing farm stays and related operations, especially in Maui County. The Hawaii Farm Bureau said it supported the intent but wanted clearer protections for bona fide agriculture and more flexibility around revenue requirements and force majeure situations. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> Amy</c><00:21:36.360><c> Miller</c><00:21:37.360><c> looks</c><00:21:37.640><c> like</c><00:21:37.799
• c><00:21:43.000><c> far</c><00:21:43.240><c> would</c><00:21:43.440><c> anyone</c><00:21:44.240><c> else
• um our<00:21:57.880><c> agenda</c><00:21:58.279><c> here</c><00:21:58.679><c> um</c><00:21:59.080><c>
• :00.159><c> not</c><01:21:00.639><c> like</c><01:21:00.880><c> to</c><01:21:01.080><c> see</c><01:21:
• 01:21:04.120><c> would</c><01:21:04.360><c> like</c><01:21:04.600><c> that</c><01:21:04.760><c> to</c

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Transcript Highlights:

• and</c><00:21:03.720><c> that's</c><00:21:03.960><c> kind</c><00:21:04.080><c> of</c><00:21:04.159><c
• :05.000><c> pass</c><00:21:05.360><c> through</c><00:21:06.000><c> uh</c><00:21:06.159><c> I</c><00:21
• c> last</c><00:21:09.600><c> week</c><00:21:09.840><c> we</c><00:21:09.960><c> met</c><00:21:10.120><
• uh</c><00:21:36.679><c> I</c><00:21:36.760><c> just</c><00:21:36.880><c> wanted</c><00:21:37.080><c>
• you</c><00:21:40.120><c> mention</c><00:21:40.520><c> in</c><00:21:40.640><c> terms</c><00:21:41.039>

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first considered House Bill 88, which was described as a short bill to clarify procedures for Waste Management boards, including term limits, appointments, and making sure consolidated governments actively recruit community members and make openings easier to find. The sponsor said the bill was intended to resolve confusion about members staying on after terms expire. The bill received no opposition, passed the committee unanimously, and was reported favorably for the floor. The committee then took up House Bill 346, as amended by a committee substitute. The sponsor explained that the bill responds to a dispute over air emission fees, especially for emergency generators and backup generators used for worker safety and limited non-emergency testing. The bill would exempt emergency generators and backup generators operating 100 hours or less for maintenance/testing from fees, while also removing an existing 4,000-ton cap so the per-ton fee would drop for most permitted sources. Members discussed the possible impact on utilities and ratepayers, with concerns raised that costs could be passed through to consumers and affect coal-dependent areas. The sponsor and another member argued the change would generally reduce fees for most sources and incentivize emissions reductions; the cabinet was described as neutral, and the affected utilities were identified as TVA, LG&E, East Kentucky Power, and Big Rivers, with only TVA having raised comments. The committee substitute was adopted, and the bill passed the committee with a favorable recommendation, though one member voted no and several members explained yes votes while expressing ongoing concerns about future rate impacts. At the end of the meeting, members briefly discussed broader concerns about utility surcharges and the need to monitor the effects of legislation on ratepayers, but those comments were not part of the bill under consideration. The chair noted that future meetings may include more bills and could start earlier if needed, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This omission appears to be an Listed under Section 7 of Chapter 150E.
• under Chapter 150E, Section 7, the legislature intends for the...
• The Department continuously forces our members to work, citing the lack of Chapter 22C being under Chapter
• I have received 21 cancellations over the past nine months from Uber.
• But all the other 21 times, they never spoke to me. So I don't, I'm not sure.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development

Summary: The hearing opened with the co-chairs introducing House and Senate members and explaining the hybrid format, three-minute testimony guidance, and the deadline for written testimony. The committee then heard extensive testimony on S. 2665, which would require employers to post notice to employees when an I-9 audit or similar federal immigration inspection is underway. Supporters, including immigration attorneys, a pediatrician, a labor leader, and an affected family member, argued the bill would protect privacy, give workers time to gather documents and consult counsel, and reduce fear and wrongful arrests. One witness from Illinois described a similar law there and said it had not caused the problems employers feared, while others said recent ICE enforcement has made notice especially important. The committee also heard testimony on S. 1360, a bill affecting collective bargaining rights for State Police, with the State Police Association arguing that a statutory gap lets departmental rules override their contract and that the bill would restore intended bargaining protections. A separate labor bill, S. 1305, was also briefly supported by the AFL-CIO as part of broader worker-classification protections for app-based delivery drivers. A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 2066, which would impose fines on transportation network drivers who refuse rides to people with disabilities using service animals. Testimony from blind and disabled riders, service dog users, advocates, and the Disability Law Center described repeated ride cancellations, drivers pulling away after seeing a service animal, and the difficulty of enforcing existing anti-discrimination laws through MCAD or other agencies. Witnesses said the current system leaves riders without practical recourse because drivers are hard to identify and complaints can take years, and they argued that fines on individual drivers would create a real deterrent. Several witnesses also described the impact on employment, medical appointments, and daily independence. Committee members asked about service-animal verification, whether refusals are ever appropriate, and whether penalties should target drivers or companies; witnesses said legitimate refusals are limited to misbehaving or unsafe animals and that companies already have policies and some training, but enforcement remains weak. The committee also heard from a witness supporting a related bill on rideshare accessibility and from advocates describing broader transportation discrimination issues. One witness discussed a separate proposal to study service-animal denial, and others noted that Uber’s self-identification feature and company policies have not solved the problem. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the meeting ended after the final witnesses on the service-animal bill and a brief organizational discussion about related legislation and committee business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under Chapter 312 of the Tax Code, and Chapters 383 of one of the Local Government Code.
• I've worked with residents and board members on four Chapter 313s and three Chapter 312s and had success
• Chapter 380 and 381 agreements. It's a real issue.
• Chapter 312, 380, and 381 are voluntary.
• 19, 313 was due in '21.

Bills: SB913 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1143 , SB1534 , SB1553 , SB1718 , SB1754 , SB2004 , SB2322 , SB2448

Committee: Senate Economic Development

Summary: The Senate Economic Development Committee met to hear a series of bills and informational primers, with several resource witnesses from the Governor’s Office, the Texas Workforce Commission, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The chair opened by noting the death of Senator King’s son and asking members to keep the family in their prayers. Most bills were laid out and left pending subject to the call of the chair after brief author presentations and public testimony. The committee heard several local hotel occupancy tax bills: SB 1553 for Kerr County, SB 1086 for Childress County, SB 1087 for Mason County, and SB 913 for Alpine. Supporters, including the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association and local officials, said the measures would allow counties or the city to use hotel tax revenue for tourism-related projects and local development. The committee also heard SB 1534, which would direct a study on health physics education and workforce needs in Texas; resource witnesses from TWC and THECB testified on the bill. All of these measures were left pending. A major portion of the hearing focused on SB 1754, which would prohibit local tax abatements for renewable energy facilities selling power at wholesale, with an exception for certain battery storage tied to dispatchable generation. The bill drew strong support from witnesses who argued counties should not subsidize wind and solar projects that can harm neighboring landowners and that renewables already receive substantial federal support. Opponents from the solar and storage industry argued the bill would remove a voluntary local economic development tool, raise power prices, and discourage investment. Senators also debated landowner impacts, grid reliability, and whether the bill was the right policy tool; the bill was left pending. The committee also heard SB 2322, a committee substitute related to the Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act, which would exempt electric generation facilities from the program’s compelling-factor test so they can qualify for school tax limitation agreements. Supporters said the change would correct an unintended barrier for dispatchable generation, while Senator Johnson argued it would weaken the program’s purpose by subsidizing projects that would locate in Texas anyway. SB 1718 would add the NRA annual meeting to the major events reimbursement program; the NRA supported it, while gun violence prevention advocates opposed using state incentives for the organization. SB 2004 would add the Arlington Grand Prix to the major events program, and SB 2448 would create a rural workforce development grant program; both drew supportive testimony and were left pending. The committee also heard SB 1143, a substitute bill aimed at improving transparency and coordination in programs serving opportunity youth ages 14 to 24, with witnesses supporting better reporting and workforce alignment. At the end of the meeting, Senator Johnson moved that the committee stand in recess subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• uh the<00:21:10.400><c> changes</c><00:21:10.799><c> in</c><00:21:10.960><c> the</c><00:21:11.120><c>
• okay<00:21:17.760><c> um</c><00:21:18.159><c> any</c><00:21:18.400><c> no</c><00:21:18.720><c> no</c
• ><00:21:18.960><c> questions</c><00:21:19.799><c> okay</c><00:21:20.039><c> if</c><00:21:20.200><c> not
• ><c> move</c><00:21:20.799><c> on</c><00:21:20.919><c> to</c><00:21:21.039><c> the</c><00:21:21.200><
• ><00:21:22.400><c> to</c><00:21:22.600><c> all</c><00:21:22.720><c> the</c> testifiers<00:21:26.799><

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee met on February 12 at 2 p.m. and heard several measures related to corrections, re-entry, law enforcement, retirement benefits, and gun violence prevention. On HB 10002, which would extend the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission coordinator’s term and clarify unannounced inspection authority, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said it had no objection to the term length or to 24/7 unannounced access. The commission’s chair, Commissioner Mark Patterson, asked for a longer term, saying the commission needs more time and stability to manage reform efforts after years without staff during COVID. Community Alliance on Prisons and Carolyn Eaton also supported a longer term, with both suggesting six years would better insulate the position from politics. The chair noted he had asked Chair Bot for background on the prior committee’s changes and said that could be discussed during decision-making. The committee then heard HB 67, which would require DCR to help inmates obtain civil identification documents such as IDs, birth certificates, and Social Security cards as soon as practicable, including for people in furlough or community placement programs. DCR said it supported the bill and described ongoing work with the city and county on ID machines and with agencies on certificates and Social Security cards. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Oversight Commission, Community Alliance on Prisons, and the Office of Public Defense all supported the measure, emphasizing that identification is essential for housing, employment, and successful re-entry and noting the disproportionate impact of incarceration on Native Hawaiians. On HB 1183, which would classify certain law enforcement administrators and Department of Law Enforcement employees as Class A members for retirement purposes, the Department of Human Resources Development, the Employees’ Retirement System, and the Department of Law Enforcement all supported the bill. DHRD said it would help recruitment and retention, ERS said it had technical amendments to suggest, and DLE said the change would help with succession planning and allow the governor to appoint the most qualified leader. The committee also heard HB 1045, an emergency appropriation bill to cover payroll fringe benefits for Department of Law Enforcement personnel after salary funding had been shifted to other departments; Budget and Finance and DLE explained the need for the supplemental funding, and no opposition was noted. Finally, the committee took up HB 664, which would create an Office of Gun Violence Prevention, a grant program, a resource bank, and a special fund. The Attorney General recommended adding standards for grant awards and warned of overlap with the existing Gun Violence and Violent Crimes Commission, suggesting consolidation and repeal of the older commission to avoid duplication. Supporters included the Brady Campaign, Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action Hawaii, a physician, and an Army veteran, who argued the office would centralize data, coordinate prevention efforts, and help secure outside funding. Testimony was mixed, with the chair noting 37 supporters, nine opponents, and three commenters, but no vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We<00:21:08.880><c> need</c><00:21:09.039><c> to</c><00:21:09.280><c> make</c><00:21:09.440><c> sure<
• c><00:21:14.000><c> doesn't</c><00:21:14.400><c> help</c><00:21:14.640><c> us</c><00:21:14.880><c> do
• </c><00:21:19.919><c> I</c><00:21:20.240><c> think</c><00:21:20.400><c> this</c><00:21:20.640><c> is<
• </c><00:21:22.240><c> this</c><00:21:22.480><c> bill</c><00:21:22.720><c> and</c><00:21:22.960><c> we
• and we need to<00:21:24.320><c> understand</c><00:21:24.799><c> how</c><00:21:25.039><c> we</c><00:21

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.240><c> to</c><00:21:00.520><c> carry</c><00:21:00.960><c> in</c><00:21:01.159><c> this</c><00:21
• :14.679><c> so</c><00:21:15.039><c> there's</c><00:21:15.200><c> a</c><00:21:15.360><c> lot</c><00:21
• 00:21:20.720><c> of</c><00:21:20.880><c> time</c><00:21:21.039><c> on</c><00:21:21.200><c> the</c><00
• people</c><00:21:25.440><c> who</c><00:21:25.600><c> have</c><00:21:25.799><c> not</c><00:21:26.080>
• :21:31.960><c> amazing</c><00:21:32.520><c> what's</c><00:21:32.880><c> hanging</c><00:21:33.240><c>

Summary: The subcommittee first took up HB 428, with Philip Sherman of the Building Code Review Board presenting a detailed amendment intended to reorganize building-code statutes and limit local changes. He said the proposal would move code-related provisions into RSA 155-A, preserve municipalities’ ability to adopt and administer local enforcement mechanisms and additional non-state codes such as housing or property maintenance codes, but prohibit technical amendments to the State Building Code. He also explained that local administrative functions like permits, fees, certificates of occupancy, plan review, and staffing would remain local, while any local ordinance would still need BCRB confirmation. Members discussed the distinction between administrative and technical amendments, the need to keep fire-code provisions separate, and a date error in the draft’s submission deadline; Sherman suggested the effective-date language should be corrected to reference July 1, 2024. The committee did not vote on the amendment and instead agreed to circulate the draft and revisit it in a later subcommittee meeting before bringing it to the full committee. The discussion then shifted to fire-code issues, with State Fire Marshal Sean Tumi explaining that fire-code-related provisions should be cleaned up in the fire-code statutes and that the state should restrict technical local amendments while possibly allowing limited administrative local standards for transparency and operational consistency. He gave examples such as driveway access, sprinkler connections, key boxes, and other fire-system details that could benefit from local standardization if clearly disclosed. He noted that a separate Senate bill, SB 94, may be a more appropriate vehicle for some of the fire-code language. The chair again emphasized the need for further review and scheduled another subcommittee meeting before the matter would go to the full committee. The committee then began HB 244, and Sherman introduced it as a cleanup of the older municipal-building-code provisions scattered through the RSA 67X series. He said the bill would consolidate and update those references, continuing the effort to align municipal enforcement and appeals provisions with the statewide building-code structure. The transcript cuts off before any further action or vote on HB 244.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, we have 21; the system's closed. We have 21 present, zero absent, nine are excused.
• Senate Bill 1618, an act amending Section 28-21 and 26...
• Section 32-14-21 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to the Arizona Medical Board.
• 246, Section 2, as amended by Laws 2022, Chapter 377, Section 2, repealing Laws 2018, Chapter 259, Section
• 246, Section 2, as amended by Laws 2022, Chapter 377, Section 2, repealing Laws 2018, Chapter 259, Section

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, journal approval, guest introductions, and recognition of doctors and other visitors. The chamber then moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, considering a large number of bills on topics including public schools and curricula, transportation, health care, child welfare, municipal and county governance, homeowners’ associations, speech, and election-related matters. Several measures were retained on the calendar, while many others were advanced with committee or floor amendments. Among the more notable debates, senators discussed SB 1094, which would impose civil liability related to gender reassignment surgery on minors; supporters said it would compensate minors harmed by such procedures, while opponents argued it would discriminate against transgender youth, raise malpractice costs, and chill access to care. SB 1813, concerning the state hospital governing board and Maricopa County bed limits, drew concern about litigation and the need to expand capacity for people with serious mental illness, while supporters said the bill would remove a legal cap and allow more beds to be used. SB 1496 on Department of Child Safety procedures was amended to clarify representative payee requirements and received generally favorable comments, though some members raised concerns about child safety and DCS discretion. The Senate also advanced SCR 1004, a photo radar ballot referral, after an amendment requiring voter approval in jurisdictions that use photo radar; Senator Leach thanked the sponsor for the change. Other bills moved forward included measures on school firearm safety instruction, civics instruction, chiropractic claims, behavioral health prior authorization, psychiatric evaluations, DCS procedures, AHCCCS procurement contracting, county recorder and HOA-related issues, and legislative qualifications. The chamber adopted the Committee of the Whole reports and properly assigned the bills after each calendar was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• :21:14.840><c> to</c><00:21:15.039><c> work</c><00:21:15.200><c> it</c><00:21:15.360><c> out</c><00:21
• </c><00:21:17.120><c> mediation</c><00:21:18.120><c> type</c><00:21:18.279><c> of</c><00:21:18.480><c
• ><c> will</c><00:21:22.360><c> be</c><00:21:22.480><c> a</c><00:21:22.600><c> big</c><00:21:22.799><c
• :21:28.880><c> information</c><00:21:29.440><c> and</c><00:21:29.600><c> referrals</c><00:21:30.200><
• ><c> of</c><00:21:32.039><c> times</c><00:21:33.039><c> um</c><00:21:33.240><c> in</c><00:21:33.360><

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• to have<00:21:22.320><c> the</c><00:21:22.440><c> balance</c><00:21:22.960><c> of</c><00:21:23.480><
• </c><00:21:28.080><c> Thank</c><00:21:28.440><c> you</c><00:21:28.520><c> Madam</c><00:21:28.720><c>
• I<00:21:34.440><c> think</c><00:21:34.640><c> it</c><00:21:34.720><c> would</c><00:21:34.840><c> be</
• 00:21:40.160><c> this</c><00:21:40.320><c> really</c><00:21:40.480><c> does</c><00:21:40.680><c> exist
• anywhere else.<00:21:42.120><c> Give</c><00:21:42.320><c> some</c><00:21:42.480><c> thought</c><00:21

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• There are 21 members present today, that would be 12 votes. Yes, thank you.
• On lines 14 to 21, you address the issue of family violence shelter restrictions.
• It says, "Construction of the Chapter.
• ..." ...of a provision or application of this chapter as a defense to liability.
• Alvarado, Bettencourt, Bordwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook. 21 ayes, zero nays.

Bills: SB15 , SB9 , SB7 , SB1 , SB2 , SB67 , SB15 , SB9 , SB7

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:21:05.760><c> We</c><00:21:05.919><c> have</c><00:21:06.000><c> late</c><00:21:06.240><c> from</
• We<00:21:07.600><c> have</c><00:21:07.760><c> late</c><00:21:08.080><c> from</c><00:21:08.240><c> the
• </c><00:21:15.360><c> Are</c><00:21:15.600><c> any</c><00:21:15.679><c> of</c><00:21:15.840><c> these
• </c><00:21:42.960><c> I</c><00:21:43.200><c> didn't</c><00:21:43.360><c> see</c><00:21:43.600><c> it<
• </c><00:21:48.559><c> in</c><00:21:48.880><c> strong</c><00:21:49.280><c> support</c><00:21:49.600><c

Bills: SB2543 , SB2435 , SB2352

Committee: Senate Government Operations

Summary: The Committee on Government Operations reconvened on February 10, 2026, to take up measures previously heard on February 5. It advanced SB 2983 on criminal destruction of trees with technical, non-substantive amendments and a committee report note asking Judiciary to clarify that removal of invasive species remains allowed; the measure passed with one no vote. SB 2930 on the state risk management revolving fund also passed with amendments, including blanking out the amount, setting a defective date, and directing Ways and Means to review a spreadsheet before further action. The committee likewise passed SB 2928 on making the small business procurement program permanent and SB 2970 on standards of conduct for state agency contracts, adopting the Ethics Commission’s recommended language assigning compliance responsibility to department directors and deputy directors. SB 2927 and SB 3068 on procurement were deferred to a time certain on February 12, and SB 3015 on personal information, SB 2929 on public notice, and SB 2938 on search and rescue were also deferred for further discussion or to avoid re-referral issues. SB 2662 on external consultants was amended to remove a cap and preemptive approval language, narrow the expertise standard, and note possible auditor staffing or appropriation needs; it then passed with amendments. The joint GVO-EIG hearing then took up SB 2543 on state construction projects and an Office of the State Construction Manager within DAGS. Testimony from the Hawaii Iron Workers Stabilization Fund strongly supported the bill, saying it could reduce wasteful spending on large design-build projects and free money for tax credits and other public needs. DAGS, the University of Hawaii, and DLNR offered written comments, while one witness from KIC opposed the measure and asked for an exemption for member-owned electric cooperatives. A Hawaii Solar Energy Association witness also supported the bill but asked that landscape architects be excluded from the bill’s definition of design professionals, and Rocky Mold said Kauai permitting was efficient enough that he had no objection to carving it out. The committee adopted amendments from DNR, DAGS, and UH and passed SB 2543. The hearing also considered SB 2435 on EV charging infrastructure at state facilities. DAGS and the Hawaii State Energy Office supported the concept and explained that the goal was to retrofit managed parking facilities with infrastructure that can meet current and future EV needs, while acknowledging that some stalls can sit unused and that the state must balance space and enforcement. Members raised concerns about whether dedicating 25% of stalls to EV charging would reduce usable parking, and about rural and Big Island conditions where EV range and battery capacity remain limiting. The discussion noted that DOT, DNR, DOE, and DOH may have their own parking facilities outside DAGS control. The committee then indicated it would broaden the bill to apply to all state agencies and lower the threshold in response to member concerns, with final action not fully shown in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the last chunk of this legislation, it removes a whole—it repeals a whole chapter, Chapter 66
• Chairman, what I'm confused on, and maybe it's just me, is that this is chapter—this is Title 39, Chapter
• chapter?
• Because my legislation repeals part of that chapter and rewrites it into another chapter.
• Because my legislation repeals part of that chapter and rewrites it into another chapter, and I'm trying

Committee: House Environment, Energy and Technology

Transcript Highlights:

• would need<00:21:18.840><c> to</c><00:21:18.880><c> be</c><00:21:19.040><c> paid</c><00:21:19.400><c>
• by</c><00:21:19.560><c> the</c><00:21:19.680><c> person</c><00:21:20.120><c> before</c><00:21:20.440
• up</c><00:21:28.560><c> into</c><00:21:28.840><c> like</c><00:21:29.080><c> an</c><00:21:29.240><c>
• ><c> group</c><00:21:33.720><c> plans,</c><00:21:33.960><c> there's</c><00:21:34.120><c> a</c><00:21:
• ,</c><00:21:38.200><c> it's</c><00:21:38.360><c> really</c><00:21:38.560><c> hard</c><00:21:38.760><c

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:21:04.800><c> Anyone</c><01:21:05.120><c> else</c><01:21:05.280><c> wishing</c><01:21:05.520>
• If<01:21:09.360><c> not,</c><01:21:09.679><c> questions</c><01:21:10.480><c> members?
• Thank<01:21:52.000><c> you</c><01:21:52.159><c> for</c><01:21:52.320><c> the</c><01:21:52.560><c> questions
• That's that is<01:21:53.840><c> one</c><01:21:54.000><c> of</c><01:21:54.080><c> the</c><01:21:54.239
• ><c> reasons</c><01:21:54.480><c> that</c><01:21:54.719><c> we</c><01:21:55.120><c> would</c><01:21:55.360

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures. HB 1957, relating to safe entryways, would create enforcement procedures in large cities to prevent personal property from blocking private doorways or entrances. The Department of the Attorney General supported the concept but recommended moving the offense to the criminal code, adding clearer definitions to avoid vagueness, and including notice, inventory, storage, and property-disposition procedures to address constitutional concerns. No other testimony was offered and no questions were raised. HB 25003/HB 253, relating to fireworks, would expand civil asset forfeiture for certain fireworks offenses, revise the definition of aerial device, and clarify air-delivery offenses. The Attorney General supported the bill but suggested removing the 25-pound weight threshold to avoid unequal treatment of similar offenses. The Department of Law Enforcement also supported the measure, saying it would improve clarity for evolving fireworks investigations and prosecutions. The committee took no action during testimony. HB 2137, relating to artificial intelligence, would prohibit certain harmful uses of realistic AI-generated digital imitations, require disclosures, and create civil remedies and fines. The Commission on the Status of Women supported the bill, while the Hawaiian Islands Republican Women opposed it on First Amendment grounds. The Motion Picture Association, Recording Industry Association of America, and SAG-AFTRA also opposed the bill but said they preferred a different framework, the federal “No Fakes” model, and were willing to work with the committee on amendments. The Attorney General had suggested constitutional amendments, which the chair said would be considered later. The committee also heard HB 2198 on prediction markets, with the Honolulu prosecutor strongly supporting inclusion of prediction markets in the gambling definition because of concerns about speculative betting on events and national security-related outcomes. HB 1511 on consumer protection drew support from the Office of Consumer Protection and the Insurance Division, with OCP proposing clearer disclosure for license and registration renewal solicitations. HB 1897 on condominium alternative dispute resolution received supportive comments from the Real Estate Commission and CI. HB 1642 on crypto kiosks drew strong support from OCP and AARP Hawaii for a ban on kiosks accepting U.S. currency, but opposition from Hill Ventures, which argued for regulation and guardrails instead of a ban. HB 1753 on social media account deletion received supportive comments from DCCA on clarifying deletion of unique identifiers and inferences. HB 1654 on anonymous complaints against public employees drew strong opposition from the Attorney General over implementation and due process concerns, while the Government Employees Association supported it as a way to screen baseless complaints; the committee then moved on to HB 1659 on collective bargaining, with testimony beginning as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• do in several of the chapters throughout... several of the chapters throughout the code, which is a
• Chapter four updates and simplifies the process. Does chapter four start...?
• I don't have the chapters tabbed in. What do you say chapter four does...?
• What do you say chapter four does? Chapter four deals with Alabama professional corporations.
• That's one of the things that's also in this chapter, which is in several of these chapters.

Transcript Highlights:

• financial<00:21:02.799><c> aid</c><00:21:03.120><c> for</c><00:21:03.280><c> certain</c><00:21:03.600
• </c><00:21:07.440><c> on</c><00:21:07.600><c> our</c><00:21:07.760><c> list</c><00:21:08.080><c> from
• Deborah<00:21:44.720><c> Halbert,</c><00:21:45.200><c> vice</c><00:21:45.440><c> president</c><00:21:
• </c><00:21:46.880><c> Uh,</c><00:21:47.120><c> the</c><00:21:47.280><c> University</c><00:21:47.600><
• </c><00:21:53.679><c> Uh,</c><00:21:54.159><c> we</c><00:21:54.480><c> also</c><00:21:54.720><c> have

Bills: SB3179 , SB2872 , SB2391 , SB3282 , SB2836 , SB2181

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The joint committee first heard SB 3179, which would require the Department of Education and charter schools to report harassment incidents involving educational workers and adopt procedures for handling them. DOE supported the bill, while the Attorney General recommended clarifying amendments to limit the measure to harassment directed at workers because of their position, to limit DOE legal assistance to temporary restraining order actions, and to clarify whether the harassment must come from outside the school system. Members also discussed whether the bill should cover non-DOE individuals on campus, whether investigations could be handled in-house, and whether training should be embedded in existing workday or school-year training rather than added as a separate requirement. The committee later voted to pass the bill with amendments as SD1. The committee then took up SB 2872, which would require retired teachers or administrators rehired into shortage or hard-to-fill positions to be paid the entry-level salary for that position. DOE supported the bill, and the Attorney General requested clarifying language about its effective date and that it would not affect already matured rights and duties. The Employees’ Retirement System administration emphasized that the bill should retain a 12-month break in service to preserve the pension system’s tax-exempt status and noted the importance of consistent classification of eligible positions. Members expressed support for using retired educators to help fill staffing gaps, but no final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee also heard SB 2391, which would provide annual step increases for public school teachers under bargaining unit 5, subject to funding. The Attorney General said the bill could conflict with collective bargaining procedures and Chapter 89, while DOE said unit 5 includes more than teachers and asked that the benefit be considered for other bargaining units as well, with funding provided if enacted. HSTA strongly supported the measure, arguing that annual step movement is already recognized in the collective bargaining agreement as a recruiting and retention tool. Testimony totals were noted as 16 in support, two in opposition, and three comments. Finally, the committee heard SB 3282, which would establish a statewide framework for the federal workforce Pell Grant program to fund short-term workforce education and training. The Attorney General suggested clarifying that the matter is one of statewide concern because UH is involved. UH and the Chamber of Commerce supported the bill, and DLIR testified that it is coordinating with DOE, the Workforce Development Council, and national groups on implementation. Members questioned whether the Workforce Development Council or DLIR should handle rulemaking and administration, and DLIR said the council is advisory while the department has grant administration expertise. The committee then moved into decision-making after discussion of possible amendments and implementation concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• one<00:21:07.760><c> favorite</c><00:21:08.159><c> type</c><00:21:08.320><c> of</c><00:21:08.559><c>
• huge</c><00:21:14.159><c> urge</c><00:21:14.320><c> you</c><00:21:14.559><c> to</c><00:21:14.799><c>
• 21:22.960><c> SB</c><00:21:23.679><c> 2845?
• </c><00:21:28.880><c> SB</c><00:21:29.360><c> 2854</c><00:21:30.400><c> relating</c><00:21:30.799><c>
• Thank you very much.<00:21:53.679><c> Next</c><00:21:54.000><c> we</c><00:21:54.240><c> have</c><00:21

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a large number of health-related measures, with the most extensive discussion on SB 2283, which would expand mail-order pharmacy access for prescription drugs. Supporters including HMSA, the Board of Pharmacy, and health plan groups said mail order could lower costs, improve adherence, and reduce hospitalizations, while independent pharmacies and rural neighbor-island providers warned it could harm local pharmacies, reduce access for patients who rely on face-to-face service, and create delivery and storage problems for medications. No vote was taken on SB 2283 during the excerpt, and the chair moved on after hearing testimony. The committee also heard SB 2855 on opioid antagonists, with the Insurance Division and HMSA noting that medically necessary opioid antagonists are already covered and suggesting the issue may be addressed through education or administrative fixes. Fentanyl and substance abuse groups supported the measure. SB 3045 on health insurance coverage for continuous glucose monitors drew broad support from diabetes and health organizations; HMSA said it had already expanded coverage for members on injectable insulin but raised concerns about supply constraints and said it had not yet seen an auditor study referenced in discussion. Members asked whether the bill would extend coverage beyond current policy. SB 2843 on domestic violence received support from the Public Defender’s Office, prosecutors, and victim-related organizations, who said the pilot program for misdemeanor domestic violence cases had reduced backlogs and improved court efficiency. A prosecutor also supported retaining coercive control as a petty misdemeanor tool in larger domestic violence cases. SB 2845 on healthcare facility access drew strong support from many health, legal, and advocacy groups, who said it would protect patients and staff from disruptive interference at healthcare facilities; one opponent argued it would chill lawful speech and protest and unfairly exempt labor demonstrations. The committee then heard SB 2854 and SB 3202, both healthcare-related measures, with testimony largely in support. SB 2854 drew comments from health and dental groups, and SB 3202 focused on workforce and licensing issues, including support for retired physicians volunteering, preceptor tax credits, and adding advanced midwifery and physician assistant-related provisions. The chair repeatedly enforced a one-minute testimony limit and moved through the agenda without recorded votes in the excerpt.