Transcript Highlights:

• Calling the HHS, Agriculture, Environment, Energy, and Intergovernmental Affairs joint referrals 1 p.m
• Recalling the joint session calendar of HHS, AEN, and energy. Okay.
• >> and and energy. Okay. Uh for decision >> and and energy. Okay.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The joint HHS, Agriculture, Environment, Energy, and Intergovernmental Affairs hearing focused first on SB 2262, a pollution and illegal dumping measure. The Department of Health said it stood on its written testimony, and public testimony included support from CARES with suggested amendments to involve the counties in standardized response planning and to address pollution caused by individuals. Members questioned the bill’s fines, where they would go, and how the department would handle carcasses and illegal dumping enforcement. DOH said administrative fines go to the general fund, criminal fines are collected by the Attorney General, carcasses are generally buried by the landowner under existing rules, and DOH mainly regulates solid waste and coordinates with counties and other agencies when violations arise. After discussion, the chair recommended SB 2262 be passed with substantial amendments. The proposed amendments would add DLNR to the task force, deposit all fines into a special fund to support enforcement, allow fines below $5,000 for littering and higher fines for excessive or chronic illegal dumping, and include a January 30, 2050 effective date. The committee adopted the recommendation, with members voting aye. The hearing then moved to the HHS calendar. On SB 2087, relating to health insurance, agencies including DHS, DCCA, the Attorney General, and Labor stood on written testimony, while several advocacy and medical groups testified in support. One Medicaid recipient opposed the bill, arguing the coverage should be immediate rather than phased in over three years. Angela Melody Young supported the bill but urged amendments to prioritize people with disabilities, kupuna, and mothers. Members questioned whether the rural health transformation program could support the bill’s deductible structure; the Department of Human Services said it was unlikely CMS would allow that level of coverage, though rural funds might help in other ways. The committee then moved on to SB 2089, which would expand services eligible for Medicaid prospective payment system reimbursement, hearing support from OHA, DHS, and others, along with testimony about mental health access and training. The transcript also began SB 2106, relating to health and eating disorder prevention, with a student testifying in support and citing youth eating disorder harms, but the discussion was cut off before any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas blending classic southern roots with youthful energy, the group's signature sound features
• blending classic southern roots with blending classic southern roots with youthful<00:22:22.880><c> energy
• /c><00:22:23.440><c> the</c><00:22:23.600><c> group's</c><00:22:23.919><c> signature</c> youthful energy
• , the group's signature youthful energy, the group's signature sound<00:22:24.799><c> features</c><00

Transcript Highlights:

• started, as, again, as Co-Chair Upchurch mentioned, our hearts and our thoughts and our prayers and our energy
• our prayers hearts and our thoughts and our prayers and<00:38:16.320><c> our</c><00:38:16.560><c> energy
• with</c><00:38:17.839><c> our</c><00:38:18.079><c> our</c><00:38:18.560><c> aviation</c> and our energy
• is with our our aviation and our energy is with our our aviation family,<00:38:20.079><c> our</c><00

Summary: The subcommittee approved the October 15 minutes and observed a moment of silence for the victims of the UPS Worldport plane crash. The main presentation was from Transportation Cabinet Commissioner Bobby Joe Lewis on the Local Assistance Road Program/County Priority Projects Program (LAARP/CPP), which was implemented under House Bill 546 and now requires rehabilitation projects to restore roads to original condition, cap funding at $500,000 per project, use a new scoring matrix, include a local match, and submit one photograph per 300 feet of project length. He reported that the 2026-2027 cycle ran from June 1 to October 1 and drew 1,215 project applications from 107 counties and 106 cities, with total submitted project costs of about $121.1 million and about $102.3 million requested after local match. He also said 30% of submissions scored 10s and 22% scored 9s, and that the list of requests and required photos had been submitted to the General Assembly and LRC. Members asked about how scores change over time, whether roads can move from lower scores to 10s, and whether the new process gives a better picture of local needs. Lewis said scores can change based on weather and road conditions, but the new system provides more information and a more standardized evaluation than before. Several members raised concerns about the volume and size of required photographs, suggesting drone footage or video as an alternative; Lewis said the photo requirement has caused confusion and large file uploads, and he was open to considering easier ways to document conditions. Members also discussed continuity in scoring across districts, and Lewis explained that district staff appointed by chief district engineers use a handbook and scoring matrix, with the scores entered into a computer system so evaluators do not see the final score while scoring. The committee also discussed funding levels and carry-forward balances for the program. Lewis said the program began with $20 million authorized in HR92, noted underruns from completed projects, and reported a carry-forward amount that had grown to $355,432.42 available for reauthorization as of October 13. In response to questions, he said the current process concentrates applications into a short window, with 63% of applications arriving in the last few days and 417 on October 1, which created a heavy workload but was completed on time. The meeting then moved to multimodal funding priorities, with Jennifer Kersner of Kentuckians for Better Transportation introducing herself and offering condolences for the UPS aviation incident before beginning her remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• But that all said, that's not where maybe the department wants to spend its energy.
• wants to spend where maybe department wants to spend its<01:23:51.520><c> its</c><01:23:51.920><c> energy
• Anyway,</c><01:23:53.520><c> I</c><01:23:53.679><c> think</c><01:23:53.760><c> there's</c> its its energy
• Anyway, I think there's its its energy.

Summary: The informational briefing focused on the Office of the Auditor’s recent audit of Hawaii’s deposit beverage container program and the Department of Health’s response. State Auditor Les Condo reviewed the program’s structure, noting it was created to increase recycling and reduce litter, but said prior audits have repeatedly found weak internal controls, reliance on self-reported data, and an “honor system” approach. He cited examples of underreporting and overpayment risks, including a Whole Foods settlement and secret-shopper testing at a redemption center where the program reimbursed more than what was actually paid to consumers. Condo said the special fund continues to grow, increasing by more than $12 million between FY24 and FY25, and that the 2024 audit found no meaningful progress in implementing earlier recommendations. He also noted that many prior recommendations were later codified in law, including risk-based audits and internal control requirements, and said the office will audit the program again in about a year. Senator Fevella said the briefing was needed because he has seen little progress over the years and emphasized the program’s goals of reducing litter and promoting recycling. He noted that Hawaii has lost a glass recycler, underscoring broader challenges in the system. Department of Health Deputy Director Kathleen Hoe said the department is committed to addressing longstanding problems and said the director’s office meets with the program twice a month. Program staff outlined steps being taken to respond to the audit, including revising accounting and inspection/enforcement manuals, retaining third-party services, and implementing risk-based audits of distributors and redemption centers. They said internal control process documents from distributors were due June 30, with about 200 received and roughly 100 still outstanding, and that enforcement letters are being sent. The department also described plans for electronic reporting to reduce manual entry and improve accuracy, as well as a broader legislative proposal for a tiered audit system. Under that proposal, larger distributors would remain subject to the current every-other-year audit requirement, middle-tier distributors would be audited every five years, and smaller distributors would be exempt. Officials said the governor had temporarily waived enforcement of the 2025 independent audit requirement because of cost concerns for smaller distributors, while the department reviews submitted audits and considers a longer-term fix. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• ramping up our use of renewable fuels in the medium- and heavy-duty fleet, and building new net-zero energy
• 53:39.840><c> building</c><00:53:40.360><c> new</c><00:53:40.880><c> net-zero</c><00:53:42.040><c> energy
• </c> fleet, and building new net-zero energy fleet, and building new net-zero energy facilities. facilities

Summary: The task force met on October 14, confirmed a quorum, and adopted the September 16, 2025 minutes. Members then received a Kentucky Air National Guard 101 briefing from Brigadier General Bruce Bancroft, commander of the Kentucky Air National Guard, who described the Guard’s structure, missions, and statewide role. He emphasized that Kentucky is a single-wing state centered at Louisville’s 123rd Airlift Wing and highlighted several unique capabilities, including the Contingency Response Group, critical care air transport teams, medical detachment for chemical environments, explosive ordnance disposal, fatality search and recovery, and special tactics personnel. General Bancroft also discussed staffing and readiness, saying the Guard has 1,273 authorized positions, with a mix of AGR, Title 32, and Title 5 personnel. He noted that AGR positions are funded at about 96 percent, while technician positions are funded at about 53 percent, leaving the organization to operate at roughly 75 percent of authorized manpower overall. He said the wing converted from the C-130H to the C-130J in 2021 and completed the transition in about 2.5 years, ahead of the original three-year timeline. The briefing further covered the Guard’s operational tempo and community role. Bancroft said the unit has earned 21 Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, has deployed about 500,000 days since 9/11 across 45 countries, and routinely supports federal and domestic missions. He described the C-130J’s tactical airlift, airdrop, and blacked-out operations as directly useful for disaster response in Kentucky, and he pointed to strong ties with UPS and other aviation employers. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approval of the prior minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• have telehealth, and I think organizations like the Kentucky Society of Medication could use their energies
• <01:04:09.599><c> could</c><01:04:09.920><c> use</c><01:04:10.160><c> their</c><01:04:10.480><c> energies
• </c> of Medication could use their energies of Medication could use their energies to<01:04:11.920><c

Summary: The subcommittee met on October 14, approved the minutes, and then took up a large group of staff-suggested amendments to multiple regulations. Those staff amendments were approved without objection and were described as technical changes needed to comply with KRS Chapter 13A and other governing law. The committee then moved out of order to consider Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure regulation 2011 KAR 9:270, which governs buprenorphine prescribing and related standards. Board representatives said the regulation has been updated over time since 2015 and that the current amendments are intended to streamline the rule, remove outdated federal references such as the X-waiver, narrow education requirements to addiction-related topics, and create exceptions for settings like emergency rooms and certain pain treatment situations. The agency amendment would also allow buprenorphine monoproduct for up to 30 days when a patient is transitioning from a full opioid agonist, and would add physicians certified in addiction medicine as eligible specialty consultants. Board officials said the regulation was developed through a two-year process with a work group, informal outreach to medical organizations, and multiple comment periods, and they argued the rule is working because overdose deaths have declined and provider numbers have increased. Several witnesses and committee members raised concerns that the regulation remains too restrictive. Senator Rocky Adams noted that major medical organizations had said the proposed language could restrict access and worsen overdose risk, and he questioned whether the committee was being asked to choose between conflicting expert views. Opponents, including a medical student, a recovery advocate, and Dr. Colleen Ryan of the Kentucky Society of Addiction Medicine, argued the rule is outdated, creates unnecessary barriers to buprenorphine treatment, and should be repealed or substantially revised to align with federal guidance and evidence-based care. They said rigid requirements can discourage treatment and that addiction should be treated like other chronic illnesses. No final vote on the medical licensure regulation is reflected in the transcript excerpt, and the discussion ended with the chair preparing to hear from additional opponents.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we use it for Energy and Environment Cabinet.
• we</c><00:09:09.480><c> use</c><00:09:09.720><c> it</c><00:09:09.920><c> for</c><00:09:10.160><c> Energy
• </c><00:09:10.480><c> and</c><00:09:10.560><c> Environment</c> Um, we use it for Energy and Environment
• Um, we use it for Energy and Environment Cabinet,<00:09:11.520><c> the</c><00:09:11.760><c> Transportation

Summary: The meeting began with approval of the prior minutes and then focused first on the Commonwealth Office of Technology’s legacy systems and two specific projects. COT officials said many agencies have made progress moving off legacy applications, with remaining mainframe systems slated to be retired through RFPs or other work orders. They also described a legacy funding pool of $10 million per biennium used to help agencies transition. The two projects discussed were the Kentucky aerial photography and elevation data program, which provides statewide aerial imagery and lidar data for GIS, E911, environmental, transportation, and other uses, and a citizen identity and access management system intended to give residents a single login for state services. Officials said the GIS program costs about $1.2 million annually to host and maintain, with data acquisition costing several million more per year, and that the citizen identity system would cost about $2.5 million per year after an initial three-year COT investment. Members asked about duplication of funding, licensing, local government use, and whether multi-factor authentication would be required; COT said the GIS data is being acquired as statewide unlicensed data and that MFA would be available but not yet mandated statewide. Committee members pressed COT on costs, overlap with cabinet-level IT spending, and the practical benefits of the GIS and identity projects. COT explained that GIS hosting is generally covered through enterprise assessments billed quarterly to agencies, while the new aerial data is intended to benefit the whole state and local partners. On the identity project, officials said it would centralize authentication for citizens who use state systems, improve compliance with zero-trust and NIST-related security expectations, and reduce help desk and maintenance burdens through self-service account tools. Members also discussed whether the system would extend to local governments; COT said it would be a Kentucky.gov-style state login for users inside the state identity infrastructure, not a local-government system. The Department of Education then testified that it does not operate mainframes or major legacy systems, having moved long ago to cloud-based, off-the-shelf products and vendor-supported services. KDE officials described a strong emphasis on staff cybersecurity awareness, standardized statewide systems, vendor risk-sharing, and reducing sensitive data exposure, including efforts to move away from student Social Security numbers. They also highlighted a transition from Microsoft Active Directory to Identity Automation, which they said will improve identity management and make multi-factor authentication universal across K-12. In response to questions about Kentucky Wired and internet service, KDE said all 171 school districts and KDE agencies have been moved to a new next-generation internet service through ENA by Zayo, with strong satisfaction, e-rate savings, and better reliability. Officials warned that any internet disruption would immediately affect attendance, grades, student records, payroll, security systems, and communications across the K-12 system.

Transcript Highlights:

• establishes an account and a process for agencies to seek funding for projects that relate to renewable energy
• relate seek funding um for projects that relate to<00:31:07.520><c> renewable</c><00:31:08.000><c> energy
• </c><00:31:08.480><c> and</c><00:31:08.799><c> storage</c><00:31:09.200><c> and</c> to renewable energy
• and storage and to renewable energy and storage and charging<00:31:09.840><c> stations</c><00:31:10.320

Transcript Highlights:

• I thought with new energy, and again it just, the commission just didn't respond.
• </c><01:27:21.280><c> you</c><01:27:21.360><c> know</c><01:27:21.440><c> new</c><01:27:21.679><c> energy
• </c><01:27:22.080><c> and</c><01:27:22.560><c> and</c> thought with you know new energy and and thought
• with you know new energy and and uh<01:27:23.440><c> and</c><01:27:23.679><c> again</c><01:27:24.000

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:28:05.760><c> and</c><00:28:06.240><c> in</c><00:28:06.559><c> energy</c><00:28:06.960><c> and
• </c> insurance laws. and in energy and insurance laws. and in energy and natural<00:28:07.679><c> resources
• They're more energy efficient, and they're built to modern housing codes.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's an additional crime for our law enforcement to spend time, energy, and resources if they were
• enforcement<00:25:11.200><c> to</c><00:25:11.440><c> spend</c><00:25:11.600><c> time,</c><00:25:11.840><c> energy
• ,</c><00:25:12.080><c> and</c> enforcement to spend time, energy, and enforcement to spend time, energy

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• content moderation choices by these platforms, but a tangential case—TV Missouri—showed where the energy
• And meet escalating energy demands. Those are the three big things.
• the leaders in AI to continue that, and with the light and rain. regulatory touch and all the above energy
• of effort that goes into this process versus an open process, I would much rather see the state's energy

Bills: HB149 , HB252 , HB643 , HB1442 , HB1500 , HB1672 , HB1851 , HB1893 , HB2028 , HB2768 , HB2818 , HB149 , HB252

Committee: House Delivery of Government Efficiency

Keywords: artificial intelligence, regulation, biometric data, ethical AI, consumer protection, AI governance, employment compensation, state agencies, salary payments, general appropriations, government efficiency, public works, contractors, payment bonds, government contracts, construction law, transparency, open meetings, government accountability, public access

Transcript Highlights:

• We want people to reduce that kinetic energy.
• 00:24:26.880><c> kinetic</c> want people to reduce that kinetic want people to reduce that kinetic energy
• :28.240><c> have</c><00:24:28.400><c> a</c><00:24:28.559><c> crash,</c><00:24:29.039><c> then</c> energy
• So if they do have a crash, then energy.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• This role would be my priority, and I have the time and the energy to make this commitment.
• </c><00:38:28.960><c> time</c><00:38:29.480><c> and</c><00:38:29.640><c> the</c><00:38:29.880><c> energy
• </c><00:38:30.560><c> to</c> and I have the time and the energy to and I have the time and the energy

Transcript Highlights:

• The Commerce and Energy Committee, which oversees Medicaid, is expected to cut $880 billion.
• 00:35:10.800><c> and</c> spending reductions the Commerce and spending reductions the Commerce and energy
• committee</c><00:35:11.839><c> which</c><00:35:11.960><c> oversees</c><00:35:12.400><c> Medicaid</c> energy
• committee which oversees Medicaid energy committee which oversees Medicaid is<00:35:13.200><c> expected

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• as mine, who have a child with a life-threatening disease, deserve the right to focus all of their energy
• to Focus all disease deserve the right to Focus all of<00:32:58.679><c> their</c><00:32:58.960><c> energy
• and</c><00:32:59.480><c> attention</c><00:32:59.960><c> on</c><00:33:00.120><c> saving</c> of their energy
• and attention on saving of their energy and attention on saving that<00:33:00.639><c> child's</c><00

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a great letter in our packet that talks about remaining competitive in the global clean energy
• the cornerstone of our industry's efforts to compete and innovate and to address current and future energy
• the cornerstone of our industry's efforts to compete and innovate and to address current and future energy
• the cornerstone of our industry's efforts to compete and innovate and to address current and future energy

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• So our concern really, and where we think the energy needs to be focused, is enforcement and education
• 35:31.280><c> the</c> concern really and where we think the concern really and where we think the energy
• 35:32.200><c> be</c><00:35:32.400><c> focused</c><00:35:32.720><c> on</c><00:35:33.000><c> is</c> energy
• needs to be focused on is energy needs to be focused on is enforcement<00:35:33.839><c> and</c><00:35

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard a series of transportation and public safety bills, beginning with HB 706, which would require skateboard users under age 16 to wear helmets. The Department of Transportation supported the measure, and the chair noted written support from AAA Hawaii, Kulani Medical Center for Women and Children, and several individuals. No opposition was mentioned, and the bill appeared to draw no questions. Members then heard HB 860, which would grant immunity to the state or county that repairs or maintains a street when ownership or jurisdiction is disputed. DOT and DLNR supported the bill, with county support from Maui and a Hawaii Island county representative, while the Hawaii Association for Justice opposed it. The committee also heard HB 1162, requiring applicants for a motorcycle instruction permit to complete an approved basic rider course, with DOT support and a recommended amendment to exempt motorcycles used for training; the Public Defender asked about the current process, and DOT explained the bill was intended to improve safety given motorcycle fatalities. HB 1259, allowing speed-limit reductions within 10 mph of the current limit without an engineering study, also drew DOT support and support from the AAHU Metropolitan Planning Organization and individuals. The committee next considered HB 1158, a governor’s package bill limiting civil liability for people who provide firefighting services with vessels at commercial harbors or roadsteads to gross negligence or wanton conduct. DOT Harbors said the bill was prompted by lessons from the Lahaina fires and was intended to encourage privately owned firefighting-equipped vessels to assist without hesitation; the Hawaii Harbor Users Group and an individual supported it. HB 54, which would make a third or subsequent excessive speeding offense a Class C felony and allow vehicle forfeiture, drew DOT support but strong opposition from the Public Defender, who argued the bill was overly harsh, would force jury trials, and could create sentencing problems; the Public Defender also said existing penalties were already significant. The committee then heard HB 1334, which would exempt donations of wild game meat, including axis deer, to charitable and nonprofit organizations from certain meat inspection and transportation laws; DLNR and multiple community and food-related groups supported it, and no opposition was noted. Finally, the committee took up HB 698 on animal cruelty, which would increase criminal penalties for various offenses. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing the cases are rare, enforcement is limited, and the proposed penalties—up to Class A felony treatment in some cases—were too severe; animal welfare advocates strongly supported the measure, saying cruelty cases are widespread, underreported, and under-enforced, and that stronger penalties are needed as a deterrent. No votes or final actions were taken on any of the bills in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ours, because we're a state agency, as you know, with our clean energy, we're a little bit more flexible
• Ours, because we're a state agency, as you know, with our clean energy, we're a little bit more flexible
• Ours, because we're a state agency, as you know, with our clean energy, we're a little bit more flexible
• Ours, because we're a state agency, as you know, with our clean energy, we're a little bit more flexible

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Summary: The committee opened by outlining testimony procedures and then heard SB 376 on tax credits, which would create a home fire safety improvement tax credit. Testimony from the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi urged that the concept would be better handled as a subsidy program and raised drafting concerns about unclear definitions and eligibility. Later, the committees agreed to pass SB 376 with amendments, including making the credit nonrefundable, clarifying third-party certification, deleting recapture-related language, and making technical changes. Members then heard SB 417, which would make unlicensed contractor work during or within five years after an emergency or disaster a class B felony. The Contractors License Board was listed for comments, and the Subcontractors Association supported the measure. The committees ultimately recommended passage with technical, non-substantive amendments and an adjusted effective date, and the measure was adopted. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on SB 782, which would require free and accessible voice communication services for incarcerated people and prohibit state agencies from profiting from those services, while also directing the PUC to set standards and providing funding for the SAVIN victim notification program. Supporters, including the Public Defender, ACLU of Hawaiʻi, Worth Rises, and others, argued the bill would reduce costs for families, improve reentry, and align adult corrections with the juvenile system. Opponents, including the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Hawaiʻi Paroling Authority, and SAVIN-related witnesses, warned that changing the funding structure could weaken victim notification and safety services. The committees deferred SB 782. The committee also heard SB 999 on fireworks, which would repeal permissible consumer fireworks uses, impose civil penalties and forfeiture remedies, and create a forfeiture special fund for safety education. The Department of Law Enforcement and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, while fireworks industry representatives and others opposed it, arguing prohibition would be ineffective and urging stronger enforcement and education instead. The committees deferred SB 999 for further consideration, and SB 1136 on insurance was also deferred after insurers and the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs opposed it. In the later joint session with the Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, SB 744 on condominium loans was heard with support from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority and banking groups, while one testifier raised concerns that the program could function like C-PACE financing and add risky debt to condominium associations; testimony and discussion continued on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Jack Rudderman, and I serve as New Hampshire Housing's energy and legislative affairs advisor
• and I serve as New<01:32:36.480><c> Hampshire</c><01:32:36.840><c> housing's</c><01:32:37.520><c> energy
• </c><01:32:38.000><c> and</c> New Hampshire housing's energy and New Hampshire housing's energy and legislative

Committee: House Housing