Transcript Highlights:

• 190 and then also in statute in chapter 190 and then also in chapter chapter chapter 371<00:03:35.799
• is still<00:21:03.960><c> 52</c><00:21:04.799><c> we're</c><00:21:05.000><c> still</c><00:21:05.200>
• this is<00:21:39.480><c> this</c><00:21:39.600><c> is</c><00:21:39.720><c> really</c><00:21:39.960><
• ><c> uh</c><00:21:45.640><c> and</c><00:21:45.799><c> would</c><00:21:46.120><c> be</c><00:21:46.320>
• c><00:21:48.480><c> this</c><00:21:48.679><c> issue</c><00:21:49.640><c> I</c><00:21:49.720><c> would

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum and first took up Senate Bill 145, sponsored by Sen. David Givens. The bill would update retail installment contract statutes for automobile sales, allowing retailers with installment contracts shorter than 28 days to begin collections after three days instead of waiting for multiple missed payments, and it also harmonizes a related dollar amount in statute from $10 to $15. The committee asked no questions, and the bill received a favorable expression on a roll-call vote. The committee then heard Senate Bill 183 from Sen. Matt Nunn, with testimony from Chris Nolan of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association. The bill would require proxy advisers acting for the State Retirement System to act solely in the financial interest of current and future retirees and to avoid political or social considerations in shareholder voting recommendations. Supporters argued it would keep politics out of public pensions and align proxy advice with fiduciary duties; members praised the bill and noted Kentucky could be among the first states to adopt such a model. The committee approved the bill with favorable expression after a roll-call vote. The committee also reviewed administrative regulation 808 KAR 9:10 from the Department of Financial Institutions, with no vote required. It then took up House Bill 413, a PBM rebate pass-through bill, with testimony from Sarah Wood of the Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition. She said the bill would require 85% of negotiated drug rebates to be passed through to patients at the point of sale, lowering out-of-pocket costs, especially for high-rebate drugs such as insulin, while still allowing 15% to remain with plans. She cited examples from other states and argued the bill would benefit about 650,000 Kentuckians. Hope McClaflin of Anthem opposed the bill, saying it would reduce employers’ ability to use rebates to lower premiums, could disproportionately favor high-cost brand-name drug users, and could create significant costs for state and fully insured plans. Members asked questions about other states’ pass-through rates and the effect on premiums, but no final action on House Bill 413 was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> require</c><00:21:20.080><c> the</c><00:21:20.680><c> the</c><00:21:20.800><c> Department</c><00
• the the Department of Budget and<00:21:21.640><c> Finance</c><00:21:21.960><c> to</c><00:21:22.040><
• ><00:21:24.240><c> prior</c><00:21:24.480><c> to</c><00:21:24.640><c> defeasance.
• If<00:21:28.400><c> not,</c><00:21:28.640><c> trouble</c><00:21:28.920><c> say.
• All members present.<00:21:30.200><c> Anyone</c><00:21:30.480><c> voting</c><00:21:30.800><c> no?

Summary: The committees met in decision-making sessions and considered a long list of Senate bills, with no oral testimony taken. Several measures were advanced unamended, including SB 2178 on industrial hemp, SB 2277 on hospital price transparency, SB 2387 on digital financial asset transaction kiosks, SB 2688 on compassionate release, SB 3132 on syndromic surveillance data reporting, SB 3219 on housing infrastructure growth bonds, and others. Many bills were also advanced with technical or substantive amendments, including SB 2114 on collective bargaining grievance rights, SB 2601 on procurement penalties, SB 2698 on cruise ships/transportation, SB 2757 on digital asset charters, SB 2948 on insurance fraud, SB 2002 on water governance, SB 2022 on state water code penalties, SB 2190 on inclusionary zoning, SB 3294 on wrongful imprisonment compensation, and SB 17, SB 2407, SB 2811, SB 2907, SB 2930, SB 3084, SB 3103, and SB 2808 in the later agenda segment. The committee also discussed SB 2080, relating to the psychology interjurisdictional compact, where one senator objected to interstate compacts as opening local jobs to out-of-state professionals; despite that objection, the measure was adopted. SB 3133 on preventive medicine drew amendment discussion to remove unnecessary language about committee members not being state employees and to delete an immunity subsection, while preserving ethics-code coverage and provider immunity. SB 3000 on insurance was amended to remove a savings clause, and SB 2921 on fund transfers received extensive amendments removing or revising numerous special funds and revolving accounts across agencies. Most votes were unanimous or near-unanimous, often with members present voting aye or with reservations. A few measures drew recorded no votes or reservations, including SB 2080, SB 3133, SB 2921, and SB 2401, where one member voted with reservations and the committee report was to reflect the Attorney General’s comments. In each case, the committee adopted the recommendation and moved the bills forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Amendment Number 18, 19, 20, and 21 are on hold. Amendment Number 18, 19, 20, and 21 are on hold.
• I have withdrawn 19, 20, and 21 with thanks again to the leaders of this bill. ...and 21 with thanks
• Madam President, we've got a Chapter 70 formula that no longer recognizes the burdens that are being
• It will soon be upon us to write the next chapter of education finance legislation in Massachusetts,
• I don't know if you've started to dig into the numbers yet, but the Chapter 70 numbers are shocking in

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:20.159><c> I</c><00:21:20.480><c> serve</c><00:21:20.720><c> as</c><00:21:20.960><c> the</
• </c><00:21:28.080><c> and</c><00:21:28.320><c> I'm</c><00:21:28.480><c> here</c><00:21:28.799><c> in<
• </c><00:21:32.080><c> I</c><00:21:32.320><c> think</c><00:21:32.400><c> it's</c><00:21:32.559><c> a</
• </c><00:21:34.320><c> Um</c><00:21:34.799><c> we</c><00:21:35.039><c> have</c><00:21:35.919><c> um</c
• :21:46.960><c> a</c><00:21:47.120><c> lot</c><00:21:47.200><c> of</c><00:21:47.840><c> um</c><00:21:48.159

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 21 is from House File 1993, as amended from Representative Frederick. This expands.
• Sections in Chapter 245I. Section 25 is from House File 98.
• Section 27, also from House File 98, adds client grievance rights in Chapter 245I.
• The Mental Health Uniform Service Standards Chapter.
• Avenues runs two shelters: one for youth ages 16 to 20, and one for youth ages 21 to 24.

Bills: HF2115 , HF2276 , HF1644 , HF99 , HF2068 , HF2707 , HF2704 , HF2406 , HF1674 , HF1579

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• There<00:21:06.480><c> is</c><00:21:06.880><c> not</c><00:21:07.280><c> a</c><00:21:07.600><c> a</c><
• 00:21:07.680><c> subtotal</c><00:21:08.200><c> of</c><00:21:08.280><c> the</c><00:21:08.400><c> changes
• ><c> the</c><00:21:08.920><c> OIG,</c><00:21:09.320><c> but</c><00:21:09.480><c> this</c><00:21:09.680
• Um<00:21:32.960><c> Senators,</c><00:21:33.720><c> uh</c><00:21:33.760><c> Miss</c><00:21:33.960><c>
• </c><00:21:59.680><c> Are</c><00:21:59.760><c> you</c><00:21:59.800><c> got</c><00:21:59.920><c> what

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:57.799><c> goes</c><00:21:58.120><c> back</c><00:21:58.320><c> to</c><00:21:58.640><c> the
• </c><01:21:22.719><c> I</c><01:21:22.840><c> think</c><01:21:23.040><c> we</c><01:21:23.320><c> also<
• ><c> to</c><01:21:25.520><c> wait</c><01:21:26.520><c> okay</c><01:21:27.520><c> all</c><01:21:27.760
• c><01:21:33.960><c> made</c><01:21:34.199><c> a</c><01:21:34.400><c> deal</c><01:21:34.920><c> with</
• 21:50.480><c> and</c><01:21:51.080><c> especially</c><01:21:51.440><c> on</c><01:21:51.679><c> parts<

Summary: The committee first heard from the Department of Labor on several House Bill 2 sections. Members discussed raising the annual elevator certificate fee, which had been $50 since at least fiscal year 2014; the commissioner said the Inspection Division generates more revenue than its costs, and members agreed to amend the fee to $75 and later voted unanimously to accept Section 137. The department also explained a proposed change to civil penalty/warning language in Section 139 to align enforcement across labor laws; that section was accepted unanimously. The commissioner then gave a detailed overview of the second injury fund, describing how it is financed by assessments on insurance carriers, how claims are reviewed for reimbursement, and how the fund is intended to reimburse certain workers’ compensation costs. Members questioned whether the program still serves its original purpose, whether it is revenue-neutral, and whether it should be sunset; the department said the fund is a mixed bag for the state and industry, but no sunset language was adopted. Sections 140 and 141 were then accepted unanimously. The committee next heard from the Judicial Council on Sections 125 through 127. The witness said the changes would streamline payment for indigent defense services other than counsel, reduce the number of bills requiring judge review, and expand the council’s ability to contract with providers for services such as translation and evaluations. He also explained a proposed fail-safe allowing the executive director to decline to process questionable invoices and send them to a judge instead. Members generally supported the streamlining, and Sections 125 through 127 were accepted unanimously. Toward the end of the discussion, members asked about the cost impact of changing the misdemeanor/felony threshold from $1,000 to a higher amount. The Judicial Council said felony cases are significantly more expensive than misdemeanors because they involve more hearings, more discovery, and more attorney time, with assigned felony cases costing several times more on average. No action was taken on that question in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:03.600><c> I</c><00:21:03.840><c> want</c><00:21:04.080><c> to</c><00:21:04.480><c> uh</c>
• I want to uh explain<00:21:05.200><c> my</c><00:21:05.440><c> yes</c><00:21:05.760><c> vote</c><00:21
• 21:17.120><c> how</c><00:21:17.280><c> to</c><00:21:17.440><c> read.
• :23.360><c> and</c><00:21:23.840><c> I</c><00:21:24.080><c> think</c><00:21:24.240><c> this</c><00:21
• Uh and<00:21:26.400><c> my</c><00:21:26.559><c> vote</c><00:21:26.880><c> today</c><00:21:27.120><c>

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the pledge, recorded 96 members present, excused absences, and approved the journal from January 27, 2026. The Senate clerk announced passage of Senate Bills 17 and 181 and requested concurrence. Committee reports advanced a number of bills on health insurance, judiciary, local government, and transportation topics, including measures on pharmacist reimbursements, hearing aid coverage, feeding and eating disorders, grooming a minor, local government liability, water fluoridation, cigar bars, chickens on residential property, highway pavement markings, motor vehicle titles, and pedestrian issues; all favorable reports were treated as first readings and placed on the calendar. The House then took up and passed House Bill 320 on human trafficking, with the sponsor explaining it would equalize penalties for promoting human trafficking with those for trafficking itself and increase the penalty when the victim is under 18. A member asked whether the bill included additional funding for cyber enforcement; the sponsor replied it was not an appropriation and would not require new funding, though prior budgets had increased support for anti-trafficking efforts. The House adopted a title amendment changing the bill’s title to combating human trafficking. The chamber also passed House Bill 366, which clarifies that materials portraying a sexual performance by a minor include computer-generated images and requires 85% service of the sentence before probation or parole; the sponsor said it was supported by law enforcement and prosecutors. House Bill 389 on reading and writing in schools also passed as amended by House Committee Substitute 1. The sponsor said it would require annual updates to the state dyslexia toolkit, expand professional development and coaching, require local school boards to develop processes for universal screening and diagnostic tools, and add dyslexia instruction to teacher preparation programs; the substitute added conformity with IDEA and revised the instructional language. Members spoke in support of early dyslexia detection and one member noted the bill updated prior legislation associated with former Rep. Bam Carney. House Bill 56, an omnibus Department of Agriculture bill, then passed; it addressed amusement ride inspections, grain warehousing penalties, egg handler licensing renewal timing, exemptions for small producers, and repealed obsolete tobacco and egg marketing board provisions. All three bills passed by roll call with 95 or 94 votes in favor and none opposed, and clinchers were applied. During announcements, members noted upcoming committee meetings and events, including a suits-and-sneakers day and cancer-related breakfast, caucus meetings, and committee meetings. New bills and resolutions were introduced, including measures on local occupational license fees, early learning and child care, tuition waivers, an adult workforce diploma pilot, motor vehicle usage tax, contract procurement, Fish and Wildlife Resources, adoption, veterans’ benefits, Cabinet for Health and Family Services operations, organ donation safety, hate crimes, prescription drugs, and resolutions on the Kentucky-Japan partnership and veterans’ benefits accreditation. The clerk also reported a petition of impeachment filed against Judge Julie Goodman. The House then referred a group of bills to committees, reported floor amendments for House Bills 321 and 416, and adjourned until 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 29, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman.<01:21:18.719><c> Thank</c><01:21:18.880><c> you</c><01:21:19.040><c> for</c><01:21:19.199><
• ><c> to</c><01:21:23.520><c> me</c><01:21:23.840><c> and</c><01:21:24.080><c> the</c><01:21:24.239><c
• :21:28.480><c> came</c><01:21:28.640><c> up</c><01:21:28.800><c> with</c><01:21:28.880><c> a</c> How
• :15.279><c> like</c><03:21:15.520><c> that</c><03:21:16.080><c> so</c><03:21:16.319><c> I</c><03:21:16.560
• <c> also</c><03:21:22.399><c> some</c><03:21:22.640><c> of</c><03:21:22.720><c> our</c><03:21:22.960>

Summary: The committee opened with a brief update and prayer for Oscar, a person known to members, noting he was making slow but encouraging progress and awaiting transfer to rehab. The hearing then began on House Bill 518, which would require the commissioner of DHS to provide a detailed annual report of DCYF costs. Representative Erica Leyon, the sponsor, said the bill was intended to improve transparency, clarify how DCYF resources and shared services are used, and help future discussions about staffing, funding, and whether DCYF should remain within DHHS or become a separate department. She said the department could likely comply without additional cost and was open to adjusting the reporting date, with the department preferring December 31 instead of September 1. Committee members and the DCYF director, Marie Nunan, discussed whether the bill was duplicative of existing reporting and whether it should also include federal funding mandates. Nunan said DCYF already has many policies and reports, but does not currently produce one consolidated DCYF-specific report in this form; she also said the department believed it had the capacity to file the report and was not taking a position on the bill. Several members questioned whether the measure was necessary, while others supported transparency but suggested the information was already available or could be obtained without legislation. In executive session, the committee voted 15-1 to retain HB 518, meaning it will not advance to the calendar at this time. The committee then opened House Bill 775, sponsored by Representative Jod Nelson, concerning supervised visitation centers. Nelson introduced Dr. Scott Hampton, who testified that supervised visitation is important for child safety, domestic violence prevention, and family preservation. Hampton described the history of visitation centers in New Hampshire, saying funding cuts had reduced the number of centers over time and that prior legislation had failed due to budget reductions. He argued that supervised exchanges can reduce risks such as abuse, abduction, and homicide, and said the service can prevent harm without adding cost by avoiding more serious incidents. The hearing on HB 775 was still underway at the end of the transcript, with no vote or final action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• 138 for alcohol, Chapter 94G for cannabis, Chapter 23 for sports betting, and Chapter 90 for motor vehicles
• So I think, you know, you have your 18, 19, 20, 21. You can vote.
• I oppose these bills, H. 330, S. 21, and also H. 371.
• A 21-year-old in Boston should not be subject to a different set of rights than a 21-year-old in Worcester
• Twenty-one means 21, everywhere in Massachusetts.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, with the longest discussion focused on House Bill 426 and Senate Bill 263, which would prohibit the sale in Massachusetts of cosmetics known to rely on vertebrate animal testing. Supporters from Animal Defenders International, Humane World for Animals, and the Animal Rescue League said animal testing is cruel, outdated, and unreliable, and pointed to non-animal alternatives and similar laws in other states and countries. No opposition was heard on that bill during the excerpt, and witnesses urged the committee to report it favorably. The committee also took testimony on House Bill 4543, which would clarify an existing pipe-fitting exemption for certain work performed on property owned by industrial plants, utilities, colleges, and similar institutions. A representative for Construction Industries of Massachusetts supported the bill, saying it would preserve longstanding practice for outside contractors doing yard piping work. Pipefitters Local 537 opposed it, arguing the work is properly licensed pipefitting and that the bill would weaken licensing standards and undermine state inspectors. Another major topic was Senate Bill 237 on regulating self-checkouts in grocery establishments. The Mass AFL-CIO and UFCW Local 1445 supported the bill, saying self-checkout has reduced staffing, increased worker stress and customer conflict, and contributed to theft and safety problems. Workers described being responsible for multiple machines at once, verbal abuse, and even assaults, and said the bill’s staffing and machine limits would improve safety and customer service. The committee also heard extensive testimony on House Bill 355, which would allow veterinarians to establish a client-patient relationship via telehealth; ASPCA, MSPCA, and several veterinarians supported it as a way to expand access to care, while the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association and several veterinarians opposed it, arguing that an in-person exam is essential for proper diagnosis and that telemedicine should only follow an in-person VCPR. Finally, the committee heard testimony on House Bill 330, Senate Bill 221, and House Bill 371, which would preempt local boards of health from adopting tobacco-related age or sales restrictions beyond the statewide standard. Public health advocates opposed the bills, arguing they would block local innovation and undermine nicotine-free generation policies adopted by municipalities, while retailers and tobacco trade groups supported them as necessary to preserve a uniform statewide age-21 standard and avoid confusion for consumers and businesses. No votes or final actions were taken during the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're really,<00:21:00.000><c> really</c><00:21:00.280><c> good,</c><00:21:00.640><c> so</c><00:21:
• ><c> desk,</c><00:21:28.080><c> and</c><00:21:28.160><c> they</c><00:21:28.240><c> will</c><00:21:28.360
• </c><00:21:31.440><c> to</c><00:21:31.560><c> please</c><00:21:31.840><c> go</c><00:21:31.960><c> down
• :21:44.840><c> 1:30</c><00:21:45.360><c> in</c><00:21:45.480><c> room</c><00:21:45.720><c> 409.
• <00:21:57.840><c> 2:00,</c><00:21:58.240><c> and</c><00:21:58.520><c> to</c><00:21:58.680><c> clarify

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.240><c> I'm</c><00:21:00.280><c> going</c><00:21:00.400><c> to</c><00:21:00.480><c> look</c><00:21
• Um the<00:21:04.680><c> statewide</c><00:21:06.040><c> uh</c><00:21:06.160><c> registration</c><00:21
• there<00:21:27.200><c> and</c><00:21:27.320><c> then</c><00:21:27.440><c> I</c><00:21:27.480><c> got
• </c><00:21:27.640><c> to</c><00:21:27.720><c> go</c><00:21:28.400><c> get</c><00:21:28.560><c> a</c>
• Chair, and<00:21:40.040><c> thank</c><00:21:40.200><c> you,</c><00:21:40.240><c> Senator</c><00:21:40.440

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the quote today is from Psalms chapter 9, verse 10.
• adversaries, providing legislative intent; amending Title 57, Idaho Code, by the addition of a new Chapter
• 21, Title 57, Idaho Code, to define terms, to establish provisions prohibiting investments in foreign
• by Ways and Means Committee, an act relating to motor vehicle financial responsibility, amending Chapter
• House Bill 771 by Ways and Means Committee, an act relating to industrial hemp, amending Chapter 17,

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> to</c><00:21:07.039><c> push</c><00:21:07.200><c> that</c><00:21:07.440><c> up</c><00:21:07.600>
• </c><00:21:14.240><c> 15</c><00:21:14.480><c> minutes</c><00:21:14.720><c> after</c><00:21:14.880><c>
• </c><00:21:23.760><c> I</c><00:21:23.919><c> rise</c><00:21:24.159><c> for</c><00:21:24.320><c> a</c>
• &gt;&gt; I<00:21:26.880><c> have</c><00:21:26.960><c> a</c><00:21:27.200><c> really</c><00:21:27.760>
• <c> cool</c><00:21:28.240><c> story</c><00:21:28.559><c> that</c><00:21:28.799><c> I</c><00:21:28.960

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:04.960><c> Senate</c><00:21:05.120><c> bill</c><00:21:05.520><c> 134</c><00:21:06.000><c>
• </c><00:21:09.760><c> Secretary,</c><00:21:10.159><c> call</c><00:21:10.320><c> the</c><00:21:10.640>
• <c> next</c><00:21:10.880><c> bill</c> on<00:21:18.960><c> page</c><00:21:19.200><c> eight</c><00:21:
• Senate bill<00:21:20.559><c> number</c><00:21:20.880><c> 100</c><00:21:21.280><c> by</c><00:21:21.440
• Kelly regarding<00:21:22.720><c> the</c><00:21:22.960><c> state</c><00:21:23.120><c> board</c><00:21

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved excusing absent members, dispensed with the previous day’s journal, and allowed bill introductions and committee reports throughout the day. Members also recognized guests in the gallery, including Judge Smitherman and later Karen Butler, wife of Senator Tom Butler. The chamber adopted Senate Joint Resolution 11, honoring Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated on its Founders Day and 118 years of service, after reading the resolution at length and hearing brief remarks from Senator Figures. The Senate then adopted the Rules Committee’s special order calendar and took up several bills. Senate Bill 12 by Senator Gudger, repealing a prior community development districts law tied to a Coleman County project, passed. Senate Bill 19 by Senator Livingston, dealing with health insurance/prostate cancer screening, also passed. Senate Bill 89 by Senator Sessions, repealing the 1931 State Pilotage Commission statute, passed; Senate Bill 134 by Senator Beasley, concerning taxation and interstate warehousing of tobacco products, passed after a committee amendment was adopted; Senate Bill 100 by Senator Kelly, extending the State Board of Pharmacy sunset for one year with appointment changes, passed; Senate Bill 114 by Senator Bell, expanding Alabama’s handling of out-of-state warrants to additional felonies, passed; Senate Bill 122 by Senator Stewart, regarding the State Board of Registration for Foresters, passed; Senate Bill 35 by Senator Kitchens, updating vessel registration language for Coast Guard compliance, passed; and Senate Bill 127 by Senators Coleman-Madison and Stewart, continuing the Board of Examiners in Counseling for four years, passed. Senate Bill 28 by Senator Elliott, which would raise the earnings cap for retired law enforcement officers and district attorneys returning to work and address school bus driver staffing, was discussed at length but carried over at the sponsor’s request. Senators raised concerns about the bill’s impact on RSA/retirement system funding and the possibility of broader pressure for similar retiree reemployment arrangements, while supporters emphasized staffing shortages, training savings, and benefits for schools and public safety. The session concluded with the calendar completed and a new resolution introduced by Senator Orr recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States Postal Service, which was taken up for immediate consideration and adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:02.080><c> I</c><00:21:02.240><c> don't</c><00:21:02.400><c> want</c><00:21:02.480><c> to<
• Anyway, uh he did<00:21:12.240><c> give</c><00:21:12.559><c> some</c><00:21:12.880><c> good</c><00:21
• Um we'll give<00:21:22.799><c> you</c><00:21:22.880><c> a</c><00:21:23.039><c> few</c><00:21:23.520><
• c> minutes</c><00:21:23.919><c> if</c><00:21:24.240><c> you</c><00:21:24.400><c> can</c><00:21:24.559
• ><c> try</c><00:21:30.559><c> and</c><00:21:31.039><c> uh</c><00:21:31.280><c> Cat</c><00:21:31.760><

Summary: The Committee on Transportation heard several bills, beginning with SB 2010, which would authorize impoundment of motor vehicles for certain alleged or committed traffic violations. The Department of Transportation supported the bill, while the Department of the Attorney General asked for clarification in section 4 on who could seek remedies and what remedies would be available. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the measure, citing unclear officer-initiated impound criteria, potential strain on judicial or administrative resources, and concerns about hardship for families and indigent owners; the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill with amendments, saying it should be limited to traffic offenses and could serve as an alternative to fines or imprisonment. The chair then recessed before moving to the next items. The committee next heard SB 2527 on commercial driver licensing, which would require state and county firefighters exempt from CDL requirements to be subject to an alcohol and substance abuse policy equivalent to or stronger than federal DOT standards. DOT, the Department of Human Resources Development, county officials, and the Hawaiʻi Firefighters Association all indicated support. SB 2697, which would prohibit driving on roadway shoulders except in limited circumstances, also drew DOT support, with the Attorney General, judiciary, and others submitting comments. SB 2812, requiring driver license applicants to be tested on the dangers larger vehicles pose to pedestrians and bicyclists, was supported by DOT but opposed by the Public Defender, who argued the excessive-speeding portion was too broad for first offenses and that the DUI-related language was unnecessary because DUI relicensing already requires re-examination. SB 291, clarifying that drivers whose licenses were revoked for certain alcohol-related offenses must undergo re-examination before relicensing, received DOT support. The committee then took up SB 3044, which would remove references to pedestrian countdown timers and the requirement that pedestrians begin crossing before the timer starts. DOT opposed the bill, but Hawaiʻi Appleseed supported it, arguing the current rule is confusing and can lead to citations even when pedestrians can safely cross. The Department of Health submitted late comments emphasizing the importance of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and physical activity, and the chair noted the split in testimony. Finally, SB 2995 proposed a zero-emissions rideshare rebate program funded by a rideshare fee and administered by DOT. Earthjustice strongly supported the bill, describing it as a fee-and-rebate structure to help rideshare drivers transition to zero-emissions vehicles. A witness for Tom Yamachika suggested that if the state wants to tax ridesharing, it should amend existing tax law instead of creating a new chapter, but the bill’s supporters said DOT was better suited to administer the rebate program and that similar models exist in California and Washington. The committee also heard SB 3153, which would authorize DOT to designate airport special district zones at airports statewide to improve security and enforcement; DOT’s airports deputy director supported the measure, saying it would clarify jurisdiction and help address trespassing and hazards, and senators asked about boundaries, mapping, and coordination with the Attorney General. No votes were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :21:33.120><c> thank</c><00:21:33.279><c> you</c><00:21:33.600><c> I'm</c><00:21:33.679><c> so</c> mic
• that I'm always<00:21:35.720><c> looking</c><00:21:35.919><c> for</c><00:21:36.039><c> the</c><00:21
• </c><00:21:37.919><c> here</c><00:21:38.919><c> so</c><00:21:39.360><c> uh</c><00:21:40.000><c> uh</c
• c> Tank</c><00:21:48.000><c> um</c><00:21:48.279><c> we</c><00:21:48.400><c> have</c><00:21:48.520><c
• c> at</c><00:21:49.159><c> regulatory</c><00:21:50.159><c> burdens</c><00:21:50.679><c> in</c><00:21:

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:07.520><c> acts</c><00:21:08.000><c> have</c><00:21:08.240><c> to</c><00:21:08.400><c> be<
• </c><00:21:13.520><c> So</c><00:21:13.840><c> th</c><00:21:14.080><c> this</c><00:21:14.480><c> language
• &gt;&gt; I'm<00:21:26.320><c> just</c><00:21:26.799><c> on</c><00:21:26.960><c> hand</c><00:21:27.200
• &gt;&gt; Yeah,<00:21:34.400><c> I'd</c><00:21:34.559><c> like</c><00:21:34.720><c> to</c><00:21:34.880
• ><c> if</c><00:21:35.039><c> the</c><00:21:35.200><c> chair</c><00:21:36.080><c> I'd</c><00:21:36.320

Committee: Joint Business and Financial Institutions

Transcript Highlights:

• where<00:21:03.120><c> their</c><00:21:03.280><c> zip</c><00:21:03.520><c> code</c><00:21:03.799><c>
• 05.159><c> and</c><00:21:05.320><c> doing</c><00:21:05.520><c> our</c><00:21:05.760><c> part</c><00:21
• <00:21:15.600><c> to</c><00:21:15.720><c> doing</c><00:21:15.919><c> our</c><00:21:16.120><c> part</c
• </c><00:21:40.159><c> for</c><00:21:40.360><c> your</c><00:21:40.679><c> help</c><00:21:40.960><c> in
• <c> that</c><00:21:42.240><c> language</c><00:21:42.720><c> right</c><00:21:43.000><c> and</c><00:21:

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• chapters right here in the United States.
• Alvarado, Betancourt, Bergwem. 21 ayes, 10 days, the rule is.
• Alvarado, Bettencourt, Burke, Blanco. 21 ayes, 10 nays.
• The legislature found that in 21 signed by the governor.
• Programs under chapter 466 of health and safety code.

Bills: SJR59 , SCR30 , SCR46 , SB31 , SB127 , SB324 , SB401 , SB407 , SB467 , SB482 , SB506 , SB529 , SB584 , SB619 , SB636 , SB646 , SB647 , SB659 , SB715 , SB732 , SB735 , SB771 , SB784 , SB800 , SB801 , SB816 , SB1013 , SB1026 , SB1049 , SB1055 , SB1065 , SB1137 , SB1169 , SB1181 , SB1383 , SB1395 , SB1410 , SB1433 , SB1524 , SB1531 , SB1568 , SB1640 , SB1666 , SB1681 , SB1718 , SB1754 , SB1757 , SB1972 , SB1980 , SB2004 , SB2007 , SB2041 , SB2046 , SB2050 , SB2075 , SB2076 , SB2154 , SB2173 , SB2206 , SB2225 , SB2253 , SB2268 , SB2306 , SB2308 , SB2314 , SB2322 , SB2330 , SB2351 , SB2366 , SB2371 , SB2392 , SB2398 , SB2476 , SB2533 , SB2540 , SB2544 , SB2589 , SB2610 , SB2623 , SB2660 , SB2662 , SB2693 , SB2707 , SB2717 , SB2722 , SB2742 , SB2753 , SB2779 , SB2807 , SB2843 , SB2844 , SB2858 , SB2877 , SB2880 , SB2885 , SB2920 , SB2938 , SB2986 , HJR4 , HCR35 , SJR3 , SJR18 , SB5 , SB260 , SB1786 , SB914 , SB963 , SB1197 , SB1415 , SB1437 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SJR84 , SJR59 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SCR46 , SCR48 , SCR19 , SCR30 , SCR3 , SB2023 , SB1433 , SB2322 , SB2877 , SB407 , SB1718 , SB1395 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB1502 , SB507 , SB1026 , SB1434 , SB1376 , SB1585 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB619 , SB1122 , SB732 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB261 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB529 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1999 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB510 , SB2253 , SB584 , SB1085 , SB2314 , SB2046 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB1524 , SB1137 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB517 , SB1200 , SB1410 , SB1845 , SB1863 , SB2681 , SB2200 , SB2199 , SB1757 , SB2050 , SB2458 , SB2201 , SB1055 , SB2660 , SB2662 , SB1065 , SB801 , SB2533 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB647 , SB1721 , SB2268 , SB2366 , SB1013 , SB2797 , SB2371 , SB2383 , SB646 , SB1169 , SB1754 , SB2779 , SB2004 , SB2119 , SB2448 , SB1777 , SB1283 , SB2392 , SB2076 , SB2786 , SB2876 , SB2284 , SB2225 , SB1540 , SB2920 , SB2929 , SB1972 , SB2540 , SB2742 , SB2595 , SB2217 , SB715 , SB2330 , SB1383 , SB500 , SB1640 , SB2001 , SB2080 , SB2722 , SB506 , SB2514 , SB2623 , SB2753 , SB2398 , SB1241 , SB2927 , SB2173 , SB2538 , SB898 , SB467 , SB1449 , SB2529 , SB1531 , SB2846 , SB2476 , SB986 , SB1181 , SB2075 , SB2154 , SB2864 , SB31 , SB2880 , SB1359 , SB2386 , SB771 , SB2844 , SB2550 , SB1351 , SB1423 , SB1931 , SB2245 , SB2589 , SB2707 , SB2807 , SB2351 , SB410 , SB659 , SB816 , SB2776 , SB2693 , SB2580 , SB1980 , SB1886 , SB1234 , SB739 , SB482 , SB456 , SB127 , SB1666 , SB2843 , SB2801 , SB800 , SB2055 , SB784 , SB2986 , SB735 , SB1012 , SB324 , SB2926 , SB2938 , SB2007 , SB2138 , SB1242 , SB2615 , SB1049 , SB2310 , SB1224 , SB2972 , SB1568 , SB2841 , SB2885 , SB3016 , SB2858 , SB2610 , SB2139 , SB1856 , SB2035 , SB2308 , SB2306 , SB2041 , SB1528 , SB1681 , SB1141 , SB2401 , SB2530 , SB2375 , SB547 , SB1266 , SB1373 , SB1467 , SB2069 , SB2269 , SB2480 , SB2544 , SB672 , SB904 , SB2695 , SB2891 , SB2422 , SB2543 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB2539 , SB2532 , SB2925 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB2203 , SB457 , SB2357 , HJR4 , HB135 , HB 1109 , HCR35 , HCR64 , SB2721 , SB243 , SB1285 , SB2568 , SB1959 , SB1442 , SB1454 , SB2520 , SB2541 , SB1708 , SB1237 , SB1844 , SB1586