Transcript Highlights:

• Do I hear a second? Second. It's been moved and seconded to approve the minutes.
• Tax reviews that you'll hear in July. And this is our contact information.
• At this time, I would hear a motion to approve the work plan updates. So moved.
• And we're going to hear about that from Rebecca Connolly on our JLARC staff. Good morning, Rebecca.
• Next up, we'll be hearing the report, the final, proposed final report on ignition, interlock, device

Summary: JLARC met on April 8, 2026, with Senator Keith Wagner chairing in person and Rep. Pallett joining remotely. The committee approved the January 7 minutes and honored Marilyn Richter, who is retiring in June after more than 12 years of service to JLARC and the Citizens Commission. Staff then gave a legislative recap and work plan update, noting that the legislature adopted six bills or provisos implementing recommendations from recent JLARC reports, and that JLARC received seven new study assignments, including reviews of state oversight mechanisms for fraud, waste, and abuse and State Patrol toxicology lab delays. The committee approved the updated 2025-27 work plan, including the new assignments and the required 2027 lodging tax review. The committee also heard about a new anonymous post-meeting member survey tied to JLARC performance measures, then considered the final report on ignition interlock device compliance and monitoring. Staff reported that 59% of drivers with ignition interlock requirements had not installed a device as of June 2025, with installation rates rising by income, and found problems in the Department of Licensing’s financial assistance program and in coordination between DOL and the State Patrol. The report recommended clearer goals and responsibilities for DOL, a formal interagency agreement, and a coordinated plan to raise installation rates; both agencies concurred. Members discussed whether noncompliance reflected continued driving or people stopping driving, and agency representatives said some drivers do stop driving while others take the risk. The committee approved the final report. JLARC then reviewed the drug take-back fee setting and expenditures report. Staff said the Department of Health’s oversight costs had outpaced fee revenue because the statutory fee cap is tied to program operator spending, and recommended public reporting of oversight costs and a legislative change to allow full cost recovery. Members debated transparency, the risk of overpricing the program, and whether Ecology might be a better home for the program; the committee adopted a comment urging transparency and a future review of best practices before fee-structure changes, then approved the final report with that comment. Finally, staff presented the scope and objectives for the Clean Buildings Performance Standard study, focused on large state-owned and K-12 buildings due to comply by June 2026. Members asked about fines, funding, workforce constraints, and how costs and energy savings would be measured; staff said the study would examine compliance costs, savings, funding sources, and variation by building characteristics. The meeting adjourned after administrative announcements about upcoming JLARC meetings and the survey reminder.

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=963tZ9PwSm8, 2026-07-02T01:23:36+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 01:19 - GM 540 07:10 - GM 562 12:11 - GM 673 20:30 - GM 722 23:17 - GM 781 45:43 - DM HHS 1:00 PM 30:31 - DM HHS DEFER 1:05 PM 33:09 - SCR 93/88 HWN-HHS 2:00 PM 44:07 - DM HWN-HHS 2:00 PM 31:19 - DM HHS DEFER 2:01 PM Hearing Notices: HHS 1:00 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/hearingnotices/HEARING_HHS_04-06-26_.PDF HHS DEFER 1:05 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/hearingnotices/HEARING_HHS_04-06-26_DEFER-1_.PDF HWN-HHS 2:00 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/hearingnotices/HEARING_HWN-HHS_04-06-26_.PDF HHS DEFER 2:01 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/hearingnotices/HEARING_HHS_04-06-26_DEFER_.PDF, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZATvR_Pkq4, 2026-07-02T01:23:36+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 01:15 - HB 2567, HD1 25:43 - DM WAM-EDU 10:29 AM 28:54 - WAM DEFER 10:30 AM 29:03 - DM WAM DEFER 10:30 AM 30:41 - WAM DEFER 10:31 AM 30:48 - DM WAM DEFER 10:31 AM 44:58 - WAM 10:32 AM 45:02 - DM WAM 10:32 AM Hearing Notices: WAM-EDU 10:29 AM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/hearingnotices/HEARING_WAM-EDU_04-06-26_.PDF WAM DEFER 10:30 AM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/hearingnotices/HEARING_WAM_04-06-26_DEFER_.PDF WAM DEFER 10:31 AM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/hearingnotices/HEARING_WAM_04-06-26_DEFER-1_.PDF WAM 10:32 AM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/hearingnotices/HEARING_WAM_04-06-26_.PDF, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UmyW9js7QQ, 2026-07-02T01:23:36+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 00:43 - SCR 64/58 06:49 - SCR 81/71 13:14 - SCR 184/165 14:23 - DM JDC 9:45 AM 17:25 - JDC DEFER 10:20 AM 19:52 - GM 674 JDC 10:30 AM 32:30 - DM JDC 10:30 AM 33:38 - SCR 53/51 JDC-HHS 10:45 AM 34:30 - DM JDC-HHS 10:45 AM Hearing Notices: JDC 9:45 AM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/hearingnotices/HEARING_JDC_04-02-26-1_.PDF JDC DEFER 10:20 AM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/hearingnotices/HEARING_JDC_04-02-26_DEFER_.PDF JDC 10:30 AM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/hearingnotices/HEARING_JDC_04-02-26_.PDF JDC-HHS 10:45 AM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/hearingnotices/HEARING_JDC-HHS_04-02-26_.PDF, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• But I think I did hear you say that you do agree that this bill would create a defense.

Bills: HB2650, HB3277, HB3386, HB3419, HB3430, HB3742, HB3791, HB3835, HB3905, HB3968, HB4119, HB4153, HB4408

Keywords: probate, estate administration, summary administration, decedent, inheritance, vehicle inspection, title registration, salvage vehicles, ownership, Oklahoma Statutes, evictions, forcible entry, mediation, residency proof, children, housing law, corruption, nonpublic information, government accountability, criminal law

Transcript Highlights:

• But I think I did hear you say that you do agree that this bill would create a defense, though.

Bills: HB2650, HB3277, HB3386, HB3419, HB3430, HB3742, HB3791, HB3835, HB3905, HB3968, HB4119, HB4153, HB4408

Keywords: probate, estate administration, summary administration, decedent, inheritance, vehicle inspection, title registration, salvage vehicles, ownership, Oklahoma Statutes, evictions, forcible entry, mediation, residency proof, children, housing law, corruption, nonpublic information, government accountability, criminal law

Summary: The committee considered a series of House bills dealing with criminal justice, courts, public safety, housing, and related administrative issues. Early measures included HB 3419, which would extend penalties for sharing bid information before public release and bar violators from contracting with the state or its subdivisions, and HB 4153, which reinstates a repealed driver-qualification statute and updates it to include service in Oklahoma. Members also advanced HB 3430 on court costs, fines, and fee collection, though it drew concerns about terminology, collection practices, and whether it conflicted with earlier reform efforts; the Oklahoma Sheriffs Association testified that the bill would not authorize incarceration absent willful nonpayment and that collection fees have long been set at 20%. The committee also approved HB 3791, a health-care-for-minors bill worked out with the DO and MD boards, and HB 4119, a cleanup measure on VIN inspections for salvage vehicles. HB 4408, a LOFT request bill tied to calculating savings from State Questions 780 and 781 and directing funds to the Community Safety Investment Fund, was presented as a zero-fiscal-impact technical fix after court and DOC data issues were resolved. HB 3905 would allow judges to order GPS monitoring for certain stalking and domestic-violence-related defendants, with the victim able to receive proximity alerts; members questioned the scope of victim notification and the fact that the bill applies in civil VPO proceedings as well as criminal cases, but it was advanced. Later, HB 3968 was presented as codifying a Supreme Court decision, though members raised a late-added fiscal note and possible ODOT/OTA issues; the bill was still passed out of committee, with discussion of striking title on the floor if needed. HB 3835 would create a path for trafficking survivors to seek relief from convictions tied to their victimization, and HB 3386 would require mediation in eviction cases involving minor children; that bill prompted extensive debate over whether it created an affirmative defense, potential Fair Housing Act concerns, and whether it shifted costs to landlords, with the author agreeing to strike title and revise the language. The committee also advanced HB 2650 on summary administrations in probate and HB 3742, a negotiated criminal discovery bill, after adopting a small amendment limiting certain recordings to those directly related to the case and changing “approximate” to “appropriate.”

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2fBrmUOO2g, 2026-07-02T01:23:18+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - start 00:53 - SCR 46 / SR 34 04:36 - SCR 51 / SR 39 4:59 - SCR 174 / SR 150 10:14 - SCR 228 / SR 204 14:00 - SCR 112 / SR 94 14:54 - SCR 131 / SR 113 18:48 - SCR 152 / SR 130 19:27 - DM GVO-AEN 3:30 PM 24:50 - DM GVO 3:00 PM 31:10 - SCR 110 / SR 92 31:54 - DM GVO-TCA 3:35 PM Hearing Notices: GVO 3:00 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_GVO_03-28-24_.PDF GVO-AEN 3:30 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_GVO-AEN_03-28-24_.pdf GVO-TCA 3:35 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_GVO-TCA_03-28-24_.PDF, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAowpk51SmI, 2026-07-02T01:23:15+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 0:00 - Start 0:47 - SB3215 3:55 - SB2547 5:38 - SB2930 8:18 - SB2973 19:07 - SB2474 51:23 - SB1580 1:21:42 - SB2569 1:23:37 - SB2661 1:27:30 - DM LBT-HHS 3:00 PM 1:34:21 - SB578 SD1 1:35:07 - SB560 SD1 1:46:26 - SB3217 1:48:53 - SB2527 1:52:33 - SB3370 1:53:20 - DM LBT 3:15 PM 1:57:26 - DM LBT DEFER 3:21 PM Hearing Notices: LBT-HHS 3:00 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_LBT-HHS_02-12-24_.PDF LBT 3:15 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_LBT_02-12-24_.PDF LBT DEFER 3:21 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_LBT_02-12-24_DEFER_.PDF, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j89T6p07yqk, 2026-07-02T01:23:10+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 03:11 - SCR 40 / SR 34 (Part 1 of 2) 10:25 - SCR 70 (Part 1 of 2) 11:07 - SCR 40 / SR 34 (Part 2 of 2) 13:22 - SCR 70 (Part 2 of 2) 16:15 - DM EDU-PSM 3:00 PM 18:47 - EDU 3:30 PM 20:22 - SCR 34 / SR 28 36:00 - SCR 56 47:41 - SCR 161 / SR 187 53:15 - SCR 190 / SR 174 1:01:01 - SCR 210 / SR 150 1:06:12 - DM EDU 3:30 PM Hearing Notices: EDU-PSM 3:00 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_EDU-PSM_04-03-23_.PDF EDU 3:30 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_EDU_04-03-23_.PDF, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3cJZsAO_Kw, 2026-07-02T01:23:09+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 00:10 - SCR 87 / SR 78 03:44 - DM GVO-HHS 1:00 PM (Part 1) 06:10 - HHS 1:05 PM 07:57 - GM 556 08:45 - GM 557 09:25 - GM 604 13:05 - GM 605 14:24 - GM 594 / 595 / 612 18:15 - GM 595 18:41 - GM 612 20:36 - GM 629 22:20 - GM 644 31:14 - DM GVO-HHS 1:00 PM (Part 2) 31:55 - DM HHS 1:05 PM 35:53 - GM 527 01:13:47 - DM GM 527 Hearing Notices: GVO-HHS 1:00 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_GVO-HHS_03-31-23_.pdf HHS 1:05 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_HHS_03-31-23_.pdf, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8npSpFxyZp8, 2026-07-02T01:23:09+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - start 0:51 - SCR 73 / SR 65 10:33 - HB 110, HD1 19:15 - SCR 7 / SR 5 21:01 - SCR 33 / SR 27 21:30 - SCR 145 / SR 136 24:46 - SR 74 25:17 - SCR 59 / SR 53 25:50 - SCR 31 / SR 25 30:53 - SR 38 31:26 - SCR 62 / SR 56 32:00 - SCR 106 / SR 95 32:33 - SCR 93 / SR 86 33:08 - SCR 53 / SR 48 33:32 - SCR 170 / SR 128 37:50 - DM TCA 3:00 PM 38:38 - DM TCA 3:01 PM Hearing Notices: TCA 3:00 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_TCA_03-23-23-1_.pdf TCA 3:01 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_TCA_03-23-23_.pdf, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_8b4ZgaVBw, 2026-07-02T01:23:09+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 00:53 - HB 441, HD1 06:37 - HB 615, HD1 15:14 - HB 837 HD1 20:16 - HB 995 HD2 27:22 - HB 1182 HD2 35:33 - HB 952 HD1 40:21 - HB 1101 HD 1 46:06 - SCR 113 / SR 106 53:08 - SCR 41 / SR 35 55:55 - DM AEN-WTL 1:00 PM 01:06:49 - CR 135 / SR 217 01:14:39 - DM AEN 1:30 PM 01:16:20 - DM AEN DEFER 1:31 PM Hearing Notices: AEN-WTL 1:00 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_AEN-WTL_03-22-23_.PDF AEN 1:30 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_AEN_03-22-23_.PDF AEN DEFER 1:31 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_AEN_03-22-23_DEFER_.pdf, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMgG575g9So, 2026-07-02T01:23:08+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 0:00 - Start 0:50 - HB 419, HD1 1:21 - HB 654, HD1 5:02 - HB 1375, HD3 16:43 - DM EET-PSM 1:00 PM 25:38 - HB 346, HD2 26:04 - DM TCA-EET 1:15 PM 27:26 - HB 913, HD2 31:17 - DM EET-HWN 1:30 PM 32:14 - HB 913, HD1 34:49 - DM EET 1:35 PM Hearing Notices: EET-PSM 1:00 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_EET-PSM_03-21-23_.PDF TCA-EET 1:15 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_TCA-EET_03-21-23_.PDF EET-HWN 1:30 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_EET-HWN_03-21-23_.PDF EET 1:35 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_EET_03-21-23_.PDF, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc24HRmoQqs, 2026-07-02T01:23:08+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 02:00 - HB 314, HD1 07:18 - HB 470, HD2 14:40 - HB 581, HD2 15:49 - HB 652, HD2 26:42 - HB 660, HD2 29:42 - HB 1073, HD1 30:13 - HB 1074, HD1 33:34 - HB 982, HD1 38:26 - HB 573 40:39 - DM HHS DEFER 1:00 PM, DM HHS 1:00 PM 53:55 - SCR 6 / SR 4 59:43 - SCR 37 / SR 31 1:00:55 - SCR 42 1:01:19 - SCR 51 / SR 46 1:03:57 - DM SCR / SR Hearing Notices: HHS 1:00 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_HHS_03-17-23_.pdf HHS DEFER 1:00 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_HHS_03-17-23_DEFER_.pdf, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPjOCww-8qk, 2026-07-02T01:23:06+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 00:42 - SB 1154 02:28 - AEN-EET DEFER 1:00 PM 02:41 - SB 1246 03:42 - AEN DEFER 1:00 PM 03:42 - SB 792 05:11 - SB 508 06:47 - EET 1:00 PM 07:18 - SB 1522 01:02:12 - SB 629 01:16:56 - SB 1287 01:18:03 - DM EET 1:00 PM Hearing Notice: EET 1:00 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_EET_02-16-23_.PDF EET-GVO DEFER 1:00 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_EET-GVO_02-16-23_DEFER_.PDF AEN-EET DEFER 1:00 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_AEN-EET_02-16-23_DEFER_.PDF AEN DEFER 1:00 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_AEN_02-16-23_DEFER_.pdf, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoFGbeLZVss, 2026-07-02T01:23:06+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 00:29 - SB 421 05:37 - SB 1006 08:55 - SB 1024 12:12 - DM TCA-AEN 1:20 PM 18:57 - SB 655 29:05 - SB 1262 40:54 - SB 1466 51:04 - DM AEN-PSM 1:30 PM 55:41 - SB 175 01:00:18 - SB 245 01:07:25 - DM AEN DEFER 2:00 PM 01:10:06 - SB 804 Hearing Notices: TCA-AEN 1:20 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_TCA-AEN_02-13-23_.PDF AEN-PSM 1:30 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_AEN-PSM_02-13-23_.PDF AEN DEFER 2:00 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_AEN_02-13-23_DEFER_.PDF AEN-GVO 2:00 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_AEN-GVO_02-13-23_.PDF, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfaLyfWO9xM, 2026-07-02T01:23:05+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 02:17 - SB 865 20:10 - DM HOU-WTL-GVO 1:15pm 23:38 - SB 338 27:29 - SB 861 28:11 - SB 871 34:31 - DM HOU-GVO 1:30pm 38:40 - SB 881 44:52 - SB 1551 1:05:45 - SB 1617 1:10:46 - DM HOU-HHS 2:00pm 1:17:49 - DM HHS-HOU 2:15pm Hearing Notices: HOU-WTL-GVO 1:15pm http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_HOU-WTL-GVO_02-07-23_.pdf HOU-GVO 1:30pm http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_HOU-GVO_02-07-23_.pdf HOU-HHS 2:00pm http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_HOU-HHS_02-07-23_.pdf HHS-HOU 2:15pm https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_HHS-HOU_02-07-23_.pdf, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZulhUS53VWc, 2026-07-02T01:23:05+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 01:44 - SB 640 06:53 - SB 652 10:28 - SB 682 15:48 - SB 743 19:29 - SB 748 26:49 - SB 793 33:36 - SB 967 38:08 - SB 998 47:44 - SB 1009 01:02:06 - SB 1011 01:13:37 - SB 1132 01:16:04 - SB 1223 01:16:58 - SB 1456 01:18:25 - SB 1457 01:19:41 - SB 1499 01:22:20 - SB 1552 01:24:12 - DM AEN 1:00 PM 01:33:38 - DM AEN DEFER 2:00 PM Hearing Notices: AEN 1:00 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_AEN_02-06-23_.PDF AEN DEFER 2:00 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_AEN_02-06-23_DEFER_.PDF, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• Do I hear a second? Second. It's been moved and seconded to approve the minutes.
• Beyond that, there were just some minor updates, including listing out the 2026 tax reviews that you'll hear
• At this time, I would hear a motion to approve the work plan updates. So moved.
• And we're going to hear about that from Rebecca Connolly on our JLARC staff. Good morning, Rebecca.
• So while their case is pending, the drivers are under a pretrial requirement managed by the courts, and

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: At the April 8, 2026 JLARC meeting, members approved the January 7 minutes and recognized Marilyn Richter for more than 12 years of service to JLARC and the Citizens Commission. Staff then gave a legislative recap and work plan update, noting that JLARC staff presented to five committees during session, six bills or budget provisos implementing prior recommendations were enacted, and seven new study assignments were received. Members approved the updated 2025–2027 biennial work plan, including the new studies and the required 2027 lodging tax review. The committee also heard a presentation on a new post-meeting member survey tied to JLARC performance measures. Members then considered the final report on ignition interlock device compliance and monitoring. Staff reported that many drivers required to install ignition interlock devices do not do so, with installation rates rising with income, and identified problems in the Department of Licensing’s financial assistance program and coordination with the State Patrol. Both agencies said they concurred with JLARC’s recommendations to clarify responsibilities, formalize coordination, and develop a plan to increase installation rates. The committee approved the final report. Next, JLARC reviewed the final report on drug takeback fee setting and expenditures. Staff concluded that the Department of Health’s fee design limits full cost recovery and that the agency should publicly report oversight costs and activities; the legislature should revise the fee structure to better align with best practices. Members discussed whether the program should remain at DOH or be housed elsewhere, and adopted committee comments emphasizing transparency and future sunset review work before approving the final report. Finally, staff presented the scope and objectives for the Clean Buildings Performance Standard study, focusing on state-owned Tier 1 buildings and K-12 facilities in the first compliance cohort, with questions centered on compliance costs, energy savings, funding sources, fines, and possible workforce or budget impacts. The meeting ended with administrative announcements about upcoming meetings and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And did I hear you correctly when you said that fiscal note was about $4 million?
• You know, we hear the news of an officer having, what, twins with an inmate.
• They've been sitting there waiting to go to pretrial. They hadn't even gone to trial yet.
• Is that what I'm hearing? No, sir.
• Hearing or seeing none, we are adjourned.

Summary: The committee heard FY27 budget presentations for the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, beginning with Public Safety Services. House Fiscal Division staff reviewed the department’s recommended budget of $645.9 million, including supplemental pay, State Police, Motor Vehicles, and the State Fire Marshal. Officials explained that the overall budget reflects a net decrease from FY26, driven largely by shifts in funding sources, removal of one-time statutory dedications, and adjustments tied to undercollections in fees and self-generated revenues. State Police was recommended at $459.7 million, OMV at $86.7 million, and the Fire Marshal at $41.1 million. Department leaders also described ongoing modernization efforts, staffing vacancies, and the use of efficiencies identified internally. Lieutenant Colonel Robert Burns and agency heads testified about State Police operations, including increased cadet graduations, improved Mardi Gras security, progress on APHIS and OMV modernization, and the new crime lab under construction. Members asked about undercollections, vacancies, the role of public tag agents, and whether the agency could expand counter-drone capabilities. Burns said the department has identified about $11 million in efficiencies, but warned that counter-drone work would require additional funding, citing a $4.5 million fiscal note for HB 940 and roughly $9 million more for a robust unit. OMV officials said staffing and retention remain difficult, but modernization should improve service and reduce lines; they also said the agency continues to rely on public tag agents and is working through reinstatement fee collection issues. The committee then reviewed the Department of Corrections FY27 budget, recommended at $902.3 million, with most funding from State General Fund and a large increase tied to higher incarceration costs, medical needs, overtime, and added capacity at Louisiana State Penitentiary. DOC officials said the department remains under pressure from vacancies, turnover, contraband, and medical costs, and that the budget includes funding to add 150 correctional officers at Angola and to house ICE detainees at Camp J. They also discussed criminal justice reinvestment savings, prison enterprises, and reentry programs funded through the Second Chance Act. Members asked about staffing, inmate deaths at Elaine Hunt, work-release pay, and whether the department is tracking the true long-term cost of incarceration. Officials said they are pursuing pay increases, recruitment, expanded training and reentry programs, and more data-driven workforce alignment, while acknowledging that many budget pressures remain unresolved.