Transcript Highlights:

• A universal basic income program would provide immediate financial relief to residents and business owners
• for residents and business program for residents and business owners<00:02:53.920><c> affected</c><00
• A universal basic income program<00:03:16.640><c> would</c><00:03:16.959><c> provide</c><00:03:17.519
• ><c> immediate</c> program would provide immediate program would provide immediate financial<00:03:18.560
• that can help provide overall program that can help provide overall well-being<00:03:31.040><c> for<

Committee: Senate Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs met on March 27 to hear six resolutions. The first pair, SCR 39 and SR 23, urged Maui County’s planning department to retain the word “required” in the South Maui community plan so development would not proceed without adequate infrastructure; with no testimony or questions, the committee voted to pass both unamended. The second pair, SCR 82 and SR 65, called on Maui County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite planning, funding, and construction of a permanent replacement for the Kadi Palolo Bridge, but because there was no testimony, the chair deferred those measures. The final pair, SCR 95 and SR 78, asked Maui County to study the feasibility of a universal basic income program for residents and businesses affected by the 2023 Maui wildfires. Emma Hayenrik testified in strong support, saying the fires devastated lives and that UBI could provide immediate financial relief and support recovery. After hearing oral and written testimony, the committee voted to pass both resolutions unamended, with no objections.

Transcript Highlights:

• If if if the the program collapse.
• </c><00:48:47.280><c> are</c> program.
• Uh while those programs are program.
• </c> Council and utilization of its programs. Council and utilization of its programs.
• program.

Bills: HB0150

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: Wyoming business council, economic development, task force, evaluation, policy reform, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• put a voucher program together?
• the state program, which is a component of this bill.
• Apprenticeship programs under current law.
• And there is an existing program at DPH that does this exact work.
• And there is an existing program at DPH, and that does this exact.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard a full agenda of bills, first adopting a consent calendar of 11 measures without individual presentations. The committee then took up AB 1412, which would require California schools to implement or adopt a transferred special education student’s IEP within 30 days for out-of-state transfers and to coordinate more quickly on records. The author and military-family witnesses said the bill would reduce delays for highly mobile students, especially military children; a school administrators group opposed it. The bill received initial support from committee members and was moved on call. The committee also reconsidered AB 281, which would require notice to parents when outside consultants provide sex education instruction; the author accepted amendments removing a copy-right provision, but the bill remained on call after a split vote. The committee heard AB 1005, which would create a statewide drowning-prevention education and swim-lesson voucher framework for underserved communities. The author and supporters described drowning as a preventable public health and equity issue, while the bill was clarified as developing a plan rather than immediately launching a voucher program. It was voted out on a 3-0 roll with the measure placed on call. AB 908, as amended, would add compliance monitoring for existing requirements that schools use LGBTQ-inclusive instructional materials and curriculum under the FAIR Act. Supporters said the bill would improve implementation and student safety; opponents raised concerns about privacy, girls’ sports, and school burdens. The committee approved the bill 5-2 and sent it to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 1401, which would affirm parents’ access to school records, including unofficial records unless exempt by law. The author argued that parents need clearer access to information held by schools and vendors, while school officials and teachers’ union representatives warned the bill was too vague and could sweep in personal notes, journals, and other sensitive material. The bill failed on a 2-3 vote and was placed on call. Finally, AB 727 would require student ID cards to include the Trevor Project hotline for LGBTQ youth; supporters framed it as a suicide-prevention measure, while opponents argued it conflicted with parental rights and religious beliefs. Committee discussion focused on whether 988 already provides similar access and whether the Trevor Project is an appropriate resource to print on IDs; the hearing continued with the bill still under consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• THE BILL ESTABLISH AND AUTHORIZE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT IMMIGRATION GRANT PROGRAM WITHIN THE BOARD TO
• TODAY WE ARE GOING TO SAVE AN UPDATE ON THE LOCAL IMMIGRATION GRANT PROGRAM FROM STAFF OF THE FLORIDA
• THE GRANT PROGRAM WAS ESTABLISHED IN STATUTE THIS PAST FEBRUARY DURING THE LEGISLATURE SPECIAL SESSION
• I AM VERY CLEAR, YOUR PROGRAM IS JUST OVER THE MONEY PORTION OF THIS.
• HOW LONG IS THIS PROGRAM SUPPOSED TO LAST?

Transcript Highlights:

• So, 22 states have sunsetted similar programs. Three states have never had a program like this.
• </c> that are compensable under the program that are compensable under the program MH<00:26:40.640><c
• <00:26:57.320><c> exclusively</c> program exclusively program exclusively um<00:26:59.279><c> that</c
• </c> apparently it was a really good program apparently it was a really good program so<00:50:12.440>
• </c> strongly support refunding that program strongly support refunding that program for<00:50:55.079

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first discussed a proposed increase to the annual elevator certificate fee in the Department of Labor. The commissioner said the fee had been $50 for years and generated just under $300,000 annually, while the Inspection Division’s broader revenue far exceeded its expenses. Members noted the fee only covered the certificate, not the inspection itself, which is billed separately at $100 per hour. After comparing the fee to neighboring states and discussing the department’s revenue and staffing, the committee agreed to rewrite the language to set the fee at $75 and to vote on an amendment later. The committee then took up Section 139, which would expand the list of labor-law violations that can be penalized without first issuing a warning. The Department explained the change was meant to align House Bill 157 with other chapters, including youth employment and workers’ compensation provisions, where immediate civil penalties are already allowed. The section was accepted unanimously. A longer discussion followed on the Second Injury Fund. The commissioner explained that the fund reimburses insurers for certain workers’ compensation costs tied to claims involving pre-existing conditions, is financed by assessments on insurers, and requires notice within 100 weeks of injury plus a $10,000 deductible before reimbursement. He said the fund currently holds roughly $16 million to $22 million, one full-time employee administers it, and total staff involvement is about five to six people. Members questioned whether the fund should be sunset, but the department said the current House Bill 2 language does not propose a sunset; instead, it addresses increased hearing and litigation burdens after a recent Supreme Court decision. Sections 140 and 141, dealing with hearings, were then accepted unanimously. The committee also briefly discussed fines for late insurance coverage reporting, with the department noting the current rubric allows up to $50 per day but uses $112 per day, and members suggesting a lower amount.

Transcript Highlights:

• such as a Head Start program or licensed child care program.
• </c><00:26:00.360><c> happening</c> there's more than one program happening there's more than one program
• those</c> Learning Program programs most of those Learning Program programs most of those projects<00
• Here's the history of the program.
• here's the history of the program here's the history of the program<00:32:38.519><c> I</c><00:32:38.600

Bills: HF919 , HF1192 , HF212 , HF214

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: wastewater, infrastructure, funding, Litchfield, economic development, environmental compliance, Hastings, water treatment, PFAS, nitrates, bonds, capital investment, public health, HF212, Round Lake-Brewster, Independent School District No. 2907, school construction, school building, sales tax exemption, use tax exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> awarded for the positions in the program awarded for the positions in the program um<01:45:51.920
• Uh, the next one is the program specialist and funds for the farm-to-state and farm-to-Food Bank program
• </c> 500,000 in here would be to get programs 500,000 in here would be to get programs to<01:53:54.920
• From which program ID? Yeah, which program ID? Uh, is Isaac MAA for, um, Animal Industry Division.
• We still need a surveillance program.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard budget testimony first from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Director Tommy Johnson outlined short-term goals to reduce overcrowding, improve living and working conditions, fill vacancies, expand mental health services, and update the correctional master plan. He said the department is still dealing with severe overcrowding at facilities such as OCCC and HCCC, with 947 people at OCCC against a design capacity of 628, and noted 938 inmates are currently housed on the mainland because of temporary repairs at Halawa. He also reported progress on staffing, saying the correctional officer vacancy rate has dropped from 34.3% to 24% through expanded recruitment. The department’s major budget request was $30 million for planning and design for a new Old Triple C project, along with other requests for re-entry services, identification documents, security systems, radios, sink-toilet modules, and trauma-informed care. Members asked about the timing and scope of the OCCC project, courtroom space in new facilities, and the department’s plan to use the funding to improve re-entry and reduce recidivism. The committee then heard from the Department of Law Enforcement on a wide range of priorities. The department described requests to expand agricultural crime enforcement, traffic enforcement, illegal fireworks enforcement, and facilities such as a police building at the DKI airport, a state training center, and new police facilities in central and Leeward Oahu. It also discussed a major IT request for a statewide law enforcement and critical infrastructure notification platform, plus funding for grants management, the Wahiawa Civic Center and court complex, the prescription monitoring program, narcotics enforcement operations, and the narcotics lab. A significant portion of the discussion focused on a proposed traffic enforcement program for commercial vehicle inspections, speeding, and DUI enforcement, which the department said would be funded with federal dollars and would operate concurrently with county police. Committee members questioned whether the effort duplicated county jurisdiction and how the program would be trained and staffed. Members also pressed the department on salary disparities for deputy sheriffs and related vacancies, and the department said the administration was working on a supplemental agreement and placeholder funding to address the issue. Additional discussion covered agricultural crime staffing, the Silver Alert program, and expansion of the forensic lab to handle explosives, firearms, and related evidence. No votes were taken in the portion provided, and the meeting moved from the corrections presentation to the law enforcement budget review with questions and answers throughout.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> products one we call it the lava program products one we call it the lava program for<00:13:04.680
• and the non-lava program.
• </c> almost 50/50 between the lava program almost 50/50 between the lava program and<00:15:06.759><c>
• They went from a program with one insurer to a program with 18 insurers to now a program with about 32
• a program with 18 insurers to now a program<00:59:11.079><c> with</c><00:59:11.240><c> about</c><00:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• higher ed, Ecoin trust, and the Ecoin industry programs.
• </c><00:20:44.000><c> funds</c> revenue went to our Ecoin program funds revenue went to our Ecoin program
• From record-breaking wagers programs.
• </c><00:42:11.200><c> and</c> last week, uh, producing the program and last week, uh, producing the program
• Uh, and if you work those two programs Uh, and if you work those two programs together,<01:12:11.840>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from its August 21 meeting and then received an update from Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation leadership on implementation of Senate Bill 299 and House Bill 566. Jamie Eids and staff described the agency’s new structure after charitable gaming was brought under the corporation, including new divisions, staffing, banking, payroll, insurance, procurement, and reporting systems. They also unveiled the corporation’s new logo and tagline, and said the transition had been designed to avoid interruption for charities, licensees, and racing operations. A major focus was the fee structure required by House Bill 566. Eids outlined current licensing fees across racing, sports wagering, and charitable gaming, compared Kentucky’s fees with other states, and recommended keeping the status quo for one more year because the agency has only recently brought all three components fully in-house. Members asked about whether charitable gaming had harmed veterans’ groups or other nonprofits, whether any revenue should be transferred back to the state, and whether the charitable gaming licenses cover one-off raffles as well as standing operations. Eids said she had not heard complaints, said the licenses include all such activity with some exemptions, and agreed to look at the question of future transfers. The committee then heard from Melissa Combs Wright on pari-mutuel wagering and Hannah Sims on sports wagering. They reported continued growth in historical horse racing, more than $11 billion in total pari-mutuel wagering in fiscal year 2025, over $10.5 billion in HHR wagers, and about $161 million in pari-mutuel tax revenue, with most of that supporting the general fund and horse-breeding development funds. They also said sports wagering has generated nearly $5 billion in wagers since launch, $73 million for the public pension fund, and more than $2 million for problem gambling services, while expanding to 13 retail locations and 92 additional sports events. Members raised concerns about players being cut off after winning, the lack of local government revenue sharing from gaming facilities, and the growth of computer-assisted wagering; the witnesses said they were reviewing CAWs and that Kentucky does not license poker rooms through the corporation.

Transcript Highlights:

• And in FY 26 we are continuing these programs with the likelihood of adding at least one more funding
• program.
• The good news is that these programs are yielding results.
• They would not be here were it not for these programs that the legislature has funded and that EDD is
• administering, uh, so really a direct tie to see the impact that these programs are having.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:43:46.200><c> for</c><00:43:46.920><c> for</c><00:43:47.240><c> that</c> programs for for that programs
• </c> 1001 HDA branding and marketing program 1001 HDA branding and marketing program adjustments<01:02
• </c><01:13:07.840><c> house</c> 101001 stamp smart food program house 101001 stamp smart food program
• </c><01:17:29.600><c> we're</c> 71-1 Hawaii birth defects program we're 71-1 Hawaii birth defects program
• </c> million in FY 26 for Fireworks program million in FY 26 for Fireworks program modified<01:22:29.560

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and that's going to keep our community program just going.
• When the day school program closed, Samantha returned to public school.
• I have continued in her footsteps and developed a one-of-a-kind program...
• This program is now called the CAM program, complementary alternative medicine, and the medical department
• Our program should be emulated, not eliminated.

Summary: The hearing focused on the future of the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children and the work of the special legislative commission studying whether and how the facility should continue. Senators and representatives said the Legislature has continued funding Pappas, that the hospital cannot be closed before the commission reports, and that they are seeking to extend the commission’s deadline. Multiple commissioners and witnesses described Pappas as a unique setting combining inpatient medical care, residential programming, special education, therapy, and campus-based activities for children with complex medical needs. Union leaders, staff, parents, and local officials argued that Pappas is being quietly depopulated through blocked admissions and continued discharges despite the formal pause on closure. They said the hospital’s integrated model cannot be replicated elsewhere, that families and staff are being left in limbo, and that the state should invest in repairs, modernization, and possibly temporary modular space to reopen admissions. Several witnesses emphasized the impact on children who have benefited from Pappas and on workers who fear losing a specialized workforce built over decades. Department of Public Health Commissioner Robert Goldstein said the state is committed to keeping Pappas open and stable while the commission works, but that admissions must meet hospital-level-of-care standards and the current infrastructure limits who can safely be served. He said the administration has been expanding outreach, hiring staff, and exploring ways to broaden services, including outpatient and therapy programs over time. Commissioners pressed him on why admissions remain so limited and whether the facility is being effectively depopulated, while Goldstein maintained that the restrictions reflect legal and safety requirements rather than an effort to close the hospital.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:10.440><c> this</c> and essential Community programs this and essential Community programs
• lots of school groups veterans programs lots of school groups programs<00:15:40.600><c> for</c><00:15
• We donate to area schools programs to help housing and food and secure children.
• We donate to area schools programs to help housing and food and secure children.
• She's applied for a program. She's been told to wait in line.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 169, which would change the tax structure for charitable gambling. Representative Robbins offered and the committee adopted the A1 author’s amendment, described as a technical correction to ensure sports-themed tip boards are not inadvertently taxed under the bill. Robbins then presented the bill as a way to replace the current tiered combined net receipts tax on charitable gambling with a flat 5% rate, arguing charities were being overtaxed and that prior promises of relief had not been fully delivered. Chair Stevenson pushed back on several of Robbins’ factual claims, correcting the record on the status of E-pull tabs, the share of charitable gambling revenue they represent, and the amount of tax relief already enacted in 2023 and 2024. He said E-tabs were not eliminated, that the revenue split between paper pull tabs and E-tabs is closer to 45/55, and that charities had already received a $15 million tax cut plus savings from reduced developer fees. Robbins responded that the changes still significantly reduced revenue and that the bill was intended as a middle-ground approach. Testimony largely came from charitable gambling and veterans groups in support of the bill. Rachel Jenner of Allied Charities of Minnesota said nearly 1,000 charities depend on charitable gambling, cited high taxes and fees, and said many organizations were seeing revenue declines after the new E-pull tab rules took effect. Dr. Christy Jano of the American Legion Department of Minnesota said charitable gambling funds support veterans, youth, and community programs, and that a flat 5% tax would help posts continue those efforts. Members asked about the size of the revenue drops and how much gambling proceeds go to overhead and operating costs; Jenner said the losses varied by organization and that it was too early to know the long-term effect, while Jano said some expenses are used for property taxes and building upkeep. The committee then moved on to additional testimony, including Tim Angstrom, but no final vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:14:43.519><c> aid</c> comparatively uh county program aid comparatively uh county program aid
• </c> about the trend in in uh county program about the trend in in uh county program aid<00:19:42.080
• </c> to administer the SNAP program. to administer the SNAP program.
• </c><00:53:37.599><c> Paperwork</c> program that's not theirs. Paperwork program that's not theirs.
• </c> programs effectively. programs effectively.

Bills: HF3396

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: property tax, task force, assessment, state revenue, local government, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And we have a Medicaid program in our state. It’s called Medi-Cal.
• These clinics rely on the 340B program to keep their doors open.
• cannot use the program.
• The Deaf and Disabled Communications Program and the Transportation Network Company Access for All Program
• Communications Program and the Transportation Network Company Access for All Program.

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long Daily File with several guest introductions and floor speeches. Members recognized visiting student leaders, championship football teams from Tuolumne County, Alpha Kappa Alpha members at their Capitol day, and later a descendant of Wong Kim Ark. The chamber also adopted a procedural motion allowing certain members to host guests in the rear of the chamber. Among the major policy items, AB 578 on food delivery platform refund practices passed 47-2, AB 344 on successor beer manufacturer definitions passed 61-0, AB 454 to make California’s migratory bird protections permanent passed 55-12 on the urgency clause, AB 482 updating the Table Grape Commission passed 64-1, AB 1237 to support transit access for 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket holders passed 56-15 on the urgency clause, AB 738 on wildfire rebuild solar exemptions passed 42-2, AB 1460 on 340B pharmacy access for clinics passed 41-5, AB 750 on homeless shelter oversight passed 49-1, AB 1061 on housing in historic districts passed 41-13, AB 1523 on expanding mandatory mediation thresholds passed 65-0, and AB 316 on AI-related civil liability passed 56-0. AB 761 authorizing the Monterey-Salinas Transit District to seek a sales tax ballot measure passed 47-12. The chamber also adopted several resolutions. AJR 3 urging protection of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid passed 53-2 after extensive debate that included criticism of federal cuts and counterarguments focused on state Medi-Cal policy and budget decisions. ACR 65 proclaiming California Tourism Month was adopted by voice vote after coauthors were added, and ACR 62 recognizing California Nonprofits Day was also adopted by voice vote with 65 coauthors. AJR 5 affirming birthright citizenship and opposing efforts to end it passed 58-1 after a lengthy, highly partisan debate centered on the 14th Amendment and the Wong Kim Ark precedent. The session also included passage of AB 571, a CEQA exemption for the Southern California Veterans Cemetery at Gypsum Canyon, which was presented as a long-running bipartisan effort to create a final resting place for Orange County veterans.

Transcript Highlights:

• They started as a nonprofit under the medical marijuana program in Massachusetts.
• </c><00:35:19.440><c> is</c> to make sure that this program is to make sure that this program is effective
• </c> from this program program go to the from this program program go to the patients<00:49:28.119><c
• I can offer you a full quarter of the 15,000 patients in the program.
• There's no regulation of the medical program in Maine.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The work session focused on HB 54, which would allow New Hampshire’s alternative treatment centers to operate for profit. Chair David Nagel opened by identifying the main concerns: whether members agreed with the bill conceptually, whether the proposal could be shaped to avoid a gubernatorial veto, and whether it could lead to “big cannabis” taking over. He also emphasized that the bill would not change the existing oversight structure, which remained under RSA 126-X. Representative Wendy Thomas said the governor’s objections in past sessions appeared to center on the state’s preference for a state-run model and broader policy concerns, but no one present knew the current governor’s position. Several speakers argued the bill was primarily about financing and access, not expanding the number of dispensaries. Matt Simon of Granite Leaf Cannabis said the current nonprofit structure makes it difficult to raise capital, pay down debt, and open additional access points, and that the bill would be a corporate restructuring rather than a change in day-to-day regulation. Brandon Pollock of TASCAL Wellness said medical cannabis programs in most other states are for-profit, and that New Hampshire’s nonprofit requirement has left ATCs burdened with high-interest debt and higher prices that push patients to Maine, Vermont, or the street market. He said converting to for-profit status could allow conventional financing, lower prices, and help keep patients in the regulated program. Members also discussed whether for-profit ownership would invite outside corporate control. Witnesses said the bill would not open the market to new operators, would not change advertising rules, and would include restrictions on ownership transfers for a period of time; “foreign corporation” was explained as an out-of-state entity. One speaker noted that the bill is similar to earlier versions that passed both chambers with strong support but never became law. No vote was taken during the work session; the discussion was informational and aimed at addressing concerns before the bill moved forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've had program cuts.
• </c><00:03:53.799><c> Cuts</c> with students we've had program Cuts with students we've had program Cuts
• ><c> Grand</c><00:03:55.959><c> Rapids</c> elective programs at both Grand Rapids elective programs at
• c> cut</c> School Spanish programs have been cut School Spanish programs have been cut depriving<00:04
• findings when the program ends.

Bills: HF51 , HF1161 , HF2201 , HF2786 , HF1053

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: HF51, Sibley County, State-Aid Highway 21, capital investment, bonding bill, general obligation bonds, transportation infrastructure, road improvements, sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, local infrastructure, county grant, Minnesota Department of Transportation, bond proceeds fund, public works, utility infrastructure, education finance, school district funding, tax base adjustment

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a partial public funding program that exceeds the comprehensive public funding program.
• </c><00:55:25.760><c> that</c> a partial Public Funding program that a partial Public Funding program
• Having a robust funding program enables a public funding program enables candidates to be independent
• Having a robust funding program enables a public funding program enables candidates to be independent
• </c> be a a partial Public Funding program be a a partial Public Funding program and<01:08:37.799><c>

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs met on March 12, 2025, and heard testimony on several election-related and governance measures. On SB 176, relating to recounts, the Office of Elections supported clarifying that recount triggers should be based on the final Election Day report rather than the 6:00 a.m. next-day report, citing a 2022 recount example. The chair noted 3 testimonies in support, 42 in opposition, and 1 comment. On SB 1337, relating to the Stadium Authority, the authority supported changing quorum rules so only voting members count, explaining that the current interpretation makes it difficult to conduct business; written testimony from DBEDT was also received. On SB 289, relating to ethics administrative fines, the Ethics Commission supported uniform procedures to resolve uncontested enforcement matters more quickly while preserving due process; written support was also noted. The committee then heard SB 311, a proposed constitutional amendment on freedom of speech and money in elections. Supporters, including Community Alliance on Prisons, Our Revolution Hawaii, Pride at Work Hawaii, Common Cause Hawaii, and others, argued that money in politics distorts democracy and that the amendment would help prevent wealthy interests from buying influence. Opponents, including the Hawaii Christian Coalition and individual testifiers, argued that changing the constitution was too serious, that the proposal should be handled by ordinary legislation instead, and that the measure could create legal conflict. Deputy Attorney General Candace Park said the bill would only matter if key federal cases such as Buckley and Citizens United were overturned, and the chair thanked her for the legal input. The committee also heard SB 780, relating to election ballot disqualification, which would exclude candidates disqualified by constitutional or statutory provisions and create procedures for challenges. Opposition testimony said the bill would undermine voter choice, burden courts and election officials, and invite misuse; the Hawaii Christian Coalition echoed those concerns. Members raised questions about whether the measure would apply only to state and county offices, and the Attorney General’s office said it would follow up. Finally, on SB 1030, relating to election intimidation, supporters said firearms should not be brought near polling places or ballot drop boxes, while opponents argued the bill was unnecessary and could affect lawful possession; the committee received 12 testimonies, with 39 in support. The committee then began SB 1225, a proposed constitutional amendment changing the vote threshold for legislative amendments to a majority of votes tallied, excluding blanks, spoiled ballots, and overvotes; testimony in support was heard from the LGBTQ+ Commission and others, and the discussion was still underway when the excerpt ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, thank you. particular service or program, um, it's particular service or program, um, it's many,<
• </c> grant program. Is that an AP request? grant program. Is that an AP request?
• That program is now up up running and That program is now up up running and humming.<00:59:31.440><c>
• project uh, a program that is over project uh, a program that is over subscribed,<01:21:18.840><c> I<
• With that, we have bonding program.

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, I’m familiar with CBRE and, you know, the DEER programs, but I would say that those programs
• but I would say that I mean programs but I would say that I mean those<01:18:15.920><c> programs</c>
• which is the grid service program which is the grid service program<01:21:48.440><c> that</c><01:21:
• </c> about the impact of of these programs about the impact of of these programs being<01:29:55.360><
• </c> the public safety power shut off program the public safety power shut off program um<01:35:30.760

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard testimony on Senate Bill 897, which would create a Wildlife Liability Trust Fund within DCCA for administrative purposes. The chair opened by noting the hearing had to end by noon because of floor session, and that written testimony would be considered if not all witnesses could speak. Testimony included support from DCCA, the Attorney General’s office, the Public Utilities Commission, Charter Communications, Ulupono Initiative, AES Hawaii, Hawaiian Electric, Clearway Energy Group, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, Hawaiian Telcom, and IBW Local 1260, with opposition or concerns from the Hawaii Association for Justice and some others. Hawaiian Electric strongly supported the bill and asked for amendments, saying the fund would help address wildfire liability, protect customers and the economy, and support restoration of investment-grade credit; it also proposed a larger shareholder contribution and said the bill was part of a broader effort to raise settlement funds and improve grid safety and resiliency. Committee members focused heavily on whether the bill would actually lower costs for ratepayers and improve credit ratings. DCCA said there was a nexus between limiting liability, creating a sufficiently large wildfire fund, and transparent mitigation requirements, but acknowledged there was no guarantee of a credit-rating improvement or precise estimate of rate impacts. Members questioned Hawaiian Electric about the assumptions in its cost comparisons, the 30-year securitization structure, and whether funding could be shifted later to shareholders after credit was restored. Hawaiian Electric responded that the bill assumes the fund is paid through securitization, that removing that presumption could undermine the credit-rating benefit, and that its models suggest credit-spread savings could offset the customer charge over time; it also said it would follow up with additional analysis. The company and Ulupono both described the measure as a difficult but potentially necessary way to socialize wildfire risk and avoid a larger crisis later. The Hawaii Association for Justice opposed the bill’s liability caps and raised concerns about consumer rights, oversight discretion, statute-of-limitations changes, and evidence rules. Hawaiian Telcom suggested amendments to clarify compliance with FCC pole-attachment agreements. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided, and members indicated they wanted more analysis before being comfortable with the bill’s long-term ratepayer impacts.