Transcript Highlights:

• So that's a 0 change in fiscal years 26 and 27.
• <00:05:00.160> And 0 change in fiscal years 26 and 27.
• And 0 change in fiscal years 26 and 27.
• changes necessary to reflect the will of the committee.
• nonpartisan staff to make any technical nonpartisan staff to make any technical changes<00:13:45.040

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The changes that HB 184 would... ...land use and wildlife.
• It made several changes to the structure of that fund...” “That fund.
• It made several changes to the structure of that fund.
• Chair, and do we ever make technical changes in this committee?”
• Generally speaking, we make few policy changes in this committee that are more technical.

Bills: HB63, HB64, HB184, HB200, HB47, HB48, HB2, HB9

Keywords: water project fund, New Mexico Finance Authority, NMFA, Water Trust Board, water infrastructure, wastewater, drinking water, flood prevention, watershed restoration, water storage, conveyance, delivery, water treatment, recycling, reuse, municipal infrastructure, local government finance, capital outlay, grants, loans

Transcript Highlights:

• Is this just technical? These are your amendments?
• Amendments 1 and 2 are technical. Amendment set 3575 to HB 555. Amendment 1 and 2 are technical.
• We do have a technical amendment. I'd make a motion that we adopt technical amendment number 3702.
• my list of it is technical and it is not.
• Amendments one through three are technical.

Summary: The Senate Commerce Committee met on May 13 with a quorum present and approved the prior meeting minutes. The committee then heard and advanced a series of House bills, many of them described as modernization or consumer-protection measures. HB 555, as amended, expands the definition of financial exploitation under the Protection of Eligible Adults from Financial Exploitation Act, adds training and transaction-delay provisions for financial institutions, and was reported favorably after technical and substantive amendments. HB 1166 creates a disclosure form for vacant residential property transactions and was also reported favorably. HB 267, which changes how candidates for the Louisiana Board of Home Inspectors are submitted to the governor, and HB 1195, which updates rules and penalties for athletic contests, exhibitions, and sports-agent/NIL regulation, were each moved favorably without objection. The committee also advanced several licensing and regulatory bills. HB 917 modernizes life safety and property protection licensing by reducing burdens on some employees and moving to a three-year license cycle; it was reported favorably. HB 1230 overhauls Louisiana’s money transmission laws, replacing older statutes with a new framework for digital payments and stronger consumer protections; a technical amendment was adopted and the bill was reported as amended. HB 1103, described as opening Louisiana for business in certain commerce areas, was reported favorably. HB 478 requires utility bills to clearly label and reimburse overcharges within 90 days and was reported favorably. HB 1096 gives electric cooperatives an opt-out from a prior law allowing boards to amend bylaws without member approval, and HB 921 modernizes private security licensing while restoring penalties for unlicensed activity; both were reported favorably, with HB 921 amended. HB 548 adds CPA licensure pathways to help address shortages, especially in rural areas, and was also reported favorably. Several bills drew more extensive discussion. HB 670 would promote wood pellet manufacturing and related workforce development; supporters argued it could create jobs and help manage timber waste, while an opponent warned about pollution, environmental violations, and the risks of biomass facilities. Committee members raised concerns about permitting and environmental oversight, but the bill was ultimately reported favorably, with discussion of possible follow-up with DEQ. HB 259, dealing with BEAD broadband projects, extends notice requirements before excavation, requires coordination with utility operators, and addresses damage reimbursement; an amendment was adopted and the bill was reported as amended. HB 848 clarifies repair obligations for ATV and golf cart sellers, aiming to ensure consumers have meaningful repair access and to level the playing field between small dealers and big-box retailers; it was reported favorably after questions about enforcement and service requirements. The committee also heard HB 672 and HB 670 as economic-development measures tied to brick manufacturing and wood pellets, respectively, and both were moved favorably. At the end of the meeting, the chair announced that remaining bills would be carried over to the following week, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The substitute just makes basically technical changes.
• The Senate amendments just make technical changes.
• Speaker, members of the House, the Senate substitute contains really just technical changes to some of
• The Senate amendments are technical changes to align with terms used in House Bill 964, which we just
• The Senate changes occur on line 23, where we change the more general term “locality” to “county” to

Keywords: March 06, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that role would not change. This addition to the bill would not change.
• And that's a political decision; it's not a technical decision. The technical guys know what to do.
• It simply changes the label.
• There's one more change, Madam Chair, which is kind of a new little idea, There's one more change, Madam
• So basically those are the two major changes, outside of some minor language change to the manager.

Bills: SB78, SB235, SB22, SB310

Keywords: nuclear energy, renewable energy, sustainability, carbon emissions, energy regulation, microgrid, zero carbon resources, Public Regulation Commission, energy generation, electric utilities, motor vehicle manufacturers, licensing, dealers, franchise agreements, consumer protection, water supply, sewage improvements, environment, funding, Mora County

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 31 makes a technical change to the definition of an intersection.
• then makes a variety of other technical then makes a variety of other technical changes<00:40:40.960
• > clarifications<00:43:13.920> and technical changes and clarifications and technical changes
• and brings in another technical change on page 122, lines 14 and 15.
• Section 113 also makes the same technical change related to the 2025 enacted law.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Thomas Chang.
• My name is Thomas Chang.
• It changes constantly.
• It changes constantly.
• It changes constantly.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs met on February 19, 2025, and first heard House Bill 150, which would prohibit lending a firearm to someone who does not have a firearm permit or a registered firearm. The Department of Law Enforcement and the Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, though HPD said enforcing any time limit on a loaned firearm would be difficult. Several members of the public opposed the measure, arguing it would interfere with lawful lending for hunting, competitions, training, military-related use, and family situations, and could create unintended criminal liability. One supporter said the bill would strengthen gun safety and encourage more responsible ownership. No vote was taken during the testimony portion described. The committee then heard House Bill 186, which would make harassment by stalking a class C felony. The Office of the Public Defender requested deferral, arguing the bill would remove a misdemeanor option that can help deter escalation and could be unnecessarily severe and burdensome. Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying stalking can be a precursor to more serious violence. The Hawaiʻi State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney raised concerns about how the new felony would fit within the existing grading scheme, noting that aggravated harassment by stalking and first-degree terroristic threatening are already class C felonies. April Bautista testified in strong support, describing her own experience with domestic violence and stalking and urging passage of the bill. Committee members discussed whether other penalty structures might be possible, but no final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee also heard House Bill 991, which would delete the term “agent of the contractor” from criminal history record check provisions to comply with FBI requirements. The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center supported the bill with comments, explaining that the FBI had found the term too broad for fingerprint-based background checks tied to access to federal tax information. In addition, House Bill 995 was introduced, changing deadlines for annual firearms carry reporting; the Department of the Attorney General supported it, saying the revised deadlines would allow a more complete report, and HPD was also heard on the measure. The transcript ends before any votes or final committee actions on these bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• statute does provide technical statute does provide technical assistance<00:15:17.600> to
• If not, Senator Chang, I vote yes.
• If not, Senator Chang, I vote yes.
• If not, Senator Chang, I vote yes.
• If not, Senator Chang, I vote yes.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing began with SB 133 on energy, which drew opposition testimony from James Abraham, who said the bill was unnecessary because the Public Utilities Commission had already opened a proceeding to investigate wheeling, including intergovernmental wheeling, and should be allowed to finish its collaborative process. The committees then moved to SB 161 on county permitting and inspection, where several agencies submitted written comments or opposition, while the Grassroots Institute and HCDA-related testimony supported the measure. Members raised concerns about accountability and whether state agencies would report back on projects approved under any permitting exemption, and witnesses suggested annual reporting or amendment language to address that issue. The hearing then turned to SB 232 and SB 588, both related to renewable energy permitting. Testimony on SB 232 was largely supportive, but Rocky Mold of the Hawaii Solar Energy Association said SB 232 was an older version of a bill and that SB 588 was the preferred, updated measure. Members discussed whether the bill should be limited to residential or behind-the-meter customer-sited systems rather than utility-scale projects, and Mold clarified that the proposal was intended for customer-sited systems, not utility-scale facilities. For SB 588, the Department of Land and Natural Resources warned that state or county laws inconsistent with the National Flood Insurance Program could jeopardize flood insurance eligibility and related federal assistance, while Mold argued the bill’s FEMA floodway exemption was needed to avoid blocking solar installations on existing structures. The chair expressed concern about risking federal funding and questioned whether the exemption could be narrowed without defeating the bill’s purpose. SB 412, also on renewable energy, received supportive testimony from the State Energy Office and others. Members questioned whether a single coordinating entity should compile agency assessments, and Mark Glick said the Energy Office could take on that role if given the duty and sufficient staff. The committee then discussed SB 635 on energy efficiency, which would require state agencies to use energy-efficient lighting. Mark Glick testified that much of the work was already underway through benchmarking and related contracts, and a DAGS representative said the state was already assessing 590 buildings over 10,000 square feet, with results expected around 2027. Members suggested amending the bill to require annual status reports so the committees could track progress and avoid duplication. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• governor's budget neutral technical governor's budget neutral technical changes.<00:08:53.440>
• changes to their strictly technical changes to their budget<00:09:18.959> which<00:09:19.200>
• These are technical and clarifying changes.
• <00:29:58.960> changes budget bill, contains technical changes budget bill, contains technical
• moratorum and make a related technical moratorum and make a related technical change.<00:31:52.080

Bills: HF2434

Keywords: healthcare, personal care assistance, worker retention, disability services, state funding, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• authorized to make any technical authorized to make any technical changes.<00:18:25.280> Uh
• Senator Dornink offered the A11 amendment, and when asked to describe it, said it was a technical change
• This is just a<00:25:08.240> technical<00:25:08.559> change<00:25:08.960> setting
• ><00:25:09.279> the<00:25:09.440> program a technical change setting the program a technical
• So, just<00:25:18.880> a<00:25:19.440> technical<00:25:19.919> change.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's another change in there, a couple of changes. Good morning.
• There's another change in there, a couple of changes. A couple of changes.
• not really making a lot of changes. not really making a lot of changes.
• that statement changed to form. that statement changed to form.
• is going to change that all that much. is going to change that all that much.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to change uh proposing to change uh 624.712<00:01:16.400> which<00:01:16.720> is<00:01
• Senator Uma Verbaten. changes in committee. Those are all um changes in committee.
• Incorated as well as any<00:35:37.359> technical<00:35:37.839> changes<00:35:38.400>
• and<00:35:38.800> that<00:35:38.960> will<00:35:39.040> be any technical changes
• and that will be any technical changes and that will be 14.<00:35:41.119> All<00:35:41.200>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment is a technical change to delete section 10 of the bill as... ...substitute amendment.
• The amendment is a technical change to delete section 10 of the bill as it incorrectly subjects access
• Is there opposition or debate on the technical amendment?
• The definition of vaccine was deliberately changed.”
• That’s not really changing anything at all.

Summary: The Health Policy Committee met for its final meeting of the session and handled a very full agenda, beginning with a few housekeeping items and a brief thank-you to staff. Senate Bill 596 was temporarily postponed. The committee then reconsidered and amended SB 1606 on patient access to records, clarifying portal access obligations and deleting a section that would have improperly affected nursing home facility records; the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. The committee also recommended confirmation of a block of appointees and separately confirmed Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after testimony focused on transparency, financial oversight, Medicaid managed care accountability, and internal controls at AHCA. Harris said she would prioritize staffing, monitoring, and improved reporting, and several health care groups waived in support. The committee next heard and passed several bills, including claims bills SB 28 and SB 22 for South Broward Hospital District settlements, both reported favorably. It also approved SB 772 on undesignated glucagon in schools, SB 998 on allowing physician assistants and APRNs to complete death certificates under hospice/palliative protocols, SB 1412 on home health agency administration and staffing flexibility, SB 1800 creating a Parkinson’s disease research consortium at USF, SB 306 on Medicaid managed care network access during holidays and after hours, SB 1768 on stem cell therapies and informed consent, SB 1602 on pediatric readiness standards in emergency departments, SB 1156 on the home health aide program for medically fragile children, SB 1490 on Children’s Medical Services and Medicaid managed care administration, and SB 1182 on Medicaid coverage of continuous glucose monitors. Most of these bills were amended, generally to narrow scope, align with the House, or make technical changes, and most received support from provider associations, advocacy groups, or affected institutions. The most debated measure was SB 1270, which combined several health freedom and medical marijuana provisions. The strike-all amendment retained language prohibiting discrimination based solely on vaccination status, added protections related to mRNA vaccine documentation requirements, and included medical marijuana regulatory and background-screening language. The committee heard extensive testimony both in support and opposition, including concerns from senators about whether the bill would force providers to treat patients contrary to medical judgment, and support from witnesses arguing it protected patient autonomy and access to care. After a time-certain motion, the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. At the end of the meeting, senators recorded their votes on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:01:29.600> that were any modifications or changes that were any modifications or changes
• <00:01:39.479> uh we're going to adopt those changes uh we're going to adopt those changes
• that we've proposed we want to change that we've proposed we want to change the<00:13:41.959>
• refinance we would just want to change refinance we would just want to change the<00:52:35.119><
• And then a technical correction related to the Duth Regional Exchange District, changing the word “current

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please use the chat only for technical issues.
• effective date to year 3000 technical effective date to year 3000 technical amendment<01:04:50.000
• effective date to year 3000 technical effective date to year 3000 technical amendments<01:16:18.159
• <01:17:35.520> amendments to year 3000 and technical amendments to year 3000 and technical
• <01:18:29.600> defect instructions and system changes defect instructions and system changes

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered several bills focused on economic development, tourism, business climate, and related policy areas. On HB 1943, which would support a DBEDT office in Korea, DBEDT and the Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in support, emphasizing Korea’s importance as a market for investment, trade, and tourism and the value of helping small and midsize Hawaii businesses access Asian markets. A later witness also tied the proposal to broader free-trade and APEC-related goals. The committees heard no opposition on that measure. The committees then heard HB 1612 and HB 1614, both supported by multiple organizations and agencies. Testimony for HB 1612 stressed Hawaii’s weak business climate and the need for policies that improve economic growth and competitiveness; the Hulamua Collaborative cited survey results showing only 19% of respondents viewed Hawaii as a good place to do business. HB 1614 also drew support, with HTC saying its focus is on economic growth. For HB 1968 and HB 1967, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the University of Hawaii, the Chamber of Commerce, and Hulamua Collaborative largely stood on written testimony in support; the hearing notes reported nine supporters and one opponent on HB 1968, and seven supporters with one comment on HB 1967. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on HB 1589, a bill to create dementia training and recognition for businesses. Testifiers included a private citizen sharing a personal family story, the Alzheimer’s Association, and DBEDT. Supporters said the measure would help families affected by dementia, reduce stigma, and make businesses more dementia-friendly. DBEDT said the issue would be better handled by an agency with dementia expertise, while the Alzheimer’s Association said it could provide training at no cost and suggested amendments to shift implementation toward the Executive Office on Aging and to use the term “dementia business champion.” The final major topic was HB 1608, involving a space-related project and financing. Phoenix Space testified that the bill would help launch responsive space access operations at Hilo International Airport, create local jobs, and support partnerships with Hawaii institutions, while another supporter said the project could diversify the economy. A committee member raised a timing concern, noting bond cap capacity was already allocated through 2028, and the witness said they were willing to work on a solution. The hearing also included HB 1850 on capital gains taxation, where supporters argued the bill would make the tax system fairer by increasing taxes on investment income, while the Chamber of Commerce opposed it. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• :15:13.360> College Kentucky Community and Technical College Kentucky Community and Technical
• <00:24:19.200> college Kentucky community and technical college Kentucky community and technical
• that a little bit and change some language.
• Um, I'm a no today with some of the changes.
• that a little bit and change some language.

Keywords: Consideration of HB 139 -- 00:03:15 Consideration of HB 356 -- 00:08:48, 958, all

Summary: The committee first adopted a committee substitute for House Bill 139, which would allow a political party to replace a candidate who dies or withdraws after the filing deadline but before ballot certification. Representative Decker explained the substitute as a narrow election-related fix, and the bill was then passed by the committee on an 11-yes, 1-pass vote and sent to the full House. The committee then heard House Bill 356, which would move the Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) qualification test from a once-every-four-years, Frankfort-based format to administration through the Kentucky Community and Technical College System at multiple locations and times. Representative Bridges said the Department of Revenue would still write and control the exam, KCTCS would only administer it, the fiscal note was zero, and the change would improve access and convenience without weakening standards. KCTCS said it was prepared to help if directed. Members generally agreed PVAs should be tested, but some raised concerns about test integrity, whether a broader testing network could create uneven conditions, and whether the change should instead use a smaller number of regional test sites. Others supported the bill as a common-sense way to expand access and avoid forcing candidates to wait years after missing a single test date. The committee also discussed the lack of a study guide for the exam and whether that should be addressed separately. No final vote on House Bill 356 is reflected in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• suggested amendments make technical suggested amendments make technical corrections<00:01:29.600
• <00:03:08.640> to schools and make substantial changes to schools and make substantial changes
• <00:13:23.839> changes.
• looks like and any changes being made? looks like and any changes being made?
• Um technical question. Uh under folks. Um technical question.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee met in August with a quorum present and approved the prior meeting minutes without objection. The committee then reviewed several regulations, generally adopting staff-suggested amendments without objection, and heard brief explanations from agency representatives on each item. The Board of Pharmacy regulations would clarify what registered and certified pharmacy technicians may do under supervision and what certified technicians may not do, while updating registration applications. The Board of Cosmetology package included changes to executive director authority, licensure and reciprocity rules, school requirements, training hours, instructor ratios, sanitation and disease-related rules, complaint procedures, and permit terms; members asked about straight razor language and the increase in student-to-instructor ratios, and the board explained that cosmetologists are not permitted to use straight razors and that the higher ratio was intended to give schools flexibility, especially for part-time students and schools with wait lists. The Occupational Therapy emergency compact regulation added four compact rules adopted in April 2025, and Senator West raised a technical question about certification requirements under House Bill 6; the agency said it had been instructed to file the regulation as submitted. The Department for Fish and Wildlife Resources presented a package covering wildlife management area rules, a northern pintail bag limit increase, reportable disease reporting, and a repeal tied to boat registration fees. After a brief explanation of the new wildlife disease reporting rule, the agency requested and received a deferral of 301 KAR 2:031 to avoid a gap while replacement language is finalized. The Economic Development Finance Authority explained an emergency regulation for the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive Program, saying it was needed because the program had become oversubscribed and because administration was shifting to a new film office and council; members also asked about certification issues under House Bill 6, and the agency said it had filed the regulation as directed. The Department of Workplace Standards emergency PPE regulation was also discussed, with members asking about HB 6 certification language, and the agency gave the same response. The Department of Insurance regulation would create a $10,000 registration fee and a $1,000 annual licensing fee for pharmacy benefit manager licenses, with an agency amendment exempting PBMs that solely serve workers’ compensation plans. Members asked how many PBMs would be affected and why workers’ compensation PBMs were carved out; the agency said there were 70 registered PBMs total, four solely workers’ comp, and that workers’ comp rates are set by statute and could not absorb the fee. Finally, the Public Service Commission’s pole attachment regulation was summarized as a broadband-expansion measure that speeds application review, increases the number of poles allowed in a single application, and shortens dispute timelines; the commission explained it grew out of earlier legislative direction and subsequent emergency amendments, and the committee adopted the staff amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• State aid to technical colleges, the technical college district revenue limit, and making an appropriation
• But I've seen how this building's changed. I've listened to the rhetoric, and the people change.
• And times have changed. So I've worked for some great governors.
• So while the names change, all of us have changed and people will come after, the rhetoric's still the
• I don't particularly care for the technical college provision in it.

Keywords: 970, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:18:59.720> and that's really an important change and that's really an important change
• <00:30:21.400> the amendment is just and good, changing the amendment is just and good, changing
• The bill involved largely technical changes related to hands-free operation of cell phones for commercial
• This is a technical amendment to 33 V.S.A. 5285A(2), and it is a technical edit to correct a cross-reference
• It is also a technical edit section.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House first debated House Bill 527, extending the sunset of 30 V.S.A. chapter 248A, which governs telecom tower siting. Members discussed a Senate proposal of amendment that would require a mandatory local hearing with the developer and the Department of Public Service present. Supporters said the change would improve public participation and local control, especially for rural towns, while opponents argued it could either stall telecom development or speed it up with less input. Several members also raised concerns about health effects of RF radiation and cited scientific studies and court actions, while others said they had not seen evidence of the harms claimed and emphasized the importance of connectivity. A proposed further amendment to shorten the sunset to one year was defeated by roll call, 52-89, and the House then concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment by roll call, 122-14. The House then took up House Bill 686, relating to expanding identification of certain lobbying advertisements. After suspending rules, members heard a summary of the Senate’s strike-all amendment, which broadened the definition of lobbying communications and required clearer identification and reporting for paid lobbying ads, while avoiding duplicate reporting where campaign finance disclosures already apply. The Government Operations and Military Affairs Committee reported a 10-1-1 straw poll in favor, and the House concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment. Next, the House considered Senate Bill 326, miscellaneous amendments to motor vehicle laws. The Transportation Committee described the changes as largely technical, including provisions related to hands-free cell phone use for commercial drivers and to mufflers, motorcycles, and annual inspections. After testimony from Legislative Council and the Department of Motor Vehicles, the committee recommended concurrence on a 9-1-1 straw poll, and the House concurred and then voted to message its action to the Senate forthwith. The chamber also took up the conference report on House Bill 642, youthful offender proceedings, with the conference committee restoring House language allowing victims to attend and present impact statements at both hearings and making several technical cross-reference corrections; the report was presented for House consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• You also have some technical changes around moving things to the correct jurisdiction, and then adding
• So all those changes align with the change pages in the governor's budget book.
• You also have some technical changes around moving things to the correct jurisdiction, and then adding
• So all those changes align with the change pages in the governor's budget book.
• :03:37.760> change<00:03:38.080> pages<00:03:38.879> um changes align with the change

Bills: HF2995, HF2434

Keywords: human services, funding, appropriations, MinnesotaCare, behavioral health, general assistance, healthcare, personal care assistance, worker retention, disability services, state funding, 1183, house