Video & Transcript : 'prompt pay' :
Page 493 of 500
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't know; it happens through an assessment mechanism, so the railroads pay for the inspectors.
- I don't know; it happens through an assessment mechanism, so the railroads pay for the inspectors.
- I don't know; it happens through an assessment mechanism, so the railroads pay for the inspectors.
- I'm referring to line 214. ...railroad companies pay a certain dollar amount to MnDOT.
- </c><00:24:51.720><c> for</c><00:24:52.360><c> double</c><00:24:52.640><c> the</c> why are we paying
Committee:
Senate Transportation
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- This will allow people to stay in their homes longer, help them pay their mortgages and property taxes
- This will allow people to stay in their homes longer, help them pay their mortgages and property taxes
- This will allow people to stay in their homes longer, help them pay their mortgages and property taxes
- He said renters are more likely to pay more than 30% of their income toward housing costs, and nearly
- </c><04:22:15.479><c> for</c> and waking up that you have to pay for and waking up that you have to pay
Committee:
House Housing
Summary:
The House Housing Committee heard testimony on HB 577, a bill to expand accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in New Hampshire. The sponsor and supporters described the state’s housing shortage and argued the bill would make it easier for property owners to build ADUs by right, up to 950 square feet, either attached or detached, while still requiring compliance with building codes, septic/water limits, and other local requirements. Supporters said the measure would help seniors age in place, provide housing for young adults, caregivers, and workers, and make better use of existing property such as garages and barns.
Representative Reed raised concern that removing language related to short-term rentals could allow ADUs to be used for that purpose rather than long-term housing. The sponsor said he was open to clarifying language on short-term rentals, and another witness explained that current law already allows municipalities some choice on ingress/egress requirements, while the bill would standardize that and leave the design choice to the property owner. Several supportive witnesses followed, including the New Hampshire Home Builders Association, the New Hampshire Association of Realtors, the Business and Industry Association, AARP, Housing Action New Hampshire, 603 Forward, and New Hampshire Youth Movement. They emphasized affordability, property rights, workforce housing, intergenerational living, and the need for statewide consistency.
A Derry resident testified that his existing garage space could be converted into an ADU under HB 577, but current local rules prevent that because it is detached; he said the bill would let him rent it affordably. Supporters also argued that ADUs can increase property values and help homeowners cover mortgages and taxes. In opposition, the New Hampshire Municipal Association said the bill would impose a local zoning mandate, could add density pressure on already stressed infrastructure, and did not guarantee that new units would be affordable or workforce housing. No vote or final committee action was taken in the excerpt.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, January 16, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They're not going to stay and pay for this anymore. They're angry.
- They're not going to stay and pay for this anymore. They're angry.
- It pays for the county roads, at least in part, and the local schools.
- amount that people have to contribute as part of the pay package for their employees.
- ><c> now</c> instead of paying it back has now instead of paying it back has now decided<03:42:47.159
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- a direct recipient of these individualized services, and in my current role at Amity, I continue to pay
- Patients are often required to pay out of pocket.
- Patients are often required to pay out of pocket, with costs ranging from $4,000 to $5,000 for a full
- This is a study bill to see if we are undervaluing and not paying our behavioral health workers enough
- And so we tend to deviate to the ones that are paying the higher reimbursement rate.
Committee:
House Health
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 3 on Health and Human Services Apr 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- They pay for room and board, yeah.
- How much do people pay for this now? For which?
- So how much do people pay now? What's the current? It's $226. $226. Okay.
- And then now they're going to have to pay $20 more because...
- We still have to chase the people to actually pay and also do an increase. Needed.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:39:39.240><c> an</c> 76% of visitors are willing to pay an 76% of visitors are willing to pay
- some of the our resources that they pay some of the costs<00:42:12.920><c> and</c><00:42:13.160><c>
- this because they understand want to pay this because they understand the<00:50:12.280><c> impact</c
- You need to know that the money is going to be there to pay debt service, right?
- You need to know that the money is going to be there to pay debt service, right?
Committee:
House Finance
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- So the foundation will pay for the turf, not any funds from state or local tax dollars to the turf.
- And one of the ways we did it, we sold it as: you pay $2,000 a year, you have your name put on the turf
- And one of the ways we did it, we sold it as: you pay $2,000 a year, you have your name put on the turf
Committee:
All ALC-EXECUTIVE SUBCOMMITTEE
Summary:
The committee considered several waiver requests from school districts and a municipal-related waiver tied to a prior law encouraging local governments to use .gov domains. One request was to waive bidding requirements so a high school kitchen damaged in winter storms could be rebuilt quickly; members asked how many bids were received, were told the insurance provider’s process produced two bids, and then approved the waiver. Another request involved a district seeking to use Covington for work; after a brief question about prior experience with the firm, the committee approved that item as well.
The committee then heard from the superintendent of Smackover North School District, who requested a waiver to use TIPS for a football field turf project because the existing drainage had collapsed. Members questioned the funding source, particularly whether education dollars would be used on a football field. The superintendent said the project was intended to be funded through a Buckaroo Foundation with about half a million dollars already pledged, additional donor support being pursued, and no state or local tax dollars planned for the turf. He also said the district had obtained three bids. The committee approved the waiver.
Finally, the committee considered a waiver for Jonesboro related to the .gov domain requirement. Representative Jack Ladyman presented that the city would use .gov for its main website and communications, but wanted to keep its current billing system because converting billing would be expensive and could create software compatibility problems. After brief discussion, the committee approved the waiver. The meeting then adjourned.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- this teeny tiny cost shift helps them with, there's a portion in one of the granges where they are paying
- rates, we have that amount added in, so it lowers the levy rate that the property taxpayers will be paying
- , because that's a lot. ...lowers the levy rate that the property taxpayers will be paying because we're
Bills:
SB5994
Committee:
House Finance
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- coupons or other help that is available through pharmaceutical companies or other third parties that help pay
- It is called the Help Co-Pays Act, where HELP stands for Help Ensure Lower Patient Co-Pays Act.
Summary:
The House Health and Welfare Committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 558, sponsored by Representative Tanner. The bill concerns Social Security survivor benefits for foster youth and aims to ensure those funds are preserved for the children rather than used by the state for administrative purposes. In response to questions, Tanner said the measure applies to foster youth survivor benefits and can include benefits tied to a deceased veteran as well. He also said there is no specific federal guidance, and described the bill as codifying an existing Idaho executive action. The committee voted to send HB 558 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
The committee then heard RS 33377 from Representative Cannon, a bill draft to ban copay accumulator practices in health insurance. Cannon explained that these programs prevent third-party assistance, such as manufacturer coupons, from counting toward a patient’s deductible or out-of-pocket maximum, shifting the benefit away from patients. He said the proposal was brought by a constituent, had been worked on with Representative Furman, and would align Idaho with similar laws in other states and with pending federal legislation. Representative Furman moved to introduce the bill draft, and the committee approved the motion.
After the introduction vote, the chair noted the bipartisan sponsorship and the committee adjourned.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (01/07/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- amount they pay to an out-of-network provider.
- ><c> network</c> amount they pay to an outof network amount they pay to an outof network provider<01:
- It would enable credit unions, should they choose to, to pay their board members.
- And then the 10% pay raise that went into effect for fiscal year 24.
- </c><04:55:45.200><c> to</c> part-timers at a higher rate of pay to part-timers at a higher rate of pay
Summary:
The meeting began with introductory remarks for new and returning members of the House Commerce Committee, led by Chairman John Hunt. Members briefly introduced themselves and their backgrounds, and several noted the committee’s bipartisan, collegial tone. Hunt explained the committee’s structure and traditions, including the division into three subcommittees: banking and business, consumer protection, and liquor commission matters, with insurance now handled as a single area. He also reviewed basic hearing procedures, including decorum, questions for information only, and the committee’s practice of moving bills through subcommittees before full committee executive sessions.
The committee then heard an overview from the New Hampshire Insurance Department, led by Commissioner DJ Bettencourt and staff. The department described its mission as promoting a safe and competitive insurance marketplace and emphasized consumer protection, market competition, and affordability. Officials outlined the department’s responsibilities, including licensing insurers, producers, adjusters, and TPAs; reviewing insurance forms; regulating companies and market conduct; overseeing financial solvency; and investigating insurance fraud. They also noted that the department is self-funded through assessments on insurers, collects premium taxes and fees for the state, and returned more than $2.7 million to companies in fiscal year 2024 due to underspending.
The presentation also covered the broader regulatory framework for insurance, including the role of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in promoting uniform standards across states and territories. Officials said New Hampshire licenses about 1,200 insurance companies and roughly 245,000 producers and adjusters, and that the department’s financial examinations are part of an accreditation system used nationwide. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided; the session was primarily organizational and informational, with the insurance department presentation beginning the committee’s substantive work for the term.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee Mar 17th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Transcript Highlights:
- And so once that window is closed, once that five-year exemption period is ended, now they're paying
- And so once that window is closed, once that five-year exemption period is ended, now they're paying
- This is used to pay for the infrastructure, the roads, the water, the sewer, those sorts of things.
- I think they were looking at having their employees pay part of that.
- All that remains of those is the authority to pay for them out of the general fund.
Summary:
The committee met to continue its tax reform and relief study agenda, approved the December 3, 2025 minutes, and announced a new subcommittee to examine property tax statement issues with counties, auditors, and the tax office. Representative Headland was named chair, Senator Rummel vice chair, and Representatives Dressler and Dr. Dr. and Senator Patton were also assigned. The chair noted the group may need an additional meeting and thanked staff and attendees.
A major portion of the meeting focused on economic development incentives. The Department of Commerce presented on the Renaissance Zone program and TIF districts, describing Renaissance Zones as locally tailored tools that combine local property tax relief with state income tax incentives. Commerce said the program has supported thousands of projects since 1999 and cited examples from Beach and Mandan showing increases in property and taxable value, business retention, housing, and downtown revitalization. Committee members raised concerns that smaller rural communities often lack the staff and expertise to apply, and Commerce said it provides outreach through conferences, office hours, and one-on-one assistance. League of Cities and local officials from Bismarck and Ellendale echoed the capacity issue, discussed how the programs have worked in their communities, and suggested possible reforms or more targeted support for small towns. Ellendale’s mayor also described two TIF districts, one for industrial infrastructure in Oaks and one for housing infrastructure tied to a data center project in Ellendale.
The committee then turned to stripper oil taxation. The Tax Department gave a comparison of oil and gas tax structures in selected states, noting that most have some form of stripper or marginal well provision, while Alaska does not appear to have a specific stripper-well exemption. Members asked for more detail on definitions and North Dakota’s annual adjusted rate. The Department of Mineral Resources followed with a detailed presentation on North Dakota stripper wells, explaining the statutory thresholds, the 12-consecutive-month production test, and the fact that once a well qualifies it remains on stripper status even if production later rises. DMR said about 11,332 stripper wells are active, representing roughly 54% of wells and about 16% of state production, and emphasized that stripper status can extend well life, preserve tax revenue, and reduce orphaned wells. Committee members and industry witnesses discussed refracs, the economics of keeping marginal wells active, and the competitive disadvantage created by North Dakota’s oil price discount. No votes were taken on these informational items.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EEP Public Hearing - Thu Feb 5, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- they<00:22:34.320><c> would</c><00:22:34.480><c> need</c><00:22:34.720><c> to</c><00:22:35.200><c> pay
- </c><00:22:35.440><c> for</c><00:22:35.760><c> the</c> they would need to pay for the they would need
- to pay for the conversion<00:22:36.400><c> of</c><00:22:36.640><c> access</c><00:22:37.039><c> pools
- Uh that's a financial inability to pay.
- Nobody pays electric rates; they pay bills.
Bills:
HB2245 , HB1618 , HB1985 , HB2079 , HB1921 , HB2232 , HB1567 , HB1984 , HB2608 , HB2435 , HB1623 , HB1774
Committee:
House Energy & Environmental Protection
Keywords:
wastewater systems, denitrification, environment, pollution, coral reefs, nearshore waters, public health, shoreline regulations, cesspool conversion, cesspool replacement, wastewater, sewer connection, sewerage systems, septic system, pollution control, water pollution control revolving fund, Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, HGIA, low-interest loans, forgivable loans
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills related to cesspools, wastewater, and clean water protections. On HB 2245, which would require additional denitrification capacity in wastewater systems near shorelines, the Department of Health offered comments, DLNR supported the bill, and multiple environmental and ocean groups testified in strong support, emphasizing nitrogen pollution from cesspools, reef damage, and the need to prioritize shoreline systems. Testifiers said the bill should move forward, with technical issues such as GIS mapping to be worked out later. No member questions or votes were taken on this measure.
On HB 1985, concerning the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority and accessible conversion loans for cesspool homeowners, HGI supported the bill and suggested making the program a revolving loan fund; DLNR and the Public Utilities Commission also supported it, while the Department of Health supported the concept. Committee discussion focused on program design, possible forgivable loans for low-income homeowners, and whether the program should be administered through existing infrastructure rather than a new procurement process. The committee then moved to HB 1985’s companion discussion on cesspool conversion outreach and deadline extensions, where DLNR and DOH supported outreach but DLNR and ocean advocates expressed reservations about extending deadlines, especially for financial hardship, saying that issue would need careful work.
The committee also heard testimony on HB 2079, which would reestablish the accessible upgrades inversion or connection income tax credit. The Department of Taxation raised administrative and fraud concerns about refundable credits, explaining that nonrefundable credits reduce tax debt while refundable credits can function like cash payments and require more oversight. DOH, DLNR, OPSD, counties, Hawaii Realtors, and environmental groups supported the bill, with one ocean coalition witness saying tax credits could help homeowners but grants would be preferable. Members asked about the difference between refundable credits and grants and about whether the credit would cover sewer connections versus individual wastewater systems. The committee then heard brief testimony on HB 1921, allowing certain priority-three cesspools to add a bedroom, with support from Hawaii Realtors and some other groups and no opposition discussion. HB 2232, preserving state water-quality protections at least as strong as the federal Clean Water Act, drew support from DOH and ocean advocates, with no questions. The committee also began hearing energy-related bills, including HB 1567 on energy equity and HB 1984 on self-certification for distributed energy resources, with a mix of support and some opposition or requested amendments, but no votes were taken in the portion provided.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HOU-HWN, HOU-GVO, HOU Public Hearings 01-30-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And in that particular project, uh, I also note we pay for the infrastructure, so this really goes to
- </c><00:12:47.000><c> 60</c><00:12:47.360><c> to</c> ended up where people were paying 60 to ended up
- where people were paying 60 to 90,000<00:12:49.360><c> for</c><00:12:49.760><c> a</c><00:12:49.920><
- You pay rent based on what's, uh, laid out by HUD, and then that is in place for 15 years versus your
- rent based on what's uh laid out by pay rent based on what's uh laid out by Hud<00:13:47.959><c> and
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 834, which would change restrictions on transfers of real property under chapter 201H, HRS, and was discussed in the context of Hawaiian homelands and HHFDC-funded projects. Supporters, including HHFDC, DHHL, and individual testifiers, said the bill would clarify that Hawaiian homelands should not be subject to the 201H buyback and appreciation restrictions, while preserving affordability requirements tied to federal mortgage and tax credit programs. HHFDC explained that the main concern was the buyback/share-appreciation provisions, especially for DHHL projects using LIHTC or similar financing, and said aligning the statute with DHHL’s program goals would not be a problem. Members questioned whether removing the restrictions could weaken affordability protections, and whether the state could still prioritize beneficiaries and workforce housing, but no vote was taken in the portion provided.
The committee then took up SB 759, which would add the DHHL chairperson or designee to the HHFDC board of directors and adjust quorum requirements. DHHL and several supporters argued the measure would give Hawaiian Homes a seat at the table, improve access to HHFDC funding sources such as tax credits, private activity bonds, and revolving funds, and help leverage limited resources to reduce the Hawaiian Homes waitlist. One testifier supported the bill but urged safeguards to prevent favoritism or abuse of power, and another raised concerns about whether a DHHL representative would need to recuse from voting on projects involving DHHL. HHFDC testified that DHHL projects still must compete under the same criteria and set-asides as other applicants, and that the board already includes multiple public and executive representatives.
Members pressed on whether DHHL could achieve the same informational goals without a voting seat, and whether the added board role would create leverage or conflicts. The DHHL witness said a nonvoting role could provide information, but a voting seat would be more useful for decision-making and advocacy. The discussion also covered DHHL’s use of LIHTC, rent-to-own models, transitional housing, and other layered financing, as well as the broader need to coordinate state housing resources. The transcript ends during continued questioning, with no final committee action or vote shown.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Legislative Session - Session 2 - 42nd Legislative Day Jun 30th, 2026
Delaware House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They will be driving, and then who gets arrested and who has to pay?
- They will just have to pay for something they can't control. All right. Voice vote on it.
- We want to protect student data, keep humans in the loop, pay attention to bias, pay attention to accessibility
- If a tenant can pay what they owe, they should be able to stay in their home.
- And that means the tenant is paying to stay in the home.
Summary:
The House convened with quorum, offered prayers and moments of silence for community members who had recently died, and recognized several guests and family members in the chamber. After routine communications and passage of consent calendar 29, the chamber took up a series of measures on the main and colored agendas, with several bills and resolutions passing by voice vote or roll call.
Among the measures approved were House Concurrent Resolution 157, which as amended requested a State Lottery report on options to support traditional lottery retailers; Senate Bill 53 on the Delaware Farm to Community Program; Senate Bill 307 on PSC authority for Lifeline telecommunications carriers; Senate Bill 339 clarifying health directive forms in mental health facilities; Senate Bill 235 on manufactured home community rent increases; Senate Bill 325, as amended, updating fire prevention and volunteer fire/EMS background check rules; Senate Bill 309 on inmate work and discharge of incarceration-related balances; Senate Bill 324 on deadly weapons and constable agency representatives; Senate Bill 293 on youth camp child care licensing; Senate Bill 94 on respiratory care practitioners and ECMO medication delivery; and Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 100, proposing a constitutional amendment protecting the right to marry regardless of race or gender while preserving religious freedom. House Bill 188, changing Delaware primary elections to allow unaffiliated voters to choose a party primary, also passed after debate.
Two measures drew extended discussion and amendments. Senate Bill 233, requiring snow and ice to be removed from vehicles, was tabled once, then later amended and passed after debate over whether the law was workable for truck drivers and other vehicle operators; a proposed truck-related exemption amendment failed. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 404, creating a pilot program for artificial intelligence and extended reality in schools, passed after testimony from the Department of Education emphasizing guardrails, privacy, and educator oversight, alongside concerns from members about data, bias, and long-term effects. Several items were tabled or reconsidered during the session, and the House adjourned after completing the day’s business.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- It's crucial for our survival as farms and hunger relief organizations to pay the bills, keep land in
- But Shutesbury does pay. We pay $2.8 million in denied tax revenues every year.
- This year, the state will pay Shutesbury $31,206 for its land in town.
- They’re going to have to pay it back. No one’s going to... I mean, yeah.
- I wouldn't have money to pay like they have to pay right now.
Summary:
The hearing covered a broad set of environmental and water-related bills, with much of the testimony focused on blue economy and circular economy proposals, drought management, drinking water safety, flood resilience, and water infrastructure funding. Supporters of bills such as H. 987 and H. 988 described grant programs for blue economy workforce development, research, small businesses, and public education about a circular economy. Other speakers backed measures on coastal erosion research, recreational boating dredging, cranberry water-right transfers, sand mining oversight, and a voucher program for home water filtration in PFAS-impacted communities. Several elected officials and advocates also urged passage of bills to require private well testing, improve school drinking water safety, and address sand mining pollution and PFAS contamination.
Water supply and drought issues drew extensive testimony. Senator Eldridge and others supported legislation to let the state, through DEP and the drought management task force, impose regional water-use restrictions during droughts and make the task force permanent in statute. Advocates from watershed groups, farms, and environmental organizations said the current town-by-town approach is inconsistent and ineffective, and they described drought impacts on rivers, farms, private wells, and wildfire risk. A related bill on private wells was supported as a way to help homeowners test and remediate contaminated wells, especially in rural areas without public water.
The committee also heard testimony on a bill to allow the Lynnfield Water District to join the MWRA, with local officials saying the move would help address PFAS and other contamination and improve supply reliability. Another major panel supported a water infrastructure funding bill, arguing that aging drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems need major new investment, including support for PFAS treatment, sewer rate relief, biosolids research, and regional interconnections. Members asked about costs, funding sources, and the relationship to existing revolving loan funds; witnesses said the bill would need to be paired with future bond funding and new revenue ideas. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chairs repeatedly invited written testimony and noted the large number of speakers.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- 00:08:38.840><c> allow</c><00:08:39.039><c> businesses</c><00:08:39.599><c> to</c><00:08:39.719><c> pay
- </c><00:08:39.960><c> down</c> payments to allow businesses to pay down payments to allow businesses
- to pay down debt<00:08:40.520><c> or</c><00:08:40.599><c> make</c><00:08:40.800><c> payments</c><00:08
- </c> Uh to pay utility service costs. Uh to pay utility service costs.
- </c><01:13:39.760><c> Is</c> used to pay an operating expense. Is used to pay an operating expense.
Committee:
Senate Finance
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources Committee, February 24, 2026
Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- In other words, the timber doesn't pay for it.
- In other words, the timber itself will not pay for the project.
- </c><00:14:39.920><c> Now,</c><00:14:40.240><c> so</c> the timber doesn't pay for it.
- Now, so the timber doesn't pay for it.
- And that's will not pay for the project.
Keywords:
forest health, grant program, state forester, wildfire prevention, environmental conservation, habitat improvement, water development, feasibility studies, appropriations, water management, rehabilitation, irrigation, public works, agricultural supply, municipal water, funding, maintenance projects, tax assessments, state law, forestry management
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- And so if they're indigent, does that mean that pardons and parole would pay for their polygraph, or
- would you know who's going to pay for the polygraph exam?
- to pay for the<01:07:16.640><c> polygraph</c><01:07:17.440><c> exam?
- </c> pay taxes. pay taxes.
- </c><01:07:32.799><c> for</c> fact that they may be asked to pay for fact that they may be asked to pay
Committee:
House Judiciary
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EDT-WTL, EDT-AEN, EDT Public Hearings 03-18-2025
Economic Development and Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- Presently, there is a fee, correct, that passengers are presently paying? Yeah.
- The present court entry fee that they’re paying, but the $20 under 266, correct?
- They don't want to pay the fee.
- All visitors should be paying, which I agree. All visitors should be paying, which I agree.
- You know, while we're looking at all visitors paying, I think we've got a mechanism.
Committee:
Senate Economic Development and Tourism
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism and on Water and Land heard testimony on HB 504, a measure relating to environmental stewardship and funding for natural resource protection and restoration. Supporters included multiple state agencies and advocacy groups, such as DLNR, HTA, Hawaiʻi Ocean Legislative Task Force, Resources Legacy Fund, the Hawaiʻi Climate Action Coalition, and others, who said the bill would create dedicated funding for environmental, climate, and cultural resource needs and help address wildfire, flood, coastal storm, and tourism-related impacts. Several witnesses emphasized that Hawaiʻi’s environmental funding gap is large and that visitor contributions should be directed to stewardship and restoration. Some supporters also urged that the measure be applied equitably across all visitor accommodations and related uses, including cruise ship cabins and state rooms, while a few suggested amendments to broaden coverage or create a working group for implementation.
Opposition and concerns focused largely on the bill’s tax structure and legal/administrative issues. The Department of Budget and Finance and the Tax Foundation questioned the reimbursable general obligation bond special fund in part two, suggesting it be converted to a regular special fund or deleted. The Attorney General’s office said part two may violate the single-subject rule in the state constitution and recommended deleting it. The Department of Taxation said the proposed points-and-miles language would be difficult to audit and enforce, and Expedia and others said the proposed tax treatment of loyalty points and certain payment forms would be operationally difficult. Industry witnesses also warned the bill could raise costs in a high-tax destination and asked for more marketing support if the tax is increased. The committee also heard concerns that a new tax on cruise ship cabins could raise federal preemption issues.
The chair noted the testimony count as 23 in support, 179 in opposition, and one with comments. No vote was taken in the portion provided, and the hearing ended with questions from senators and agency responses about possible amendments, enforcement, and constitutional concerns.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/05/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> or pay for their rent. or pay for their rent.
- I refused to take out student loans to work my way to pay my tuition.
- SNAP keeps refrigerators full and allows families to pay rent and utilities.
- </c> to pay rent and utilities. to pay rent and utilities.
- That's who's going to pay for the moratorium. Ms.
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services