Transcript Highlights:

• Um yeah, given the the discussion, well.
• </c> the way, do not limit the discussion the way, do not limit the discussion that<01:05:04.000><c>
• It it intended to be a discussion point.
• It it was<01:06:36.480><c> just</c> was just was just to<01:06:38.240><c> discuss</c> to discuss to discuss
• That was so it doesn't limit the goodwill discussion.

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety heard several resolutions, including HCR 944/HR 90 to request a gubernatorial proclamation designating Hawaii as a Purple Heart state on August 7, 2025; HCR 205/HR 197 urging Maui County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite a permanent replacement for the Kulani Hakoi Bridge; and HCR 164/HR 159 urging counties to maintain an electronically accessible list of hurricane refuge shelters. No one testified on the first two measures. On the hurricane shelter resolution, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the intent and requested a wording change from “special needs” to “access and functional needs.” The committee then heard HCR 70, which asks the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to expand personal and professional development programs to include community service programs. Director Tommy Johnson said DCR supports the intent and described existing community service work lines at Kulani, the women’s correctional facility, and Wawa, including tasks such as pothole repair, tree trimming, and school grounds work. In response to questions, he said participation depends on inmate eligibility, volunteer status, and whether the work would interfere with programming; inmates must have no serious misconducts in the prior year and no escape attempts. He also explained that some work lines are tied to security classifications and facility type. The committee spent the most time on HCR 153/HR 148, which requests DCR to incrementally reduce the number of inmates housed in private out-of-state facilities. The ACLU of Hawaii strongly supported the resolution, arguing that private prisons are unsafe and that Hawaii should bring incarcerated people home. The ACLU cited federal findings and actions against private prison contractors, conditions at the Saguaro facility in Arizona, and the need for in-state rehabilitation and oversight. Director Johnson also supported the measure in principle but said population levels, security classifications, and available in-state facilities limit how quickly people can be returned. He said DCR provides annual reports on inmates eligible to return and suggested more frequent reporting could be considered. Committee members discussed benchmarks, quarterly reporting, parole, and reintegration services, and the ACLU argued that other states have reduced or phased out private prison use through sentencing reform, parole changes, and reintegration programs. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:39:56.640><c> of</c> I know there was early discussion of I know there was early discussion of
• Is &gt;&gt; and sorry and that's being discussed.
• Members, any further discussion.
• I know and not in further discussion.
• </c> more discussion to come. more discussion to come. &gt;&gt; Yes,<02:29:50.800><c> absolutely.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1588, which would establish a Department of Transportation noise detection program using cameras to enforce noise control laws. DOT supported the measure and said it is already piloting the technology at eight locations, with about 10 sites costing roughly $2 million to $2.5 million to install and operate. The Department of Health said it was willing to work with DOT but noted its current regulations are not designed for vehicular noise sources and that the bill may need clearer standards to be enforceable. Members raised concerns about the lack of a specific decibel threshold and whether the system could accurately identify the source of noise; DOT said the pilot can pinpoint vehicles and that the program would align with existing health standards, but no final number was identified during the hearing. The committee then heard HB 1696, which lowers the minimum age for a commercial driver’s license from 19 to 18 and removes a restriction tied to vehicle category, while requiring DOT rule changes. DOT, the City and County of Honolulu, the Hawaii Transportation Association, Teamsters Local 996, and other stakeholders testified in support. The Hawaii Transportation Association suggested adding a training requirement for drivers ages 18 to 20, proposing at least 320 hours of employer training and recordkeeping. Members sought clarification that the bill would apply to intrastate, not interstate, licensing. For HB 233, the committee considered a measure authorizing DOT to designate airport special district zones statewide to prevent unauthorized access and improve security. DOT and the City and County of Honolulu supported the bill, explaining that defined boundaries would help law enforcement address trespassing, disruptions, fires, theft, harassment, and other incidents around airports and terminals; DOT said commercial airports are ready to implement the proposal, while some general aviation sites would need further work. Members asked about the scope of the boundaries, existing enforcement, and whether the measure would cover state-owned or non-state parcels near airports. The committee also heard HB 2332, which renames the Harbors Division as the Commercial Ports Division and distinguishes “harbor” from “port” in statute. DOT, the Maritime Group, and harbor users supported the bill, saying the change would reduce confusion between commercial cargo/cruise facilities and recreational small boat harbors, and could help with clarity and possibly federal grant competitiveness. Members asked about impacts on small boat harbors and cruise activity, and DOT explained that the bill is aimed at purpose-built commercial ports, not recreational facilities. The committee also took testimony on HB 2283, which clarifies DOT’s consultative role with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs in setting port pilotage standards and requirements. DOT, DCCA, Matson, the Hawaii Pilots Association, and others supported the measure, saying it would improve coordination and ensure pilot licensing standards reflect operational realities in the harbors. Finally, after a recess, the committee heard HB 2217, which would allow driver’s permits, licenses, and ID cards to include a notation for a non-apparent disability. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities opposed the bill as drafted, saying voluntary alternatives such as Smart 911 may be better and that the category is too broad. The Attorney General’s office supported the intent but recommended limiting the notation to medically recognized, specifically defined conditions so agencies can train personnel and avoid confusion or escalation.

Transcript Highlights:

• With that in mind, is there any discussion on this body's belief whether or not we should send a letter
• With that in mind, is there any discussion on this body's belief whether or not we should send a letter
• And I appreciate everyone's feedback and discussion as well. Okay. With that, just some quick...
• Sorry, I'm at future planning and discussion—I apologize.
• We don't have to take the time to discuss it now, but if there are any immediate recommendations or thoughts

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The commission met to review the state budget process and discuss maternal and perinatal health funding. Members heard that the House did not adopt several maternal health amendments, including funding for community-based perinatal mental health grants, implementation of maternal health law items, Tufts Center for Maternal Health Advancement, private insurance coverage for midwifery care, a midwifery workforce development fund, and birthing center grants. On the Senate side, three amendments were adopted: funding for the Mass Now menstrual equity program, a large earmark for the Neighborhood Birth Center, and funding for an out-of-state resident reproductive health training pilot. Other Senate proposals, including a midwifery workforce fund, a health education trust fund, and the Tufts center request, were not adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion on that motion? All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries.
• Is there any discussion on that motion? All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed?
• Is there any discussion on that motion? All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries.
• whether anyone in the audience wanted to testify on the bill, then asked whether there was any discussion
• Is there any discussion by the committee on the motion?

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion on the motion? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed?
• To the best of my knowledge, those are the only two where there are active ongoing discussions, but I
• would anticipate that just given the growth rate within this Where there are active ongoing discussions
• Any discussion on the motion? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Okay, thank you.
• Some quick discussion, if you don't mind, Mr. Chairman. Sure.

Summary: The committee met without the chairman, with Senator Phil Hart presiding as vice chair, and considered four measures. House Bill 887, by Representative Mark Sauter, would allow water skiing with a driver and skier on open water rather than limiting it to a slalom course, while still requiring a mirror and a 9 a.m. cutoff. Sauter said the bill would align Idaho with several other states and help reduce congestion on the water. The committee took no public testimony and sent the bill to the floor with a due-pass recommendation on a voice vote. House Bill 895, by Representative Britt Raybould, would restrict new data centers beginning construction after July 1, 2026 from using water for cooling as a consumptive use unless supplied by an existing water district under contract. Raybould described the bill as a response to growing water and energy concerns, explaining the difference between evaporative, hybrid, and closed-loop cooling systems and noting the large water use of some facilities. The Idaho Conservation League testified in support, saying the bill was a proactive step to protect water resources. The committee advanced the bill to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. House Bill 939, by Representative James Petsky, codifies Fish and Game’s proposed hunting technology rules on thermal night vision, transmitting trail cameras, and drones, while adding exemptions for hunting wolves, mountain lions, and other predatory wildlife, agriculture uses, retrieving wounded animals, and monitoring property or traps. Petsky said the measure was a compromise supported by agriculture groups, Idaho sportsmen, and Idaho Wildlife Federation, though he acknowledged possible enforcement challenges and future revisions. Fish and Game and the Idaho Conservation League both testified, with the latter supporting the process but warning about enforceability and the need for continued consensus-building. The committee sent the bill to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. The committee also considered House Joint Memorial 21, which urges action to support reopening a past-producing tungsten mine on private land near Patterson, Idaho, citing the mineral’s importance to national defense and concerns about foreign supply, especially from China. The sponsor said the mine is the only tungsten mine in the United States and that permitting is underway. After brief discussion, the committee approved the memorial and sent it to the floor with a due-pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion on the motion? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed?
• I'd be happy to answer any questions, but I think this is an important component of the ongoing discussion
• To the best of my knowledge, those are the only two where there are active ongoing discussions, but I
• Any discussion on the motion? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Okay, thank you.
• Senator O'Connowitz, some quick discussion, if you don't mind, Mr. Chairman.” “Sure.

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Each member shall be permitted a reasonable period of time as determined by the co-chairs to discuss
• The following agencies will be discussed at the Economic Development Joint Conference Committee: the
• We also look forward to discussing the inclusion of funding for teacher and school paraprofessional workforce
• We also look forward to discussing the inclusion of public safety and security equipment included in
• CONFERENCE URGES THE IMPORTANCE OF THOSE DISCUSSIONS HAPPENING ON A FIVE-WAY BASIS TO ENSURE THE DIVERSE

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The joint Economic Development budget subcommittee meeting opened with introductions, review of subcommittee rules, and identification of the agencies to be discussed, including the Department of Economic Development, Urban Development Corporation, Alcohol and Beverage Control, Cannabis Management, and the Gaming Commission. The chairs also outlined broad budget priorities, including support for innovation hotspots, incubators, minority- and women-owned businesses, biomedical research, centers of excellence, advanced technology, workforce development, and grants tied to tourism, cultural institutions, public safety equipment, and food retail subsidies. Most member comments focused on small business conditions and economic development policy. Senators Borrello and Chan emphasized that small businesses are the backbone of the economy and argued for reducing taxes, utility costs, fines, permits, and regulations; Chan suggested a possible one-year utility tax holiday. Assembly Member Slater similarly criticized New York’s tax and regulatory climate and promoted legislation to create a Department of Regulatory Review and Economic Growth. Assembly Member Buttenschon discussed one-house proposals such as changes to small business stock ownership rules and a hardship savings account, while Assembly Member Bendett said county infrastructure funding should be increased substantially. Several members highlighted sector-specific investments. Senator Addabbo and Assembly Member Woerner stressed the importance of racing and gaming, including addiction treatment and recovery, integrity in racing, and stronger drug testing. Assembly Member Otis pointed to science and technology initiatives such as Micron, Empire AI, quantum research at Stony Brook, and broadband/digital inclusion through ConnectALL. Assembly Member Cashman supported investment in the Cornell Center for Food and Agriculture, and Senator Hinchey praised tourism matching grants, restaurant and farm food donation tax credits, and incentives for heat pumps and clean energy retrofits. No formal votes were taken. The meeting ended with staff continuing consultations with members and the chairs concluding the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, members, for the discussion? Perfect. So we're all done.
• All right, members, for the discussion?
• All right, seeing no further discussion... Question?
• All right, members, no further discussion. Any questions on this bill?
• Seeing none, further discussion? Anyone have questions on the standards, what they actually mean?

Committee: House House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference

Summary: The Committee on Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections heard and voted on several election- and campaign-related bills. SB 1006 would raise the threshold for itemizing in-state individual contributions on committee campaign finance reports from $100 to $200 and require aggregate reporting of smaller contributions; it passed 4-3. SB 1029 would treat a candidate committee as intending to terminate upon the candidate’s death and allow designated individuals to serve as treasurer and close out the account; a Town of Queen Creek representative testified in support, describing difficulties after the deaths of two council members, and the bill passed unanimously 7-0. SB 1038 would require county election officials to transmit the cast vote record to the Secretary of State and prohibit alteration of that record except as otherwise allowed by law. Testimony and debate focused on whether the CVR is already a public record and whether the bill was needed to prevent counties from changing release practices; it passed 4-3. SB 1237 would add county recorders and the chair and ranking members of the House and Senate election committees to the list of officials the Secretary of State must consult when prescribing the Elections Procedures Manual. The Arizona Association of Counties and Pinal County Recorder Dana Lewis supported the bill as a way to ensure recorder input and reduce litigation; it passed 4-3. SB 1057 would require vendors providing ballot paper fraud countermeasures to meet specified ISO certifications and include at least three listed security features. Members discussed the standards and whether the bill needed further safeguards, with one member noting possible floor amendments and another objecting that ISO is an international standard; it passed 4-3. Several other bills were held, including measures at the sponsor’s request and the remaining items on the agenda, and the committee adjourned without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, members, for the discussion? Perfect. So we're all done.
• All right, members, for the discussion?
• All right, seeing no further discussion... Question?
• All right, members, no further discussion. Any questions on this bill?
• Seeing none, further discussion? Anyone have questions on the standards, what they actually mean?

Bills: SB1006 , SB1029 , SB1037 , SB1038 , SB1040 , SB1057 , SB1060 , SB1237

Committee: House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections

Keywords: campaign finance, contribution limits, reporting requirements, political action committees, elections, campaign contributions, candidate committees, posthumous provisions, termination process, Arizona Revised Statutes, voting systems, vote tabulation, election security, internet connectivity, offline voting, chain of custody, polling place equipment, counting center, central counting center, election management system

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, any other discussion? Seeing none, Mr. Vice Chair, please... In government.
• With that, any other discussion? Seeing none, Mr. Vice Chair, please move Senate Bill 1145.
• All right, seeing none, any further discussion? All right, seeing none, Mr.
• All right, seeing none, any further discussion? All right, seeing none, Mr.
• All right, any further discussion? Seeing none, Mr. Vice Chair, please move Senate Bill 1023.

Bills: SB1023 , SB1145 , SB1242 , SB1247

Committee: House Health & Human Services

Keywords: optometrists, eye exams, eyeglass prescriptions, healthcare, vision care, behavior analysis, licensing, psychologist examiners, state regulations, committee authority, mental health, court-ordered treatment, outpatient treatment, audiovisual technology, secure facilities, evaluations, guardian powers, patient rights, assisted living, occupants

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Any discussion to the motion? >> Seeing no discussion, all those in favor say aye.
• </c><00:14:04.240><c> Any</c><00:14:04.560><c> discussion</c><00:14:04.959><c> to</c><00:14:05.120><c
• Any discussion to the motion? thank you. Any discussion to the motion?
• Thank you. >> Any further discussion? If not, all those in favor say aye. >> Those opposed, nay.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion or debate on the motion? Seeing none, all in favor say aye. Aye.
• Further discussion or debate on the motion. Seeing none, I'm going to restate the motion.
• Is there debate or discussion on that motion, Representative Gannon? Thank you, Mr.
• Committee further debate, discussion with regard to the motion in front of us.
• Committee further debate, discussion with regard to the motion in front of us.

Committee: House Revenue and Taxation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion or comments on the minutes? Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying aye. Aye.
• Any discussion on that motion? Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed?
• And I think we've had this discussion, many of us, before.
• But, and I think we've had this discussion, many of us, before, but so that's another reason I'm, I'm
• Any further discussion on the motion? All in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed?

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Will there be discussion or debate? Seeing none, staff, please open the vote.
• Will there be discussion or debate? Seeing none, staff, please open the vote.
• Will there be discussion or debate? Seeing no debate, staff, please open the vote.
• Will there be discussion or debate? Seeing none, staff, please open the vote.
• Will there be discussion or debate? Seeing no debate, staff, please open the vote.

Bills: HB2398 , HB4363 , HB3557 , HB3701 , HB2210

Committee: House Postsecondary Education

Keywords: credential of value, education, workforce development, labor market, government reporting, higher education, Oklahoma State University, Board of Trustees, presidential selection, college governance, Oklahoma Agricultural Extension, local funding, financial institutions, county extension services, state funds, academic programs, low-producing programs, Oklahoma State Board of Regents, program review, curriculum quality

Transcript Highlights:

• Any more discussion? Seeing none, I believe we can do an expedited roll call vote.
• Ranking Member Schmidt to discuss your amendment. Yes.
• Any more discussion on the amendment? All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed?
• I don't see any more discussion, so staff will call the roll.
• I don't see any more discussion, so staff will call the roll. Berry, aye.

Summary: The Labor and Workplace Standards Committee met to consider four bills, though House Bill 2563 was removed from consideration before action. HB 2188 would require L&I to publish more information about workers’ compensation premium rates and actuarial rate-setting. Members described it as a transparency measure, and it passed the committee 8-0 with one excused. The committee then took up HB 2218, dealing with access to medical care in the workers’ compensation system. The proposed substitute made several changes to provider-network rules, rural access standards, utilization review timelines, and continued treatment after claim closure. Representative Schmidt’s amendment to add more claims managers was adopted, while earlier amendments on inducement and treatment language were withdrawn. The substitute bill passed 6-2 with one excused, with supporters emphasizing rural access and faster care, and opponents raising concerns about the fiscal note and some inducement-related language. HB 2524 would create a State Security Guards Industry Standards Board to set minimum employment standards for security guards and allow enforcement by L&I and, in the original bill, a private right of action. Amendment 236, making technical changes and delaying the board’s first meeting, was adopted, while Amendment 237 to remove the private right of action failed. The amended substitute passed 5-3 with one excused. Supporters said it would improve training, stability, and worker protections, while opponents cited cost concerns and argued it could interfere with existing compensation and bargaining arrangements.

Transcript Highlights:

• some budgetary things that we need to take care of, and I know we're going to have some serious discussions
• some budgetary things that we need to take care of, and I know we're going to have some serious discussions
• I don't know that we've had any signals from the other side of the aisle that they're willing to discuss
• I don't know that we've had any signals from the other side of the aisle that they're willing to discuss
• I don't know that we've had any signals from the other side of the aisle that they're willing to discuss

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The performance audit being discussed at this hearing was conducted solely and independently by the State
• We are here today to discuss the results of our performance audit comparing student needs to district
• I will now hand it over to Corey, who will discuss the details of our results. Thank you, Emily.
• I'll now hand it back to Emily, who will discuss funding and recommendations. Thank you, Corey.
• I am going to share that I am disappointed because I had, I thought, discussions with SAO over two years

Committee: Joint JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits

Summary: The JLARC I-900 Subcommittee heard a State Auditor’s Office performance audit on special education services, focused on comparing student needs, district identification practices, and funding. Auditors said Washington does not appear to under-identify any particular population for special education, though districts face ongoing challenges with identification, documentation, staffing shortages, and inconsistent referral tracking. They explained that their analysis used statistical models because the true prevalence of disabilities is unknown, and found Washington districts generally clustered near the national average, with little evidence that any demographic group was systematically under-identified. The audit also found that special education funding has historically been insufficient, with districts collectively covering about $500 million in costs not paid by state or federal sources, and that districts spent about 26% more per student than they received in funding. Auditors noted recent legislative changes that removed the special education enrollment cap and changed the safety net process, but said it was too soon to assess their effects. Their recommendations to OSPI included clarifying what counts as an official special education referral, requiring districts to report referral data even when no evaluation follows, and ensuring the new statewide data system is developed with district input, training, and possibly a mandate for uniform use. OSPI staff said they concurred with the report and appreciated the work of the auditor’s office and JLARC. During member questions, Representative Paulette raised concerns that the audit did not directly examine prevalence of specific disabilities, such as autism and dyslexia, in vulnerable populations or compare Washington’s identification practices to medical and peer-reviewed prevalence data. Auditors responded that medical prevalence is not known in a systematic way, that educational eligibility differs from medical diagnosis, and that the report’s conclusions should not be read as proving no populations are under- or over-identified. No public testimony was offered, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Discussion of the bill. I recognize a member from Blue Earth, Representative Frederick.
• Seeing no further discussion, the clerk will take the roll. Members, please vote. Thank you.
• Those discussions are being had.
• We are currently discussing a declaration of urgency for House File 3023. Representative Greenman.
• Any further discussion?

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:55:42.800><c> some</c> and then I'm going to be discussing some and then I'm going to be discussing
• And, as they discussed with you, that can be civil, it can be criminal.
• And as they discussed with you, Mafuku.
• I think during the discussion last month, Mr.
• &gt;&gt; And last meeting we had a discussion &gt;&gt; And last meeting we had a discussion about about

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee chair opened by explaining that the committee has expanded from a traditional audit-follow-up role into an oversight role focused on whether audit recommendations are implemented and whether controls are in place to detect fraud. He said the committee was concerned about fraud uncovered in social service programs in other states and wanted to understand New Hampshire’s safeguards, especially around major contracts and program performance. Charles Buchanan, director of the New Hampshire Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and investigator Tim Brackett described the unit’s structure and mission. Buchanan said the unit, housed in the Attorney General’s Criminal Justice Bureau, investigates and prosecutes fraud by health care providers serving Medicaid beneficiaries, as well as abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of residents in health care facilities. He outlined common Medicaid fraud schemes such as billing for services not rendered, upcoding, using unqualified staff, drug substitution, kickbacks, supplemental charges, and inflated customary charges. He also described resident abuse/neglect and drug diversion in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living settings. Brackett said his role is financial investigator/auditor and noted the unit is grant-funded and must include a prosecutor, investigator, and auditor. The witnesses then explained how cases reach the unit and how they are handled. Most referrals come from the state Department of Health and Human Services’ program integrity unit and from managed care organizations’ special investigations units, which look for fraud, waste, and abuse and refer credible allegations. Other sources include qui tam whistleblower actions, the national Medicaid Fraud Control Units association, citizen complaints, provider referrals, adult protective services law-enforcement referrals, local law enforcement, and federal agencies. Once a referral is received, the unit can accept or deny it; accepted matters may be investigated criminally or civilly, while nonviable matters can be referred back to HHS or other agencies for administrative action, including repayment demands and reimbursement offsets. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> it</c> open to more discussions and um do it open to more discussions and um do it for<00:47:14.000
• this morning. >> Any discussion on the A1 amendment?
• or previous discussions in committee.
• or previous discussions in committee. >> Thank you, Mr.
• Can you kind of briefly discuss program.

Bills: HF3388 , HF400

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF3388, Minnesota premium security plan, reinsurance, health insurance, group health carriers, MCHA, MNsure, individual market, premium stabilization, carrier assessment, health insurance assessment, premium security plan account, state innovation waiver, high-risk pool, reinsurance payments, healthcare premiums, insurance carriers, deferral of assessment, financially impaired condition, HF400