Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:47.120> One, fund, it's called House Resolution One, fund, it's called House Resolution
• <00:11:57.839> one cost sharing in a house resolution one cost sharing in a house resolution
• Uh, House Resolution 1 outlines that the individual has to be working 80 hours or more per month.
• 00:29:47.919> qualifying Resolution One outlines the qualifying Resolution One outlines the qualifying
• We submitted that in July before House Resolution 1 was signed. It was a little bit different.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:36 Department for Medicaid Services 00:01:44, 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services met for an overview of the Department for Medicaid Services budget. Commissioner Lisa Lee and CFO Steve Beal described Kentucky Medicaid enrollment at about 1.4 million members, including more than 600,000 children, and said the agency’s 2025 total budget was $20.6 billion. They reviewed enrollment trends before, during, and after the COVID-19 public health emergency, noting that redeterminations begun in 2023 reduced enrollment from its peak but that total membership remains above pre-COVID levels. They also explained the difference between the fee-for-service population, which includes long-term care and waiver members, and managed care members, and gave examples of the kinds of services and diagnoses seen in each group. A major focus was the governor’s recommended Medicaid budget and the department’s forecast process. Lee said the budget is split into benefits and administration, with benefits covering fee-for-service services, managed care capitation, transportation, and Medicare premiums, while administration covers contracts, personnel, operating costs, and IT-related advanced planning documents. She said the department uses a consensus forecasting group and actuary input, and that its forecasts have been within 1% of actual spending in recent years. The department also said the governor’s budget includes new waiver slots to address waiting lists, a 2% staff COLA, and a 10% phase-down on state-directed payments beginning in January 2028. Much of the discussion centered on House Resolution 1 and the funding needed to implement its Medicaid-related provisions, including community engagement requirements, six-month redeterminations, and future cost sharing. Lee said the department requested about $35 million in total funds for fiscal 2027, including about $8.2 million in general funds for system changes to the integrated eligibility system, claims processing, notices, and monitoring; and about $11 million in fiscal 2028 for ongoing maintenance, with about $1.6 million in general funds. She said the department expects to seek federal APD matching funds for the IT work. In response to questions, she explained that community engagement would apply to Medicaid expansion members, with qualifying activities including work, school, volunteering, or equivalent income, and that certain groups such as pregnant women, children, caretaker relatives, and some people with chronic disease or substance use disorder would be excluded. She said the department identified roughly 70,000 expansion members who could be subject to the requirement. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Keywords: Consideration of HB 73 02:23 Consideration of HB 441 07:24 Consideration of HB 462 18:44, 958, all

Summary: The House State Government Committee met with a quorum and considered three bills. House Bill 73, as amended by committee substitute, added We Lead CS to the list of agencies participating in the Teachers’ Retirement System administrative provisions. The sponsor explained the bill corrects an oversight involving a computer science education service provider established in 2022. A question about fiscal impact was answered with no expected fiscal note or actuarial impact. The committee adopted the substitute and passed HB 73 19-0 with favorable expression. House Bill 441 addressed teacher shortages by expanding the number of retired teachers and critical-shortage-area teachers school districts may hire. The sponsor said districts could hire retired teachers up to 10% of staff and critical shortage area teachers up to 10%, replacing lower current limits and a temporary COVID-era provision that had expired. Members asked about work limits, salary rules, and how often shortage areas are identified; the sponsor said retired teachers remain subject to existing earnings limits, critical shortage teachers are paid at least a rank-two, 10-year salary, and shortage areas are identified annually by the Commissioner of Education. Supportive comments noted the bill was a stopgap and that long-term solutions should include recruitment, retention, and pay. The committee passed HB 441 19-0 with favorable expression. House Bill 462 would allow county clerks to correct marriage applications or licenses by affidavit, without requiring a lawsuit in circuit court, when there are obvious errors or omissions. The Kenton County clerk and another clerk testified that the change would help people who need corrected records for Social Security, Real ID, inheritance, and other legal purposes, while still preserving data needed by Vital Statistics. Members described the bill as a practical efficiency measure. The committee passed HB 462 19-0 with favorable expression, and the meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Higdon, Senator Hal, Senator Ma Bledo, here. Senator McDaniel, here. Senator Meredith.
• Senator McDaniel here Senator Senator McDaniel here Senator Meredith<00:09:09.720> Senator Meredith
• Senator Chambers Armstrong, Senator Berg, Senator Douglas present, Senator Higdon, Senator Hale, Senator
• <00:44:56.640> arms Chambers arms Chambers arms strong<00:44:58.839> Senator Senator Chambers
• Berg hi Senator Douglas hi Senator Berg hi Senator Douglas hi Senator Senator Senator Higden<00:46:54.680

Keywords: Call to Order 00:00 Roll Call 16:20 HB 90 Discussion 17:00 HB 90 Vote 25:40 HB 398 Discussion 30:55 HB 398 Vote 38:52 HB 580 Discussion 40:10 HB 580 Vote 42:10 HB 87 Discussion 44:12 HB 87 Vote 44:54 HB 422 Discussion 46:00 HB 422 Vote 46:43 Adjournment 47:20, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations met on March 12, 2025, after waiting for the Senate to adjourn so the committee could officially convene. The committee first took up House Bill 90, which concerned freestanding birthing centers and related medical language. Testimony from Representative Jason Nemes, Dr. Jeffrey Goldberg of ACOG Kentucky, and a representative from Kentucky Right to Life focused on clarifying what medical procedures are not abortions under Kentucky law, including miscarriage management, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, sepsis, hemorrhage, and stillbirth. Supporters said the committee substitute was intended to reduce confusion and barriers to care for physicians and patients, while Senator Armstrong and Senator Berg raised concerns about the late-arriving substitute, terminology, and whether the bill was being accurately described as supported by ACOG. The committee substitute and title amendment were adopted, and House Bill 90 passed with favorable expression. The committee then considered House Bill 398, relating to occupational safety and health. Representative Walker Thomas said the bill would prevent Kentucky from adopting or enforcing regulations stricter than federal OSHA standards, arguing it would create uniformity for businesses operating in multiple states while preserving worker safety. Senator Armstrong questioned what would happen if federal OSHA were eliminated and argued the bill could reduce Kentucky’s ability to address state-specific workplace hazards; Representative Thomas responded that Kentucky is a state-plan state and would retain the ability to act if needed, and that the measure was about administrative regulation rather than legislation. After a committee substitute was adopted, the bill passed 8-1, with Senator Armstrong voting no. House Bill 580, concerning alcohol and drug counselors and peer support specialists, was presented next. Representative Kim Moore and Elena Sweezy explained that the bill would add structure, training, and supervision requirements for peer support specialists, limit group settings to eight patients, shorten temporary peer support status to nine months, and require additional supervision hours so trainees can complete required training. The bill passed with favorable expression, with Senator Nemes voting no. House Bill 87, relating to employment and occupational licensing, followed; Representative Emily Callaway said it would reduce barriers for people with felony records and help “second chance” citizens enter the workforce. Several senators supported the goal but Senator McDaniel noted caution about substance-use billing and oversight, and the bill passed with favorable expression. Finally, House Bill 422, relating to administrative regulations, was described by Representative Derrick Lewis as a streamlining measure that would reduce paperwork and simplify the regulatory process. It also passed with favorable expression, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Recognize Senator Hinojosa for Senator Campbell to lay out, explain the resolution. Thank you Mr.
• The chair lays out HCR 10 and recognizes Senator Cook. To explain the resolution. Thank you, Mr.
• Chair lays out HCR 9 and recognizes Senate sponsor Senator Hinojosa to explain the resolution.
• The Chair lays out HCR 142 and recognizes Senator Cook to explain the resolution for Senator Hancock.
• Senator. Senator Eckhart? No. Senator Adam Senator Hall, Senator, Senator Milton.

Bills: HCR 10, HCR 9

Keywords: balanced budget amendment, federal budget, deficit reduction, deficit spending, fiscal restraint, constitutional amendment, U.S. Constitution, Congress, PAYGO, Gramm-Rudman-Hollings, national debt, budget deficit, taxpayer dollars, balanced budget resolution, memorial resolution, Texas Legislature, federal spending, budget reform, fiscal conservatism, HCR 9

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LynO9KznrsU, 2026-07-02T01:22:44+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, LINK TO 9:30am CPH hearing: https://youtu.be/Kx4BOy4juuE https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2020/hearingnotices/HEARING_CPH_06-25-20_.pdf Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2020/hearingnotices/HEARING_CPH_06-25-20_.pdf https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2020/hearingnotices/HEARING_CPH-TEC_06-25-20_DEFER_.pdf, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Bills: HCR77, HCR102, HR559

Keywords: COFA, Compact of Free Association, Palau, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, COFA islanders, Texas House resolution, commemorative resolution, COFA Day, March 18 2025, Pacific Islands, insular affairs, U.S. territories, federal benefits, SNAP, TANF, FEMA, in-state tuition, veterans, Indo-Pacific

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Se72CC5E-jQ, 2026-07-02T01:23:09+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 00:25 - HB 118 02:24 - HB 1109 HD2 02:51 - SCR 100 / SR110 07:34 - SCR 193 / SR 198 08:21 - SCR 150 / SR 146 08:44 - SCR 164 09:41 - TCA-PSM 3:01 PM 15:00 - HB 415, HD2 19:41 - HB 794, HD1 21:39 - HB 1201, HD1 31:14 - DM HHS-TCA 3:05 PM 35:29 - HB 541, HD1 37:16 - HB 105, HD2 28:44 - HB 478, HD1 47:44 - HB 473, HD1 50:05 - HB 899. HD2 01:02:14 - HB 340, HD2 01:05:38 - DM TCA 3:00PM 01:12:18 - DM TCA DEFER 3:00 PM Hearing Notices: TCA 3:00PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_TCA_03-21-23_.pdf TCA DEFER 3:00 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_TCA_03-21-23_DEFER_.pdf TCA-PSM 3:01 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_TCA-PSM_03-21-23_.pdf HHS-TCA 3:05 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_HHS-TCA_03-21-23_.pdf, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hx9MBH3_oaA, 2026-07-02T01:23:05+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2026/hearingnotices/HEARING_CPC_03-17-26_.PDF Timestamps: 6:27 - Introduction 7:00 - SB2948, SD2 18:59 - SB2757, SD2 21:54 - SB3016, SD1 34:44 - SB3255, SD1 44:05 - SB2765, SD1 46:03 - SB2852, SD1 1:09:57 - Decision Making, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oo7J6lnUGFs, 2026-07-02T01:22:46+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_HUS_03-23-23_.pdf 5:58 - Introduction 7:06 - HCR71/HR72 9:36 - HCR72/HR73 12:09 - HCR130/HR131 17:45 - HCR139/HR141 19:44 - HCR199/HR203 27:57 - HCR203/HR207 1:06:44 - Decision Making, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLxpNUN2Ifg, 2026-06-21T07:16:58+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Meeting Start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:15 SB 44 Discussion: 01:25 SB 44 Roll Call Vote: 13:57 SB 45 Discussion: 20:00 SB 45 Roll Call Vote: 28:06 SB 71 Discussion: 29:10 SB 71 Roll Call Vote: 40:41, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDDIfpLgyuE, 2026-07-02T01:23:18+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - start 02:04 - SCR 14 03:24 - SCR 135 / SR 122 28:44 - DM HHS-JDC 10:30 AM Hearing Notice: HHS-JDC 10:30 AM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_HHS-JDC_03-25-24_.PDF, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOkT3KbJlJk, 2026-07-02T01:23:14+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 0:52 - SB2542 6:33 - SB2634 9:03 - SB2502 16:34 - SB3257 24:53 - SB2004 34:21 - SB3340 46:44 - DM HRE 3:00 PM Hearing Notice: HRE 3:00 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_HRE_02-06-24_.pdf, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• One is a House Resolution; one is a joint House-Senate resolution.
• One is a House Resolution; one is a joint House-Senate resolution.
• Chair and members, House Concurrent Resolution 2047 and House Resolution 20702 recognize the historical
• This resolution does not impose belief or doctrine.
• I think close to 2,000 bills between the House and Senate this year in our second year of session is

Bills: HB2014, HB2156, HB2180, HB2554, HCR2047, HR2002

Keywords: air emissions, fuel blends, environmental quality, feasibility study, Arizona Department of Agriculture, livestock, compensation, funding, ranching, agriculture, appropriation, University of Arizona, education, state budget, biennial budget, state funding, appropriations, budget procedures, fiscal years, Judea

Summary: The committee first took up HCR 2047 and the identical HCR 2002, both sponsored by the chair. The resolutions recognize the historical, biblical, and legal legitimacy of Judea and Samaria, encourage those terms in official state communications, and reject the term West Bank as a modern political construct. Staff and several proponents, including representatives of an Israel-Arizona business coalition, a rabbi, and a StandWithUs representative, argued the language is historically accurate and important for truth, legal clarity, and Arizona’s relationship with Israel. No one testified against either measure. HCR 2047 passed 10-6 with 2 not voting, and HCR 2002 passed 11-6 with 1 not voting, both with due pass recommendations. The committee then considered HB 2554, which would move Arizona to a biennial state budget process and biennial capital planning. The sponsor argued the change would make government smaller, more disciplined, and less prone to long budget fights and spending growth. JLBC staff provided historical context, explaining Arizona’s past use of annual, bifurcated, and biennial budgeting and noting that second-year budgets are often adjusted for revenue and caseload changes. Members raised concerns about legislative leverage, executive flexibility, and whether the state already effectively budgets on a multi-year basis. Testimony was mixed: one supporter said the change could improve budget clarity, while others voted present or no, citing uncertainty and the need for more study. HB 2554 received a due pass recommendation on a 9-7 vote with 2 present. Next, HB 2014 was amended and passed. The bill directs ADEQ and the Department of Agriculture to study gasoline blend emissions and feasibility for seasonal fuel use in certain areas, with appropriations for the studies. The sponsor said Arizona’s fuel supply is vulnerable because of federal EPA rules and reliance on out-of-state refineries, especially California. Some members supported the study as a way to address possible fuel shortages, while others said prior stakeholder work had shown little could be done and questioned the cost. After adopting the Livingston amendment, the committee gave HB 2014 a due pass recommendation on a 12-2 vote with 4 present. The committee also advanced HB 2180, which funds the University of Arizona’s AZ Reach program, after adopting an amendment reducing the appropriation from $2.5 million to $500,000. The sponsor and a rural physician testified that AZ Reach helps small hospitals coordinate patient transfers, freeing clinicians to focus on care and improving access for rural communities. A program director explained that AZ Reach handles the administrative logistics of transfers for sending hospitals. Some members supported the program but noted concerns about the amount and ongoing budget negotiations, while others said the receiving hospitals needed to be part of the discussion. The bill passed with a due pass recommendation. Finally, HB 2156, as amended, appropriates $250,000 for the livestock compensation fund to help ranchers with wolf depredation losses and conflict-avoidance measures. A Game and Fish representative said the current federal grant funding is insufficient and unstable, while members debated the use of general funds and the program’s priorities. The bill received a due pass recommendation on a 10-7 vote with 1 not voting.

Keywords: 00:00 Call to Order 0:30 Roll Call 1:05 HB 904 Discussion 36:20 HB 904 Vote 44:14 Adjournment, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Brooks, Senator Burns.
• Senator Dever, Senator Jett, Senatorice, Senator Prietto, Senator Saieieri, Senator Stewart, Senator
• With the clerk, please call the roll: Senator Brooks, Senator Burns, Senator Dever, Senator Jett, Senator
• House Joint Resolution 1032 aligns Oklahoma rules with Senate Bill 1100, which went into effect in 2022
• Senator Brooks, Senator Burns, Senator Dever, Senator Jett, Senator Ice, Senator Prieto.

Bills: HJR1032, SB1273, SB1433

Keywords: HJR1032, House Joint Resolution 1032, Service Oklahoma, administrative rules, rule repeal, joint resolution, Oklahoma Administrative Code, OAC 670:15-1-10, OAC 670:15-1-14, agency regulation, legislative oversight, Secretary of State, Oklahoma Register, rulemaking, permanent rules, administrative code, guidance transparency, administrative procedures, public inspection, state agency accountability

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvEl9S7Tp5A, 2026-06-21T07:17:06+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:18 House Bill 159: 00:00:53 Senate Bill 153: 00:05:30 Senate Bill 202: 00:11:35 Senate Bill 249: 00:14:44 House Bill 155: 00:17:39 House Bill 207: 00:32:59, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• Here's a breakdown of House Joint Resolution 76, House Bill 553, House Joint Resolution 56, and House
• Joint Resolution 56 with you? Uh or is Joint Resolution 56 with you?
• Do you have that, you Resolution 56?
• <00:37:02.240> 56 through that house joint resolution 56 through that house joint resolution
• And then on the House Resolution 56.

Keywords: 00:02 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:44 Approval of Minutes 01:56 Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet 54:59 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Protection, Tourism, and Energy received an update from Kentucky State Parks and the Finance Cabinet on the status of major capital projects funded through recent legislative appropriations. Commissioner Mark Keelin, Deputy Commissioner Chris Perry, and Finance Cabinet/DECA representatives described progress on campground upgrades, utility and broadband improvements, building systems repairs, life-safety work, accommodations and hospitality renovations, pool and beach projects, playgrounds, golf course improvements, marina work, and wastewater upgrades across the state park system. They emphasized that Kentucky has 44 state parks and that the funding has supported completed work and projects still under construction or in design. The presentation highlighted funding tied to House Joint Resolution 76, House Joint Resolution 56, and House Bill 6. Parks reported roughly $72 million invested to date, with 66 projects completed and 17 under construction, including campground renovations at sites such as My Old Kentucky Home, Kin Lake, Carter Caves, Cumberland Falls, and others; broadband projects at several campgrounds; electrical grid resilience work at parks including Kentucky Dam Village and Kin Lake; and completed life-safety upgrades such as lock systems. Officials also noted pool and beach work, ADA improvements, lodge and guest room renovations, marina replacements, and wastewater plant upgrades. DECA said it currently manages 1,335 active capital projects statewide, including 149 for Parks, and credited additional project management capacity and regular coordination meetings for accelerating delivery. Committee members asked for a copy of the presentation and pressed the department for more detailed accounting of House Joint Resolution 56, including how much money remains, which projects are complete, and whether current appropriations are sufficient to finish the listed work. The department also requested a larger maintenance pool appropriation of $40 million for the next budget, arguing that routine and emergency maintenance needs across 44 parks exceed current resources and that preventative maintenance would reduce long-term costs. No votes were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Chambers Armstrong, Senator Berg, Senator Carpenter, Senator Elkins present, Senator Smith, Senator
• Storm here, Senator Wheeler here, Senator Williams here, and Senator Wilson here.
• Senator Chambers Armstrong, Senator Berg, Senator Carpenter, Senator Douglas, Senator Elkins, Senator
• Smith, Senator Storm, Senator Wheeler, I...
• Senator Douglas, I... Senator Elkins, aye. Senator Smith, Senator Storm, no. Senator Wheeler, I...

Keywords: Roll Call 00:13 Approval of Minutes 00:44 SB 99 Discussion 03:30 SB 99 Vote 12:45 Administrative Regs 17:56, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and heard a personal privilege statement praising Transportation Cabinet staff for helping a constituent obtain a Kentucky Uniform ID in time to board a cruise. The chair also recognized special guests and noted a page for the day. The main bill taken up was Senate Bill 99, with a committee substitute adopted before discussion. Senate Bill 99, sponsored by Senator Douglas, would strengthen Kentucky’s distracted-driving laws by prohibiting the use of personal communication devices to write, send, or read texts while operating a motor vehicle, with exceptions for emergency or public safety use and certain reporting or medical situations. The committee substitute clarified that GPS use remains allowed, including for younger drivers, and the bill also bars anyone under 18 from using a device in any manner while driving, sets a $100 fine with no points, and imposes a 90-day license revocation for minors. Supportive testimony and comments emphasized pedestrian and roadway safety, the dangers of distracted driving, and the bill’s alignment with existing CDL-related restrictions. After discussion, the committee voted on Senate Bill 99 by roll call and reported it favorably with the committee substitute attached. Members explaining their votes said the measure would save lives, reflected practices already used in trucking and bus operations, and was a reasonable enforcement approach similar to prior seat belt laws. The committee then received an informational update on five Transportation Cabinet administrative regulations, which were described as updates for federal compliance, signage standards, truck weight-limit renumbering, an OHV pilot program extension, and expanded electronic review of title applications; no substantive objections were raised. The meeting concluded with discussion of adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Hall moves that Senate Concurrent Resolution 1 be reported favorably to the full Senate with
• The chair lays out Senate concurrent resolution. and recognizes Senator Hall to explain the resolution
• The chair lays out Senate Concurrent Resolution 32 and recognizes Senator Hall to explain the resolution
• The Senate, this. Senate Concurrent Resolution aims to honor and recognize Justin Darke Jr.'
• Senator Hall moves that Senate Concurrent Resolution 32 be reported favorably to the full Senate.

Bills: SB2232, SCR1, SCR6, SCR15, SCR27, SCR32

Keywords: Unplug Texas Day, digital detox, family activities, outdoor recreation, community engagement, crossing guard, school crossing guard, crosswalk safety, school safety, student pedestrian safety, traffic safety, elementary school, campus safety, pedestrian awareness, bicycle safety, traffic regulations, commemorative resolution, appreciation day, Texas Legislature, honorary designation

Transcript Highlights:

• chair your resolution has been adopted. chair your resolution has been adopted.
• will go to the Senate, and if the Senate disagrees, then it would go to conference.
• resolution resolution the<00:25:37.160> resolution<00:25:38.240> as<00:25:38.520> amended
• the resolution as amended the resolution as amended will<00:25:40.480> go<00:25:40.679>
• c> if<00:25:42.520> the<00:25:42.640> Senate will go to the Senate and if the Senate

Bills: SCR184, SCR169, SCR47, SCR57, SCR170, SCR163, SCR189

Keywords: SCR184, Senate Concurrent Resolution 184, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, HCRC, civil rights, anti-discrimination, algorithmic decision making, automated decision making, artificial intelligence, AI bias, machine learning, employment screening, tenant screening, housing discrimination, credit decisions, lending discrimination, public benefits eligibility, state services, equal opportunity, algorithmic discrimination

Summary: The committee met in Room 430 on April 17 at 8:30 a.m. and heard several resolutions focused on Hawaii’s sister-state and international relationships. Measures discussed included SCR 184, SCR 169 SD1, SCR 47, SCR 57 SD1, SCR 170 SD1, and SCR 163 SD1. Testimony generally supported expanding or formalizing ties with Japanese prefectures and other partners, including Yamaguchi, Okayama, and Aotearoa/New Zealand, as well as maintaining the Hawaii-Taiwan relationship. DBED’s Dennis Ling explained that sister-state agreements provide a framework for broader government, nonprofit, and private-sector relationships, and cited existing exchanges in transportation, health, education, culinary rice development, biosecurity, and food innovation. Catherine Stanway of the Division of Forestry and Wildlife supported the Aotearoa measure for predator control, biosecurity, and conservation cooperation. Jerry Chang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office testified in support of the Taiwan resolution, noting 33 years of sister-state ties and ongoing cooperation in education, culture, economy, and disaster management. One witness raised a concern about language in SCR 57 SD1 related to double taxation, saying that portion did not relate to the sister-state relationship, but the committee chose not to amend the measure to avoid possible delay or conference issues. A committee member also asked about how sister-state relationships work and whether other states have similar country-level arrangements; Ling said Hawaii has an MOU with Israel and mentioned Singapore as another possible partner, while noting that such arrangements often depend on the governor and are not standardized across states. After testimony, the committee voted to recommend passage of all measures as is. SCR 184, SCR 169 SD1, SCR 47, SCR 57 SD1, SCR 170 SD1, and SCR 163 SD1 were all adopted by the committee without amendments. Some members were excused during the hearing, and the meeting adjourned after the final vote.