Transcript Highlights:

• You know, the condition often escalates; your condition worsens. >> So who executes on that clawback
• So that particular clawback, so it's not a clawback for claims.
• So that particular clawback, so it's not a<00:41:22.960> clawback<00:41:23.440> for<00
• <00:41:24.400> It's<00:41:24.720> actual<00:41:25.680> money a clawback for
• It's actual money a clawback for claims.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board meeting began with a roll call and approval of the October 7 meeting minutes. The chair then reordered the agenda to hear the item on Medicaid reimbursement rates and network adequacy first because of scheduling issues. Dr. Steve Robertson of the Kentucky Dental Association was sworn in and testified at length about Kentucky’s dental Medicaid program, arguing that reimbursement rates are unsustainably low, have been largely flat for decades, and are often below the cost of providing care. He said Kentucky ranks near the bottom nationally in oral health, dental Medicaid rates are often 60% or less of commercial rates, and the program’s share of the Medicaid budget has effectively remained around 2% despite growth in enrollment and services. Dr. Robertson said the low rates are contributing to provider losses, rural access gaps, longer wait times, dental deserts, and greater use of emergency rooms for preventable dental problems. He cited examples of office costs exceeding reimbursement for basic procedures, noted that many dentists are small private businesses, and said the state is struggling to recruit and retain dentists because of low payment levels and high student debt. He also pointed to disparities with neighboring states and said recent increases in some oral surgery and cleaning codes were not enough to address the broader problem. His recommendations included completing the rebasing study, increasing dental reimbursement in the upcoming budget, tying future reviews to inflation and cost data, aligning benchmarks, and prioritizing preventive and restorative care to improve workforce stability and access. Board members asked about the size of the needed increase, the effect of private insurance on dental practice finances, and what a new dentist might expect to earn. Dr. Robertson said the association is working on an appropriations request and that private insurance pressures are part of the problem as well, since many plans are HMOs or PPOs with limited provider control over rates. He also said the association can no longer conduct reimbursement surveys because of FTC restrictions, but would try to obtain current ADA data. In response to questions about the future of the program, he warned that without significant changes it could become unsustainable and cited Ohio and Missouri as examples where higher reimbursement improved provider participation and access. The board then heard from Mr. Bowman of Baldwin Consulting, who discussed outpatient behavioral health providers, including ABA therapy and mental health/substance use disorder services. He said these providers face similar issues of rising costs, flat reimbursement, and access problems. He reviewed Kentucky’s network adequacy standards, including travel-time standards, 30-day appointment limits, and newer federal requirements that will require services within 10 business days by 2029. He said wait times for outpatient behavioral health, especially children’s services and ABA, have grown substantially, sometimes to more than a year, and emphasized that the Medicaid department must enforce these standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• I had one version of my bill that said that, you know, yes, the subsequent folks there can be a clawback
• I had one version of my bill that said that, you know, yes, the subsequent folks there can be a clawback
• I had one version of my bill that said that, you know, yes, the subsequent folks there can be a clawback
• I had one version of my bill that said that, you know, yes, the subsequent folks there can be a clawback
• and that then there'd be rule clawback and that then there'd be rule making<00:34:08.320> that

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have no provision in this budget for what we expect to see rightful, lawful, necessary clawbacks
• We also have no provision in this budget for what we expect to see rightful, lawful, necessary clawbacks
• Those clawbacks are not accounted for in this budget.
• Those clawbacks are not accounted for in this budget.
• states are not doing and this Legislature in particular has recognized as a challenge in actual provision

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held the first of several hearings on the Governor’s May Revision for health care, with opening remarks focused on the state’s projected $12 billion deficit, looming federal Medicaid changes, and the potential impact on Medi-Cal, public health, reproductive health, and safety-net providers. Several members criticized the proposal as balancing the budget on vulnerable Californians, while others defended the need for cost containment and questioned the administration’s assumptions. The chair set ground rules for respectful, focused questioning and outlined three topics: the Medi-Cal proposals, Proposition 35, and Proposition 56. DHCS Director Michelle Baas presented the May Revision’s Medi-Cal package, saying the department’s budget totals $200.6 billion overall, including $45.2 billion General Fund, and that the proposals are intended to address rising caseloads, pharmacy costs, and managed care spending. She described proposed changes for adults with unsatisfactory immigration status, including a freeze on new full-scope enrollment for those 19 and older, $100 monthly premiums beginning in 2027, elimination of adult dental and long-term care coverage, removal of PPS/RAP payments to FQHCs and rural health clinics for that population, and a pharmacy rebate aggregator. Other proposals included eliminating certain OTC drug classes, removing GLP-1 coverage for weight loss, prior authorization and step therapy changes, reinstating the Medi-Cal asset test, eliminating acupuncture as an optional benefit, allowing utilization management for hospice, raising the managed care minimum medical loss ratio to 90%, reducing PACE capitation rates toward the midpoint of the actuarial range, eliminating the skilled nursing facility workforce and quality incentive program, and suspending the SNF backup power requirement. The LAO said the revised Medi-Cal spending estimate is about $2.5 billion higher than the Governor’s Budget in the budget year, and that the increase appears driven more by higher per-enrollee costs than by caseload alone. The LAO said the budget solutions are concentrated in a few areas, are largely ongoing, and should be considered in light of federal uncertainty, but suggested the Legislature could explore alternatives such as more targeted income thresholds for the undocumented expansion and simpler asset-test rules. Department of Finance officials said the proposals are difficult but necessary to address a third consecutive deficit and rising Medi-Cal costs. Members then pressed the administration on the methodology and impacts of the proposals, especially the enrollment freeze, premiums, asset test, hospice controls, PACE reductions, and the elimination of benefits and provider payments. No votes or formal actions were taken at this hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• among the commissioner's duties a mandate to include all economic development subsidy agreement provisions
• Senator Mary: I'm all for the clawback. I think it makes sense.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce, Economic Development, and Small Business met for its final meeting of the 2026 legislative agenda, chaired by Senator April Baskin, with several members and staff in attendance. The committee considered two bills. The first, S.3187 by Senator Persaud, would amend economic development and related laws to provide small business crime prevention services. Senator Dean Murray moved the bill, Senator Chris Ryan seconded, and the committee voted to report it to finance. The second bill, S.4240 by Senator Parker, would require economic development subsidy agreements to include clawback provisions allowing the state to recover awards if recipients relocate out of state. Senator Murray supported the concept but expressed concern that the five-year requirement was too long and suggested three years instead, stating he would vote without recommendation for that reason. Senator Monica Martinez moved the bill, Senator Ryan seconded, and it was reported to the calendar with one member voting without recommendation. After completing legislative business, Chair Baskin thanked members and staff for their work during her first year chairing the committee and noted the end of the session. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So these provisions only pertain to these large electric users.
• “They're subject to the same load shed provisions.
• So there was one provision, and I agree with Mr.
• You talked about the Georgia project that ran over, but you failed to talk about the clawback provisions
• But you failed to talk about the clawback provisions that were put into the bill to protect consumers

Summary: The Committee on Utilities held an informational hearing on data centers in Missouri, with the chair explaining that the goal was to hear from three speakers with different perspectives and allow committee questions, but no public testimony. The first witness, Matt Edelow of the International Union of Operating Engineers and Columbia-Jefferson City Area Building Trades Council, spoke in support of data center development for its construction jobs, long-term employment, tax revenue, and local economic benefits. He said the Montgomery County projects had already put about 200 Missourians to work, described the facilities as using closed-loop water systems and generator noise levels that he said would be limited by setbacks and acoustics, and urged local hire and apprenticeship requirements. Committee members asked about water use, noise, cybersecurity, labor, and tax revenue, and he said one project could generate about $13.1 million annually at full buildout. The second witness, Rob Dixon of Ameren Missouri, testified that Senate Bill 4 and the Public Service Commission’s large-load tariff provide strong protections for existing customers. He said large data center customers must sign long-term contracts, pay 100% of interconnection costs, post collateral, pay at least 80% of contracted demand, and face exit and reduction fees, with load-shedding rules applying to them like other customers. Dixon said Ameren’s planning process includes engineering reviews and MISO review before projects proceed, and that the utility’s integrated resource plan calls for 5.3 gigawatts of new generation by 2030, with 2.2 gigawatts of signed large-load agreements already in place. He also said large customers can help spread fixed grid costs and put downward pressure on rates, and noted that the protections apply to investor-owned utilities, not co-ops or municipal utilities. The final witness, John Kaufman of the Consumers Council of Missouri, argued that the current protections are not strong enough and that data centers could raise rates through construction work in progress, stranded generation costs, and other risks if projects change or technology shifts. He urged greater consumer protections, including more upfront financial security from data centers, reconsideration of construction work in progress policies, and possibly requiring data centers to bring their own power in some cases. Committee members debated his claims about SB 4, QIP, and rate impacts, with some members saying the law already contains clawbacks and consumer-benefit requirements, while others echoed concerns about transparency and public understanding. The hearing ended without any votes or formal action, and the chair said the committee would continue the discussion in future meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you please recognize me to explain the provisions of Senate Bill 1425?
• Now with this provision that we're looking at in its entirety, so...
• Please recognize Senator to explain the provisions of Senate Bill 2069.
• Please recognize Senator to explain the provisions of Senate Bill 2095.
• Are there provisions for a clawback or how are we to enforce that they meet the contractual obligation

Bills: SCR17, SB2104, SB2155, SB1428, SB1250, SB1651, SB1794, SB444, SB1061, SB1327, SB1425, SB1455, SB1458, SB1460, SB1480, SB1530, SB1543, SB1555, SB1593, SB1209, SB1730, SB1733, SB1769, SB1805, SB2069, SB2095, SB1503

Keywords: trusts, Oklahoma Uniform Trust Code, trust administration, trustee, beneficiary, qualified beneficiary, nonjudicial settlement agreement, trust accounting, fiduciary duty, forfeiture clause, no-contest clause, in terrorem clause, certification of trust, trust property, district court jurisdiction, venue, surcharge trustee, trust protector, trust advisor, principal distribution

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> That brings up something on the clawback.
• 15.519> the >> That brings up something on the >> That brings up something on the clawback
• 16.799> report<00:04:17.120> that<00:04:17.359> in<00:04:17.600> the clawback
• Once you report that in the clawback.

Keywords: Meeting start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:32 HB 136 Discussion: 01:46 HB 136 Vote: 05:53 HB 183 Discussion: 07:03 HB 183 Vote: 14:45, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor met with a quorum and considered two bills. Senate Bill 136, sponsored by Vice Chair Frommeyer, made a housekeeping change to unemployment insurance fraud reporting by correcting prior language so suspected fraud is reported to the appropriate county or commonwealth attorney and the U.S. Department of Labor, rather than the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. Members asked about how often local prosecutors pursue these cases and whether the state follows up on clawing back fraudulent payments; the cabinet said it would check on the exact recovery process. Senator Boswell also raised broader concerns about delays and difficulties claimants face in the unemployment insurance system. The committee approved SB 136 unanimously, 11-0, and reported it favorably. The committee then heard Senate Bill 183 from Senator Nunn, which would regulate proxy voting advice by requiring transparency, economic analysis, and disclosure when proxy advisers rely on non-financial factors or give advice inconsistent with a company board’s recommendation. Nunn said the bill is intended to protect Kentuckians’ retirement and investment interests, prevent politically or ideologically driven advice, and create enforcement through Kentucky’s deceptive trade practices law. Senator Clemens questioned how the bill would apply to nontraditional groups and whether the affected firms are registered or regulated; a witness, Chris Nolan, said there is little federal oversight and no Kentucky oversight of proxy adviser firms. Senator Maiden supported the bill, while Senator Thomas opposed it, arguing investors should be free to seek advice based on their own interests and that the bill could chill such advice. The committee passed SB 183 by a 9-2 vote and reported it favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, the clawback happened of these funds. That's really important.
• We've had a buyout provision before.
• We also removed the civil penalty provision.
• Where we run into a little bit of challenge is in that other side of it: the provision of food, the provision
• of water, the provision of services.

Bills: SB623, SB1266, SB1310, SB1373, SB1580, SB1952, SB2032, SB2269, SB2544, SB2653, SB2796

Keywords: pharmacist, vaccine administration, COVID-19, exclusive authority, healthcare, Medicaid, provider enrollment, credentialing, administrative burden, Texas Health and Human Services, senior retirement communities, emergency response, residential safety, contract provisions, health and safety regulations, medical staff privileges, hospital administration, healthcare regulation, Texas Health and Safety Code, consistency in privileges

Transcript Highlights:

• So, in your opinion, the Senate with regard to this provision acted correctly? Yes, Madam Chair.
• So, in your opinion, the Senate with regard to this provision acted correctly? Yes, Madam Chair.
• um uh uh uh income averaging Provisions um uh uh uh income averaging Provisions that<01:10:32.880
• fiveyear the fiveyear um um provision fiveyear the fiveyear um um provision and<01:11:52.800>
• <01:17:00.120> the choose to opt in to this provision the choose to opt in to this provision

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, we have a provision in the bill that you're talking about. You're talking about it.
• We have a provision in the bill that your total credit could not be more than 6,000, and we've moved
• Um, and there's some provisions in here that I find problematic.
• There's a clawback provision. And ultimately, this will create jobs in our local communities.
• Romero, that Senate Bill 5 had some controversial provisions, but this was not the controversial provision

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• property to ensure that if it's ever sold or changes hands, or if it actually... there's like a clawback
• Where's the clawback in this bill? The clawback is in the... Madam Chair, Representative.
• The clawback is, or the rules governing that are in the Affordable Housing Act.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• from return on investment metrics and the ability to go in and recapture some of this money from clawback
• from return on investment metrics and the ability to go in and recapture some of this money from clawback
• from return on investment metrics and the ability to go in and recapture some of this money from clawback
• from return on investment metrics and the ability to go in and recapture some of this money from clawback
• Investment metrics and the ability to go in and recapture some of this money from clawback for programs

Keywords: Reuploaded to restore full meeting, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum and adopted a committee substitute for Senate Bill 28, which would create a framework for the $5 million in agricultural economic development funding included in the 2024 budget. Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell testified that the bill is intended to support agriculture-focused economic development, especially processing and further processing projects, by giving the Department of Agriculture tools to identify opportunities, convene partners, and offer incentives. He emphasized the role of the new economic development division in the department and said the effort is meant to complement, not replace, the work of the state Economic Development Cabinet. Shell and several senators described the bill as a rural development tool aimed at helping smaller communities attract projects that fit their scale. He cited examples such as poultry processing, grain and elevator operations, milling, and specialty crop ventures, arguing that local processing can create jobs, strengthen markets for farmers, and keep more value in Kentucky. Senators discussed the need for return-on-investment metrics and clawback provisions for unsuccessful projects, and Shell said the framework includes those concepts. He also said the department is working on opportunities in sustainable aviation fuel, biofuels, and other markets that could bring more acres into production. Members also raised questions about small-farm innovation, raw milk, and direct-to-consumer opportunities. Shell said raw milk testing and related consumer protection issues are more closely tied to the University of Kentucky and the department’s consumer/environmental protection functions than to the bill’s economic development focus, but he said the department can help expand small-farm programs such as Kentucky Proud, Buy Local, KOAP, CAP, food-as-medicine efforts, LFPA, and farm-to-school initiatives. The discussion also turned to beef processing and feedlot development, with Shell saying Kentucky wants a beef processor but first needs to prove it can feed cattle at scale; he said changing conditions in western states could create an opening for Kentucky if it can build the necessary supply chain.

Transcript Highlights:

• The New Hampshire trust code has both default and mandatory provisions, and the default provisions are
• The New Hampshire trust code has both default and mandatory provisions, and the default provisions are
• provision on that land use change tax.
• and substantial and whether there should be a clawback provision on that land use change tax.
• from predatory practices key provisions from predatory practices key provisions of<01:21:01.920>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• office to address fraud. objective, specific especially the objective, specific especially the provisions
• in House File 25 provisions in House File 25 2354<00:56:00.240> that<00:56:00.720> increase
• Section one ensures that managed care organizations, if they issue a clawback, the timely filing clock
• ,<01:04:21.520> the<01:04:21.760> timely<01:04:22.160> filing issue a clawback
• , the timely filing issue a clawback, the timely filing clock<01:04:23.200> resets,<01:04:23.920

Bills: HF2216, HF1978, HF2354, HF1963, HF1994, HF1995, HF1894

Keywords: assisted living, nursing home, long-term care, guardian, conservator, resident rights, arbitration, mandatory arbitration, consumer protection, fee increase, rate increase, price hike, private pay, public funds, Medicaid, waiver services, elderly, seniors, older adults, disability rights

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there like a clawback mechanism for this for when people abuse the system like that? Mr.
• Now, there’s not, I wouldn’t say that there is a clawback mechanism per se, but if somebody was being
• Is there like a clawback<01:31:40.639> on<01:31:41.600> mechanism<01:31:42.159> for<
• mechanism per se, there is a clawback mechanism per se, but<01:32:06.719> if<01:32:06.880>
• governor has also included a provision governor has also included a provision in<01:37:55.119>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• provision is unique in this particular grant.
• to be, there are going to be opportunities where, in order to deliver the early wins that avoid clawbacks
• The clawback provision is unique in this particular grant.
• to be, there are going to be opportunities where, in order to deliver the early wins that avoid clawbacks
• to be, there are going to be opportunities where, in order to deliver the early wins that avoid clawbacks

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:20 CRISP Shared Services 00:01:39 Rural Health Transformation Plan 00:30:55, 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services opened its first meeting of the 2026 interim session, took roll, and moved directly into presentations. The main presentation was from Ryan Bramble of Crisp Shared Services, who described the organization’s health information exchange and health data utility model in Kentucky and other states. He emphasized that Crisp is a nonprofit, that data ownership remains with providers, and that governance is local. He also outlined the technical infrastructure, including a master patient index, cloud-based data lake, support for modern standards like FHIR and USCDI as well as older formats, and data quality tools used to normalize and standardize information. Bramble said the model is intended to reduce duplication, lower costs, and support rural providers and future use cases such as reporting, analytics, and AI-enabled decision support. Members asked how the state can ensure the data is actually used and who should drive priorities for health care improvement. Bramble said Crisp can provide tools, expertise, and examples from other states, but local teams such as KHI and state stakeholders must tailor and lead utilization efforts. In response to questions about ownership and coordination, he stressed that successful HIE governance requires a multistakeholder body that includes hospitals, health plans, government, and other interests, with a unified approach rather than multiple competing directives. He also said the Commonwealth has an opportunity to convene those stakeholders and set clear priorities. A senator raised concerns that responsibility for Medicaid and broader health policy has become fragmented and suggested a stronger central role for the state, possibly through the Department of Public Health, to coordinate health priorities. Bramble agreed that a single convening authority and multistakeholder governance are important, and noted that local governance should determine what data is shared and how it is used. No votes or formal actions were taken during this portion of the meeting. After Bramble’s presentation and questions, the committee was told that Secretary Stack from the cabinet would testify next on the rural health transformation plan.

Bills: HB3976, HB3000, HB3001, HB3003, HB3004, HB3066, HB3904, HB3644, HB1687, HB3920, SR40

Keywords: rural hospitals, small hospitals, grant program, healthcare funding, Oklahoma health department, cosmetology, barbering, massage therapy, State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, Service Oklahoma, license renewal, license reinstatement, licensing fees, sunset extension, board membership, human trafficking, victim services, beauty school, barber school, esthetics

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Berkstrom, you are recognized to present the provisions of House Bill 3000. Thank you, Mr.
• Senator Frix, you are recognized to present the provisions of House Bill 3904. Thank you, Mr.
• Senator Hiins, you are recognized to present the provisions of House Bill 3644. Thank you, Mr.
• Senator Rossino, you're recognized to present the provisions of House Bill 1687.
• Senator Rossino, you're recognized to present the Provisions on House Bill 3920.

Bills: HB3976, HB3000, HB3001, HB3003, HB3004, HB3066, HB3904, HB3644, HB1687, HB3920

Keywords: rural hospitals, small hospitals, grant program, healthcare funding, Oklahoma health department, cosmetology, barbering, massage therapy, State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, Service Oklahoma, license renewal, license reinstatement, licensing fees, sunset extension, board membership, human trafficking, victim services, beauty school, barber school, esthetics

Bills: SB2064, SB2662, SB2862, SB2343, SB2075, SB2781, SB2927, SB3068, SB3015, SB2929, SB2938, SB3230, SB3249, SB3332, SB3216

Keywords: state architect, construction projects, design approvals, building codes, state agency oversight, government accountability, external consultants, procurement reform, cost efficiency, in-house expertise, gubernatorial appointments, senate confirmation, executive branch, accountability, civil service, SB2343, Hawaii Legislature, regular session, lengthened session, continuous legislature

Summary: The committee met on February 12, 2026, to take decision-making on measures previously heard earlier in the month. Several bills were deferred indefinitely or set for later discussion, including SB 2064 on the Office of the State Architect, SB 3068 on procurement, and SB 3216 after its contents were moved into another measure. SB 2862 on gubernatorial appointments, SB 2781, and SB 315 were all deferred to Tuesday, February 17 at 3 p.m. in Room 225 for further work. The committee also noted that if technical problems interrupted the meeting, it would reconvene later for outstanding decision-making. The committee passed SB 2343 on the Legislature with amendments incorporating language from SB 3216, technical changes, and a defective date of 2525. SB 2075 was advanced as a Senate draft 1 after amendments responding to constitutional concerns raised by the attorney general and SPO. SB 2927 on procurement was also passed with amendments clarifying debriefing requirements and adding technical changes, and SB 2938 on search and rescue was amended to place the position in Hima rather than the Governor’s office before being adopted. SB 3249 on procurement protests was amended to remove the term "frivolous," reduce the forfeiture to half the bond amount, and note unresolved issues, then adopted. The committee also took up SB 3332 on state-funded travel, amending it to remove certain lines, report travel by position number to protect confidentiality, remove subsection G, and add a defective date of 2525; it was adopted. SB 2929 on public notice was amended into a pilot project for counties with populations between 100,000 and 175,000, with a year-end report to the Legislature, and was adopted. Later, the committee returned to SB 2094 on environmental action levels, heard testimony from the Department of Health in support of its current scientific process and from an environmental caucus witness in strong support of the bill’s transparency and petition provisions, and then deferred decision-making to February 17 at 3 p.m. in Room 225. In the joint hearing portion, SB 3233 on agricultural workforce housing drew generally supportive testimony from ADC, the Farm Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce, the Hawaii Farmers Union, and the State Procurement Office, with concerns focused on clarity, flexibility for smaller farms, and avoiding concentration of benefits in one large operation. The committee ultimately recommended passing SB 3233 with the State Procurement Office’s clarifying amendments and the Hawaii Farmers Union’s amendment to ensure workforce housing incentives benefit multiple farmers, and the measure was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 3215 relates to harbor safety and repeals the sunset provisions of part three of chapter 266, HRS,
• SB 3215 relates to harbor safety and repeals the sunset provisions of part three of chapter 266, HRS,
• <00:04:51.199> of<00:04:51.520> part repeals the sunset provisions of part repeals
• the sunset provisions of part three<00:04:52.160> of<00:04:52.479> chapter<00:04:53.120
• that this thing is attack provisions that this thing is attack being<00:43:26.000> attacked<00

Bills: HB1709, HB2195, HB2023, HB2031, HB2033, HB1937, HB2586, HB2575, HB2038, HB2030

Keywords: water carriers, transportation, public utility, Department of Transportation, liability, agricultural rates, certificates of convenience, cruise ship, passenger head fee, harbor, capital improvement, funding, environmental impact, active intelligent speed assistance, intelligent speed assistance, speed limiter, speed limiting device, speed governor, vehicle telematics, traffic safety

Summary: The joint committees on Transportation, Labor and Technology, and later Transportation and Economic Development and Tourism, heard several bills. SB 2573 would allow administrative driver’s license revocation hearings to be held by interactive conference technology such as Zoom and permit electronic exchange of evidence. The chief adjudicator for the ADLRO supported it as a non-mandatory option that has worked well since 2021, improving attendance and saving time and money; DOT also supported it. The committees voted to pass SB 2573 with technical, non-substantive amendments. SB 3215 would make permanent the requirement that securing mooring lines at commercial docks be performed by labor subject to collective bargaining by repealing the sunset date in existing harbor safety law. DOT did not submit testimony, and the chair noted support from longshore labor. The committees voted to pass SB 3215 unamended. The committees also heard SB 2693, which authorizes $15 million in general obligation bonds for planning, design, and construction of a 50,000-square-foot aerospace hangar and related facilities at Hilo International Airport. A Phoenix Space executive testified in support, saying Hawaii and Hilo have geographic advantages and that the project could support aerospace investment and jobs; several other organizations and individuals submitted supportive testimony. Committee members questioned whether federal matching funds or airport capacity existed, and DOT said it had no assurance of federal participation and would need to check on capacity and potential users. The hearing then moved to SB 2698, which would create a cruise ship special fund and impose a per-passenger head fee on cruise ships docking in state commercial harbors while repealing the existing cruise ship TAT framework effective January 1, 2026. DOT supported the bill but requested amendments to clarify that the new fee is in addition to existing passenger, port entry, and dockage fees and to raise the fee from $6.50 to $10; DOT said the higher amount would better fund harbor improvements such as shore power. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings testified in support but said the added fee would significantly increase costs, while a local ship supply business supported the cruise industry and opposed the TAT approach, saying cruise activity benefits local farmers and jobs. No final vote on SB 2698 was taken in the excerpt provided.