Transcript Highlights:

• Every<01:22:10.639><c> companion</c><01:22:11.360><c> animal</c><01:22:11.920><c> that</c><01:22:12.239
• that lives with me<01:22:14.000><c> is</c><01:22:14.320><c> a</c><01:22:14.560><c> rescue</c><01:22:
• So,<01:22:19.199><c> you'd</c><01:22:19.440><c> think</c><01:22:19.600><c> that</c><01:22:19.840><c>
• This bill<01:22:30.080><c> needs</c><01:22:30.880><c> work</c><01:22:31.520><c> badly.
• The<01:22:40.320><c> section</c><01:22:40.880><c> does</c><01:22:41.120><c> not</c><01:22:41.440><c>

Bills: HB2425 , HB2596 , HB2573 , HB2017 , HB1931 , HB1736 , HB1594 , HB1828

Committees: House Agriculture & Food Systems , House Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: agriculture, sugarcane, permitting process, land use, conservation district, diversified agriculture, economic impact, invasive species, plant sales, weed risk assessment, consumer protection, environmental impact, workforce development, biosecurity, training program, partnerships, tax credit, Hawaiian home lands, investment costs, nonrefundable

Summary: The committee heard opening remarks and then took testimony on several agriculture-related bills. HB 2425 would exempt agricultural enterprises on former commercial sugarcane lands in conservation use districts from certain permitting and site plan requirements. The Department of Agriculture supported the measure and stood on written comments. The Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the intent but said the bill appeared to cite the wrong statute and suggested amending the conservation district law instead. Other testimony was generally supportive, while some witnesses raised concerns about using the right statutory vehicle. Committee members questioned whether the bill should be redirected through a different chapter. The committee then heard HB 596, which would require retail sellers of plants to disclose invasiveness risk, direct the Invasive Species Council to create a labeling system and weed risk assessments, and establish fines. The Department of Land and Natural Resources strongly supported the bill, saying point-of-sale labels would help consumers make informed choices. Supporters from the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species said the state’s noxious weed and restricted plant lists are outdated or incomplete and that the bill would help prevent harmful species from being purchased and planted. Opponents, including the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Hawaii Food Policy Foundation, argued the measure was too broad, could stigmatize plants and producers, and might be better implemented through voluntary education or narrower definitions. Committee discussion focused on possible amendments, including using printable labels from a website and limiting the bill to larger commercial retailers. HB 2573 would create a five-year agriculture and biosecurity workforce development pilot program involving the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Leeward Community College, and the Department of Human Resources Development. DHRD said it supported the intent but wanted clearer responsibilities; the University of Hawaiʻi, the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, the Hawaii Food Policy Foundation, and others supported the proposal. DAB said the program would help build needed biosecurity staffing and training, and that law-enforcement-related curriculum could be incorporated. Finally, the committee began hearing HB 207, which would expand the important agricultural land qualified agricultural tax credit to include certain Hawaiian homelands and additional agricultural costs such as orchards, fruit crops, and clearing former sugar and pineapple lands. The Department of Taxation and DAB stood on written comments, while the Department of Hawaiian Homelands strongly supported the bill, calling it a potential game-changer for developing agricultural lands and offsetting infrastructure costs; the department also asked that the credit be broadened beyond agriculture alone.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:22:00.640><c> So,</c><00:22:00.799><c> I</c><00:22:01.039><c> will</c><00:22:01.120><c> say</
• ><c> as</c><00:22:05.600><c> well</c><00:22:05.679><c> as</c><00:22:05.919><c> our</c><00:22:06.240><
• Um and<00:22:10.000><c> so</c><00:22:10.159><c> I</c><00:22:10.480><c> think</c><00:22:11.280><c> I</
• That being<00:22:17.120><c> said,</c><00:22:17.360><c> I</c><00:22:17.520><c> do</c><00:22:17.840><c>
• we</c><00:22:18.159><c> do</c><00:22:18.799><c> recommend</c><00:22:19.280><c> or</c><00:22:19.520><

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs held a resolutions hearing on April 1, 2025, and considered a series of measures largely focused on housing, domestic violence, corrections, Native Hawaiian issues, and public safety. Early items included HCR 158 HD1 and HR 153 HD1, which request a Judiciary-led working group to improve landlord-tenant code provisions to increase housing supply; Hawaii Realtors testified in strong support, and there was no opposition. The committee also heard HCR 55 and HR 51 on studying the effectiveness of domestic violence, restraining order, and stalking laws. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office said some requested data may exceed judicial authority but that useful Judiciary data exists, while the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the intent but urged broader, better-funded, survivor-inclusive analysis across all counties and islands. Members asked for clarification on the proposed draft, and the witness emphasized narrowing the scope, including stalking, and extending the timeline. The committee then took up HCR 23 HD1 on the new Oahu Community Correctional Center. The Public Defender supported adding a courtroom but objected to language about transporting released detainees away from residential communities or public spaces as unconstitutional; the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation supported the measure and said one multipurpose courtroom would be sufficient, and that most released inmates are picked up by family or programs, with others transported to a bus depot. HCR 174 HD1/HR 170 HD1, on in-school based learning programs for youth in the juvenile legal system, drew strong support from Debt Free Justice Hawaii, which said the resolution was youth-led and could help replace fees and fines with community service and rehabilitation opportunities. HCR 185, on an audit of proposed mandatory health insurance coverage for Native Hawaiian healing and cultural practices, received comments from Pāpa Lokahi supporting the concept but warning that reimbursement issues are complex, that the community should restart broader conversations, and that the measure should not be rushed or unfunded; members questioned whether the resolution was the right vehicle and whether it could affect ACA implementation. Several Native Hawaiian and community measures were also heard. HCR 147/HR 147, creating a legislative working group on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands funding, had support from DHHL and the Democratic Party of Hawaii. HCR 193 HD1/HR 186 HD1, on transferring Native Hawaiian burial site management to OHA, was strongly supported by OHA, which also proposed adding recognized lineal and cultural descendants to the working group membership; the committee noted multiple supporting testimonies and no opposition on the House draft. HCR 8/HR 8, urging DOJ inclusion of Hawaii in the missing and murdered indigenous persons outreach program, was supported by OHA, which cited a task force report showing Native Hawaiian women and girls make up over 40% of missing persons cases despite being about 10% of the population. HCR 124 HD1/HR 120 HD1 on Hawaiian language resources had no testimony. HCR 180 HD1 on collaborative homelessness response drew comments from the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions and three support testimonies. HCR 72/HR 65 on county ethics standards also drew support only. HCR 100/HR 96 on competency in LGBTQ+ and culturally specific gender identity training received support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, which stressed the need for training that reflects Native Hawaiian and other Polynesian understandings such as mahu and fa’afafine. The committee continued with additional measures that were mostly noncontroversial. HCR 30/AHR 29 on enforcement against out-of-state vehicles had support from the Department of Transportation. HCR 43 HD1, studying highway patrol and speed cameras, had one opposition testimony. HCR 119 HD1/HR 115 HD1, endorsing Taiwan’s international participation and a U.S.-Taiwan trade agreement, was supported by DBEDT. HCR 62 HD1 and HR 57, on flying the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia flag year-round at the Capitol, had no testimony, though DBEDT supported the related measure. Throughout the hearing, members generally asked few questions, and the transcript reflects testimony, comments, and stated positions rather than any final committee votes or deferred actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, you know, we<00:22:04.720><c> don't</c><00:22:04.880><c> have,</c><00:22:05.360><c> you</c><00:22
• :13.679><c> 10</c><00:22:13.919><c> years</c><00:22:14.000><c> ago</c><00:22:14.320><c> on</c><00:22:
• </c><00:22:15.679><c> that</c><00:22:15.919><c> draft</c><00:22:16.640><c> report</c><00:22:17.039><c
• </c><00:22:24.320><c> do</c><00:22:24.480><c> a</c><00:22:24.720><c> 25</c><00:22:25.120><c> acre</c>
• will be 25<00:22:29.440><c> acre</c><00:22:30.159><c> you</c><00:22:30.320><c> know</c><00:22:30.480>

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Summary: The committees first took up SB 3322 relating to law enforcement. Chairs recommended adopting amendments from the Department of Law Enforcement that would exempt plainclothes officers from identification requirements, limit conspicuous agency markings to vehicles used in immigration enforcement operations, and allow a plainclothes officer to wear a mask when within eyesight of an unmasked officer from the same agency while performing official duties. Although there was an initial quorum issue, both committees ultimately voted to adopt the chair’s recommendation and advance the bill as amended. The next major item was SB 3333 relating to property tax treatment for certain housing. Testimony was strongly supportive, including from a Maui County real property tax board member and a representative of Nali Maui, who described homeowners in affordable housing being taxed at much higher rates when exemptions were missed or when resale restrictions kept values below market. The committees recommended passing the bill with amendments, including a deferred effective date of April 19, 2042, and the recommendation was adopted. The committees also heard SB 2422 on a pro housing score program for counties, SB 2981 on eliminating minimum off-street parking requirements in urban districts, SB 2007 on county land use boundary amendments, SB 3028 on restructuring the conveyance tax to a marginal rate system, SB 3033 on public petitions for review of beach structures, and SB 2434 on electric vehicle infrastructure. SB 2422 drew support with a request for flexibility and an appeals process for counties facing extraordinary circumstances; the chair’s recommendation was to pass it with amendments and note a $200,000 implementation study request, which was adopted. SB 2981 received strong support from housing and transportation advocates and was advanced unamended, while SB 2007 drew opposition from the Sierra Club and discussion about the Land Use Commission’s limited enforcement tools and the number of approved but unbuilt units. SB 3028 received mixed testimony, with support for the marginal-rate change but concerns about earmarking and blanks in the bill, and SB 3033 was supported as an early-warning mechanism for erosion-threatened coastal structures, though OPSD said it should not be the regulatory decision-maker. SB 2434 prompted concern about whether utility capacity can support EV infrastructure goals, with the chair citing a recent report suggesting transmission and distribution constraints.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.320><c> DOCJT</c><00:22:01.280><c> training</c><00:22:01.919><c> um,</c><00:22:02.080><c> in</c><
• 00:22:02.320><c> general.
• So part of our Chapter 31 bill is, uh, proposing a solution that we consider to be a win-win.
• So part of our Chapter 31 bill is, uh, proposing a solution that we consider to be a win-win.
• So part of our Chapter 31 bill is, uh, proposing a solution that we consider to be a win-win.

Summary: The subcommittee heard capital project requests from the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet for fiscal years 2026-28. The cabinet described its large statewide footprint and said its facilities face significant deferred maintenance, with the governor’s budget proposing full funding for maintenance pool requests, including an additional $60 million for the Department of Corrections’ maintenance pool and cash funding through investment income. Officials said the projects were based on facility assessments and were presented as necessary public safety investments rather than wish-list items. For the Department of Juvenile Justice, the main requests were $35 million for a high-acuity mental health treatment facility and $45 million each for two new female detention facilities. Officials said the mental health facility would fill a gap for youth needing psychiatric care, while the female facilities were needed to support a regional detention model and address overcrowding; they noted the current female population has grown by 50% since July 2024. Members asked about locations, and staff said they were considering western Kentucky abandoned mine land and available land in Fayette and Jefferson counties, with current female placements in Boyd County and Warren County. For the Department of Corrections, officials requested funding for critical mechanical, electrical, plumbing, roof, and structural repairs, including $15.78 million for Kentucky State Penitentiary utilities infrastructure and additional funding for North Point Training Center projects. They also highlighted two re-entry initiatives: a KCTCS partnership for a re-entry campus at North Point and the East Kentucky Applied Manufacturing Institute at Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex, both aimed at reducing recidivism through intensive training and job preparation. Members asked about the KCTCS re-entry model, and DOC explained it would be a more immersive, campus-style program than current prison-based vocational classes. The Department of Criminal Justice Training discussed projects at its Richmond campus and the planned Western Kentucky Training Center, including a replacement flat track and campus access road at Richmond and added training features in Madisonville. Officials said the Richmond changes were needed because EKU construction had removed the existing flat track and would affect access, while the Western Kentucky project would expand training capacity and reduce travel for law enforcement agencies. The Kentucky State Police then outlined the final phase of the statewide emergency radio system replacement, estimated at about $17.5 million, and said the system is being built in geographic phases; members asked how long completion would take, and staff estimated roughly four years after funding, assuming no major inflation spikes. No votes were taken, and the meeting remained informational with member questions and staff responses.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chapter 83 evictions are related to residents.
• Chapter 83 evictions are related to residents.
• Regrettably, I have to bring up Chapter 83 again.
• Regrettably, I have to bring up Chapter 83 again.
• By your vote, CS for SB 22 is reported favorably.

Summary: The committee considered a long agenda of bills, with most measures reported favorably after brief sponsor presentations, amendments, and roll calls. Early bills included SB 658 on lien waivers/releases, SB 736 on Brownfields redevelopment, SB 1002 on utility service restrictions, SB 1132 on right-to-repair for certain equipment, and SB 1378 on restitution for leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage. Each was amended or discussed as needed and then approved by the committee. The committee also advanced SB 768 on foreign control interests in health care licensing, SB 772 on school diabetes management and access to glucagon, SB 1400 on removal of altered sexual depictions posted without consent, SB 1696 on prearranged transportation services, and SB 1374 on school district reporting requirements for educator arrests and misconduct. Several bills drew notable public testimony and debate. SB 1132 prompted strong support from the sponsor and agriculture interests, but opposition from equipment dealers, technology groups, and wireless industry representatives who argued the market already provides repair options and that the bill could harm dealer networks and security. SB 1730, the Live Local/affordable housing bill, received extensive discussion about parking reductions, height and density preemption, attorney’s fees, local government authority, and impacts on Monroe County and other areas; the committee adopted an amendment and reported the bill favorably despite concerns from some members and advocates about parking, due process, and local control. SB 606 on public lodging and food service establishments also generated significant debate, with opponents warning it could displace long-term guests and vulnerable families, while the sponsor said it clarifies transient occupancy and removes ambiguity in the removal process; the bill passed after the committee rejected a related amendment. Other measures advanced with less controversy. SB 576 updated service-of-process rules, and SB 1164 authorized email delivery of landlord-tenant notices if the parties agree in writing, though tenant advocates urged clearer safeguards and the sponsor said he was not yet committed to the House version. SB 940 prohibited the resale of restaurant reservations without consent and was supported by restaurant interests. SB 1690, allowing infant safety devices or “baby boxes” as a legal surrender option, drew emotional support from several witnesses who said it would provide anonymous, life-saving alternatives for mothers in crisis; the committee continued discussion into the latter part of the meeting. Throughout, the committee adopted several amendments, heard both support and opposition from industry, advocacy, and local-government witnesses, and reported the discussed bills favorably by recorded vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• > as</c><00:22:05.040><c> we</c><00:22:05.160><c> move</c><00:22:05.440><c> through</c><00:22:05.640>
• ><c> that</c><00:22:17.600><c> there</c><00:22:17.800><c> is</c><00:22:17.960><c> an</c><00:22:18.160
• </c><00:22:26.360><c> at</c><00:22:26.440><c> least</c><00:22:26.640><c> since</c><00:22:26.880><c> '
• There<00:22:27.800><c> are</c><00:22:28.400><c> a</c><00:22:28.520><c> lot</c><00:22:28.920><c> of</c
• ><00:22:36.880><c> a</c><00:22:37.040><c> just</c><00:22:37.400><c> a</c><00:22:37.560><c> dip</c><00

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 95 members present, excused absent members, and adopted a legislative citation honoring Dave Buzz Baker for his long career with WKYT and the UK Sports Network. The Senate clerk then reported several Senate bills passed by the Senate and requested concurrence. The House approved the journal and received committee reports advancing a wide range of bills on agriculture, banking and insurance, judiciary, licensing and regulations, education, and information technology, covering topics such as agricultural procurement, pesticide labeling, vehicle financial protection products, proxy advisory services, financial exploitation, status offenses, firearms liability protections, school administrator salaries, sick leave, school safety, and data privacy. The chamber then considered House Bill 468 on civil rights. The bill would update the Kentucky Civil Rights Act to align the definition of disability with the federal ADA, and it would remove the Kentucky Human Rights Commission’s adjudicative powers over employment and public accommodations disputes while preserving investigative functions. House Floor Amendment 1 was adopted; it removed language barring attorney’s fees, preserved local commissions’ investigative powers, authorized local commissions and private plaintiffs to file civil actions in circuit court, and extended the probable-cause determination period from 30 to 180 days. The bill, as amended, passed 72-22. House Bill 757, the session’s revenue bill, was then debated. Its sponsor described provisions including moratoriums on certain local school district taxes, Internal Revenue Code conformity, new taxes on data brokering, fantasy contests, and predictive markets, EV charging station inspection fees, elimination of some tax expenditures, Department of Revenue cleanup provisions, and process changes for inheritance tax, property tax delinquencies, and other measures. Members raised concerns that the bill would limit local school boards’ taxing options and could affect bonding and school construction; the sponsor said TIF-related provisions would sunset future participation, not existing projects, and that the bill had been developed with agency input. House Bill 757 passed 69-18. The House also passed House Bill 727, creating the Kentucky Education Placement Service System for teacher applicants and district job postings, by a vote of 94-0. The chamber then took up House Bill 776, a modernization of the Dental Practice Act, with changes to board authority, licensure renewal, hygienist and assistant rules, and telehealth standards; the sponsor noted an ownership-related issue and presented House Floor Amendment 1 for consideration, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that amendment and the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> I</c><01:22:38.719><c> think</c><01:22:38.800><c> it</c><01:22:38.960><c> was</c><01:22:39.440><
• </c><01:22:43.040><c> from</c><01:22:43.360><c> the</c><01:22:43.600><c> field</c><01:22:43.920><c> to
• > she</c><01:22:47.440><c> was</c><01:22:47.600><c> attacked</c><01:22:48.000><c> by</c><01:22:48.800
• </c><01:22:51.520><c> Um,</c><01:22:52.560><c> my</c><01:22:52.880><c> understanding</c><01:22:53.600
• ><02:22:35.920><c> cut</c><02:22:36.080><c> that</c><02:22:36.319><c> in</c><02:22:36.479><c> half.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1790 HD1, which would require law enforcement and oversight agencies to collect and report data on stops, use of force, and complaints to the Hawaii Crime Lab, which would publish incident-level information and annual reports. Supporters, including the Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Justice Rising, and the Policing Project, said the bill would improve transparency, help identify disparities, and support better policy and accountability. OHA requested amendments to ensure Hawaiians are identified as a distinct category in the data, and the University of Hawaii’s Ashley Rubin said the Crime Lab would work with agencies to make implementation as seamless as possible. The Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill’s intent but asked for a longer timeline and culturally appropriate methodology, while HPD opposed the bill as written, saying it would require too many new data points, create a significant administrative burden, and rely on subjective perceptions of race and ethnicity; HPD also noted it is piloting an e-citation system that could help with data collection. Committee members questioned HPD about current manual processes and technology options. The chair reported 18 testimonies total: 15 in support, one in opposition, and two with comments, and no vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard HB 1611 HD1, which would phase down the general excise tax on groceries and nonprescription drugs until a full exemption takes effect in 2034. The Department of Taxation offered technical recommendations, including clearer definitions for groceries and nonprescription drugs and a technical change regarding the county surcharge exemption. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, argued the GET on groceries is regressive and worsens food insecurity, especially for low-income households, and said the bill would provide needed relief. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical concerns, including a possible wholesale-tax enforcement issue once the exemption is fully phased in. The excerpt ends during testimony on HB 1611, with no final committee action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• 12 and in Chapter 13.
• The TEC is undergoing a comprehensive review. of its rules to consider chapter by chapter whether the
• Do I have a Motion to publish the re-adoption of Chapter 28 rules.
• Do I have a motion to publish the amendments through Chapter 8? 18.
• Yes, I was basically they were like one or two per year and 22.

Summary: The Texas Ethics Commission met on March 11, 2025, first in executive session and then in open session. The chair announced that, in light of Texas Attorney General Opinion KP-484, the commission would conform its practices to the opinion and move to repeal tolling rules for sworn-complaint deadlines. The chair also said the commission would dismiss 36 pending sworn-complaint cases in which the 120-day settlement deadline had been exceeded, even though the delay had been tolled under prior TEC rules. The commission then set future meeting dates for June 12 and September 17 and approved prior meeting minutes. The commission adopted a new criminal-referral rule clarifying that, once jurisdiction over a complaint is accepted, commissioners may vote to make a criminal referral. It also adopted revised advisory-opinion rules, with a clarifying amendment from a commenter, and republished proposed changes to the definition of “principal purpose” for political committees after staff recommended a 49 percent political-activity threshold and further public input. The commission published for comment proposed changes to ethics training rules, facial-compliance review procedures, late-filing waiver and reduction rules, and sworn-complaint procedures, including tighter discovery limits, a default-order set-aside process, and removal of tolling language inconsistent with KP-484. It also republished Chapter 28 rules on Speaker-candidate reporting. The commission adopted several advisory opinions. It declined to give an affirmative defense on whether certain school-district communications were political advertising because related litigation had already addressed the issue. It reaffirmed that a House member may use donated district-office space if it is not reimbursable with public funds and was accepted before the contribution moratorium. It also concluded that a judge may use political funds for travel to a Navy-hosted event as a local dignitary, that legislators’ use of a corporate aircraft for a border-region fact-finding trip could be permissible but would likely trigger reporting obligations, that a TCEQ commissioner’s revolving-door restrictions apply only to matters actually placed before the commissioner, and that a part-time legislative staffer may not take outside employment assisting a registered lobbyist. The commission then heard and acted on numerous fine-waiver appeals, granting several full waivers or reductions and approving staff recommendations on others, and terminated a number of inactive campaign treasurer appointments. Finally, the executive director briefed the commission on the 2025 legislative session, noting that staffing requests are tied to Sunset recommendations and that the House had preliminarily recommended about half of the commission’s appropriations requests.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:22:26.000><c> So</c><00:22:26.320><c> this</c><00:22:26.559><c> is</c><00:22:26.799><c> in</c
• <00:22:33.440><c> and</c><00:22:33.760><c> that</c><00:22:34.080><c> goes</c><00:22:34.400><c> into</
• <00:22:35.280><c> fund</c><00:22:35.600><c> for</c><00:22:35.840><c> hovers.
• </c><00:22:36.799><c> So</c><00:22:37.360><c> will</c><00:22:38.080><c> uh</c><00:22:38.320><c> I</c>
• So will uh I assume<00:22:39.679><c> that</c><00:22:40.559><c> the</c><00:22:40.960><c> $10</c><00:22

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

Committee: Senate Transportation

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• 22:10.000><c> to</c><00:22:10.880><c> let</c><00:22:11.200><c> the</c><00:22:11.520><c> bill</c> our
• <00:22:16.400><c> But</c><00:22:16.559><c> the</c><00:22:16.960><c> the</c><00:22:17.520><c> you</c><
• ><c> as</c><00:22:22.000><c> much</c><00:22:22.080><c> as</c><00:22:22.240><c> we</c><00:22:22.400><c
• </c><00:22:22.640><c> So</c><00:22:22.720><c> I</c><00:22:22.880><c> need</c><00:22:22.960><c> to</c>
• ><c> go</c><00:22:34.080><c> back</c><00:22:34.240><c> and</c><00:22:34.480><c> look</c><00:22:34.640

Summary: The joint House committees on Housing and Education heard HB 1713, HD1, which would repeal school impact fees and transfer remaining balances in the school impact fee and certain fair share accounts to the school facilities special fund. The Department of Education testified in opposition, while the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, the Attorney General’s office (with comments and suggested constitutional amendments), the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, the School Facilities Authority, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, NAP Hawaii, Avalon Development Company, Mark Development, Maui Chamber of Commerce, Housing Hawaii’s Future, Landis Research Foundation, BIA Hawaii, and others testified in support. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered comments. The DOE said the bill would weaken a key tool for matching school facilities to residential growth, while supporters said the current program leaves funds unused or restricted in ways that limit their effectiveness. A lengthy discussion followed about the difference between the older school impact fee program and the separate fair share agreements tied to land use entitlements and change-of-zone approvals. DOE Deputy Superintendent Jesse Suki explained that fair share funds are tied to the district where they were collected, may be too small to build a full school on their own, and are held until needed for projects such as Core Ridge, Central and West Maui, and other planned schools. Committee members pressed DOE on why funds had remained unspent for years, how much money was in the accounts, and whether the department had reviewed audit findings about the program. Members also questioned whether homeowners ultimately bear these costs through developers passing them along. The committee did not take a vote during the portion of the meeting provided. The discussion ended with members and DOE debating whether the current statute should remain in place, whether past entitlements should be affected, and whether the bill should be amended to better address remaining construction-related obligations and the use of collected funds.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> that</c><00:22:18.159><c> day</c><00:22:18.400><c> was</c><00:22:18.559><c> The</c><00:22:18.679
• :19.400><c> rice</c><00:22:19.960><c> some</c><00:22:20.159><c> of</c><00:22:20.279><c> you</c><00:22
• <00:22:24.960><c> and</c><00:22:25.039><c> you</c><00:22:25.159><c> know</c><00:22:25.279><c> who</c>
• <00:22:25.400><c> shot</c><00:22:25.640><c> at</c><00:22:25.840><c> him</c><00:22:26.360><c> and</c>
• ><c> if</c><00:22:30.720><c> you</c><00:22:30.880><c> look</c><00:22:31.000><c> at</c><00:22:31.120><

Summary: The committee first dealt with scheduling and housekeeping, including a plan to take a hard break at 2:00 p.m. for an early bill, hold a brief executive session, and then continue with the remaining afternoon bills. The chair also noted the next likely meeting date would be March 12, when the committee expected to take up the remaining bills before crossover deadlines. The main substantive item was House Bill 142, which would recognize the Honor and Remember flag for Gold Star families and related remembrance purposes. Prime sponsor Rep. Michael Moffett described the bill as a bipartisan measure revised to address earlier concerns, arguing that the flag honors fallen service members, can be personalized with names, and complements rather than detracts from the American flag. He said many other states have already adopted it and suggested the committee could amend details such as the number of days and locations for display. He also raised practical issues about flag dimensions and whether the bill should use "shall" or "may" for display requirements. Testimony was divided. Janine Nutter opposed the bill, saying she supports Gold Star families but objected because the flag resembles the Viet Cong flag and because she believes the American flag should remain the sole symbol representing servicemembers. Kevin Grady, representing the State Veterans Advisory Committee under RSA 115:8, also opposed the bill, saying the committee believes the American flag is the only symbol needed, while still praising the work of Honor and Remember in creating personalized flags for families. Committee members asked questions about where the flag would be flown, whether the State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen is already displaying it, and how the bill’s language would interact with cemetery policies and committee discretion. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Did<00:22:16.480><c> you</c><00:22:16.720><c> Did</c><00:22:16.960><c> you</c><00:22:17.120><c> want<
• /c><00:22:17.280><c> to</c><00:22:18.080><c> represent?
• &gt;&gt; He's<00:22:20.320><c> going</c><00:22:20.480><c> to</c><00:22:20.960><c> talk</c><00:22:21.200
• </c><00:22:24.240><c> There</c><00:22:24.480><c> might</c><00:22:24.720><c> be</c><00:22:24.960><c> a
• c><00:22:26.400><c> made</c><00:22:26.640><c> a</c><00:22:26.799><c> couple</c><00:22:27.039><c> other

Bills: SF0079 , SF0080 , SF0039

Committee: House Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• State<01:22:03.840><c> Department</c><01:22:04.159><c> of</c><01:22:04.320><c> Human</c><01:22:04.639
• Good<01:22:08.480><c> afternoon</c><01:22:08.880><c> chair,</c><01:22:09.199><c> vice</c><01:22:09.520
• </c><01:22:30.000><c> Koi</c><01:22:30.400><c> Public</c><01:22:30.639><c> Health</c><01:22:30.960><c
• </c><01:22:37.760><c> uh</c><01:22:38.080><c> uh</c><01:22:38.239><c> Chris</c><01:22:38.400><c> Coff
• data,<01:22:58.400><c> what's</c><01:22:58.560><c> left</c><01:22:58.719><c> in</c><01:22:58.880><c>

Bills: HB20 , HB2612 , HB2404 , HB2459 , HB2194 , HB1880 , HB2284 , HB1969 , HB2458 , HB1546 , HB2161 , HB1721 , HB1641 , HB2137 , HB1782 , HB2360 , HB1965 , HB1897 , HB1513

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 20, which would create a lava zone insurance subsidy/fund. The Insurance Division opposed the bill, arguing that lava zones 1 and 2 are the highest-risk areas, that a subsidy would not reduce the underlying risk or loss costs, that it could invite similar subsidy requests for other hazards, and that the bill may conflict with HICV by diverting funds from the CRF. Members discussed the lack of authorized homeowners insurance in those lava zones, the role of HPIA and the surplus market, and the difference between the proposed lava-zone subsidy and the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund. The chair noted 37 submitted testimonies in support and one in opposition, and the committee then moved on without taking a vote on HB 20 in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 2612, relating to mortgages, which would clarify that a mortgage does not exist independently of the debt it secures and is not independently enforceable from that debt. The Hawaii Credit Union League and Hawaii Financial Services Association opposed the bill, while several individuals testified in support, arguing it would restore Hawaii’s long-standing lien-state rule and prevent so-called “zombie mortgages” after the Hawaii Supreme Court’s White decision. Supporters said the bill would protect borrowers from delayed foreclosures and predatory lending practices, while opponents and the Insurance Division emphasized that foreclosure actions still require proof of standing and possession of the note, and that lenders generally pursue foreclosure without seeking deficiency judgments. Committee members questioned the Insurance Division about how the current market works, whether lenders could wait out the statute of limitations and then foreclose only on the mortgage, and whether equitable tolling or later defaults could allow refiling. The division said it is still trying to attract authorized insurers back into the lava-zone market, but has seen little progress. No vote or final action on HB 2612 was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1140 is a bill for an act to create and enact a new section of chapter 24-01 of the North
• Dakota Century Code, relating to designating the bridge on Highway 22 in Dickinson as Specialist John
• New section of Chapter 16.1-10 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to artificial intelligence
• Engrossed House Bill 1278 is a bill for an act to create and enact two new sections to Chapter 54-11
• On page four, on line 22, it said subsections four and six; it was supposed to say through.

Summary: The North Dakota House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then received a gubernatorial veto message on Senate Bill 2261. The governor vetoed the bill creating a prison industries workforce development tax credit, citing dormant Commerce Clause concerns and arguing the tax credit would create an unfair market advantage and not meaningfully help Rough Rider Industries. The House agreed to place SB 2261 on the next day’s calendar for a possible veto override. The chamber also re-referred Senate Bill 2159 to the Energy and Natural Resources Committee and appointed a conference committee for Senate Bill 2133 after the Senate refused to concur with House amendments. The House then took up a series of Senate amendments and final passage votes on several bills. It concurred in amendments and passed House Bill 1140 naming the Specialist John P. Fettig, Iraq Bridge; House Bill 1241 allowing funeral home vehicles to display flashing purple lights and clarifying emergency vehicle lamp rules; House Bill 1316 imposing additional penalties for repeated violations of temporary restricted licenses; House Bill 1127 expanding Department of Financial Institutions authority and data security provisions; House Bill 1564 on Indian child welfare; House Bill 1167 requiring AI disclosure statements in political communications; House Bill 1170 on state employee annual leave; House Bill 1447 regulating virtual currency kiosks; House Bill 1278 creating a cash management board for state treasury funds; House Bill 1024, the deficiency appropriation bill; House Bill 1205 on newborn safety devices; House Bill 1204 expanding false-information rules for political ads to text messages and telephone calls; House Bill 1001, the governor’s budget; House Bill 1206 increasing penalties for DUI offenses involving a minor; House Bill 1088 on insurance penalties and restitution; and House Bill 1515 on motor vehicle warranty work compensation. Most passed with strong margins, though HB 1170 and HB 1024 drew notable opposition, and HB 1447 and HB 1204 also had several nays. The most extended debate came on Senate Concurrent Resolution 4008, which proposed a constitutional amendment to change legislative term limits from the current structure to four four-year terms and repeal a constitutional restriction on proposing such changes. Supporters argued the measure would preserve institutional knowledge, allow voters to reconsider the 2022 term-limit decision, and let the public decide on the ballot. Opponents said the people had already spoken, the measure was confusing or unnecessary, and it could distract from other ballot issues. After reconsideration was granted, the House passed SCR 4008 by a vote of 53 yeas to 39 nays. The session ended with announcements, committee meeting notices, and adjournment until April 3, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• who represents the chapters that are making these requests?
• comes in on our end is that for capital outlay, the chapters, my understanding is chapters Request the
• So usually, DCD doesn't know the chapters.
• Know your chapters best.
• As well as we could grant out that money to chapters as, you know, if the chapter shows some sort of

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:22:15.960><c> uh</c><01:22:16.040><c> a</c><01:22:16.080><c> reduction</c><01:22:16.680><c> in
• um I<01:22:25.440><c> think</c><01:22:25.800><c> in</c><01:22:26.040><c> in</c><01:22:26.160><c> the<
• /c><01:22:26.280><c> future</c><01:22:26.880><c> you're</c><01:22:27.040><c> going</c><01:22:27.520><
• /c><01:22:52.600><c> 20th</c><01:22:53.040><c> century</c><01:22:53.480><c> for</c><01:22:53.600><c>
• ><c> and</c><01:22:54.960><c> now</c><01:22:55.320><c> into</c><01:22:55.720><c> the</c><01:22:55.880

Bills: HF1669 , HF4709 , HF3531 , HF4048

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: tax credits, sustainable aviation fuel, environmental policy, corporate franchise, Minnesota taxation, electricity generation, property tax exemption, renewable energy, incentives, economic development, fuel delivery, tax exemption, retail transactions, diesel exhaust fluid, fuel lubricants, healthcare tax, gross receipts tax, hospitals, chiropractors, healthcare providers

Transcript Highlights:

• This is going to cost over $22 million.
• Members, by a vote of 22 ayes and 31 nays, the ruling of the chair stands.
• Members, by your votes of 31 ayes, 22 nays, the substitute motion carries.
• Members, by our votes of 31 ayes, 22 nays, and 7 not voting, you have passed HCR 2040.
• Members, by your votes of 31 ayes, 22 nays, seven not voting, you have passed SCR 1032.

Transcript Highlights:

• I remember when<00:22:03.880><c> we</c><00:22:04.160><c> got</c><00:22:04.400><c> elected,</c><00:22:
• ><00:22:08.920><c> me,</c><00:22:09.160><c> got</c><00:22:09.440><c> me</c><00:22:09.640><c> a</c><00
• :22:15.720><c> letting</c><00:22:16.040><c> me</c><00:22:16.160><c> know</c><00:22:16.400><c> what</c
• ,</c><01:22:12.480><c> mundane</c><01:22:12.960><c> bills,</c><01:22:13.840><c> and</c><01:22:13.960>
• ><c> we</c><01:22:49.320><c> also</c><01:22:49.720><c> in</c><01:22:49.840><c> our</c><01:22:49.960><

Transcript Highlights:

• We may have to promulgate some rules in our chapter 14 rules, our exemption rules.
• We may have to promulgate some rules in our chapter 14 rules, our exemption rules.
• :21:59.440><c> if</c><00:21:59.600><c> you</c><00:21:59.760><c> let</c><00:21:59.919><c> the</c><00:22
• if you let the assessors do their<00:22:01.280><c> job,</c><00:22:02.400><c> I'm</c><00:22:02.720><c
• > happy</c><00:22:02.960><c> to</c><00:22:03.360><c> back</c><00:22:03.679><c> off</c><00:22:04.480><

Bills: SF0024

Committee: Senate Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• c> Sherl</c><00:22:02.200><c> Rose</c><00:22:02.440><c> to</c><00:22:02.559><c> the</c><00:22:02.720>
• a tractor<00:22:12.760><c> trailer</c><00:22:13.120><c> while</c><00:22:13.279><c> working</c><00:22:
• :22:20.880><c> death</c><00:22:21.120><c> left</c><00:22:21.320><c> behind</c><00:22:21.559><c> a</c>
• </c><00:22:22.679><c> and</c><00:22:22.840><c> two</c><00:22:23.039><c> children</c><00:22:23.400><c>
• Payton and Quinn<00:22:24.760><c> and</c><00:22:24.919><c> where</c><00:22:25.360><c> and</c><00:22: