Transcript Highlights:

• We talked about the pharmacy benefit manager bill. And we talked about 2160.
• Senator Kessel: Madam President, Senate Bill 2339 is the Prevent the Event Wildfire Mitigation Bill.
• Senate Bill 2339 incentivizes utilities to take proactive steps to mitigate wildfire risks by implementing
• and complying with wildfire mitigation plans.
• North Dakota Century Code relating to mandatory arbitration endorsements for property insurance, managed

Summary: The Senate reconvened and handled several House messages and conference committee appointments before taking up a series of bills. It appointed conference committees on Senate Bill 2265 and House Bills 1454, 1448, and 1524. The chamber also adopted a Senate amendment to House Bill 1216, delaying its effective date for the copay accumulator prescription drug bill to January 1, 2026, with later renewal timing for non-PERS plans. House Bill 1216 then came up for final passage. Senators debated whether allowing copay accumulator programs to count manufacturer coupons toward deductibles would help patients with expensive drugs or unfairly shift costs to insurers and other policyholders. Supporters said it would help people afford life-saving medications and that the coupon payments go to pharmacies, not insurers; opponents argued it could raise premiums and create perverse incentives for drug pricing. The bill passed 29-18. The Senate also concurred in House amendments to Senate Bill 2160, which changes health insurance benefits under the Uniform Group Insurance Program to move from a grandfathered to a non-grandfathered plan, with supporters emphasizing added benefits and flexibility and opponents warning of higher costs and irreversible changes. That bill passed concurrence 33-14 and final passage 39-8. The Senate next concurred in House amendments to Senate Bill 2339, the wildfire mitigation bill, which requires utility mitigation plans to be updated every two years, incorporate national electric standards, and creates a rebuttable presumption of reasonable care if the plan is followed. The bill then passed final passage 46-1. The chamber also adopted conference committee reports and passed House Bill 1460 on adult foster care and monitoring devices, House Bill 1440 on cigar lounge tobacco use, and Senate Bill 2374 on insurance-related provisions including property insurance arbitration, managed repair programs, and surplus lines issues; SB 2374 also added a study on towing and recovery coverage. The session ended with announcements of upcoming conference committee meetings and adjournment until April 22, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• . ...section of the entire GMA and only mentioning shrub step when it came to wildfires.
• I'm Amanda Walner, the Economic Development Manager for the City of Richland.
• UGAs are supposed to be dense but livable and healthy, not barrens, Management Act.
• I'm Daniel Heimbaugh, Government Affairs Program Manager for Energy Northwest.
• I'm Daniel Heimbaugh, Government Affairs Program Manager for Energy Northwest.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several local government bills. HB 2006 would extend the deadline for certain rural counties that collect a sales and use tax for economic development to designate industrial land banks under the Growth Management Act. Supporters, including the sponsor and Kittitas County representatives, said the bill would help counties identify industrial land for job growth and economic development; Futurewise opposed it, citing concerns about large industrial land banks and impacts to agricultural lands. HB 2244 would let a city that forms a fire protection district after July 1, 2026, keep its levy rate without reducing it by the district’s levy, and would also allow online notice and interlocal contracting for fire services. City and fire officials supported it as a practical tool to fund fire service, while one witness opposed the broader trend of appointed taxing authorities. The committee also heard extensive testimony on HB 2316, which would limit shrub-step vegetation inside urban growth areas from being treated as wildlife habitat, critical area, or conservation area, and would bar related mitigation or replacement requirements. Tri-Cities officials, builders, housing advocates, and the sponsor argued the bill would reduce delays and costs for housing and development on already designated urban land, while conservation groups, tribal representatives, and some individuals opposed it as a broad rollback of habitat protections and a harmful precedent for ecosystems and wildlife. No vote was taken on the bills during the hearing. HB 2103 would expand public utility contracting authority so cities, utilities, and joint operating agencies could enter “capability” contracts for renewable or non-emitting generation projects, including nuclear, renewable hydrogen, and fusion, and repeal certain price-limit restrictions. Supporters said it would align older contracting law with the Clean Energy Transformation Act and help utilities plan for future power needs; opponents warned it would shift risk to ratepayers and revive concerns tied to the WPPSS nuclear debacle. The committee also heard HB 2388, which would classify pivot-corner solar and agrovoltaic facilities on agricultural land as distributed energy resources and accessory uses; the sponsor and supporters said it would help meet energy needs without harming productive farmland, while Futurewise asked for clarification to avoid unintended loss of agricultural land. The hearing then returned to HB 2103 for additional testimony, with the same basic split between utility and clean-energy supporters and ratepayer or anti-nuclear opponents.

Transcript Highlights:

• :19:21.199><c> have</c> incredibly instructive wildfires have incredibly instructive wildfires have led
• Wildfire truly is an not occur again.
• </c> we saw an average of 61,000 wildfires we saw an average of 61,000 wildfires annually<01:20:02.480
• </c> occur when we don't proactively manage occur when we don't proactively manage our<01:20:28.000><
• ,</c><04:58:00.718><c> having</c> Wells Fargo, too big to manage, having Wells Fargo, too big to manage

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the challenges we have in Los Angeles is that we are not designated a wildfire zone.
• and managers who carry out this work every day.
• He is our Director of our Financial Management Bureau.
• You know, PEGA is one of the case management software reviews.
• You know, PEGA is one of the case management software reviews.

Summary: The subcommittee first heard an informational overview from the Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GoServe), including California Volunteers, the Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications, and the Youth Empowerment Commission. GoServe reported strong participation in programs such as California Service Corps, College Corps, Youth Service Corps, Climate Action Corps, and the new men’s service challenge. Testimony emphasized enrollment, retention, and completion outcomes, outreach results, and efforts to reduce administrative costs. The Department of Finance said the administration supports the programs but has already made reductions to help address the budget deficit, while the LAO said it had no new recommendations on the informational item. Committee members raised questions about program scale, demographics, and effectiveness, especially for Climate Action Corps and whether the programs are duplicative of existing volunteer opportunities. One member criticized the programs as too fragmented and costly, while others asked for more data on who is being served and whether the programs increase actual participation in state services. GoServe said it would follow up with demographic and regional impact information. The committee also discussed the men’s service challenge, which GoServe said has formed partnerships with organizations such as YMCAs and Big Brothers Big Sisters and has already attracted more than 2,000 participants. The item was informational only. The committee then heard a BOE overview and a budget request to implement SB 293, which gives wildfire-affected families additional time to claim intergenerational Prop. 13 property tax transfers. BOE requested $154,000 for guidance, public materials, and inquiry response, explaining that the work is urgent and tied to disaster relief in Los Angeles County, especially Altadena. The LAO had no concerns, and Finance had no comment. Members asked how many cases might be affected and whether more funding would be needed later; BOE said the full number is not yet known and that future requests are possible. The committee also heard BOE’s IT modernization proposal for the state-assessed property tax system, a 30-year-old mainframe replacement costing $3.2 million in 2026-27 and $3.1 million in 2027-28. BOE and Finance supported the project as necessary, while the LAO said it had no concerns but urged a high bar for new IT spending. Members generally supported modernization but cautioned about implementation risk. Finally, CDTFA presented an overview and two policy proposals. The department described administering 42 tax and fee programs, collecting $98 billion in FY 2024, and improving administrative efficiency. Members then discussed local sales tax tools and revenue-sharing agreements, with concerns raised about transparency, consultant-driven tax allocation disputes, and the impact on local communities. CDTFA and the LAO explained that local jurisdictions control how district sales tax revenues are spent and noted the Legislature could revisit the statutory cap on local add-on sales taxes. The committee then heard CDTFA’s proposal to treat all delivery network companies as marketplace facilitators so they must collect and remit sales tax on delivery-app orders. CDTFA said the change would resolve confusion, shift compliance from thousands of small restaurants to a few large platforms, and raise about $44 million annually. Several members questioned whether the proposal would effectively raise consumer costs and whether it would create a competitive advantage or disadvantage among delivery platforms. The item remained under discussion, with no vote taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• and precepts of integrated pest management, sustainable pest management into our agricultural system
• more sustainable pest management practices.
• The challenges of managing pests and pest management regulations are not operating in a vacuum.
• are there, because healthy soils and pest management do overlap, especially when you're managing the
• And so integrated pest management is an important approach to pest management.

Summary: The joint Assembly and Senate hearing examined whether California’s pesticide program is meeting its public-protection goals, with opening remarks from committee chairs emphasizing the state’s large pesticide use, the need to transition toward sustainable pest management, and ongoing oversight including a state audit of DPR and county agricultural commissioner enforcement. The hearing also referenced recent concerns in Ladera Ranch about childhood cancer cases and the need for transparent investigation and community access to information. Panel one focused on human health and the regulatory framework. Dr. Anna Maria Mora described long-running CHAMACOS research showing widespread pesticide exposure in farmworker families, links to neurodevelopmental, respiratory, liver, and cardiometabolic harms, and greater impacts on children facing social adversity. She urged biomonitoring, better linkage of exposure data to health outcomes, regulation of chemical classes and mixtures, stronger buffers around homes and schools, and more community-based research. Professor Tim Malloy explained California’s two-tier system of DPR registration and county permitting, said the state’s program is strong but falls short on cumulative exposure analysis and alternatives assessment, and argued that DPR and counties need better tools, training, and funding to implement legally required protections. Committee members asked about biomonitoring, class-based regulation, and how to make pesticide data more usable for the public. Panel two brought testimony from environmental justice and farmworker advocates, who argued that California remains behind other jurisdictions by allowing highly hazardous pesticides, including 1,3-dichloropropene and paraquat, and by relying on a funding structure tied to pesticide sales. Witnesses said DPR often moves too slowly on reevaluations, rarely assesses combined exposures, and does not adequately account for health, environmental, and social costs or conflicts of interest involving pest control advisors. They also described inconsistent county-level implementation, weak outreach, and confusion over whether DPR or county agricultural commissioners are responsible for enforcement, and urged faster phaseouts, tiered fees, stronger local protections, and clearer accountability. Panel three represented regulated entities and agricultural stakeholders, who supported the goals of safer pest management but stressed that California’s registration process must be more predictable, transparent, and timely. They said AB 2113’s staffing and timeline reforms were important, but backlog and delays still hinder access to newer, lower-risk products and can hurt both consumer and agricultural uses. Agricultural witnesses also emphasized the need to invest more in pest prevention, invasive species detection, extension support, farmer training, and practical incentives for sustainable pest management. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with members pressing witnesses on timelines, implementation, funding, and the division of responsibility between DPR and county agencies.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a cost-effective tool that land managers use to reduce the risk of wildfire and increase and restore
• The FWC approach to land management includes four pillars: direct management of habitat and wildlife,
• The second pillar of management is wildlife management.
• The third pillar of management is ranch management.
• The third pillar of management is ranch management.

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources convened with a quorum present and took up SB 302 by Senator Garcia, which would promote nature-based solutions for coastal resilience. Garcia said the bill would direct DEP to adopt statewide guidelines, encourage local restoration projects through existing grant programs, streamline permitting for green and hybrid infrastructure, support workforce training, and require a study on flood-risk and insurance benefits. Senator Harrell asked about implementation, existing statutory authority, and possible fiscal impacts. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying that hybrid infrastructure need only combine green and gray elements, not prove superiority over either alone. The committee heard supportive testimony on SB 302 from Katie Bauman of Surfrider Foundation, who said nature-based approaches such as dunes, wetlands, and mangroves are cost-effective and protective, and several organizations waived in support, including the Environmental Defense Fund of Florida, the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association, and 1,000 Friends of Florida. Senator Harrell said she supported the concept but remained concerned about the breadth of rulemaking and the fiscal implications of workforce funding. After closing remarks from Garcia, the committee voted to report CS for SB 302 favorably. The remainder of the meeting consisted of informational presentations on land management. Brian Bradner of DEP reviewed Florida State Parks management, including prescribed fire, invasive species removal, hydrologic restoration, cultural resource preservation, visitor use, and budgeted land-management activities. Melissa Tucker of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission described wildlife management areas, emphasizing habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, ranch infrastructure, public access, and the economic value of the system. Rick Dolan of the Florida Forest Service outlined state forest management funded through a $20 million appropriation, including road and facility work, recreation upgrades, invasive species control, reforestation, habitat restoration, prescribed burning, and boundary marking. Senators praised the agencies’ work and noted the ongoing cost of managing state lands. The committee then adjourned without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• decades... ...really impacted by wildfires over decades.
• over decades. you know, really impacted by wildfires over decades.
• Hopefully park management training will... ...park management training will.
• and in tracts with high future wildfire risk.
• These additions do nothing to simplify and streamline the emergency management plans.

Committee: House Housing and Community Development

Summary: The committee heard several housing-related bills, with the most extensive discussion focused on AB 518, which would create an opt-in state framework for low-impact camping areas on rural private property. The author and supporters said the bill would reduce duplicative state permitting, expand outdoor access, and help rural landowners and local recreation economies. Opponents, including county and campground representatives, argued it could weaken existing protections, create enforcement problems for counties, and allow online marketing of sites in jurisdictions that have not opted in. Members raised questions about fire safety, sewage, local control, and whether the bill should require clearer posting and permit verification. The committee ultimately passed AB 518 as amended on an 8-0 vote. The committee also approved AB 635, which would require HCD to refer up to 25 of the most serious mobile home residency law complaints to the Attorney General each year. Supporters said the bill would strengthen enforcement for vulnerable mobile home residents facing eviction, unauthorized charges, and other abuses, while opponents argued the existing program is underused, has a large surplus, and should be allowed to sunset rather than expanded. After discussion about the program’s effectiveness and the size of the fee reserve, the bill passed 9-1 with a recommendation to the Judiciary Committee. AB 893, which expands ministerial approval for mixed-income housing near college campuses and extends affordability eligibility to students, faculty, and staff, also advanced. Supporters emphasized student homelessness and housing insecurity, while the League of California Cities opposed unless amended, citing local control and height-limit concerns. Several members spoke in favor, and the bill passed 10-0. AB 925, the Mobile Home Emergency Safety Act, drew support from resident advocates and legal aid groups who cited wildfire risks and the need for working hydrants, accessible exits, and utility shutoffs, but opponents said the bill added unnecessary requirements and an unfunded fee increase. It was moved to Appropriations on a 6-1 vote and left on call. The committee also adopted the consent calendar and heard the opening presentation of AB 712, which would increase penalties and attorney-fee remedies for public agencies that violate state housing laws; testimony on that bill began with strong support from housing advocates and industry groups, followed by initial opposition from special districts.

Transcript Highlights:

• This included reduced hours and hostility from management.
• I think some of the issues that the utility wildfire survivors raise are real issues, but it doesn't
• I think some of the issues that the utility wildfire survivors raise are real issues, but they do not
• , an information claims management company.
• , an information claims management company.

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is relating to wildfire mitigation.
• </c> This bill is relating to wildfire This bill is relating to wildfire mitigation.<00:03:49.599><c>
• It establishes the wildfire mitigation.
• </c><00:40:04.079><c> I</c> Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.
• I Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 3040, which would create an Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Supporters, including Moms Demand Action and a crime-victim advocate, argued the office would improve data collection, research, and coordination to help reduce gun violence. Opponents, including several gun-rights advocates, said the proposal was duplicative, lacked oversight, and would exclude the firearms community. The chair noted 41 testimonies in support and 77 in opposition, but no vote was taken on the bill in the portion provided. The committee then moved through a series of decision-making items and adopted the chair’s recommendations on several measures. SB 17 on wildfire mitigation passed with amendments from multiple agencies and a report date shifted to the 2028 session. SB 2730 on criminal justice reform passed with a defective effective date amendment, SB 2749 on sentencing passed with a defective effective date, SB 2688 on compassionate release passed with amendments narrowing eligibility and adding notification and funding language, and SB 2798 on law enforcement passed with a defective effective date to make the agricultural enforcement pilot program permanent. SB 2645, a short-form bill, was amended to insert substantive provisions and recommitted to the committee. SB 2383, which would have provided a $15,000 retention bonus for sworn law enforcement officers, was reconsidered and held in committee because it was identified as a duplicate. The committee also passed SB 2575, relating to firearms, with amendments adopting a proposed SD1 that would establish minimum mandatory prison terms for certain class A firearm felonies and add clarifying language. SB 2720, which would create a Hawaii firearm injury restitution fund funded by firearm manufacturer licenses, also passed with amendments clarifying the fund’s scope and eligible injuries. Later, the committee began hearing SB 3107 on parole eligibility. The Office of the Public Defender and the Hawaii Paroling Authority supported language allowing the parole board to waive certain program requirements, while the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission opposed the bill, warning it could keep people incarcerated longer if program access remains limited. The Department of Corrections said it is working on classification changes and a pilot project to move inmates through the system faster.

Bills: HB4248 , HB4429 , HB2588 , HB3472 , HB4317 , HB3462 , HB2035 , HB3501 , HB3127 , HB3143 , HB3144 , HB3260 , HB4321 , HB3011 , HB3522 , HB3530 , HB3940 , HB3078 , HB3043 , HB3005 , HB3007 , HB3403 , HB1907 , HB3175 , HB3986 , HB3466 , HB3411 , HB4246 , SJR49 , HB3281 , HB4319 , HJR1086 , HJR1024 , HJR1087

Keywords: HB4248, hemp beverage, hemp drinks, THC beverage, cannabis beverage, intoxicating hemp, age restriction, under 21, minor possession, youth access, public health and safety, Title 63, Oklahoma Statutes, retail sales, alcohol-style regulation, controlled substances, beverage regulation, proxy advisory services, shareholder rights, financial transparency

Bills: HB1 , HB198 , HB11 , HB32 , HB33 , HB34 , HB56 , HB68 , HB72 , HB101 , HB102 , HB110 , HB154 , HB166 , HB168 , HB274 , SB114 , HB1 , HB198 , HB11 , HB32 , HB33 , HB34 , HB56 , HB68 , HB72 , HB101 , HB102 , HB110 , HB154 , HB166 , HB168 , HB274 , SB114

Committee: House Public Safety and Homeland Security

Keywords: DUI, driving under the influence, ignition interlock, interlock device, driver license suspension, restricted license, motor vehicle, alcohol offense, first offense, repeat offender, blood alcohol concentration, BAC, license revocation, Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, ALEA, public safety, traffic safety, chemical dependency, substance abuse, court referral program

Transcript Highlights:

• entirely due to unstable local funding. 211 can play a critical role during emergencies, whether wildfires
• People turn to 211 for trust... ...wildfires, winter storms, or public health crises.
• My name is Lindsay Gordon, 211 program manager at Connecting Point.
• Madam Chair, members of the committee, my name is Lindsay Gordon, 211 program manager at Connecting Point
• Connecting Point responds to emergency activations every year, especially wildfires, winter storms, and

Summary: The Communications and Conveyance Committee heard several bills focused on telecommunications, emergency response, and digital access. AB 1540 by Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez would restore the 988 “press 3” option for LGBTQ+ youth crisis support, with strong support from suicide prevention advocates, mental health organizations, local governments, and family groups, and opposition from groups arguing it politicizes crisis services and raises safety concerns. Members emphasized the bill’s life-saving purpose and noted it would depend on federal approval. The committee voted AB 1540 out on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations. The committee also approved the consent calendar, including AB 2093 and AB 2193, both sent to Appropriations. AB 1832 by Assemblymember Ransom, as amended, would expand and stabilize statewide 211 services through a state fund, a community needs dashboard, and integration into emergency planning; supporters described 211’s role during disasters and service gaps in many counties, and the bill passed unanimously as amended to Appropriations. AB 2289, the chair’s bill, would create an Office of Broadband and Digital Equity, consolidate broadband programs, and narrow CPUC jurisdiction to voice communications; TURN and CWA District 9 opposed the regulatory changes but acknowledged shared goals, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 2424 by Assemblymember Carrillo would create a new low-income telecommunications advisory board to oversee California Lifeline and address fraud and oversight concerns. Supporters said the board would add needed telecommunications expertise and improve access for low-income and immigrant communities, while opponents argued an existing advisory structure already serves that role and warned of added costs and surcharges. After discussion, the committee voted AB 2424 out on a 7-2 vote to Appropriations. The meeting concluded after all listed bills were reported out.

Transcript Highlights:

• entirely due to unstable local funding. 211 can play a critical role during emergencies, whether wildfires
• Wildfires, winter storms, or public health crises: people turn to 211 for trusted, real-time information
• My name is Lindsay Gordon, 211 program manager at Connecting Point.
• Madam Chair, members of the committee, my name is Lindsay Gordon, 211 program manager at Connecting Point
• Connecting Point responds to emergency activations every year, especially wildfires, winter storms, and

Committee: House Communications and Conveyance

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the head of Wildfire Exposure Study.
• </c> co-director of the Maui Wildfire co-director of the Maui Wildfire Exposure<01:09:22.960><c> Study
• I serve as the High Hopes Initiative manager at Epic Ohana.
• </c> long-term population management systems. long-term population management systems.
• Uh, this has to do with the Maui wildfire exposure study and Maui Health Registry.

Bills: HB1183 , HB1656 , HB1658 , HB1661 , HB1663 , HB1664 , HB1859 , HB2116 , HB2271 , HB2276 , HB2335 , HB2360 , HB2387 , HB2472 , HB1805 , HB2469 , HB1815 , HB1860 , HB2117 , HB2118 , HB2437 , HB2438 , HB2604 , HB1590 , HB2156 , HB2268

Committee: House Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• This is pertaining to inspections of homes in very high wildfire severity zones to ensure compliance
• The bill addresses that critical gap in wildfire safety by strengthening defensible space compliance.
• Jim Wood, California Strategies representing Fireaside, a California-based wildfire risk management company
• And unfortunately, Recent actions by AC Transit management show exactly why change is needed.
• At the end of the day, this bill helps both workers and management do their jobs better.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 934 by Senator Wiener, which would extend the time for survivors of conversion therapy to bring malpractice claims and clarify how expert testimony and scientific evidence may be used in those cases. Senator Wiener and supporters, including a survivor and a licensed therapist, described conversion therapy as harmful and argued that survivors often cannot come forward within current limitation periods. Opponents, including attorneys and advocacy groups, argued the bill was an unconstitutional workaround to California’s existing ban and could chill legitimate therapy or expand liability. Committee members pressed both sides on the bill’s scope, with the author emphasizing it does not bar exploratory therapy or medical treatment, only attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill was moved on a 7-2-1 vote to the Senate Appropriations Committee, with the item placed on call; the consent calendar was also adopted 6-0 and placed on call. The committee then heard SB 1092 by Senator Allen, as amended, concerning manufactured home parks. The bill would require park owners who intend to sell to give residents or their designated representatives notice and an opportunity to submit a competitive bid, with timelines intended to allow residents to organize financing and complete due diligence. Supporters said the measure would help preserve naturally occurring affordable housing and give residents a fair chance to buy the land under their homes, especially after fire-related losses and increasing investor ownership of parks. Opponents from park-owner and realtor groups argued the bill would burden private property rights, devalue parks, and create an unconstitutional taking by imposing long timelines and restrictions that could deter buyers. Several senators questioned the 240-day process and whether the bill should include clearer good-faith or reciprocity provisions; the author said he was open to further adjustments. The transcript ends during committee discussion of SB 1092, with no final vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• More specifically, on December 1 of this last year, 2025, a joint labor management committee that consisted
• I appreciate them especially because although they have the case management of enrolling families, many
• Last year, I watched as so many providers lost their homes and their livelihoods to the raging wildfires
• Last year, I watched as so many providers lost their homes and their livelihoods to the raging wildfires
• , we consider family-friendly As for providers that have been impacted by the wildfires, we consider

Transcript Highlights:

• to help with the wildfire survivors in Lahaina.
• </c><00:15:55.519><c> but</c> the past as my office manager but the past as my office manager but assisted
• </c> then finally, I have my office manager then finally, I have my office manager helping<00:21:46.400
• And accompanied also by my office manager, who is also a dragon slayer, Makali Olivera.
• Roth was my first office manager, but he's been a friend of mine for a long time.

Bills: HB2198 , HB2021 , HB1881 , HB1964 , HB1990 , HB2151 , HB2599 , HB2414

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, what do you think a massive wildfire does to our CO2 inventory?
• Wildfires are complex disasters.
• Most of California’s wildland is owned federally and is managed federally.
• The wildfire survivors, local businesses, and surrounding communities desperately need the supplemental
• And as the chair of emergency management, we heard from so many constituents, we heard from so many of

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> my own residence regarding uh Wildfire my own residence regarding uh Wildfire well<00:05:14.400>
• agents to be termed Community Association Manager.
• A Community Association Manager means an individual who possesses a manager credential issued by a nationwide
• Community Association management industry group.
• </c> 801 relating to managing 801 relating to managing agents<01:25:01.840><c> and</c><01:25:02.199><

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1 and SB 1561 on vegetation management near utility lines and wildfire prevention. Testimony focused on requiring DLNR to create and update wildfire hazard maps, setting vegetation-trimming responsibilities for property owners near rights-of-way and utility lines, and authorizing utilities to enter property to remove hazardous vegetation. DLNR, the PUC, and Hawaiian Electric all testified, with Hawaiian Electric asking for clearer access language, after-the-fact notification in imminent-risk situations, and liability limits. Committee members discussed balancing wildfire response with property rights and the need for clearer responsibility and enforcement, including on easements and utility poles. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1 pass with amendments, incorporating comments from testimony, and SB 1561 was deferred. The next major item was SB 640 on artificial intelligence disclosures. The bill would require businesses and individuals in commercial transactions to clearly disclose when consumers are interacting with an AI chatbot or similar technology, and it would create private rights of action and penalties. TechNet, the Office of Consumer Protection, and the Chamber of Commerce raised concerns about vague definitions, overbroad application, enforcement, and the private cause of action; the Chamber also argued the bill could burden small businesses that use AI tools for routine functions. In response to questions, OCP said the measure was ambiguous as to who it applies to and that the remedies and treble-damages provisions were unclear. The committee recommended SB 640 be deferred. The committee also heard SB 454 on prorating the rental motor vehicle surcharge tax when a vehicle is rented for only part of a day. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii said the proposal would make the tax system fairer but more complex and would require better recordkeeping by rental companies; the Department of Taxation and Enterprise Mobility also submitted comments. Senator Melby noted possible effects on the special highway fund and said that could affect his vote. The measure was referred onward, with the discussion indicating it would proceed to Ways and Means. Finally, the committee heard SB 1272 on towing, which would create a licensing framework for tow companies. Testimony from tow-industry representatives strongly supported the measure, describing unlicensed or noncompliant operators, poor insurance practices, and the need for accountability and consumer protection. They said a licensing board would give regulators a clearer enforcement avenue and help ensure fair treatment of vehicle owners. The hearing ended before a final action was taken on SB 1272 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Managing those funds, both in times of upheaval and in times of greater stability.
• We found that they are complex and require significant resources to acquire and manage.
• Ohio also has a grants partnership office, which provides a forum for grant management managers to collaborate
• Out to counties for community wildfire protection plans.
• I was over talking to the county managers, and I apologize for coming in late.

Committee: House Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee