Transcript Highlights:

• To revise the limitation on annual assessment increases for specified real property, to increase the
• your garbage fees, increase your fire fees, and increase everything else that we can think of so that
• It's about young families caught between rising insurance premiums, increasing utility bills, and the
• It's about young families caught between rising insurance premiums, increasing utility bills, and the
• Premiums, increasing utility bills, and the dream of keeping a roof over their children's heads.

Summary: The Senate took up Committee Substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 2F, a proposed constitutional amendment on property tax reform. The measure would increase the homestead exemption in stages, lower the assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%, and limit county and municipal ad valorem tax revenues to specified uses such as public safety, education, infrastructure, natural resources, debt service, employee benefits, and certain administrative costs. Supporters, led by Senator Avila, argued the proposal would provide meaningful property tax relief and push local governments to rein in spending, while opponents warned it would shift costs to fees, reduce local flexibility, and threaten funding for core services. Several amendments were offered and rejected. Senator Sharief proposed an income-based circuit breaker for property tax relief; Senator Smith offered a sunset clause; and Senator Berman proposed revising the ballot statement to better match the amended proposal and remove outdated references. Each amendment failed on recorded votes. During questioning and debate, senators pressed Avila on the ballot language, the effect on local services, whether the legislature could later restrict local spending by statute, and whether renters would benefit. Avila said the ballot language was not his and repeatedly stated he was presenting the governor’s proposal, while also saying local governments would need to prioritize budgets and that future legislatures could address implementation details. After the amendment votes, the joint resolution was read a third time and moved into final debate. Supporters said the proposal would give homeowners relief and force fiscal discipline at the local level. Opponents, including Senators Nathan, Bracey Davis, Smith, Polsky, and Errington, argued the measure was rushed, lacked a completed fiscal analysis or replacement revenue, and could harm police, fire, libraries, parks, housing, and other local services. They also criticized the ballot summary as misleading, especially regarding the staged homestead exemption increase. The transcript ends during debate, before any final vote on the joint resolution itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, because, again, the cost-of-living increases and the annual increases will increase that related
• Additionally, on the Medicare population, we did see an increase in the overall premiums.
• We did see an increase in the overall premiums. We went out to a competitive bid this year.
• . ...reduce the surprise billing, we might call it, in overall increases.
• DSS has projected a continuing increase in the TFA cash assistance.

Keywords: 962, all

Summary: The Finance Advisory Committee approved the minutes from its May 14, 2026 meeting and then considered four fiscal transfers. FAC 2026-9 for the Office of the State Controller transferred $4.345 million among fringe benefit accounts in the General Fund and Special Transportation Fund. Members questioned several employee benefit accounts, including active and retiree health care, Social Security, higher education alternative retirement, and OPEB; agency staff explained the transfers were based on updated year-end projections, with some accounts showing surpluses and others needing additional funds. The item was approved, with two no votes noted. FAC 2026-10 for the Military Department transferred $150,000 from the Honor Guards account to personal services and Governor’s Guard accounts to cover operational needs, and it was approved without opposition. FAC 2026-11 for the Department of Social Services transferred $3.3 million among accounts. Most of the discussion focused on a surplus in the substance use disorder waiver/reinvestment account, lower-than-expected TANF/TFA caseloads, federal family planning backfill requirements, and staffing challenges in eligibility operations. DSS said some funds remained unused because a residential care vendor did not enter into a contract, some reserves were intended for future multi-year investments, and eligibility staff require 12 to 18 months of training; the item was approved. FAC 2026-12 for the Department of Children and Families transferred $3.05 million among accounts for year-end operational needs. Members asked about closures of day treatment and community-based prevention programs, and DCF said children were transitioned to other providers without service interruption, with closures driven by provider decisions and financial viability. DCF also explained that some prior funding had been used as gap funding and that ongoing support had been built into the budget. The committee approved the transfer and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:24:43.679> business<00:24:44.080> or going to find increased business or going
• the risk and write premiums accordingly.
• This should not limit their ability to evaluate the risk and charge premiums for the type of activity
• , the ability of uh insurance premium, the ability of insurers<00:36:17.720> to<00:36:18.000><
• This should not premiums accordingly.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the cost of premiums and create a system without precedent.
• As a result, our insurance premiums become more expensive.
• Fiscal impact and the potential increased insurance premiums, which could be passed down to the businesses
• Has that increased? Thank you, Madam Chair, Representative.
• I would say there has been an increase, at least in our age group.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I think we know that Congress is looking at not premiums but cost sharing.
• And so the department has said people would not be subject to both premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
• But I think we know that Congress is looking at not premiums but cost sharing.
• But I appreciate your work. $1,000 in premium. And it $1,000 in premium.
• That the premium shall only apply to Medicaid and shall not apply to waiver services.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• otherwise, As Representative Garrett mentioned, the fund and the purpose of this bill is really to increase
• Um, I think, you know, increasing the grid capacity, I think that's a great idea.
• Will this bill lead to increased financial strain on rural counties with limited resources?
• There's the ability to—these auxiliary uses, will this increase the streams that are available?
• Would that possibly increase the number of streams available? Um, Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• The industry continues to advocate for increases to the 45Q tax credit to strengthen the incentive and
• offset record inflation on materials and increased labor costs.
• Of premium markets associated with the biofuel industry.
• we're talking about it, if you can lower the carbon score for your ethanol, you can actually charge a premium
• Carbon pipelines help add that premium to biofuels and biofuel markets by lowering that carbon intensity

Transcript Highlights:

• A neighboring state, which will go unnamed, had over 15% increase.
• A neighboring state, which will go unnamed, had over 15% increase.
• insurance premium costs look at health insurance premium costs um<01:16:39.120> generally<01:
• So that's been a great layer to increase access." "Please bring such..."
• So that's been a great layer to increase access." "Please bring such..."

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee met on January 23, 2026, to approve prior minutes and receive an update from the Department of Health and Human Services. The main presentation focused on “Project Compass,” an internal cross-department effort to prepare for changes to Medicaid and SNAP eligibility. Department staff said the goal is to maintain continuous coverage for eligible people, align policy, operations, communications, legal, finance, and eligibility work, and use the new integrated New HEIGHTS system to streamline implementation. They emphasized outreach to beneficiaries, providers, managed care organizations, and other partners, and said temporary manual workarounds had already been used to stay in compliance with fast-moving SNAP changes. Members questioned how the department would avoid repeating the costly outreach effort used in a prior Medicaid work-requirement rollout. Department officials said they are focusing on ex parte processes, sharing eligibility information across programs, and using community partners to reduce duplicate contacts and paperwork. They also said the department is monitoring the SNAP error rate closely, expects automation and a planned system contract amendment to help reduce it, and noted that current error rates are trending downward and remain below the national average. Questions were also raised about possible future SNAP restrictions on certain foods; the department said it can implement whatever the legislature directs, but that defining and administering such restrictions would be complex. The commissioner and CFO then outlined the department’s budget reduction plan. They said the department has begun implementing required “back of the budget” reductions for fiscal year 2026, using contract savings and not cutting existing services where possible. Examples included dental and home-visitation contracts, where spending was adjusted based on utilization and projected need. Officials said they had already written down a little over $15 million in prior-year encumbrances, but that this one-time source will not be available next year, making fiscal year 2027 more difficult. They also explained the difference between legally required back-of-budget cuts and lapse, and said staffing remains a major challenge because vacancies have increased and customer-facing service levels are strained. Dr. Jonathan Ballard then began an update on opioid overdose fatalities, presenting the latest medical examiner data and describing the long-term rise in deaths after fentanyl entered the illicit drug supply, with a peak in 2017 and a later increase in 2022. The transcript cuts off before his full presentation and any further committee action beyond discussion of the minutes and receipt of the department updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under either category, the bill increases the penalty to a third degree felony.
• House Bill 3597 increases the population threshold from 300,000 to 500,000 for those.
• state. ...premium increases to 10% or lower.
• Average premiums, as we know, for small businesses especially, have skyrocketed.
• mandates which may increase costs.

Bills: HB35, HB138, HB754, HB1314, HB1612, HB2254, HB2510, HB2789, HB3560, HB3597, HB4224, HB4273, HB4643, HB4783, HB138

Keywords: peer support, first responders, mental health, confidentiality, emergency services, health impact analysis, cost analysis, coverage mandates, health insurance, legislative analysis, health care data, human trafficking, trafficking prevention, medical assistant training, health care facilities, hospital compliance, clinic compliance, anti-retaliation, whistleblower protection, employee reporting

Transcript Highlights:

• Beginning April 1st, 2027, it increases the penalty for failure to report separations or wages and for
• Beginning April 1st, 2027, the bill increases the penalty for failure to report separations or wages
• And the IRS does typically increase the rates annually.
• Um we did increase civil service pay.
• contributions to medical premium plans. contributions to medical premium plans.

Bills: SB2119, SB3131, SB3069, SB3180, SB2137, SB2993, SB2778, SB2672, SB2014, SB2967

Keywords: reimbursement, public employees, travel costs, government travel policy, finance management, job title, administrative assistant, executive assistant, state personnel, civil service, modernization, employment standards, DAGS, Department of Accounting and General Services, comptroller, civil service exemption, collective bargaining exemption, public works special project branch, specialized public works, information technology modernization

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:36:59.720> for reimbursement rate increases for reimbursement rate increases for providers
• 54:05.800> premiums<00:54:06.400> or insurance companies raising premiums or insurance
• 2024, our insurance increased by 50%. 2024, our insurance increased by 50%.
• This funding continuing to increase.
• assist with the un- with the increase assist with the un- with the increase uncompensated<01:41:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, provides certain exemptions from passenger restrictions and increases the minimum age to ride in
• Beginning the 1st of January 2027, requires insurers to provide explanation of premium increases upon
• :29.360> provide<00:24:29.640> explanation<00:24:30.160> of<00:24:30.280> premium
• to provide explanation of premium to provide explanation of premium increases<00:24:31.280> upon
• increases upon request. increases upon request.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee took up a large decision-making agenda and adopted most measures, often with technical or clarifying amendments. Bills addressed wildlife habitat conservation plans, civil identification cards for 16- and 17-year-olds, electronic and mail voting for associations, remedies for unauthorized disclosure of intimate images, traffic safety around stationary vehicles and pickup truck passengers, expedited permitting for housing for people with disabilities, rainwater catchment systems, EMS advisory committee membership, social media account deletion, limits on immigration-enforcement cooperation, prompt payment rules for professional solicitors, fetal death vital statistics, protections for gender-affirming care, passenger ropeways, law-enforcement facial coverings and immigration-related detention, domestic violence, health care facility access, guardianship record sealing, child protective proceedings, remote driver’s license hearings, disposable vaping products, dog attacks, insurance premium increase explanations, the DOE harm-to-student registry, Hawaiian Homes lease succession, EMS law modernization, hoisting machine regulation, release on recognizance, language interpretation rules, civil asset forfeiture for fireworks offenses, and assisted community treatment. Several bills were deferred, including HB 1897, HB 1957, HB 2121, and HB 2324, while HB 1957 was deferred indefinitely. Most measures were adopted without recorded opposition, though HB 1875 and HB 1961 drew no votes from Vice Chair Gabbard, and HB 2413 was adopted with reservations. A number of bills received substantive amendment instructions. HB 1682 was amended with committee report language noting concerns about departing from the model act. HB 1768 and HB 1886 were revised to narrow or clarify immigration-enforcement restrictions and law-enforcement identification and facial-covering provisions, including plainclothes and undercover exceptions, a narrower civil immigration arrest/detention offense, and savings clauses. HB 2540 received extensive amendments to convert policy language into mandatory terms, refine facial-covering and identification rules, align criminal and policy exemptions, narrow immigration-related offenses, and clarify the definition of law enforcement agency. HB 2413 was amended to define violent offenses, change written findings to oral findings on the record, limit reconsideration of bail, and restrict who may request sanctions or financial conditions. Other amendments included technical fixes, bad-date corrections, severability clauses, and chapter-consistency changes. The committee also heard a joint Education/Judiciary item, SCR 105 and SR 99, urging the Department of Education to provide students information on pre-registering to vote before reaching voting age. Testimony was reported in support from the Department of Education, Office of Elections, Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, and the League of Women Voters. With no opposition or further discussion, the committee voted to pass both resolutions with technical, non-substantive amendments (SD1).

Transcript Highlights:

• They sometimes have low or no premiums.
• They sometimes have low or no<00:10:23.800> premiums.
• <00:10:24.800> They<00:10:25.120> sometimes<00:10:25.680> offer no premiums.
• They sometimes offer no premiums.
• in premiums.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Their claims, their limits are 500,000 and a million, which increases to 600,000 and 1.2 million.
• Now, the DOH has repeatedly asserted that the average premium increase for those individuals who were
• enrolled in the premium assistance health care program has made the program insolvent.
• We can cap premiums.
• They're restricting insurance premium assistance.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several guests, including a state champion Crossroads Academy girls basketball team and a Florida State University student intern. The chamber then turned to executive appointment confirmations reported by the Committee on Ethics and Elections and other reference committees under Rule 12.7, with Chair Don Gates explaining that the committee had reviewed the qualifications and suitability of the nominees and held public hearings where required. Members debated several confirmations at length. The report containing 186 appointments was adopted 31-0 after Senator Polsky explained her no votes on three nominees, citing concerns about past comments and ideological views. The Senate then confirmed Jeffrey Aaron to the Public Employee Relations Commission by a 26-10 vote after sharp debate over his role as counsel to the Hope Florida Foundation and allegations tied to the diversion of Medicaid settlement funds; supporters argued he was a competent lawyer and no formal action had been taken against him. Chavon Harris was confirmed as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration by a 32-5 vote, with supporters praising her work on Medicaid funding and opponents criticizing her prior leadership at DCF and the Hope Florida-related issues. Taylor Hatch was confirmed as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families by a 33-4 vote, despite concerns raised about SNAP/EBT compliance, child welfare practices, audits, and DCF’s handling of Hope Florida; supporters emphasized her commitment to reform and the difficulty of the agency’s mission. After a brief recess, the Senate held a lengthy recognition of outgoing President Kathleen Passidomo. Senators from both parties offered personal tributes focused on her leadership, toughness, humor, mentorship, and support for colleagues, especially women in the chamber. Several speakers also referenced her handling of difficult bills, her post-presidency service as Rules Chair, and her resilience after personal loss. No further legislative action was taken during the recognition segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am in strong support of this bill in both capacities, as action is desperately needed to increase the
• the uh, pipeline of needed to increase the uh, pipeline of certified<00:19:06.000> public<00:
• <00:20:04.480> the<00:20:04.720> flow<00:20:05.039> of bill will help increase
• the flow of bill will help increase the flow of accountants<00:20:05.840> into<00:20:06.080><
• of premiums and material misrepresentations<00:21:52.640> and<00:21:52.880> that<00:21

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce heard testimony on several measures. SB 1402, relating to vessels in state commercial harbors, drew opposition from Captain Andy Sailing Incorporated, and later the committee agreed to amend the bill to exempt tour boat operators before passing it. SB 1411, relating to Medicaid third-party liability, received strong support from the Department of Human Services, which asked that the effective date be restored to upon approval. SB 1438, relating to home care agencies, was supported by the Department of Health and one individual testifier, with the department arguing that unlicensed personnel performing skilled nursing services puts kupuna at risk. The committee later moved that bill forward with a clean date. SB 1449, relating to prior authorization of health care services, drew support from the Hawaii Medical Association and comments from the Hawaii Association of Health Plans and HMSA. Health plans asked that reporting requirements align with upcoming CMS regulations, and HMSA noted the work of the stakeholder process. The committee discussed the bill as consumer-focused and adopted amendments to add laboratory and diagnostic tests and to require the working group’s first report before the 2026 session and before each session thereafter. SB 1291, relating to certified public accountants, received support from the Board of Public Accountancy, the Hawaii Society of CPAs, Hong Consulting LLC, and Ron Heler, who said it was substantially the same as a previously passed House bill and would help increase the CPA pipeline in Hawaii. The committee also heard SB 752, relating to insurance, with opposition and comments from the Hawaii Insurance Council and Liberty Mutual, which requested amendments on non-payment of premiums, material misrepresentation, and limiting the bill to homeowners insurance. Greg Mskian testified in support but urged clearer notice and denial explanations for homeowners. SB 385, relating to condominiums, drew support from Hawaii Realtors and detailed comments from Ray Tenno and Greg Mskian about making governing documents available online or by email to owners and agents, with discussion of website costs and access. Finally, SB 140, relating to invasive species, received support from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and CAPS, while the Department of Agriculture offered comments and proposed streamlining language; supporters emphasized firewood treatment standards and the need to prevent invasive pests. After a brief recess, the committee took votes on several measures, adopting the chair’s recommendations on SB 1402, SB 1411, SB 1438, SB 1449, and SB 1291.

Transcript Highlights:

• When is that increased, and who makes the decision to increase that? >> Sure.
• When is that increased, and who makes the decision to increase that? >> Sure.
• increasing damages. increasing damages.
• increase taxes and fees. increase taxes and fees.
• increase to rateayers? increase to rateayers?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• through that would greatly increase through that would greatly increase the<01:41:41.560> uh<
• <01:46:02.880> in taken out of a potential increase in taken out of a potential increase in
• . increases. increases.
• online gaming use, including increased online gaming use, including increased inattention,<03:52
• And yet we are increasing the DOC budget And yet we are increasing the DOC budget just<04:40:57.400><

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• drop to that premium would drop to $5,607. $5,607. $5,607.
• And, as I mentioned, it's $2,660 a year difference in premium.
• <00:15:39.280> That's a year difference in premium. That's a year difference in premium.
• And I've seen the agony of increasing premiums after people have paid for years and as they get older
• Adding a surety bond requirement on top of this does not increase program integrity.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this one is a health, uh, the enhanced premium subsidy that was greatly increased through COVID,
• And this one is a health, uh, the enhanced premium subsidy that was greatly increased through COVID,
• And this one is a health, uh, the enhanced premium subsidy that was greatly increased through COVID,
• And this one is a health, uh, the enhanced premium subsidy that was greatly increased through COVID,
• the pace of the to just like increase the pace of the pain. pain. pain.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the LFC recommendation included the increase in state employee liability insurance premiums as a special
• Chair and Senator, it was just a very large increase.
• This would just be for the increase.
• increased?
• We've also seen a 50% enrollment increase in those programs.

Keywords: 996, all