Transcript Highlights:

• two decades, California has increasingly recognized that slower streets and roads designed for all users
• when our communities are facing rising traffic fatalities of bicyclists and other vulnerable road users
• can't be modified in a manner that reduces the safety, accessibility, or mobility of non-motorized users
• Abandoned waste attracts additional dumping, creates fire hazards, and blocks sidewalks.
• Abandoned waste attracts additional dumping, creates fire hazards, blocks sidewalks, harms businesses

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Continuing the work of this grant program is vital to public library users across the state.
• Continuing the work of this grant program is vital to public library users across the state.
• grant program is vital to public of this grant program is vital to public library<00:03:34.879> users
• <00:03:37.120> The library users across the state. The library users across the state.
• 50.639> lack<01:23:50.880> of existing sidewalks, the lack of existing sidewalks, the lack

Bills: HF1972, HF229, HF1090, HF1084, HF1307, HF1274, HF1609, HF2110, HF211, HF216, HF222, HF224, HF225, HF203, HF206, HF207, HF208, HF227, HF246, HF427, HF466, HF502, HF680, HF971

Keywords: community center, Breckenridge, capital investment, state bonds, economic development, HF229, North Branch Area Hockey Association, Stacy Ice Arena, Chisago County, general fund appropriation, grant, ice arena, hockey rink, youth sports, recreational facility, community arena, nonprofit, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, local infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires that all users of bots receive a pop-up message at the beginning of the interaction and then
• intelligence technology company is prohibited from selling or disclosing personal information of any users
• Could AI assistants like ChatGPT or Claude or Google Gemini fall under this definition if users form
• walking up to the Capitol today and I walked by the House Office, there’s a bunch of kids doing sidewalk
• up to the Capitol today, and I walked by the house office building, there's a bunch of kids doing sidewalk

Summary: The Committee on Commerce and Tourism considered a series of bills affecting tax policy, workforce development, business regulation, consumer protection, rural development, and artificial intelligence. SB 1076 would raise Florida’s research and development tax credit cap from $9 million to $50 million beginning with the 2027 allocation, and it was reported favorably. CS/SB 1266 would create a cybersecurity experiential internship and clearance-readiness program with the Department of Commerce and Cyber Florida; an amendment removed an appropriation from the bill, and the committee reported it favorably. SB 554, a broad update to Florida’s not-for-profit corporation law, was also reported favorably after supportive testimony from Florida Bar representatives. SB 1004, aimed at protecting buyers of dogs and cats from deceptive sales and predatory financing practices, received strong support from animal welfare advocates and was reported favorably. SB 1074, which provides rounding rules for cash transactions if pennies are unavailable, was likewise reported favorably. SB 214, expanding the rural community definition to include special districts in rural counties for economic development purposes, was reported favorably. SPB 7030, a public records exemption tied to Department of Legal Affairs investigations, was adopted as a committee bill and favorably reported. The committee also heard extensive discussion on SB 998, the Department of Commerce package. The bill would modernize the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program, clarify rural community eligibility for certain unincorporated areas, exempt military entities from a reverter clause on land conveyances, and revise E-Verify enforcement procedures. Members questioned the E-Verify provisions, including penalties, protections for workers incorrectly flagged, and the treatment of gig workers. Senator Smith opposed the bill, arguing it creates unequal treatment between employers and immigrant workers, while Senator Wright supported the military-related provisions. Despite the debate, SB 998 was reported favorably, with Senators Bracy Davis, Smith, and Errington voting no. The committee also took up SB 482, an “Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights” that would create consumer protections for companion chatbots, require parental consent and access for minors, mandate periodic disclosures that users are interacting with AI, restrict certain uses of personal data and likenesses, and give the Attorney General enforcement authority. The bill drew both support and criticism: supporters emphasized child safety, transparency, and consumer protection, while opponents raised concerns about privacy, broad definitions, lack of audit mechanisms, and the absence of a private right of action for adults. Senators Smith and Davis urged clearer definitions and stronger accountability, but both said the bill was a starting point. The committee reported SB 482 favorably. The meeting ended with recorded affirmative votes requested by Senators Yarbrough, Wright, and Davis on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires that all users of bots receive a pop-up message at the beginning of the interaction and then
• intelligence technology company is prohibited from selling or disclosing personal information of any users
• Could AI assistants like ChatGPT or Claude or Google Gemini fall under this definition if users form
• up to the Capitol today, and I walked by the House Office building, there's a bunch of kids doing sidewalk
• Senator Leek for introducing this bill pursuing important goals to protect minors online, safeguard users

Bills: S0214, S0482, S7030, S0554, S0994, S0998, S1004, S1074, S1076, S1266

Keywords: special districts, funding, financial assistance, rural community, state agency, economic development, artificial intelligence, personal data protection, consumer rights, chatbot, deceptive practices, government contracts, public records, consumer protection, data privacy, investigations, proprietary information, chatbots, Florida statutes, nonprofit

Summary: The Committee on Commerce and Tourism heard and advanced several bills focused on economic development, consumer protection, workforce issues, and technology. SB 1076 would raise Florida’s research and development tax credit cap from $9 million to $50 million beginning with the 2027 allocation, and it was reported favorably. SB 1266, as amended, creates a cybersecurity experiential internship and clearance-readiness program with Cyber Florida and was also reported favorably. SB 554, a Florida Bar-backed update to the not-for-profit corporations statute, was approved without opposition. SB 1004, aimed at protecting buyers of dogs and cats from deceptive sales practices and predatory financing at retail pet stores, received supportive testimony from animal welfare advocates and was reported favorably. SB 1074, which sets rounding rules for cash transactions if pennies are unavailable, also passed favorably. The committee also considered SB 998, the Department of Commerce package, which combines updates to the Small Cities CDBG program, clarification of rural community eligibility, an exemption from a reverter clause for military-related land conveyances, and revisions to E-Verify enforcement. The E-Verify portion drew the most debate, with questions about employer cure periods, treatment of current investigations, and whether the bill creates a loophole for independent contractors. Senator Smith opposed the bill, arguing it creates unequal enforcement between employers and immigrant workers, while Senator Wright supported the military-related provisions. SB 998 was reported favorably on a divided vote. SB 214, which expands the rural community definition to include special districts in rural counties, was reported favorably. The committee then took up SB 482, an artificial intelligence consumer-protection bill that creates an “AI bill of rights” covering companion chatbots, parental controls for minors, data privacy, de-identified data, unauthorized use of likeness, and enforcement by the Attorney General, with a limited private cause of action for minors. The bill drew extensive testimony both in support and in opposition, including concerns about privacy, age verification, and enforcement, but it was reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved SPB 7030, a public-records exemption tied to Department of Legal Affairs investigations under the AI bill, and adjourned after members requested to be recorded on certain votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• As illustrated on this map, we have developed a plan to try to accommodate all of our users.
• on this 1,100 acres and it's a users on this 1,100 acres and it's a challenge<00:25:37.600> from<
• all of our users. all of our users.
• Our moving sidewalks had their own Facebook page because they were down.
• > own<00:36:39.960> Facebook moving sidewalks had their own Facebook moving sidewalks had

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The task force was called to order with a quorum present, and Commissioner Mark Carter of the Kentucky Department of Aviation gave the first presentation. He outlined the state’s airport system, noting 58 public-use airports, the department’s small staff, and its funding structure through a jet fuel tax that generates about $23 million annually, leaving roughly $15 million for airport investment after required deductions. Carter highlighted recent projects at airports including Bardstown, Madisonville, Central Kentucky Regional, Paducah, Sparta, Danville, and Henderson, and said the department has also expanded data collection on airport activity, hangars, schools, and training programs. He emphasized that the department recently completed the first statewide economic impact study of general aviation airports and is developing a five-year airport needs plan. Carter said several things are working well, including stronger communication with airports, the public, the legislature, and especially the FAA’s Memphis district office, which now involves the state more in project selection. He said the department is reasonably staffed overall, but identified workforce development and advanced air mobility as major gaps. In response to questions from Senator Nunn and Representative York, he said he did not have specific workforce shortage numbers on hand, but cited Boeing reports showing large national and global shortages of pilots and mechanics, and explained that instructor shortages and low wages limit training capacity. He also said air traffic control is an FAA function, though EKU has shown interest in developing a training program. Carter identified several needs for improvement: more workforce investment, more aviation education in high schools, more scholarships for pilot and mechanic training, more attention to advanced air mobility, and more frequent, institutionalized data collection. He also pointed to major pending capital needs at airports such as Elizabethtown, Owensboro, Harlan, Leitchfield-Grayson County, and Whitesburg-Letcher County, all of which would require FAA and state support. He urged airports to do a better job marketing their economic value and said the state should continue updating aviation studies so lawmakers have current information for policy decisions. The task force then heard from Lexington Blue Grass Airport Director Eric Frankl, who welcomed the new CVG director and thanked the legislature for creating the task force and supporting aviation infrastructure. Frankl said Blue Grass Airport has rebounded from the pandemic and now exceeds pre-pandemic passenger levels, while serving a mix of private aviation, pilot training, corporate aviation, and commercial airline activity. He described ongoing terminal-area planning, parking technology upgrades, and a major parking lot expansion expected to finish by early spring 2026, and said the airport is planning for future technologies such as vertiports and electric aerial vehicles. Frankl estimated that a broader terminal modernization program will cost roughly $500 million to $700 million over the next 5 to 10 years and said the airport needs continued state support to close funding gaps and remain competitive with other states investing in aviation.

Transcript Highlights:

• They don't have to be forced to ride on sidewalks.
• to be forced to ride on sidewalks. to be forced to ride on sidewalks.
• <00:48:42.280> are less safe, vulnerable road users are less safe, vulnerable road users are
• ,<01:46:32.680> especially trails, and sidewalks, especially trails, and sidewalks, especially
• . users. users.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And on the electric vehicle, the user fee on that, we have a user fee on electric vehicles and plug-in
• <00:13:56.000> fee user fee on that, we we have a user fee user fee on that, we we have a
• user fee on<00:13:56.399> electric<00:13:56.800> vehicles<00:13:57.360> and<00:13
• fee tolls are a bad word in user fee tolls are a bad word in Kentucky<00:16:35.600> and<00:16
• Uh and I know we were able, you know, we're trying to figure out the sidewalk that has been funded in

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met on Transportation, approved the prior meeting minutes, and received a road fund update from Transportation Cabinet officials Mike Hancock, Sean McCernan, and Ron Rigney. McCernan reported that FY 2024-2025 road fund revenue came in $38.5 million above the enacted estimate, but was about $11 million below FY24 because of a lower motor fuels tax rate. He said motor vehicle usage tax receipts were stronger than expected, and that the road fund ended the year with a $61.6 million surplus account that, under the budget bill, must be appropriated to state construction. Members focused heavily on how declining motor fuels receipts affect the formula funds that support cities, counties, and rural/secondary roads. Hancock and McCernan explained that lower gas tax receipts reduce both the road plan and revenue sharing, while higher vehicle sales tax receipts from motor vehicle usage go directly to the road fund and do not help the formula distributions. They also said fuel efficiency, hybrid and electric vehicle trends, and the removal of a prior hybrid fee all affect revenue collections. On tolling, officials said Louisville bridge toll revenues are covering bills and commitments, but they did not have the latest collection figures in front of them and said they would provide them later. The committee also asked about project delivery delays, right-of-way acquisition, disaster recovery work, annual contract awards, cash management, and overprogramming in the highway plan. Officials said project delays often stem from right-of-way purchases, utility relocation, and the large volume of projects in the plan, and described the process as a “duck paddling” situation with substantial work happening behind the scenes. They said FY25 contract awards were already just under $998 million by the July letting and expected to exceed last year’s total, and explained that cash balances are managed so they do not fall below $100 million; the current balance was said to be about $166 million. No further votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can I change my sidewalk? Can I build an ADU or accessory dwelling unit or mother-in-law unit?
• We're doing user research and prototype studies.
• It also helps with things like atypical user behavior.
• If a user is in Washington and five minutes later they're overseas, that's not possible.
• There's also potential for bias or discriminatory content created unbeknownst to the user.

Summary: The committee held a work session focused on technology in government, AI, broadband, and digital equity. Seattle CTO Rob Lloyd described the city’s AI strategy, emphasizing responsible use, privacy, security, community input, and data strategy. He said Seattle is using small pilots and partnerships to test AI for tasks such as public records processing, infrastructure inspection, and permitting, while keeping humans as the final decision-makers. Members asked about bias, liability, training on best practices, labor involvement, and public records; Lloyd said AI should remain an assistant tool, not a replacement for human judgment, and that Seattle is still testing solutions for records requests and permitting. WATech CTO Nick Stow and Deputy Director Mark Quimby discussed the state’s broader AI policy, the generative AI executive order, a sandbox with more than 15 agencies, and use cases including a resident portal, cybersecurity, and wildfire detection. They stressed consent, closed systems, human-centered design, and the need to govern all forms of AI, not just generative AI. Committee members raised concerns about federal data access, labor issues, and wildfire detection effectiveness. Spokane County IT staff described a more restrictive approach to AI, citing privacy, bias, and cyber risks. The county standardized on Microsoft Copilot as its only approved chat-style AI tool, blocked other AI chat platforms, and requires human review of all AI-generated content. They said AI is also being used by criminals for phishing and deepfakes, underscoring the need for strong policy and security controls. The committee also received an update from the Attorney General’s AI Task Force. Yuki Ishizuka said the task force has 19 members and eight subcommittees covering ethics, consumer protection, labor, health care, public safety, education, government efficiency, cybersecurity, and industry/energy. The task force is working toward an interim report due December 1, 2025 and a final report due July 1, 2026, and is reviewing recommendations through public forums and advisory committees. Ishizuka warned that a federal budget reconciliation provision could bar states from enforcing AI regulations for 10 years, and several members voiced support for state authority and asked about possible 2026 legislation. The committee then heard updates on broadband and digital equity. Commerce’s Dave Pringle said the BEAD broadband program is being reshaped by new NTIA guidance, which removed or reduced emphasis on several prior priorities, and Washington is now working under an expedited process to submit its state application by September 4. He noted that no projects have been built yet, that four counties did not receive applications in round two, and that the state is trying to keep applicants engaged through office hours and a shortened review window. The Office of Equity and the Digital Equity Forum reported increased participation, new members, and ongoing outreach to tribal, rural, and underserved communities, while previewing recommendations such as creating an interdepartmental digital equity team and improving data use. Finally, Lumen’s Robert Thoms described private-sector broadband deployment challenges, including permitting, regulation, and the economics of extending fiber, while noting continued investment in overbuild projects, a $30 low-cost service option tied to the former ACP, and work with the state, tribes, and libraries. No votes were taken; the meeting consisted of presentations and member questions.

Bills: HB 2065, HB 2462, HB 2621, HB 3187, HB 3539, HB 3563, HB 3726, HB 4164, HB 4207, HB 4368, HB 4706, HB 4916, HB 4950, HB 4967, HB 5177, HB 4429, HB 5597

Keywords: commercial vehicles, parking regulations, residential areas, local governance, land use, traffic safety, high occupancy vehicle lane, pregnant operators, transportation, parental rights, motor vehicle regulations, live video feed, state agency, transparency, public safety, regional transportation, mobility program, sales tax, public infrastructure, local government

Bills: HB2065, HB2462, HB2621, HB3187, HB3539, HB3563, HB3726, HB4164, HB4207, HB4368, HB4706, HB4916, HB4950, HB4967, HB5177, HB4429, HB5597

Keywords: commercial vehicles, parking regulations, residential areas, local governance, land use, traffic safety, high occupancy vehicle lane, pregnant operators, transportation, parental rights, motor vehicle regulations, live video feed, state agency, transparency, public safety, regional transportation, mobility program, sales tax, public infrastructure, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• And you can charge no more than what that user is responsible for.
• You cannot charge more than what that specific user or resident or company or whatever is responsible
• And you can charge no more than what that user is responsible for.
• Users are not voluntary. They are required to submit under state law to achieve a state purpose.
• Users are not voluntary. They are required to submit under state law to achieve a state purpose.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The highway user tax distribution fund is our major workhorse here. It's a pass-through fund.
• The highway user tax distribution fund is our major workhorse here. It's a pass-through fund.
• flashing beacons, roundabouts, sidewalk flashing beacons, roundabouts, sidewalk paths,<00:30:57.679
• It doesn't just pop up on your web browser. >> User error. >> On your web browser.
• <00:35:35.280> error >> user error >> user error >> on<00:35:36.240> on

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• have shown that, and the program has been in effect, I think, for 11 years, that the consumer and user
• Does an area need more sidewalks?
• Do they need more tree coverage to protect those sidewalks so that younger and older folks don't suffer
• Does an area need more sidewalks? Do they need more tree coverage to prepare?
• Does an area need more sidewalks?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy heard testimony on several transportation and clean-fuel bills. Supporters of H. 3535 argued for delaying or pausing enforcement of Massachusetts’ zero-emission vehicle sales mandate, saying the current ACC2 timeline is unrealistic given low ZEV sales, limited charging infrastructure, dealer inventory concerns, and potential economic impacts on dealerships, consumers, and tax revenue. Opponents of that approach, including automakers and clean transportation advocates, said the state should stay on course with electrification and that the mandate is necessary to meet climate goals. The committee also heard support for H. 3570/S. 2326 to update vehicle emission standards for municipal and utility fleets, with municipal utility representatives saying current electric truck technology, charging access, and costs make the rules impractical for critical public services. A major portion of the hearing focused on S. 2246, the Freedom to Move Act, which would require MassDOT and regional planning agencies to set vehicle miles traveled reduction goals and align transportation spending with climate targets. Supporters said the bill would better coordinate transportation planning, encourage transit, biking, and walking, and help Massachusetts meet emissions goals while saving money and improving public health. Some committee members raised concerns that the bill could duplicate existing transportation climate mandates and could disadvantage rural residents who must drive long distances; witnesses responded that the bill is meant to add coordination and flexibility, not impose a one-size-fits-all solution. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3448, which would set deadlines to electrify school buses and public fleets and create programs for private fleet electrification. Advocates said fleet electrification is a practical way to cut emissions, improve air quality, and save money over time, especially for schoolchildren exposed to diesel exhaust. Several witnesses also supported low-carbon fuel standard bills H. 3576 and S. 2251, arguing they would reduce fuel carbon intensity and generate revenue for charging and clean-fuel investments. Others, including a coalition opposed to private jet expansion, objected to the bills’ treatment of sustainable aviation fuel, saying it is not scalable, is expensive, and could create land-use and food-supply tradeoffs. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the hearing excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the fact of the matter is that those are more vulnerable users.
• c><00:31:57.279> they're<00:31:57.399> not<00:31:57.519> protected vulnerable users
• they're not protected vulnerable users they're not protected by<00:31:58.159> a<00:31:58.240>
• One of my towns has done some of these things where they've put some bump-outs on sidewalks to try and
• intersections every block sidewalks intersections every block sidewalks heavy<01:05:16.079> pet

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The top PD users, the top hospital users, the top homelessness users—it's the same group of people.
• We have over 800 individual users, so we have a wide source of data coming to the system that lets us
• sleeping in public and 19 citations for failure to use a sidewalk.
• , and failure to use a sidewalk. offenses including prohibited camping, obstructing a sidewalk, failure
• to use a sidewalk, disorderly conduct, and violating a promise to appear.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• past three years illustrates not only the significant increase in spend, but also the increase in users
• They have hundreds of miles of roads, sidewalks. They have police departments.
• Hundreds of miles of roads, sidewalks. They have police departments.
• They have hundreds of miles of roads, of sidewalks. They have police departments.
• They have fire deputies. hundreds of miles of roads, of sidewalks, they have police departments, they

Summary: The Budget Committee met with a quorum and took up several bills. HB 677, relating to state-covered fertility preservation for employees undergoing cancer treatment, was introduced as coverage for egg and sperm preservation for up to three years, with an estimated fiscal impact of about $813,000. After brief questions and no public testimony or amendments, the bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS/HB 59, which would reform Florida’s wrongful incarceration compensation process by extending the filing deadline from 90 days to two years, removing the clean-hands requirement, and allowing exonerees to choose between the state compensation process and a civil lawsuit; it was supported by the City of Flagler Beach and passed unanimously. CS/HB 1313, which recreates the Resilient Florida Trust Fund in the Department of Environmental Protection before its scheduled termination in 2025, also passed unanimously after supportive testimony from advocacy groups. The committee received a lengthy presentation from the Department of Management Services on the State Group Insurance Program and the recent Revenue Estimating Conference. The presentation covered enrollment, revenues and expenditures, rising medical and pharmacy costs, emergency room utilization, GLP-1 drug spending, and options for tighter formulary and utilization management. Members asked about ER cost growth, GLP-1 coverage and copays, PBM oversight and potential conflicts, avoidable ER visits, cancer screening claims, dental and vision costs, specialty drug biosimilars, and possible savings from more restrictive pharmacy models. DMS said it would follow up on several questions and noted ongoing work on cancer coordination, preventive screening, biomarker testing, and a proposed member-facing benefits platform. The committee also heard extensive testimony on HB 301, which would raise sovereign immunity caps from $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident to $1 million and $3 million, align limitations periods with private claims, and allow government entities to settle above the caps without a claims bill. Local governments, school-related entities, and county and city associations opposed the bill, warning of major fiscal impacts, higher insurance costs, and pressure on services; several speakers urged smaller increases or a tiered approach. Proponents, including families affected by catastrophic injury or death, argued the current caps are too low and the claims bill process is inefficient and unfair. After debate, the bill passed on a recorded vote, with some members voting no, and was reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:26:39.480> and<00:26:39.640> lighting street, sidewalk, and lighting street, sidewalk
• wastewater user. wastewater user.
• about $45 a month for a typical user. about $45 a month for a typical user.
• So, we only have about 90 users for the system.
• about 90 users for the system. system. system.

Bills: HF4710, HF4055, HF3848, HF3989, HF4599, HF3767, HF3592, HF3575, HF3574, HF3543, HF4606, HF4489, HF3891, HF3438, HF3811, HF3400

Keywords: capital investment, water infrastructure, sewer systems, public funding, municipal development, Eveleth, wastewater treatment, state bonds, environmental compliance, infrastructure, bonds, economic development, local government, transportation, intersection improvements, Lake Elmo, HF4599, St. Joseph, Minnesota bonding bill, bond proceeds fund

Transcript Highlights:

• SHE IS A FULL TIME WHEELCHAIR USER AND DRIVES A VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A PERMANENTLY INSTALLED WHEELCHAIR
• WE HAVE TO BE IN A LOCATION WHERE WE CAN GET TO THE SIDEWALK SAFELY WITHOUT HAVING TO I'VE HAD TO ACTUALLY
• I'M SYLVIA LONGMIRE OF FLORIDA RESIDENT, FULL TIME WHEELCHAIR USER, SERVICE DISABLED AIR FORCE VETERAN
• FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS RAMP CLEARANCE IS NOT A CONVENIENCE IT IS A SAFETY REQUIREMENT.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaii Harbors Users Group is in support. Frank Schultz, individual, is in opposition.
• <00:40:18.079> you<00:40:18.599> haai<00:40:19.040> Harbor's<00:40:19.680> users
• <00:40:20.119> group much thank you haai Harbor's users group much thank you haai Harbor's
• users group in in in support<00:40:23.200> Frank<00:40:23.480> Schultz<00:40:24.000>
• subject to certain on public sidewalks subject to certain conditions<00:41:04.040> establishes

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation heard several bills on March 11, including measures on harbor vessel requirements, transportation funding, clean fuels, water carriers, parking enforcement, and electric mobility. For SB 1402 SD1 on vessels in state commercial harbors, testimony was split: the General Contractors Association of Hawaii and the Longline Association supported it, while Hol Holo Charters and one individual opposed it, saying the bill should be more specific about tourboat operators. For SB 1473 on central services assessments, SB 321 on privately owned roads, and SB 419 on insurance coverage for child passenger restraint systems, the committee heard brief testimony with no noted objections or actions beyond moving through the agenda. For SB 1009 SD2 on parking, the bill would create fines for misuse of disability and EV parking spaces and direct the revenue to the Safe Routes to School special fund. Support came from Ulupono Initiative, Climate Protectors Hawaii, the Disability Communication Access Board, and others, while the Retail Merchants of Hawaii supported the bill’s intent but questioned using the fines for Safe Routes to School, and Hawaiian Electric suggested directing EV-related fines to the EV charging system subaccount instead. Hawaii Appleseed supported the measure but raised concerns about the size of the fines and possible impacts on low-income residents. The committee asked questions about enforcement when EV chargers are inoperable; DAGS indicated the stalls could be used and would not be enforced in that situation. For SB 1120 on a clean fuel standard, the Department of Transportation supported the measure but asked for the implementation date to be delayed by one year and requested an independent Hawaii-specific economic impact study due before the next session. Support also came from several transportation, airline, and industry groups, while Tim Rhymer and Frank Schultz opposed it. The committee then heard SB 21 on water carriers, which would authorize a PUC inflationary cost index adjustment mechanism and exemptions; DOT, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Young Brothers, and the Hawaii Harbors Users Group supported it, while Frank Schultz opposed. Finally, the committee heard SB 117 on electric mobility, which would expand and rename the rebate program, set age limits and operating rules for e-bikes and electric motorcycles, require insurance for electric motorcycle operators, and make conforming changes. Testimony was largely supportive, including from DOT, the Hawaii Bicycling League, the Queen’s pediatric trauma center, and Ulupono Initiative, though one testifier warned that the bill’s wattage definition could unintentionally capture some pedal-assist e-bikes. No votes were taken on the individual bills in the portions shown, and the transcript ended with the committee continuing its hearing agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those are important to us for ADA compliance, wider sidewalks, and safer crossings.
• That's us; that's road users. We register our vehicle, and there'll be a 25% increase.
• You know, providing that they're responsible for maintenance, or litter, or weed, or sidewalk repair,
• But as an electric vehicle user, you're no longer contributing that revenue to the state road fund.
• Once you switch into an electric vehicle, one of your road user fees goes away, and so this is really