Transcript Highlights:

• portion of the investment tax credit portion of the project<00:25:46.520> and<00:25:46.640>
• The<00:25:47.480> Loan project and then we'd look for The Loan project and then we'd look
• > of<00:25:51.159> the<00:25:51.559> project<00:25:52.559> these 10-year
• portion of the project these 10-year portion of the project these solar<00:25:53.240> projects
• <00:25:55.000> of solar projects have a similar payback of solar projects have a similar payback

Bills: HF1013, HF1598, HF1656, HF2162

Keywords: energy, economic development, funding, renewable resources, Clean Energy Economy Minnesota, air ventilation, geothermal, school financing, Minnesota Climate Innovative Finance Authority, geothermal energy, renewable energy, construction funding, Como Zoo, energy efficiency, HF2162, Minnesota, planning grants, renewable development account, clean energy, Department of Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• 25:43.200> and<00:25:43.360> saying,<00:25:43.520> "Well,<00:25:43.840> you
• <00:25:44.720> even<00:25:44.880> go<00:25:45.039> ride<00:25:45.360> anymore
• We're hearing<00:25:46.080> a<00:25:46.240> lot<00:25:46.320> of<00:25:46.400>
• :51.600> up<00:25:51.840> more<00:25:52.000> and<00:25:52.159> more<00:25
• And so, you<00:25:55.600> can<00:25:55.840> join<00:25:56.480> and<00:25:56.799>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its June 3 meeting and received an opening update on transportation revenues. Leadership noted that the gas tax formula dropped 4.1 cents on July 1, reducing road fund revenue by about $125 million, and warned that city, county, rural, and secondary road funding will be affected. The chair said the committee would likely have to be selective about transportation project requests given the reduced revenue outlook. The main presentation was an update on the I-69 bridge project. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials said the project is the missing link in the Henderson-Evansville corridor and is being delivered in three sections, with Kentucky leading section two. They said section two is a $933 million project, with Kentucky’s share described as $58 million and the balance Indiana’s, and that toll revenue will be used to finance the project through a TIFIA loan and Garvey bonds. Officials said Kentucky and Indiana have executed an agreement under House Bill 546 to use tolls, are working on a broader bi-state development agreement, and will ask the General Assembly next session to carry forward $150 million in general funds without conditions and to ratify the agreement. Members asked about the timeline, toll sharing, whether tolls would sunset, and whether US 41 bridges would remain open for local traffic; officials said construction is planned for 2027, tolling would begin in 2031, toll revenue would be shared 50/50, and at least one US 41 bridge would remain open for local use. The committee then heard a combined update from the Department of Vehicle Regulation and the Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing on implementation of several recent changes. Officials reported that the new registration category for special-purpose vehicles is fully operational statewide, with all counties enrolled and 292 vehicles processed so far; they also said counties received at least five plates each and that the program is permissive, not mandatory. They described implementation of Senate Bill 43’s medical review board reforms and third-party driver’s license issuance framework, saying the medical review process has been updated and that third-party partners may eventually handle easier transactions such as renewals, name changes, and address changes, while initial issuances would remain at KYTC regional offices. They also reported that the sheriff’s inspection process has been integrated into CAVIS, reducing paperwork and fraud and improving tracking. Members asked about communication to counties and cities with differing local rules, the number of counties participating, and how to coordinate multiple policy changes; officials said all counties are enrolled, though not all have submitted applications, and that they are still finalizing the scope of third-party services.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tom,<00:25:20.320> would<00:25:20.560> you<00:25:20.679> consider<00:25:21.160><
• ><00:25:23.360> can<00:25:23.560> you<00:25:23.640> recommend<00:25:24.120> a
• Um Um Um I<00:25:31.040> if<00:25:31.280> you<00:25:31.480> if<00:25:31.640>
• , um uh<00:25:35.800> it<00:25:35.920> depends<00:25:36.280> on<00:25:36.360>
• . projects. projects.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard HB 649, which would create a small boat harbor commercial vessel special fund and raise mortgage fees on commercial vessels to fund harbor improvements. DLNR stood on written testimony in support, while the Ocean Tourism Coalition, Activity and Attractions Association of Hawaii, Calypso Charters, and a local commercial operator all opposed the bill, arguing that the fee increase would burden thin-margin businesses without fixing procurement and staffing problems and that the bill’s fee language and fund allocations were too vague. A DLNR witness also noted a prior bill, HB 2477, had sought to broaden the fee base to more ocean operators statewide rather than increase the percentage. No vote was taken on HB 649 during the portion shown. The committee then heard HB 2599 on aquatic protection, which would prioritize ecosystem integrity and use of best available science in managing aquatic resources and set coral reef resilience goals. DLNR supported the measure, and a testifier from the public urged stronger coral goals for Oahu and a broader framework including water quality, herbivore management, fishery management, enforcement, and coral restoration. There was no opposition or vote shown on HB 2599 before the committee recessed to a joint hearing. In the joint Economic Development and Tourism / Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts hearing, members heard HB 2118 on transferring the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission from DAGS to DBED, HB 2474 on authorizing non-binding international cooperative agreements, HB 1863 on creating an honorary ambassador to Canada, HB 1943 on out-of-state DBED offices and export promotion, and HB 2604 on a performing arts ticket surcharge. Testimony was generally supportive for HB 2118, HB 2474, HB 1863, and HB 1943, with questions focused on agency placement, sister-state relationships, and the rationale for overseas offices. HB 2604 drew opposition from the Tax Foundation and others, who argued the surcharge functioned as a tax and would make arts participation more expensive; the chair recommended deferring it. During decision-making, both committees passed HB 2118, HB 2474, HB 1863, and HB 1943 with amendments, including technical changes and revised effective dates. For HB 2474, the amendments were described as clarifying definitions for sister-state and international cooperative agreements, allowing relationships with national governments, and preserving legislative approval and transparency. HB 1943 was amended to require an office in Laoag City, Philippines, rather than a non-existent DBED Philippines office. HB 2604 was deferred. After the joint session, the Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts committee resumed and heard HB 2395 on permits for taking marine deposits and HB 2361 on administrative support for the Kahului Bay Regional Council, both of which drew only DLNR written testimony and no further action in the excerpt. The committee then began HB 1823 on Coastal Zone Management Act exemptions, with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs testifying first, but the transcript cuts off before further testimony or action.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:25:02.480> since<00:25:02.840> that<00:25:03.279> time<00:25:04.279> um
• <00:25:12.919> to<00:25:13.080> go<00:25:13.200> a<00:25:13.320> little
• > what<00:25:14.960> we<00:25:15.120> mean<00:25:15.559> by<00:25:15.880>
• /c><00:25:19.720> general<00:25:20.720> uh<00:25:20.799> but<00:25:20.919> we
• can look<00:25:21.440> also<00:25:21.679> at<00:25:21.840> the<00:25:22.039>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Education Finance Committee met on January 21 with a quorum present for the first meeting of the 2025 biennium. The co-chairs described the temporary power-sharing arrangement in the tied Senate, introduced committee staff and pages, and had members briefly introduce themselves and share what subject they would teach. After the introductions, the committee moved to a presentation from State Demographer Susan Brower. Brower reviewed Minnesota’s school-age population trends and projections, noting that the state had just under 1 million children ages 5 to 17 in 2023 and that, for the first time, the older adult population exceeded the school-age population. She said the school-age population is concentrated in the Twin Cities metro and other regional centers, and projected an overall decline of about 5% over the next 15 to 20 years, driven mainly by declining birth rates and long-running net outmigration of young adults. She also explained that growth is expected in some areas, especially along the I-94 corridor north of the metro, while northern regions are projected to see the largest declines. She clarified for members that her figures measure resident children, not school enrollment, and that boundary changes are not reflected in the district-level data. The presentation also covered demographic change among students. Brower said about 35% of Minnesota children ages 5 to 17 are children of color, with growing multiracial populations and increasing linguistic diversity. She reported that about 20% of school-age children have at least one foreign-born parent, and about 18% of enrolled students speak a language other than English at home, with Spanish, Somali, and Hmong the largest home languages. She also discussed child poverty, saying Minnesota’s rate is just under 10%, below the national rate of about 15%, and that poverty is concentrated in Minneapolis-St. Paul, some first-ring suburbs, and parts of northern Minnesota, including districts with larger Native populations. Members asked questions about whether the projections accounted for migration and whether open enrollment affected the figures; Brower said the data reflect where children live, not where they attend school, and that the projections are based on recent migration and birth patterns, with future changes more likely to come from international immigration than from domestic migration.

Transcript Highlights:

• The<00:25:24.000> Senate<00:25:24.440> added<00:25:24.679> language<00:25:25.080
• And<00:25:33.000> then<00:25:33.320> model<00:25:33.960> laboratory<00:25:34.720
• That<00:25:45.400> takes<00:25:45.679> us<00:25:45.840> over<00:25:46.000> to
• Uh, yes, this just allows the University of Kentucky to use the P3 method for projects of at least $25
• c> method for projects of at least 25 method for projects of at least 25 million<01:17:31.920> that

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Free Conference Committee on the 2026 General Assembly budget met to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of House Bill 500. Leaders opened by thanking the other chamber’s work, asking members to turn microphones on and off to avoid feedback, and stressing the need to clearly note decision points so both chambers record the same actions. Staff then walked through the bill page by page, explaining that the committee was comparing only House and Senate differences, not the governor’s proposed budget. The discussion covered a wide range of appropriations and language items, including next generation non-911 services, school safety reporting tools, restored funding for brain injury, epilepsy, veteran service, homeless veterans, and rocket docket programs, debt service changes, rural infrastructure, disaster aid caps, Attorney General and Medicaid fraud funding, agriculture and county fair grants, auditor and pension-related appropriations, school facilities and SEEK funding, and numerous education programs. Members also discussed charter-related funding such as Star Academy, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, school resource officers, school-based mental health providers, AP/IB exams, Governor’s Scholars and Entrepreneurs, and several pilot or initiative programs in economic development, energy, and labor. Several items were described as technical corrections or restorations of language and funding, while others reflected differences in amounts or how funds would be distributed. There were several questions and comments from members about wording such as “implement and carry out,” the absence of the governor’s budget from the comparison document, and whether SEEK funding should be tied to teacher raises. The chair and other members emphasized that the committee’s role was to reconcile the two chambers’ budgets, not to adopt the governor’s proposal. Members also raised concerns about opioid settlement funds and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library match rate, with one senator urging restoration of the House language. No final vote or formal action was taken in the portion provided; the meeting primarily consisted of explanation, questions, and discussion of proposed budget differences.

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.200> On<00:25:01.520> line<00:25:02.480> on<00:25:02.720> page<00:25:
• 00:25:22.320> grant<00:25:22.720> program<00:25:23.200> created<00:25:23.520>
• for a significant art project<00:25:43.679> in<00:25:44.000> St.
• <00:25:46.559> through project in St.
• 16 uh provide greater specificity about where<00:25:50.080> that<00:25:50.400> project

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > can<00:25:00.880> to<00:25:01.200> listen<00:25:01.440> to<00:25:01.600
• > our<00:25:27.600> job<00:25:28.159> so<00:25:28.480> easy<00:25:29.039>
• And also<00:25:35.360> the<00:25:35.880> members<00:25:36.880> from<00:25:37.200
• :25:45.120> get<00:25:45.360> this<00:25:45.919> beautiful<00:25:46.400> bill
• reflect<00:25:48.480> and<00:25:48.799> invest<00:25:49.440> for<00:25:49.760><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Too<00:25:02.080> often,<00:25:02.600> there<00:25:02.840> are<00:25:03.120>
• where<00:25:05.400> where<00:25:05.520> we<00:25:05.679> see<00:25:05.840>
• This<00:25:53.200> project<00:25:53.720> will<00:25:53.840> support<00:25:54.240
• The total project cost of the big cats exhibit is approximately $25 million.
• . project. project.

Transcript Highlights:

• 25:02.400> that<00:25:02.720> goes<00:25:03.600> that<00:25:03.840> they<
• .<00:25:05.360> And<00:25:05.600> this<00:25:05.840> bill<00:25:06.240> is
• like<00:25:16.640> this<00:25:16.880> is<00:25:16.960> the<00:25:17.200>
• 25:22.480> just<00:25:22.720> a<00:25:22.880> free-for-all<00:25:23.520> up
• uh on with claims of what these through uh on with claims of what these projects<00:25:46.880> were

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• d38 projects how many of those projects d38 projects how many of those projects are<00:17:15.880
• <00:25:28.480> uh<00:25:29.159> affordable<00:25:29.720> housing<00:25:30.080>
• :30.880> for<00:25:31.080> the<00:25:31.159> people<00:25:31.360> of<00:25
• c><00:25:42.039> support<00:25:43.039> Sarah<00:25:43.399> chanan<00:25:43.919><
• :25:59.279> else<00:25:59.480> wishing<00:25:59.720> to<00:25:59.880> testify

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several housing-related measures, with most witnesses supporting bills aimed at expanding affordable housing tools and financing. SB 1169, creating a Community Land Trust Equity pilot program, drew support from HHFDC and Nahal UI, which said revolving funds would help community land trusts build permanently affordable housing more efficiently. SB 1200, establishing a workforce housing regulatory sandbox within HHFDC, also received support from HHFDC and others, though HHFDC noted concerns about whether the measure could be read to preempt county permitting and zoning powers. SB 511, which would require county legislative bodies rather than HHFDC to approve certain housing project exemptions, prompted HHFDC to suggest revised language and a possible processing deadline for applications; the discussion focused on avoiding indefinite delays and clarifying county and state roles. SB 1283, creating an emergency home loan assistance revolving fund, was introduced with comments from the Department of Budget and Finance and HHFDC. SB 612, on rent-to-build equity agreements for exempt housing projects, drew support and questions about how many affected projects are rentals versus for-sale units. SB 944, extending and expanding low-income housing tax credit provisions, received support from Sugar Creek Capital, Hawaii Housing, and the Chamber of Commerce, while the Tax Foundation raised a technical concern about inconsistent use of the term “taxpayer.” HPHA-supported bills SB 1413 and SB 1412 were also heard, along with SB 1632, which would direct DBEDT to develop a comprehensive action plan for a local housing market; testimony on that measure was strongly supportive but included calls to examine constitutional and legal issues and broader market-structure concerns. The committee also began discussion of SB 1033 and noted it was closely related to SB 1131, with the chair indicating an inclination to move only one of the two similar tax proposals forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• to whether<00:25:06.720> we<00:25:06.880> choose<00:25:07.279> and<00:25:07.520
• c><00:25:09.360> in<00:25:09.520> terms<00:25:09.760> of<00:25:09.919> that
• I think<00:25:15.679> I<00:25:15.840> have<00:25:16.000> described<00:25:16.480>
• a<00:25:16.799> lot<00:25:16.880> of<00:25:16.960> that<00:25:17.279>
• 00:25:20.400> processed,<00:25:21.120> but<00:25:21.360> thanks<00:25:21.679>

Keywords: The first few minutes of this meeting was missed on the live stream. This upload restores those few minutes, 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee met with Secretary Jeff Null and General Counsel Matt Wing of the Cabinet for Economic Development for an overview of the cabinet’s main economic development tools, strategy, and compliance practices. Null said the cabinet uses a data-driven approach focused on competitiveness, site readiness, wages, workforce training, and long-term assets such as roads, rail spurs, water, and sewer improvements. He emphasized that the cabinet tries to balance attracting new employers with supporting existing businesses, and said compliance is a core value of the agency. Null walked members through several programs, including the closing fund, Kentucky Business Incentive (KBI), Bluegrass State Skills Corporation training support, and the KIA sales-tax refund tool for construction materials and equipment. He said the closing fund has received $80 million over two years for projects generally involving at least $10 million in investment, though some flexibility exists. He also explained that Bluegrass State Skills funding is typically about $2,000 to $3,000 per job and can be used flexibly for training, including sending Kentucky workers to be trained elsewhere or paying trainers to come to Kentucky. He described KBI as a pay-as-you-go, incremental tax credit tied to actual jobs and investment, and said the legislature’s tiered refundable credit structure allows more targeted use of incentives in heritage and non-heritage counties. A substantial portion of the presentation focused on compliance and monitoring. Null said incentive agreements are written with commercial terms and spell out jobs, investment, wages, and training commitments. The cabinet requires regular reporting, invoices, and sampling, and can use clawbacks or suspend benefits if companies fail to meet obligations or lose required environmental permits. He said the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority reviews incentive applications in public meetings and often requires company representatives to answer questions before preliminary approval is granted. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• . projects. projects.
• . projects. projects.
• <01:25:21.240> such<01:25:21.520> such<01:25:21.800> so<01:25:21.920> not
• 25:26.280> know,<01:25:26.560> if<01:25:27.440> if<01:25:27.600> 11<01:25
• <01:25:29.160> safer,<01:25:29.640> maybe<01:25:29.920> 13<01:25:30.400> ft

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.400> I<00:25:00.640> know<00:25:00.799> we<00:25:01.039> passed<00:25
• They<00:25:08.480> should<00:25:08.720> be<00:25:08.880> looked<00:25:09.120>
• :25:10.559> do<00:25:10.799> anything<00:25:11.760> for<00:25:12.080> the
• Three Rivers has been building housing in greater Minnesota for 29 years, completing 47 projects in 25
• Three Rivers has been building housing in greater Minnesota for 29 years, completing 47 projects in 25

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > this<01:25:30.000> project<01:25:30.320> and come before us and said this project
• and come before us and said this project and this<01:25:30.960> project<01:25:31.199> and<
• /c><01:25:31.520> this<01:25:31.760> project<01:25:32.400> and<01:25:32.639>
• <01:25:37.120> project<01:25:37.440> labor advantages of getting project labor advantages
• <01:25:54.000> fact<01:25:54.320> project<01:25:54.719> lay<01:25:54.880>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened its labor hearing on SB 655 and outlined the day’s schedule, including a later working session on SB 416 and an executive session planned for 2:30 p.m. Senator Dan Innis introduced SB 655, describing it as a technical bill affecting employee leasing companies/professional employer organizations (PEOs), workers’ compensation coverage, and a Senate-added minimum wage exemption for minor league baseball players covered by a collective bargaining agreement. He said the PEO change would let either the PEO or the client business hold workers’ comp coverage, while still requiring coverage, and argued it would align New Hampshire with most other states and reduce barriers for small businesses and multi-state employers. He also said the baseball provision would clarify wage treatment for minor league players and support the Manchester team. Justin Warell of Insperity testified in support of the PEO portion, explaining that PEOs provide HR, payroll, benefits administration, and workers’ compensation administration through a co-employment model. He said the bill would preserve mandatory coverage while allowing flexibility for the client or PEO to maintain the policy, which could help clients who already have preferred coverage or who face cost or administrative issues in multiple states. He noted that most clients would still remain under the PEO’s policy and said Insperity would submit written comments. Committee members asked about how the arrangement would work, whether the client or PEO would pay, and whether the bill would affect liability insurance packaging; Warell said the employer still bears the cost and that the bill mainly gives larger clients an option. One member asked him to remain available for possible follow-up after hearing from the labor department. Stephen Gonzalez of Major League Baseball testified in support of the minor league baseball exemption. He said MLB and the MLB Players Association negotiated a collective bargaining agreement that already provides players with salary, housing, meals, per diems, health and retirement benefits, disability continuation, tuition assistance, and signing bonuses. He argued that treating players as hourly workers creates impractical time-tracking problems because players do work-related activities on their own time, and said the bill would recognize them as salaried workers and avoid litigation over what counts as hours worked. Committee members questioned why the exemption was needed if players are already salaried and whether MLB could simply amend its CBA; Gonzalez said the bill would help prevent wage-and-hour lawsuits and noted that similar exemptions have been enacted in other states. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the chair indicated the bill would be considered for executive action later that afternoon.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:03.440> anyway<00:25:04.159> um<00:25:04.720> the<00:25:05.919> rep
• :25:09.120> or<00:25:09.440> we're<00:25:09.760> asking<00:25:10.240> her
• some demonstrations and um like with other<00:25:15.520> projects<00:25:16.080> start<00
• :25:16.400> possibly<00:25:16.880> starting<00:25:17.200> a other projects start
• possibly starting a other projects start possibly starting a pilot.<00:25:17.919> We<00:25:18.159

Bills: HB1559, HB2012, HB2297, HB2122, HB2345, HB2398, HB2534, HB2621

Keywords: telecommunication devices, student use, public schools, student engagement, educational outcomes, confiscation policy, mental health, statewide policy, community literacy, education, Title I funding, reading proficiency, underserved communities, family engagement, tutoring, literacy support, adult education, community education, literacy programs, workforce development

Transcript Highlights:

• out smaller<00:25:02.240> challenge<00:25:02.640> grants<00:25:03.279> uh<00:25
• :25:16.400> we'll<00:25:16.559> work<00:25:16.720> very<00:25:16.960> closely
• <00:25:18.240> Um,<00:25:18.640> University<00:25:18.880> of<00:25:19.039>
• <00:25:30.000> about<00:25:30.240> a<00:25:30.400> third<00:25:30.640> of
• <00:25:31.360> entering<00:25:31.760> into<00:25:32.159> a<00:25:32.400> and<

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met and approved the August 21, 2025 minutes. The main presentation came from Brandon Reid of the Kentucky Office of Agriculture Policy, who reported that implementation of the Kentucky Agriculture Economic Development Board created by Senate Bill 28 and House Joint Resolution 31 is ahead of schedule. He said the board has been appointed and has met several times, has adopted guidelines and an application process, and has launched its application on the KDA website. He also noted new staffing, including a project manager, and said the office is already working on projects, though some are confidential because of coordination with the Economic Development Cabinet and nondisclosure agreements. Members praised the effort and emphasized the importance of having agriculture represented in economic development work. Reid also described ongoing outreach by Commissioner Jonathan Shell, including farmer appreciation and classroom visits across the state. The committee then heard from Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton and Bluegrass Ag Tech Development Corp. executive director Jacob Ball about the Bluegrass Ag Tech Development Corp., a public-private partnership involving Lexington-Fayette, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the University of Kentucky, and Altech. They said the organization aims to make Kentucky a national and international hub for ag tech, and that it has already awarded challenge grants to startups. Ball explained that the program focuses on animal protein, nutrition, sustainability, mid-size farm solutions, and Kentucky traditions such as distilling and equine. He reported that two rounds of grants have totaled $925,000, with the first round’s seven companies leveraging that into nearly $7 million in follow-on investment, supporting 56.5 Kentucky jobs and creating more than a dozen new jobs. The presentation also highlighted statewide outreach, including applications and engagement from counties across Kentucky, and the goal of expanding participation in eastern Kentucky. Members expressed support for both initiatives and discussed the value of agriculture-specific expertise in economic development. Reid said the Department of Agriculture and the Economic Development Cabinet maintain regular communication and that the new board gives agriculture a seat at the table for future site and industry recruitment efforts. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• . projects. projects.
• :00.480> so<00:25:00.640> ago,<00:25:01.520> and<00:25:01.840> now<00:25:
• 05.840> we<00:25:06.080> are<00:25:06.400> no<00:25:06.640> longer<00:25:
• We<00:25:10.240> we<00:25:10.640> are<00:25:10.799> able<00:25:10.960> to
• <00:25:11.120> screen<00:25:11.440> and<00:25:11.600> get<00:25:11.760> out

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several personnel and employment bills. SB 2119 would require the state or counties to reimburse public officers and employees for approved work-related travel costs within 30 days; testifiers from the State Procurement Office, UPW, HGA, the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, and others supported the measure, citing delayed reimbursements. SB 3131 would update state position titles by changing “private secretary” to “executive assistant” and “secretary” to “administrative assistant” where applicable, and it drew support from DEED and comments from the State Librarian. SB 3069 would permanently exempt a limited number of specialized positions in DAGS Public Works and the Comptroller’s office from civil service; DAGS, HCDA, and DEED supported it, while UPW opposed it. Committee members questioned whether the exemption should be narrower and whether the positions should be consultants or actual employees, and DAGS said the roles were narrowly tailored, highly specialized, and intended to help manage complex projects such as Aloha Stadium, the convention center, and other major redevelopment work. The committee then heard SB 3180, which would repeal the limit on temporary employment in a single position for two 89-day terms. Testimony included support from the Procurement Office, DOE, DHRD, the State Librarian in opposition, UPW written comments, HGA, the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii, and others. Discussion focused on whether the bill was needed to address abuse of repeated 89-day hires and whether it would affect recruitment and career pathways. Finally, SB 2137 would allow departments, divisions, and agencies to assume hiring and recruitment functions from DHRD under certain conditions. DHRD opposed the bill, saying existing law already allows delegation and that agency-level recruitment often lacks the expertise and staffing to do the work; UHPA supported it, and UPW submitted written support. In questioning, DHRD said it had reduced backlog and was now current on screening, while also offering programs like Operation Hire Hawaii for faster agency-led recruitment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:25:04.240> so<00:25:04.520> I've<00:25:04.640> seen<00:25:04.840> a
• > projections<00:25:07.480> looking published about the projections looking published about
• the projections looking out<00:25:07.960> up<00:25:08.080> to<00:25:08.240> a<00
• :25:08.280> decade<00:25:08.920> out<00:25:09.080> from<00:25:09.240> now.
• 25:54.160> in<00:25:54.360> in<00:25:54.480> the<00:25:54.560> house.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:26 Approval of Minutes 00:02:27 LIHEAP Presentation and Public Hearing 00:02:42 Conservation Opportunities in Kentucky 00:29:52, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up a public hearing and presentation on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Shannon Hall of the Department for Community Based Services and Rick Baker of Community Action Kentucky explained that LIHEAP is a 100% federally funded block grant that helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills, avoid utility disconnects, and support weatherization. They outlined the program’s components, eligibility limits, seasonal application periods, and recent participation figures, including tens of thousands of households served through the summer cooling, fall subsidy, winter crisis, and spring subsidy components. They also described weatherization priorities, the partnership with Kentucky Housing Corporation, and the role of Community Action agencies in administering the program statewide. Members asked about Assurance 16, the balance between need and available funding, summer cooling assistance, weatherization measurement, renter versus homeowner participation, and whether federal changes could affect LIHEAP. Hall and Baker said Assurance 16 supports energy-burden reduction through education, case management, and conservation strategies; that funding has generally been sufficient in recent years but crisis funds have sometimes been exhausted quickly in the past; and that summer assistance is primarily electric utility support. They also said weatherization uses return-on-investment testing and that Kentucky still has a large backlog of homes needing service. On federal funding, they said the recently passed federal bill did not directly cut LIHEAP, but future appropriations could still affect it, and any major reduction could leave a gap the state might need to consider filling. The committee approved the minutes and later approved the LIHEAP finding of fact; no members of the public signed up to testify. After concluding LIHEAP, the committee heard a presentation from Heather Jeff of The Nature Conservancy on conservation opportunities in Kentucky. She described the organization’s voluntary land-protection work and highlighted the Cumberland Forest project, a conservation easement on about 55,000 acres in Bell, Knox, and Leslie counties supported in part by a $3.875 million state appropriation. She also reported on mine-land reforestation, elk habitat work, and the rapid allocation of a $2 million appropriation for the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund. Jeff emphasized the economic value of conservation for tourism, hunting and fishing, agriculture, forestry, bourbon, and flood protection, and said the group is finalizing a Kentucky conservation needs assessment and related feasibility research.

Transcript Highlights:

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• go<00:25:19.600> back<00:25:19.840> and<00:25:20.159> say<00:25:20.480>
• > would<00:25:25.600> change<00:25:26.080> and<00:25:26.640> offer<00:25:
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• 25:50.799> them<00:25:50.960> in<00:25:51.120> the<00:25:51.279> bill I've

Bills: HB0078, HB0087, SF0070, SF0068, SF0017, SF0043

Keywords: forest health, grant program, state forester, wildfire prevention, environmental conservation, habitat improvement, water development, feasibility studies, appropriations, water management, rehabilitation, irrigation, public works, agricultural supply, municipal water, funding, maintenance projects, tax assessments, state law, forestry management

Transcript Highlights:

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• equity<00:25:47.240> and<00:25:47.399> I<00:25:47.480> want<00:25:47.640>
• sb151<00:25:51.200> as<00:25:51.320> you've<00:25:51.559> heard<00:25:51.799>
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Keywords: 1191, senate, all