Transcript Highlights:

• House Concurrent Resolution 26 by Representative Chenevere is to urge and request BESE to incorporate
• House Concurrent Resolution 26 by Representative Chenevere is to urge and request Bessie to incorporate
• Currently, the standards, the resolution notes, while current science and health standards cover topics

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Concurrent Resolution 26 by Representative Chenevere is to urge and request BESE to incorporate
• House Concurrent Resolution 26 by Representative Chenevere is to urge and request Bessie to incorporate
• And currently in the standards, the resolution notes that while current science and health standards

Bills: HCR26, HB28, HB195, HB283, HB316, HB319, HB363, HB380, HB386, HB392, HB406, HB636, HB738, HB807, HB905, HB992, HB1146

Keywords: human growth, development education, prenatal education, state standards, biological science, teacher certification, certification appeals, BESE, State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, Teacher Certification Appeals Council, educator licensure, teaching license, teacher licensure, appeals process, certification denial, administrative appeal, special meeting, board president, retroactive application, education board

Summary: The committee met with a large docket and adopted the April 29 minutes. Several bills were heard and advanced, mostly on education, workforce, literacy, early childhood, charter schools, and student mental health. Testimony was generally supportive, with many witnesses waiving in favor; a few bills drew questions about implementation, student awareness, and whether proposals were sufficiently broad or specific. House Bill 406, requiring the Department of Education to study the direction and regulation of interscholastic high school athletics and report back by March 1, 2027, was reported favorably after testimony from a retired principal who urged an open-minded study and discussion from the bill author about compliance and the bill’s purpose. House Bill 380, creating a pilot program between community and technical colleges and local school systems to expand awareness of CDL, entry-level driver training, and related programs, was also reported favorably. House Bill 807, creating a workforce and structure capacity investment program and fund to help industry partner with colleges to train instructors, was reported favorably after support from higher education and industry witnesses; senators raised interest in adding a stronger health care component and in reaching students earlier, but the author said he would work on amendments. The committee also advanced House Bill 316 on adolescent literacy and high-dose tutoring, with amendments clarifying teacher training timing, existing statutory bans on outdated literacy practices, and charter school participation; House Bill 1146, consolidating early childhood governance into a commission; House Bill 28, creating an appeal path for denied teacher certification applicants through BESE; and House Bill 992, assigning early childhood education identification numbers to support data collection on outcomes. House Concurrent Resolution 26, urging BESE to add the science of human growth and development to science and health standards and provide approved instructional resources, was amended and reported favorably. House Bill 386, allowing local districts to let locally authorized charter schools operate as their own LEA under district rules, was amended and reported favorably. House Bill 392, expanding suicide prevention information requirements on school websites, ID cards, handbooks, and signage, was reported favorably as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have one measure on this agenda, House Concurrent Resolution 202 HD2.
• I think I just wanted to express my support for this resolution.
• And we have one measure on this agenda that is House Concurrent Resolution 165.

Bills: HCR202

Keywords: Hawaii, renewable energy, task force, energy independence, cost savings, decarbonization, public utilities, stakeholders, clean energy goals, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Consumer Commerce and Consumer Protection heard HCR 202 HD2, a resolution creating a task force to study Hawaii’s electric generation mix and related costs. Testimony from the Hawaii State Energy Office was neutral and stood on written comments, while another testifier supported the resolution, emphasizing affordability, reliability, and the need to understand the right balance of thermal generation and renewables as the state moves toward its 2045 renewable goals. The chairs said they had conferred on the measure and outlined recommended amendments, including adding study of the separation of ownership and control of generation versus transmission and distribution, and adding Senate committee representation to the task force. The Consumer Commerce and Consumer Protection committee voted to pass HCR 202 HD2 with amendments; the chair, vice chair, and another member voted aye, with one senator excused, and the recommendation was adopted. The Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee did not have quorum at that time and said it would take its vote later. The Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee also heard HCR 165, concerning pickleball courts in Hawaii Kai. One resident testified in opposition, citing concerns about permanent lights, permanent nets, noise, light pollution, safety, maintenance, and the loss of multi-use flexibility. After discussion, the chair recommended passing the measure as is, and the committee said it would vote the next day because it lacked quorum. The committee also heard HCR 154 and HCR 43 with the Transportation Committee; HCR 154 was passed unamended, and HCR 43, which urged raised crosswalks near Ala Wai Elementary School for pedestrian safety, was also passed unamended. Supporters of HCR 43 described heavy pedestrian traffic, schoolchildren crossing, and unsafe vehicle turning patterns at the intersections. The Transportation Committee adopted both recommendations, while the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee scheduled its votes for the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• , 2117, 2117, 2122, 2126, 2131, 2132, 2132, 2132, 2142, 2144, 2148, 2249, 2249, 2289, and House Concurrent
• Memorial 2001, 2002, and House Concurrent Resolution 2001, are constitutional and in proper form.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Rules Committee met to consider House Bill 2074, an abortion regulation measure that would add a reporting requirement and make failure to comply a class two misdemeanor. The Rules Attorney said the bill is in proper form but flagged possible constitutional issues in light of Arizona’s 2024 Prop. 139, which established a fundamental right to abortion and bars laws that deny, restrict, or interfere with that right. Members questioned the penalty and whether similar reporting requirements exist for other fundamental rights. The bill was recommended as constitutional and in proper form by a 5-3 vote, with opponents arguing it would criminalize providers and volunteers and conflict with the voters’ constitutional amendment. The committee then took up a mass motion covering numerous other bills and memorials. The Rules Attorney said the measures were in proper form, and offered a specific comment on House Bill 2110, which concerns prayer at school board meetings. He noted that courts are split on whether such prayer is permissible and said the sponsor was working with the office on a floor amendment to address potential legal concerns. After no further questions, the committee approved the mass motion by an 8-0 vote, recommending the listed measures as constitutional and in proper form. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The secretary will read Senate Resolution 81.
• Senator Murphy introduced Senate Resolution 81, a Senate resolution relating to the appointment of a
• Is there any discussion on the resolution?
• The motion prevails and the resolution The motion prevails and the resolution is<00:26:33.720>
• ,<00:26:38.320> I Pursuant to the foregoing resolution, I Pursuant to the foregoing resolution

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Resolutions.
• Senate Concurrent Resolution 2, supporting practices of freedom of religion in public spaces.
• I declare the resolution adopted.
• Clerk will read the resolution.
• I declare the resolution adopted. Bills on third reading. The resolution is declared adopted.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, the first item on the order will be Senate Concurrent Resolution 43 with Chair West, if he's here
• consideration will be Senate concurrent consideration will be Senate concurrent resolution<00:01
• I think if we do this, he's told me Kentucky will be the first state with a concurrent resolution on
• <00:03:12.280> resolution<00:03:12.760> on state with a concurrent resolution on state
• with a concurrent resolution on this<00:03:13.680> so<00:03:13.879> we<00:03:13.959>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Primary and Secondary Education Committee met and first considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 43, a proposal tied to the Southern Regional Education Board’s crisis recovery network. Senator West and Dr. Puit explained that, for an additional $10,000 in dues, Kentucky would help create a network of 40 trained counselors in each of the 16 Southern states to provide post-crisis stabilization and psychological first aid after events such as the Marshall County shooting. They emphasized that the effort would be complementary to local and state response, would run through the school district, would not replace therapeutic services, and would allow districts to coordinate parent notifications and other protocols as usual. Members asked about parent involvement and whether pastoral counselors could participate; the presenters said local districts would remain in charge and that pastors could be included if properly credentialed. The committee then voted, and SCR 43 passed with the expression of opinion that it should pass. The committee next took up Senate Bill 207, the School of Innovation Act, with a committee substitute. Senator West described the bill as creating an optional path for districts to contract with an outside education service provider for a three-year school-of-innovation model, aimed at turning around low-performing schools or supporting other schools that want to innovate. He said the model would preserve core district functions such as transportation, facilities, and SEEK funding, while allowing waivers from certain statutes and regulations inside the school building. The committee substitute also added a high-quality instructional materials component, creating a vendor-supported repository of vetted instructional materials that KDE would still control, with testing data used to evaluate whether the materials were improving outcomes. Members questioned how the proposal differed from existing district-of-innovation law and what safeguards would exist for students. Senator West said the bill would repeal the unused district-of-innovation framework and replace it with a clearer process and guardrails, including KDE oversight, attendance rules, and authority to shut down a school arrangement for financial malfeasance. He also said the model could work with local partners, including superintendents’ associations, and could be used by magnet or other schools, not only low-performing ones. The discussion also touched on whether the bill would allow more flexibility in choosing third-party providers and whether it could support longer-term recovery and even philanthropy in schools. The transcript ends during the discussion of SB 207, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I did submit important resolutions.
• I do ask that you amend the resolutions I do ask that you amend the resolutions as<00:07:00.800>
• , in the resolution, in the resolution, would<00:17:58.760> those<00:17:59.080> Ka<
• resolution. I'm available for questions. resolution. I'm available for questions.
• Now we are on the last resolution. Now we are on the last resolution.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a series of resolutions and a few bills, with testimony largely in support across the agenda. Early measures included HCR 15/HR 17 supporting Kamehameha Schools’ admissions policy, and HCR 22/HR 22 urging Congress to pass federal kidney disease legislation; both drew support and no opposition. The committee also heard HCR 146 HD1/HR 138 HD1 on “excited delirium,” with testimony from advocates urging the resolutions be broadened to include related terms such as hyperactive delirium and agitated delirium, and from family members and disability-rights advocates describing the issue as harmful pseudoscience tied to police-custody deaths and calling for a ban on the term and better mental-health responses. The committee then took up HCR 123/HR 115 on creating a coordinated support and stabilization task force for Native Hawaiians experiencing homelessness or extreme low income. Department of Hawaiian Home Lands testified in support, describing its transitional housing work and saying collaboration and data-sharing with the state homelessness office would help beneficiaries and others; members questioned whether existing entities already do similar work and whether the proposal would extend beyond beneficiaries. HCR 32/HR 32, which asks the governor’s senior advisor on mental health and the justice system to develop a plan to increase access to Hawaii State Hospital for certain criminal defendants, drew support from the Department of Health, the governor’s office, and disability-rights advocates, who emphasized coordinated planning, diversion from arrest when appropriate, and matching people to the right level of care. Additional resolutions addressed a range of policy issues: renaming Leeward Community College to Puloulou Community College (with no testimony), creating an ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi pathway under the Niʻihau dialect at UH (UH noted existing courses already cover the dialect but not a degree pathway), moving to a demerit-point driver licensing system (support only), and coordinating transportation infrastructure planning for Hawaiian home lands (DHHL supported the measure and said an expired DOT memorandum of understanding had covered related collaboration). The committee also heard support for expanding DHHL financial literacy and homeownership-preparedness programs, a resolution asking the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission to examine algorithmic discrimination, and a resolution urging the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Advisory Committee to follow its rules, comply with the Sunshine Law, review its executive director, and strengthen accountability; the last measure drew 11 written supports and no opposition. No final votes or decisions were taken in the portion provided, as the hearing focused on testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:22:39.760> methods<00:22:40.080> for dispute resolution methods for dispute resolution
• And now we're being told that alternative dispute resolution is the answer.
• And now we're being told that alternative dispute resolution is the answer.
• <02:51:20.880> of do have the prior concurrence of do have the prior concurrence of consumer
• I have prior concurrence from 340E-2.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several housing, landlord-tenant, and condominium-related measures. Senate Bill 62, relating to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority, would allow HPHA-owned parcels and related areas such as parking lots to be closed to the public with posted signage; HPHA strongly supported the bill, saying it would help reduce loitering, drinking, and other problems, and no further testimony was offered. Senate Bill 822, relating to the landlord tenant code, would create a three-year working group in the Department of the Attorney General to study and improve the residential landlord-tenant code. The Judiciary supported the measure but said the scope should be narrowed; the Attorney General opposed leading the group and suggested another agency should do so; Hawaii Realtors and the Hawaii Worker Center supported the concept and suggested moving the chairmanship to the Judiciary and including Legal Aid participation. The Judiciary said it could chair the group if the bill were narrowed to matters within the court’s purview. Senate Bill 38, relating to housing, would limit counties from imposing stricter conditions, AMI requirements, or fee-waiver reductions on certain affordable housing proposals if those changes would increase project costs. HHFDC supported the bill, saying county changes after state approval create uncertainty for developers, while the Hawaii State Association of Counties opposed it as an intrusion on local authority and a restriction on county safety and infrastructure conditions. Members asked about whether existing county review periods were sufficient, and the county association said the main concern was the bill’s language limiting counties from making cost-increasing conditions. Senate Bill 146, relating to condominiums, would revise alternative dispute resolution procedures for condo disputes, including evaluative mediation and binding arbitration. The Hawaii Real Estate Commission said it took no position overall but supported a $150 mediation fee and asked for a similar arbitration fee; Community Associations Institute supported the bill with suggested amendments; however, most testimony was strongly opposed by condominium owners and advocates, who said the bill had been changed to the detriment of owners and would increase costs and reduce protections. The committee noted 44 testimonies on the bill, with 2 in support, 37 in opposition, and 2 with comments. Senate Bill 253, relating to condominium reserves, would require a detailed budget summary to stand on its own, remove a good-faith defense for certain noncompliant budgets, and clarify standing and the association’s burden regarding substantial compliance. Hawaii Realtors and Community Associations Institute supported the measure as improving transparency and giving owners and buyers a clearer picture of association finances. Greg Msakian also supported it, arguing it would help owners and describing problems he experienced with budget committee exclusion and budget noncompliance in his own association. The discussion ended while testimony on the bill was still underway, with additional witnesses expected.

Transcript Highlights:

• Several resolutions have been presented, which the Clerk will read. By Mr. Feeney.
• Several resolutions have been presented, which the Clerk will read. By Mr.
• The question comes on adoption of the resolutions. All those in favor say aye. Opposed?
• The ayes have it, and the resolutions are adopted.
• The ayes have it, and the resolutions are adopted. There is no objection.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted two congratulatory resolutions recognizing IBEW Local 103’s 125th anniversary and the Town of Tewksbury’s 375th anniversary. It then took up several local and private bills, including a revised charter bill for the City of Somerville and a sick leave bank bill for a Department of Corrections employee, both of which were advanced to engrossment. The chamber also suspended various joint rules to refer several House and Senate petitions to the appropriate committees. During the session, Senator Carr delivered a personal privilege statement reflecting on the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks and urging unity, compassion, and resolve in the face of division and violence. Later, the Committee on Ways and Means reported favorably on bills updating Nikki’s Law and the MassHealth day habilitation program, allowing fentanyl test strips, and regulating affordable car rentals; the Senate suspended the rules to consider these matters forthwith and ordered the first two to third reading, while adopting a Ways and Means amendment and advancing the car rental bill as amended. The Senate also concurred in House amendments to the Cambridge and Medford charter bills, adopted emergency preambles for two sick leave bank bills, and passed several measures to be enacted, including sick leave bank bills, the Cambridge and Medford charter bills, and a charter bill for the City of Saugus. The chamber adopted an order to reconvene the following Monday at 11 a.m., approved a motion to adjourn in memory of the victims of September 11, and observed a moment of silence before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• The order will be sent to the House for concurrence. The Senate is being in a brief recess.
• Rodrigues, has presented resolutions, which the clerk will read. By Mr.
• Rodrigues, resolutions congratulating People Incorporated on the grand opening of its newly early education
• The question comes on adoption of the resolutions. All those in favor say aye; opposed, no.
• The resolutions are adopted.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for former Senator Ed Kennedy. Members then adopted an order to recess the joint session until Thursday, October 9, 2025, and approved a congratulatory resolution for People Incorporated’s new early education center. The chamber also took up two local bills, ordering both to a third reading and then passing them to be engrossed: House 2320, establishing an appointed treasurer-collector in Berkeley, and House 4136, further regulating stabilization funds in Leicester. The Senate later held an adjournment in memory of Paul Holloway, with remarks honoring his service as a firefighter and educator in Holland and Palmer, followed by a moment of silence. The chamber also considered several matters on final passage, including bills related to the Gloucester Fisheries Commission and an additional liquor license in Maynard, and it advanced a House bill establishing a sick leave bank for Candy J. Pike of the Department of Developmental Services by ordering it to a third reading. The Senate suspended Joint Rule 12 and referred a House petition to establish a sick leave bank for David A. Russell of the Department of Correction to the Committee on Public Service. Near the close, the Senate recognized National Faith in Blue Week and thanked law enforcement and faith-based communities. Members adopted an order to meet again the following Thursday at 11 a.m., dispense with printing a calendar, and then adjourned in memory of Paul Holloway.

Transcript Highlights:

• Several resolutions have been presented, which the clerk will read. By Mr.
• Fattman, resolutions commending All Care Medical Supply on the 25th anniversary of its founding.
• Lovely, resolutions congratulating Owen Michael Odessa on his elevation to the rank of Eagle Scout.
• Miranda, resolutions commending the Black Mamas Matter Alliance for recognizing the week of April 11
• Moore, resolutions commending the IBS patient support group on its recognition of April 19, 2025, as

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and recognized NCSL liaisons Mark Quiner and Colleen Becker, who had been meeting with legislators and staff. Several ceremonial resolutions were also read, including commendations for All Care Medical Supply, congratulations to Eagle Scout Owen Michael Odessa, recognition of Black Maternal Health Care Week, and a resolution for World IBS Day. Senator Ryan Fattman and Representative David DeCoste then honored Molly Gann of Northbridge for scoring 1,000 career basketball points, breaking the town girls’ scoring record with 1,125 points, and becoming the fifth all-time leading scorer in Northbridge basketball history. The Senate also took up a rules matter involving a sick leave bank for Andrew Teterra and a petition concerning assault and battery by means of bodily substances on a transit worker. Senator Collins said the measure was important because transit workers, like public safety employees, cannot strike and need workplace protections amid increasing violence. The Senate suspended the rules and referred the matters to the Committee on the Judiciary. Finally, Senators Collins and O’Connor moved that the Senate adjourn in memory of Paul F. Gannon of South Boston, and they offered a tribute to his life, family, work as a Teamsters member and longshoreman, and athletic and community ties. The motion prevailed, the chamber observed a moment of silence, and the Senate adjourned to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Rules reports recommending that the following resolutions ought to be adopted: resolutions
• Resolutions filed by Representative Roy of Franklin, congratulating Diati Pepinini on achieving the rank
• of Eagle Scout of Scouting America, and resolutions filed by Representative Soder of Bellingham, congratulating
• Question comes on adoption of the resolutions. All those in favor say aye; opposed, no.
• The resolutions are adopted.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House began with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several committee reports and procedural motions. The Committee on Rules recommended adoption of resolutions honoring Frontal Temporal Degeneration Awareness Week, congratulating Eagle Scout Diati Pepinini, and recognizing retiring Bellingham Town Administrator Dennis Frayne; the House suspended the rules and adopted all three. Members also welcomed the Rolling Warriors vault hockey team of North Attleboro, congratulating them on winning the first U.S. gold medal in the North American Vault Hockey Championship and wishing them well at the upcoming World Cup in Sweden. The House approved extensions of reporting deadlines for the Committees on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies and on Transportation, and suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow referral of several petitions, including one on alcohol sales and delivery regulation, one seeking a MassHealth asset-limit exemption for personal vehicle value, and one establishing a sick leave bank for a Department of Correction employee. The Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee then placed several bills on the calendar, including measures on postural screenings in schools, motor vehicle battery storage, alcohol licensing and permitting, check cashing rates, and local liquor licenses for Somerset and West Springfield. The House suspended Rule 7A, gave the bills second reading, and ordered them to a third reading. On final action, the House passed to be enacted a bill increasing the membership of the Mattapoisett Select Board. It also engrossed a Holyoke alcohol-license bill and a Conway special fund bill. For House Bill 4264, the Somerville charter bill, Representative Walsh offered a substitute amendment, which was adopted, and the bill was then passed to be engrossed as amended. The House then adopted an order to adjourn and recessed until Monday at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• <05:33:50.320> or concurrences or concurrences or >> I<05:33:51.280> don't<05:33:
• It's a resolution. Thank you.
• It's a resolution.<05:49:29.760> Thank<05:49:29.920> you. resolution.
• Thank you. resolution. Thank you.
• House Resolution 35. House Resolution 35.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• option of the resolution? The chair hears none, the resolution is adopted.
• resolution.
• The chair lays out the following resolutions. The secretary will read. the resolutions.
• resolution.
• President and Members, House Concurrent Resolution provides for a joint session on February 26th for

Bills: SJR2, SB4, SJR36, SJR2, SB4, SR42, SR74, SR76, HCR5, SB710, SB710

Keywords: SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, constitutional amendment, homestead exemption, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption, senior tax relief, disabled exemption, tax year 2025, voter approval, November 2025 ballot, local government, Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently, reported that several Senate petitions
• O'Connor, resolutions congratulating Jake Graziano on his elevation to the rank of Eagle Scout.
• The question comes on adoption of the resolution. All those in favor say aye; opposed, no.
• The resolution is adopted. Papers from the House.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, then took up reports from the Committee on Rules concerning several Senate petitions. On motion to suspend Rule 36 and Joint Rule 12, both suspensions were approved, allowing the matters to be referred to their respective committees. The chamber also welcomed a guest from the Hawaii Senate Clerk’s Office before briefly recessing while awaiting additional documents. After the recess, the Senate adopted a congratulatory resolution for Jake Graziano on attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. The House then returned Senate No. 2540, the fiscal year 2025 appropriations bill, with a House amendment striking everything after the enacting clause and substituting House Document No. 4265. Senator Roderick moved that the Senate non-concur in the House amendment and request a committee of conference, and the Chair appointed Senators Roderick, Comerford, and O'Connor to that committee. The Senate also adopted an order, offered by Senator Tarr, setting the next meeting for Thursday at 12:00 noon in a full formal session with a calendar. The chamber then adjourned to that time.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Rules reports recommending that the following resolutions ought to be adopted.
• Resolutions filed by Mr.
• Resolutions filed by Mr.
• The resolutions are adopted. Report of committee.
• The Committee on Rules and the Committees on Rules of the Two Branches acting concurrently report recommending

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several committee reports and procedural motions. The Committee on Rules recommended adoption of two resolutions: one recognizing the 100th anniversary of Ayrhill Farms in Adams and another congratulating Fiona White on earning the Girl Scouts’ Gold Award. The House suspended the rules and adopted both resolutions. The House also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow a petition concerning a board overseeing occupancy payments for manufactured housing community accommodations in Attleboro to be sent to the Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reported a slate of bills for House consideration, including measures on banking and credit union law, a local option real estate tax exemption for volunteer firefighters and EMTs, electronic filing of property valuation forms, delivery of property tax bills, notification of deceased animals on state highways, a Boston Fire Department age waiver for firefighter Fustiano’s Katayakis, and validation of Bourne’s May 20, 2025 annual election. The House suspended Rule 7A, took second readings on these bills, and ordered them to a third reading. The House then considered several bills released from the Committee on Bills in Third Reading. It passed to be engrossed House Bill 4185, relating to the nomination process for town meeting candidates in Milford; House Bill 4374, designating an overpass in Sandwich as the U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Torval Veteran Memorial Overpass; House Bill 4391, waiving the Boston Police Department maximum age requirement for Alex J. Rodriguez; and House Bill 4753, relative to the charter of the town of Westwood. The House adopted an order to adjourn to meet Tuesday at 11 a.m., and then adjourned to that time in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:03.040> Enrollment Alliance for Concurrent Enrollment Alliance for Concurrent Enrollment
• enrollment<00:04:07.360> programs the concurrent dual enrollment programs the concurrent
• Maybe concurrent uh enrollment program.
• need about dual and concurrent need about dual and concurrent enrollment<00:41:42.400> or
• approved college duel or concurrent approved college duel or concurrent enrollment<00:45:10.240>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• resolution.
• /c><00:23:49.400> any<00:23:49.600> time<00:23:49.960> by<00:23:50.080> concurrent
• um by at any time by concurrent um by at any time by concurrent resolution.<00:23:51.560> Um<
• /c> resolution.
• Um resolution.

Bills: SB2109, SB2151

Keywords: emergency preparedness, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, multilingual resources, American Sign Language, public education, community resilience, disaster response, emergency management, governor powers, legislative oversight, public safety, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Public Safety met on March 20, 2026, and the chair opened by noting severe rain and flooding conditions in Hawaii and said the committee would proceed with the hearing but defer decision-making until the next meeting on March 25. The first measure discussed was SB 2109, an omnibus bill on emergency preparedness communications. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, including from state agencies and advocacy groups such as the Disability and Communications Access Board, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Legal Clinic, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, and others. Supporters emphasized the need for funding and planning for multilingual emergency materials and language access, citing current evacuation notices that were not available in languages such as Ilokano or Tongan. The chair stated that action on SB 2109 would be deferred until March 25. The committee then heard SB 2151, relating to emergency management and changes to the governor’s emergency authority. Testimony was mixed but heavily focused on concerns about executive power. Earthjustice supported the bill with amendments, saying it should narrow extraordinary emergency powers, add definitions for emergency and disaster, preserve transparency under the Uniform Information Practices Act, and lower the legislative threshold to terminate an emergency proclamation from two-thirds to a simple majority. Other supporters, including the League of Women Voters of Hawaii and some individuals, also backed reform. Opponents, including Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and numerous individuals, argued the bill still gave the governor too much power, used overly broad disaster definitions, and did not sufficiently protect constitutional rights; several urged major amendments or repeal of portions of Chapter 127A. Some opponents specifically objected to the two-thirds termination standard and to provisions they said could enable compulsory immunizations or other mandates. Members questioned Earthjustice about whether the bill would suspend constitutional rights. Earthjustice responded that the bill would not authorize constitutional violations, but would allow suspension of laws enacted by the legislature, and pointed to existing statutory procedures for individuals to challenge emergency proclamations. The witness described a Mauna Kea case in which a three-judge panel granted relief to an individual under the current statute, and explained that the process could potentially affect a broader proclamation if allowed to run to completion. The hearing continued with additional testimony and questions, but no final vote or committee action on SB 2151 was taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Finance used the estimates provided, I believe, was House Resolution 17 by the House Ways and Means
• :05:30.199> believe<00:05:30.440> was<00:05:30.600> house<00:05:30.840> resolution
• provided I believe was house resolution provided I believe was house resolution 17<00:05:31.840>
• So this would simplify the process moving forward, and I ask for your concurrence.
• I I'd like to um uh for your concurrence I I'd like to second<00:21:32.240> that<00:21:33.159

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Committee met for final approval of HB 1 and HB 2, with legislative budget staff Michael Kain reviewing the final amendment documents and surplus statements. Kain explained that HB 1474H and HB 1484H incorporated the committee’s prior votes and the Governor’s recommended sections, and he walked through the budget math for the general fund, education trust fund, Highway Fund, and Fish and Game Fund. He said the committee’s proposal remained balanced overall, though the current-year general fund showed a projected deficit that HB 2 would address by allowing a possible rainy day fund transfer if needed. He also noted that the committee’s revenue estimates were below the Governor’s, requiring reductions and adjustments to appropriations and lapse assumptions. Members discussed the rainy day fund provisions, including a section in HB 2 that suspends existing restrictions so a transfer can be made if the deficit materializes. Kain said the committee’s approach differed from the Governor’s because the state was not below the overall revenue plan, and the fiscal committee would retain a role in determining any transfer. He also summarized that the Highway Fund would end with about a $13 million balance and Fish and Game with about $3 million, both without additional general fund support. The committee then adopted two amendments to HB 2 unanimously: Amendment 1473H, a technical cleanup to the Group 2 retirement seven-year rule, and Amendment 1482H, a technical correction to the recreational services language. Amendment 1484H, which incorporated those changes into HB 2, was adopted on a 14-1 vote after minority members objected to the bill’s broader cuts and policy changes, including reductions to state agencies, health and human services, and education-related provisions. The committee also adopted Amendment 1474H to HB 1A on a 14-1 vote after similar debate over budget reductions, vacancies, university funding, and school spending limits. Finally, the committee voted 14-1 to report HB 1A and HB 2 as amended as ought to pass, with the minority voting no and the committee planning a full House presentation the following week.