Transcript Highlights:

• In the unlikely event that we have to abruptly end this hearing due to technical difficulties, the committee
• In the unlikely event that we have to abruptly end this hearing due to technical difficulties, the committee
• I only sent half of what events I...
• </c><00:46:10.240><c> I</c><00:46:10.400><c> only</c> send only half of what events I only send only
• half of what events I only send<00:46:10.960><c> a</c> send a send a half uh<00:46:17.760><c> and</c>

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 834, which would change restrictions on transfers of real property under chapter 201H, HRS, and was discussed in the context of Hawaiian homelands and HHFDC-funded projects. Supporters, including HHFDC, DHHL, and individual testifiers, said the bill would clarify that Hawaiian homelands should not be subject to the 201H buyback and appreciation restrictions, while preserving affordability requirements tied to federal mortgage and tax credit programs. HHFDC explained that the main concern was the buyback/share-appreciation provisions, especially for DHHL projects using LIHTC or similar financing, and said aligning the statute with DHHL’s program goals would not be a problem. Members questioned whether removing the restrictions could weaken affordability protections, and whether the state could still prioritize beneficiaries and workforce housing, but no vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up SB 759, which would add the DHHL chairperson or designee to the HHFDC board of directors and adjust quorum requirements. DHHL and several supporters argued the measure would give Hawaiian Homes a seat at the table, improve access to HHFDC funding sources such as tax credits, private activity bonds, and revolving funds, and help leverage limited resources to reduce the Hawaiian Homes waitlist. One testifier supported the bill but urged safeguards to prevent favoritism or abuse of power, and another raised concerns about whether a DHHL representative would need to recuse from voting on projects involving DHHL. HHFDC testified that DHHL projects still must compete under the same criteria and set-asides as other applicants, and that the board already includes multiple public and executive representatives. Members pressed on whether DHHL could achieve the same informational goals without a voting seat, and whether the added board role would create leverage or conflicts. The DHHL witness said a nonvoting role could provide information, but a voting seat would be more useful for decision-making and advocacy. The discussion also covered DHHL’s use of LIHTC, rent-to-own models, transitional housing, and other layered financing, as well as the broader need to coordinate state housing resources. The transcript ends during continued questioning, with no final committee action or vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Federal cuts to Medicaid and the ACA subsidies will leave thousands... thousands of New Mexicans without
• What does the EPTC subsidy, what does that mean? Thank you for that question, Mr.
• Subsidies that are actually going away. That's not a lot of money, by the way.

Transcript Highlights:

• They never, ever stood for more government subsidy money supporting big business.
• four, a family of two making $100,000, $8,000 would go to health care costs before they reach the subsidy
• out, but this is kind of important to me. 8% of their income has to go to the premium before this subsidy

Transcript Highlights:

• SD2 incorporate the $16.5 million as requested by the governor to help assist families to have the subsidy
• SD2 incorporate the $16.5 million as requested by the governor to help assist families to have the subsidy
• SD2 incorporate the $16.5 million as requested by the governor to help assist families to have the subsidy
• </c><01:07:19.080><c> So,</c><01:07:19.240><c> as</c><01:07:19.320><c> the</c> from healthcare subsidies
• So, as the from healthcare subsidies.

Bills: SB709 , SB2089 , SB2090 , SB2108 , SB2211 , SB2250 , SB2325 , SB2803 , SB2866 , SB3245

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Summary: The committee heard SB 709 SD2, which would require the Department of Health to respond to reports involving persons with severe mental illness, assess eligibility for assisted community treatment, and coordinate treatment when appropriate. Testimony from the Department of Human Services and the Department of Health supported the measure, with DOH saying it generally supported the bill but had comments on one section it viewed as unnecessary. The Department of Law Enforcement later explained that the bill would shift certification and standards for crisis intervention officer training from DOH to DLE, while still involving DOH in the training process. Opposition came from the Hawaii Disability Rights Center and an individual testifier, both of whom argued the bill expands state authority over people with mental illness and could worsen forced treatment practices. The Disability Rights Center also raised procedural concerns, saying the bill was effectively moved from a prior administration measure that had not been heard this session, and questioned whether the bill’s changes to assisted community treatment, blood tests, urinalysis, and living arrangements went beyond current law. The individual testifier argued the bill would further entrench harmful psychiatric drugging and urged the committee to defer it. Committee members questioned the administration about the bill’s process, the role of the Attorney General in treatment-over-objection proceedings, and the practical effects of moving CIT certification to DLE. The Attorney General’s office said the bill was intended to fill a gap by allowing it to assist with treatment proceedings, while public defenders would continue to represent respondents and due process protections would remain in place. DLE and DOH said the change would better align certification with law enforcement training needs, improve speed in crisis response, and still keep DOH involved; members also discussed whether WAM counted as a hearing and whether the bill should more explicitly preserve DOH’s role. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:03:34.760><c> uh</c><01:03:35.680><c> low</c><01:03:36.000><c> subsidy</c><01:03:36.599><c> programs
• </c><01:03:37.079><c> that</c> subsidy uh low subsidy programs that subsidy uh low subsidy programs that
• <01:04:44.440><c> um</c><01:04:44.640><c> receive</c><01:04:45.079><c> these</c><01:04:45.480><c> subsidy
• </c><01:04:46.119><c> programs</c><01:04:47.000><c> for</c> to um receive these subsidy programs for
• to um receive these subsidy programs for the<01:04:47.400><c> medquest</c><01:04:48.000><c> division<

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Summary: The House Committee on Human Services and Homelessness met on February 6, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures. HB 44, which would appropriate funds to the Department of Human Services to work with community-based organizations on social services needs, drew broad support from nonprofit providers and coalitions that said contracts and reimbursement rates have not kept pace with the actual cost of services, leaving agencies unable to retain staff or meet demand. DHS said it supported the bill’s intent but asked for clarification because the language was broad and did not specify which organizations or how funds should be allocated. Committee members and the bill’s introducer discussed how to make the measure more specific and equitable, including whether to set a percentage increase, use a baseline date, and direct DHS to distribute funds among different program areas; the True Cost Coalition and DHS agreed to follow up in writing with proposed language and a funding number. The committee then heard HB 1349, which would authorize Medicaid/CHIP coverage for income-qualified pregnant persons and children regardless of immigration status. Supporters, including the Legal Clinic, Aloha Care, and the Hawaiʻi Coalition for Immigrant Rights, said the bill would improve prenatal and child health, reduce the chilling effect of immigration enforcement on care-seeking, and help prevent premature or underweight births by ensuring earlier access to providers. DHS provided comments and the committee asked where the measure would fit in the budget; the department identified the relevant budget code. Written testimony in support came from multiple advocacy and health organizations and dozens of individuals. Finally, the committee heard HB 613, which would appropriate funds to DHS for emergency shelter and services for unaccompanied homeless youth. The Office of the Public Defender, the Statewide Office of Homelessness and Housing Solutions, the Office of Youth Services, Rise, the Hawaiʻi State LGBTQ+ Commission, and others supported the bill, emphasizing youth homelessness, the need for coordinated shelter and outreach, and the high share of LGBTQ+ youth among homeless minors. OYS asked that the committee consider funding its existing Safe Spaces pilot rather than creating a new program, while DHS said it supported the intent but wanted clarification because multiple department programs could be implicated. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair instead requested follow-up language and funding information for HB 44 and continued the measures for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• We went from having a state nut to now a nutso subsidy. But Mr.
• There's another subsidy.
• There's no natural disaster, large fire, regional crisis, or extraordinary event beyond their control
• Ron Dancer, who served this House for many, many years, had a great plan: a small, relatively small subsidy
• it's decades of poor decisions, distorted assessments, special arrangements, PILOT controversies, subsidies

Transcript Highlights:

• And in no event shall debate continue beyond 1:50 p.m.
• </c><00:06:08.479><c> And</c><00:06:08.560><c> in</c><00:06:08.800><c> no</c><00:06:09.039><c> event<
• And in no event shall debate 5 minutes.
• And I had a number of those events in Mansfield, Connecticut, Colchester, Connecticut, Old Sabbrook,
• And I had a number of those events in Mansfield, Connecticut, Colchester, Connecticut, Old Sabbrook,

Transcript Highlights:

• be publicly accessible, serving 3,000 non-Macalester community members annually through programs, events
• be publicly accessible, serving 3,000 non-Macalester community members annually through programs, events
• We've also made provisions to run our steam system into the plant so that in the event that there is
• </c> head into the plant so that in the event head into the plant so that in the event that<00:47:28.680
• And what I found with government subsidy is wherever government subsidy shows up, the price of everything

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• These kinds of tax provisions were more of a sideshow than the main event of HR1.
• These kinds of tax provisions were more of a sideshow than the main event of HR1.
• And I'm also highly concerned that it's another corporate subsidy.
• Like we talk another corporate subsidy.
• And every event I've had, and I think about people in my community, you know, who are working these two

Bills: HF3127 , HF3524 , HF3525 , HF3754

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• In the event that we didn’t have access to those funds and didn’t believe we were going to have access
• </c><00:52:38.839><c> that</c><00:52:39.359><c> we</c> to do this so in the event that we to do this
• so in the event that we didn't<00:52:39.880><c> have</c><00:52:40.160><c> access</c><00:52:40.480><c>
• She said losing federal housing subsidies or forcing families out of public housing is her concern, and
• She said losing federal housing subsidies or forcing families out of public housing is her concern, and

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• To truly deliver missing middle housing, we must also align state subsidy programs with these smaller
• Without subsidy, the numbers don't work.
• reform is only part of the solution to truly deliver missing mental housing we must also align state subsidy
• state and federal housing tools funding tools aren't designed for these smaller projects without subsidy

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Housing

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing held a hybrid hearing on zoning, Chapter 40B, and related housing bills. Much of the testimony focused on the “Yes in My Backyard” bill (H. 1572/S. 962), which would expand by-right development of missing middle housing, reduce barriers such as minimum lot sizes and parking mandates, and support duplexes, triplexes, and other small-scale housing. Supporters included housing advocates, developers, local officials, and municipal leaders from places like Cambridge, Salem, and Braintree, who argued that state action is needed because local zoning often blocks needed housing and that the bill would help create more affordable, neighborhood-compatible homes. Several witnesses also backed a companion “Yes in God’s Backyard” bill (H. 2347), which would allow faith-based institutions to build housing on their property by right, with testimony emphasizing the potential for new units, added municipal tax revenue, and partnerships between religious organizations and housing developers. The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 1021 to modernize Chapter 40R incentives. Senator Pavel Payano and others said the program’s payments have not kept pace with inflation since 2004 and should be increased to better encourage smart-growth zoning near transit and town centers. Another major topic was H. 2298 on site plan review, which would codify and standardize the process in state law. Rep. Kristin Kassner and witnesses from MAPC and NAIOP said current site plan review practices vary widely across the state, creating confusion, delays, and litigation, while a uniform framework would give municipalities clearer tools to review by-right projects without undermining local oversight. The hearing also included testimony on Chapter 40B reform, including S. 1005 and H. 1537. One witness supported further review of 40B and stronger regional planning, while another backed a proposal to allow certain pre-2010 40B condominium owners to sell at market value under a framework that would recapture some of the subsidy benefits. Committee members asked several questions about local zoning changes, housing goals by county, and how the proposed bills would affect communities. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chairs indicated that written testimony would be welcomed for technical details and additional comments.

Transcript Highlights:

• who want to build their own resilience, who want to reduce their bills, who are not asking for a subsidy
• who want to build their own resilience, who want to reduce their bills, who are not asking for a subsidy
• who want to build their own resilience, who want to reduce their bills, who are not asking for a subsidy
• who want to build their own resilience, who want to reduce their bills, who are not asking for a subsidy

Transcript Highlights:

• Mississippi on state land and some federal national forest land have done projects through federal subsidies
• </c> have done projects have done projects through<00:18:51.320><c> federal</c><00:18:51.760><c> subsidies
• </c><00:18:53.040><c> And</c><00:18:54.000><c> since</c> through federal subsidies.
• And since through federal subsidies.

Committee: Joint Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks

Transcript Highlights:

• Rent ledgers often include partial payments, subsidy timing and payments, payment plans, or disputes.
• ledgers often include<00:09:34.000><c> partial</c><00:09:34.400><c> payments,</c><00:09:35.120><c> subsidy
• </c><00:09:35.720><c> timing</c> include partial payments, subsidy timing include partial payments, subsidy

Transcript Highlights:

• basically saying that depending on your immigration status, you are no longer eligible for federal subsidies
• So in those cases, that's just kind of a reality of where the federal subsidies go, whereas the re-verification
• number that Doug Howgate put forward on how many people are relying on health care or some form of subsidy
• number that Doug Howgate put forward on how many people are relying on health care or some form of subsidy

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• workers, service employees, retail workers, and many others who earn too much to qualify for deep subsidies
• workers, service employees, retail workers, and many others who earn too much to qualify for deep subsidies
• workers, service employees, retail workers, and many others who earn too much to qualify for deep subsidies
• That's real dollars that lower development costs, reduce the subsidy needed per home, and allow organizations

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on a series of housing, education, workforce, and court-related bills. On Substitute Senate Bill 5884, staff described changes to a sales and use tax deferral for redeveloping vacant or underused land into affordable housing, including broader eligible property definitions and lower affordability thresholds in designated areas. Testimony was mixed: builders opposed language they feared could encourage project labor agreements, while Spokane and Kent representatives supported the bill but asked for flexibility on affordability mix requirements. On Senate Bill 6256, which expands a property tax exemption for nonprofit low-income rental housing to include certain co-located community uses during construction and extends the pre-construction exemption period, testimony was strongly supportive from housing nonprofits and local housing partners, with questions focused on clawback provisions. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 6027, which expands allowable uses of local housing and supportive housing sales tax revenue, adjusts a REET exemption timeline, broadens emergency housing definitions, and changes use of the Affordable Housing for All account. County, housing, and nonprofit witnesses said the bill would help preserve housing and services amid federal funding uncertainty, though Snohomish County asked for an amendment to allow rental assistance. Substitute Senate Bill 6018 would revise the Housing Finance Commission’s authority, including direct lending and bond counsel terms; commission staff said it would modernize outdated restrictions and improve financing flexibility. Substitute Senate Bill 6028 would create a revolving loan fund for mixed-income homeownership projects; supporters said it would help smaller infill projects pencil, while staff noted the loans would be subordinate and carry some risk. Later, the committee heard Senate Bill 6275 on the community reinvestment program, which would require periodic plan updates, reporting, and a WSIPP study, while also expressing legislative intent to continue at least $100 million annually in the account. Advocates, workforce groups, legal aid providers, and small business owners testified that the program supports communities harmed by past disinvestment and should be made permanent and more accountable. Substitute Senate Bill 5961 would move the Imagination Library program from DCYF to OSPI; early literacy advocates and local partners supported the transfer as better aligned with school readiness. Substitute Senate Bill 5969 would integrate IEP transition plans with high school and beyond plans, and a prior critic said amendments addressed her concerns. Second Substitute Senate Bill 5292 would shift PFML premium rate-setting to the annual actuarial report and raise the reserve target; labor and industry witnesses supported the change, while a policy group opposed the program’s costs. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5868 to add one superior court judge each in Skagit and Yakima counties. Judges and county officials testified that caseloads, population growth, and backlogs justify the additions, and county leaders said they had already budgeted for their share. Finally, Substitute Senate Bill 5827 would allow service members to use pre-discharge certification to claim veterans’ civil service preference; the sponsor said it would solve a timing problem for transitioning service members. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the transcript, as the meeting consisted of bill briefings and public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• immigrants newly excluded from Medicaid, and $38.1 million for health insurance marketplace exchange subsidies
• So we would be looking at potential cost containment on our premium subsidy program that impacts 36,000
• We made a statutory change during the special session to allow for additional subsidies for this population
• Sometimes we tax a subsidy. And I was just wondering if that was happening here.

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• some receiving larger allocations due to the population being served, such as maintenance adoption subsidies
• Another example is the third column from the end, which is maintenance adoption subsidy payments, which
• Another example is the third column from the end, which is maintenance adoption subsidy payments, which
• where the deficit, the root cause is—if I know that I'm running a deficit within, say, my adoption subsidies

Committee: Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• While we always hope for a safe and peaceful event, AB 549 ensures that California is prepared.
• And we know how much human trafficking really is increased during these mega sporting events.
• Purchasing event tickets for these events is often confusing and stressful for people, who in turn are
• We have a work cut out for us to make sure that these events can be enjoyable by all.
• We have a work cut out for us to make sure that these events can be enjoyable by all.

Summary: The committee heard AB 749, which would create a blue ribbon commission to study equitable access to youth sports and recommend a statewide framework, including coaching standards, PE modernization, and funding models to reduce barriers for families. The author and supporters, including youth sports advocates, educators, coaches, and former athletes, argued that sports improve health, school engagement, and long-term opportunity, while noting racial and income disparities in participation. One member raised concerns that a new commission could add cost and regulatory burdens, but the bill was framed as a study measure rather than immediate regulation. The committee also took up AB 549, aimed at coordinating state and local security planning for major upcoming sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl, and Olympic and Paralympic Games. Supporters said the bill would improve interagency coordination, protect visitors and communities, and help prevent human trafficking and discrimination during mega-events. Members discussed the need to avoid over-policing and to center community values, but the bill advanced on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations. AB 1291 addressed ticket purchasing for concerts, sports, and other live events by requiring electronic proof of purchase and allowing it to be used for entry if a ticket cannot be accessed through no fault of the buyer. Supporters said the measure would give consumers more certainty and help address problems in a monopolized ticketing market, while opponents from venues, sports teams, and entertainment groups warned it could undermine anti-scalping tools, create security problems, and burden venues with duplicate or fraudulent proofs of purchase. The committee approved the bill on a due pass as amended basis to Privacy and Consumer Protection, with the roll held open for absent members. The consent calendar item, AB 644, was also approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're trying to assist homeowners with flood insurance and homeowners insurance subsidy, all locally
• We're trying to assist homeowners with flood insurance and homeowners insurance subsidy, all locally
• So those judges, in the event that that happens, would be able to take advantage of the program.
• Yeah, if this bill passes and in the rare event that you've got a legal permanent resident who's in the
• use tax revenue collected by parish governing authority on the sale of admission tickets to certain events

Bills: HR153 , HR154 , HR155 , HR156 , HR157 , HR158 , HCR57 , HCR58 , HCR59 , HR133 , HR134 , HR135 , HR136 , HR137 , HR138 , HR139 , HR140 , HR141 , HR142 , HR144 , HR145 , HR146 , HR147 , HR148 , HR149 , HR150 , HR151 , HR152 , SCR28 , SB141 , SB169 , SB206 , SB233 , SB417 , SB421 , SB429 , SB437 , SB477 , SB510 , SB521 , HR1 , HR17 , HCR5 , HB55 , HB385 , HB394 , HB396 , HB406 , HB608 , HB622 , HB676 , HB772 , HB897 , HB902 , HB943 , HB1030 , HB1035 , HB1038 , HB1045 , HB1049 , HB1056 , HB1058 , HB1059 , HB1092 , HB1100 , HB1117 , HB1160 , HB1161 , HB1162 , HB1177 , HB1180 , HB1189 , HB1216 , HB1239 , HB1240 , SB127 , HB284 , HB1 , HB2 , HB3 , HB312 , HB313 , HB383 , HB314 , HCR3 , HB983 , HB1126 , HB21 , HB24 , HB29 , HB31 , HB39 , HB45 , HB77 , HB136 , HB150 , HB263 , HB273 , HB299 , HB315 , HB376 , HB377 , HB431 , HB444 , HB450 , HB519 , HB533 , HB538 , HB559 , HB562 , HB663 , HB664 , HB715 , HB717 , HB805 , HB822 , HB823 , HB834 , HB864 , HB867 , HB1017 , HB1018 , HB1068 , HB1134 , HB1137 , HB1234 , HB1235 , HB1236 , HB211 , HB27 , HB71 , HB214 , HB225 , HB241 , HB244 , HB306 , HB345 , HB366 , HB446 , HB511 , HB514 , HB655 , HB730 , HB743 , HB1027 , HB1037 , HB1043 , HB1082 , HB1091 , HB1096 , HB1103 , HB1167 , HB1174 , HB1175 , HB1230 , HB1237 , HB1238 , SB162 , SB349 , SB350 , SB382 , SB383 , HB401 , HB51 , HB58 , HB140 , HB982 , HB1010 , HB132 , HB193 , HB635 , HB690 , HB1003 , HB750 , HB911 , HB151 , HB180 , HB192 , HB310 , HB961 , HB1146 , HB977 , HB181 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HB9 , HB393 , HB459 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB615 , HB682 , HB733 , HB773 , HB996 , HB1113