Transcript Highlights:

• The bill is a negotiated glitch bill agreed to by stakeholders that protects co-ops' authority to choose
• The bill is a negotiated glitch bill agreed to by stakeholders that protects co-op's authority to choose
• The revisions create a streamlined public hearing process allowing for local input and a public negotiation
• Currently, under current enclave law, the negotiation process takes place between the landowner and staff

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and heard a series of bills, mostly local claims and growth-management or permitting measures. SB 16, SB 14, and SB 24 were uncontested claims bills providing relief for injuries or damages involving the City of St. Petersburg and Miami-Dade County; each was described as settled or favorably reported by a special master, and each was reported favorably without debate. SB 288, a negotiated bill on rural electric cooperatives, was presented as a clarification to protect co-op authority over generation and power purchases while preserving consumer protections; it drew support from industry stakeholders and was reported favorably. SB 830 created a public-records exemption for certain local administrators and their families’ personal information, citing threats against city managers, and it also passed favorably. The committee also considered several land-use and permitting bills. SB 1138 would create a registry of qualified professionals to conduct pre-application review for plats and development, aiming to reduce delays and backlogs; local government groups raised concerns about preemption and preserving quasi-judicial authority, but the bill passed favorably with one no vote. SB 168 expanded public nuisance law to include gambling houses, increased penalties, and authorized attorney’s fees and foreclosure of unpaid fees; it was reported favorably. SB 686 revised the agricultural enclave statute to create a public-hearing process for certain residential projects in urban service areas, with a sunset date later amended to June 30, 2026; conservation and planning groups raised concerns about local planning authority and public participation, but the bill passed favorably. SB 548, a growth-management and impact-fee cleanup bill, clarified plan-based methodology, extraordinary circumstances, interlocal agreements, and refund procedures for impact fees. Local government and development stakeholders testified that it would improve predictability while preserving flexibility, though some sought further refinement on fee increases and refunds; the bill was amended and then reported favorably. SB 1234 addressed building permits and inspections, including permit validity, small-project exemptions, temporary hurricane protection, standardized permit forms, and expanded use of private providers; county officials objected to reduced oversight, while builders and private-provider advocates supported the measure. After testimony and debate, the bill was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, Senator Jones requested to be recorded on several votes, and the committee adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was heartening to hear that there was a trade negotiation deal that was hammered out between the U.S
• was a<00:05:05.120><c> a</c><00:05:05.520><c> a</c><00:05:05.840><c> trade</c><00:05:06.240><c> negotiation
• </c><00:05:06.880><c> deal</c><00:05:07.120><c> that</c><00:05:07.280><c> was</c> a a a trade negotiation
• deal that was a a a trade negotiation deal that was hammered<00:05:07.840><c> out</c><00:05:08.000><

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's why it's always the last one to pass, because that's kind of your negotiation.
• You hate to use that as your negotiation, but our founders set it up that way.
• So that's why it's always the last one to pass, because that's kind of your negotiation.
• You hate to use that as your negotiation, but our founders set it up that way.

Transcript Highlights:

• We worked this out as we negotiated the contract with our local partners, and it's in place, but we haven't
• </c><00:12:59.720><c> have</c><00:12:59.920><c> as</c><00:13:00.120><c> we</c><00:13:00.639><c> negotiated
• </c><00:13:01.160><c> the</c> disc that we have as we negotiated the disc that we have as we negotiated

Transcript Highlights:

• to be able to give you a negotiations to be able to give you a ative<01:21:55.480><c> answer</c><01:
• You said you’re not part of the negotiation, or not close enough to the negotiations that some of these
• Yeah, we’re not permitted to be part of that negotiation, as I understand it, but you can ask for an
• or not close enough to the negotiation or not close enough to the negotiations<01:23:59.880><c> that
• </c> permitted to be part of that negotiation permitted to be part of that negotiation as<01:24:24.080

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Tourism met on April 1 to consider GM 510, the confirmation of Todd Aio to the board of directors of the Hawaiʻi Convention Center Authority. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from HTA representatives and numerous individuals. Supporters described Aio as a strong leader with experience in tourism, development, nonprofit work, and public service, including his time on the city council and work with Disney’s Aulani, Ward Village, and the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation. In his remarks, Aio said he would bring legal, development, and corporate governance experience to the board. He emphasized the need for the authority to better define its role, oversee contractors, and help guide the relationship between destination management and branding/marketing contractors. He also said community engagement and cultural considerations should be central to tourism planning, and that the board should work to stabilize the agency during its transition. Members questioned him about board conflicts, the lack of a permanent HTA CEO, and how to measure the success of cultural and branding campaigns such as mālama and kuleana messaging. Aio said conflicts are inevitable when board members come from industry backgrounds, but they must separate their “work hats” from their board duties. He supported replacing the interim leadership with a permanent CEO once compensation legislation is finalized, and said success should be measured through better data, including possible exit surveys and other technology-based tools. He also said he would oppose replacing Hawaiian protocol with another cultural protocol, while supporting inclusion of other cultures alongside a Hawaiian sense of place.

Transcript Highlights:

• The carrier has to negotiate in good faith to try and get to a resolution, and if that doesn't get to
• It's best to get to a negotiated agreement, um, then you have certainty rather than risk it.
• It's best to get to a negotiated agreement, um, then you have certainty rather than risk it.
• </c><01:48:22.480><c> agreement</c> best to get to a negotiated agreement best to get to a negotiated
• </c> additional 45 days to try and negotiate additional 45 days to try and negotiate something<01:49:

Committee: Senate Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• They are negotiating with corporation.
• ,</c> is the freedom to negotiate, is the freedom to negotiate, the<04:35:47.680><c> best</c> the best
• We have them because unions negotiated them.
• </c> vacations were negotiated for all of us. vacations were negotiated for all of us.
• </c> We have them because unions negotiated We have them because unions negotiated them.<04:56:44.160

Bills: HCR66 , HB2550 , HR432 , HB3898 , HB3383 , HB3638 , HB3628 , HR939

Keywords: military funding, defense, appropriations, fiscal year, government, labor relations, collective bargaining, federal employees, workforce protection, executive order, federal labor relations, labor management, federal oversight, government reform, Clean Water Act, Federal Water Pollution Control Act, PERMIT Act, waters of the United States, WOTUS, EPA

Transcript Highlights:

• Given that budget negotiations and considerations of our January proposals are still in process, this
• Given that budget negotiations and considerations of our January proposals are still in process, this
• between CalHFA and the GSEs. ...additional discussions and negotiations between CalHFA and the GSEs
• And as you said, some of the other elements that you've looked at, well, they will require negotiations
• So we're really devastated and hope we can work with the Senate, especially as budget negotiations are

Summary: The subcommittee heard several May Revision proposals related to the state’s housing and homelessness reorganization. On the first item, administration and Finance staff described technical adjustments to move administrative positions and resources between the California Housing and Homelessness Agency, HCD, and Cal ICH, plus authority for a chief deputy director at the new Housing Development Finance Committee. The LAO recommended approval but asked for clarification on funding for the chief deputy position. Several senators questioned whether the staffing shifts would reduce Cal ICH’s capacity and whether adding communications support and a new executive position was appropriate absent new housing funding; the item was held open. The second item proposed a new $100 million CalHFA Disaster Rebuilding Fund, with $56 million General Fund and $44 million in existing National Mortgage Settlement funds, to help disaster-impacted homeowners access construction financing through tools such as a loan loss guarantee and interest rate buy-downs. CalHFA said the fund would help close the gap between insurance proceeds and rebuilding costs and would work through approved lenders. The LAO raised concerns about the lack of alternatives analysis, the broad delegation in the trailer bill, and the General Fund cost. Senators pressed for more detail on the estimated number of homeowners served, lender and homeowner eligibility, equity safeguards, and the role of the Legislature in program design; the item was held open. The third item was trailer bill language for HAP Round 7, including accountability metrics, pro-housing designation requirements for certain large cities and counties, local match requirements, and a mechanism to recapture unspent funds. HCD said the proposal would streamline reporting by using one consistent set of system performance measures and would phase in the new requirements. The LAO questioned the timing, the burden of pro-housing designation, the size and source of the local match, and whether the proposal conflicted with the Legislature’s prior goal of getting funds out quickly. Several senators criticized the added requirements and the lack of new funding, while others said the proposal could improve accountability and reduce administrative burden by reusing existing plans. The item was also held open. The fourth item began a proposal to reduce local development impact fees on state-funded affordable housing projects, framed as a condition on competitive multifamily funding rather than a statewide mandate. The presentation started but the transcript cuts off before questions or action on that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• like to see is language which more broadly identifies that those are a contractual rate that's negotiated
• It is not necessarily consistent with how that arrives in how that term is negotiated in a contract.
• any testimony that's been presented in support of these bills that say that parties are unable to negotiate

Committee: House Health and Mental Health

Transcript Highlights:

• It does not apply to unionized workers, so it's simply taking the rights to negotiate contracts from.
• It does not apply to unionized workers, so it's simply taking the rights to negotiate contracts from
• Workers, so it's simply taking the rights to negotiate contracts from private industry and independent

Bills: HB2188 , HB2218 , HB2524 , HB2563

Committee: House Labor & Workplace Standards

Keywords: transparency, industrial insurance, insurance rate increases, financial disclosure, regulatory oversight, workers' compensation, medical care, healthcare access, employee rights, insurance coverage, security, regulation, employment standards, security guards, industry board, unemployment, electronic notices, compensation, digital communication, order processing

Transcript Highlights:

• reinserts into the firefighting statute the presumption of wording that was eliminated in 2019 in a negotiated
• This is the language that was negotiated and took.
• Fighting fires, these 11 cancers that are in the firefighter statute were negotiated and are backed by

Bills: HB1654 , HB1691 , HB2545 , HB2652 , HB3799 , HB4144 , HB5008

Committee: House S/C on Workforce

Keywords: peace officers, firefighters, employment protection, worker's compensation, job security, maximum medical improvement, government employment, firefighter cancer benefits, emergency medical technicians, compensation claims, cancer exposures, firefighting hazards, workforce training, rural development, grant program, job-specific training, Texas Workforce Commission, child care, single-parent, subsidized

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate Chair Kog and negotiations.
• Uh just on a quick count negotiations.
• This is unheard of, to have a co-chair situation where we're negotiating a bill this early in session
• where we're negotiating a bill uh<02:45:40.399><c> this</c><02:45:40.640><c> early</c><02:45:40.880>
• Um, Madame Chair, I ask for negotiate.

Bills: HF2438

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school

Transcript Highlights:

• So, those are the major highlights of the negotiations that we've been ongoing for a couple of months
• that we've been have been negotiations that we've been have been ongoing<00:38:40.760><c> for</c><00
• Well, I don't feel that we've negotiated against ourselves.
• </c> negotiating against ourselves? negotiating against ourselves?
• </c> Well, I don't feel that we've negotiated Well, I don't feel that we've negotiated against<00:47:

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• And through those negotiations, we...
• Reintroduced it again this year, and through those negotiations, we asked for DHCS.
• because we're only allowed to have 35 and... reintroduce it again this year and through those negotiations
• What percentage of the total have we been getting out of those negotiated amounts in bankruptcy?
• , for example, you owe a million dollars, let's say, and then you go through bankruptcy and the negotiated

Summary: The committee heard a budget oversight hearing on the Department of Health Care Services, focusing first on the overall Medi-Cal budget and a March General Fund loan to cover a current-year shortfall. DHCS said the 2025-26 budget proposal totals $193.4 billion, with Medi-Cal projected at $188.1 billion total funds and $42.1 billion General Fund, driven by higher enrollment, pharmacy costs, managed care growth, and costs tied to eligibility expansions and the COVID-era redetermination unwinding. The department said the $3.44 billion loan was needed to manage cash flow and ensure timely payments to providers and plans, while the LAO noted Medi-Cal’s cash-basis budgeting creates volatility and that more detailed estimates would come with the May Revision. Members discussed federal Medicaid threats, the need for transparency on cost drivers, and the impact of pharmacy spending, long-term care, and immigration-related coverage expansions. The second major topic was family health programs, including California Children’s Services, the continuous coverage unwinding, and opioid settlement fund spending. DHCS described CCS funding methodology changes, ongoing county stakeholder work, and a delayed rollout of CCS monitoring and oversight until July 1, 2025, while county representatives and advocates argued the program is underfunded and asked for more technical assistance and a delay in implementation. On the unwinding, the department explained that federal redetermination flexibilities helped maintain coverage after the pandemic, but the Governor’s budget proposes ending them at the end of June 2025; advocates urged making the flexibilities permanent to avoid coverage losses. For opioid settlement funds, DHCS and Finance said the budget increases funding for naloxone distribution while reducing other harm-reduction spending based on updated settlement revenues, prompting criticism from members and public commenters who argued the change would weaken effective harm-reduction programs. The hearing also included an update on Proposition 35 implementation. DHCS said the voter-approved measure continuously appropriates MCO tax revenues beginning in 2025, with up to $4.6 billion annually available for specified Medi-Cal and provider investments in 2025 and 2026, but implementation depends on consultation with the required stakeholder advisory committee. The department and LAO noted uncertainty about future federal rules affecting the MCO tax after 2026. Public testimony largely supported maintaining Medi-Cal expansions, protecting immigrant coverage, preserving harm-reduction funding, and increasing support for community health workers, pediatric dental care, and CCS county administration. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also note that in terms of plea negotiations, it's often the prosecutor who's handling that case,
• We also note that in terms of plea negotiations, it's often the prosecutor who's handling that case,
• how critical it is that the State attorneys, especially the prosecuting attorneys, remain able to negotiate
• </c> attorneys remain um able to negotiate attorneys remain um able to negotiate cases<00:31:44.320><
• </c><00:32:02.399><c> agreements</c> involvement to negotiate agreements involvement to negotiate agreements

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a series of transportation-related bills. SB 21 on water carriers would create an inflationary cost index mechanism; DOT, Agriculture, DCCA, the PUC, and several harbor and logistics interests supported it, while Pacific Transfer opposed. SB 1478 would require vessel masters to follow harbor master evacuation orders during emergencies; DOT clarified it applies only to commercial ports, with support from Hima and the Harbor Users Group and opposition from the Hailongm Association. SB 108 would authorize DOT to regulate vessel noise near commercial harbors; the White Harbor Users Group opposed, while DOT said it supported the intent but warned the bill may be preempted by federal law. SB 1475 would raise the bond ceiling for harbor improvement projects from $100 million to $600 million, and SB 1473 would cap central services assessments on DOT funds at $5 million and tie them to CPI; DOT supported both, and Budget and Finance explained the central services fee is generally a 5% deduction from special funds with some statutory exceptions. The committee also heard SB 1402 on securing mooring lines in state commercial harbors, which drew support from the General Contractors Association of Hawaii and the Hawaii Longline Association. SB 1522 on vehicle title transfers was supported by the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Customer Services. SB 599 would require DOT or counties to scan deceased cats and dogs for microchips before disposal; DOT said it would provide scanners, the Hawaiian Humane Society and a private witness strongly supported the bill, and the committee discussed that the measure would not charge pet owners and that Oʻahu microchip rates are about 80% for dogs and 70% for cats. SB 1025 would allow service and non-service animals on mass transit under certain conditions; DHS offered comments, Maui and Honolulu opposed, while the Hawaiian Humane Society, the Environmental Caucus, and others supported it, and an opponent raised concerns about large pets, service animals, and the need for size and off-peak restrictions. Later, the committee heard SB 1096 on license plate-flipping devices, with DOT and Honolulu police supporting it. SB 384 would expand victim restitution in DUI-related negligent homicide cases to include child support for surviving minor children; DOT, MADD, and the Kiki Injury Prevention Coalition supported it, while the Public Defender opposed, arguing the restitution amounts would be unverified and better handled through civil remedies. SB 597 would extend the deadline for the administrative driver license revocation office to issue decisions, and the Attorney General, police, and Maui prosecutors supported it because of drug-testing delays, especially on neighbor islands. Finally, SB 1285 would create a lower-level impaired driving offense and authorize administrative action; the Attorney General and Public Defender both raised concerns about charging discretion and resource impacts, while county, public health, alcohol policy, and victim advocates strongly supported the bill as a life-saving measure. The transcript ends partway through testimony on SB 1285, with no final committee votes or actions recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are now in contract negotiations. We did do a best and final offer.
• We are now in contract negotiations.
• My anticipation is that we will complete those contract negotiations and bring the final proposal to
• over there, is to go back and just validate the security of those vendors that were in contract negotiations
• over there, is to go back and just validate the security of those vendors that were in contract negotiations

Committee: Joint Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the October 22 minutes, and received an update on the planned Legacy Fund transparency website. Jody Smith said the site is in contract negotiations after six bidders responded, with a target go-live around November 1 after added security review. The website is intended to provide downloadable, more detailed public information on the Legacy Fund, including historical changes, legislative allocations, and investment breakdowns. Members asked about comparables and data detail, and Smith said North Dakota would likely be the first state to offer this level of sovereign wealth fund transparency. Scott Anderson of the Retirement Investment Office then reviewed Legacy Fund performance through January 31, 2026, describing strong returns, low fees, and the benefits of diversification. He noted that real estate had been a drag on returns, but it is a small portion of the portfolio, and he discussed market effects from geopolitical events, inflation, credit spreads, and private credit. Members also questioned the in-state investment program and the BND CD-Match program. Representative Bosch moved to pause new transfers to the CD-Match program until the bank reports back, and the motion passed on a roll call vote. The committee also agreed to request a cost-benefit analysis from RVK on that change. After lunch, the committee heard from RVK consultant Jim Voidko on the investment policy statement, focused on the in-state investment provisions. He reported that, after interviews with implementers and stakeholders, RVK found no major policy impediments in the current IPS and no strong calls to change the size limits or core guardrails. He emphasized the importance of risk-adjusted returns, diversification, pacing, exit strategies, and governance, and warned that foregone returns or higher spending obligations can pressure the fund’s long-term mission. He also recommended clearer terminology around “infrastructure,” distinguishing public infrastructure from commercial infrastructure, and noted unresolved policy questions about nexus and economic diversification. The committee then began reviewing proposed IPS updates with Rio staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, the bill clarifies when non-competitive negotiation may be used.
• </c><00:24:39.279><c> These</c> negotiation may be used. These negotiation may be used.
• First, the bill clarifies when non-competitive negotiation may be used.
• First, the bill clarifies when non-competitive negotiation may be used.
• An 18-month notice requirement forces local governments to begin negotiations far in advance, often before

Transcript Highlights:

• After final inspections and negotiation, it was $4.9 million.
• Vice Chair, members of the committee, we would welcome Vice Chair Muñoz as part of our negotiation team
• For the 2026 plan year, we did... ...an extensive rate review and negotiated with our five QHPs.
• Are those pre-negotiated between the lawyer and the—? They can be. Mr.
• I know this bond was a negotiated deal, but I also know the Workers' Compensation Fund was a negotiated

Transcript Highlights:

• It could be a short negotiation or it could be a long negotiation.
• And the meeting is adjourned. negotiation or it could be a long negotiation or it could be a long associate
• <00:52:11.599><c> uh</c><00:52:11.839><c> negotiation.
• </c><00:52:12.640><c> From</c><00:52:13.760><c> uh</c><00:52:13.920><c> the</c> associate uh negotiation
• From uh the associate uh negotiation.

Summary: The conference committee on the Environment budget for Senate File 2077 met to introduce members and staff, then walked through the Senate and House budget spreadsheets side by side. Nonpartisan staff explained that the Senate budget was built around a smaller general fund increase and more use of environmental and dedicated funds, while the House met its target through several reductions, including cuts to DNR, PCA, and Board of Water and Soil Resources appropriations. The committee reviewed major agency items for the Pollution Control Agency, DNR, the Metropolitan Council, the Minnesota Zoo, and other accounts, including operating adjustments, permit-related funding, and transfers between funds. Several major differences were highlighted. For the PCA, the Senate included operating adjustments, permitting efficiency funding, composting grants, outreach funding, and a closed landfill investment fund approach that repeals an expiring statutory appropriation, while the House instead extends that appropriation for four more years. For the DNR, the Senate included operating adjustments, groundwater and AIS fee increases, aquatic invasive species funding, trail grants, outdoor schools for all, abandoned watercraft enforcement, and a sustainable foraging task force; the House had fewer of these fee and policy items and used reductions to meet its target. The committee also noted Senate-only policy provisions on outreach to diverse communities, field citations and mercury certification for skin-lightening products, disabled veteran license fee changes, and a moratorium on foraging rulemaking until July 1, 2027. Agency testimony followed. The MPCA commissioner praised both chambers for recognizing core agency work and urged adoption of operating adjustments, the closed landfill fund access, and the air appropriation increase. The DNR assistant commissioner supported operating adjustments, groundwater and AIS fee increases, and the veteran license proposal, but raised concerns about the Senate’s foraging task force language, saying it overweights consumptive users and could limit the agency’s ability to manage foraging without clear data. He also noted support for the land transfer funding and said the agency would continue working with the committee on unresolved issues. No votes were taken in this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you briefly explain what differences were in the negotiated settlement and what the Cabinet initially
• settlement and what the negotiated settlement and what the cabinet<00:26:15.200><c> initially</c><00
• And then on page 24 at the back, where we're adding the additional language about the negotiated safety
• And then on page 24 at the back, where we're adding the additional language about the negotiated safety
• I mean, these are negotiated, so the parents here are already saying the child shouldn't be in our home

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 26, presented by Senator Brandon Storm, Family Court Judge Marcus Vanover, and Crystal Adams on behalf of the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health. The bill would ensure Kentucky complies with the ADA by prohibiting disability alone from being used to terminate adoption petitions, parental rights, or child-placement petitions. Testimony cited Kentucky Supreme Court and Court of Appeals cases involving parents with intellectual or developmental disabilities and national data showing high removal rates for parents with psychiatric, intellectual, or physical disabilities. The committee approved the bill 15-0 with favorable expression. The committee then heard Senate Bill 85 from Senator Steve Meredith and State Auditor Allison Ball, which continues the transition of the Office of the Ombudsman from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to the Auditor’s office. Testimony focused on completing the transfer by clarifying access to the ITWIST database, ensuring complaints go directly to the Ombudsman, adding whistleblower protections, and making the office a separate office within the Auditor’s office for efficiency. Members asked about the prior conflict of interest when the Ombudsman was housed within CHFS, the database access dispute and lawsuit, and whether the office still remained independent. The bill passed with favorable expression after some members voted pass. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 805, with Representative Nick Wilson and Representative Sarah Stalker explaining a committee substitute and amendment. The bill would set timelines for the Cabinet to physically locate children reported at immediate safety risk and require annual kinship-care reporting to be automatically provided to the legislature and posted publicly. Wilson said the bill also cleans up language from last year’s House Bill 271, including changing “threats” to “risks” in the safety-plan definition and other terminology fixes. The committee adopted the substitute and amendment and advanced the bill with favorable expression.