Transcript Highlights:

• So<00:49:23.680><c> ladies</c><00:49:24.000><c> and</c><00:49:24.160><c> gentlemen,</c><00:49:24.559>
• <00:49:26.640><c> shovel</c><00:49:27.200><c> ready</c><00:49:27.760><c> project</c> for<00:49:31.040
• ><c> the</c><00:49:31.200><c> Sheridan</c><00:49:31.680><c> College</c><00:49:32.319><c> uh</c><00:49
• state<00:49:40.880><c> and</c><00:49:41.119><c> I</c><00:49:41.359><c> want</c><00:49:41.599><c> you
• :49:50.559><c> 15</c><00:49:50.880><c> to</c><00:49:51.119><c> 25</c><00:49:51.520><c> are</c><00:49:

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> the</c><01:49:07.520><c> section</c><01:49:07.760><c> of</c><01:49:07.920><c> statute</c><01:49:
• from the minute<01:49:09.119><c> the</c><01:49:09.280><c> statute</c><01:49:09.679><c> was</c><01:49
• <01:49:22.560><c> instance</c><01:49:23.440><c> or</c><01:49:23.760><c> I</c><01:49:23.920><c> would<
• Again, excluding<01:49:30.480><c> certain</c><01:49:30.800><c> of</c><01:49:30.880><c> the</c><01:49:
• 01:49:35.360><c> we</c><01:49:35.600><c> don't</c><01:49:35.760><c> want</c><01:49:35.920><c> to</c><

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > tear</c><01:49:02.080><c> on</c><01:49:02.239><c> a</c><01:49:02.400><c> vehicle,</c><01:49:02.800>
• The point was<01:49:03.600><c> to</c><01:49:03.920><c> compensate</c><01:49:04.400><c> them</c><01:49
• In<01:49:06.239><c> this</c><01:49:06.480><c> instance,</c><01:49:06.800><c> when</c><01:49:06.960><c
• <01:49:07.760><c> sitting</c><01:49:08.000><c> at</c><01:49:08.159><c> home,</c><01:49:08.400><c> who
• <c> by</c><01:49:10.239><c> 9:00</c><01:49:10.800><c> on</c><01:49:10.960><c> a</c><01:49:11.119><c>

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first reviewed House Bill 1150, which would require disclosure of complaints to public employees within five business days. Members said the sponsor was still working on an amendment, so the bill was held for another week with the understanding it would be executed next week if no amendment was ready. The chair also outlined the committee’s schedule, including upcoming floor reports and the goal of finishing the remaining committee bills on time. The committee then took up House Bill 1168, concerning employer documentation requirements. Supporters argued the bill would give employers more time to gather payroll records, especially when claims arise years later, and said the current system should be adjusted for fairness to businesses. Opponents, including several members, said payroll records are usually electronic and should be produced quickly so workers waiting on wages are not delayed. The Department of Labor deputy commissioner testified that employers can already request extensions and that further extensions could still be requested under the current process. The committee voted 11-9 to ought to pass HB 1168. Next, House Bill 1250, dealing with notice, documentation, and job reinstatement requirements for leave related to childbirth, postpartum care, and pediatric appointments, was considered. Members said the statute was newly enacted, had been carefully negotiated, and should be allowed to work before being revised. The committee voted 20-0 to recommend inexpedient to legislate, and the bill was placed on the consent calendar. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1043, which would allow private employers to adopt their own minimum pay policies for report-to-work situations instead of being bound by the current two-hour minimum, so long as the policy is established in advance. The sponsor said the bill would modernize an outdated law and preserve the current default if no policy is adopted. Members raised questions about collective bargaining agreements and whether the bill could weaken existing worker protections, while the sponsor and supporters said it was intended to provide flexibility rather than a mandate. The hearing continued with questions and discussion, but no final vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• children</c><00:49:37.600><c> do</c><00:49:37.720><c> not</c><00:49:37.920><c> deserve</c><00:49:38.400
• /c><00:49:42.360><c> really</c><00:49:42.680><c> do</c><00:49:42.920><c> believe</c><00:49:43.160><c>
• </c><01:49:30.360><c> Okay,</c><01:49:31.000><c> before</c><01:49:31.240><c> we</c><01:49:31.280><c>
• :49:51.240><c> the</c><01:49:51.360><c> end</c><01:49:51.560><c> of</c><01:49:51.680><c> our</c><01:49
• 02:49:58.480><c> 2</c><02:49:58.640><c> or</c><02:49:58.720><c> 3</c><02:49:58.920><c> years</c><02:49

Bills: HB2459 , HB1616 , HB1799 , HB1604 , HB1732 , HB1736 , HB1931 , HB772 , HB2153 , HB2122 , HB2009 , HB2012 , HB1779 , HB2296 , HB2397 , HB2398 , HB1596 , HB2233 , HB1976 , HB1563 , HB815 , HB1655 , HB1851 , HB1941 , HB2037 , HB1635 , HB2201 , HB1943 , HB1163 , HB2452 , HB2429 , HB2148 , HB2306 , HB2007 , HB2049 , HB2616

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: food innovation, agribusiness, food safety, market access, branding, economic diversification, performance indicators, agriculture, aquaculture, commercial activity, swine production, Korean natural farming, housing development, commercial projects, county authority, public works, construction standards, exemption, zoning, housing

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:49:09.200><c> is</c><00:49:09.440><c> another</c><00:49:09.760><c> way</c><00:49:09.839><c> to</
• Many of<00:49:12.000><c> these</c><00:49:12.240><c> steps</c><00:49:12.559><c> don't</c><00:49:12.800
• </c><00:49:21.680><c> So</c><00:49:22.000><c> we</c><00:49:22.319><c> talked</c><00:49:22.559><c> a</
• We<00:49:25.200><c> estimate</c><00:49:25.520><c> in</c><00:49:25.680><c> northern</c><00:49:26.000><
• ><c> cost</c><00:49:27.040><c> of</c><00:49:27.200><c> a</c><00:49:27.359><c> home</c><00:49:27.599><

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:07 Roll Call 00:00:25 Discussion of Lexington’s Housing Affordability Partnership 00:02:26 Discussion of Northern Kentucky’s Housing Blueprint 00:30:12 Discussion of Religious Institution Land Use 00:57:33 Discussion of Free-Market Solutions to Kentucky’s Housing Crisis 01:04:18 Adjournment 01:26:37, 958, all

Summary: The committee met without a quorum and began informally, with members noting this was the final information-gathering meeting on housing before a November meeting to discuss findings and report back to the LRC. The main presentation focused on the Lexington Affordable Housing Partnership, a public-private effort supported by a $10 million state allocation. Presenters described Fayette County’s housing shortage, citing a gap of more than 22,000 units, rising home prices, and the challenge of assembling land and capital for affordable projects. The partnership explained that five local banks created a $3 million capital investment fund to buy and hold land at no interest, with deed restrictions keeping the site at 80% or below area median income and allowing the banks to seek Community Reinvestment Act credit. The first project is a 12.5-acre former Transylvania University baseball field, planned for about 242 units, including detached homes, townhouses, garden-style apartments, and senior housing. Speakers said the project required extensive neighborhood engagement and zoning/development approvals, but that the planning phase is now largely complete and infrastructure work should begin soon. Financing details included roughly $64 million in additional funding through tax credit equity, market-rate loans, city support, Kentucky Housing Corporation resources, and donations from nonprofit partners. Developers said the multifamily bond applications are due to Kentucky Housing Corporation the next day, and they expect the land purchase to be repaid into the revolving fund once the property is entitled and closed, allowing the original $3 million to be redeployed for future projects. They estimated rental units could be filled within about six months of completion, while for-sale units would come online over 12 to 36 months. In discussion, members asked about regulatory barriers and project timelines. Presenters pointed to rising construction costs tied to new federal and state requirements, and one member highlighted the need to continue reviewing planning and zoning reforms to speed development plan approvals and reduce delays. The group also endorsed a possible statewide $20 million housing fund, a residential infrastructure fund, and efforts to avoid additional regulatory burdens on housing development.

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:49:07.680><c> uh</c><00:49:08.240><c> I'm</c><00:49:08.559><c> not</c><00:49:08.720><c> here</
• ><c> is</c><00:49:11.119><c> what</c><00:49:11.359><c> we</c><00:49:11.599><c> have</c><00:49:11.760>
• We don't need<00:49:13.440><c> a</c><00:49:13.680><c> court</c><00:49:13.920><c> to</c><00:49:14.160>
• <c> tell</c><00:49:14.319><c> us</c><00:49:14.960><c> what</c><00:49:15.200><c> we</c><00:49:15.440><
• ><c> of</c><00:49:43.680><c> moving</c><00:49:44.000><c> 491</c><00:49:44.800><c> is</c><00:49:45.280

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Funding Committee Subcommittee on Adequacy and Funding Sources opened its second meeting by reviewing four retained bills assigned to it: HB 651, HB 772, HB 491, and HB 734. The chair said the goal was to compare the bills across the board, consider whether any one of them should be the committee’s recommended vehicle, and then vote on a recommendation to the full committee. He noted the bills would move out before November 21 and be taken up on the House floor in January, while related LSRs were also being developed for the coming session. Representative Ames argued that HB 651 should be the main vehicle because it would substantially raise the adequacy base and adjust differential aid categories to better reflect real school costs, including poverty, special education, and English learner needs. He described the bill as building on court guidance and said the current funding formula is far below actual district needs. He also supported HB 491 as a study vehicle to examine revenue options, saying the legislature needs informed choices about how to pay for the changes. Representative Damon strongly backed HB 651 and HB 491, citing constitutional obligations, the Conval and Rand rulings, and large projected funding increases for districts such as Claremont, Windham, and communities in the chair’s district if HB 651 had passed earlier. Representative Fellows said he has an LSR similar to HB 491 that would study existing and new revenue options using criteria such as revenue potential, administrative cost, affected groups, implementation timeline, and implementation cost, with input from revenue administration and outside agencies. Representative Papich Muller emphasized constitutional separation-of-powers concerns, reading Article 83 and saying he was not comfortable with the broad claim that “cherish” clearly mandates a specific spending level, though he said he intends to follow Supreme Court guidance. Representative Ricky read testimony from a local school board member arguing that the state already imposes many mandates on schools while providing the least funding in the country, and that HB 651 would help restore meaningful local control. No final vote or action was taken in the portion provided, though the chair had indicated the subcommittee would vote before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:49:14.880><c> the</c><00:49:15.119><c> way</c><00:49:15.280><c> in</c><00:49:15.440><c> which</c>
• <00:49:19.760><c> a</c><00:49:20.000><c> voice</c><00:49:20.319><c> so</c><00:49:21.440><c> or</c><00
• 49:22.880><c> could</c><00:49:23.119><c> create</c><00:49:23.440><c> an</c><00:49:23.680><c> image</c
• &gt;&gt; I<00:49:37.680><c> think</c><00:49:38.079><c> it</c><00:49:38.319><c> was</c><00:49:38.480><
• c> called</c><00:49:38.720><c> the</c><00:49:38.960><c> it</c><00:49:39.200><c> was</c><00:49:39.359>

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• societies.<00:49:39.119><c> So</c><00:49:39.280><c> that's</c><00:49:40.079><c> uh</c><00:49:40.400><
• ><c> uh</c><00:49:48.480><c> I</c><00:49:48.640><c> I</c><00:49:48.800><c> think</c><00:49:48.880><c>
• 00:49:53.280><c> without</c><00:49:53.839><c> having</c><00:49:54.160><c> to</c><00:49:54.720><c> you
• Uh it<01:49:01.920><c> probably</c><01:49:02.400><c> will</c><01:49:02.639><c> not</c><01:49:02.960><
• Uh<01:49:05.040><c> but</c><01:49:05.840><c> uh</c><01:49:06.560><c> there</c><01:49:07.280><c> this<

Committee: House Environment and Agriculture

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee held an open work session on HB 1766-FN, a bill addressing cruelty to livestock, and focused on proposed language changes from the Department of Agriculture. Assistant State Veterinarian Nathan Harvey, speaking for the commissioner, explained concerns about the term “imminent danger,” arguing that the bill should allow seizure based on probable cause when an animal is starving or has a life-threatening condition, rather than tying action too closely to whether the owner is arrested. The department also proposed language on “extreme suffering” that would require euthanasia if the cost of treatment would exceed the allowable reimbursement amount under AGR rules, though members immediately raised concerns about using a dollar limit to require euthanasia. The department further suggested clarifying who may participate in investigations by allowing the state veterinarian or a designate, and noted that the current draft could be read too narrowly. Members discussed the $5,000 emergency care cap in the rules, with Josh Marshall confirming it is an aggregate emergency veterinary care limit. Several legislators said they were uncomfortable changing the bill from “may” to “shall” euthanize, arguing that treatment costs vary widely by species and condition and that a fixed monetary threshold could be too rigid. Representative Bixby also raised a separate concern that the bill’s language may be broader than intended and could apply to all animals rather than livestock only. The department agreed the bill should be limited to livestock and suggested using existing statutory definitions or adding a new section to make that clear. The discussion also turned to humane societies and other organizations that might investigate complaints or board seized animals. A representative from a humane organization said the groups with expertise in care often also have expertise useful to investigations, and that removing them entirely could be impractical because only a few facilities in the state can provide boarding. Members and witnesses explored alternative language that would allow for-profit and nonprofit organizations to participate in either the investigation or the care of livestock, but not both, to avoid conflicts of interest while preserving needed expertise. No votes were taken; the work session ended with agreement to consult the Office of Legislative Services and the department to refine the bill before the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:07.440><c> any</c><00:49:07.599><c> on</c><00:49:07.839><c> this</c><00:49:08.079><c> one.
• So,<00:49:08.640><c> I</c><00:49:08.800><c> think</c><00:49:08.960><c> we're</c><00:49:09.200><c> at<
• /c><00:49:09.359><c> the</c><00:49:09.599><c> end</c><00:49:09.680><c> of</c><00:49:09.760><c> the</c
• </c><00:49:34.960><c> Back</c><00:49:35.119><c> to</c><00:49:35.280><c> the</c><00:49:35.440><c> top<
• /c><00:49:35.599><c> of</c><00:49:35.760><c> the</c><00:49:36.400><c> top</c><00:49:36.640><c> of</c>

Bills: SB2040 , SB2248 , SB2530 , SB2732 , SB2871 , SB2919 , SB3076 , SB3300 , SB3301

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: freedom of speech, elections, campaign finance, non-natural persons, regulated participation, constitutional amendment, financial disclosures, government transparency, public confidence, Senate confirmation, conflicts of interest, state ethics commission, campaign contributions, state contracts, transparency, conflict of interest, government ethics, pretrial release, bail reform, financial ability

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 2248 would expand financial disclosure requirements to certain gubernatorial nominees subject to Senate confirmation. The State Ethics Commission supported the measure, saying disclosures should be filed before confirmation so the public and interested parties can review them in advance. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with 22 supporters, no opposition, and one comment. SB 2530 would broaden Hawaii’s campaign contribution ban for state and county contractors to include officers and immediate family members, and would extend the ban to certain grantees and their officers and family members, with specified contract thresholds. The Campaign Spending Commission said the bill is its own proposal and would align the thresholds with procurement guidelines. Testimony was entirely favorable, with 30 in support, no opposition, and two comments. Members asked about conforming amendments and how the existing prohibition on soliciting contributions applies; CSC said the calendar-day language clarifies current practice and that the solicitation ban already applies to contractors, with the bill extending the same standard to officers and immediate family members. SB 2732 would require courts to consider a defendant’s ability to pay when setting bail, including excluding public benefits from income calculations and clarifying the 40-hour affordability benchmark for those above 150% of the federal poverty level. The Office of the Public Defender, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, and the ACLU of Hawaii supported the bill, arguing that unaffordable bail creates wealth-based disparities, contributes to jail overcrowding, and can cause severe collateral consequences for people not yet convicted. There was one opposition testimony and 18 supporters. Committee discussion focused on when the 40-hour period should begin, how income would be verified, and whether misrepresentation could affect bail; the Public Defender said the measure should be read to start from initial appearance and that judges could address false statements through existing remedies. SB 2871 would prohibit discrimination based on perceived characteristics, association with someone who has or is perceived to have protected characteristics, and intersectional combinations of characteristics. The Department of Education supported the intent but asked for clear definitions, while the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission said the bill does not add new protected classes and simply codifies the Lamb v. University of Hawaii decision on intersectional discrimination. LGBTQ+, civil rights, ACLU, and other advocacy groups testified in support, with one opposition testimony and a total of 27 in support, two opposed, and one comment. The committee then heard SB 2919, which appropriates funds for one full-time public deputy public defender position. The Public Defender’s Office said the position would provide statewide legal support and a centralized resource on constitutional, appellate, and immigration-related issues; several advocacy groups supported the measure, and committee questions focused on how the new position would complement existing training and keep staff updated on changing law.

Transcript Highlights:

• > we</c><00:49:01.040><c> just</c><00:49:01.200><c> don't</c><00:49:01.359><c> want</c><00:49:01.440>
• :49:02.800><c> the</c><00:49:02.960><c> door</c><00:49:03.040><c> and</c><00:49:03.280><c> we</c><00:
• want<00:49:03.680><c> to</c><00:49:03.760><c> tolerate</c><00:49:04.240><c> hiring</c><00:49:04.640>
• </c><00:49:25.440><c> So</c><00:49:25.680><c> that's</c><00:49:25.920><c> of</c><00:49:26.079><c> a</
• into this process.<00:49:32.000><c> I</c><00:49:32.319><c> think</c><00:49:32.480><c> that</c><00:49

Keywords: The original version of this live stream dropped before the meeting was technically finished. This is the complete copy pulled from back up sources., 958, all

Summary: The committee met to hear updates from the Department of Juvenile Justice and the Department of Corrections on two related issues: a proposed high-acuity juvenile mental health treatment facility and medical services contracts, including the impact of Wellpath’s bankruptcy proceedings. At the start, the chair agreed to hear the Department of Corrections first so members could get context on the medical contract before turning to DJJ’s proposal. DOC officials said Wellpath, the department’s comprehensive medical and mental health provider since 2013, was awarded its current contract through a 2021 procurement process. They reported that Wellpath’s Chapter 11 reorganization plan had been confirmed and that the company had transitioned ownership to lenders, but had not yet fully completed the bankruptcy process. DOC said there had been no service lapses, no reduction in care, and no known impact on Kentucky vendors or hospitals, and that DOC staff meet with Wellpath almost weekly. Members asked whether the committee had been kept informed and whether the bankruptcy could affect future services or subcontractors. DJJ then presented its concept for a high-acuity facility, explaining that the project is still in the preliminary programming and conceptual stage and has not yet entered the formal design phase with DECA. Officials said the proposal in the capital plan would create a 24-bed facility, with 16 clinical beds and 8 assessment/stabilization beds, to serve justice-involved youth with serious mental health needs. They said the facility would need to separate males and females and high- and low-risk youth, and that current placements often require sending youth out of state to places such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia, Arkansas, and Texas. Staff said the goal is to centralize treatment, improve safety, and reduce the need for fragmented or out-of-state placements. Committee members questioned the cost estimates, staffing needs, and whether the facility was justified given the small number of youth currently placed out of state. DJJ said the operational estimate includes an unknown medical-contract component and that the number of youth needing the facility can fluctuate because of surges in the juvenile population. Officials also said they had consulted with South Carolina, which is developing a similar facility, and noted that renovating existing facilities was considered but could be more expensive or impractical than building a separate site. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:49:23.920><c> and</c><00:49:24.240><c> choose</c><00:49:24.559><c> unity</c><00:49:25.040><c>
• change and<00:49:28.960><c> accountability</c><00:49:29.760><c> in</c><00:49:30.160><c> his</c><00:49
• This is our<00:49:32.079><c> moment</c><00:49:32.880><c> to</c><00:49:33.200><c> do</c><00:49:33.520>
• King's example,<00:49:42.960><c> we</c><00:49:43.200><c> can</c><00:49:43.359><c> recommmit</c><00:49
• We can choose<00:49:51.680><c> courage</c><00:49:52.160><c> over</c><00:49:52.559><c> fear</c><00:49:

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:49:02.559><c> whether</c><00:49:02.880><c> this</c><00:49:03.040><c> is</c><00:49:03.280><c> an</
• :49:07.280><c> it</c><00:49:07.440><c> goes</c><00:49:07.760><c> back</c><00:49:07.920><c> to</c><00:
• it<00:49:08.599><c> allowable</c><00:49:09.359><c> and</c><00:49:09.599><c> is</c><00:49:09.720><c>
• it</c><00:49:10.280><c> um</c><00:49:10.480><c> it</c><00:49:10.599><c> does</c><00:49:10.760><c> it<
• to</c><00:49:11.559><c> the</c><00:49:11.680><c> IEP</c><00:49:12.160><c> is</c><00:49:12.280><c> it<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The work session focused on special education, especially the differentiated aid component and special education aid, which members noted is still often called “catastrophic aid.” The chair said the committee was trying to better understand how special education costs are growing, how districts are delivering services through SAUs or internally, and how reimbursement formulas affect local costs. Members also discussed the need for better data before making decisions on several education funding bills, and Representative Brown was tasked with capturing questions for follow-up information from the department or elsewhere. Testimony from the state special education director, Becky Fad, centered on why student counts in various disability categories have shifted over time. She said the categories themselves have not changed much, but autism has increased because of greater understanding and identification, developmental delay has grown because it applies to children under age 10 who may not yet have a clear diagnosis, and some students previously classified under speech/language or other health impairment are now identified in more specific categories such as autism. She emphasized that the IEP is based on a child’s individual needs, so a change in category would not necessarily change services, though it may help educators support the student differently. Members asked about whether the shifts reflect better diagnostic capability, whether the department should gather more data on the reasons for the changes, and whether autism-spectrum data could be broken down further. Fad said the department does not currently have data on the causes of the shifts or on where students fall within the autism spectrum, but that collecting and analyzing such data is on its list of priorities and a new data manager had recently been hired. She also explained that each child is counted only once on the chart by primary disability, that the IEP or eligibility team determines the primary category based on evaluations, and that any child can be referred for special education by a parent, teacher, or doctor, after which the district must meet within 15 days to decide whether to evaluate. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; House<00:49:01.599><c> Bill</c><00:49:01.920><c> 39,</c><00:49:02.480><c> sponsored</c><00:49
• </c><00:49:37.440><c> he</c><00:49:37.680><c> was</c><00:49:37.839><c> good</c><00:49:38.000><c> to</
• And in June<00:49:40.079><c> of</c><00:49:40.319><c> this</c><00:49:40.559><c> year,</c><00:49:40.800
• ><c> he</c><00:49:41.040><c> went</c><00:49:41.200><c> to</c><00:49:41.359><c> a</c><00:49:41.520><c>
• </c><00:49:59.200><c> The</c><00:49:59.440><c> law</c><00:49:59.680><c> that</c><00:49:59.839><c> we<

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:49:46.639><c> I</c><01:49:46.880><c> am</c><01:49:47.040><c> here</c><01:49:47.280><c> today<
• Retino Colonel<01:49:53.040><c> Yihang,</c><01:49:53.679><c> our</c><01:49:53.840><c> first</c><01:49
• ><c> a</c><02:49:03.680><c> hard</c><02:49:04.000><c> copy</c><02:49:04.240><c> of</c><02:49:04.399><
• ><c> ticketed</c><02:49:19.439><c> events</c><02:49:19.760><c> and</c><02:49:20.000><c> how</c><02:49
• </c><02:49:21.680><c> And</c><02:49:21.920><c> we</c><02:49:22.080><c> also</c><02:49:22.319><c> have

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :15.720><c> when</c><00:49:15.880><c> the</c><00:49:16.000><c> law</c><00:49:16.240><c> was</c><00:49
• BNF</c><00:49:21.880><c> on</c><00:49:22.040><c> a</c><00:49:22.160><c> longer</c><00:49:22.480><c>
• ><c> to</c><00:49:25.319><c> go</c><00:49:25.520><c> to</c><00:49:25.960><c> cuz</c><00:49:26.359><c>
• we were<00:49:27.040><c> to</c><00:49:27.280><c> enact</c><00:49:27.760><c> this</c><00:49:28.559><c
• 49:30.280><c> go</c><00:49:30.480><c> into</c><00:49:30.920><c> the</c><00:49:31.319><c> authority</c

Committee: House Economic Development & Technology

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Technology heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 1343, which would amend quorum requirements for the Small Business Regulatory Review Board. The board chair testified in support, saying it has been difficult to fill all seats and that using active seats for quorum would help the board function more effectively. No opposition or questions were raised, and the committee moved on. The committee then heard SB 1578, which drew mixed testimony. DBEDT supported the measure and the Attorney General suggested inserting preamble language from HB 1025 to provide historical context on the East-West Center. Austin Martin of the Libertarian Party of Hawaiʻi opposed the bill, arguing it could invite improper behavior, create loosely regulated satellite offices, increase foreign influence, and add competition for land ownership. The committee took no vote during the hearing. The bulk of the meeting focused on SB 1641, a measure to establish a Hawaiʻi film commission/authority and related funding and governance structure. DBEDT supported the intent and offered friendly amendments to clarify the distinction between film and media industries, while the Honolulu Film Office and labor representatives from IATSE, Teamsters, and Pride at Work supported the bill but urged changes. Their concerns centered on conflicts of interest, especially having producers on the commission, and they asked for more labor representation and clearer oversight rules. The Attorney General raised constitutional and special-fund concerns, saying the grant standards and special-fund language needed work. Committee members discussed renaming the entity as a Hawaiʻi Film Authority, broadening its scope beyond cultural production, adjusting the commission makeup, and clarifying funding sources, including the existing film and creative industries fund and the 0.2% rebate contribution. No final vote was taken in the portion provided, but members indicated the bill would need substantial revisions and an HD1.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:01.520><c> That's</c><00:49:02.000><c> so</c><00:49:02.240><c> calendar</c><00:49:02.640><
• Represent.<00:49:08.640><c> Um,</c><00:49:10.000><c> you</c><00:49:10.160><c> know,</c><00:49:10.240>
• <c> I</c><00:49:10.400><c> I</c><00:49:10.720><c> I</c><00:49:10.800><c> I</c><00:49:11.200><c> guess
• All right.<01:49:31.440><c> So,</c><01:49:31.600><c> we</c><01:49:31.760><c> have</c><01:49:31.920><c
• 49:25.520><c> if</c><04:49:25.760><c> we</c><04:49:25.920><c> want</c><04:49:26.080><c> to</c><04:49:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee reviewed a handout comparing House Bill 2 to current retirement law and walked through the bill section by section with staff from the retirement system. The discussion focused on vesting, earnable compensation, average final compensation, compensation-over-base limits, special duty pay, normal retirement age, re-retirement, and maximum benefit rules for Group 2/Tier B members. Staff explained that some provisions would restore pre-2011 rules, including counting certain end-of-career payments such as unused sick and vacation time in earnable compensation and reducing the AFC averaging period from five years back to three. They also described how the bill would eliminate the current cap on compensation over base, which mainly affects overtime, and noted that the actuarial cost of the AFC-related changes is interrelated rather than easily broken out by feature. A separate discussion covered the special duty pay limitation, which currently applies to Tier A and would be removed under the governor’s bill for both Tier A and Tier B members after their vested buy date. Staff said the actuary estimated that removing the special duty limitation would increase costs by about $13.9 million. Members also asked about the practical difference between overtime and special duty, with staff explaining that special duty generally involves work for a private third party, often police detail work, while overtime depends more on staffing and scheduling. The committee also reviewed the normal retirement age changes for Tier B and the possibility that some members would need to work longer to reach the new vested buy date. Members raised concerns about an ambiguity in the bill that could allow already-retired Tier B members to return to work, then re-retire and claim the higher benefits, or allow vested deferred members to stop working and wait for the new vested buy date. Staff said the governor’s office did not intend to allow that result and requested clarifying language, noting that the bill as drafted does not expressly prohibit it. The committee also discussed part-time and seasonal work after retirement, with staff explaining that such work generally does not restore membership unless the person takes a full-time position requiring enrollment. Finally, the committee reviewed the maximum benefit provisions and noted that HB 2 in the current year does not change the maximum benefit date or include the 1.5% annual escalator that had been part of the 2023 proposal, making the current bill more costly than the earlier version.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:06.640><c> um</c><00:49:07.200><c> in</c><00:49:07.359><c> the</c><00:49:07.520><c> Senate
• 49:12.240><c> in</c><00:49:12.480><c> the</c><00:49:12.640><c> case</c><00:49:12.880><c> of</c><00:49
• /c><00:49:22.559><c> from</c><00:49:22.800><c> the</c> top<00:49:28.640><c> and</c><00:49:28.880><c>
• I</c><00:49:29.319><c> honestly,</c><00:49:30.319><c> you</c><00:49:30.680><c> know,</c><00:49:31.680
• </c><00:49:44.640><c> Yeah,</c><00:49:44.880><c> thank</c><00:49:45.040><c> you,</c><00:49:45.200><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:09.760><c> Uh</c><00:49:10.240><c> so</c><00:49:11.200><c> there</c><00:49:11.440><c> are<
• c><00:49:13.520><c> or</c><00:49:13.760><c> or</c><00:49:14.240><c> kind</c><00:49:14.400><c> of</c>
• that ends up making<00:49:20.000><c> an</c><00:49:20.319><c> awful</c><00:49:20.720><c> lot</c><00:49
• <c> is</c><00:49:31.920><c> uh</c><00:49:32.160><c> named</c><00:49:32.480><c> after</c><00:49:32.960
• </c><00:49:39.680><c> sort</c><00:49:39.920><c> of</c><00:49:40.079><c> the</c><00:49:40.960><c> holy

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• from going<00:49:12.240><c> to</c><00:49:12.400><c> court</c><00:49:12.720><c> to</c><00:49:12.880><
• &gt;&gt; So<00:49:25.280><c> Miss</c><00:49:25.520><c> Primo</c><00:49:26.000><c> the</c> This<00:49:
• oversight with<00:49:36.319><c> regard</c><00:49:36.640><c> to</c><00:49:37.119><c> whether</c><00:49
• </c><00:49:39.359><c> And</c><00:49:39.520><c> it</c><00:49:39.680><c> would</c><00:49:39.920><c> also
• </c><00:49:51.839><c> Is</c><00:49:52.079><c> that</c><00:49:52.800><c> accurate,</c><00:49:54.000><c

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you<00:49:05.520><c> can't</c><00:49:05.760><c> work</c><00:49:06.079><c> within</c><00:49:06.880>
• </c><00:49:08.640><c> things</c><00:49:08.880><c> private</c><00:49:09.200><c> and</c><00:49:09.440><
• ><00:49:28.800><c> then</c><00:49:29.280><c> it's</c><00:49:29.599><c> going</c><00:49:29.680><c> to<
• ><c> way</c><00:49:31.359><c> and</c><00:49:31.599><c> you</c><00:49:31.760><c> have</c><00:49:31.839
• <00:49:41.359><c> this</c><00:49:41.680><c> as</c><00:49:41.920><c> well</c><00:49:42.559><c> because

Bills: HB0075 , HB0128

Committee: House Minerals, Business & Economic Development

Keywords: virtual currency, kiosk, financial institutions, regulation, Wyoming Money Transmitters Act, penalties, severance tax, oil production, tax exemption, energy sector, economic impact, 916, all