Transcript Highlights:

• If you look at our rules right now, a renovation project has to be at least 25% of the cost for replacing
• Um uh but<00:25:08.960> in<00:25:09.039> in<00:25:09.200> terms<00:25:09.440>
• been<00:25:13.039> working<00:25:13.279> on<00:25:13.760> exactly<00:25:
• <00:25:42.559> So<00:25:42.720> you<00:25:43.039> can<00:25:43.200> look<
• a percentage of the of the uh project being<01:11:15.040> 25%<01:11:15.840> if<01:11:16.320

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened its first meeting on retained education funding bills, focusing on HB 366, which concerns school building aid for eligible projects, and HB 295, which would make school building aid program funds non-lapsing. The chair framed the discussion broadly around whether school building aid should remain a state program, how to address limited revenues, and whether the current system should continue to prioritize debt service and the existing formula or move toward a different model such as per-pupil allocations, a dedicated fund, or a split between new construction and renovation. He also raised questions about whether leasing should be included and how to manage any new fund under current law and the school building authority structure. Representatives and department staff discussed the current backlog of applications, the age and condition of school facilities, and the possibility that large projects can consume available funding for a year while other districts go unsupported. Tim Carney of the Bureau of School Facilities introduced himself and provided technical context on the program and current debt levels. Representative Luneau argued that under the ConVal decision, the state’s responsibility includes school buildings, construction, and renovation, and that the program also serves an equity function by helping districts with less property wealth. He noted that construction and renovation have long been recognized categories and asked about leasing, which staff said is already supported in statute for charter schools and possibly CTE, with a cap of 30% of annual lease cost or $50,000. The discussion also covered CTE facilities: staff explained that capital funding for CTE centers is state-funded, that federal Carl Perkins funds cannot be used for construction, and that the current rotational capital model means only a few centers are funded each year, which may not match changing program needs. A committee studying CTE capital needs was referenced, along with concerns that the report from that work had not yet been received. Representative Papich urged the subcommittee to focus on policy, principles, and structure rather than just numbers, saying the current system produces a few winners and many districts that never receive aid. He favored a simpler, more equitable per-capita or formula-based approach, while acknowledging the need for a transition plan for projects already in the pipeline. The chair later cautioned against mixing maintenance and operations with construction and renovation, noting that operation and maintenance are already part of the adequacy formula and should not be confused with capital funding. No votes were taken during the meeting; the discussion was exploratory, with members and staff laying out competing approaches and identifying issues for further work.

Transcript Highlights:

• The moving of<00:25:47.679> utilities<00:25:48.640> uh<00:25:48.720> is<00:25:49.039
• > a<00:25:50.960> lot<00:25:51.039> of<00:25:51.120> these<00:25:51.360><
• <00:25:53.679> companies<00:25:54.080> already<00:25:54.400> have<00:25:54.559><
• > to<00:25:56.559> uh<00:25:57.200> implement<00:25:57.679> for<00:25:58.000
• project.

Keywords: 00:32 Call to Order and Roll Call 02:30 Road Fund Report 17:22 Approval of Minutes 18:07 High Growth Counties Projects 56:00 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee for Transportation met without a quorum at first, then later approved the July 15 minutes by voice vote after quorum was reached. The committee heard an update from the Transportation Cabinet on the road fund for FY 2024-25. Cabinet staff reported road fund revenue came in $38.5 million above the enacted estimate, with motor vehicle usage tax receipts setting an all-time high for the fifth straight year. Motor fuels tax revenue was below estimate and down from the prior year, while overall road fund collections totaled $1.86 billion, essentially flat year over year. Staff said the road fund ended FY25 with a $61.6 million surplus, which under the budget bill must be appropriated to state construction. Members discussed the gas tax formula, with Senator Higdon arguing it no longer works well because revenues fall when fuel prices fall, and the chair noting the committee may need to revisit the formula. The committee then received an update on High Growth County projects in the 2024 highway plan. KYTC said $16 million in HGC authorizations had been made, nine projects already had construction funds authorized or were otherwise underway, 12 more were scheduled to be let by the end of 2025 with estimated construction costs above $250 million, and one additional project was expected to be awarded through alternative delivery. The cabinet said it anticipated authorizing the full $450 million appropriated by the General Assembly. Members praised the effort and emphasized the need to get projects to market before the next budget cycle. Jason Sala of KYTC also explained why transportation projects take time, citing planning, design, right-of-way acquisition, and utility relocation as major steps that can delay delivery. He said these processes are complex and require coordination with property owners, utilities, consultants, contractors, and local governments. Eric Pelfrey then briefed the committee on professional and personal service contracts, saying they are used to expand cabinet capacity for design, inspections, right-of-way appraisal, safety, and related work. He reported that authorizations and payments for these contracts have trended upward over the past decade, and that the number of contracts has also increased. In response to questions, Pelfrey said design-build can speed some projects by overlapping steps, but it does not eliminate right-of-way or utility work when those are required; he said KYTC has been using alternative delivery more often, but project complexity still limits how quickly work can move.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, we'll<01:25:00.239> do<01:25:00.320> that<01:25:00.480> and<01:25:00.639>
• <01:25:10.560> Uh<01:25:10.960> so<01:25:11.199> this<01:25:11.440> is
• And<01:25:12.560> so<01:25:12.960> basically<01:25:13.440> you<01:25:13.600>
• <01:25:19.040> Am<01:25:19.520> I<01:25:20.159> Yes.<01:25:20.560> Okay.
• Yeah.<01:25:23.440> I<01:25:23.679> I<01:25:24.000> like<01:25:24.159> to

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 110, as amended by the Senate, which would establish fees for alteration-of-terrain applications and direct the Department of Environmental Services to adopt rules for a permit-by-notification process for certain projects. Trisha Milo introduced the bill for Senator Lang and noted that the department had worked on the amended language. Matt Mayberry of the New Hampshire Homebuilders Association said the industry strongly supported the bill, describing it as a public-private partnership that would speed review for developers without affecting local control, with builders paying the costs rather than taxpayers. Members focused heavily on how the bill’s fee structure and permit thresholds would work, especially for projects near shoreland, wetlands, and protected water bodies. Representative Opel raised concerns about whether the bill reduced review of habitat and shoreland impacts or shifted costs unfairly; Philip Trobridge of DES explained that the bill does not eliminate those reviews and that shoreland projects still receive greater scrutiny. He said the bill creates different tiers, with the permit-by-notification process applying to certain projects between 100,000 and 150,000 square feet that are not in protected shoreland, while larger or shoreland-affected projects remain under the standard review process. He also said the proposed fees were based on sustaining the program, covering added habitat and species review responsibilities, and keeping reviews efficient. Trobridge said the new fee structure would generate about $1.2 million in additional revenue and help fund additional staff and related program costs. He stated that the department had worked with the regulated community and believed the fees were fair and reasonable, though he acknowledged the bill’s wording was confusing and that the threshold could be revisited later if the new process works well. Members also discussed how the state process interacts with local approvals, and Trobridge said both state and local approvals are required before a project can begin. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:25:35.760> motans<00:25:36.480> benefit<00:25:37.120> from<00:25:37.360>
• <00:25:40.720> there<00:25:40.960> could<00:25:41.120> be<00:25:41.279> a
• Third,<00:25:49.600> uh<00:25:49.760> that<00:25:50.000> funding<00:25:50.559>
• <01:25:02.880> I<01:25:03.120> think<01:25:03.199> it's<01:25:04.080> uh<
• So,<01:25:26.800> that's<01:25:27.040> that's<01:25:27.360> what<01:25:27.520>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > amendments<00:25:03.400> 48<00:25:04.000> through<00:25:04.240> 231 projects
• grants for various add miscellaneous grants for various projects<00:25:09.200> in<00:25:09.320
• > the<00:25:09.400> Maryland<00:25:09.720> Hospitals projects in the Maryland Hospitals
• projects in the Maryland Hospitals Association,<00:25:11.160> amendments<00:25:11.679> 232
• one<00:25:29.760> project.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with 42 members present and a quorum, opened with an invocation by Pastor Jaylen Robinson, and recognized several guests and honorees. Early floor remarks included a welcome to students from Forest Oak Middle School, a young Senate shadow from Woodlawn High School, and guests from Charles H. Flowers High School. The chamber also noted a doctor of the day and announced that panoramic photos in the Senate lounge were available for order by March 27, with eye exams available in the State House. The main legislative business was Senate Bill 283, the President’s Maryland Consolidated Capital Bond Loan of 2026. The Senate Budget and Taxation Committee presented 291 amendments, described as funding priorities for jobs, infrastructure, and reliability while staying within debt affordability limits. The amendments covered school construction, natural resources, higher education, housing, Maryland Environmental Service, miscellaneous grants, local Senate bond initiatives, jails and detention centers, and pre-authorizations for fiscal 2028. Four amendments were separated for individual roll calls: 30, 35, 46, and 241, all of which were adopted. The remaining committee amendments were adopted without objection, and the favorable committee report as amended was then taken up. During debate on the capital budget amendments, one senator raised concerns about the bill and the difficulty of tracking the amendments on the electronic system, prompting discussion about technical issues and the availability of the documents on the website and in paper form. The chair said the committee had been working on the bill for months and urged the body to proceed. A question was raised about Amendment 264, which deauthorized a Willing Helper Society renovation project in Charles County; the chair explained the money had not been spent, was about to expire, and was repurposed to a Boys and Girls Club of Southern Maryland project to keep the funding in Charles County.

Transcript Highlights:

• In FY 25, we're projecting to collect about 127.71 million from the planned 125.638 million.
• In FY 25, we're projecting to collect about 127.71 million from the planned 125.638 million.
• In FY 25, we're projecting to collect about 127.71 million from the planned 125.638 million.
• In FY 25, we're projecting to collect about 127.71 million from the planned 125.638 million.
• 25 we are<00:39:43.880> projecting<00:39:44.400> to<00:39:44.640> collect<00:39

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Department of Safety presented an overview of highway fund and unrestricted revenue collections, focusing on the Division of Administration, the Road Toll Bureau, and the Division of Motor Vehicles. Amy Newbery explained that the main unrestricted funding sources are highway funds and general funds, with highway fund revenue of about $263 million in FY 2024 and a FY 2025 projection of $261.2 million. She said revenue growth has been modest and has not kept pace with costs, creating structural deficits that required general fund transfers of $50 million in FY 2022-23 and another $10 million in FY 2024-25 to balance the fund. Jennifer Hall described Road Toll operations, including motor fuel tax collection at the distributor level, compliance enforcement, and licensing for fuel distributors, transporters, IFTA carriers, and oil discharge/pollution control. Members asked about IFTA, dyed-fuel enforcement, the possibility of using the state forensic lab for dyed-fuel testing, and whether audit positions had been filled; the department said it recently hired a part-time fuel enforcement officer, still uses IRS testing, could explore lab testing, and had no audit vacancies. Hall also discussed factors affecting fuel-tax revenue, including gas prices, crude oil forecasts, weather, tourism, GDP, and inflation, and said FY 2024 road toll revenue was $127.5 million, above plan, with FY 2025 projected at $127.71 million. The committee then turned to DMV-related revenues. Newbery said motor vehicle registration revenue was $93.1 million in FY 2024 and is projected at $90.4 million in FY 2025, with the state share going directly to the highway fund. Members asked about the state/town fee split, the five-year registration cycle dip, the distribution of registration revenue by vehicle weight category, and the impact of electric-vehicle surcharges; the department said the five-year dip is still occurring and will fade over time, and it would follow up on the weight-category breakdown. The presentation also noted that driver-license revenues have stabilized, inspection revenues remain steady, plea-by-mail revenue was added to the highway fund in FY 2024, and general fund revenues tied to the department are relatively small and have declined as some functions moved to OPLC. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• [clears throat] Uh<00:25:09.840> yes,<00:25:10.520> uh<00:25:10.800> Chair<00:25
• <00:25:32.080> that,<00:25:32.800> uh<00:25:32.960> would<00:25:33.160> you
• And<00:25:38.640> who<00:25:38.760> would<00:25:38.880> like<00:25:39.040> to
• Um of<00:25:42.480> course,<00:25:42.679> that'd<00:25:42.840> be<00:25:42.920><
• I I my<00:25:44.200> guess<00:25:44.560> I<00:25:44.679> I<00:25:44.760> would

Bills: HF3599, HF3761, HF3523, HF3515, HF573

Keywords: water treatment, infrastructure, municipal funding, bond issuance, Becker, sewer improvements, sanitation, Hibbing, state bonds, infrastructure funding, capital investment, safety improvements, mobility, U.S. Highway 12, bonds, transportation funding, trails, Prior Lake, bond funding, recreational improvements

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um you know,<00:25:03.200> a<00:25:03.360> lot<00:25:03.520> of<00:25:03.600
• And I just<00:25:06.880> wanted<00:25:07.200> to<00:25:07.840> to<00:25:08.240><
• <00:25:13.919> A<00:25:14.159> lot<00:25:14.240> of<00:25:14.320> people<
• And it<00:25:19.520> it<00:25:19.840> went<00:25:20.000> on<00:25:20.159> to<
• ><00:25:31.279> the<00:25:31.440> the<00:25:31.840> legislation<00:25:32.640>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Kentucky Senate convened with an invocation, pledge, and roll call establishing a quorum of 37 members. The chamber approved the journal from Monday, January 12, 2026, and then moved through routine business including recessing briefly for the Rules Committee and Committee on Committees. The Committee on Committees reported referrals of Senate Bill 7, Senate Joint Resolution 11, and Senate Joint Resolution 27 to Transportation, and Senate Resolutions 25, 28, 29, 30, and 31 to the Senate floor. Several new bills and resolutions were introduced, including measures on identity documents, youth vaping prevention, local occupational license fees and taxes, healthcare provider credentialing, constitutional amendments on voting and restoration of rights, substance use disorder medication regulations, forcible entry and detainer, coroner response times, special needs trusts, immigration enforcement collaboration, and a resolution recognizing Physician Anesthesiologist Week. The Senate also adopted Senate Citation 001 honoring Shelby County Sheriff Mark Moore as the Kentucky Sheriffs’ Association’s 2025 Sheriff of the Year, and adopted Senate Resolution 14 honoring David Delvin Drake. A major floor discussion centered on Senate Resolution 10, which honored the victims of the UPS Flight 2976 crash and commended first responders. Senator Herron described the crash, named the victims, and thanked emergency responders and government partners; the resolution was adopted unanimously, followed by a moment of silence. Another extended discussion came from the Senator from Marion regarding the I-69 bridge project, explaining the bipartisan effort behind the project, the push for a federal grant, and the state’s tolling requirements if no grant is secured. The Senate also heard announcements about committee meetings, upcoming receptions, and a film release, and several members requested co-sponsorships on various bills before the chamber adjourned until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:25:01.280> So,<00:25:01.600> at<00:25:01.800> this<00:25:02.360> time
• and I know that it's<00:25:20.680> a<00:25:21.040> kind<00:25:21.160> of<00:25:
• seeing<00:25:23.720> that<00:25:23.880> there<00:25:24.040> may<00:25:24.200>
• I guess my question<00:25:32.280> is,<00:25:33.040> what<00:25:33.240> is<00:25:
• <00:25:38.520> a<00:25:38.640> close<00:25:39.120> eye<00:25:39.440> on

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary received an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on implementation of House Bill 504, the judicial branch budget, and court facility projects. AOC leaders said they do not anticipate problems balancing the outgoing biennium or fiscal year 2026, and explained that the budget changes were driven by the need to reduce costs while preserving required constitutional, court-rule, and statutory services. They also said the new filing fee increases authorized by HB 504 took effect that day and are expected to generate up to $5 million, while the reorganization is projected to save about $3 million in general fund dollars. The bulk of the presentation focused on a major reorganization of the Office of Statewide Programs, which includes specialty courts, family and juvenile services, and pretrial services. AOC said the plan eliminates 170 positions and creates 109 new ones, mainly by reducing middle-management layers, expanding regional service delivery, and cross-training staff. Officials said 110 employees had already been offered or accepted placements, 24 had chosen voluntary separation, and the final number of employees leaving remains fluid until the process concludes around August 1. They emphasized that specialty court programs were not eliminated, but state-funded treatment court contracts and behavioral health liaison positions were removed, with treatment costs shifted to Medicaid or participants where appropriate. Members asked about the process, staffing impacts, specialty court participation, juvenile services, and how AOC will monitor the changes. AOC said the reorganization was developed by leadership, HR, and legal staff under direction of the Chief Justice and approved by the Supreme Court, and that it is intended to improve efficiency and frontline support rather than reduce services. They said specialty court participant levels are being watched closely, that CDW services will continue to use outside providers for programming, and that the agency will keep judges and stakeholders informed as the new structure goes into effect. No votes were taken, and the committee did not approve minutes because a quorum was not present.

Transcript Highlights:

• Subdivision four terminates the tax after 25 years or the project amount has been received, whichever
• <00:04:08.600> amount<00:04:08.880> has after 25 years or the project amount has after
• 25 years or the project amount has been<00:04:09.200> received,<00:04:10.000> whichever
• <00:25:15.640> is<00:25:15.760> a<00:25:15.800> question<00:25:16.240> for
• Um Um Um Is<00:25:22.240> there<00:25:22.480> a<00:25:22.560> limit<00:25:23.200

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Was<00:25:44.720> the<00:25:44.960> project<00:25:45.279> running<00:25
• :45.600> over<00:25:45.840> bud<00:25:46.080> over >> Was the project running
• over bud over >> Was the project running over bud over over<00:25:46.400> budget<00:25:
• When<00:25:51.440> the<00:25:51.600> project<00:25:51.919> was<00:25:52.159>
• When the project was was uh was bid, it When the project was was uh was bid, it was<00:25:54.080

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the June 20, 2025 minutes, with several members abstaining, and then adopted the consent calendar after removing items 223 and 224 under tab five, item 222 under tab six, and item 231 under tab seven. The committee also noted that an old business item related to YDC claims administration would be removed at a future meeting because the fiscal year had closed and no further committee action was needed. The main substantive discussion centered on Department of Health and Human Services requests. Item FIS-223 would fund a shared database between the Department of Education and HHS to identify children eligible for the summer EBT program; members asked whether it could also help with Medicaid or school reimbursement tracking, but the witness said the item was specifically for summer EBT and that broader integration questions would need follow-up with Education and Medicaid staff. The committee then adopted the item, with Representative Mooney voting no. Item FIS-224 concerned the phrase "high quality services" in child care-related funding; HHS said the standards come from the federal Office of Child Care, and the committee adopted the item. Item FIS-222 related to Money Follows the Person; HHS explained it is a 100% federally funded program that supports transitions from institutions to community living with services such as housing navigation, furnishings, and case management. Members questioned the scale and cost of the program, and HHS said the initial federal award was $5 million, with additional federal IT funding later approved; the committee adopted the item, again with Representative Mooney voting no. Under tab seven, the committee discussed item 231 involving ARPA funds and the YDC project. The Department of Administrative Services explained that recent Treasury guidance allows leftover ARPA dollars from approved projects to be repurposed only for additional work on already approved projects, not new projects. Members asked about whether the project was over budget and whether some items had been in the original plan; officials said the work reflected add alternates from the original bid and that the project was on track to meet the deadline. The committee adopted the item. The meeting then moved to the audit presentation on the New Hampshire Liquor Commission’s fiscal year 2024 management letter, which identified 13 internal control comments, including two material weaknesses, largely tied to the new NextG system. Recommendations included strengthening controls, formal risk assessment, reconciliations to New Hampshire First, cash receipt controls, subsidiary ledgers, SOC reports for vendors, internal audit functions, lease accounting, gift card breakage reporting, and IT security and access controls. The Liquor Commission said it concurred with most findings, described the system transition as successful overall, and said remediation would continue; committee members asked for estimated completion dates for audit findings and discussed the need for more regular follow-up on audit issues and budget monitoring.

Transcript Highlights:

• start the project. start the project.
• <00:25:41.360> I<00:25:41.600> was<00:25:41.760> the<00:25:41.919> first<
• <00:25:43.440> have<00:25:43.600> created<00:25:44.559> um<00:25:44.640>
• we have<00:25:47.679> hired<00:25:48.320> the<00:25:48.559> full<00:25:49.360><
• The<00:25:51.279> college<00:25:52.720> employees<00:25:53.360> and<00:25:53.679

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The committee met to consider amendments to House Bill 111. It first adopted amendment number one without objection. Members then discussed a Senate amendment related to a $750,000 state match for the Central Wyoming College Jackson project, with Senator Laursen explaining the request as a way to leverage local fundraising for the final phase of the project. He said the project had been underway since 2018, that the building was nearing completion, and that the amendment was intended to encourage a local fundraising campaign rather than wait for a later appropriation. Representative Lien questioned whether the funding had gone through the usual approval process, and other members raised concerns about bypassing standard procedures, while Laursen argued the request was consistent with prior late-stage project adjustments and reflected local skin in the game. The discussion also covered a Senate amendment concerning University of Wyoming land use, specifically whether language should remain requiring open space or allow trustees more flexibility to decide between open space and parking. One member moved to delete the Senate amendment and reinsert the stricken language, but after discussion the motion was withdrawn so the committee could consider all amendments together. Members noted that the university had already been discussing the plan and that the language change would not necessarily alter the trustees’ authority, though it might protect the university. The committee then turned to a Gillette College/Enzi building amendment. Senator Driscoll said the proposal was his own and not requested by the college, and Janelle Overberlander, founding president of Gillette Community College District, testified about the history of the project, including the 2021 separation from the Northern Wyoming Community College District, prior planning for a STEM building, and the later decision to revive the project as an academic building honoring Senator Enzi. She said the building is intended to address lab space needs and support industry partners, including companies expected to bring jobs to Campbell County. Driscoll explained that the amendment would provide a dollar-for-dollar match for non-state money and require Gillette College to move to a four-mill levy, which he said would eventually make the college a net contributor to the system. The committee continued discussing the amendment and its long-term fiscal effects, but no final vote on the later amendments is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Trunk highway projects could projects.
• :00.080> So<00:25:00.480> today<00:25:00.799> the<00:25:01.120> gas<00:25
• <00:25:06.880> Um,<00:25:07.360> if<00:25:07.679> you<00:25:07.919> have<
• a<00:25:11.200> pretty<00:25:11.440> fuel<00:25:11.760> efficient<00:25:
• <00:25:15.360> If<00:25:15.520> you<00:25:15.760> drive<00:25:15.919> a

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.080> uh<00:25:00.240> chair<00:25:00.520> votes<00:25:00.840> I<00:25
• and<00:25:24.480> culture<00:25:24.960> and<00:25:25.159> the<00:25:25.320>
• recommendation<00:25:27.159> on<00:25:27.360> S<00:25:27.600> SP<00:25:27.760>
• :25:34.919> none<00:25:35.240> a<00:25:35.399> measures<00:25:35.880> adopted
• > chair<00:25:37.559> you<00:25:38.120> okay<00:25:38.399> and<00:25:38.520>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs met on February 13 and heard testimony on three measures before taking up decision-making. On SB 1410, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands supported the bill as a practical way to require counties to timely respond when DHHL seeks transfer of infrastructure or facilities, and the chair later recommended passage without amendment. The committee adopted that recommendation, with Senator Ihara excused. The committee then heard extensive testimony on SB 1549, which would help fund the Kahili Homestead community’s planned multi-service center and park improvements. DHHL supported the measure, and community witnesses described a 16-year planning process, prior grant and developer funding, completed phase-one park work, and the need for state bonding to complete phase two. Members asked about community engagement, fundraising, and whether the design included features such as a lāʻau garden, Hōlua mound, imu hall, craft pavilion, and space for Native Hawaiian games and lua practice. The chair recommended passage of SB 1549 unamended, and the committee adopted the recommendation. The committee also considered SB 903, described as a housekeeping bill to create a vehicle for continued funding of OHA after the current working group sunsets. The chair recommended passage with amendments incorporating the contents of proposed Senate Draft 1 and recommittal to the Hawaiian Affairs committee, and that recommendation was adopted. The meeting then shifted to a joint hearing with Transportation and Culture and the Arts on SB 614, relating to Hawaiian Independence Day, and SB 1051, relating to Hawaiian History Month. Testimony on SB 614 was largely supportive, emphasizing cultural recognition and education, though one witness from Hawaii Sovereignty Studies opposed it; the Office of Collective Bargaining said it did not yet know the cost. SB 1051 also drew support, with testimony stressing the importance of teaching the history of the overthrow and Hawaiian sovereignty. Both bills were advanced with amendments, including technical changes and effective dates, and both committees adopted the chair’s recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you look at our rules right now, which we have, a renovation project has to be at least 25% of the
• :18.000> we're<00:25:18.320> at<00:25:18.480> the<00:25:18.720> end<00:25
• ><00:25:25.919> are<00:25:26.240> in<00:25:26.559> the<00:25:26.720> state
• <00:25:28.159> where<00:25:28.400> we<00:25:28.640> have<00:25:28.799> our
• of the of the uh project a percentage of the of the uh project being<01:11:15.040> 25%<01:11:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee began its first meeting on retained education funding bills, focusing on HB 366, which concerns school building aid for eligible projects, and HB 295, which would make school building aid program funds non-lapsing. The chair framed the discussion around broader questions about how school building aid should work, noting the state’s limited available funding, the existing debt service obligations, and whether the current formula should continue or be changed. He also raised concerns about the state’s overall revenue constraints and the need to consider renovation, new construction, and possibly leasing within any future program. Members and the Department of Education representative discussed whether school building aid is a state or local responsibility, the current backlog of projects, and the condition of school facilities statewide. Tim Carney of the Bureau of School Facilities described his background and answered technical questions about current programs. Representative Luno argued that under the ConVal decision the state has responsibility for school buildings, including construction and renovation, and that the program also serves an equity function by helping districts with less property-tax capacity. Representative Papich urged the committee to focus on policy structure and fairness rather than just available dollars, saying the current system creates winners and losers and suggesting a simpler per-capita or similar allocation model, while acknowledging a possible transition for projects already in the pipeline. The discussion also covered CTE facilities and leasing. Carney explained that charter schools, and possibly CTE centers, can receive limited leasing aid, and that CTE capital requests are funded through a state capital process, while federal Carl Perkins funds cannot be used for construction. He and others described a separate rotational funding approach for CTE centers, but several members said that model can leave programs waiting too long and may not match changing workforce needs. The chair and others noted that a report from a related study group on CTE policy and funding was still pending, and that its absence could affect legislation for FY28. No votes were taken and no bill was acted on in the portion of the meeting provided; the discussion ended with interest in modeling alternatives, reviewing the waiting list, and examining the tradeoffs of reducing upfront state aid versus funding more projects overall.

Transcript Highlights:

• > have<01:25:01.440> with<01:25:01.600> when<01:25:01.679> we<01:25:01.840><
• 01:25:04.639> done<01:25:05.120> redone<01:25:05.520> in<01:25:05.760> front<
• front of my<01:25:06.159> place<01:25:06.480> and<01:25:07.840> uh<01:25:08.000>
• 01:25:11.520> mind<01:25:11.679> a<01:25:11.840> lot<01:25:11.920> of<01:
• We construct a road<01:25:14.080> to<01:25:14.320> be<01:25:14.480> what's<01:25

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met for its sixth and final interim meeting after a brief technical delay, approved the October 14 minutes, and heard a presentation on a proposed Kentucky hands-free driving bill. The main discussion centered on distracted driving and a draft measure modeled on South Carolina law that would prohibit holding or supporting a mobile electronic device while driving on public roads, while allowing limited exceptions for parked/stopped vehicles, navigation, emergency reporting, dispatch systems, first responders, and certain hands-free call functions. The bill would make a violation a $100 fine plus court costs, with the draft allocating fine revenue to the traumatic brain injury trust fund, Kentucky trauma care system, and veteran program trust fund. The sponsor also said the bill would address prior concerns about enforcement and clarify that officers need a clear, unobstructed visual observation before stopping a driver, and that they may not search or seize devices or make custodial arrests solely for the violation. Alyssa Burns gave emotional testimony in support of the bill, describing the death of her young daughter Kimberly in a crash she attributed to a distracted driver and urging lawmakers to pass the measure to improve roadway safety. The sponsor cited Kentucky traffic fatality statistics, including 814 deaths in 2023 and an estimated 20% involving distracted driving, and argued that the bill could reduce preventable deaths. Several members voiced support and sympathy, including remarks comparing the effort to past seat belt legislation and suggesting possible future additions such as community service. One member raised concerns about enforcement and whether officers could reliably observe phone use inside vehicles, while another asked about the bill’s interaction with existing texting-while-driving penalties and whether points would still apply. The sponsor said the draft was still being refined, acknowledged gray areas, and invited further changes as the bill moves forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:06.240> It<00:25:06.360> has<00:25:06.560> to<00:25:06.680> show
• <00:25:15.520> These<00:25:15.800> were<00:25:16.000> items<00:25:16.400>
• from the<00:25:22.720> general<00:25:23.040> fund<00:25:23.320> to<00:25:23.440>
• :28.600> order<00:25:28.840> to<00:25:29.280> so<00:25:29.480> that<00:25
• And<00:25:33.400> that<00:25:33.600> is<00:25:33.760> it<00:25:33.960> for

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The working group on the Omnibus Environment Bill opened with remarks from House and Senate co-chairs describing the agreement as a compromise with wins and tradeoffs for both sides, and thanking nonpartisan staff and administration agencies for helping negotiate the package. Staff then walked through the finance spreadsheet, explaining that the agreement met the group’s general fund target by combining new spending with cancellations and fund shifts across the Pollution Control Agency, DNR, BWSR, Metro Parks, the Zoo, the Science Museum, and other entities. Major fiscal items included PCA operating and permitting-efficiency funding, PFAS-related and mercury-related provisions, county feedlot reductions, closed landfill and remediation fund changes, groundwater and aquatic invasive species fee increases, DNR groundwater and AIS spending, ATV trail grants, watercraft enforcement, and several one-time appropriations and extensions for specific water quality and conservation projects. The policy walk-through covered Article 3’s community grants changes, including a requirement that grants benefit all regions of the state, permission to use some funds for trail maintenance and AIS management, prohibitions on awards to certain entities, and a DNR reporting requirement. Article 4 contained a range of natural resources and environmental policy provisions, including abandoned watercraft seizure and forfeiture authority, higher watercraft AIS surcharges, disabled veterans license fee reductions, a county-based replacement for the shotgun zone, a one-year crossbow extension, a continuous bass season, increased water use permit fees, PFAS sales exemptions for certain products, creation of the Sustainable Foraging Task Force, and a moratorium on DNR foraging rules shortened to July 1, 2026. Article 5 addressed state lands, including an additional Cass County land sale authority. Article 6 focused on PCA permitting reform, requiring more emphasis on complex Tier 2 permits in annual reporting, giving applicants five business days to fix deficiencies, allowing the PCA to decline expedited permitting when it lacks capacity, and letting the agency retain certain fees if expedited permits are completed early. It also included changes to environmental review procedures, feedlot permitting, and EQB rules. During member questions, Senator McEwen asked about the $952,000 ATV trail appropriation and whether projects must have permits before receiving funds; DNR Assistant Commissioner Bob Myers said no project list had been finalized and that grants would go through the existing process, with environmental review and readiness considered, but he said he would need to verify the exact permitting policy and follow up with the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:25:04.560> these<00:25:04.800> items,<00:25:05.160> so<00:25:05.280> I
• want to<00:25:05.760> put<00:25:05.920> them<00:25:06.080> back<00:25:06.320>
• > in<00:25:06.440> front<00:25:06.680> of<00:25:06.800> you,<00:25:07.240>
• of you, um, to let<00:25:07.840> you<00:25:07.960> know<00:25:08.160> that<00:25
• <00:25:11.560> So,<00:25:12.120> um,<00:25:12.480> as<00:25:12.680> you

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :25:02.520> these<00:25:02.919> uh<00:25:03.039> private<00:25:03.360> roadways
• 00:25:06.559> opportunity<00:25:07.440> thank<00:25:07.559> you<00:25:07.679>
• <00:25:10.440> written<00:25:10.760> testimony<00:25:11.200> from<00:25:11.320><
• within<00:25:55.000> 60<00:25:55.679> days<00:25:56.679> or<00:25:56.960
• ><00:25:58.440> to<00:25:58.559> all<00:25:58.679> the<00:25:58.799> changes<

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 946 on wastewater management, which would clarify that the ban on discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after 12/31/26 applies to treatment plants. Testimony was in support from the Department of Health, Maui County Council, Mayor Bisson, and individuals, and no one testified in opposition. SB 849 on wildlife conservation would prohibit intentional taking, harming, or killing of the Hawaiian hawk (ʻio) and increase penalties for taking native aquatic life, wildlife, and land plants; DLNR supported the bill, noting the ʻio was delisted federally in 2020 and that the measure also updates penalties and adds a rehabilitation/community service option. No questions were raised, and the bill drew support testimony only. For SB 330 on invasive species prevention, the Attorney General raised a supremacy clause concern with language requiring state enforcement of federal quarantines and recommended reverting to a prior version with a catchall for federal regulation. The Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species supported the bill as a way to close a biosecurity gap, while the Department of Agriculture said it supported the intent but wanted to avoid acting without a cooperative agreement with USDA and suggested deleting the portion allowing action without such an agreement. The committee also heard SB 1393 on public land use, which would require the School Facilities Authority to consult with DOE and other agencies before land conveyances or leases and repeal a requirement that DOE transfer title upon request; both SFA and DOE supported the measure, with DOE emphasizing the need for early communication and consultation, and members asked about possible disagreements or stalemates. The committee then heard SB 321 on private roads and ways, which would deem certain privately owned roads and similar ways transferred to adjacent owners or community associations if conditions are met. The Hawaii Land Title Association said the bill as drafted would create uncertainty and proposed a court process to clarify ownership and create a recordable order; written support came from the Mortgage Bankers Association of Hawaii, Hawaii Financial Services Association, and one individual. SB 66 on housing permitting would require permit decisions within 60 days for certain housing projects and deem permits approved in some circumstances; DLNR’s historic preservation office supported the intent but noted county historic preservation roles, OHA suggested amendments to clarify county duties, and DPP opposed the time limits as risky for health and safety reviews, warning about back-and-forth review cycles and possible mismatches between approved plans and field work. Realtors, NAIOP, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii YIMBY, and the Maui Chamber supported the measure, while Lahaina Strong, Hawaii Good Neighbor, and two individuals opposed it. Finally, the committee heard SB 1170 on expeditious redevelopment of affordable rental housing, which would speed permits for rebuilding permanently affordable multifamily rental housing damaged by natural disasters and exempt certain projects from EIS requirements. HHFDC supported the bill, citing the Front Street Apartments rebuild and the long SMA permit timeline on Maui, and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the intent while suggesting technical placement of amendments. Testimony in support also came from the Maui Chamber of Commerce and Joe Blanco, who described difficulties rebuilding a project originally developed under older statutory requirements and said the bill’s added language addressed those issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> And<00:25:09.440> and<00:25:09.760> and<00:25:10.240> to<00:25:10.720><
• :25:19.240> you<00:25:19.440> were<00:25:19.680> awarded,<00:25:20.480> how
• 23.640> do<00:25:24.000> all<00:25:24.360> the<00:25:24.480> kinds<00:25:
• <00:25:27.600> Not<00:25:28.000> so<00:25:28.160> much<00:25:28.760> I
• Not so much I know we<00:25:29.120> have<00:25:29.280> a<00:25:29.320> lot<00:25

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Government Operations held an informational briefing with the State Procurement Office on its small business procurement program. SPO staff described the program’s purpose as expanding access to state contracting for small businesses, including veteran-, Native Hawaiian-, and women-owned firms, and said they are seeking to make the current five-year initiative permanent before it ends in June 2027. They reported outreach efforts, a new website and newsletter, statewide surveys, draft administrative rules, and a 38% increase in small business registrations in the HANS database. They also explained that the program is intended to support outreach, education, certification, compliance, and a statewide database to connect agencies with qualified small businesses. Committee members focused heavily on whether the program is producing measurable contract awards, not just registrations. The chair and senators questioned the definition of “small business,” noting that SPO currently relies on SBA standards in HANS and is considering a Hawaii-specific definition based on employees, revenue, and Hawaii residency. Members raised concerns that the data showed only a small number of registered businesses receiving awards and that the database does not yet track awards well enough to evaluate performance. SPO responded that the database has had funding gaps, that the position was only filled in February 2025, and that the agency is still building the system and rules needed to track outcomes accurately. A major theme was how to make the program more effective for very small or “micro” businesses and how to reduce the complexity of state procurement. Members discussed the difference between set-asides and bid preferences, with SPO explaining that set-asides are generally tied to RFPs and preferences to IFBs. The committee suggested that future rules should make participation easier, provide more training and hand-holding, and possibly create pathways for micro businesses or groups of small businesses to bid together. No votes or formal actions were taken; the briefing ended with the committee asking SPO to provide more performance data and clearer information on outreach results and database contents.