Transcript Highlights:

• We got two important bills on our agenda today.
• As I mentioned, we have two bills today.
• , lines one and two.
• <00:13:15.480> lines<00:13:15.839> one<00:13:16.160> and<00:13:16.320> two
• <00:13:17.279> uh found on page two lines one and two uh found on page two lines one and two

Bills: HF47, HF335

Keywords: telecommunications, installation, certification, safety, underground utilities, HF335, Greater Minnesota, economic development, public infrastructure, grant program, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, business development, infrastructure grants, local government aid, general fund appropriation, rural development, site development, utilities, roads

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Um, yeah, I I'm I'm on two lines here.
• >> Um, yeah, I I'm I'm on two lines here.
• the provision on page six, line two, regarding contracting.
• Committee with amendments, adding a two-year sunset to the provision on page six, line two, regarding
• the provision on page six, line two, regarding contracting.

Bills: SB2341, SB2306, SB2782, SB2161, SB17, SB2358, SB2367, SB2240, SB2547, SB2401, SB3031, SB1406, SB521, SB3247, SB1654, SB1112, SB1301, SB2443, SB2996

Keywords: historic preservation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, construction, state review, burial sites, cultural artifacts, development review, phased review, administrative fees, bureau of conveyances, land court, transaction fees, public services, cost recovery, notary public, fraud, real property, Bureau of Conveyances, title recording, property rights

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to hunting, trespass enforcement, conservation banking, coral reef resilience, and search and rescue. SB 2130 would require DLNR to increase the percentage of public land acreage designated for public hunting areas; DLNR offered comments, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council expressed concern, and a Game Management Advisory Commission member urged adequate funding for both study and maintenance of any expanded hunting areas. SB 2128 would require forfeiture to the state of firearms or motor vehicles used in hunting trespass on private land; the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council supported the bill, and another signer testified without additional detail. The committee also heard SB 3053, which appropriates funds to DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources for mangrove removal and shoreline/stream maintenance in the Westlock and Middleock shorelines and watersheds. DLNR supported the measure and noted staff involved in mangrove removal work; no other testimony was offered. On SB 20005, which authorizes conservation banks for compensatory mitigation in habitat conservation plans and incidental take licenses, DLNR supported the bill but said a House measure, HB 1802, would place key safeguards in statute rather than administrative rules. Earthjustice opposed SB 20005 for lacking statutory safeguards and said it would support incorporating the House language, while CARES supported the bill as a modernization that could reduce permit processing time and provide more predictable costs. A lengthy discussion followed on SB 3201, which would direct DLNR to prioritize coral reef resilience and set performance targets for coral cover and herbivore biomass. DLNR said it supported the intent but wanted more flexibility because outside factors such as climate and emissions policy affect reef conditions; the Nature Conservancy shared that concern and asked for more flexible language. For the bill, For the Fishes strongly supported stronger protections and suggested adding abundance as a metric, while NOAA and DLNR discussed the difficulty of setting universal benchmarks because reef conditions vary by location. Randy Kosaki and CARES supported the bill, emphasizing coral decline and the need for measurable goals, while committee members asked about restoration projects, benchmarks, and whether the bill’s deadlines were meant to require a plan rather than immediate achievement. Finally, the committee took up SB 2937, which would create a search and rescue card program and special fund to reimburse state, county, and volunteer search-and-rescue operations. DLNR’s wildlife division said it stood on its written testimony, and the Hawaii SAR Alliance supported the concept but said Hawaii first needs a stronger search-and-rescue framework, including a state coordinator, before implementing such a program. No votes or final actions were taken on any of the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh um two people who are on the list.
• It would be adding section two on page two after line nine.
• :03:44.720> page<01:03:44.960> two<01:03:45.200> after<01:03:45.440> line
• um section two on page two after line um section two on page two after line nine.<01:03:45.920> It
• So line 1.18...

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• heard about two of those. heard about two of those.
• And the new section 12 starting on line 11.1, the change is noted on line 11.26.
• starting on line 1.12. starting on line 1.12.
• And the new section 12 starting on line 11.1, the change is noted on line 11.26.
• And that change is also made on line And that change is also made on line 9.14.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• between these two pathways. between these two pathways.
• to have two decisions. to have two decisions.
• three three to two. Okay. three three to two. Okay. opposer. Okay.
• two excused absences per academic year. two excused absences per academic year.
• than two than two um<02:14:42.320> two<02:14:42.560> days<02:14:43.040> that

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Although two years later, she will be required to take something.
• And our nurses are right there on the front line.
• There are two areas of the bill that we do want to continue to work on.
• He noted that the issue does not exist for commercial lines in the same way it does for personal lines
• That has Currently very successful personal lines clearinghouse.

Bills: S0032, S0068, S0210, S0246, S0340, S0418, S0428, S0606, S0628, S1028, S1734

Keywords: injunctions, protection orders, domestic violence, serious violence, court procedures, enforcement, risk protection, statewide communication system, pediatric care, emergency departments, hospital regulations, patient safety, health care standards, public records, violence protection, confidentiality, defamation, specialty license plate, specialty plates, motor vehicle registration

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy met and reported a series of bills favorably, covering health care, public safety, insurance, coastal resilience, juvenile justice, drowning prevention, transportation designations, and beach management. Senator Harrell presented CS/SB 68, requiring hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric emergency care policies, training, designated pediatric readiness personnel, and participation in a national readiness assessment; it passed. Harrell also presented CS/SB 340, requiring nursing students to complete two hours of human trafficking identification training before licensure; it also passed. Senator Sharif’s CS/SB 32 and SB 210, creating a new injunction for protection against serious violence by a known person and the related public records bill, were both reported favorably. Senator Garcia’s CS/CS/SB 302 on nature-based coastal resiliency, Senator Jones’s SB 418 on law enforcement interaction with individuals with autism and the Blue Envelope Program, and Senator Martin’s CS/SB 1734 updating juvenile probation and detention officer definitions and related cost-share language were also approved. The committee then took up several drowning-prevention measures. CS/SB 606 by Senator Smith would add drowning prevention and safe bathing education to postpartum materials and direct the Department of Health to create standardized materials; an amendment removed a records-retention requirement, and the bill passed. SB 428 by Senator Yarborough would expand the state swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7; it received strong support from advocates, including a young swim instructor and autism advocates, and passed. The committee also approved CS/SB 246, a specialty license plate bill that was amended to include the UFC plate and a First Responders’ Resiliency Foundation plate, and CS/SB 1028, which revises Citizens Property Insurance and clearinghouse procedures to prioritize admitted carriers and prohibit public funds for the clearinghouse; that bill drew discussion about market competition, Citizens’ exposure, and potential impacts on policyholders. Additional measures reported favorably included SB 628, designating a portion of South Navy Boulevard in Pensacola as Warrior Sacrifice Way to honor the sailors killed in the 2019 Naval Air Station Pensacola attack, and CS/SB 636 on beach management, which would create a proactive pathway for coastal communities to obtain erosion-related designations and align with federal programs. Beach industry testimony supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about perpetual easements and funding shortfalls. At the end of the meeting, members recorded additional votes on selected bills, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know you've all read it, but I want to bring to your attention on page two, line one: Except as provided
• attention on page two ex<00:01:39.520> um<00:01:39.920> line<00:01:40.240> one.
• Page two, line one, strike the words "that peace officer is." >> Second. >> Seconded.
• Page two, line >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Page two, line one,<00:33:36.240> strike<00:33:36.559> the<00:33:36.799> words<00

Bills: SF0087, SF0088, SF0092

Keywords: felony, law enforcement, police officer, criminal penalties, public safety, sex offender, child care facility, residency restrictions, criminal law, sex offenders, child care facilities, legislation, false claims, civil penalties, state accountability, whistleblower protection, fraud prevention, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you on line 57? >> On line 57.
• >> Line 57. Are you on line 57? >> Line 57. Are you on line 57?
• But then when I go to line >> On line 57.
• Uh, but it does state this is on page two, line 44.
• And then on line 171, lines 157 to 161.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill does two things.
• One, maybe two—two if they're good—and mostly no food and no money.
• One or two minutes.
• So, going down to the bottom of page two, line 23, we're talking about a scholarship that may be awarded
• If I could bring your attention, Madam Chair, Representative Lord, to page two, line seven, subsection

Transcript Highlights:

• For the implementing bill, the House offers dual language on line 1, House position on line 3, modified
• language on lines 5 through 7 related to DOH emergency rulemaking, modified language on line 13 related
• Lines 33, 34, and 72 are related to the health insurance program, line 69 related to debt reduction,
• and line 79 related to the budget stabilization fund.
• The Senate goes to the House position on the remaining two lines.

Summary: The conference committee on appropriations met on June 12, 2025 and exchanged offers on several budget areas, including Pre-K-12 education, Health and Human Services/health care, criminal and civil justice, administered funds, and transportation/tourism/economic development/infrastructure. The House announced acceptance of the Senate’s revisions on Pre-K-12 education budgets and projects, and the Senate accepted the House’s offers on several education and health care items, with no public testimony offered on those presentations. The House then explained its remaining offers, including a Pre-K-12 back-of-the-bill change, a health care package that added $10 million in non-recurring general revenue for intestinal transplant support and revised Medicaid quality incentive and other implementing-bill language, a modified criminal and civil justice position, and administered-funds changes tied to state employee pay, health insurance, debt reduction, and the budget stabilization fund. The Senate also presented bump offers on Pre-K-12 education (SB 2510), criminal and civil justice items including judge-conforming language and additional judgeships, and transportation/tourism/economic development items with supplemental attachments. No public testimony was taken on the offers. The chair noted that another conference meeting was likely not expected that evening, but more meetings could occur the next day, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• But after discovering a brand new provision on lines that begins on line 16.33 and provides funding for
• I believe we have two questions? I believe we have two technical<00:34:27.839> amendments.
• And then on line 1.9, deleting on page 12, deleting lines 17 to 25.
• 1.9 deleting on page 12 on the line 1.9 deleting on page 12 deleting<00:36:20.720> lines<00:36
• is a two acres. acreage? Is it one acre? is a two acres.

Bills: HF2446

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• number two, page nine, line 18. number two, page nine, line 18.
• Division one: line one until line two entirely.
• >> Two, please. >> Okay, proceed. line one until line two entirely. line one until line two entirely.
• Division Two is on lines two and three.
• Division two is on lines two and three. Division two is on lines two and three.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If that red line has a lot of volatility, the blue line has a lot less volatility.
• Fifty-two? Fifty-two? Yes. Okay, thanks, Chair.
• Line down.
• For only two years from this field, um, it...
• So then that kind of additional two years...

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm looking at page two of the bill,<01:35:55.920> line<01:35:56.480> 18<01:35:57.040><
• Quoting from page two, line one, any person or organization, public or private, that's who can classify
• Quoting from page two, line one, any person or organization, public or private, that's who can classify
• I'm glad you brought up page two, line one.
• ,<03:56:06.800> line glad you brought up uh page two, line glad you brought up uh page two

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So add is still page two, line 11. Do you want to speak to that?
• So add is still page two, line 11. Do you want to speak to that?
• <03:41:48.279> line so add is still page two line so add is still page two line 11<03:41:50.880
• On line 16, so two down from that, I guess my question there is the phase-out GRS.
• It's carried on this line to say kindergarten, so in year one it would be kindergarten aid; in year two

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Division 2 Finance Committee work session focused primarily on House Bill 115 and a proposed amendment, 114H, which would carry over language from HB 2 into HB 115 and place limits on Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs). Representative Murray described the amendment as a way to keep the 350% federal poverty eligibility cap, require students to have attended a charter public school in grades K-12 for the preceding year before entering the voucher system, and add guardrails against universal eligibility. She argued the state was facing a severe budget crisis, that expanding EFAs would divert money from other programs, and that public testimony and local votes showed widespread opposition to expansion. She also cited a letter from former Finance chair Neil Kirk opposing expansion. Other members responded that the committee should not revisit policy already decided by the House, though some said the amendment was fair to discuss because of its fiscal implications and supported it on that basis. The discussion then broadened into a debate over the fiscal impact of universal vouchers and the reliability of enrollment and cost estimates. Representative Luno argued that prior EFA projections had relied on assumptions that could badly underestimate state exposure, pointing to Arizona as a cautionary example and saying New Hampshire should not expand the program without better analysis. Representative Papovich similarly warned that universal eligibility could create a large, unexpected cost, estimating a potential exposure of about $285 million based on school-age children not currently in public, charter, or EFA programs. In contrast, Representative Weyler said EFAs can save money because public school spending is already high and parents using EFAs still pay taxes and take on more responsibility for their children’s education. After discussion, Representative Murray moved to accept the amendment, and Representative Bean seconded it. There was some procedural clarification about voting on the original bill and the amendment. The transcript ends before a final recorded vote on the amendment or on HB 115 itself, though the committee had also been told it would likely reconsider several retained bills later in the week, including HB 129, HB 133, HB 671, and HB 781.

Transcript Highlights:

• :35:11.480> merits,<00:35:12.360> consulted line by line on its merits, consulted line
• On line 2.17, when we talk about each unlawful access, download, or use under subdivision two, I was
• two, and three<01:22:53.960> on<01:22:54.080> lines<01:22:54.320> 2.10<01:22:54.960
• We just want to have that kind of make more of a bright line between what the two functions of those
• line line between<02:03:01.520> what<02:03:01.680> the<02:03:01.800> two<02:03:

Bills: SF1750, HF2700, HF1606, HF3356, HF3946, HF3970, HF3658, HF3875, HF2627, SF856, HF1268, HF1338

Keywords: common interest community, CIC, homeowners association, HOA, condominium, planned community, cooperative, unit owner, association board, declarant, declarant control, special declarant rights, assessment lien, foreclosure, late fees, fines, attorney fees, resale disclosure, annual report, maintenance plan

Transcript Highlights:

• And then, if you look on page two, you'll see that proportionally each dollar amount in those lines in
• Now it's two local dollars for one-dollar state match.
• lines.
• , wastewater lines, stormwater conveyance, motor rail lines.
• You know, it's a line of credit to get the program in place.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to work on three remaining policy bills. On HB 2225, members discussed an amendment reducing the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund housing grant program from $50 million to $30 million, lowering the maximum grant amount, and clarifying that existing lots can qualify after a certificate of occupancy is issued so the program can help communities like Watford City and Williston use prepared lots. Members also discussed the matching requirements, tribal eligibility, and how Commerce would score applications to ensure the money lowers lot costs rather than being absorbed by political subdivisions. The amendment and the bill as amended both passed 22-0, and Representative Murphy was assigned to carry the bill. The committee then took up SB 2200, which funds the 988 crisis hotline. After discussion, members agreed to strip out the proposed phone-line charge approach and instead provide a $500,000 appropriation from the Community Health Care Trust Fund, consistent with the Senate version, to supplement existing funding for increased staffing and texting-related demand. The amendment and the bill as amended both passed 22-0, and Representative Nelson will carry the bill. Finally, the committee considered SB 2342, which creates a value-added milk processing facility incentive program. The amendment reduced the proposed line of credit from $10 million to $5 million, with the program intended to support dairy-related processing infrastructure such as utilities, roads, water, wastewater, and rail access. Members noted the program would be administered through the Agriculture Diversification and Development Committee, could potentially support one or multiple facilities, and sunsets June 30, 2027. The amendment and the bill as amended both passed 22-0, and Representative Brandenburg will carry the bill. The committee then adjourned, planning to reconvene the next morning to take up additional bills and budget adjustments.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think patients in every two years.
• In any event, they're deleting two positions, adding two positions, all of the same labor grade.
• shall be required after two months. shall be required after two months.
• This money does two big things.
• on line 12 of the uh of the amendment. on line 12 of the uh of the amendment.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this tax rate, which is on page two, line 13, is at 1.25%.
• <00:26:43.120> uh the same line four line five that uh the same line four line five that uh
• On page two, line three, four, five, and six, it talks about a wholly owned subsidiary of a publicly
• Uh, on page two, line 17, section seven, are we essentially saying if you were doing this, at least in
• Chairman, on page five, I see that line two, the fund shall be funded by fees collected pursuant to RSA

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on SB 60, which would expressly authorize advanced deposit wagering for horse racing in New Hampshire and set the online tax rate at 1.25%, matching the existing rate for in-person horse betting at Seabrook and Belmont. Senator Tim Lang said the bill is intended to clarify that online horse betting is permitted, regulate the activity, and create a revenue stream while keeping the tax rate consistent with brick-and-mortar wagering. Members asked about the rate compared with other states, whether the bill was really about casino front money, and whether geofencing would apply; Lang and later witnesses said the bill is narrowly limited to parimutuel horse racing and would use geofencing to keep wagering within New Hampshire. Peter Bragdon, speaking for Churchill Downs, supported the bill and described advanced deposit wagering as remote betting on horse races under the Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978. He said Churchill Downs and other operators have long been active in New Hampshire, but the state’s lack of a specific statute has created a gray area. Bragdon said Churchill Downs stopped its own New Hampshire online operations in 2022 after discussions with the Lottery Commission and attorney general, while competitors continued operating, and he framed the bill as a fairness and consumer-protection measure that would clarify the law going forward. He also said the bill would not affect historic horse racing machines and would not create cannibalization of charitable gaming. Lottery Director Charlie McIntyre said the Lottery Commission and attorney general had identified the issue as similar to the earlier fantasy sports situation, where legislation was used to regulate an activity rather than pursue enforcement. He said the commission requested the bill, would serve as the regulator, and would address violations through rulemaking and penalties. McIntyre said operators would maintain customer and transaction records, with the commission reviewing them as needed, and he noted that three operators are currently active in the state and not paying the proposed 1.25% rate. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• That was a line of credit for two facilities to help in the construction of their wastewater facilities
• to our capital assets line.
• The next line... The next line on here is the PTRCF database.
• Two questions.
• out in the next two weeks.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first approved the December 10 minutes and then received a DEQ base budget summary and agency overview. DEQ staff explained that the agency is largely federally and special funded, with major ongoing costs in salaries, operating expenses, grants, and continuing appropriations. Director Dave Glatt and accounting director Beth Jacobson highlighted core programs, the move to a new chemistry laboratory, the new state fuel inspection program, wastewater-related funding from HB 1577, and implementation of SB 2267 for on-site wastewater rules. They also noted the agency’s spending patterns, possible federal EPA cuts, and the likelihood of some fee adjustments or program changes if federal support declines. Members asked about DEQ’s travel, field offices, future staffing, and how the agency would respond to reduced federal regulation. DEQ said most staff are based in Bismarck, with field offices in Fargo, Sawyer, and Gwinner, and that travel is driven by inspections and spill response. Glatt said the agency would continue to rely on science and law, and that any future federal retrenchment could mean more state responsibility but likely not a wholesale increase in FTEs. The committee also discussed a feedlot enforcement case in the Minot area, with DEQ explaining its role in ensuring compliance, permitting, and animal-waste management standards. The Department of Health and Human Services then presented on FTE block grant reporting, TANF balances, child care transfers, and the Rural Health Transformation Program. Donna Ockland explained that no line-item transfers had occurred yet for the new rural health work, but about 33 positions were planned and some current staff time could be reimbursed through approved cost allocation. HHS also reviewed TANF’s frozen eligibility and block grant structure, the transfer of up to 30% of TANF funds to child care, and recent program changes that increased benefits and raised the income limit. Staff said the department is using TANF more strategically to support child care and other allowable uses, while still carrying over unused funds as many states do. Finally, Pat and HHS staff gave an update on the Rural Health Transformation Program, saying the first funding opportunity was being posted and that the state is on track to obligate the federal funds within the required timeline. They described priorities such as workforce retention, preceptor development, technical assistance for critical access hospitals, community wellness projects, and ambulance upgrades. Members asked about rural versus urban eligibility, immigrant recruitment, evaluation of year-two funding, and how the program would address varied local workforce needs. The meeting then shifted to an Office of Management and Budget update on the new State Hospital project, where Lindsay Ashley reported continued construction progress, updated cost information, and selected alternates, with photos and details showing work underway in multiple building sections.