Transcript Highlights:

• So<00:42:06.640> members,<00:42:06.960> if<00:42:07.119> you're<00:42:07.359
• 00:42:12.720> the<00:42:12.960> order<00:42:13.200> of<00:42:13.280> the
• <00:42:32.880> or<00:42:33.200> debar<00:42:33.920> grantees<00:42:34.640> to
• received<00:42:41.440> state<00:42:41.680> funds<00:42:42.319> but<00:42:42.640
• The causes<00:42:52.319> for<00:42:52.480> dearmment<00:42:53.040> include<00:42

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :15.839> may<00:42:16.160> balloon<00:42:16.560> up<00:42:16.720> to<00:42
• 00:42:19.520> the<00:42:19.760> bill<00:42:20.319> has<00:42:20.480> a<00
• 42:43.760> be<00:42:43.920> a<00:42:44.079> great<00:42:44.319> for<00:42
• :42:46.640> would<00:42:46.960> be<00:42:47.119> also<00:42:47.440> great
• >> So<00:42:53.680> the<00:42:53.839> cut<00:42:54.000> off<00:42:54.240><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint House committees on Housing and Education heard HB 1713, HD1, which would repeal school impact fees and transfer remaining balances in the school impact fee and certain fair share accounts to the school facilities special fund. The Department of Education testified in opposition, while the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, the Attorney General’s office (with comments and suggested constitutional amendments), the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, the School Facilities Authority, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, NAP Hawaii, Avalon Development Company, Mark Development, Maui Chamber of Commerce, Housing Hawaii’s Future, Landis Research Foundation, BIA Hawaii, and others testified in support. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered comments. The DOE said the bill would weaken a key tool for matching school facilities to residential growth, while supporters said the current program leaves funds unused or restricted in ways that limit their effectiveness. A lengthy discussion followed about the difference between the older school impact fee program and the separate fair share agreements tied to land use entitlements and change-of-zone approvals. DOE Deputy Superintendent Jesse Suki explained that fair share funds are tied to the district where they were collected, may be too small to build a full school on their own, and are held until needed for projects such as Core Ridge, Central and West Maui, and other planned schools. Committee members pressed DOE on why funds had remained unspent for years, how much money was in the accounts, and whether the department had reviewed audit findings about the program. Members also questioned whether homeowners ultimately bear these costs through developers passing them along. The committee did not take a vote during the portion of the meeting provided. The discussion ended with members and DOE debating whether the current statute should remain in place, whether past entitlements should be affected, and whether the bill should be amended to better address remaining construction-related obligations and the use of collected funds.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:04.400> local<00:42:04.720> governments<00:42:05.040> is<00:42:05.280
• <00:42:08.079> property<00:42:08.480> tax<00:42:08.880> impacts<00:42:10.000
• > keep<00:42:14.319> that<00:42:14.480> in<00:42:14.640> the<00:42:14.800
• in the mix as we<00:42:15.440> as<00:42:15.599> a<00:42:15.760> commission<00:42
• :42:19.920> not<00:42:20.160> be<00:42:20.319> in<00:42:20.560> any<00:42

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Legislative Budget Caucus Public Commission met with a quorum present, approved the September 3, 2025 minutes, and then heard a presentation from Legislative Budget Office Director Christian Larson on proposed updates to the fiscal note uniform standards and procedures. The main changes clarified that agencies must still complete a fiscal note when a bill or section cannot be implemented because of federal law, with the note explaining the implementation issue and costing only the portions that can be implemented. A second change said technical comments about possible future litigation may be included in the narrative but not in the cost tables. Members discussed how these rules would apply when only part of a bill is unimplementable versus when an entire bill is, and whether requiring a note in those cases is the best use of agency time. The commission also approved a new procedure on funding-source assumptions for expanded programs, including assuming the current funding source unless the bill says otherwise and defaulting to the general fund if no source is identified. The updated standards and procedures were adopted by a 7-0 roll call vote, with Senator Wickland excused. The commission then received a second presentation from Director Larson on a possible analysis of the accuracy of fiscal estimates and budget items after enactment. He described this as a variance analysis comparing fiscal note estimates to actual fiscal impacts, intended to improve future estimates, inform the legislature, and increase accountability. He summarized practices in other states, noting that most variance reviews are ad hoc, while Utah and Tennessee have more formalized legislative reports; he also referenced an LBO pilot review done in 2022 based largely on Tennessee’s model. The presentation outlined possible report formats, including a single annual report, standalone briefs, or topic-specific reviews, and raised implementation questions such as who would select items for review, whether the analysis should be limited to fiscal notes, what statutory authority or data access would be needed, and what resources would be required from both agencies and the LBO. Members did not take action on the second presentation. Representative Anderson and Vice Chair Pratt commented that the proposal is complicated but potentially useful for improving future fiscal notes and transparency, and the chair indicated the discussion was for future consideration rather than an immediate decision.

Transcript Highlights:

• briefly, section by section. briefly, section by section.
• 13.280> the<00:42:13.520> sections<00:42:13.920> of<00:42:14.079> of<00:42
• :14.400> your<00:42:14.640> bill through the sections of of your bill through the sections
• Section<00:42:45.520> two<00:42:45.760> allows<00:42:46.079> for<00:42:46.240>
• > the<00:42:46.400> county<00:42:46.560> to Section two allows for the county to Section

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 834<00:42:06.599> um<00:42:06.960> the<00:42:07.240> committee<00:42:07.560
• > okay<00:42:32.040> um<00:42:32.680> so<00:42:32.960> again<00:42:33.119
• Kino hi Senator<00:42:45.440> kuha<00:42:45.960> hi<00:42:46.280> Senator<00:42
• /c><00:42:57.440> be<00:42:57.559> to<00:42:57.720> pass<00:42:57.960> with
• Instead of creating this whole new section of HRS 521, we'll instead add bed bugs to HRS 521-42, the

Keywords: 912, senate, all

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

Transcript Highlights:

• inability<00:42:57.440> to<00:42:57.680> remain<00:42:58.000> in<00:42:58.240><
• someone tried to hand<01:42:06.639> me<01:42:06.800> a<01:42:06.880> harm<01:42
• They tried to<01:42:09.040> hand<01:42:09.119> it<01:42:09.280> to<01:42:09.440>
• <01:42:10.880> down<01:42:11.040> the<01:42:11.199> street<01:42:11.360>
• had first<01:42:11.920> took<01:42:12.159> it<01:42:12.320> because<01:42:12.480

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:02.880> it<00:42:03.520> yeah<00:42:04.440> um<00:42:04.680> to<00
• at<00:42:17.599> nlrb<00:42:18.520> across<00:42:18.880> the<00:42:19.000>
• the Federal<00:42:19.880> Building<00:42:20.559> handled<00:42:21.559> um<00:42
• :22.920> uh<00:42:23.640> and<00:42:24.000> you<00:42:24.160> know<00:42:
• :26.240> kind<00:42:26.400> of<00:42:27.200> you<00:42:27.280> know<00:42

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Labor and Technology, Transportation, and Culture and the Arts heard testimony on Senate Bill 396 and Senate Bill 47, then later the Labor and Technology committee took up Senate Bill 136 and Senate Bill 1523. SB 396 drew support from the Metropolitan Planning Organization and others, with a question raised about implementation costs; the director said costs would depend on the scope of the benefit package and the transportation mode involved. The committees recommended passing SB 396 with technical amendments and added appropriation language with a blank amount, and the motion was adopted by recorded votes in both committees. SB 47, which would designate the Lunar New Year as a state holiday, received support from the Office of Collective Bargaining and several individuals, including Charlene Chun, who spoke about family traditions and cultural recognition. Members asked about the cost and whether the day would be a paid day off for state employees; the response was that observance would be subject to collective bargaining. The committees moved SB 47 forward with amendments, noting the collective bargaining and cost issues, and adopted the recommendation by vote. In the Labor and Technology committee, SB 136 on the Iron Workers Stabilization Fund drew strong support from iron workers and related supporters, who argued the bill was about safety, training, and keeping dismantling work within the ironworkers’ trade. Several other unions, including operating engineers, carpenters, laborers, and plumbers and fitters, opposed the bill as too broad and potentially infringing on their jurisdiction. The measure was not decided in the portion provided, but members discussed possible amendments and jurisdictional concerns. SB 1523, which would expand private-sector collective bargaining rights under the Hawaii Employment Relations Act to include independent contractors and others under NLRB jurisdiction, received broad labor support, including from IATSE, AFL-CIO, Hawaii Nurses Association, Unite Here Local 5, and many individual testifiers. Supporters framed it as protecting workers’ rights and strengthening labor protections, while the Hawaii Labor Relations Board warned it could significantly increase workload and require more staffing, space, and operating resources; the board estimated the bill could expand its caseload substantially and suggested an appropriation would likely be needed. The committee then moved on to the next measure, SB 1440, before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• :42:11.760> them<00:42:12.400> in<00:42:12.640> in<00:42:12.960> the the
• in very<00:42:16.800> short<00:42:17.280> amount<00:42:17.599> of<00:42:17.760>
• :42:22.560> or<00:42:22.800> driver's<00:42:23.200> side<00:42:23.440> of
• car.<00:42:25.119> Um<00:42:26.319> one<00:42:26.560> of<00:42:26.640> the
• the seat<00:42:36.880> and<00:42:37.200> shoots<00:42:37.839> the<00:42:38.079>

Bills: HB0066, HJ0005, HB0010

Keywords: administrative law, judicial review, agency deference, Chevron deference, de novo review, state agencies, regulatory interpretation, statutory interpretation, separation of powers, individual liberty, administrative procedure, agency action, Wyoming Supreme Court, district court review, oil and gas inspector, regulatory challenge, anti-deference, law enforcement, memorial, Patrolman Rosa

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 3, or section 3 of the bill, is the definition section. Section 4 is the bill.
• actually<00:42:11.079> Mr<00:42:11.280> chair<00:42:11.520> I<00:42:12.000>
• 42:40.319> will<00:42:40.599> probably<00:42:41.040> come<00:42:41.359> next<
• /c><00:42:45.880> through<00:42:46.079> the<00:42:46.319> process<00:42:47.240><
• > we<00:42:48.760> do<00:42:49.000> open<00:42:49.280> up<00:42:49.440>

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:04 SB 02: 00:01:37 Discussion in Opposition to SB 02: 00:09:49 SB 84: 00:22:19 SB 111: 00:30:35, 958, all

Summary: The committee first considered Senate Bill 2, sponsored by Senator Mike Wilson, which would prohibit incarcerated people from receiving cross-sex hormones or gender-affirming surgeries, while allowing a tapering period if stopping an existing treatment would cause physical harm. Wilson said the bill was needed to prevent the Department of Corrections from providing such care by memo or policy rather than statute, and he argued the care was elective and not medically necessary. Senators Thomas, Neal, Nemes, Styers, and others questioned whether any gender-affirming surgeries had actually occurred in Kentucky, whether the hormone treatments were physician-prescribed, and whether the bill would override medical judgment; Wilson said the department reported no surgeries, that 67 incarcerated people were receiving cross-sex hormone therapy, and that he would only support treatment if it fit the bill’s narrow medical-harm exception. Public testimony on SB 2 was strongly opposed. Chris Hartman of the Fairness Campaign said the bill would deny medically necessary care, violate the Eighth Amendment, and target a very small and vulnerable incarcerated population. Dr. Jack Skilles testified that gender-affirming care is medically necessary and supported by major medical organizations, warning that denying it could worsen mental health and lead to suicidality. Hannah Callahan, a transgender woman, described being denied hormone therapy while incarcerated and said the interruption caused severe physical and mental harm, including suicidal thoughts. Emma Curtis, Lexington’s Fourth District councilwoman, also urged a no vote, framing the issue as a matter of compassion and religious duty. The committee then voted on SB 2. Senator Neal explained his no vote by saying he was not medically trained and deferred to doctors; Senator Nemes said he wanted clarification that the bill would not stop ongoing treatment; and Senator Styers argued the bill was a poor priority and noted there was no fiscal note and that only 67 people were affected. Senator Wheeler moved the bill, Senator Reed seconded, and the committee reported Senate Bill 2 favorably. Afterward, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 84, sponsored by Senator Steve Rawlings, which would limit judicial deference to state agency interpretations and require courts, not agencies, to interpret ambiguous laws, citing the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2024 Loper Bright decision overturning Chevron deference.

Transcript Highlights:

• and<00:42:03.000> we<00:42:03.160> also<00:42:03.400> have<00:42:03.560> a
• c><00:42:03.720> very<00:42:04.079> small<00:42:04.480> number<00:42:04.839>
• <00:42:07.520> in<00:42:07.720> what<00:42:07.839> we<00:42:07.960> call<
• sections<00:42:29.720> um<00:42:30.720> the<00:42:30.880> first<00:42:31.119>
• um sections um the first of which is the um sections um the first of which is the um it's<00:42:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:42:02.960> of<00:42:03.119> the<00:42:03.280> higher<00:42:03.760> part
• ><00:42:08.160> this<00:42:08.280> will<00:42:08.440> be<00:42:08.560> a
• > have<00:42:18.839> on<00:42:19.160> Zoom<00:42:20.000> um<00:42:20.200>
• bill<00:42:39.000> introduces<00:42:39.640> as<00:42:39.839> a<00:42:40.079>
• > complex<00:42:43.760> than<00:42:43.920> the<00:42:44.040> table<00:42:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to housing, homelessness, caregiving, and tax relief. On HB 431, which appropriates funds for the CAL initiative and HHFDC, the Department of Human Services supported the bill and noted the Governor’s request for $50 million per year for HMS, the need for more permanent supportive housing, and a technical issue with establishing a special fund in session law. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions strongly supported the measure, describing it as unprecedented funding for CAL projects and linking it to goals of reducing homelessness and expanding housing inventory. Catholic Charities Hawaii, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Reimagining Public Safety in Hawaii Coalition also supported the bill, emphasizing permanent supportive housing, diversion from jail, and public safety benefits. The chair redirected one testifier to stay on the measure when testimony drifted to another program. Written support was also noted from several organizations and agencies. The committee then heard HB 225 on squatting. DHS said it appreciated the intent and deferred to the Attorney General and task force members, while noting that outreach on public lands differs from private land, where owner consent is required. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill and wanted a voice in finding a solution. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions also said it supported the intent, while opposition from the Kingdom of the Hawaiian Islands and support from one individual were noted. For HB 280, which would make the community outreach court permanent and appropriate funds, the Judiciary strongly supported the bill, describing the court as a mobile, community-based program serving vulnerable populations and connecting participants to services. The Office of the Public Defender also supported the measure, saying the program has helped people move off the streets and into stable housing and that permanent funding would allow expansion. Written support from the Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition was noted. The committee then moved to HB 71, creating a refundable family caregiver tax credit, where the Department of Taxation provided comments, the Executive Office on Aging and AARP Hawaii supported the measure, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about duplication with an existing dependent care credit and the lack of incentives for cost control. The committee next heard HB 753, which would increase the applicable percentage for the household and dependent care services tax credit. Support came from the Executive Office on Aging, Catholic Charities Hawaii, AARP Hawaii, and Hawaii Children’s Action Network, while the Tax Foundation again raised technical concerns about complexity and administration but noted the bill adds guardrails against abuse. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• over from section two to section four. over from section two to section four.
• :00.960> made<00:42:01.200> at<00:42:01.520> that<00:42:01.760> time<00:42
• <00:42:44.400> Um<00:42:44.800> we<00:42:45.280> vote<00:42:45.599> in
• Um<00:42:52.160> we're<00:42:52.400> concerned<00:42:52.880> about<00:42:53.760>
• > the<00:42:58.560> stuff<00:42:59.119> um<00:42:59.280> in<00:42:59.520>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1783, which would expand public-private partnership options for charter school facilities. The Department of Education offered comments, the Charter School Commission and SFA supported the bill, and Hawaii Technology Academy, Hawaii Kids, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, HGA, Aloha Project, and several individuals testified in support, while UPW opposed it. Supporters said charter schools need faster and more flexible ways to address severe facility shortages and high costs, and SFA described the bill as a pilot model that could leverage developer partnerships and state contributions, citing Maryland as an example. Members asked whether the bill was limited to charter schools; DOE said the language could be read to include other public school facilities, but if focused only on charter schools, DOE was less concerned. The Charter School Commission also described an existing public-private preschool model through Parkway Village Preschool and PACTED. The committee then took up HB 1778, which would establish a CIP database for school facilities. SFA supported the bill, saying it would create a more disciplined, transparent basis for funding decisions by documenting facility condition, needed repairs, classification, and timing. DOE initially said it rested on its comments, then responded to questions by saying it already maintains deferred maintenance lists, uses systems such as Maximo, CPT, GIS, and finance software, and sends legislators project-status letters twice a year. DOE said it is working on improving its outward-facing dashboard and integrating its systems, but questioned whether the bill would add value beyond existing tools. Members emphasized the need for a publicly accessible, real-time transparency tool, while DOE said it was still evaluating its current systems and was not yet seeking funding for a new IT program. For HB 2344, creating an Independent Public School Realignment and Closure Commission, DOE said it wants to remain part of any consolidation process to keep students and education central, while SFA said the bill is timely and framed it as a restructuring response to changing conditions and possible federal funding cuts. SFA compared the proposal to the federal BRAC process for military base closures and said Hawaii has the same enrollment as in 1961 but many more schools, arguing that the state needs a more deliberate approach to school closures and land reuse. The Attorney General’s office raised technical concerns about several sections, including unclear references to administrative support, a governor-approval sequence, a possible conflict with existing statutes governing closed-school disposition, and a missing section number. Testimony on HB 2345, which would establish a geographic CIP district, began with DOE in opposition; DOE said the bill would duplicate existing work, add confusion by creating two agencies doing the same thing, and spend money inefficiently because district project coordinators and project lists already exist.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:42:02.760> folks<00:42:03.040> going<00:42:03.160> to<00:42:03.280> create
• rules of<00:42:05.640> of<00:42:05.880> not<00:42:06.079> only<00:42:06.599>
• code<00:42:14.480> um<00:42:15.280> it<00:42:15.440> it's<00:42:15.920>
• a<00:42:16.920> we<00:42:17.119> want<00:42:17.319> to<00:42:17.480> be
• :42:20.280> to<00:42:20.400> be<00:42:20.520> able<00:42:20.720> to<00:42

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several Judiciary-related measures. SB 94 would increase the mandatory minimum jail term for a first knowing or intentional violation of a temporary restraining order from 48 to 72 hours. The Office of the Public Defender and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence opposed the bill, arguing the current penalty is effective, the measure treats very different conduct the same, and the mental health assessment language is unclear and could be harmful or misapplied. Some other testifiers were listed in support or opposition, but no vote was taken. SB 15 would raise the real property exemption amount for attachment or execution. The Hawaiʻi Financial Services Association offered comments rather than opposition, suggesting the bill should be clarified as applying to creditor claims rather than property taxes and possibly limited to a primary residence, with restrictions on frequency of use. Committee discussion focused on how the exemption would affect unsecured creditors, the role of recorded mortgages and judgment liens, and whether the bill should instead establish a clearer homestead-style exemption. The bill drew both support and comments, with no action taken during the hearing. The committee also took testimony on SB 117, which would protect people making sexual misconduct claims from defamation suits unless made with malice; SB 121, a constitutional amendment to give the Senate more time to confirm judicial appointments; SB 14, a reapportionment amendment tied to the decennial census and resident population; SB 175, which would raise the mandatory retirement age for judges and justices from 70 to 75; SB 173, creating a three-year pilot program for free child care for minor children of parties and witnesses attending First Circuit court hearings; and SB 261, increasing juror pay from $30 to $50 per day. Testimony on these measures was generally supportive in the case of SB 175, SB 173, and SB 261, with some opposition on SB 14 and SB 117. On SB 173 and SB 261, committee members asked questions about practical implementation, and on SB 261 the State Bar Association said the increase was overdue and intended to encourage jury participation.

Transcript Highlights:

• bill section by section. bill section by section.
• c> that<00:42:05.680> that<00:42:06.200> that<00:42:06.640> is<00:42:06.840>
• ><00:42:23.800> may<00:42:23.920> not<00:42:24.160> be<00:42:24.320> used
• Is this um<00:42:28.680> one<00:42:28.840> of<00:42:28.920> those<00:42:29.240><
• Madam<00:42:34.200> Chair,<00:42:34.600> this<00:42:34.880> is<00:42:35.200>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And if it's section one or section.
• Okay, I<00:42:11.280> did<00:42:11.440> leave<00:42:11.599> that<00:42:11.839>
• > blank<00:42:12.160> so<00:42:12.319> I<00:42:12.480> did<00:42:12.640>
• on<00:42:23.200> a<00:42:23.280> vote<00:42:23.440> of<00:42:23.599> 10<
• .<00:42:24.160> Representative<00:42:24.560> Burnham,<00:42:24.960> you'll<00:42

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:04.240> of<00:42:04.359> it<00:42:04.880> uh<00:42:05.000> but
• > and<00:42:07.880> and<00:42:08.000> I<00:42:08.200> wish<00:42:08.440>
• 00:42:10.079> to<00:42:10.240> some<00:42:10.359> of<00:42:10.440> the<00
• so<00:42:12.079> thank<00:42:12.760> you<00:42:13.760> uh<00:42:13.920><
• <00:42:23.440> and<00:42:23.760> move<00:42:24.079> on<00:42:24.640> to

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:09.480> it<00:42:09.640> is<00:42:10.520> for<00:42:10.680> us<00:
• <00:42:20.200> And<00:42:20.320> wherever<00:42:20.640> that<00:42:20.800>
• <00:42:22.760> in<00:42:22.920> order<00:42:23.280> to<00:42:24.120> uh
• /c><00:42:28.080> and<00:42:28.200> worked<00:42:28.440> on<00:42:28.600> in<
• :42:45.200> and<00:42:45.320> how<00:42:45.440> we<00:42:45.560> can<00:42

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:42:16.480> their<01:42:16.800> new<01:42:17.040> platform<01:42:18.000><
• <01:42:20.000> So<01:42:21.119> at<01:42:21.360> that<01:42:21.679> point
• > you<01:42:51.840> had<01:42:52.000> any<01:42:52.239> of<01:42:52.400><
• would fall<01:42:56.320> in<01:42:56.480> under<01:42:56.719> this<01:42:57.280
• <02:42:47.680> That<02:42:47.920> is<02:42:48.080> something<02:42:48.240>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first adopted amendment 2026-2021S to correct a drafting issue in the budget language so that the $2.5 million appropriation for Medicaid per diem rate stabilization at county nursing homes can be spent during the biennium rather than lapsing at the end of the fiscal year. Senator Lang explained that the funds are matched with federal dollars for a total of $5 million and are intended to prevent rate reductions that could shift costs to county property taxpayers. The amendment was adopted unanimously by both chambers, and the committee proceeded on the bill as amended by the Senate. The main discussion then focused on HB 155 and a proposed amendment to the business enterprise tax. The House proposal would lower the BET rate in stages when combined business tax revenues exceed certain thresholds, while the Senate opposed an immediate rate reduction and argued that tax changes should be handled in a budget year. Senators emphasized that raising the filing threshold to $375,000 had already removed about 3,500 small businesses from filing requirements, and they preferred further relief through threshold changes rather than rate cuts. House members argued that the trigger-based reduction was a reasonable, tested mechanism and would provide future tax relief without taking effect unless revenues rose enough. Members debated whether the trigger could be distorted by one-time revenue spikes, such as the recent tax amnesty receipts and prior federal repatriation-related revenue, and Representative Sweeney said he was willing to adjust the effective date or carve out amnesty revenue. The committee did not reach agreement on the BET reduction, and the chair called a break and then continued the meeting later with a new proposal to delay the trigger’s effective date to January 1, 2028. Senator Lang rejected that version but offered a counterproposal to raise the filing threshold to $400,000, and the parties ultimately agreed to continue discussions and reconvene later. The meeting also took up HB 1102, concerning the research and development tax credit and state park fees. The House position was to support the R&D tax credit but remove the park-fee provisions, citing testimony from the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources that it did not need the increase and concerns about discouraging tourism, especially at border parks. Supporters of the park-fee language argued that the department had not raised rates in years, could set its own rates, and should be able to charge nonresidents more while keeping New Hampshire residents’ fees lower. The discussion remained unresolved, with members debating the likely effect on tourism and fairness to residents versus the need for additional revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

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• So, thank you.<00:42:12.200> I'll<00:42:12.360> withdraw<00:42:12.680> the<00:42
• Chair.<00:42:36.400> And<00:42:36.480> if<00:42:36.640> I<00:42:36.720> may,<
• /c><00:42:37.080> I<00:42:37.320> think<00:42:37.640> this<00:42:37.880> is
• willing<00:42:44.280> to<00:42:44.640> to<00:42:45.160> withdraw<00:42:45.640><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

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• 42:19.040> starting<00:42:19.359> with<00:42:20.160> 36.4%<00:42:21.599> that
• > be<00:42:22.079> allocated<00:42:22.480> to<00:42:22.640> the<00:42:22.800
• :00.480> and<01:42:01.040> needed<01:42:01.360> to<01:42:01.520> be<01:42
• And it<01:42:03.119> it<01:42:03.440> moved<01:42:03.760> like<01:42:04.000>

Keywords: 916, all