Video & Transcript Research : 'January 12'
Page 67 of 500
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session, Day 3 (1-8-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Friday, January 9th, Year of Our Lord, 2026.
- Friday, January 9th, Year of 9:00 a.m.
- Friday, January the 9th, Year of a.m.
- >> Don't<00:12:21.440>
worry <00:12:21.680>about <00:12:21.760>it <00:12:22.079 - <00:12:22.480>
Okay.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 34 members present. Absent senators were excused and the journal from Wednesday, January 7, 2026 was approved as written. No committee reports, second-reading business, or floor amendments were taken up.
The clerk reported a number of new measures, including Senate Bill 10 on limiting the governor’s pardon and commutation powers, Senate Bill 91 on standardizing real property tax bills, Senate Bill 92 on Medicaid coverage for palliative care, Senate Bill 93 on Medicaid expansion, Senate Bill 94 on motor vehicle dealers, Senate Bill 95 on school transportation with an emergency clause, and Senate Bill 96 on sickle cell disease. Several resolutions were also introduced, including memorial resolutions and measures honoring Donna Sue Baker and designating the Les Leatherman Memorial Bridge. Members also requested to be added as co-sponsors to several bills and resolutions.
No substantive debate or votes on the merits of the bills occurred. The only action taken was the routine approval of the journal, the excusal of absent senators, and the filing of co-sponsorship requests. The Senate adjourned by motion until 9:00 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- c><00:12:05.280>
is <00:12:05.440>made <00:12:06.280>available information that - federal, state, or local governments<00:12:08.720>
or <00:12:08.920>to <00:12:09.040>- on a<00:12:40.280>
website <00:12:40.839>or <00:12:41.000>online <00:12:41.360><- made available<00:12:42.560>
to <00:12:42.760>all <00:12:42.920>members <00:12:43.240- >
free <00:12:45.720>or <00:12:45.839>for <00:12:46.120>a <00:12:46.200> - on a<00:12:40.280>
Summary:
The House first took up House Bill 955, relating to next steps in transforming Vermont’s education system. The chamber suspended rules to consider the Senate proposal of amendment immediately, and the House Education Committee reported that while it appreciated the Senate’s work, differences remained on issues including the timing of class size minimums, possible tuition or fees under the foundation formula, school construction details, and merger committee groupings. The committee voted 11-0-0 to refuse concurrence and request a committee of conference.
After a brief correction on the committee straw poll, the House voted to refuse concurrence in the Senate amendment and appointed Representatives Conlin, Kornheiser, and Quimby as the House conferees. The House then suspended rules to message its action to the Senate forthwith.
The House next took up Senate Bill 71, the consumer data privacy and online surveillance bill. The Commerce and Economic Development Committee recommended amendment, and the floor report described the bill as creating a comprehensive Vermont data privacy law effective January 1, 2028. The report outlined consumer rights to know, access, correct, delete, and port personal data, and to opt out of targeted advertising and sale of data; duties for controllers and processors; limits on sensitive data use; special protections for minors and health-related geofencing; Attorney General enforcement; and an 18-month cure period. The committee heard extensive testimony from a broad range of advocates, industry representatives, privacy experts, and other stakeholders, and it reported the bill out favorably with amendment on a vote of 11-0-0 before the House recessed for dinner.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/26
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- months, and that's effective every 12 months, and that's effective January<00:08:44.959>
1st, - available<00:12:05.279>
to <00:12:05.680>the <00:12:06.000>state <00:12:06.560>< - >
um <00:12:13.920>of <00:12:14.320>of <00:12:14.639>it <00:12:14.800> - So, you saw the effective date<00:12:45.040>
is <00:12:45.279>January <00:12:45.760> - <00:12:47.440>
of date is January 1st, 2027 for a lot of date is January 1st, 2027 for a lot
Keywords:
Medical Assistance, Medicaid, MNsure, MinnesotaCare, disability determination, expedited eligibility, state medical review team, compassionate allowance, rare disease, home and community-based services, long-term care, managed care, county-based purchasing, eligibility redetermination, periodic data matching, death master file, Social Security Administration, program integrity, income eligibility, asset test
Summary:
The House Health Finance and Policy Committee met on March 4, 2026, approved the minutes from its February 25 and March 2 meetings, and then heard a presentation from Katherine Castanza of the National Conference of State Legislatures on Medicaid eligibility changes in the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR1/OB3). The presentation focused on provisions affecting Medicaid expansion adults ages 19 to 64, including new work and community engagement requirements, changes to retroactive eligibility, quarterly death master file checks, address verification requirements, six-month redeterminations for expansion enrollees, and new limits on some lawful permanent residents and other immigrant groups. Castanza also discussed state implementation issues, including the need for new data-sharing systems, system modernization, outreach, and options for helping people transition to other coverage if they lose eligibility.
She said the work and community engagement rules take effect January 1, 2027, with states given flexibility on look-back periods, consecutive versus nonconsecutive months, and optional hardship exemptions, and noted that CMS guidance is not expected until June 2026. She also described federal support for implementation, including $200 million in grants and a 90% federal match for eligibility system work, while warning that the fast timeline could lead to coverage losses, churn, and challenges for special populations such as caregivers, people with behavioral health conditions, incarcerated individuals, and rural residents. She further explained that an erroneous payment provision could expose states to federal recoupment later if eligibility errors increase.
During member questions, Representative Beerman asked about the overall size of the Medicaid cuts and the cumulative national impact; Castanza said estimates vary by state and cited KFF analysis suggesting states could lose 4% to 19% of federal Medicaid revenue, with a newer RAND analysis recently released. Beerman also asked about the history and effectiveness of state work requirements, but that discussion was not completed in the excerpt. Representative Elkins noted the presentation was not initially posted on the committee website, and the chair said it had since been posted.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (11/12/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So<00:12:30.720>
self <00:12:31.040>att <00:12:31.200>testation <00:12:32.399> - to pick either<00:12:40.560>
or <00:12:41.680>um <00:12:42.160>and <00:12:42.480 - >
so <00:12:42.880>I <00:12:43.200>think <00:12:43.360>that <00:12:44.720> - 50.880>
know <00:12:51.040>we <00:12:51.200>can <00:12:51.360>work <00:12: - >> but<00:12:54.959>
if <00:12:55.120>if <00:12:55.360>I <00:12:55.519>
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Special Investigative Committee, February 26, 2026
House Special Investigative Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- the<00:12:24.000>
advisement <00:12:24.560>that <00:12:24.800>will <00:12:24.959 - Rule<00:12:27.440>
eight <00:12:28.240>um <00:12:28.480>states <00:12:28.880> - witnesses shall<00:12:30.320>
be <00:12:30.480>called <00:12:30.639>by <00:12:30.800 - ><00:12:32.160>
by <00:12:32.320>a <00:12:32.560>majority <00:12:33.040>vote< - >> No,<02:12:01.760>
I <02:12:02.000>did <02:12:02.159>not <02:12:02.400>
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, April 14, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- January 3, 2025 of the following member January 3, 2025 of the following member on<00:12:16.639>
part - <00:12:16.880>
of <00:12:16.959>the <00:12:17.120>house <00:12:17.440>to< - Miss<00:12:23.920>
Stefonic <00:12:24.639>of <00:12:24.800>New <00:12:24.959> - and the order of the house of USC6913 and the order of the house of January<00:12:35.200>
3rd, January 3rd, 2025 of the following January 3rd, 2025 of the following members<00:12:38.240>on
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:12:00.880>
So <00:12:01.120>that <00:12:01.839>41 <00:12:02.320>is <00:12:20.160>- a way<00:12:18.079>
to <00:12:18.399>delay <00:12:18.880>things <00:12:19.839>- > or
to <00:12:20.399>put <00:12:20.560>money <00:12:20.800> - a way<00:12:18.079>
- >
budget <00:12:21.440>that <00:12:22.240>they <00:12:22.480>would <00:12: - 12:29.279>
a <00:12:29.440>tour <00:12:30.079>after <00:12:30.399>a <00:12
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Housing committee debates emergency rental assistance bill 2/18/26
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:12:09.920>
are <00:12:10.079>turned <00:12:10.320>away <00:12:10.480>from - shelter<00:12:11.120>
beds <00:12:11.519>every <00:12:11.839>single <00:12:12.160 - So HF3403 gives<00:12:14.880>
communities <00:12:15.279>a <00:12:15.519>way <00:12 - /c><00:12:18.079>
are <00:12:18.320>already <00:12:18.720>in <00:12:19.040>place keep <00:12:20.000>people <00:12:20.399>housed <00:12:21.120>before <00:12
Summary:
The committee took up House File 3403, authored by Vice Chair Rep. Kazowski, and first adopted an A1 amendment. The amendment made technical and implementation changes recommended by the Department of Revenue, allowed a small portion of funds for county and tribal administrative costs, and clarified timing and reporting for spent and unspent funds. After the amendment was adopted, the bill was moved to Ways and Means.
Rep. Kazowski described HF 3403 as a $50 million emergency rental assistance measure to help stabilize households facing eviction, with $44 million directed to counties and $6 million reserved for tribal nations, administered through the Department of Revenue using the existing local homeless prevention aid formula. Supporters said the bill would provide immediate, targeted help to renters and landlords, prevent evictions, and reduce downstream costs to shelters, schools, employers, and health systems. Several testifiers, including representatives from Greater Twin Cities United Way, St. Louis County, Hennepin County, Minneapolis, social workers, a resident, and tribal housing leaders, said local resources were insufficient to meet rising need and emphasized the impact of federal immigration enforcement and related economic disruption on families, workers, and communities.
Testimony highlighted sharp increases in rental assistance requests, rising eviction filings, depleted county funds, and the strain on nonprofit and mutual aid efforts. County and city officials said emergency rental assistance and related legal services had already prevented thousands of evictions, but current funding was not enough. Tribal testimony stressed disproportionate homelessness among Native Americans and supported the bill’s tribal allocation. During member discussion, Rep. Amani Hiltsley said the bill was an economic stabilization tool and requested a roll call vote, noting safeguards against fraud and the broader costs of inaction.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HHS, HHS DEFER Public Hearings 02-13-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:12:10.720>
But <00:12:10.800>if <00:12:11.040>the <00:12:11.279>bill< is <00:12:16.399>a <00:12:16.639>question <00:12:16.880>of <00:12:17.040>- <00:12:18.959>
that <00:12:19.440>if <00:12:19.760>available <00:12:20.160>- ><00:12:26.320>
have <00:12:26.480>access <00:12:26.720>to <00:12:26.880>it - to it on a constraint<00:12:27.920>
or <00:12:28.480>a <00:12:28.720>strain <00:12 - ><00:12:26.320>
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on a large number of health-related measures, with the most extensive discussion on SB 2283, which would expand mail-order pharmacy access for prescription drugs. Supporters including HMSA, the Board of Pharmacy, and health plan groups said mail order could lower costs, improve adherence, and reduce hospitalizations, while independent pharmacies and rural neighbor-island providers warned it could harm local pharmacies, reduce access for patients who rely on face-to-face service, and create delivery and storage problems for medications. No vote was taken on SB 2283 during the excerpt, and the chair moved on after hearing testimony.
The committee also heard SB 2855 on opioid antagonists, with the Insurance Division and HMSA noting that medically necessary opioid antagonists are already covered and suggesting the issue may be addressed through education or administrative fixes. Fentanyl and substance abuse groups supported the measure. SB 3045 on health insurance coverage for continuous glucose monitors drew broad support from diabetes and health organizations; HMSA said it had already expanded coverage for members on injectable insulin but raised concerns about supply constraints and said it had not yet seen an auditor study referenced in discussion. Members asked whether the bill would extend coverage beyond current policy.
SB 2843 on domestic violence received support from the Public Defender’s Office, prosecutors, and victim-related organizations, who said the pilot program for misdemeanor domestic violence cases had reduced backlogs and improved court efficiency. A prosecutor also supported retaining coercive control as a petty misdemeanor tool in larger domestic violence cases. SB 2845 on healthcare facility access drew strong support from many health, legal, and advocacy groups, who said it would protect patients and staff from disruptive interference at healthcare facilities; one opponent argued it would chill lawful speech and protest and unfairly exempt labor demonstrations. The committee then heard SB 2854 and SB 3202, both healthcare-related measures, with testimony largely in support. SB 2854 drew comments from health and dental groups, and SB 3202 focused on workforce and licensing issues, including support for retired physicians volunteering, preceptor tax credits, and adding advanced midwifery and physician assistant-related provisions. The chair repeatedly enforced a one-minute testimony limit and moved through the agenda without recorded votes in the excerpt.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- :00.240>
the <00:12:00.560>unit <00:12:00.959>is <00:12:01.360>and <00:12: - So, uh,<00:12:08.560>
her, <00:12:09.760>uh, <00:12:10.320>her <00:12:10.639> - <00:12:15.760>
broader <00:12:16.639>79E <00:12:17.519>bill <00:12:18.240> - <00:12:19.680>
So <00:12:20.240>the <00:12:20.480>fix <00:12:20.800>that< - So it's<00:12:26.480>
better <00:12:26.639>just <00:12:26.800>to <00:12:26.959>
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (02/26/2025)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- :00.519>
be <00:12:00.720>brought <00:12:01.040>to <00:12:01.200>the <00:12 - c> red<00:12:13.839>
flag <00:12:14.120>Bill <00:12:14.320>and <00:12:14.440> - this are night<00:12:14.959>
and <00:12:15.240>day <00:12:16.079>um <00:12:16.279 - >
this <00:12:16.600>bill <00:12:17.040>is <00:12:17.199>the <00:12:17.360 - > red<00:12:24.519>
flag <00:12:24.839>law <00:12:25.600>so <00:12:25.839>
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 001 Jan 15th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
Slope <01:12:03.760>way, <01:12:04.400>and <01:12:04.800>especially <01:12- .<01:12:08.560>
One <01:12:08.800>I <01:12:09.040>hope <01:12:09.199>that - <01:12:37.920>
We <01:12:38.239>won't <01:12:38.560>give <01:12:38.800>up - We<01:12:51.199>
won't <01:12:51.760>give <01:12:52.000>up <01:12:52.320> - <01:12:55.120>
And <01:12:55.280>we <01:12:55.440>are <01:12:55.600>a
Summary:
The House convened for the opening of the second regular session of the 75th General Assembly of the State of Colorado with ceremonial music, the presentation of colors by the Civil Air Patrol, the national anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The chamber then handled organizational business, including appointing Vanessa Riley as chief clerk temporarily, establishing a quorum, and reading notices of resignations and vacancy appointments. The Committee on Credentials was appointed, met, and reported that Lori Goldstein and Kenny Van Wyn were properly appointed to fill vacancies in House Districts 29 and 33; the House adopted the report and both representatives-elect were sworn in. Afterward, the House appointed committees to notify the Senate and the governor that it was organized and ready for business, and later received those committees’ reports back in chamber.
The House also received and read the full list of committee of reference and Joint Budget Committee assignments for the session. These included standing committees such as Appropriations, Education, Finance, Judiciary, Health and Human Services, Transportation, Housing, and Local Government, among others, along with the Joint Budget Committee membership. No substantive bills were debated or voted on in this transcript beyond the organizational motions and adoption of the credentials report.
The remainder of the meeting consisted of opening-day remarks from House leadership. The Speaker and other members welcomed new and returning legislators, thanked staff and veterans, and noted recent losses and a moment of silence for those who had passed. The Speaker’s address focused on political violence, the state’s fiscal challenges, affordability, health care, housing, education, public lands, civil rights, and the need to lower costs while protecting prior policy gains. The session was framed as one in which the House would work on budget pressures, affordability, and continued investments in schools, health care, housing, and environmental protections.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House DFL Media Availability 1/24/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- /c><00:12:45.600>
that <00:12:45.880>this <00:12:46.839>in <00:12:47.000>some - 12:49.720>
um <00:12:49.839>you <00:12:50.000>have <00:12:50.120>it would - Republicans<00:12:53.040>
have <00:12:53.240>done <00:12:53.600>because <00:12 - :54.160>
not <00:12:55.040>um <00:12:55.399>met <00:12:56.399>uh <00:12:56.680 - 12:59.560>
started <00:13:00.160>on <00:13:00.560>January <00:13:01.040>14th<
Summary:
Minnesota House Democrats reacted to the Minnesota Supreme Court’s ruling that a quorum in the House is 68, saying the decision confirms that neither party can act alone and that Republicans and Democrats must negotiate to organize the chamber. They argued that the GOP’s actions over the prior two weeks were illegitimate once Secretary of State Steve Simon determined there was no quorum, and said all committee activity and the election of a presiding officer during that period were not valid.
A major focus was the status of Rep. Brad Tabke’s seat in Shakopee. Democrats said Republicans were trying to use a temporary one-seat advantage to oust Tabke despite his election win, recount victory, and court ruling, which they said found it mathematically impossible that he lost. They said they would not return to the Capitol unless Republicans agreed not to remove him and to respect the voters’ will.
Democrats said they were still open to a negotiated power-sharing deal and emphasized that such agreements should be in writing. They described their current offer as allowing Republicans to run the chamber while they hold a one-seat advantage, with committee members from the DFL not voting, and then moving to full power sharing if the House returns to a tie. They said the special election timeline was not changed by the court ruling and that the governor could still issue the writ on February 5, with the session having begun on January 14.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-01-09 - 11:30AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:12:00.800>
Um, <00:12:01.360>again, <00:12:01.760>maybe <00:12:02.160> - :12:04.320>
can <00:12:04.480>get <00:12:04.720>everyone <00:12:05.120>to - ,<00:12:06.480>
including <00:12:06.800>the <00:12:07.040>chair <00:12:07.200 - 26.079>
will <00:12:26.240>meet <00:12:26.320>at <00:12:26.480>1:15 <00:12 - Senate institutions<00:12:35.120>
will <00:12:35.360>meet <00:12:35.600>at <00:12
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- We paid that<00:12:49.200>
a <00:12:49.360>number <00:12:49.519>of <00:12:49.680> - We've agreed with<00:12:51.600>
Excel <00:12:52.079>to <00:12:52.240>pay <00:12:52.480 - :54.399>
to <00:12:54.480>Shero <00:12:55.200>3 <00:12:55.839>in <00:12:56.079 - >
the <00:12:56.160>event <00:12:56.320>that <00:12:56.560>Sho hook up to - :12:57.600>
down <00:12:57.839>before <00:12:58.160>SHO3.
Bills:
HF4770
Summary:
The committee approved the March 26 minutes and then took up House File 4770, as amended by an A1 technical amendment. The bill was presented as a proposal to help Liberty Diversified International and Liberty Paper in Becker plan for replacement steam and energy supply as the Shuro facility closure approaches in 2030. Testimony described Liberty Paper’s current closed-loop steam arrangement with Shuro, the need to study future fuel and technology options, and the potential use of anaerobic digestion, biomass, construction and demolition waste, and food waste to produce steam and possibly power. Members asked about feedstock availability, the need for a feasibility study, possible backup natural gas use, and whether waste heat or wastewater heat could be useful. The bill was laid over as amended.
The committee then heard a presentation from CenterPoint Energy on Minnesota heating demand and electrification. CenterPoint staff said affordability and reliability are central concerns and outlined how the utility manages customer costs through energy efficiency, contracting, storage, peak shaving, and conservation. Dr. Joel Lynch presented research on peak heating with natural gas and the “missing piece” in Minnesota’s electrification puzzle, explaining that Minnesota’s cold climate makes winter heating demand especially challenging and that replacing natural gas would require substantial new electric capacity and renewable resources. He compared his work with prior national and state studies and said the analysis used Minnesota-specific gas throughput, COP assumptions across several electrification scenarios, and January renewable capacity data.
Lynch summarized preliminary findings that Minnesota’s peak gas heating throughput could be up to 40 gigawatts, with electric resistance heating implying roughly 36 gigawatts of new demand, and lower but still substantial demand under heat-pump scenarios. The presentation was informational only; no vote was taken on the CenterPoint presentation. The meeting ended with House File 4770 laid over and the energy demand presentation continuing.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
MA cover weight-loss drugs 3/25/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Our goal is to be done with this bill roughly at 12, um, 20207.
- Our goal is to be done with this bill roughly at 12, um, 20207.
- In January of 2020, spending on Ozempic type 2 diabetes indicated GLP-1 was just $4.6 million.
- >
Medicaid January of '24, monthly Medicaid January of '24, monthly Medicaid spending<00:02:52.520 - 12% 12% of<00:03:31.760>
Minnesota's <00:03:32.800>overall <00:03:33.640>pharmaceutical
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 6 (1-13-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Mr.<00:12:28.800>
Clerk, <00:12:29.120>I <00:12:29.200>believe <00:12:29.360> - that<00:12:29.600>
concludes <00:12:29.839>your Mr. - Send<00:12:37.839>
from <00:12:38.079>Green. - <00:12:39.440>
Would <00:12:39.519>you <00:12:39.680>assume <00:12:39.920> - <00:12:40.480>
Next <00:12:40.720>order <00:12:40.959>of <00:12:41.120>business
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.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- >
about <00:12:32.680>uh <00:12:32.760>three <00:12:32.960>pages <00:12:33.320 - Uh<00:12:34.280>
sorry, <00:12:34.440>I'm <00:12:34.560>jumping <00:12:34.880> - I want to leave<00:12:35.560>
time <00:12:35.800>for <00:12:36.120>for <00:12:36.280 - >
that <00:12:42.600>is <00:12:42.800>really <00:12:42.960>important <00:12 - understand<00:12:45.560>
when <00:12:45.680>it <00:12:45.800>comes <00:12:46.000
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
SPEED Task Force (STF) - Mon Dec 15, 2025 @ 9:30 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, you<01:12:02.960>
know, <01:12:03.040>we <01:12:03.280>need <01:12:03.360> - Um<01:12:36.480>
the <01:12:36.640>department <01:12:36.960>of <01:12:37.120> - health<01:12:37.440>
plays <01:12:37.679>a <01:12:37.920>c <01:12:38.159> - >
role <01:12:38.880>in <01:12:39.040>the <01:12:39.199>regulation <01:12: - <01:12:49.520>
I <01:12:49.760>do <01:12:49.920>want <01:12:50.000>to
Summary:
The Speed Task Force met on December 15, 2025, with members participating in person and via Zoom. After roll call and introductions, the chair filed the previous meeting minutes without objection. The chair then gave a report on outreach presentations statewide about the task force’s permitting-simplification work, noting appearances before groups such as the Chinese Chamber, Small Business Regulatory Review Board, General Contractors Association of Hawaii, Hawaii Chamber, and the Land Use Commission. He also introduced the new task force coordinator, Reginald K. T. King, and outlined a January 6, 2026 process for member-submitted recommendations, including first-come consideration and structured debate. No public testimony or member questions were offered on these items.
The task force heard a presentation from the Building Permit PIG. The presenter said the group reviewed 79 SWAT recommendation forms over seven meetings, with participation from 15 disciplines and about 270 hours of work. The group’s findings emphasized workforce shortages, inconsistent plan quality, limited departmental resources, and a lack of centralized tools for applicants to self-resolve issues. Recommendations focused on building a workforce pipeline, expanding training on codes and technology, and developing a universal platform, including AI-assisted review tools. The presenter also raised offsite construction, including factory-built, modular, tiny homes, and ADUs, as an area needing clearer state and county alignment to speed permit review and support housing needs. No public testimony or Q&A followed, and discussion and voting were deferred to the January 6, 2026 meeting.
The task force then began the Chapter 6E Historic Preservation PIG presentation. The chair described historic preservation as a broad process covering research, protection, restoration, rehabilitation, and interpretation of significant properties, including burial sites and iwi kūpuna, and said Chapter 6E is intended to guide responsible development rather than stop it. The presentation explained SHPD’s role and the complexity of 6E review, including archaeological surveys, monitoring, and preservation plans. Early findings highlighted uncertainty in sensitivity determinations for iwi kūpuna and subsurface resources, repeated review of the same projects, and staffing and technical capacity shortages among SHPD and consultants. Public testimony was closed and no immediate Q&A was allowed; further discussion and voting on recommendations were scheduled for January 6, 2026.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- You're talking about 12 schools statewide thus far.
- Yeah, I agree with, you know, just the 12—the 12 is one right now, but, you know, my concern in the future
- And then in Section 12, I would like the Senate to consider that.
- And then in Section 12, there's some language on net zero.
- 1st 2006 for the years beginning January 1st, 2026.
Summary:
The Finance and Tax Committee met with a quorum and considered two Senate proposed bills. The first, SPB 7046, was the Senate tax package. It included changes to Live Local property tax exemptions, charter school distributions from voter-approved property tax levies, limits on special assessments for RV parks, revisions to fiscally constrained county funding and eligibility, a permanent sales tax exemption for small propane tanks, a hunting/fishing/camping sales tax holiday, restrictions on governmental net zero policies, and new voting thresholds for certain local millage actions. Staff estimated the bill would reduce general revenue by about $77 million in FY 2026-27 and about $50 million recurring. An amendment making the charter-school distribution change prospective starting July 1, 2026, was adopted. A late-filed amendment by Senator Gaetz on disability tax exemptions was withdrawn for lack of a fiscal analysis.
The charter school provision drew the most debate. Senator Jones and Senator Bernard raised concerns that expanding eligibility to charter schools authorized through alternate authorizers could reduce funding available to traditional neighborhood public schools and that the effective date did not give districts enough time to plan. Senator Avila argued the change corrected an omission from earlier legislation and ensured public schools, including charter schools, were treated equally. Several speakers supported the fiscally constrained county provisions, while the Florida Association of Counties urged grandfathering for counties that could currently opt out of the Live Local exemption and asked the committee to review language on millage thresholds and net zero provisions. SPB 7046 was ultimately reported favorably as a committee bill by a roll call vote.
The committee then took up SPB 7048, which updates Florida’s conformity to the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2026, and partially decouples from federal changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The bill addresses federal changes to bonus depreciation, Section 179 expensing, research and experimental expenses, business meals, and business interest deductions, with some provisions phased in or adjusted over time. The Florida Chamber testified in support of continued conformity but expressed concerns about administrative burdens and the bill’s partial decoupling structure. After brief debate, the bill was reported favorably as a committee bill by roll call vote, and the committee then adjourned.