Transcript Highlights:

• 02:04.640><c> Itemsc><00:02:05.040><c> thatc><00:02:05.280><c> arec><00:02:05.439><c> notc><00
• typesc><00:05:06.720><c> ofc><00:05:06.880><c> leavec><00:05:07.120><c> thatc><00:05:07.280>
• <c> arec><00:05:07.440><c> mandatory,c> the types of leave that are mandatory, the types of leave
• c><00:05:10.479><c> typesc><00:05:10.720><c> ofc><00:05:10.880><c> acredc> optional, paid and
• unpaid types of acred optional, paid and unpaid types of acred leave<00:05:11.600><c> thatc><00:05

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules and Administration met virtually on January 6, 2026, and took up four administrative policy items. Darren Hoff, Senate Human Resources Director, presented updates to the Legislative Coordinating Commission benefit book, including insurance changes tied to SEGIP, mental health and substance use office visit cost sharing, dental plan updates, dependent eligibility clarifications, a new voluntary legal services benefit, a 17% increase in Medicare premiums, and multiple leave-policy revisions to conform with the new paid leave law and other employment rules. Senator Pappas moved adoption of the benefit book with the LCC’s November 10, 2025 changes and staff technical corrections, and the motion passed. Secretary Tom Bern described a proposed Senate Policy 1.56 allowing written rules of conduct for visitors in Senate spaces, aimed at setting clear expectations for behavior such as not blocking hallways or using shouting and profanity, while being developed with consultation to address First Amendment concerns. Senator Marty moved adoption, and the committee approved the policy. Council Lexi Stangle then presented a change to Senate Policy 2.47 on severe weather emergencies that would allow employees who work remotely on severe weather days to accrue compensatory time with supervisor approval; Senator Johnson moved adoption, and the motion passed. The committee also considered a modernization of the Senate information systems policy. Secretary Bern and staff explained that the policy had not been substantially updated in about 20 years and was being condensed and updated to reflect current technology and practices. The revisions reduced the policy from 29 pages to 10, removed obsolete references, added a purpose statement, clarified email inspection and hardware/software procedures, updated website rules and accessibility guidance, and removed the secondary member page option. Senator Coleman moved adoption of the Senate information systems update, and it was approved. After the Rules Committee adjourned, the Subcommittee on Committees met and approved two appointments: one public member to the Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources through December 31, 2030, and Senator Gustafson to the Financial Crimes Advisory Board Task Force. Members asked about the task force’s scope and the public appointee’s background; staff explained the task force advises on identity theft and financial crimes, and identified the public appointee as Sha Lang of Preston, Minnesota. Senator Pappas moved adoption of the appointment list, and the subcommittee approved it before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> ourc><00:02:08.479><c> ownc><00:02:08.600><c> inc><00:02:08.679><c> Bardstownc><00:02:09.479
• Um Um Um A-<00:13:42.720><c> Andc><00:13:42.920><c> onec><00:13:43.320><c> typec><00:13:43.640>
• <c> keptc> A- And one type of video that we kept A- And one type of video that we kept saying<00:13
• ><c> andc><00:20:57.760><c> thosec><00:20:58.040><c> typec><00:20:58.320><c> thingsc> their FTO
• programs and those type things their FTO programs and those type things and<00:20:58.760><c> I,c><

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Neither<00:07:48.920><c> onec><00:07:49.120><c> ofc><00:07:49.200><c> themc><00:07:49.320><c> are
• c> Senator<00:08:02.080><c> Gustafson,c><00:08:02.560><c> we'rec><00:08:02.760><c> waitingc><
• Um<00:08:28.320><c> Ic><00:08:28.440><c> wouldc><00:08:28.919><c> leanc><00:08:29.320><c> onc
• <c> actuallyc> because uh it is actually because uh it is actually a<00:26:44.520><c> typec><00:26
• ><00:26:46.680><c> isc> a type of online gambling that is a type of online gambling that is gambling

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:02:32.160><c> fewc><00:02:32.319><c> amendments,c><00:02:32.800><c> itc><00:02:32.959><c
• <00:02:40.800><c> aboutc><00:02:41.599><c> uhc><00:02:41.760><c> differentc><00:02:42.080><c> types
• c><00:02:42.400><c> ofc> members about uh different types of members about uh different types of
• c><00:02:59.120><c> It'sc><00:02:59.360><c> ac><00:02:59.840><c> asc><00:03:00.080><c> myc>
• c><00:03:42.959><c> Ic><00:03:43.280><c> havec><00:03:43.440><c> toc><00:03:43.680><c> usec

Bills: SF0024

Keywords: lottery, debit card payments, gambling regulations, state revenue, financial transactions, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> considerc><00:12:34.480><c> isc><00:12:35.040><c> somec><00:12:35.360><c> typec><00:12:35.639
• ><c> ofc><00:12:36.079><c> umc> may want to consider is some type of um may want to consider is some
• type of um shortage<00:12:37.160><c> differentialc><00:12:37.639><c> orc><00:12:37.760><c> some<
• /c><00:12:37.920><c> typec><00:12:38.079><c> ofc> shortage differential or some type of shortage
• differential or some type of pay<00:12:38.440><c> incentivec><00:12:38.920><c> forc><00:12:39.120

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs heard several bills on January 27, 2025. SB 24, relating to identification, would require the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to help inmates obtain civil ID cards and other vital documents for reentry. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from DCR, the Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission, DHS, the Hawaiʻi Disability Rights Center, health and youth advocates, and others, with comments emphasizing that reentry should begin on day one and that lack of identification is a major barrier to housing and employment. A senator asked about the low number of IDs issued in 2022 and DCR said it already has a satellite ID card machine at Hālawa and plans to procure more for other facilities. The committee recommended passage of SB 24 as is. SB 474, relating to psychologists, would require DCR clinical psychologists to obtain licensure within 10 years of employment and would sunset in 2035. DCR strongly supported the bill, citing a severe staffing shortage, low exam passage rates, and many vacant positions, while the Hawaiʻi Psychological Association expressed concerns and one testifier argued psychologists serving incarcerated people should be licensed before employment. Committee members questioned whether the 10-year period was too long and discussed alternative solutions such as pay incentives and shortage differentials. The committee ultimately recommended passage with amendments, shortening the licensure period to 5 years, moving the sunset to July 1, 2030, and making other technical changes. SB 353, relating to emergency management, would clarify emergency authority, bar suspension of public records or vital statistics requests during emergencies, define “severe warning,” and allow the legislature or city councils to terminate a state of emergency. DHS and HMA opposed the bill, arguing it could limit executive flexibility and cut off access to the major disaster fund, while supporters included public-interest and good-government groups. The committee discussed whether legislative termination authority could interfere with ongoing emergency response and recovery, with the bill’s sponsor explaining it was aimed more at situations where emergency conditions have ended, such as prolonged COVID-era proclamations. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including a delayed effective date and committee report notes referencing DHS request data and HMA’s opposition. The committee also heard SB 259, relating to recordkeeping for secondhand dealers and pawn brokers, and SB 37, relating to recordings of law enforcement activities. SB 259 was set for amendment and deferred decision-making to January 29, 2025, so the committee could seek input from HPD. SB 37 drew support from the Legal Clinic and other advocates, with a clarifying question about civil enforcement actions, and the committee recommended passage with amendments and a delayed effective date. The meeting concluded with the committee adopting its recommendations and adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:01:06.159><c> soc><00:01:06.960><c> again,c><00:01:07.360><c> asc><00:01:07.600><c> ac
• :01:09.680><c> along,c><00:01:11.040><c> therec><00:01:11.280><c> arec><00:01:11.439><c> twoc
• :16.400><c> Onec><00:01:16.720><c> isc><00:01:16.960><c> receivingc><00:01:17.840><c> orc><00
• c><00:01:43.439><c> Soc><00:01:43.759><c> thosec><00:01:43.920><c> arec><00:01:44.079><c> the
• :01:50.479><c> ac><00:01:50.720><c> legislatorc><00:01:51.200><c> orc><00:01:51.360><c> ifc><

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The Senate rules committee continued work on a proposed rule restricting campaign fundraising in the Capitol and during session or special session. Senator Nethercott and LSO attorney Mr. Shaw explained that the draft was revised to add clarity after concerns that the earlier language could unintentionally penalize a senator who merely received a contribution without affirmatively soliciting it. The committee discussed two options: option one, which would prohibit knowingly soliciting a contribution and accepting it by affirmative act, and option two, which would prohibit knowingly soliciting or accepting a legislative campaign contribution by affirmative act. A new subsection C was also added to make clear the rule would not apply when a senator merely discovers that a contribution was made and took no affirmative act to solicit or receive it. Members focused on how the term “solicit” should be understood, including whether a campaign website donate button or online promotion would count as solicitation. Mr. Shaw said the rule does not define the term and suggested it should be applied reasonably, noting that a static donate button may be treated differently from actively promoting donations. Several senators said subsection C addressed the main concern about accidental receipt of a mailed contribution, but that further guidance may still be needed on passive receipt and how to handle donations connected to pending legislation. Senator Duro said the committee was responding to an unacceptable incident that occurred in the building and wanted to make clear such conduct would not be tolerated. After discussion, Senator Rothfuss moved option two and Senator Gierau seconded. The committee voted to adopt option two, with Senators Gierau, Nethercott, Salazar, and Chairman Biteman voting aye; Senator Rothfuss also voted aye. The committee then adjourned, and it was noted that the adopted rule would become part of the permanent Senate rules unless changed at the start of a future session.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:05:10.600><c> jailc><00:05:11.880><c> umc><00:05:12.880><c> Ic><00:05:13.039><c> guessc
• andc><00:06:36.639><c> typec><00:06:36.840><c> ofc><00:06:37.080><c> jobc><00:06:37.800><c>
• doc><00:06:37.960><c> youc><00:06:38.080><c> lookc> categories and type of job do you look categories
• and type of job do you look at<00:06:38.360><c> thatc><00:06:38.680><c> annuallyc><00:06:39.680>
• <c> yesc><00:06:39.880><c> wec><00:06:40.000><c> doc><00:06:41.000><c> andc><00:06:41.120><c>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice, Public Safety, and Judiciary heard an update from the Department of Corrections on Kentucky Correctional Industries (KCI), sentence-credit payments for program completion, and the expansion of the Little Sandy Correctional Complex. Department officials said KCI, the department’s long-running re-entry program, operates 15 industries in 11 institutions, employs more than 400 inmates and 37 staff, and had $5.8 million in expenditures against $6.8 million in revenues through January 31. Members asked about inmate pay, the role of the Prison Industries Enhancement Certification (PIE) program, and whether KCI generates profit; the department said it aims to break even while supporting state government, with PIE participants earning prevailing wages and some programs offering certificates tied to post-release employment opportunities. The subcommittee also reviewed the budget-authorized sentence-credit program for county jails. Officials reported 37,300 program completions in fiscal year 2024 and, through January, $6.128 million paid for 90-day sentence credits and $1.6548 million for 60-day credits, with total county jail expenditures of $8.1 million and 67 jails participating. They said additional participation would require more funding and that they do not expect many more jails to join, though attendance and population levels can affect costs. Members asked how jails opt in, whether there are added costs, how inmate earnings are handled, and whether deductions are made for child support or victim compensation; the department said jails apply through an approved program matrix, inmate earnings are tracked in individual accounts, and required deductions are made when ordered. Questions from members focused on re-entry outcomes and program structure. Officials said evidence-based programming and employment opportunities are major contributors to lowering recidivism, and they cited a recent recidivism rate of 30.8 percent, down about 1 percentage point, while noting they would provide additional trend and savings data later. The department also clarified that adult education and GED programming are separate from KCI and are handled by a different education division. For the Little Sandy expansion, officials said the project remains on schedule for completion on June 25, 2025, with inmate transfers expected to begin at about 50 per week and roughly 200 additional staff eventually needed; they said hiring is being phased in as inmate population increases. The committee asked for the total construction cost of the expansion, which the witnesses said they did not have at the meeting and would report back. The meeting adjourned with the next meeting set for February 18.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:01:06.159><c> Uh,c><00:01:06.479><c> thankc><00:01:06.560><c> you,c><00:01:06.799><c> Chair
• ><c> butc><00:01:28.479><c> itc><00:01:28.640><c> wasc><00:01:28.720><c> titledc><00:01:29.119
• c><00:04:15.040><c> topc><00:04:15.200><c> ofc><00:04:15.360><c> thec><00:04:15.519><c> boxc>
• c><00:05:20.880><c> Doc><00:05:21.039><c> wec><00:05:21.120><c> havec><00:05:21.199><c> toc
• outlined the that, you'll see the uh outlined the types<00:13:58.800><c> ofc><00:13:58.959><c> records

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> writingc><00:09:08.320><c> thesec><00:09:08.640><c> typesc><00:09:08.880><c> ofc> carriers
• ><c> thatc><01:02:11.359><c> typec><01:02:11.520><c> ofc> They had included that type of information
• c><01:23:53.760><c> toc><01:23:53.840><c> typec><01:23:54.080><c> thatc><01:23:54.239><c> number
• ><c> typec><03:38:22.080><c> ofc><03:38:22.239><c> animalc> are conducting this type of animal
• c><04:35:31.119><c> typesc> form of a bond.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee focused primarily on a bill concerning long-term care insurance rate increases and consumer notice. Members and staff discussed replacing or supplementing a proposed public hearing requirement with annual reporting, website updates, and consumer-facing disclosures about approved rate increases, carriers writing the products, and how the products work. Several participants emphasized that long-term care policies are long-term products, that rate increases can be spread over many years for actuarial reasons, and that consumers need better information about trends and the impact of increases. A major point of disagreement was whether the bill should try to cap premium increases. One member argued the real problem is unexpected increases of 15% to 20% and urged a statutory cap to protect consumers. Insurance department representatives and others responded that hard caps had been struck down in prior case law, that the department’s core responsibility is solvency, and that carriers need sufficient premium to pay future claims. They also said the market is struggling because many carriers stopped selling the product, leaving in-force policies to bear the cost, and that overly restrictive caps could cause insurers to withdraw from the state. The discussion then shifted toward a compromise requiring carriers to notify policyholders before a rate increase is approved and allowing a 60-day comment period. Participants debated whether the notice should come from the carrier, how confidentiality rules would apply before approval, and what the department should do with public comments. The department said it already reviews filings carefully and that submitted rates are often adjusted before approval; lawmakers noted that prior commissioners had pushed back on increases in some cases, including a seven-year moratorium. No final vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair repeatedly tried to move the subcommittee along to other bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• lightc><00:04:59.360><c> greenc><00:04:59.880><c> lightc><00:05:00.440><c> typec> the you know
• /c><00:11:39.600><c> guessc><00:11:39.839><c> thec><00:11:40.040><c> typec><00:11:40.200><c> of
• ><04:13:58.080><c> availablec><04:13:58.479><c> toc> type of stuff wouldn't be available to type
• forc><04:30:07.680><c> differentc><04:30:08.279><c> typesc><04:30:08.680><c> ofc> providers
• :38.239><c> sciencec><04:30:38.680><c> typec><04:30:38.920><c> classesc><04:30:39.359><c> maybe

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division 2 work session first took up HB 506, a bill dealing with the return of seized firearms. Members discussed how the measure would shift background-check processing for firearm returns through the Department of Safety, while the physical firearms would still remain with local police unless State Police had taken custody. The department said the bill would change which cases come to it, and members clarified that the bill concerns the background-check decision rather than possession of the firearms. The committee then voted OTP on HB 506 FN by a 7-0 roll call. The committee next discussed HB 671, establishing a kindergarten literacy readiness program. Department of Education staff explained that the bill grew out of a COVID-era Waterford contract that provided home-based early literacy support for families using federal relief funds, at a cost of about $600,000 per year, but that the program ended when those funds expired. Members raised concerns that the bill’s $1 appropriation was not realistic, that the prior program lacked sufficient outcome data, and that the references to ESSA tier-one benchmarks were unclear. The department said it was conducting a broader literacy needs assessment and updating the state literacy plan, including data from the zero-to-five range, K-5, and dyslexia-related work. Waterford representatives described the program as an early-literacy, pre-K readiness service for children ages zero to five, originally designed to work in homes with computers and internet provided where needed, and later expanded in some settings such as daycares and pre-K classrooms. They said the program used assessments at the beginning and end, had served hundreds of children, and was intended to support family engagement and kindergarten readiness. Despite that testimony, members remained concerned about funding and the lack of clear results, and one member moved to retain the bill for more information. The discussion ended with the bill retained rather than advanced.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:01:11.040><c> Uhc><00:01:11.280><c> myc><00:01:11.520><c> namec><00:01:11.600><c> isc
• 01:14.479><c> arec><00:01:14.560><c> inc><00:01:14.799><c> strongc><00:01:15.040><c> supportc
• ><c> isc><00:01:17.759><c> ac><00:01:17.920><c> greatc><00:01:18.080><c> stepc><00:01:18.320>
• c><00:01:40.320><c> Wec><00:01:40.560><c> allc><00:01:40.640><c> havec><00:01:40.799><c> ac
• <00:01:45.520><c> theyc><00:01:45.759><c> doc><00:01:45.920><c> soc><00:01:46.079><c> withc><

Bills: SB2596, SB3002, SB3067

Keywords: government leases, state entities, real property, affordable leasing, budget impact, green infrastructure, urban development, sustainability, environment, climate change, public health, Hawaii State Planning Act, land records, registration, surveys, subdivision, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Water and Culture and the Arts and on Hawaiian Affairs heard SB 3173, which would create a cultural training pilot program in the Department of Land and Natural Resources, administered by DOBOR, for commercial permit holders operating in Lahaina Harbor. Testimony was largely supportive from Lahaina Strong, which said the bill responds to community concerns and would help commercial operators return with greater cultural understanding and respect. Supporters framed the measure as a way to rebuild Lahaina intentionally and strengthen relationships between industry and community. Opposition came from Trilogy Excursions and the Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaii. They said they already provide or encourage cultural education, but argued the bill as written is too broad, potentially mandatory, and could create hiring and operational problems for businesses trying to restart after the fire. They asked that any program be voluntary, collaborative, and practical, with clearer details on who must take the training, how often it would be offered, and how it would be coordinated. In response to questions, a witness said most operators would likely participate if the training were accessible and well-marketed, but that the harbor’s limited current operations and staggered rebuilding make timing important. After testimony and questions, the chairs said they appreciated the comments but wanted to move the bill forward without amendments because of a filing deadline, noting that timing and other issues could be worked out in later committees with DLNR, OHA, and stakeholders. Both committees then voted to pass SB 3173 unamended, with one member excused in each committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• :55.880><c> signifyc><00:01:56.400><c> byc><00:01:56.520><c> sayingc><00:01:56.880><c> I.
• c><00:02:25.280><c> upc><00:02:25.880><c> uhc><00:02:25.959><c> inc><00:02:26.080><c> thec>
• c><00:02:39.040><c> crackc><00:02:39.320><c> downc><00:02:39.600><c> onc><00:02:39.720><c> this
• c> we're here to help crack down on this we're here to help crack down on this type<00:02:40.160><c
• c> type of fraud.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 2354, a bill by Representative Norris to strengthen Minnesota’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and combat medical assistance fraud. Norris explained that the bill, previously part of a broader Human Services program integrity package, was being converted into a standalone measure through the A9 amendment. The amendment made conforming changes and shifted the appropriation to ongoing funding from a special revenue fund, which Norris said was important to secure a three-to-one federal match for additional staff. As amended, the bill would increase investigative and prosecutorial capacity, create new penalties for Medicaid fraud over $100,000 and over $1 million, align prison time with other theft laws, extend the statute of limitations, and include medical assistance fraud under the state racketeering law. Norris and supportive members emphasized that Minnesota’s fraud unit is smaller than comparable states and that the added funding would help hire more staff. Members Pinto and Cleborne, along with Representative Koznick, offered supportive comments about the importance of the bill and broader legislative efforts to address fraud. The A9 amendment was adopted by voice vote, and after discussion the committee voted to refer House File 2354, as amended, to the General Register. The motion passed by voice vote, with no opposition recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:02:39.680><c> Theyc><00:02:39.800><c> justc><00:02:40.120><c> weren'tc><00:02:40.400><c
• c><00:02:41.600><c> Andc><00:02:41.800><c> soc><00:02:42.040><c> wec><00:02:42.240><c> arec
• 21.840><c> theirc><00:03:22.200><c> ownc><00:03:22.880><c> typec><00:03:23.200><c> ofc><00:03
• :23.320><c> programc><00:03:24.280><c> toc> up with their own type of program to up with their own
• type of program to teach<00:03:25.800><c> umc><00:03:26.480><c> theirc><00:03:26.680><c> students

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House received a message from the Senate returning House File 4492, an act relating to veterans, with amendments and requesting concurrence. Representative Bliss moved to concur, and members discussed the bill as a combination of veterans-related provisions and changes to Minnesota’s READ Act and literacy law. Representative Mueller and Representative Clardy explained that the bill includes technical READ Act changes, expanded disability access language to better serve deaf and hard-of-hearing students, revisions involving dyslexia-related language, transparency in ongoing literacy material review, and a timeline adjustment after the Department of Education did not complete phase two work on time. Clardy described the literacy provisions as requiring universities to develop programs to better prepare teacher candidates to teach reading using science-based methods. Representative Jordan added that the bill also provides high school diplomas to veterans of the Korean and Vietnam wars who did not previously receive one because of their service. The House approved concurrence, then took up third reading of the bill as amended by the Senate. After further brief remarks urging a green vote, the roll was called and the bill passed unanimously, 134 ayes and 0 nays. The bill was repassed as amended by the Senate, its title was agreed to, and the House then adopted a recess motion to the call of the speaker.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:25.199><c> havec><00:04:25.360><c> ac><00:04:25.600><c> listc><00:04:25.759><c> ofc><00
• c><00:05:10.960><c> pagec><00:05:11.199><c> onec><00:05:11.440><c> withc><00:05:11.680><c> the
• :05:24.240><c> onc><00:05:24.479><c> pagesc><00:05:24.880><c> 1c><00:05:25.199><c> throughc><
• typesc><00:07:52.240><c> ofc><00:07:52.639><c> topics.
• c><00:07:53.360><c> Andc><00:07:53.520><c> soc><00:07:54.160><c> that'sc> those types of topics

Bills: HB342, HB342, HB168, HB220, SB187, SB270, SB265, SB220, SB242, SB277

Keywords: religious instruction, elective credit, released time, public education, school policy, tax credit, scholarship, education funding, financial aid, federal participation, HB168, Alabama, emergency management, local emergency management organization, mutual aid, mutual aid agreement, disaster response, public safety, public health, state emergency management plan

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> numberc><00:53:36.800><c> ofc><00:53:37.119><c> typesc><00:53:37.359><c> ofc> uh there are
• a number of types of uh there are a number of types of habitual<00:53:38.240><c> typec><00:53:38.480
• c> felonyc><00:53:48.000><c> typec><00:53:48.240><c> offensec><00:53:48.559><c> orc><00:53:48.800
• ,c><00:54:00.160><c> butc><00:54:00.319><c> anyc><00:54:00.559><c> typec><00:54:00.720><c> of
• ><c> isn'tc><01:40:36.639><c> helpfulc> this type of legislation isn't helpful this type of legislation

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs recessed briefly for a joint hearing, then reconvened and took up House Bill 2494, which would limit warrantless arrests for petty misdemeanors and violations, require officers to document arrest justification, expand citation-in-lieu-of-arrest use, and direct the Judiciary to create a standardized citation form. The chair also outlined hearing procedures and testimony time limits. Committee members later received an overview from the Policing Project about national trends in expanding citation use. Testimony was divided. Supporters, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, the Office of the Public Defender, the ACLU of Hawaii, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and the Policing Project, argued the bill would reduce unnecessary arrests and pretrial detention, lessen jail overcrowding, save law enforcement time, and reduce harms such as job loss, housing instability, family disruption, and recidivism. They also said the bill preserves officer discretion through public-safety and flight-risk exceptions, and several supporters urged the committee to adopt a standardized citation form despite the Judiciary’s request for a delayed implementation date. Opposition came from the Department of the Attorney General, the Judiciary, county prosecutors, Honolulu Police Department, and other individuals. They argued the bill would unduly restrict law enforcement discretion, create administrative and data-processing problems, and make it harder to identify repeat or habitual offenders because of changes to citation information and fingerprinting. The Judiciary requested implementation no earlier than January 1, 2028 and said the citation form would need major changes. Opponents also warned the bill could increase litigation, suppress evidence, and not meaningfully reduce overcrowding because most jail populations are held on felony matters. The chair reported 14 testimonies in support, 21 in opposition, and one with comments; no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><02:05:24.239><c> typesc><02:05:24.440><c> ofc> prevented maintenance those types of prevented
• type design that as um a cookie cutter type design that um<05:11:29.200><c> canc><05:11:29.360><c>
• ><c> modularc><05:12:58.760><c> typec> and then you also have the modular type and then you also
• <c> typesc><05:13:07.680><c> toc> looking at all three of those types to looking at all three of
• ><c> andc><05:13:10.600><c> thatc><05:13:10.760><c> typec><05:13:10.958><c> ofc><05:13:11.120

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Finance held its first informational briefing for 2025, beginning with member introductions and then hearing an economic outlook presentation from Dr. Eugene Tian of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Dr. Tian said Hawaii’s economy was in relatively good shape in several areas, especially construction, which he described as at a historical high, with construction employment above 40,000 monthly and building permit values and contracting tax base both up sharply. He also noted real estate sales had rebounded in 2024, the labor market had stabilized with unemployment around 2.9%, and initial unemployment claims were below 2019 levels. At the same time, he highlighted challenges including inflation running above the national rate, a shrinking labor force, lower employment compared with 2023, and continued weakness in visitor spending and arrivals. He said future growth would likely come from health care, professional services, construction, tourism recovery, and diversified sectors such as renewable energy, aquaculture, creative industries, and technology. Dr. Tian also discussed Hawaii’s economic structure and recovery, saying the state remains more concentrated in a few industries than the U.S. overall, with government and hospitality making up larger shares of the economy. He said non-tourism sectors had recovered, but tourism-related jobs and output were still below pre-pandemic levels, with Maui and the visitor industry still affected by the wildfire and COVID-19 impacts. He projected tourism and non-agricultural wage and salary jobs would not fully recover until 2027, and said population trends remain a concern because of aging, the likelihood of deaths outpacing births in coming years, and reliance on in-migration. After his presentation, the chair said questions would be taken later and the committee took a short break. After the break, Dr. Carano of the Hawaii Executive Director’s office presented a second outlook, saying Hawaii’s economy in 2025 looked better than 2024 overall, though he emphasized substantial uncertainty tied to the incoming federal administration. He said possible changes to tariffs, tax policy, immigration, and federal spending could raise inflation and keep interest rates higher than previously expected, which would affect housing, consumer debt, the dollar, and Hawaii’s visitor industry. He noted that U.S. visitors account for roughly three-quarters of visitor spending in the state, making federal policy especially important. He also said deregulation could be a long-term positive but would not likely have much effect in 2025 or 2026. As an additional risk, he pointed to bird flu and its effect on livestock, poultry, and egg prices. No votes or formal actions were taken during the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

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Bills: HB2118, HB2473

Keywords: business development, arts, cultural affairs, Hawaii, commissions, administrative transfer, funding appropriation, Hawaiian culture, sense of place, land management, environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several bills related to permitting and economic development. On HB 2603, relating to permits, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development said it supported the measure with comments. Committee discussion focused on the fact that the state’s facilitated permit process appears to have been rarely or never used, the need to identify specific projects that would use it, and whether DBEDT would need dedicated staffing to administer it. DBEDT said it had found no projects under the current process, had no capacity to run the program as structured, and estimated it would need about 7 to 9 FTEs, including permitting, coordination, data, systems, and possibly legal support. The chair suggested exploring a staff assignment and comparing the concept to federal FAST-41-style expedited permitting. On HB 2140, relating to essential permitting positions, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development again supported the bill with comments. Testimony and questioning centered on a pilot program to help counties pay competitively for permitting staff. A DBEDT representative said the issue of competitive pay affected both county and state permitting offices and that the bill was intended as a temporary pilot, though a more permanent solution would be preferable. When asked how counties would fund the salary support, the witness said that was not yet discussed with the counties and agreed to follow up. The committee also noted the bill applies to participating counties. On HB 2598, relating to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, the State Procurement Office and HTDC offered comments, and the Department of the Attorney General raised constitutional concerns. The AG said the bill’s residency-based certification requirements, when tied to procurement, could implicate the dormant Commerce Clause, and that the required 1% contribution tied to state contracts raised unconstitutional-conditions concerns. In questioning, the AG characterized these as legal risks rather than automatic lawsuits. The committee did not take a vote. The committee then heard HB 2141, relating to state enterprise zones. Taxation, DBEDT, HCDA, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, and HTDC testified in support, while the Tax Foundation noted the program was intended to help economically depressed areas create jobs. HTDC said the bill would help preserve the Maui Research and Technology Center’s enterprise-zone status after rezoning. Committee discussion focused on whether the enterprise zone program is being used effectively, how the bill might attract businesses to areas where the state is investing, and whether the program’s labor requirements are too burdensome for new businesses. DBEDT explained that the program requires a 10% workforce increase in the first year, which must be sustained, and said it promotes the program through county coordinators and in-person outreach. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

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• diedc><02:19:49.920><c> ofc><02:19:50.319><c> differentc><02:19:50.640><c> typesc><02:19:51.120
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Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 1189, house, all