Transcript Highlights:

• The official investigation exemption in the bill, without limiting the official investigation investigation
• The bill requires a violation to be knowing for a civil penalty to be assessed and limits the civil penalty
• Senate Bill 2964 by Bill Arthur, it's in there.
• This is Senate Bill 1410, Senator Campbell's bill on the Gulf of America, Senate Bill 1410.
• Bill is out, Senate Bill 2681, Senator Bettencourt's bill on a third party challenge to a voter's registry

Bills: SB1065, SB2117, SB2217, SB2363, SB2533, SB2742, SB2743, SB2881, SB2964, SB3013, SB3014

Keywords: SB 1065, handgun carry, license holder, concealed carry, open carry, government contracts, governmental entity, property lease, state agencies, local government, higher education, university, Texas Government Code, Penal Code 30.06, Penal Code 30.07, Penal Code 46.03, Second Amendment, gun rights, firearms, civil penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• Our common focus on ensuring the bill is clear, workable, and does not unintentionally limit responsible
• . bill. bill.
• will be limited for limited to 10 will be limited for limited to 10 minutes<00:39:42.000> and
• the bill. the bill.
• omnibus bill in 2024. omnibus bill in 2024.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the March 11, 2026 minutes, then heard House File 4048, which would exempt chiropractors from Minnesota’s provider tax if they are no longer eligible to provide chiropractic benefits under Medicaid/MinnesotaCare. Representative Robbins said the bill corrects an unfair situation because chiropractors still pay the tax even though the benefit was eliminated. Testifiers from the Minnesota Chiropractic Association and a longtime chiropractor supported the bill, arguing that most chiropractors are small-business owners and should not pay a tax for services they can no longer provide. Several members said they supported restoring chiropractic coverage instead of changing the tax, and there was discussion about whether the tax applies to all providers and whether it is effectively passed on to patients. The committee adopted a motion to recommend HF 4048 to the Committee on Taxes. The committee then took up House File 3893, as amended, a bill to restrict artificial intelligence from engaging in psychotherapy or counseling with humans. The author and supporters said the bill is intended to prevent AI chatbots from posing as therapists or counseling vulnerable people, citing reports of suicides and other harms linked to chatbot interactions. The A2 amendment was adopted; the author said it reflected stakeholder concerns and added informed-consent language. Testifiers in support, including a psychologist and a suicide-prevention nonprofit leader, urged strong safeguards and said AI should not replace licensed professionals in crisis settings. Other testimony raised concerns about overbreadth and unintended effects. TechNet and a rural mental health provider said the bill should be narrowed so it applies to clinical therapy rather than wellness or educational tools, and should allow supervised AI uses such as transcription and administrative support. Members discussed rural access, existing licensing-board authority, privacy laws, and whether the bill should target AI companies directly rather than licensed clinicians. The transcript ends during continued discussion of HF 3893, with no final committee action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• But after the limitation passed in 2017, there was a limitation that limited the amount of the state
• But after the limitation passed in 2017, there was a limitation that limited the amount of the state
• But after the limitation passed in 2017, there was a limitation that limited the amount of the state
• We had two conformity bills, and the state had two conformity bills in 2023.
• bill is dead.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Tax Committee met for an organizational and orientation session. Members and staff introduced themselves, with several lawmakers noting their districts, business backgrounds, and interest in tax policy. Chair Greg Davids then opened the committee’s first substantive item: a presentation from House Research and House Fiscal staff on how the committee works and on basic tax concepts. House Research staff Sean Williams and Chris Clayman explained their roles in drafting bills and amendments, writing bill summaries, answering legal and policy questions, and modeling tax proposals. They also described the committee’s key documents, including partisan and nonpartisan bill summaries, revenue estimates, fiscal notes, and supporting materials. Their presentation covered core tax concepts such as tax bases, rates, deductions, exemptions, credits, tax revenues, and tax expenditures, emphasizing that tax expenditures function like spending through the tax code and are reviewed by a legislative commission. The staff then reviewed Minnesota’s major taxes, focusing on the individual income tax and business taxation. They explained that Minnesota’s individual income tax starts with federal adjusted gross income, then applies state additions, deductions, subtractions, and credits, and that the state’s income tax brackets and rates are set separately from federal law. They also outlined the difference between corporate franchise taxes for C corporations and individual income tax treatment for pass-through entities, and discussed how the federal SALT cap led Minnesota and other states to adopt pass-through entity taxes so businesses could preserve federal deductibility of state taxes. Members asked questions about a duplicate “marriage penalty” entry on a slide, the purpose of Minnesota’s marriage penalty credit, comparisons with other states, and the timing and effect of the pass-through entity tax; staff answered that the duplicate was a mistake, the credit offsets bracket-related marriage penalties, and the pass-through entity tax was adopted in response to the federal SALT cap.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 19. That's Senator Mays' bill.
• And so Senate Bill 1119 would limit the liability. of water parks for the injuries or deaths of park
• bill.
• Not writing an age limit into purchasing legal hemp products in House Bill 1325 shows that.
• This bill doesn't just limit products, it limits people's ability to choose natural and effective options

Bills: SB3, SB810, SB965, SB1073, SB1119, SB1505, SB 3

Keywords: Texas Education Code, public schools, school district, open-enrollment charter school, teacher speech, employee speech, biological sex, pronouns, gender identity, retaliation, discipline, workplace protections, school personnel, education policy, LGBTQ, transgender, charter schools, SB 965, religious speech, prayer

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, to ensure that the uh bill meets certain uh constitutional limitations based upon Supreme Court case
• Well, this bill bill bill this<00:15:58.320> bill<00:15:58.560> moves<00:15:58.880>
• on House Bill 2397? on House Bill 2397?
• One bill was just two two bills, right?
• on House Bill testify on Senate bill on House Bill 1740?

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:

• This bill as amended This bill is amend This bill as amended is<00:07:30.560> modeled<00:07:30.880
• Our schools should be off limits. Our schools should be off limits.
• bill as amended by the DE1. bill as amended by the DE1.
• This bill would immigration aids. This bill would prevent<01:26:47.120> that.
• This is about protection bill. Help us bring back all protection bill.

Bills: HF3435, HF3409

Keywords: school access, school site, school district, charter school, federal agents, DHS, Department of Homeland Security, ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, CBP, Customs and Border Protection, USCIS, immigration enforcement, judicial warrant, student privacy, school safety, sanctuary schools, warrant requirement, federal warrant, school grounds

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, the chair lays out House Bill 5578 and recognizes Chairman Darby to explain the bill.
• Senate Bill 2068...
• This bill is a win-win...
• Members, Senate Bill 2073 is the same bill that we passed out of the House and...
• Senate Bill 2073...

Bills: HB3557, HB5578, SB973, SB974, SB2068, SB2073

Keywords: ad valorem tax, property tax, incomplete structure, human occupancy, tax exemption, HB 5578, Texas Tax Code, Section 6.062, appraisal district, county appraisal district, chief appraiser, budget hearing, public notice, notice of hearing, newspaper publication, website notice, social media notice, online newspaper, county government, property appraisal

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 203 is a taxpayer accountability bill.
• Next, the limiting the rollover authority. I'll just touch on that in the bill.
• This bill is an opt-in.
• um this bill know that funds are limited um this bill really<01:43:59.800> makes<01:44:00.040
• food bill, which is Senate Bill 207.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Just a reminder that we have a two-minute time limit for speaking for or against a bill.
• However, the bill still limits the agency's discretion to What, you're going to go home before five?
• However, the bill still limits the agency's discretion to Some clarity and I appreciate that.
• Finally, the bill provides exemptions for the limitations and prohibitions related to patient health
• Finally, the bill provides exemptions for the limitations and prohibitions related to patient health

Bills: SB1052, SB1115, SB1118, SB1120, SB1121, SB1124, SB1171, SB1172, SB1174, SB1175, SB1214, SB1233, SB1235, SB1316, SB1345, SB1372, SB1399, SB1458, SB1494, SB1496, SB1564, SB1602, SB1621, SB1628, SB1630, SB1631, SB1668, SB1672, SB1814, SB1821

Keywords: assisted living, health care, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, physician orders, informed consent, AHCCCS, remote work, state agency, employment, public health, housing, zoning, middle housing, urban development, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, historic preservation, radiation protection

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is divided into three articles and are presented here together.
• This bill is divided into three articles and are presented here together.
• This partnership by directed in this bill will end this June.
• <00:09:57.880> the my on my bill that the bill ends the my on my bill that the bill ends the
• you for your presentation on your bill you for your presentation on your bill today<00:19:32.720

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee heard presentation on House File 6, an education omnibus-style bill advanced by Representative Peggy Bennett and other Republican members. Bennett said the bill reflects caucus priorities around literacy, parental engagement, local control, and school flexibility. She described three articles: Article 1 on revisions to the READ Act and the science of reading; Article 2 on education innovation and parent-friendly school information; and Article 3 on funding flexibility and temporary relief from several new mandates enacted in recent biennia. On Article 3, Bennett said school boards would be allowed to transfer certain funds and delay implementation of specified mandates through the 2028-29 school year, including provisions tied to recent early childhood and education omnibus laws as well as paid family and medical leave and earned sick and safe time. She framed this as giving districts time to implement requirements carefully and with fidelity, and said such decisions would be made by local school boards in public meetings. She also argued the bill would reduce the burden of new mandates and preserve local decision-making. Representative Mueller then presented Article 1, saying it strengthens the state’s commitment to the science of reading, ends the Department of Education’s partnership with CAREI, repeals some 2024 requirements she said were ideological, and restores expectations for teacher preparation and assessment. Representative Bakeberg presented Article 2, which would require a more user-friendly school performance report, consolidate certain innovation-related programs into a new chapter, and replace the Department’s equity/diversity/inclusion center with an Office of Achievement and Innovation focused on academic achievement. He said the office’s guidance would be advisory only and that local districts would retain final authority. The chair then laid House File 6 over for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill and further consideration at a later date.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the ways that you all have tried to address this recently is in 2024, you passed a bill that limited
• Okay so the bill does several things.
• So what the bill would do is limit appropriations to one-time extension per appropriation, but keeping
• The bill also establishes some limits on new appropriations.
• I will say the, The bill that LFC endorsed would limit and not allow changing the purpose of an appropriation

Bills: HB1

Keywords: feed bill, legislative appropriations, legislative branch, New Mexico Legislature, general fund, legislative council service, legislative finance committee, legislative education study committee, house chief clerk, senate chief clerk, per diem, mileage, session expenses, interim committees, district staff, capitol complex, capital outlay data system, legislative processing system, redistricting, census redistricting

Transcript Highlights:

• We do plan to add three bills onto the pension omnibus bill tonight and lay one over, but first I just
• We do plan to add three bills onto the pension omnibus bill tonight and lay one over, but first I just
• pension bill.
• It's our intention to pass the bill now and put it into the omnibus bill.
• The motion prevails, and the bill is added to the 2025 omnibus pension bill.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill support of Senate Bill 25.
• Um I don't think the bill bill say that?
• And this bill is a little bit of a cleanup bill.
• Uh, Senate Bill 85, read the bank lending limits, and I've got no cards yet.
• So that's kind of the part of the bill that deals with the legal lending limit.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on Senate Bill 25, which would allow state-chartered credit unions to compensate board members if the membership approves it. Prime sponsor Senator Dan Innis said the bill is enabling only, intended to help credit unions recruit and retain qualified directors and align New Hampshire with other states that already allow such compensation. Credit union representatives from the Cooperative Credit Union Association and St. Mary’s Bank supported the bill, saying board service has become more complex because of cybersecurity, asset-liability management, and other regulatory demands, and that compensation could be modest and take forms such as meeting fees or educational reimbursement. In response to committee questions, they said compensation would be set by the membership, disclosed in advance, and subject to bylaws and internal policies; they also noted that board members must be credit union members and that voting procedures vary by institution, with some using mailed ballots rather than proxy voting. Members raised questions about why credit union boards were historically excluded, what kinds of compensation were contemplated, whether there would be a cap, and how voting and confidentiality would work. Testimony explained that the historical rationale was the nonprofit, volunteer mission of credit unions, but witnesses argued that the modern environment and competition for talent justify a change. They also said the bill would not mandate compensation and would not create a salary structure comparable to banks, but would allow members to approve modest compensation or reimbursements. After no further testimony, the chair closed the public hearing on Senate Bill 25. The committee then opened a public hearing on Senate Bill 26, sponsored by Senator Howard Pearl, concerning the definition of deposits in land sales and escrowed accounts. Pearl said the bill would clarify that buyer funds for upgrades and luxury items in new-home construction are not treated as refundable deposits that must be held in escrow, arguing that the current Attorney General interpretation raises builder costs, increases home prices, and can limit buyer choices. He said the proposal would allow those upgrade funds to be paid directly to builders for construction, with signed disclosures making clear that the buyer requested the items and bears the risk if financing falls through. The hearing on Senate Bill 26 had just begun when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing no objection, Amendment Set 4476 is on the bill. Back on the bill. You good? Yes, sir.
• Chairman Carter, on your bill. Mr.
• House Bill 1089. Ms. Nolan, if you could read that bill into the record. Thank you, Mr.
• That would be part of the bill.
• Here in my bill today.

Bills: HB79, HB437, HB646, HB1089, HB1099, SB173, SB180, SB260, SB424, SB476

Keywords: carbon capture, damages, environmental liability, legal liability, site restoration, expert witness, expert testimony, witness fees, pecuniary interest, conflict of interest, civil procedure, evidence law, Louisiana evidence code, Louisiana civil litigation, expert report, discovery, pretrial disclosure, litigation transparency, settlement, damages award

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 476, which would add clearer warning language for garnishees responding to interrogatories and create a limited procedure for a new trial when a garnishee shows it never held property of, or owed money to, the judgment debtor. After brief questioning about how garnishment works, the bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then took up Senate Bill 260 on youth athletics, which establishes required injury-mitigation training content for youth sports coaches, including emergency preparedness, concussions, heat injuries, overuse injuries, equipment, heart defects, and sudden cardiac effects. An amendment was adopted to remove language allowing the department to spend donated funds to purchase the courses, and the bill was reported as amended. House Bill 79, which removes the damage threshold for carbon capture release, was also reported favorably after sponsor testimony that carbon capture should be treated like other industries and not receive a special liability cap. Senate Bill 424, clarifying service by mail, delivery, or electronic means by defining “counsel of record” as someone who actually represents a party, was reported favorably as well. Senate Bill 180, a constitutional amendment allowing the surviving spouse of a deceased disabled veteran to make a one-time transfer of an expanded property tax exemption to another qualifying property, received a ballot-language amendment and a 6.8A report, then was reported as amended. The committee spent the most time on House Bill 1089, which creates “care accounts” for future medical damages in delictual actions. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would ensure future medical awards are actually used for medical care, function like a money market/HSA-style account, and potentially reduce costs; opponents raised concerns about the account being owned by the judgment debtor, possible reversion of unused funds to the wrong party, unclear mechanics for payment, and the impact on survivors of trafficking and sexual abuse who may need flexible, non-billing-code-based care. Several members suggested exclusions or clarifying amendments for med-mal, intentional torts, and sexual abuse victims, and the bill was reported favorably on a 6-1 vote after amendment. Finally, House Bill 437 was taken up, which bars expert witnesses from having a pecuniary interest in the outcome of the case. An amendment excluding criminal traffic and juvenile proceedings was adopted, and members discussed that the bill would prohibit contingent-style expert fee arrangements while still allowing cross-examination about an expert’s prior testimony and payment history. The discussion emphasized that the rule would apply to both plaintiffs and defendants.

Transcript Highlights:

• Services members as I mention the bills Services members as I mention the bills listed<00:09:46.920><
• bill and what would happen with the bill bill and what would happen with the bill like<00:19:42.600
• I would urge a no vote on the bill.
• Those are things you debate in the committee if a bill is before you. The bill is not before us.
• Senate File 1360 is a bill for an act relating to public safety, increasing the speed limit for implements

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That is the bill. Members, any questions on the bill? That is the bill.
• bill.
• Why is your bill an exception to the limiting of damages with regard to the unborn or an unborn fetus
• That's the bill. Members, any questions on the bill? Members, any questions on the bill?
• That is the bill. Members, any questions on the bill?

Summary: The subcommittee considered a long agenda of civil justice and claims measures. HB 1173, relating to the Florida Trust Code, was presented as a clarification of standing in trust litigation after recent case law; after questions about who may sue, an amendment was adopted clarifying that an expressly named charity retains standing, and the bill passed 14-2. HB 1437, on attorney’s fees in motor vehicle PIP disputes, drew testimony from insurers and reform groups opposing a return to fee-driven litigation and from medical groups supporting fee recovery for prevailing parties; it passed 17-0. CS/HB 147, addressing prohibited debt-collection communications during nighttime and early morning hours, was described as a clarification of an outdated statute in light of modern communications, with support from business groups and no opposition in the vote; it passed 18-0. The committee then heard several claims bills against the Department of Children and Families. HB 6511, for relief of L.P., described severe injuries to a child after DCF allegedly failed to act on warning signs; a technical amendment was adopted and the bill passed 18-0. HB 6515, for relief of Michael Barnett, involved DCF’s alleged failure to investigate domestic violence that preceded the killing of three children and injury of a fourth; members asked about the settlement amount and the case’s circumstances, and the bill also passed 18-0. HB 1517, expanding wrongful death law to allow parents of an unborn child to recover for the child’s death, generated the most extensive debate. The sponsor said it aligns civil law with existing criminal definitions and excludes claims against mothers and providers of lawful medical care, including IVF; opponents warned it could be used to target reproductive care, support networks, and domestic violence survivors, while supporters framed it as a justice measure for families. An amendment clarifying damages rules for minors and unborn children was adopted, and the bill passed 13-4. Finally, HB 947, on evidence of medical damages in personal injury and wrongful death cases, sought to allow broader evidence at trial and to change “shall” to “may”; supporters said it would improve fairness and transparency, while opponents argued it would weaken post-2023 tort reforms and reintroduce inflated medical damages. The amendment was adopted and the bill was then taken up with additional opposition testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 157, Senator Howell, an act relating to total net income limits on loans secured by a mortgage
• House Bill 504. House Bill 504.
• Um the original bill when it came bill.
• Speaker, I have a letter on House Bill 500, House Bill 503, and House Bill 504.
• and House Bill 504. and House Bill 504.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill prohibits the state bar from adopting any rule, policy, or penalty that unreasonably limited
• The bill prohibits the state bar from adopting any rule, policy, or penalty that unreasonably limits
• The bill prohibits the State Bar from adopting any rule, policy, or penalty that unreasonably limits
• House Bill 5134 remedies this by limiting eligibility to request a deposition before bringing action.
• This bill caps and limits economic damages, and therefore...

Bills: HB2242, HB2446, HB2799, HB4502, HB2920, HB2790, HB5620, HB5060, HB5076, HB5080, HB5081, HB5128, HB5130, HB3847, HB5116, HB2969, HB4546, HB4202, HB5624, HB3964, HB4803, HB872, HB4775, HB4777, HB4961, HB5570, HB2988, HB4260, HB1375, HB5009, HB5411, HB5134, HB4388, HB3095, HB1387

Keywords: constables, civil rights, local government, law enforcement, policy-making authority, affidavit, medical bills, civil actions, reasonable charges, healthcare services, judicial statistics, court performance, family law, civil cases, efficiency reporting, court security, emergency management, harassment penalties, judicial safety, court committee

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills affecting civil practice, judicial conduct, and attorney regulation. HB 4961 and the similar HB 3095 would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages after a collision, with HB 3095 also addressing certain exceptions and limiting economic damages in some cases. Supporters said the measures would encourage insurance coverage and fairness for insured drivers, while opponents argued they would unfairly punish injured people who were not responsible for the lack of insurance, including pedestrians, passengers, children, and others. HB 3095 drew constitutional concerns from witnesses, and the committee later withdrew the committee substitute and left the bill pending; HB 4961 was also left pending after questions about its scope, including passengers. HB 5570 would expand a continuing legal education exemption to attorneys appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate who serve on boards or commissions. The author and witness said the bill would free up time for public service while still requiring ethics training. A committee member raised a discrepancy in the number of attorneys covered, and the bill was left pending. HB 2969 would prohibit the State Bar from adopting rules or penalties that unreasonably burden attorneys’ religious exercise or free speech, especially in relation to sincerely held religious beliefs. Supporters framed it as a protection for lawyers of faith against an ABA-style speech code, while no one testified in opposition; the bill was left pending. HB 4260 would prohibit county judges and county commissioners from practicing law in courts over which they have jurisdiction. The author described it as an ethics measure to avoid conflicts of interest, but county officials and the County Judges and Commissioners Association opposed it, saying existing ethics rules already address conflicts and that the bill would impose hardships, especially in rural counties. The bill was left pending. HB 4388 would require all judges, including those who serve only in administrative roles, to remain subject to the Code of Judicial Conduct; supporters said some judges avoid discipline by relinquishing judicial functions, while opponents said the bill was unnecessary and could burden county judges who serve as administrators. It was also left pending. The committee also heard HB 5134, which would limit Rule 202 pre-suit depositions to people who have suffered or reasonably expect to suffer actual damages and allow attorney’s fees against abusive petitioners. The author said the bill would curb harassment and fishing expeditions, but members questioned how the standard would work in practice; the bill was left pending. Finally, HB 3964 would narrow common-law public nuisance claims by barring suits over lawful conduct, conduct already addressed by other remedies, and products, while preserving other causes of action. Supporters said the bill would prevent regulation through litigation and protect legislative authority; opponents said it would eliminate important remedies and that no Texas abuse had been shown. The author indicated he would revise the bill, and it was left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Edmonds, on your bill.
• We'll start with Senate Bill 424. We'll start with Senate Bill 424. All right, Ms.
• Or if I want my medical bills paid. ...me. Or if I want my medical bills paid.
• Seeing no objection, the substitute bill 4442 is adopted back on the bill.
• Here in my bill today.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 476, which would add clearer warning language for garnishees responding to interrogatories and create a limited procedure for a new trial when a garnishee can show it never held property or owed the debtor during the garnishment period. After brief questions about how garnishment works, the bill was reported favorably without objection. Senate Bill 260, a youth athletics coaches training bill, was then amended to remove language about the department using donated funds to purchase courses and was reported as amended. House Bill 79, by Chairman Carter, would remove the damages cap for carbon capture release claims. Carter argued carbon capture should be treated like other industries and not receive special liability protection, and the committee reported the bill favorably without objection. The committee also took up Senate Bill 424, which clarifies that electronic service applies only to counsel of record representing a party, and Senate Bill 180, a constitutional amendment allowing a surviving spouse of a deceased disabled veteran to make a one-time transfer of an expanded property tax exemption to another qualifying homestead. SB 180 received a ballot-language amendment and a 6.88 report before being reported as amended. The longest discussion centered on House Bill 1089, which creates “care accounts” for future medical damages in delictual actions. Supporters said the bill would ensure future medical awards are used for medical care, reduce abuse, and function like a restricted account with a card or similar payment mechanism; opponents raised concerns about the account being owned by the judgment debtor, possible reversion of unused funds to the wrong party, administrative confusion, and impacts on survivors of trafficking and sexual abuse who may need flexible, trauma-informed care outside standard billing codes. After extensive testimony and debate, the committee adopted an amendment set and reported the bill favorably by a 6-1 vote, with Representative Carter voting no. Finally, House Bill 437 was heard and amended. The bill would prohibit expert witnesses from having a pecuniary interest in the outcome of the case, while still allowing inquiry into an expert’s prior testimony history. An amendment excluded criminal traffic and juvenile proceedings, and the committee continued discussion with testimony from supporters and opponents as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill does not the point.
• in this bill right now. One is the LPI. in this bill right now. One is the LPI.
• <01:43:40.000> Members section two of the bill. Members section two of the bill.
• in this bill.
• in this bill um regarding 291-14. in this bill um regarding 291-14.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several transportation-related bills. HB 1688, which would provide a general excise tax exemption for certain aircraft maintenance materials, parts, tools, and facility construction, received comments from the Department of Taxation and support from Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Kohala Coast Resort, the Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaii, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii. Testimony indicated the measure was intended to clarify an existing exemption rather than create a new one. The bulk of the hearing focused on HB 2386, which would authorize the Public Utilities Commission to establish automatic adjustment mechanisms and a water carrier inflationary cost index. The Department of Transportation said it would change its testimony to support the bill, citing a 2020 working group recommendation, while the PUC and DCCA offered comments. Matson, the Maritime Group, Hawaii Harbors Users Group, and Young Brothers supported the measure, arguing it would modernize regulation, improve predictability, and help maintain reliable interisland shipping. Hawaii Farm Bureau offered comments, while Hawaii Food Industry Association, Maui Brewing Company, Lani Kai Brewing Company, and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii opposed it, arguing automatic rate increases were not the solution and that underlying costs and efficiencies should be addressed first. The chair noted the bill was essentially the same as one previously considered, and asked questions about how Hawaii’s water carrier regulation compares with other states. The committee also heard HB 1691, which would allow electronic signatures for certain motor vehicle title transfers after total-loss insurance settlements and remove the notary requirement for that narrow transaction. The City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services, Hawaii Insurers Council, Copart, American Property Casualty Insurance Association, and one individual supported it, with Copart saying the change would reduce delays and could allow a faster, largely electronic settlement process. Members asked about county impacts, and Copart said counties would only see a different form with no added cost or electronic integration. HB 1680, requiring county finance directors to notify agencies through a centralized system for vehicle transfers, drew opposition from the City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services and one individual in support. HB 2516, raising helmet requirements for electric foot scooters and bicycles and requiring helmets for high-speed or Class 3 electric bicycles, received support from DOT, DOH, AAA Hawaii, and the Hawaii Bicycling League. HB 193, allowing deaf vehicle owners to register a deafness designation visible to law enforcement, drew support from the City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services, the Hawaii Disabilities Rights Center, and an individual who suggested amendments to broaden the bill to deaf and hard of hearing individuals and adjust the proof standard. HB 2442, increasing required accessible and van-accessible parking spaces in larger parking lots, was supported by the Disability and Communication Access Board, the Council on Developmental Disabilities, and the Disability Rights Center, which said the bill would address shortages of accessible parking and may need technical amendments to align terminology with the ADA.