Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:11:44.120> then<00:11:44.440> we<00:11:44.560> would<00:11:44.760> begin
• and working with<00:11:48.320> the<00:11:48.480> parties<00:11:48.839> to<00:11
• <00:11:51.480> which<00:11:52.040> we<00:11:52.200> would<00:11:52.360> write
• <00:11:54.440> right<00:11:55.279> um<00:11:55.639> with<00:11:56.040> our
• ><00:11:56.320> view<00:11:56.680> of<00:11:57.639> uh<00:11:58.120> What

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > can<00:11:01.519> come<00:11:01.680> up<00:11:01.839> to<00:11:02.000><
• testify<00:11:08.120> today<00:11:08.480> in<00:11:08.680> support<00:11:08.959
• <00:11:13.560> go<00:11:14.120> and<00:11:14.240> I'm<00:11:14.360> the
• <00:11:22.720> to<00:11:22.880> the<00:11:23.040> 24<00:11:23.639> local<
• 11:26.920> partnership<00:11:27.440> with<00:11:27.639> them<00:11:28.360> we

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:08.920> any<00:11:09.160> park,<00:11:09.560> including<00:11:10.240>
• <00:11:11.920> So,<00:11:12.600> he<00:11:12.720> or<00:11:12.839> she
• that<00:11:34.280> the<00:11:34.400> way<00:11:34.720> you<00:11:34.920>
• > get<00:11:37.120> there<00:11:37.400> has<00:11:37.640> to<00:11:37.760
• /c><00:11:50.320> Hampton<00:11:50.600> in<00:11:50.680> a<00:11:50.720> few<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um Um Um I'm<00:11:05.600> also<00:11:05.880> a<00:11:05.920> member<00:11:06.520
• > to<00:11:13.080> answer<00:11:13.360> any<00:11:13.520> questions<00:11
• Thank<00:11:17.400> you,<00:11:17.480> Kathleen,<00:11:17.960> for<00:11:18.120>
• that<00:11:44.160> pass<00:11:44.440> through<00:11:44.600> here,<00:11:45.120>
• .<00:11:52.560> Thank<00:11:52.760> you<00:11:52.880> so<00:11:53.000> much.

Bills: HCR18, HCR32, HCR35, HCR105, HCR173

Keywords: hospice, health care, aging population, regulations, Medicare, working group, fraud prevention, quality of care, mental health, recidivism, civil commitment, Hawaii State Hospital, justice system, shelter, treatment pathways, biomarker testing, health insurance, precision medicine, healthcare access, medical necessity

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SCR 21 SD1, which asks Hawaii Health Systems Corporation’s East Hawaii Regional Health Care System to study the feasibility of a rural health clinic or similar access point for the Volcano community. Testimony in strong support came from HHSC representatives, Volcano residents, the Volcano Health Collaborative, the Rotary Club of Volcano, and others, who said the area has a clear need and that local primary and urgent care would align with regional plans. HHSC said it had already looked at the area, found no suitable temporary buildings, and would need a longer-term, capital-intensive solution, but that the study could help accelerate next steps. The committee then took up SCR 50 SD1, proposing a Hawaii Health Plan Working Group to design a basic affordable health plan for residents. Dr. Jack Lewin of SHIPTA said the state faces a growing uninsured population and argued for a short-term, lower-cost plan focused on preventive and primary care, drawing on the old State Health Insurance Plan as a possible model. Members asked about whether that prior program still exists and whether the working group should include the Hawaii Medical Association and Hawaii Primary Care Association; Dr. Lewin said the statute still exists but is unfunded, and that the group should be inclusive. The Department of Labor and other organizations also provided comments. For SCR 75 SD1, which urges a coordinated interdepartmental effort to reduce fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, Dr. Lewin and others said prevention, prenatal screening, and early intervention are needed because FASD is often hidden until later problems appear. Amanda from Hawaii FASD Action Group said current implementation under Act 192 is still largely a landscape analysis and that Hawaii lacks the infrastructure and specialists for a full system. Darlene Chance Govor urged adding the judiciary as a partner so juvenile justice and probation staff can be trained and referral pathways improved, while the Department of Health said it supports prevention but prefers a broader, systems-based approach focused on child needs and upstream care. The Disability Rights Center supported the resolution and asked for an earlier reporting date. The committee also heard SCR 149 SD1, which seeks an informal working group to address complex patients with multiple diagnoses involving substance use, mental health, or chronic physical illness. The Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition and Ke Nui Malo strongly supported the measure, saying current siloed systems leave people bouncing between medical, mental health, and substance use providers without coordinated care, often ending up in crisis, emergency rooms, or the justice system. They said integrated residential care and a coordinated working group could improve outcomes and align with federal funding opportunities. The transcript ended before any final vote or action on the measures was announced, and SCR 109 was noted as withdrawn from the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• last<00:11:05.440> year<00:11:05.760> helped<00:11:06.240> over<00:11:06.800
• :11:10.720> income<00:11:11.040> in<00:11:11.279> this<00:11:11.440> state
• to help<00:11:12.880> them<00:11:13.120> to<00:11:13.519> build<00:11:13.839>
• :11:32.880> all,<00:11:33.200> frankly<00:11:34.000> uh<00:11:34.160> in<
• Opportunity.<00:11:53.279> They're<00:11:53.600> seated<00:11:53.920> in<00:11:

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the formal swearing-in and seating of newly appointed Representative Jack Bighgam of St. Albans Town, who was also assigned to the Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry. The chamber then introduced House bills 911 and 912 and referred them to the Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry Committee and the Judiciary Committee, respectively. Several other bills were referred to money committees under House rules, including H.558 and H.775 to Ways and Means and H.632 and H.778 to Appropriations. Members also made announcements recognizing visiting groups, including fire and rescue personnel, community action agencies, 4-H participants, and other guests, along with caucus meeting notices. The House then took up H.907, a Government Operations and Military Affairs Committee bill to review and repeal outdated reporting requirements. The committee explained that the bill categorizes reports into those repealed, those to be reviewed again in four years, and those retained permanently, with an effective date of July 1, 2026. The committee reported unanimous support, and the House ordered the bill to third reading after agreeing to the committee recommendation. Next, the House considered H.205, dealing with agreements not to compete and stay-or-pay provisions. The Commerce and Economic Development Committee described the bill as generally prohibiting non-compete agreements, especially for lower-wage workers, while allowing narrow exceptions, and limiting stay-or-pay provisions to voluntary, reasonable, and clearly disclosed arrangements. During questioning, a member raised concern about a specific carveout for teacher contracts, arguing it could be used to restrict teacher mobility; the presenter said the language was intended to clarify that the bill did not conflict with existing teacher-contract law. The House adopted the committee amendment and ordered the bill to third reading. The House then began second reading of H.639 on genetic data privacy. The committee described the bill as creating strong protections for consumers’ genetic information, requiring express opt-in consent for collection, use, disclosure, transfer, retention, and marketing uses; allowing revocation of consent; requiring deletion of data and biological samples upon request; restricting storage and transfer outside the United States; and prohibiting disclosure to insurers, employers, and most government access without a warrant. The committee also said the bill would impose security requirements and anti-discrimination protections, and the detailed presentation continued as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:11:16.160> be<00:11:16.399> able<00:11:16.640> to<00:11:17.360> access
• <00:11:20.399> And<00:11:20.880> it<00:11:21.279> also<00:11:21.600> has<
• <00:11:30.079> also<00:11:30.560> continue<00:11:30.959> their<00:11:31.360>
• . um if<00:11:36.480> the<00:11:36.720> spouse<00:11:37.040> was<00:11:37.200>
• <00:11:39.600> coverage<00:11:39.920> at<00:11:40.079> the<00:11:40.320>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Plans would also be<00:11:00.200> able<00:11:00.480> to<00:11:00.880> apply<00:11
• Um prior<00:11:04.160> auth<00:11:04.560> are<00:11:04.880> not<00:11:05.120>
• > the<00:11:16.600> person<00:11:17.320> to<00:11:17.480> do<00:11:17.760
• c><00:11:28.160> and<00:11:28.280> get<00:11:28.400> around<00:11:28.760> and
• So, that's<00:11:31.200> a<00:11:31.280> little<00:11:31.400> bit<00:11:31.520><

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :12.560> cuts,<00:11:12.959> but<00:11:13.120> we<00:11:13.360> are<00:11
• <00:11:15.519> buying<00:11:15.839> food<00:11:16.160> from<00:11:16.440>
• Secondly,<00:11:26.000> uh<00:11:26.240> we<00:11:26.920> also<00:11:27.920>
• 11:34.640> of<00:11:34.800> animal<00:11:35.200> health<00:11:36.079> and
• put<00:11:36.800> money<00:11:37.040> in<00:11:37.920> so<00:11:38.160> that

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :11:03.040> the<00:11:03.279> position<00:11:03.600> of<00:11:03.760> the
• Think<00:11:10.720> about<00:11:10.880> every<00:11:11.120> worker<00:11:11.440>
• I recognize<00:11:16.240> a<00:11:16.399> member<00:11:16.560> from<00:11:16.720
• Speaker.<00:11:19.760> I<00:11:20.000> failed<00:11:20.320> to<00:11:20.399>
• <00:11:39.920> Speaker,<00:11:40.880> bills<00:11:41.279> have<00:11:41.440>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:11:20.079> are<00:11:20.240> in<00:11:20.399> the<00:11:20.680> space<
• is<00:11:24.279> a<00:11:24.480> valid<00:11:24.880> concern<00:11:25.720>
• > as<00:11:28.399> we<00:11:28.560> go<00:11:28.760> forward<00:11:29.360>
• > with<00:11:31.279> our<00:11:32.279> um<00:11:32.680> jvo<00:11:33.320>
• > we<00:11:41.880> want<00:11:42.079> an<00:11:42.480> even<00:11:42.880>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met to hear a bill aimed at regulating paid veterans’ claims consultants and protecting veterans from bad actors. Chair Denine opened by emphasizing transparency, the need to hear concerns, and that the meeting was a hearing only, with no immediate vote expected. Senator David Yates, the sponsor, said the bill is intended to protect veterans by requiring clear written disclosure when a veteran uses a for-profit consultant, including that the consultant is not accredited or affiliated with VA or veterans’ service organizations. He said the proposal was based on best practices from other states, would include guardrails rather than a total ban, and was being slowed to allow further review and possible amendments. Testimony reflected both support for the bill’s intent and disagreement over its scope. A committee member and later witnesses stressed that veterans should be able to make informed choices and that some private consultants and law firms have helped veterans, but they also acknowledged bad actors and the need for rules, accreditation, and fee limits. James Toby of the VFW opposed the bill as written, arguing it conflicts with federal rules by allowing fees on initial claims and urging the committee to reject it in favor of legislation that mirrors federal law and imposes real penalties. Mark Christensen of Veterans Guardian said veterans need more options because Kentucky has too few VSO representatives, supported guardrails and accreditation reform, and suggested the bill could be improved with a dollar-based fee cap, no late fees or interest, and clearer ethical rules. Daryl Casey of JVO said his organization supports the bill’s goal of leveling the playing field, noting that veterans service organizations do not charge fees and that any limits should apply consistently across providers. The chair did not take a final vote during this hearing and instead encouraged the sponsor to circulate committee substitute language and continue discussions with veterans’ organizations and committee members before the next meeting. The sponsor said he was not pushing the bill forward that day and wanted more time to address concerns, especially around accreditation and disclosure.

Transcript Highlights:

• > grants<00:11:06.720> of<00:11:06.920> a<00:11:06.960> significant<00:11
• :08.720> not<00:11:09.200> able<00:11:09.520> to<00:11:09.839> give<00:11
• Um<00:11:14.640> this<00:11:14.839> is<00:11:15.000> the<00:11:15.120> Senate
• Uh<00:11:21.680> so,<00:11:22.600> first<00:11:23.160> up,<00:11:23.560> we
• <00:11:36.040> We<00:11:36.160> will<00:11:36.280> stand<00:11:36.640> by

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several Senate bills. On SB 2530, relating to campaign contributions, the State Procurement Office suggested clarifying that contractor disclosure information be submitted within 30 days of a fully executed contract, while the Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill but asked that the restriction on contributions by officers be expanded beyond compensated officers. Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action supported the measure and urged keeping the Senate language, arguing it better addresses contractor influence, while no other testifiers appeared. On SB 2970, relating to standards of conduct, the State Ethics Commission supported the bill and proposed amendments to consolidate the new language into existing Chapter 84 contract provisions and use “department head” instead of “director.” The State Procurement Office supported the measure but recommended closing a perceived loophole by limiting the covered contracts to those under $10,000. No opposition testimony was offered. The committee then heard SB 2919, which would fund one full-time Deputy Public Defender position focused on immigration-related advice under Padilla v. Kentucky. The Office of the Public Defender, Hawaii Coalition for Immigrants’ Rights, and the ACLU of Hawaii supported the bill, explaining that the position would help public defenders advise clients about immigration consequences of criminal cases, not provide immigration representation. Members asked several questions about the scope of the position and whether it could assist with citizenship; testimony clarified that it would not handle civil immigration matters. The bill was also described as creating a statewide consistent resource for the public defender system. Finally, on SB 2446, relating to the judiciary, the Intermediate Court of Appeals supported adding a seventh associate judge position but noted the court has only recently been fully staffed at six judges and has improved output through internal changes. The chair emphasized that the bill authorizes the position without funding and encouraged the judiciary to return later if appropriations are needed. The committee also began hearing SB 2730, a criminal justice reform bill on warrantless arrests and citations. OHA supported reducing unnecessary arrests but objected to making citations visible on criminal records; the Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill, citing law enforcement flexibility, identification concerns, and possible litigation costs; and the Judiciary requested a later implementation date and suggested changes to citation-resolution language. The transcript ends while testimony on SB 2730 was still underway.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><01:11:01.360> to<01:11:02.000> beg<01:11:02.480> the<01:11:02.800> Trump
• c> to<01:11:04.480> honor<01:11:04.880> its<01:11:05.280> word<01:11:05.920>
• <01:11:14.640> that<01:11:14.880> is<01:11:15.040> used<01:11:15.280> to
• <01:11:31.600> to<01:11:31.760> do,<01:11:31.840> but<01:11:32.080> it's<
• <01:11:34.960> And<01:11:35.120> I<01:11:35.280> want<01:11:35.719> to

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, June 5, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:11:11.279> um<00:11:11.680> a<00:11:11.839> few<00:11:12.000> weeks<00
• <00:11:20.640> I<00:11:20.800> think<00:11:21.279> Monday<00:11:21.680> we
• of<00:11:25.040> um<00:11:25.200> an<00:11:25.440> issue<00:11:25.760> in
• <00:11:27.680> uh<00:11:27.839> clause<00:11:28.240> that<00:11:28.480> was
• <00:11:31.600> the<00:11:32.560> uh<00:11:32.800> authority<00:11:33.440>

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House began with a moment of silence and then read H.C.R. 305, a resolution honoring former Representative Francis Matthew “Topper” McFaun for his public and community service. The resolution recounted his background, military and teaching service, work in Vermont state government, local civic leadership, coaching career, and nearly 11 terms in the House. The chamber also recognized McFaun’s family and marked several members’ birthdays with brief congratulatory remarks. The House then took up H.B. 921, an alcoholic beverages bill, and concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment. The Senate changes limited certain fourth-class license locations to five, added recordkeeping and annual reporting requirements for malt direct distribution, deleted a prospective sunset on direct distribution, and added new caterer’s license provisions allowing service at the license holder’s own premises and limiting caterer-hosted functions to five per year. The committee reported hearing from legislative and industry stakeholders and recommended concurrence on a 9-0-2 straw poll. Next, the House considered H.B. 907 on legislative review of reporting requirements. Members explained that a Senate-related amendment was used to address a constitutional problem in the earlier bill by revising the sister-state program termination language so the governor retains sole authority to terminate an active partnership, while the committee may only propose termination by majority vote. The House concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment with the further House amendment, then suspended rules to message the action to the Senate forthwith. Finally, the House took up S. 230, a miscellaneous labor bill on fair employment practices, and concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment to the House amendment by roll call vote, 85-48. The main dispute concerned the Senate’s changes to House language restricting non-compete agreements for lower-income hourly employees and health care providers, and a separate provision directing the Department of Corrections and the Vermont State Employees Association to develop a proposal on solicitation in DOC parking lots. Supporters said the remaining language was acceptable and would facilitate discussion, while opponents objected to the DOC parking-lot provision. The House then recessed until 1:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• :11:02.240> and<00:11:02.399> the<00:11:02.560> issues<00:11:02.800> that
• <00:11:04.560> Next<00:11:04.880> on<00:11:05.040> your<00:11:05.279> agenda
• 37.040> if<00:11:37.279> there<00:11:37.440> was<00:11:37.600> a<00:11:37.760
• <00:11:55.200> Not<00:11:55.680> not<00:11:55.920> intended<00:11:56.480>
• <00:11:58.880> Uh<00:11:59.279> maybe<00:11:59.600> like<00:11:59.839> a<

Bills: SB24, SB83, SB142, SB140, SB94, SB24, SB83, SB142, SB140, SB94, HB132, HB37, HB51, HB105, HB54, HB7, HB158, HB188, HB189, HB111, HB13, HB192, HB149

Keywords: body-worn camera, public records, law enforcement transparency, recording disclosure, civil rights, adult-size changing table, changing station, accessible restroom, public bathroom, public building, public entity, ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act, accessibility, restroom renovation, new construction, grant program, state grant, local government facilities, historic property

Transcript Highlights:

• Henry<00:11:04.360> Cabot<00:11:04.720> Lodge<00:11:05.000> once<00:11:05.360>
• 00:11:07.240> hand<00:11:07.520> upon<00:11:07.800> thy<00:11:07.960> gate.
• > of<00:11:11.000> Oz,<00:11:11.280> what's<00:11:11.440> everybody<00:11
• They<00:11:12.040> all<00:11:12.200> run<00:11:12.400> to<00:11:12.520> the
• each<00:11:16.520> other<00:11:16.760> that<00:11:16.960> you<00:11:17.040>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection met for its first meeting of the 2026 session, took roll, established a quorum, and heard three bills. The chair reviewed committee procedures, including deadlines for amendments, cell phone etiquette, and sign-in rules for testimony. Senator Clemons was welcomed as a new member, and the committee later noted that Senator Berg had arrived late and wanted his vote recorded on Senate Bills 11 and 13. Senate Bill 11, sponsored by Senator Meredith, would create a pilot rebate program for residential safe rooms in response to increased tornado activity. The bill would reimburse homeowners for 50% of construction and installation costs up to $5,000, require FEMA and code compliance, and allow safe rooms to be used by neighbors during emergencies. Members asked about cost, oversight, and capacity; the sponsor said the bill was not seeking an appropriation this session and would be administered by Kentucky Emergency Management. The committee voted unanimously to pass the bill favorably. Senate Bill 13, sponsored by Senator Deneen, would allow military installations to have an ex-officio, nonvoting representative on local planning and zoning bodies to raise national security concerns before zoning decisions are made near bases. Members spoke in support, emphasizing protection of military installations and surrounding land. The committee voted unanimously to pass the bill favorably. Senator Deneen also presented Senate Bill 42, which would require law enforcement to submit missing-person cases to Kentucky State Police for entry into the national database within 30 days for minors and 60 days for adults. Supporters said it could help in cases where children are missing but do not trigger an Amber Alert. After discussion about timing and law enforcement workload, the committee again voted unanimously to pass the bill favorably. At the end of the meeting, the chair announced a later Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee presentation on Kentucky’s veteran centers, to be held in the same room after adjournment of both chambers, and then the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• > of<00:11:08.440> the<00:11:08.560> things<00:11:08.760> in<00:11:08.920
• of the candidates<00:11:16.519> U<00:11:17.200> filing<00:11:18.120> will<00:11
• /c><00:11:25.120> the<00:11:25.240> same<00:11:25.519> name<00:11:25.880> and
• 11:30.600> file<00:11:30.959> are<00:11:31.160> running<00:11:31.720> so<
• 00:11:32.360> we<00:11:32.560> added<00:11:32.959> that<00:11:33.360> to

Keywords: Consideration of HB 684 02:30 Consideration of HB 699 19:10, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Elections, Constitutional Amendments and Intergovernmental Affairs met with a quorum and considered two election-related bills. The committee first took up House Bill 684, sponsored by Representative Jennifer Decker, and adopted a committee substitute. Decker described the bill as a “continuous improvement” measure developed with election officials, clerks, legislators, and citizens. She walked through provisions addressing precinct officer staffing in vote centers, notice to school districts when schools are used as voting centers, absentee ballot replacement when a ballot is not received, retention and disposal timelines for election-related video surveillance, permanent voting assistance certifications, write-in candidate deadlines and posting restrictions, candidate filing details, witness requirements, public posting of candidate information, felony voting language, and school district closure rules for voting locations. Members discussed the school-related provision, the handling of mail-in ballots, and a committee-substitute change removing credit cards and debit cards as acceptable voter ID. Supportive comments emphasized election integrity and the collaborative drafting process. The committee then voted to report HB 684 favorably. The committee next considered House Bill 699, sponsored by Representative DJ Johnson, which would add a pre-certification verification process for candidate filings. Johnson said the bill was intended to prevent ineligible candidates from appearing on the ballot by requiring election officials to verify that a candidate’s residence is in the correct jurisdiction and, in partisan races, that the candidate is registered with the party sought, with appeals going to circuit court. He argued the current system relies on costly legal challenges after filing errors occur. During discussion, Representative Hancock voted no, saying the bill would create an unnecessary administrative burden and that filing paperwork should remain a basic responsibility of candidates, while other members voted yes. The committee ultimately reported HB 699 favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The<00:11:03.360> matter<00:11:03.680> before<00:11:03.839> the<00:11:04.000>
• <00:11:42.320> I<00:11:42.560> would<00:11:42.720> like<00:11:42.880> to<
• > to<00:11:44.160> what<00:11:44.560> we<00:11:44.800> have<00:11:44.880>
• > bill<00:11:46.000> for<00:11:46.240> me<00:11:46.560> this<00:11:46.800
• <00:11:49.279> been<00:11:49.440> a<00:11:49.680> pay-to-play<00:11:51.040><

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Kentucky Senate convened with an invocation and pledge, confirmed a quorum, excused an absent senator, and approved the journal. The chamber then moved to third reading and passage of Senate Bill 10, a proposed constitutional amendment to limit the governor’s pardon and commutation power during the period surrounding gubernatorial elections. The sponsor argued the measure would prevent last-minute abuses of an otherwise broad pardon power; one senator supported it as a check on a “pay-to-play” system. The bill passed 36-0 with one pass. The Senate also considered Senate Bill 28, the “Phones Down Kentucky Act,” which would prohibit drivers from holding a mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle, while allowing hands-free use, emergency calls, first responders, and use when parked or stopped. The sponsor emphasized roadway safety, the bill’s limited enforcement standard, and a $100 prepayable fine with no points. Senators raised questions about whether the law could be used based on surveillance or after-the-fact observation; the sponsor said a stop would require a clear, unobstructed visual observation of unlawful use. The bill passed 31-7. After passing over several other bills and resolutions, the Senate recessed for rules and committee-on-committees meetings. The rules committee posted several bills for future consideration and recommitted Senate Bill 11 to Appropriations and Review. The committee on committees referred multiple bills to standing committees and sent several resolutions to the floor. During announcements, members requested co-sponsorships on various bills, a committee meeting schedule was announced, Senate Resolution 19 honoring Lee Caroline Reed was adopted, and new bills and resolutions were introduced, including measures on eminent domain for solar projects, employment conditions, alcohol control, motor vehicles, physical activity in schools, and several resolutions. The Senate adjourned until the following afternoon.

Transcript Highlights:

• :13.519> um<00:11:13.680> debris<00:11:14.200> and<00:11:14.920> non<00:11
• 00:11:21.320> me<00:11:21.480> so<00:11:21.680> this<00:11:21.839> bill<00
• 11:27.720> the<00:11:27.800> perpetrators<00:11:28.680> I<00:11:28.800> believe
• so Brandon<00:11:29.959> Brandon<00:11:30.320> can<00:11:30.920> go<00:11:31.120
• /c><00:11:49.560> for<00:11:49.959> more<00:11:50.160> of<00:11:50.279> the

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education heard five bills and later took up one joint Housing/Higher Education measure. On SB 1146 SD1, relating to the Alaw Canal, testimony from DLNR and UH was in support of funding an action plan and pre-engineering concept plan to address debris management and water quality in the watershed; members discussed the cost burden on DLNR and the possibility of identifying upstream sources of debris. On SB 1232 SD2, relating to wastewater systems, the Department of Health, DHHL, and several advocacy groups supported a three-year pilot program at UH’s Water Resources Research Center to test new wastewater technologies, with witnesses saying it could help certify cheaper alternatives and reduce cesspool upgrade costs. On SB 119 SD1, relating to nursing, witnesses supported funding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Maui College. On SB 865 SD1, relating to agriculture, UH CTAHR, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and many island agricultural groups supported funding for a Kona Cooperative Extension position, with testimony and committee discussion favoring an extension agent over an administrative support role. On SB 1487 SD1, relating to UH revenue bonds, UH supported authorizing revenue bonds for priority capital projects, and members asked for clarification that the measure was a preliminary authorization rather than a specific spending plan. In decision-making, the committee recommended passing SB 1146 SD1, SB 1232 SD2, SB 119 SD1, SB 865 SD1, and SB 1487 SD1 with House Draft 1 amendments, mainly to change defective dates to 7/1/3000 and, for SB 865, to upgrade the position to an extension agent. Votes were unanimous in favor on the measures, with one recusal noted on SB 865 and some members excused on other votes. The committee then recessed and later reconvened for a joint House Housing/Higher Education hearing on SB 1553 SD2, relating to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. DHHL asked that the bill be deferred because due diligence was incomplete and more discussion was needed with UH and other stakeholders; UH said it was coordinating access to the property and described its current and future use. Both committees agreed to defer the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

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• Um,<00:11:22.399> there's<00:11:22.640> a<00:11:22.800> couple<00:11:22.959>
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• we have<00:11:25.680> the<00:11:25.920> decline<00:11:26.320> has<00:11:26.560>
• Sports betting<00:11:31.120> uh<00:11:31.360> did<00:11:31.519> we<00:11:31.760>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee of conference on HB 1 and HB 2 met to review revenue estimates and begin working through a side-by-side of the budget. New Hampshire Lottery Director Charlie McIntyre testified that lottery revenues are outperforming prior estimates, projecting a $27 million return to the state this year, up $7 million, and $200 million per year in the next biennium, up $6.5 million per year. He attributed the increase to stronger scratch ticket sales, no negative impact from Massachusetts sports betting, and overall better performance. Members questioned the assumptions behind the higher numbers, including the proposed $50 scratch tickets, the effect of inflation, and whether the projections were conservative enough. McIntyre said the $50 ticket could produce modest growth and that the estimates were intentionally cautious. The discussion also covered gaming revenue assumptions for historical horse racing and video lottery terminals, with McIntyre saying the state market is not yet saturated and that future conversions from HHR to VLTs should be net positive for the state. Members also discussed differences between House and Senate revenue numbers for gaming, including machine counts, daily revenue assumptions, and the tax split. The Senate version used higher machine counts and a 31.25% tax rate, with a quarter-point reserved for responsible gaming and the remainder split between charities and the state. The House had used a 30% rate with a different distribution. McIntyre and committee members also reviewed House Bill 2 items affecting Kino hours and local option games of chance, with McIntyre explaining that the bill would expand playing hours and shift towns to an opt-out model. No votes were taken during the lottery discussion, but the committee indicated it would continue refining the revenue model and circulate the spreadsheet used for the estimates. The committee then moved through the HB 1 detail change sheet, accepting several Senate positions and holding others for later. It agreed to a zero-cost realignment in the Department of Safety moving the international fuel tax agreement function from administration to motor vehicles, and it restored eight passenger motor vehicle inspection positions for later discussion in HB 2. The Department of Corrections reorganization was set aside for a later, more detailed discussion. The committee also accepted no-change positions for the Department of Employment Security and agreed to a technical footnote fix in the Judicial Council section. It discussed a new HB 2 item moving contract counsel for involuntary mental health admissions from the judicial branch to the Judicial Council, funded at $100,000 per year, and noted that the public defender funding issue would be revisited when the overall budget picture is clearer. The meeting ended with the committee continuing its review of the remaining pages of the detail change sheet.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Education Policy and Administration Committee heard testimony on House Bill 71, which would bar public elementary and secondary schools and higher education facilities from being used as shelters for certain non-citizens, with a stated exception for short-term emergency sheltering of up to 72 hours and for community-wide emergency use. Prime sponsor Rep. Juliet Harvey-Bolia said the bill was modeled on federal and out-of-state proposals and was prompted by examples in New York and Massachusetts where schools or other facilities were used as shelters, causing disruption. She argued the bill does not truly “ban” anything, but instead places a condition on receipt of state funds, and said the fiscal note’s projected loss of federal funding was unsupported and should have been described as undeterminable. Committee members questioned the bill’s scope and practical effects, including whether it would apply to vacant school-owned buildings, schools used during summer, charter schools, and situations where other states send people without advance notice. Harvey-Bolia said vacant buildings not functioning as schools would not be covered, and that the bill would still allow short-term emergency sheltering and community-wide use during weather events. She also said the bill would not prevent remote learning, and that its purpose was to avoid displacing students. Several members pressed her on the fiscal note and whether any federal or state program would actually be at risk; she said she found no evidence that funding would be lost and that DHHS had not identified a real threat. A witness from the New Hampshire Association of School Administrators, Jerry FW, raised practical concerns about who would determine eligibility at a shelter site, how the 72-hour limit would be enforced, and whether the bill would apply to charter schools. He also noted that remote learning is no longer an option in New Hampshire, making one of the bill’s stated concerns less relevant. The discussion also included clarification of the terms “refugee” and “asylum seeker,” with members and the sponsor debating the distinction and whether refugees are vetted. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.