Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. >> Followed by Aaron Di Pietro followed by Karen Gross. >> Good afternoon.
• I do believe that the medical exemptions are very vague.
• On a speech 12 Jordan Carpenter. >> Followed by Karen Gross will be followed by Ryan Kennedy.
• We'll move to appearance forms Kitty Kelley with tech net waiving against Kara Gross.
• Kara Gross, ACLU of Florida waives in support. Senators we're in debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• So our weights and measures inspectors, our inspectors that are there, could go ahead and do this.
• And so, you know, our weights and measures inspectors, our inspectors that are there, could go ahead
• And, quote, the premium is just based on their gross sales. Right. So it's like 1/25th of 1%.
• So, again, that's through the state and weights and measures, 40-plus inspectors.
• We are punching way above our weight.

Committees: House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture & Rural Development , House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development

Summary: The House Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum, adopted the prior meeting minutes, and heard a series of agriculture-related bills, most of them sponsored by Representative Domain or Chairwoman Butler. The first major bill, HB 121, would expand the Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s authority over imported seafood by allowing its inspectors, in addition to the Department of Health, to seize and destroy adulterated seafood already under stop order. Representative Domain and Commissioner Strain framed the bill as a seafood-safety and anti-fraud measure aimed at protecting Louisiana shrimpers from tainted imports and bad actors. Members asked about cost, testing rates, countries of origin, and whether the bill would affect imported shrimp prices; the commissioner said it would not raise consumer prices and that Louisiana’s testing is focused at retail rather than ports. HB 121 was reported favorably with no objections. The committee then considered HB 725, which requires restaurants/retailers to retain invoices from imported seafood vendors for six months. After a technical amendment changing the bill’s one-liner from “restaurants” to “retailers,” the bill was explained as a recordkeeping tool to help auditors verify country-of-origin and labeling compliance without costly product testing. It was reported favorably with amendments. The committee also heard a bill reducing the required number of annual meetings for the Agriculture Finance Authority from four to two; Commissioner Strain said the change would streamline operations when there is no business to conduct, and it was reported favorably. Next, the committee took up HB 344 and HB 370 dealing with the Grain and Cotton Indemnity Fund. HB 344 raises the fund’s balance thresholds for suspending and restarting assessments, while HB 370 increases the assessment rate on agricultural commodities to replenish the fund more quickly. Commissioner Strain described recent large losses from grain broker bankruptcies, including Hansen-Mueller, and explained that the fund has been paying farmers but needs a larger balance to handle future defaults. Members discussed the risks posed by brokers, the adequacy of bonding, and the need to protect farmers and rural communities; both bills were reported favorably. The committee also advanced HB 367, aligning Structural Pest Control Commission hearing notices with the Administrative Procedure Act, and HB 847, which modernizes Soil and Water Conservation district supervisor elections by shifting administration to the Secretary of State and updating petition and ballot procedures after a crowded, ballot-short election. Finally, HB 505 streamlined certification and renewal rules for commercial applicators, pesticide salespersons, and agricultural consultants, including a technical amendment to keep unexpended pesticide-fund money in the fund; it too was reported favorably with amendments. After the bills, Commissioner Strain gave a lengthy update on the state of agriculture, forestry, and aquaculture. He highlighted continued pressure on shrimp from low-cost imports, currency shifts, and inadequate domestic marketing and cold storage, as well as ongoing seafood labeling enforcement and testing. He also discussed feral swine damage, drought and wildfire concerns, fertilizer and diesel cost increases, crop acreage trends, and export efforts for rice and timber, including Louisiana wood pellets used in the United Kingdom. LSU Ag Center Dean Matt Lee followed with a presentation on the center’s research and extension work, emphasizing its statewide network, high research ranking, and the economic return from agricultural science, especially in sugarcane variety development. He said LSU Ag Center research has helped Louisiana maintain strong sugar production and supports producers across the state.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are in opposition and would like to be exempt from this bill.
• First, there is a ramp-up to 70% by weight in three years.
• </c> market now versus the old product weight market now versus the old product weight I<01:21:47.679
• </c> can weigh it when you know the weights can weigh it when you know the weights on<01:21:54.159><c
• , because weights are somewhat arbitrary when you think about, you know, the weight that's sold today

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 1046 SD1 on condominiums. Testimony on that bill focused on reserve funding and enforcement of reserve study requirements. The Community Associations Institute opposed the bill, saying it would create hardship, confusion, and be difficult to administer, while also urging stronger penalties for boards that fail to comply with reserve study rules. The Real Estate Commission offered comments, and one testifier spoke in support. No vote was taken during the portion provided. The committee then heard SB 532 SD2 HD1 relating to the Department of Education, which would improve access to pre-approved medications for students with health conditions at school and during off-campus activities. The Department of Health, University of Hawaiʻi nursing and medical programs, and the Department of Education all supported the measure, with DOH suggesting amendments to better identify the correct student and improve medication safety. Members had no questions, and the bill moved on. Next was SB 1245 SD2 HD1 relating to pharmacists, a bill to allow reimbursement for clinical services pharmacists are already trained and licensed to provide. The University of Hawaiʻi, Board of Pharmacy, Walgreens, Mikai Drugs, and the Hawaiʻi Pharmacists Association supported the bill, emphasizing improved access to care, recruitment and retention of pharmacists, and better chronic disease management. The Hawaiʻi Pharmacists Association also discussed proposed amendments to prevent plans from denying coverage or network participation when pharmacists meet credentialing requirements. Members questioned whether insurers would actually use pharmacists and how the bill would affect pay and contracting; no vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee also heard SB 1279 SD2 HD1, another pharmacists bill focused on telepharmacy and 340B-related issues. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation supported it, saying telehealth could reduce costs and avoid travel for audits, while the Board of Pharmacy opposed it. Lānaʻi representatives opposed the bill and asked for an exemption, arguing the island already has close in-person access to a resident pharmacist and clinics. The Hawaiʻi Primary Care Association supported the measure, citing large patient savings from 340B pricing, while Mikai Drugs opposed it, arguing that mail-order and telepharmacy are not necessary on some islands and can create delivery and medication-safety problems. Members asked questions about insurer participation, scope of practice, and whether the bill would meaningfully change reimbursement; the transcript ends before any final action or vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 474 will incentivize nonprofit home sharing by exempting rental income earned by low-income homeowners
• Furthermore, AB 474 extends an existing common-sense exemption to state housing law in which a...
• to state housing law in which a AB 474 extends an existing common-sense exemption to state housing law
• these preventable tragedies could be further assisted by making the income from those settlements exempt
• And this bill would provide such an exemption.

Committee: House Revenue and Taxation

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation met first as a subcommittee and then took up several bills, with the chair explaining that measures with large fiscal impacts would be held on suspense and that tax levy bills would return at a later hearing. AB 761 (Addis) would let the Monterey-Salinas Transit District place a local sales tax measure on the ballot with approval from two-thirds of its board rather than separate approval from each member jurisdiction; supporters said it would help preserve transit services for veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities, while one member objected to making it easier to raise regressive sales taxes. The bill was voted out 5-2 after a call of absent members. AB 1253 (Schultz), which would clarify property tax treatment for wildfire reconstruction done under emergency permits, received support from the California Assessors Association but was sent to suspense. AB 8 (Aguiar-Curry), dealing with hemp enforcement, intoxicating hemp products, and integration into the cannabis supply chain, drew strong support from cannabis businesses, labor, and local government groups, but opposition from small cultivators and public health advocates who warned about tax losses and conflicts with Proposition 64; it was also sent to suspense. AB 1138 (Zabur/Quirk-Silva), a major expansion and modernization of the film and television tax credit program, drew extensive support from entertainment unions, studios, and workers who said the industry is losing jobs to other states and countries, while opponents argued the state should not keep using targeted tax credits; the bill was sent to suspense. AB 829 (Sharp Collins), creating a Parkinson’s Disease Research Fund and voluntary tax contribution program, passed 6-0 to Appropriations. AB 474 (Ward), which would exempt certain nonprofit home-sharing income for low-income homeowners and protect eligibility for benefits, was also sent to suspense after supporters said it could help older adults age in place and address homelessness. AB 376 (Tangipa), exempting wildfire settlement payments from state income tax, was sent to suspense with support from rural counties. AB 480 (Quirk-Silva), allowing developers to convert allocated low-income housing tax credits to certificated credits to maximize value, was likewise sent to suspense.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not gross income. It's a special calculation.
• Medicaid is determined by modified adjusted gross income, MAGI.
• It's not gross income. It's a special calculation.
• But of course, there are now 44 exemptions to that.
• Louisiana Works has an exemption, Recreation and Tourism has an exemption, Public Safety and Corrections

Committee: House House and Governmental Affairs

Summary: The committee first heard HB 1071, which creates a public records exception for certain aerospace facility and activity records, including blueprints, plans, technical data, operational documents, and security information tied to federally regulated work and contracts with the U.S. Department of War or intelligence agencies. The sponsor and several members emphasized protecting Louisiana aerospace and defense-related work, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then took up HB 181, as amended, which authorizes the legislative auditor to review confidential income tax records to help LDH verify Medicaid eligibility, and, after amendment, SNAP eligibility as well. Supporters said the bill would help identify ineligible recipients, reduce fraud, and improve the state’s error rate to avoid federal penalties; opponents argued tax returns are outdated and unreliable for current eligibility, could create false flags, and might burden or discourage eligible low-income residents. After extensive debate, the committee adopted Amendment Set 2633 and reported HB 181 favorably by a 10-6 vote. Later, the committee considered HB 250, which removes the requirement that immediate family members of appointed board or commission members disclose certain employment information, while leaving existing ethics prohibitions in place. The Ethics Board said the bill would not change substantive conflict-of-interest rules, only the disclosure requirement, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 544, authorizing a citizen’s advisory referendum election, was briefly explained as a nonbinding, petition-driven local ballot question process, but the sponsor deferred it for further consideration and the committee deferred the bill. The committee also heard HB 1036, which clarifies when a group is considered a “committee” for campaign finance purposes by using a more objective spending threshold rather than the current “primary purpose” standard. Ethics officials said the change would give clearer investigative guidance without changing other disclosure rules, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, HB 210 was amended to address retroactivity concerns in a prior ethics-related provision affecting school board and local governing authority members employed by entities with contracts or business before June 5, 2024; the amendment grandfathered earlier situations while requiring disclosures going forward, and the bill was reported favorably as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gross. Miss Clive, if you're on... good afternoon, Chair, members of the...
• Uh, Superintendent Gross, yes, uh, you're up.
• yes uh you're up if you'd state gross yes uh you're up if you'd state your<00:09:25.839><c> name</c>
• Gross. And if you want to just stay online as we go through questions, I see we have with us Mr.
• </c> revoked feeding our futures tax exempt revoked feeding our futures tax exempt status<01:19:05.440

Bills: HF51 , HF1161 , HF2201 , HF2786 , HF1053

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: HF51, Sibley County, State-Aid Highway 21, capital investment, bonding bill, general obligation bonds, transportation infrastructure, road improvements, sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, local infrastructure, county grant, Minnesota Department of Transportation, bond proceeds fund, public works, utility infrastructure, education finance, school district funding, tax base adjustment

Transcript Highlights:

• There is an amendment to the striking amendment labeled A1, sponsored by Senator King, and it exempts
• And Gross Substitute House Bill 2303 relates to prohibiting employers from microchipping employees.
• And Gross House Bill 1941 relates to agriculture.
• Gross House Bill 1941 relates to agricultural cooperatives for cannabis producers.

Bills: HB1526

Committee: Senate Labor & Commerce

Keywords: liquor license, snack bar, state regulations, alcohol sales, business licensing

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Rader, you are recognized to present the nomination of Kevin Gross to the Board of Regents of
• It is indeed an honor to have the nomination of Kevin Gross.
• Gross, you are recognized to address the committee. Thank you, Madam Chair, and members.
• Gross.
• and exemptions can, I think, be given twice.

Bills: HB1937 , HB2153 , HB3674 , HB2978 , HB3885 , HB3671 , HB3261 , HB3021 , HB3029 , HB4274 , HB3701 , HB3076

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: HB1937, Oklahoma schools, student communications, electronic communication, digital communication, parent notification, legal guardian, school personnel, teachers, coaches, administrators, charter schools, public schools, administrative leave, corroborated report, investigation, employee file, discipline, termination, school board

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently you can use gross income to qualify, but then you use net income to determine your payment.
• Right now they have this categorical exemption that allows gross income to advance somebody through the
• Right now they have this categorical exemption that allows gross income to advance somebody through the
• denying me as an elected official vice chair of the elections committee um denying me. that allows gross
• income to advance that allows gross income to advance somebody<00:15:14.560><c> through</c><00:15:14.800

Summary: Representative Nolan West and Representative Pam Oldenorf introduced and defended a bill aimed at tightening Minnesota SNAP eligibility rules. They said the measure would move the net income test to the front of the application process, add asset testing similar to other state programs, and exclude vehicles over $100,000. They argued these changes would reduce overpayments, improve “good governance,” and help the state avoid future financial penalties tied to SNAP error rates. Oldenorf said Minnesota’s SNAP error rate has risen from about 4% in 2013 to about 9% now, and warned that if it stays above 6% the state could owe about $86 million in 2027. She cited a GAO report saying broad-based categorical eligibility is a major driver of payment errors, and pointed to examples she described as fraud or improper enrollment, including a millionaire receiving benefits and a recent Minneapolis SNAP fraud conviction. West and Oldenorf said the bill would not significantly increase county workloads, because counties already do similar eligibility and asset checks in other programs. In response to questions, the sponsors said they had not yet formally consulted many stakeholders because the bill had just been drafted, but they expected bipartisan support and said they had reached out to counties for input. They also said counties would retain some administrative costs, but the bill should not add major new burdens. The discussion then shifted to a separate topic when West raised concerns about access to Hennepin County voter rolls and alleged irregularities in voter data; he said he had obtained some county records and believed the Secretary of State was improperly limiting access, though no bill action or vote was taken on that issue in this transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have the new gross receipts tax deduction for receipts on the sale of construction material and
• One of the other things that we have is creating a new gross receipts tax deduction for receipts on the
• Mexico, I'm here to stand in support of the provisions in Senate Bill 151 related to a construction gross
• This bill grants targeted exemptions to selected categories without a clear fiscal offset.
• If there's capacity in gross receipts tax rates, local governments can increase those.

Bills: SB240

Committee: House House Taxation & Revenue

Keywords: capital outlay, capital projects, severance tax bonds, general fund appropriations, supplemental severance tax bonds, UNM School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, infrastructure, state buildings, courts, schools, higher education, road improvements, water and wastewater, tribal infrastructure, tribal projects, public safety, housing, emergency services, bonding

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2363 addresses this challenge by allowing a limited temporary exemption for eligible applicants whose
• And we can be sure that Microsoft and Amazon are not just making $25 billion in global gross receipts
• So you owe everything that you would pay at 7.5% of your gross receipts.
• So you owe everything that you would pay at 7.5% of your gross receipts. that you would pay at 7.5% of
• your gross receipts.

Summary: The committee held its first meeting and heard four bills. HB 2286 would create an alternative route to social worker licensure by removing the exam requirement for advanced social workers and allowing enhanced supervision with supervisor attestation in place of the exam for independent clinical social workers. The sponsor and several social workers testified that the exam is a poor measure of clinical competence and can be a barrier to licensure, while opponents warned that removing the exam could affect public protection and Washington’s participation in the social work compact. Members asked follow-up questions about the compact, the exam format, and accreditation requirements, but no action was taken. HB 2363 would allow music therapy license applicants to practice under supervision for up to six months while waiting for exam verification. The sponsor described it as a technical fix to the new licensure system, and testimony from music therapists, educators, and a patient supported the bill as a way to avoid delays in hiring newly trained therapists while maintaining supervision and patient safety. The bill drew strong support in written testimony and no opposition in the hearing. HB 2324 would change tuition waiver rules for children of eligible veterans and National Guard members by giving eligible children eight years from the date of a parent’s disability determination to use the waiver when that determination occurs after the child turns 18. The sponsor said the bill is meant to align state law with federal dependency education benefits and prevent families from losing access because disability determinations can take years. The committee asked for clarification on how the new timing would work, and the hearing closed without a vote. HB 2098 would eliminate the cap on the advanced computing surcharge, expand Washington College Grant eligibility up to 100% of state median family income, and reduce resident undergraduate tuition by 10% for three years starting in 2027-28. Supporters, including students, labor, and advocacy groups, said the bill would improve affordability and access to higher education by asking large tech companies to pay more. Opponents from business and university groups argued the surcharge would be economically harmful, that the state already has substantial WEA funding, and that the bill would reduce tuition revenue without adequately backfilling institutional budgets. The committee heard extensive testimony and members raised questions about the surcharge cap, WEA spending, and the compacted funding structure, but no final action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Following gross bills, having been rightly and truly prepared, and now before the House for final passage
• Following gross bill, having been rightly and truly prepared, is now before the House for final passage
• Following gross bill, having rightly and truly prepared, is now before the House final passage, House
• Following gross bill, having been rightly and truly prepared, is now before the House for final passage
• To blunt this impact, the bill introduces an expanded pass-through entity, or PTE, excise exemption,

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and received a resignation letter from Rep. Fana Howard of Lowell, effective March 17, 2026, as she transitioned to the Senate. The chamber then took up several procedural orders, including multiple unanimous or voice-vote suspensions of rules and concurrence with Senate petitions, such as referrals on housing and student transportation matters, and a suspension of Joint Rule 12 for a petition involving children served by DCF. The main substantive item was House No. 5264, a fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations bill totaling about $1.8 billion. Members discussed its use of Fair Share surtax surplus funds for transportation and education, including major support for the MBTA, special education circuit breaker costs, early education and child care, snow and ice costs, regional transit authorities, and other deficiencies such as GIC and sheriff costs. Members also explained the bill’s tax conformity provisions responding to recent federal tax changes, with debate over whether to delay conformity to limit state revenue exposure. The House adopted a consolidated amendment to the bill and then passed it to be engrossed by roll call vote, 150-3. The House also adopted a resolution commending the Admetek Foundation on Prostate Cancer Awareness Day. Several local bills were advanced, including a sick leave bank for a Department of Corrections employee, a bill waiving the minimum age requirement for a Boston police officer, a Nantucket charter bill, a Stoneham public safety bill, and a Malden special police officers bill, the last of which was amended before being engrossed. The chamber also considered Amendment 43 to redistribute $100 million of Fair Share revenue more evenly to municipalities for roads and education; supporters argued the current distribution favored statewide priorities over local aid, while opponents said the formula would not adequately address rural road needs. That amendment was rejected 128-25. The House then recessed several times, observed moments of silence for local public servants, welcomed visiting youth sports teams, and finally ordered adjournment to meet the next day at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, it increases the CVPA from $500 to $1,000 in the case of a felony or gross misdemeanor, and from
• court to find at the sentencing hearing and on the record that the defendant is indigent before exempting
• It classifies the offense as a gross misdemeanor for a person's first two convictions and as a Class
• C felony. ...the offense as a gross misdemeanor for a person's first two convictions and is a Class C
• It's a false idea that a gross misdemeanor penalty is going to curb demand.

Summary: The House Community Safety Committee met in executive session on several bills previously heard, first reviewing proposed substitutes and amendments, then taking final action after a caucus recess. House Bill 1591, which provides sentencing, resentencing, and record-vacation relief for defendants who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking, was advanced on a 7-2 vote after adopting substitute H3302.1. Members supporting the bill emphasized the need for a close causal connection and documentary proof of victimization; opponents raised concerns about cases involving harm to third parties and wanted more refinement. The committee also advanced House Bill 2146 on sexual exploitation of a minor after adopting Amendment 348, which clarified that the offense covers causing a minor to view sexually explicit conduct when the minor’s viewing will be photographed or part of a live performance. House Bill 2220, dealing with oversight and hearings procedures for the Criminal Justice Training Commission, was reported out on a 7-2 vote under substitute H3305.3, which dropped a higher burden of proof, adjusted hearing panel size, and allowed an administrative law judge to issue an initial order if the panel deadlocks. House Bill 2430, concerning the crime victim penalty assessment, was also reported out unanimously; its substitute increased assessment amounts, added a surcharge for defendants with substantial resources, tightened indigency exemptions, and restored an indigency exception for certain offenses. House Bill 2526 on prostitution generated the most debate. The committee withdrew one proposed substitute, then adopted substitute H3308.1 and Amendment Whale 275, which shifted the bill toward a model that increases penalties for buyers while requiring referrals to services for the first two investigative detentions of a person engaged in prostitution and limiting arrest until a third detention. Supporters said the changes would reduce criminalization of survivors and improve access to services, while opponents argued the bill and amendment would weaken enforcement and fail to protect trafficking victims. The committee reported the bill out 5-4. House Bill 2641 was deferred. Finally, House Bill 2648, addressing state and local law enforcement interactions with federal immigration enforcement, was amended with Lang 185 to require body cameras and reporting when officers encounter federal agents conducting immigration enforcement, remove a proposed Attorney General representation requirement, and require indemnification by the employing government. Supporters framed the bill as protecting civil rights and clarifying officers’ duties; opponents said it could hinder cooperation with federal partners and create operational problems. The committee approved the bill 6-3 and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We punch above our weight.
• We punch above our weight.
• We punch above our weight.
• We punch above our weight.
• This is a gross misdemeanor penalty for failing to keep or maintain records that you're required to keep

Transcript Highlights:

• Pietro, followed by Cara Gross. Thank you. Linda Bell, followed by Aaron D.
• Gross, I'm sorry, your time is expired.
• I do believe that the medical exemptions are very vague.
• Jordan Carpenter, followed by Kara Gross, who will be followed by Ryan Kennedy.
• Kara Gross, followed by Ryan Kennedy, followed by Barbara Myers.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1272 on guardianship, which would limit a guardian’s ability to isolate an adult ward from family and require notice to family or other named persons about major events such as a ward’s death or medical relocation. Senator Jones said the bill was intended to curb abuse by bad actors while not affecting good-faith guardians. Fortuna Smuggler and Phyllis Smith spoke in support, describing the need for family notification and closure. The bill passed unanimously, 8-0, and was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS/SB 1284 on wrongful death for an unborn child. Senator Graal explained that the bill would expand Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow parents to recover economic and non-economic damages for the death of an unborn child. An amendment was adopted to define “unborn child” as a member of the species Homo sapiens carried in the womb and to state that the act does not authorize a wrongful death action against the mother or a health care provider acting within the applicable standard of care. The amendment drew questions about abortion, medical emergencies, and whether fathers could sue; the sponsor said the bill was not intended to create claims against mothers or lawful medical care. Public testimony was sharply divided, with supporters arguing it gives families parity and accountability, and opponents warning it could be used to target abortion care, increase malpractice pressure, and worsen physician shortages. The committee approved the bill as amended by a 6-4 vote. Finally, the committee heard a strike-all amendment to SB 1288 on parental rights. The amendment would strengthen parental consent requirements for minors’ medical care, with exceptions for emergencies, court orders, certain legal categories of minors, and other existing statutory exceptions. It also would require parental consent for treatment related to STD screening, give parents more control over school or health surveys, and address use of biofeedback devices. Supporters said the measure restores parents’ authority and protects children from inappropriate questioning or treatment, while opponents argued it could block needed care for minors in unsafe homes, reduce access to STI treatment and mental health services, and create unintended consequences. The amendment was adopted, and the committee continued hearing testimony on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1668 simply extends the welfare tax exemption for open space lands.
• the marketplace with compounded weight loss shots that are unsafe.
• This says, 'Struggling with weight loss?
• by shedding weight loss. And this is what our girls are being targeted by right now.
• It showed gross ignorance. There was no cake.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have been exempted from the licensure fees until 2034 in both 2870 and 5870 bills that I helped
• They have been exempted from the licensure fees into 2034 and both 2870 and 5870 bills that I helped
• For the medical share, employees pay 45% and employers pay 55%, except small employers are exempt.
• For the medical share, employees pay 45% and employers pay 55% except small employers are exempt.
• There are several types of work and relationships that are exempt.

Bills: HB2675 , HB2681 , HB2714 , HB2688 , HB2481 , HB2116 , HB1408

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: accounts, finance, business regulation, transparency, audits, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, HB 2714, caseload forecasting, food assistance, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, state food assistance, budget forecasting, caseload forecast council, caseload forecast supervisor, Washington State

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:36:58.400><c> list</c> projects are located, what weight list projects are located, what weight
• The savings resulting from the exemption from GET taxes that DHHL can potentially accrue in this exemption
• </c><00:53:56.720><c> and</c> know show them that you're exempt and know show them that you're exempt
• Exempt, um, even on the consultant services there's an exemption of that.
• </c> from the weight list? from the weight list?

Summary: The Act 279 working group met for an informational briefing with DHHL on its use of the $600 million appropriation and progress on the department’s implementation plan. The chair reviewed the working group’s oversight role, noting that it was created to monitor expenditures, project development, and progress toward reducing the Hawaiian Homes waitlist, and that the group must submit a progress report before the 2026 session and a final report before the 2027 session. DHHL said it had provided an updated booklet reflecting the Hawaiian Homes Commission’s February 2024 recommendations and a detailed accounting of encumbrances and project progress across the islands. DHHL highlighted several implementation themes: innovative financing and construction methods, land acquisitions and exchanges, technology, beneficiary services, and partnerships with counties and private entities. The department described a “project lease” model that gives beneficiaries access to a project rather than a specific lot, with options such as turnkey homes, owner-builder, self-help, or rent-to-purchase arrangements depending on financial qualification. Officials said this approach is intended to serve lower-income beneficiaries, expand access for people on the waitlist, and allow beneficiaries to receive support services such as financial literacy and down payment assistance. The department reported that roughly $511 million had been encumbered for infrastructure, about $152.8 million for acquisitions, financing, and beneficiary services, and about $36 million in other covered costs, with about $588.9 million encumbered as of December 31 and about $120 million expected to be spent by that date. Officials said the original implementation plan covered about 2,722 units, while the updated plan projects roughly 6,000 to 7,000 leases and 2,472 lots to be occupied. They also described phase-two needs for additional funding, including projects on Hawaiʻi, Maui, Kauaʻi, and Oʻahu, and said they would need continued legislative support, including possible bonding and private activity bond set-asides, to complete remaining projects. Members discussed the distinction between encumbered and spent funds, and DHHL explained that encumbrances reserve money for specific contracts while construction spending occurs over time through progress payments. The department also showcased examples of innovative projects, including a high-rise project in urban Honolulu financed through a mix of private activity bonds, tax credits, and state funds, and an acquisition-based project in Kapaʻa, Kauaʻi using multiple funding sources. DHHL emphasized partnerships with the City and County of Honolulu and Maui County, and said it is still assessing future projects to keep infrastructure costs manageable and ensure homes are safe and affordable for beneficiaries.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um and so that's uh for the exemptions.
• So, it put on a little weight. Just to be real clear on that, and then we'll take off.
• </c><00:20:29.520><c> It</c><00:20:29.840><c> did</c> So, it put on a little weight.
• It did So, it put on a little weight.
• </c> put on a little weight. put on a little weight.

Transcript Highlights:

• It creates an exemption to the vehicle weight tax for full-time college students.
• </c><00:18:50.039><c> to</c> weight taxes it creates an exemption to weight taxes it creates an exemption
• ><c> for</c><00:18:51.480><c> full-time</c> the vehicle weight tax for full-time the vehicle weight tax
• </c> authorizes the puc to Grant exemptions authorizes the puc to Grant exemptions to<00:33:02.399><c
• Transportation testimony exempting one Transportation testimony exempting one class<00:52:44.240><c>

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation heard a 10 a.m. agenda covering a range of transportation, liability, harbor, and bicycle-related bills. Testimony was mixed on several measures: HB 263, which would exempt full-time college students from vehicle weight tax, drew opposition from the Department of Transportation and others; HB 135, authorizing general obligation bonds to purchase property on the North Shore of Oʻahu, had support; HB 860, granting immunity to the state or county for repairs on roads with disputed jurisdiction, drew support from DOT, DLNR, and the City and County of Honolulu but opposition from the Hawaii Association for Justice; and HB 996, which would abolish joint and several liability for government entities in highway-related civil actions, also drew strong opposition from the Hawaii Association for Justice and support from the Attorney General’s office and DOT. The committee also heard HB 1167, an emergency appropriation for motor carrier enforcement, and HB 1259, which would remove the need for an engineering study before reducing speed limits within 10 mph of the current limit; both had support from DOT and related groups. HB 1156 and HB 960, both related to harbor financing and capital advancement contracts, were supported by DOT, with DOT explaining that higher bond and contract ceilings were needed because project costs have increased since the limits were set decades ago. HB 142, exempting certain nonprofit community-based transportation providers from motor carrier regulation, and HB 914, creating a water carrier inflationary cost index mechanism and allowing PUC exemptions, also received support from multiple stakeholders, with the Consumer Advocacy Division noting that the inflationary adjustment issue was already active in a rate case. The committee also took testimony on several electric bicycle and micromobility bills. HB 486 would restrict where electric bicycles may operate, prohibit unsafe operation and removal of speed-limiting devices, and fund a safety education campaign; it drew opposition from the Hawaii Bicycling League and several individuals, with one supporter. HB 435 would redefine and classify electric bicycles, raise the minimum operating age, and add registration and use rules; it was supported by DOT and the Hawaii Bicycling League, with one individual opposing. HB 958 would regulate motorized bicycles and electric micromobility devices, require helmets for minors, and fund a coordinated education campaign; it drew support from the City and County of Honolulu, Council Member Tyler Dos Santos-Tam, and the Hawaii Bicycling League, but opposition from Moped Doctors and others, who argued the bill could harm the moped industry and that more study was needed. After testimony, the committee recessed and then reconvened for decision-making. In decision-making, the committee deferred HB 263 and HB 996. It passed HB 135, HB 860, HB 1167, HB 1259, HB 1156, and HB 960 with amendments, generally adopting HD1 versions, making technical changes, and setting effective dates to July 1, 3000 for the amended measures. The chair explained that HB 263 was deferred because a blanket tax exemption for one class could create inequities and a tax credit might be a better approach. HB 996 was deferred because the chair said the state’s long-standing policy of ensuring safe roads and maintaining accountability for highway design and maintenance remained important. For HB 960, the chair said the current contract caps were too low for modern harbor projects and that higher limits would improve flexibility and efficiency. The committee also noted Representative Cochran was excused for the remaining votes.