Transcript Highlights:

• >> 33<00:45:27.200> eyes.<00:45:27.440> Zero<00:45:27.599> nays.
• <00:45:28.079> Um<00:45:28.800> report<00:45:29.040> from >> 33 eyes.
• Um report from committee<00:45:29.520> on<00:45:29.760> rules<00:45:30.160> passes.
• <00:45:30.880> All<00:45:30.880> right. committee on rules passes.
• Senator<00:45:32.160> Wagner. to<00:45:40.480> report. Mr.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer and the pledge, confirmed a quorum, excused absent senators, and adopted the previous day’s journal. The chamber then received House messages referring House Bill 614 on supplemental appropriations and House Bill 224 on the distribution and use of tax funds to the Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee. Committee reports followed on several bills, including favorable reports for House Bills 169, 542, 593, and 13, with HB 542 amended in committee. The Senate also referred Senator Orr’s proposed rules change to the Rules Committee. A series of resolutions were taken up and adopted, including Senate Resolution 109 creating the Alabama Boating Safety Task Force, Senate Joint Resolutions 102 and 103, House Joint Resolutions 237, 215, 216, 218, and 235, Senate Joint Resolution 88 supporting the U.S. Department of Energy’s nuclear life cycle innovation effort, Senate Joint Resolution 93 creating a rural EMS and volunteer fire department study commission, Senate Joint Resolution 94 commending Exchange Club of Tuscaloosa Officer of the Year honorees, and Senate Joint Resolution 110 commending William Riley Hawkins Jr. on his retirement from AARP Alabama. The Senate also recognized several guests in the gallery, including local school superintendents and a student visitor. The chamber then moved through local legislation, adopting BRs and passing numerous local bills and constitutional amendments, including measures for Mobile, Prichard, Class 2 municipalities, Mingo County, Talladega County, Perry County, Wilcox County, Clay County, Washington County, and Madison County. Senate Bill 376 on Mobile County and Senate Bill 379 on Madison County were both passed and transmitted. Most local bills passed on unanimous or near-unanimous votes using the previous roll. The Senate also adopted Special Order Calendar Resolution 111, setting a special order calendar for the 27th legislative day that prioritized a long list of appropriations, education, retirement, dam safety, and higher education bills. On that calendar, House Bills 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 565, and Senate Bill 380 were taken up. HB 235’s committee substitute was tabled, a floor substitute was adopted restoring funding to the McQuain Center and removing some arts grants, and the bill passed. HB 236 passed after a language amendment. HB 237 passed as the Education Opportunities Reserve Fund bill. HB 238 passed after a floor substitute that shifted arts grants, added Voices for Alabama’s Children, adjusted RAISE Act weights, and increased funding for poverty, special education, and gifted students, along with a small amendment. HB 239 passed as the public education employee pay raise bill, with a substitute adding a retiree bonus and members discussing that the bonus would also be carried through SB 380. HB 240, HB 241, HB 242, and HB 565 all passed. SB 380 on the teachers retirement system received committee amendments and was being advanced as the vehicle for the retiree bonus, with Senator Orr explaining the bonus would be about $33 million and based on $1 per month of service for eligible retirees with at least 10 years of service.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:03.520> I'm<00:45:03.599> now<00:45:03.920> going<00:45:04.000> to
• to<01:45:04.000> be<01:45:04.880> good<01:45:05.280> stewards<01:45:06.080>
• we should vote<01:45:20.880> in<01:45:21.119> favor<01:45:21.440> of<01:45:21.679
• > the<01:45:21.840> A50<01:45:22.480> or<01:45:22.880> the<01:45:23.040><
• <02:45:55.600> and<02:45:56.160> with<02:45:56.479> different<02:45:56.800><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• uh RSA 5v5<01:45:10.080> it<01:45:10.280> states<01:45:10.719> that<01:45:10.920
• and operation<01:45:16.480> and<01:45:16.679> each<01:45:17.080> program<01:45:
• okay<01:45:24.400> and<01:45:24.599> once<01:45:24.800> you<01:45:25.000> do
• <01:45:25.400> that<01:45:26.360> you<01:45:27.360> if<01:45:27.719> if
• if you were<01:45:28.360> to<01:45:28.639> use<01:45:29.080> that<01:45:29.360><

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 45:27.000> support<00:45:27.400> the<00:45:27.559> intent<00:45:28.040> of
• this bill<00:45:29.839> um<00:45:30.800> two<00:45:31.800> um<00:45:32.359>
• or suggestions<00:45:34.359> one<00:45:34.559> would<00:45:34.720> be<00:45:35.000
• one<00:45:38.480> is<00:45:38.800> which<00:45:39.000> is<00:45:39.440> uh
• > we<00:45:43.400> at<00:45:43.559> satar<00:45:44.280> have<00:45:44.559>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a<00:45:29.200> total<00:45:29.680> of<00:45:30.319> um<00:45:30.720> a<
• /c><00:45:31.040> little<00:45:31.200> bit<00:45:31.359> over<00:45:31.839> 22
• > So<00:45:33.520> that<00:45:33.760> is<00:45:34.400> uh<00:45:34.560>
• And that<00:45:38.720> only<00:45:38.960> includes<00:45:39.200> the<00:45:39.359
• really make a<01:45:06.639> difference<01:45:06.800> for<01:45:07.040> our<01:45

Bills: HF2115, HF2276, HF1644, HF99, HF2068, HF2707, HF2704, HF2406, HF1674, HF1579

Keywords: human services, aging services, disability services, behavioral health, long-term care, nursing home, nursing facility, assisted living, waiver services, medical assistance, Medicaid, case mix reimbursement, PDPM, RUG, direct care and treatment, developmental disabilities, day services, positive support, guardian, conservator

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:45:05.280> be<00:45:05.440> lost<00:45:06.160> if<00:45:06.480> one
• consumer<00:45:17.760> protection<00:45:19.119> uh<00:45:20.079> needs<00:45
• 45:21.760> is<00:45:22.000> okay<00:45:22.400> for<00:45:22.640> those<00
• percentage<00:45:45.760> of<00:45:45.920> the<00:45:46.160> unit<00:45:46.480><
• The<00:45:50.560> question<00:45:50.800> is<00:45:51.040> how<00:45:51.200> do

Bills: HF4075, HF3826, HF3825, HF3827, HF3459, HF3711, HF4200, HF3908, HF3712

Keywords: firearm restrictions, domestic violence, public safety, court orders, criminal convictions, identity theft, subpoena authority, fraud, statute of limitations, financial crime, victim notification, expungement, criminal justice, plea agreements, minor victims, identification protection, stalking, crime data, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, law enforcement grants

Transcript Highlights:

• to sort<00:45:02.640> of<00:45:02.920> other<00:45:03.160> Holdings<00:45:03.839
• like um to report on something like this<00:45:12.480> Senator<00:45:12.839> gr<00:45:
• 13.480> thank<00:45:13.640> you<00:45:14.200> uh<00:45:14.319> chair<00:45
• /c><00:45:47.960> knew<00:45:48.960> that<00:45:50.119> um<00:45:51.119> one<
• um came<00:45:58.200> in<00:45:58.359> and<00:45:58.520> had<00:45:58.680> a

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:22.160> And<00:45:22.280> so<00:45:22.400> if<00:45:22.520> it's
• :45:34.800> provision<00:45:35.200> allows<00:45:35.480> us<00:45:35.600> to<
• sure<00:45:36.040> that<00:45:36.280> any<00:45:36.520> individual<00:45:37.120
• Chair<00:45:52.520> can<00:45:52.680> I<00:45:52.720> ask<00:45:52.920> a
• One last<00:45:53.920> follow-up<00:45:54.320> question<00:45:54.640> and<00:45:

Bills: SB2109, SB2151

Keywords: emergency preparedness, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, multilingual resources, American Sign Language, public education, community resilience, disaster response, emergency management, governor powers, legislative oversight, public safety, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Public Safety met on March 20, 2026, and the chair opened by noting severe rain and flooding conditions in Hawaii and said the committee would proceed with the hearing but defer decision-making until the next meeting on March 25. The first measure discussed was SB 2109, an omnibus bill on emergency preparedness communications. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, including from state agencies and advocacy groups such as the Disability and Communications Access Board, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Legal Clinic, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, and others. Supporters emphasized the need for funding and planning for multilingual emergency materials and language access, citing current evacuation notices that were not available in languages such as Ilokano or Tongan. The chair stated that action on SB 2109 would be deferred until March 25. The committee then heard SB 2151, relating to emergency management and changes to the governor’s emergency authority. Testimony was mixed but heavily focused on concerns about executive power. Earthjustice supported the bill with amendments, saying it should narrow extraordinary emergency powers, add definitions for emergency and disaster, preserve transparency under the Uniform Information Practices Act, and lower the legislative threshold to terminate an emergency proclamation from two-thirds to a simple majority. Other supporters, including the League of Women Voters of Hawaii and some individuals, also backed reform. Opponents, including Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and numerous individuals, argued the bill still gave the governor too much power, used overly broad disaster definitions, and did not sufficiently protect constitutional rights; several urged major amendments or repeal of portions of Chapter 127A. Some opponents specifically objected to the two-thirds termination standard and to provisions they said could enable compulsory immunizations or other mandates. Members questioned Earthjustice about whether the bill would suspend constitutional rights. Earthjustice responded that the bill would not authorize constitutional violations, but would allow suspension of laws enacted by the legislature, and pointed to existing statutory procedures for individuals to challenge emergency proclamations. The witness described a Mauna Kea case in which a three-judge panel granted relief to an individual under the current statute, and explained that the process could potentially affect a broader proclamation if allowed to run to completion. The hearing continued with additional testimony and questions, but no final vote or committee action on SB 2151 was taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:29.920> The<00:45:30.160> elective<00:45:30.560> decline<00:45:31.119
• Thank<00:45:36.240> you<00:45:36.400> for<00:45:36.560> your<00:45:36.800> time
• And there's<01:45:03.840> a<01:45:04.000> lot<01:45:04.080> of<01:45:04.239>
• c> lot<01:45:08.000> of<01:45:08.080> zoos<01:45:08.400> that<01:45:08.560><
• 45:35.199> to<01:45:35.280> be<01:45:35.360> under<01:45:35.600> a<01:45:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > of<00:45:02.040> whom<00:45:02.319> on<00:45:02.440> the<00:45:02.559>
• Island serve<00:45:04.240> on<00:45:04.880> my<00:45:05.880> uh<00:45:06.079>
• in our<00:45:49.680> whitea<00:45:50.359> Hawaii<00:45:51.599> um<00:45:52.599>
• about his<00:45:56.480> his<00:45:56.960> religious<00:45:57.319> belief<00:45:
• 01:45:18.840> at<01:45:19.000> uh<01:45:19.520> she<01:45:20.040> uh<01:45

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard three House bills related to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. HB 606 would extend the Act 279 special fund to June 30, 2028, continue deposits and appropriations to help eliminate the DHHL waitlist, and require a strategic plan and annual reporting. DHHL strongly supported the measure, saying most of the initial $600 million had been used and that the need remains large, with more than 29,000 people on the waitlist. Public testimony also supported the bill, emphasizing its importance to Native Hawaiian families and concerns about Hawaiians leaving the islands because of housing costs. A member noted the bill is a priority and that the committee will keep working on how to fund another $600 million. HB 1086 would exempt DHHL homestead lot and housing development from general excise and use taxes. DHHL supported the bill, saying any tax savings would reduce the eventual cost of housing for low-income beneficiaries. The Department of Taxation said it could administer the measure and noted it is already being implemented under the governor’s emergency proclamation, with a proposed effective date of January 1, 2026. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical comments and urged the committee to weigh existing benefits already received by DHHL beneficiaries. HB 1307 would appropriate funds for DHHL water well development and geothermal exploration on Hawaiian homelands. DHHL said the bill is a follow-up to prior study funding and would support slim-hole drilling, site evaluation, and consultant work to identify viable geothermal resources, especially on Hawaiʻi Island. Several testifiers opposed the bill, arguing there had been inadequate beneficiary consultation, raising environmental, cultural, and safety concerns, and objecting to using $20 million for geothermal rather than housing. In response to committee questions, DHHL staff explained that the goal is to gather information for a future public-private partnership to develop geothermal electricity, and that a Chapter 343 environmental review would be required later in the process. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• 107 is EST is is is written way chapter 107 is EST is is is written it<00:45:00.000> automatically
• :45:40.680> how<00:45:40.839> the<00:45:41.079> code<00:45:42.079> uh and
• and<00:45:45.800> all<00:45:45.960> on<00:45:46.079> the<00:45:46.240>
• :47.240> I<00:45:47.319> think<00:45:47.480> it<00:45:47.599> would<00:45
• > to<01:45:17.560> thank<01:45:17.719> you<01:45:17.880> for<01:45:18.080

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Housing held a public hearing on January 31 and heard testimony on a series of housing and building-code bills. The first major item, HB 1 relating to building codes, drew sharply divided testimony. Supporters, including BIA Hawaii, Grassroot Institute, Dr. Horton, and several builders and trade groups, argued the current code-adoption process is slow, fragmented, and costly, and that reform would help housing production. Opponents, including Sierra Club Hawaii, AIA Hawaii, ICC, and labor representative Kiko Bosi, said the bill would weaken public safety, reduce statewide consistency, and could leave tenants and first responders at greater risk. No vote was taken during the hearing, and members asked questions about the effect of a governor’s emergency proclamation suspending the Building Code Council and about county authority over code amendments. The committee then heard HB 745 and HB 1321, both also relating to building codes. Grassroot Institute supported both measures, saying the system is broken and needs streamlining, while BIA Hawaii and others emphasized the cost burden of repeated code updates. Opponents, especially Bosi and ICC, argued that the bills would undermine the State Building Code Council’s role, create confusion, and prioritize cost over safety; Bosi also said labor should be included in any code discussions. Members questioned whether counties can remove state code provisions and whether the state code already supersedes county codes, and one member noted the need for clarity and consistent enforcement rather than a wholesale overhaul. Later, the committee heard HB 284 on housing, HB 761 on county permitting and inspection, and HB 738 on historic preservation. HB 284 drew support from several housing and real estate groups, while DLNR opposed it. On HB 761, HHFDC supported the bill, DLNR warned that the proposed changes could jeopardize Hawaii’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program, DAGS said it would likely need to duplicate county permitting staff, and the Department of Planning and Permitting opposed it; Grassroot Institute and NAIOP supported it. For HB 738, HHFDC, DLNR, Grassroot Institute, Hawaii YIMBY, NAIOP, and others supported the measure, with Grassroot and NAIOP suggesting clarifications so expedited review would also cover mixed-use projects and better define the scope of work. The transcript does not show any final votes or committee action on these bills during the hearing.

Bills: SB2138, SB2054, SB2987, SB2908, SB2702, SB2924, SB3248, SB2635, SB3127, SB3001, SB2294, SB2037, SB2797, SB2765, SB2961, SB2210, SB2948, SB3108, SB3240, SB2045, SB2675, SB2338, SB2451, SB2552, SB2553, SB3089, SB3176, SB3285, SB2234, SB2219, SB2312, SB2336, SB2343, SB2849, SB2928, SB2930, SB3332, SB2927, SB2983, SB2906, SB2353, SB2848, SB2340, SB2845, SB3246, SB3077, SB3254, SB2934, SB2571, SB2248, SB2471, SB2298, SB2413, SB2425, SB3045, SB2843, SB2595, SB2907, SB3204, SB2311, SB2532, SB2528, SB2313, SB3300, SB2530, SB2693, SB2010, SB3156, SB2697, SB2991, SB3153, SB2812, SB2527, SB2376, SB3081, SB3218, SB3219, SB3333, SB2232, SB2192, SB2378, SB2070, SB3011, SB2676, SB2957, SB2434, SB2673, SB3301, SB2247, SB2453, SB2457, SB2075, SB2811, SB2601, SB2258, SB2612, SB3263, SB3261, SB3334, SB2613

Keywords: SB2138, Hawaii National Guard, state tuition assistance, STAP, graduate degree, graduate education, tuition assistance, University of Hawaii, UH, Department of Defense, adjutant general, enlisted personnel, warrant officers, company grade officers, military education, veterans benefits, higher education, state residency, professional development, retention

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:05.599> It<00:45:05.839> was<00:45:06.319> uh<00:45:06.560> well
• <00:45:10.319> Um<00:45:11.680> as<00:45:12.000> far<00:45:12.240> as
• > there<00:45:17.200> was<00:45:17.440> a<00:45:17.839> a<00:45:18.240>
• c><00:45:23.200> factors<00:45:23.599> to<00:45:23.839> in<00:45:24.079> to
• chapter 13A. chapter 13A.

Keywords: 0:00 – Meeting start/roll call 0:10 - Roll call/approval of minutes 1:43 - Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Department for Medicaid Services 27:40 - Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control 55:54 - Board of Veterinary Examiners 1:33:15 - Testimony in support of 804 KAR 13:010E, 020E, 030E and 040E. 1:49:04 - Education Professional Standards Board 1:49:58 - Attorney General, Office of Regulatory Relief 1:52:18 - Kentucky Public Pensions Authority (KPPA) 1:54:28 - Board of Nursing 1:56:44 - Board of Occupational Therapy 1:57:37 - Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy 1:58:58 - Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources 1:59:50 - Economic Development Finance Authority 2:01:34 - Department of Corrections 2:02:37 - Department of Juvenile Justice 2:04:02 - Department for Employment Services, Unemployment Insurance 2:04:57 - Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Department for Public Health, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then took up Department for Medicaid Services regulations 907 KAR 23:010 and related rules. DMS explained that one regulation would establish a beneficiary advisory council and another would remove language barring coverage of GLP-1 drugs for obesity-related use. The department said coverage would still be limited by prior authorization and clinical criteria, with use tied to underlying chronic conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, and that the pharmacy and therapeutics committee would help set the detailed standards. Members discussed the potential health benefits, but several raised concerns about cost, timing, and whether the legislature and the Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board should review the policy first. DMS said the drugs are already on the formulary, that current Medicaid users with diabetes are already covered, and that the fiscal impact was estimated using current utilization, rebates, and expected savings; the department also said it would only cover the drugs if subject to rebates. The committee then voted 5-1 to find 907 KAR 23:010 deficient. The committee next considered several emergency regulations from the Public Protection Cabinet’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control implementing SB 100. The rules covered tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product licensing, including the application form, denial standards, and transitional licensing. ABC counsel said the department had received about 5,500 applications and issued nearly 5,000 licenses, with additional provisional licenses issued to avoid interruption in sales after the law’s effective date. He said some applications remained pending because inspections and photographs revealed possible unauthorized nicotine vapor products, and the department was seeking documentation before approval. A staff amendment was adopted without objection before the ABC presentation continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• > fix<02:45:19.920> the<02:45:20.120> crisis<02:45:20.560> in<02:45:20.680
• here<02:45:32.000> we<02:45:32.120> are<02:45:32.319> today<02:45:32.560>
• :45:33.680> of<02:45:33.840> the<02:45:34.000> same<02:45:34.560> the house
• :45:45.920> economic<02:45:46.399> future<02:45:47.120> I<02:45:47.240> urge<
• <02:45:47.960> to<02:45:48.120> quit<02:45:48.319> the<02:45:48.479> hysteric

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chapter double >> Chapter Z is one chapter.
• . chapter. chapter.
• c> that<00:45:01.680> $24<00:45:02.319> or<00:45:02.560> $50<00:45:03.359>
• <00:45:08.560> tens<00:45:08.800> of<00:45:08.960> thousands<00:45:09.280> of
• that<00:45:09.920> you're<00:45:10.079> going<00:45:10.160> to<00:45:10.240>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• tax chapter.
• tax chapter.
• tax chapter.
• :57.280> in<00:45:57.400> the<00:45:57.599> next<00:45:57.920> OD<00:45:58.200
• <00:52:34.799> tax 45 a full list of the 45 tax 45 a full list of the 45 tax expenditures<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:16.240> the<00:45:16.320> specific<00:45:16.760> cure<00:45:17.120>
• <00:45:22.760> But<00:45:22.920> and<00:45:23.040> what<00:45:23.200> I
• <00:45:28.240> licenses,<00:45:28.760> they<00:45:28.880> still<00:45:29.120
• Uh,<00:45:30.880> and<00:45:31.000> these<00:45:31.160> people<00:45:31.400>
• /c><00:45:52.240> "Oh,<00:45:52.840> that<00:45:53.040> license<00:45:53.440>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee considered an emergency regulation from the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, 201 KAR 5021E, along with a staff amendment to conform the text to KRS Chapter 13A. The regulation was described as implementing an Attorney General opinion and a review of optometrists licensed during the 2020–2023 period when alternative testing and waivers were used during the COVID-19 era. The board explained that the rule requires affected licensees to complete specified examinations or an alternative certification before renewing in 2027, and that it now removes the OEBC Canadian exam as a future pathway while preserving recognition of OEBC results submitted during the period when that option was in effect. The staff amendment was approved without objection. Testimony was sharply divided. Board representatives and the Attorney General’s office said the regulation is needed to protect public health and to bring the licensure review into the formal administrative process. They said the NBEO Part 3 exam is the nationally recognized hands-on clinical licensure test, while the American Board of Optometry certification is a post-licensure credential for already licensed practitioners and is not a substitute for initial licensure testing. They also said no other state uses the ABOC certification for licensure, and that the board’s approach balances fairness, due process, and public protection. Opponents argued the regulation would allow individuals who were improperly licensed to continue practicing without meeting the same standards as other Kentucky optometrists. A representative from the Kentucky School for the Blind Charitable Foundation described cases of alleged inadequate care and urged the committee to require full national board passage before independent practice. Representatives from ARBO and NBEO said the emergency regulation is not justified as an emergency, does not adequately address public safety or fiscal impacts, and exceeds the board’s authority by creating a renewal path for licensees whose initial licensure was challenged. They emphasized that NBEO Part 3 is a practical, hands-on exam and that the ABOC certification is not designed or validated for initial licensure. The committee asked several questions about the differences between the exams, and no final vote on the regulation itself was described in the transcript beyond approval of the staff amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• :41.280> no<00:45:42.240> okay<00:45:43.240> um<00:45:43.680> moving<00:45
• ><00:45:45.680> um<00:45:46.119> hp900<00:45:47.119> relating<00:45:47.480> to
• > Welfare<00:45:48.520> Services<00:45:49.520> establishes<00:45:50.040> a
• group<00:45:50.640> for<00:45:50.760> legal<00:45:51.079> services<00:45:51.520
• > and<00:45:52.079> the<00:45:52.160> child<00:45:52.400> welfare<00:45:52.839

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to housing, homelessness, caregiving, and tax relief. On HB 431, which appropriates funds for the CAL initiative and HHFDC, the Department of Human Services supported the bill and noted the Governor’s request for $50 million per year for HMS, the need for more permanent supportive housing, and a technical issue with establishing a special fund in session law. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions strongly supported the measure, describing it as unprecedented funding for CAL projects and linking it to goals of reducing homelessness and expanding housing inventory. Catholic Charities Hawaii, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Reimagining Public Safety in Hawaii Coalition also supported the bill, emphasizing permanent supportive housing, diversion from jail, and public safety benefits. The chair redirected one testifier to stay on the measure when testimony drifted to another program. Written support was also noted from several organizations and agencies. The committee then heard HB 225 on squatting. DHS said it appreciated the intent and deferred to the Attorney General and task force members, while noting that outreach on public lands differs from private land, where owner consent is required. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill and wanted a voice in finding a solution. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions also said it supported the intent, while opposition from the Kingdom of the Hawaiian Islands and support from one individual were noted. For HB 280, which would make the community outreach court permanent and appropriate funds, the Judiciary strongly supported the bill, describing the court as a mobile, community-based program serving vulnerable populations and connecting participants to services. The Office of the Public Defender also supported the measure, saying the program has helped people move off the streets and into stable housing and that permanent funding would allow expansion. Written support from the Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition was noted. The committee then moved to HB 71, creating a refundable family caregiver tax credit, where the Department of Taxation provided comments, the Executive Office on Aging and AARP Hawaii supported the measure, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about duplication with an existing dependent care credit and the lack of incentives for cost control. The committee next heard HB 753, which would increase the applicable percentage for the household and dependent care services tax credit. Support came from the Executive Office on Aging, Catholic Charities Hawaii, AARP Hawaii, and Hawaii Children’s Action Network, while the Tax Foundation again raised technical concerns about complexity and administration but noted the bill adds guardrails against abuse. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um the operating adjustment<00:45:03.359> for<00:45:03.440> the<00:45:03.520> board<
• <00:45:04.640> the<00:45:04.800> investments<00:45:05.200> in<00:45:05.359><
• <00:45:07.920> grant<00:45:08.480> will<00:45:08.720> ensure<00:45:09.040> Minnesota
• is positioned<00:45:10.000> well<00:45:10.240> to<00:45:10.400> swiftly<00:45:10.800
• <00:45:12.400> Uh<00:45:12.720> we<00:45:12.960> also<00:45:13.119> support

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh<00:45:55.160> thank<00:45:55.400> you,<00:45:55.480> Chair<00:45:55.760> and
• Uh for the<00:45:57.200> record,<00:45:57.800> uh<00:45:57.840> my<00:45:57.960>
• name<00:45:58.120> is<00:45:58.240> John<00:45:58.480> Kelly.
• I serve<00:45:59.120> as<00:45:59.200> the<00:45:59.280> director<00:45:59.640><
• programs that exist in chapter 197. programs that exist in chapter 197.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Minnesota Senate Subcommittee on Veterans met on March 4, 2026, and began with a moment of silence honoring Sergeant First Class Nicole Amore of White Bear Lake, who was killed while serving in Kuwait. The committee then took up Senate File 3956, an MDVA policy bill giving the commissioner clearer authority to direct staff time and other non-monetary resources toward partnerships with organizations serving veterans, especially on food insecurity, homelessness, suicide prevention, and related efforts. MDVA and Disabled American Veterans testified that the bill would help them work more quickly and clearly with outside partners, including food pantry and outreach efforts, while remaining focused on non-monetary support. Senator Howe offered an A1 amendment narrowing the bill to the three named priorities and removing the broader “other critical issues” language; the amendment was adopted after discussion about whether the reporting language also needed adjustment. SF 3956, as amended, was laid over for further consideration. The committee then heard Senate File 3955, which would create a new procedure for temporary closure of a Minnesota veterans home if an involuntary termination notice requires it, bringing state law into closer alignment with federal expectations. MDVA emphasized that it had no intention of permanently closing any veterans homes and that the bill was intended only to establish a temporary closure plan to satisfy survey requirements. Senator Howe offered an A1 amendment clarifying that any closure would be temporary unless the legislature approved a permanent closure; MDVA and the Department of Health indicated the change was acceptable. The committee adopted the amendment and then voted to recommend SF 3955, as amended, to pass and refer it to the full committee. Finally, the committee began Senate File 4072, an MDVA cleanup and conformity bill. After adopting a technical A3 amendment, MDVA explained that the bill would reclassify the Chief of Staff/Deputy Chief of Staff role as Deputy Commissioner for Administration to better reflect the scope of the position, and would also repeal outdated statutes related to environmental hazards assistance and a data-collection requirement that the department said it could not implement. The bill was still being presented when the transcript ended, and no final committee action on SF 4072 was shown in the excerpt.