Transcript Highlights:

• :46.159> that<04:25:46.319> notice<04:25:46.640> in<04:25:46.800> all<04:
• that notice in all future public hearing<04:25:48.680> notices<04:25:49.640> of<04:25:
• ><04:25:51.720> do<04:25:52.040> that<04:25:52.720> if<04:25:52.840> it<04
• :25:53.040> h<04:25:53.239> if<04:25:53.399> this<04:25:53.600> happens we
• <04:25:57.680> CL<04:25:58.199> he<04:25:58.359> did<04:25:58.520> not

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Mandate<00:25:32.679> of<00:25:32.880> B<00:25:33.320> of<00:25:33.720><
• Oho is<00:25:37.159> able<00:25:37.360> to<00:25:37.600> realize<00:25:38.120>
• 41.480> lands<00:25:42.480> and<00:25:42.640> we<00:25:42.760> have<00:25
• and we have a we have<00:25:43.760> a<00:25:44.039> way<00:25:44.360> that<00:25
• :44.480> we<00:25:44.559> would<00:25:44.720> like<00:25:44.840> to<00:25

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing of the Water and Land, Hawaiian Affairs, and Housing committees on January 29, 2025 focused on SB 534, with the chairs outlining hearing procedures, public testimony limits, and plans to allow extended presentations from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) and the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) before moving to other testifiers. The hearing was presented as a public, transparent discussion of OHA’s plans for Kakaʻako Makai, with committee members noting that decision-making would follow if time permitted. OHA testified in strong support of SB 534. The chair of OHA’s Board of Trustees said the bill was a novel proposal for the legislature and emphasized that OHA was bringing together a broad coalition of partners and stakeholders, including representatives from construction, hospitality, education, law enforcement, civil service, and schools, as well as longtime community advocates who have opposed development in Kakaʻako Makai. OHA’s presentation reviewed the history of the area, the creation and role of HCDA, prior master plans, the 2012 land conveyance to OHA, and the argument that OHA has not been able to realize the full economic value of the lands because desired entitlements were not secured. OHA linked the bill to its constitutional mission to improve conditions for Native Hawaiians and argued that the state’s housing crisis makes additional development, including residential use, especially important. A major theme of the testimony was housing. OHA argued that Hawaiʻi faces severe affordability pressures, out-migration, and workforce shortages, and said that residential development in Kakaʻako Makai would help address those needs while also supporting the value of the trust lands. The presentation described HCDA’s authority over zoning and development in Kakaʻako, the existing reserved housing requirements, and the need for a master plan that could move forward if SB 534 becomes law. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion of the hearing provided; the discussion remained in the presentation and testimony phase.

Transcript Highlights:

• It will be similar to the I-25 Montgomery project that is under construction right now.
• We get into the TPF funding, transportation program, a project funding for fiscal year 25.
• This is our program for 25.
• The project is complex.
• Vice Chair, Representative Day, this was a placeholder amount that was for the I-25 Gibson project design-build

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 322, which would create a transportation trust fund and transportation program fund. The sponsor offered and the committee adopted an amendment striking the section that would have imposed a 1% gross receipts tax on electricity sales. After a recap of the bill’s remaining provisions, including a $400 million seed amount and future transfers from motor vehicle excise tax revenue, the committee heard brief support from Associated Contractors of New Mexico and the Asphalt Pavement Association and no opposition. The amended bill then passed on a roll-call vote. The committee then heard HB 270, a public works/apprenticeship bill that would require contributions to approved apprenticeship and training programs or to the Public Works Apprentice and Training Fund for public works construction projects, while eliminating an exemption for certain road, highway, utility, and maintenance work. Supporters, including union carpenters, electrical workers, the building trades council, and apprenticeship advocates, argued the bill would expand training, help address labor shortages, and provide a return on public investment. Opponents from utility contractors, highway contractors, and Associated Contractors of New Mexico said they already operate federally approved in-house training programs, warned the bill would raise project costs, and argued some trades have no accessible approved programs. Members questioned how the bill would interact with existing in-house programs, whether rural contractors and nonunion firms would be affected, and whether the state-approved fund and federal highway training requirements could conflict. A proposed amendment to exempt projects of $50 million or less was introduced but tabled. After extensive debate, the committee voted 6-5 to pass HB 270. The meeting also included discussion of a prior procedural error in which HB 270 had been heard before being properly assigned, which the chair said rendered that earlier action void. At the end of the meeting, the committee received a brief New Mexico Department of Transportation District 3 presentation on district projects, budget, and construction status.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:25:03.880> helpful<00:25:04.279> and<00:25:04.399> what<00:25:04.520> is
• and so you<00:25:10.960> know<00:25:11.240> just<00:25:12.039> appreciate<00:25
• :18.159> have<00:25:18.440> a<00:25:18.640> voice<00:25:19.000> at<00:25:
• <00:25:23.559> question<00:25:24.159> in<00:25:24.320> Greater<00:25:24.600>
• > to<00:25:26.399> solve<00:25:26.840> for<00:25:27.840> uh<00:25:27.960>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention heard informational presentations from Housing First Minnesota and the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities on the state of housing in Minnesota. Mark Foster of Housing First Minnesota said the state has a severe housing shortage, with demand outpacing supply since the 2007-09 housing crash, and argued that Minnesota is nearly 100,000 units short of a healthy market. He said new homes are increasingly unaffordable, citing a median new single-family price above $530,000 and declining affordability in the Twin Cities metro, and he urged lawmakers to remove exclusionary zoning and other regulatory barriers that he said make starter homes and smaller-lot housing difficult or illegal to build in many growing cities. He also highlighted the group’s Housing for Heroes projects, including transitional housing for veterans and other crisis housing projects around the state. Members asked Foster about starter-home examples and his view that the committee’s top priority should be reforming residential development approvals. He said most new housing is negotiated through planned unit developments rather than built under base zoning, which he argued adds cost and reduces supply. The committee then heard from Elizabeth Wael of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, who said housing challenges outside the metro are different but equally serious. She said many Greater Minnesota cities face a lack of developers, inadequate infrastructure such as roads and utilities, and gaps in the housing continuum, especially starter workforce housing and senior housing. She thanked the committee for 2023 housing funding and said cities are contributing their own resources, updating zoning, reducing parking requirements, allowing ADUs, and partnering with developers and nonprofits. Wael also urged faster rollout of the Greater Minnesota infrastructure grant program and said the state should consider changes to the housing tax credit and housing TIF rules to make them easier to use. In response, senators said they shared frustration with the slow implementation of the infrastructure program and emphasized the need for state investment and locally tailored zoning reforms. No bills were heard and no votes were taken; the meeting was informational and focused on stakeholder testimony and committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:29.799> still<00:25:30.039> the<00:25:30.200> runways<00:25:30.760>
• in case of<00:25:31.720> emergencies<00:25:32.720> as<00:25:32.960> well<00:25:
• ><00:25:40.919> understanding<00:25:41.480> I'm<00:25:41.640> sorry<00:25:42.240
• uh we didn't<00:25:42.840> have<00:25:43.039> a<00:25:43.200> DL<00:25:43.520><
• c> INR<00:25:44.320> people<00:25:44.720> here<00:25:45.000> as<00:25:45.200

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land opened with housekeeping remarks about testimony limits, video availability, and that decision-making would follow the hearing. The committee then heard and considered several SCRs authorizing long-term nonexclusive easements over state submerged lands for existing public or private infrastructure on Oahu, including stormwater outfalls, shoreline protection structures, concrete stairs, seawalls, and a rock revetment. DLNR supported each measure and generally requested only technical or clarifying amendments; for SCR 3, DLNR asked that the title be clarified to specify the easement would be granted to the City and County of Honolulu. After discussion, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations, passing SCR 3 with amendments and SCRs 4, 6, and 7 unamended, while SCR 5 was passed with technical, non-substantive amendments. Senator Meli noted general concerns about seawalls and hardening but said he would support the measures because they involved repair of existing structures and public access, though he indicated a reservation on SCR 6. The committee then took up governor’s messages for HCDA appointments. For GM 58, Gerald Gordner was nominated to the Kalaeloa district seat; HCDA’s executive director and another supporter praised his urban planning, housing, zoning, GIS, and collaborative skills, and Gordner described his interim service and background in housing affordability and disaster recovery. Members also discussed a former military hangar in Kalaeloa and possible future uses, with Gordner noting he understood there had been restrictions that were later lifted, while the chair raised concerns about airport operations and modular housing use. The committee also heard support for GM 559, nominating Micki Lidstone as cultural specialist; HCDA said she had been an active and reliable board participant and cultural resource, and Lidstone said she valued learning from Native Hawaiian testimony and helping balance community perspectives. Finally, GM 688 nominated Deborah Kabibi to the Leeward Oahu/Maui district seat; HCDA said her community ties would be valuable for South Maui planning, and Kabibi said she had learned a lot from the board’s collaborative process and was eager to represent her community. The transcript ends during discussion of GM 688, before any vote on the nominations is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• $70 million<00:25:08.679> water<00:25:08.960> treatment<00:25:09.559> project<00
• :25:10.440> she<00:25:10.640> says million water treatment project she says million water
• treatment project she says while<00:25:11.520> her<00:25:11.760> bills<00:25:12.279>
• 00:25:53.399> Regional<00:25:53.960> projects<00:25:54.799> there's in critical
• Regional projects there's in critical Regional projects there's room<00:25:55.360> to<00:25:55.559

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I was was was I<00:25:19.679> was<00:25:20.000> surprised<00:25:20.520> we<00:25
• ,<00:25:21.480> but<00:25:21.679> if<00:25:21.800> you<00:25:21.880> know
• c> here<00:25:23.320> and<00:25:23.400> then<00:25:23.520> you<00:25:23.600>
• we<00:25:24.920> need<00:25:25.120> to<00:25:25.320> to<00:25:25.480> do<
• c> to<00:25:26.360> to<00:25:26.920> pass<00:25:27.200> it<00:25:27.320>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota<00:25:44.520> the<00:25:44.640> other<00:25:44.880> big<00:25:45.080><
• which has<00:25:48.279> gone<00:25:48.480> on<00:25:48.640> for<00:25:48.880>
• > years<00:25:49.159> and<00:25:49.320> we<00:25:49.520> run<00:25:49.880>
• run one of the<00:25:50.399> model<00:25:50.919> programs<00:25:51.559> in<00:25
• :54.799> this<00:25:54.960> year<00:25:55.159> we<00:25:55.279> have<00:25

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and<00:25:08.000> being<00:25:08.240> able<00:25:08.480> to<00:25:08.960>
• If you have<00:25:14.080> any<00:25:14.240> questions<00:25:14.559> about<00:25:
• <00:25:22.960> Um,<00:25:23.279> one<00:25:23.440> of<00:25:23.520> the
• <00:25:30.240> And<00:25:30.400> as<00:25:30.640> we<00:25:30.799> saw
• 00:25:38.880> up<00:25:39.120> to<00:25:39.200> a<00:25:39.360> year<00:25

Bills: HB2284

Keywords: energy assistance, low-income households, electricity costs, Hawaii home energy assistance program, energy efficiency, 910, house, all

Summary: The hearing covered House Bill 2284, which would create the Hawaii Home Energy Assistance Program in the Department of Human Services to help qualifying households pay energy bills and direct the Public Utilities Commission’s public benefits fee administrator to provide information and assistance to recipients. Testimony from the Division of Consumer Advocacy, DHS, and the Public Utilities Commission was in support. A committee member asked about how the program would interact with existing TANF-related energy assistance and whether rules could be adjusted to avoid duplicative benefits; DHS said logistics would need to be worked out and that the agencies would make the rules. The committees noted the bill’s $1.5 million appropriation and moved it forward with amendments, including blanking out amounts and noting them in the committee report. Both committees voted to pass HB 2284 with amendments, with the recommendation adopted. The committee then heard House Bill 2486, relating to plug-in or balcony solar. DCCA, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, and the Public Utilities Commission stood on prior testimony in support of the bill’s intent. Multiple advocates and organizations, including Carbon Cashback Hawaii, 350 Hawaii, Bright Saver, Sierra Club of Hawaii, and others, testified in support, arguing that plug-in solar would lower electricity bills, expand access for renters and condo residents, and reduce emissions. Several speakers urged the committee to remove or avoid registration, reporting, feed-in tariff, interconnection fee, and other requirements they said would create barriers. Bright Saver testified that the systems are safe and would not back-feed during outages. No vote was taken on HB 2486 during the excerpt. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1568, which would prohibit the importation or storage of LNG in the state and the construction of related infrastructure. State agencies including the Consumer Advocate, Hawaii State Energy Office, Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaiian Electric opposed the bill, with the Energy Office arguing LNG would perpetuate oil use on Oahu and expose the state to price volatility. Supporters included Life of the Land, Sierra Club of Hawaii, Greenpeace Hawaii, 350 Hawaii, Earthjustice, Our Hawaii, and others, who argued LNG would lock Hawaii into another fossil fuel dependency, create major infrastructure costs and safety risks, and undermine the state’s renewable energy goals. Several testifiers cited climate and affordability concerns and urged the committee to reject LNG. The excerpt ends during testimony on HB 1568, before any committee action or vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• > jump<00:25:00.480> sort<00:25:00.720> of<00:25:00.799> to<00:25:01.039>
• <00:25:04.559> to<00:25:04.720> sort<00:25:04.880> of<00:25:05.039> walk<
• I<00:25:06.960> think<00:25:07.039> it<00:25:07.200> would<00:25:07.360>
• > I<00:25:08.480> sort<00:25:08.640> of<00:25:08.720> walked<00:25:09.039
• :25:11.279> the<00:25:11.520> in<00:25:11.760> the<00:25:11.919> tax the

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :25:01.159> so<00:25:01.320> being<00:25:01.600> able<00:25:01.799> to to
• the<00:25:02.399> tools<00:25:02.679> to<00:25:02.840> bring<00:25:03.039><
• > this<00:25:10.880> is<00:25:11.240> a<00:25:11.760> um<00:25:11.960>
• <00:25:15.600> the<00:25:15.720> summer<00:25:16.000> and<00:25:16.200> after
• > project<00:25:18.720> so<00:25:18.840> she's<00:25:19.039> in<00:25:19.159

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:06.480> uh<00:25:06.559> is<00:25:06.799> not<00:25:07.039> a<
• <00:25:20.320> Um<00:25:20.880> is<00:25:21.279> someone<00:25:22.000> uh
• Uh there is<00:25:25.919> called<00:25:26.559> uh<00:25:26.720> regressive<00:25
• Uh in regressive<00:25:30.480> analysis<00:25:31.360> uh<00:25:31.520> you<00:25
• <00:25:34.080> have<00:25:34.159> to<00:25:34.240> look<00:25:34.400> the

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, March 20, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House met in Annapolis with 107 members present and proceeded through the journal and a series of Appropriations Committee reports. Several bills were advanced on favorable reports without amendment, including measures on constitutional officers’ salaries, correctional officer retirement systems for Dorchester and Allegany counties, Carroll and Calvert County public facilities bonds, higher education financial assistance for incarcerated individuals, and a bill on community college promise scholarship eligibility for Delmar High School graduates. Other bills received amendments before being ordered for third reading, including measures on community college trustee membership, Frederick Community College board meeting and training requirements, Howard County school funding disclosures, courts administrative judges’ stipends, correctional officers retirement membership clarifications, the Children’s Cabinet Fund, and a law enforcement pension bill limiting military service credit eligibility to helicopter pilots in state aviation units. The chamber also considered HB 1581 on horse racing facility ownership, development, licensing, and operations. Amendments expanded the bill to include additional economic development provisions for the Prince George’s County Blue Line corridor, Pimlico-related funding and community input requirements, a larger lottery-fund distribution for the racing community development financing fund, and changes to the bus rapid transit grant program. The bill’s favorable report as amended was adopted, and it was ordered for third reading. During debate on a separate amendment to HB 894, the Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act, members argued over project labor agreements: opponents said PLA requirements raise costs and limit competition, while supporters said the provision was optional, supported stability and predictability, and was part of a broader compromise. The amendment was rejected after discussion, and the bill remained amended. The House also took up HB 1430 on charter school facilities funding, adopting amendments that reduced the per-pupil amount and narrowed eligibility for certain districts, then advancing the bill as amended. In addition, HB 1248 was amended to convert a part-time state employment pilot program into a work group, and HB 680 was amended to adjust future appropriations for local management boards. Across the session, most actions were routine committee report adoptions and amendment votes, with no recorded roll-call counts in the excerpt except the initial quorum call.

Transcript Highlights:

• :26.799> the<00:25:26.960> world<00:25:27.559> um<00:25:27.760> that<00:25
• <00:25:30.799> proposed<00:25:31.120> in<00:25:31.240> this<00:25:31.440>
• :32.919> and<00:25:33.080> also<00:25:33.360> like<00:25:33.480> to<00:25
• /c><00:25:34.520> cost<00:25:34.799> assessments<00:25:35.720> um<00:25:35.960><
• :25:44.200> of<00:25:44.399> of<00:25:44.520> Bill<00:25:44.679> incl<00:

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• It establishes the housing<00:25:38.320> efficiency<00:25:38.720> and<00:25:38.880>
• innovation sub account<00:25:39.760> within<00:25:40.000> the<00:25:40.080> rental
• Specifies permissible uses<00:25:43.039> of<00:25:43.200> funding<00:25:43.440> and<
• innovation<00:25:49.440> and<00:25:49.679> innovation<00:25:50.159> sub<00:25:50.320
• only $25.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard several housing-related bills and resolutions. HB 1298 HD3 would create a government employee housing revolving fund and a government employee 99-year leasehold rent-to-own program; testimony was generally supportive from HHFDC, labor groups, and the Maui Chamber, with the Tax Foundation and Budget and Finance raising concerns about the revolving fund. The committees recommended passage with non-substantive amendments for clarity and consistency, and the motion was adopted. HB 741 H2, which would exempt certain affordable housing projects financed by a certified nonprofit CDFI from prevailing wage requirements, drew support from housing advocates and opposition from several construction unions; the chairs said they were concerned about the labor objections and deferred the measure, with the labor committee agreeing to defer it as well. The housing committee then took up HB 417 HD1, which creates a housing efficiency and innovation subaccount in the rental housing revolving fund and allows HHFDC to transfer funds between the subaccount and the main fund without legislative approval. Testimony was largely supportive. The chair described a series of amendments, including changing the funding-efficiency standard, adding perpetual affordability language, allowing any land tenure type, broadening eligible financing tools, adding priority criteria for mixed-income projects and government-employee projects, and inserting blank appropriations tied to a requested $75 million per year and a $75 million subaccount appropriation for the HCDA 99-year leasehold project. The committee recommended passage with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted. HB 422 HD1, which would repeal school impact fees and move remaining balances to the school facilities special fund, drew broad support from housing and taxpayer groups and opposition from the Department of Education and some individuals. The School Facilities Authority and DOE argued the current system had not produced enough usable land or school sites and suggested narrowing the exemption to government housing projects’ construction costs instead of repealing the fee entirely. Members pressed DOE and SFA on how much land had actually been obtained and whether the fee had been effective; the discussion highlighted concerns about unused balances, school overcrowding, and the role of the Land Use Commission and county zoning in securing school sites. The committee did not take final action on the bill in the portion shown. The committee also heard STR 60/SR 45, urging HHFDC to develop a plan to meet housing demand, and STR 77/SR 60, addressing continued eligibility for housing credits for certain projects after repeal of Act 31; both sets of resolutions had HHFDC support, with DHHL supporting STR 77/SR 60 and Johnny May Perry opposing both.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last year alone, we invested more than $25 million into New Hampshire, funding 177 different projects
• Last year alone, we invested more than $25 million into New Hampshire, funding 177 different projects
• Last year alone, we invested more than $25 million into New Hampshire, funding 177 different projects
• <00:07:31.360> of projects project It's a combination of projects project It's a combination
• <00:25:22.799> of<00:25:23.080> people<00:25:23.559> across<00:25:24.000>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• laps<00:25:41.760> funding<00:25:42.159> project I'm not sure what laps funding project
• I'm not sure what laps funding project that<00:25:42.799> was,<00:25:42.960> but<00:25
• :43.600> recent<00:25:44.400> project<00:25:44.799> in<00:25:45.279> um<00
• :25:45.440> K<00:25:46.080> or that was, but recent project in um K or that was, but recent
• project in um K or library.<00:25:47.279> It's<00:25:47.360> a<00:25:47.520> lot

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Education met on February 17 and announced it would limit public testimony to one minute because more than a thousand testimonies were expected on one measure. The first bill heard was HB 1934, relating to the Imagination Library of Hawaii. The state librarian and Friends of the Library supported the bill, saying the program is a proven, cost-effective way to improve early literacy and should be expanded statewide for children ages 0 to 5. Friends of the Library said the current 50/50 match requirement would be too difficult to meet immediately and asked for state funding for the first few years to help launch the expansion. Testimony included eight supporters and one opponent, and members asked whether the proposal was an expansion of an existing program; the state librarian said it would expand service beyond currently targeted communities. The committee then heard HB 20004, which would extend the floating librarian pilot program. The state librarian, Department of Education, HSTA, and several individuals testified in support. Supporters said the program helps address staffing needs and improves student readiness, especially for college and information literacy. One retired community college librarian said school librarians help students prepare for college and are increasingly important in teaching critical evaluation of misinformation and AI-generated content. Members asked about implementation of the existing pilot, including recruitment of certified librarians for neighbor island and Oahu complex areas; DOE said those positions had been identified and recruitment was underway, and existing funds remained intact. The final major discussion was HB 2398, which clarifies the library system’s role in RNMSP-related projects and public library construction on or near school land. The state librarian and public library system supported the bill, while the Department of Education and Attorney General’s office raised concerns about vague language, especially the phrase “land controlled by the board,” and suggested amendments. In questioning, the state librarian explained that the bill was prompted by conflicts on shared or adjacent school/public library sites, including traffic, pickup and drop-off access, and other operational issues. DOE described significant disruption from one project’s traffic changes and said planning for such projects should involve early coordination and formal agreements. The state librarian responded that the new bill would clarify oversight and help avoid delays and disputes over property control and future renovations.

Transcript Highlights:

• There<00:25:16.240> is<00:25:16.480> one<00:25:16.799> amendment<00:25:17.360>
• ><00:25:30.960> heads<00:25:31.279> up,<00:25:32.159> we<00:25:32.480> would<
• for<00:25:34.240> a<00:25:34.480> footnote<00:25:35.039> 2<00:25:35.200>
• > included<00:25:36.000> on<00:25:36.320> one<00:25:36.640> chamber<00:25
• <00:25:39.279> process<00:25:40.240> to<00:25:40.480> include<00:25:40.880><

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Another key piece of it is it identifies 25 of the top priorities, projects that need to be completed
• Another key piece of it is it identifies 25 of the top priorities, projects that need to be completed
• 25 of the top priorities um, projects 25 of the top priorities um, projects that<00:04:35.200>
• <00:04:42.200> and projects to um, capacity projects and projects to um, capacity projects
• duty status<00:25:43.240> at<00:25:43.360> the<00:25:43.440> time<00:25:43.679>

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The committee opened by taking roll for the Joint Transportation, Highways, and Military Affairs Committee and noting that 20 topics had been submitted for discussion, including one late addition. Members were asked to number the topics for reference, and the chair explained that each presenter should give a brief overview before the committee returned to the dais for questions and possible ranking or action. No votes were taken during the portion provided. The first topic was a request from the Associated General Contractors of Wyoming to have TRIP, a third-party transportation research organization, present a report on Wyoming’s highway system. The report is intended to identify transportation needs and 25 priority projects, and the committee generally supported hearing the report and methodology directly from TRIP. The next topic combined two similar railroad safety proposals. Representative Chestek described a bill addressing train length, wayside detectors, and track inspections, citing the East Palestine derailment and concerns about reduced inspection frequency. Committee members raised questions about federal preemption and enforcement authority; Chestek said states can be more protective of safety where federal rules leave gaps, and WYDOT said it would need additional expertise and staffing to administer such a program. No public testimony was offered on the railroad topic. The committee then heard two proposals from the Wyoming Military Department. One would study Tricare subsidies for mental health providers by comparing Tricare reimbursement rates with other insurers, gathering de-identified data on eligible members and provider participation, and then returning to the committee with findings before any legislative recommendation. Members discussed whether the issue might fit better in Labor, Health, and Social Services, but the military department said it believed the committee had a strong connection to the topic. The second military topic would study Service Group Life Insurance for state active duty, comparing state and federal death benefits for Guard members to identify any shortfalls. The committee also briefly discussed a VSO program review raised by Representative Neff, focusing on the number of veterans service officers and retention, but no action was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

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• :25:04.640> entity,<00:25:05.039> so<00:25:05.279> I<00:25:05.520> I'm<00
• have<00:25:06.159> less<00:25:06.400> heartburn<00:25:06.880> over<00:25:07.039>
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• question,<00:25:11.279> what<00:25:11.440> I<00:25:11.600> do<00:25:11.679><

Bills: HF2103, HF4508

Keywords: energy, renewable energy, ammonia, hydrogen, certificate tracking, funding, environment, elk, cervidae, cervid importation, chronic wasting disease, CWD, animal health, livestock, wildlife disease, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, state veterinarian, zoo, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, AZA

Transcript Highlights:

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• <00:25:29.600> So,<00:25:30.000> um<00:25:30.559> I<00:25:30.799> just
• 35.760> figure<00:25:36.000> out<00:25:36.159> how<00:25:36.400> we<00:25
• <00:25:40.559> ongoing,<00:25:41.200> I'm<00:25:41.440> fine<00:25:41.600>
• <00:25:43.840> Um,<00:25:44.400> but<00:25:44.640> if<00:25:44.799> we

Keywords: 1187, senate, all