Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:39.600><c> market</c><00:32:39.919><c> competing</c><00:32:40.399><c> with</c><00:32:40.640
• Thank<01:32:07.280><c> you</c><01:32:07.360><c> for</c><01:32:07.600><c> asking</c><01:32:07.840><c>
• ><c> for</c><01:32:15.280><c> and</c><01:32:15.440><c> it</c><01:32:15.760><c> went</c><01:32:16.000>
• </c><01:32:42.639><c> We</c><01:32:42.800><c> wanted</c><01:32:43.120><c> to</c><01:32:43.280><c> be<
• </c><01:32:44.639><c> Um,</c><01:32:44.960><c> but</c><01:32:45.199><c> I</c><01:32:45.440><c> need</

Bills: HB1604, HB1713, HB1722, HB2270, HB2401, HB2515, HB1979, HB1593, HB1743, HB2122, HB1756, HB1837, HB1729

Keywords: agriculture, housing, workforce, land use, zoning, public-private partnerships, tax credit, school impact fees, impact fee exemption, school facilities authority, residential development, housing shortage, affordable housing, infill housing, land dedication, fee in lieu, school construction, developer exactions, fair share contributions, education contribution agreement

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1604, which would create an agricultural workforce housing group within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to address shortages of farmworker housing. The department said it supported the bill’s intent but emphasized that the group’s early work should focus on gathering data and surveying farm operators to assess actual demand, to avoid “mission creep.” Testimony from the City and County of Honolulu Office of Economic Revitalization, Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Housing Hawaii’s Future, and the Maui Chamber of Commerce was in support, with one witness suggesting a housing advocacy nonprofit be added to the working group for balance. The committee then discussed HB 1713 on school impact fees, which would clarify exemptions for certain affordable housing projects and exempt new residential developments of fewer than 100 units. The Attorney General’s office said the bill should define “low to moderate income households” because that term is not defined in chapter 302A. HHFDC, the School Facilities Authority, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, and others supported the measure, arguing it would reduce administrative burden and remove barriers to housing. Members questioned whether the bill should instead repeal the school impact fee entirely; supporters said they also favored full repeal but viewed this bill as a more feasible step. The School Facilities Authority also explained that about $28 million in school impact fees had been collected across four districts and none had yet been spent, and discussed how recent nexus requirements limit how the funds can be used. HB 1722, relating to residential condominiums, drew extensive testimony and questioning. HCDA supported the bill and explained that it amends the 99-year leasehold pilot program created by Act 97 of 2023 by reducing owner-occupancy restrictions from 100% of units to 60%, allowing some rental or subleasing flexibility for the owner-occupied units, and permitting up to 40% of units to be sold to qualified residents after being on the market for more than 60 days. HCDA said the original restrictions, combined with rising construction costs, higher interest rates, and competition from nearby projects, made the pilot project difficult to market and finance; it said the changes are needed to make the project feasible and competitive. Supporters including AP Hawaii, Kila LLC, and project representatives said the amendments would help make the demonstration project in Kakaʻako viable. Some members raised concerns that the changes could weaken long-term affordability and questioned why certain ownership language was being deleted if rentals would still be restricted. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• the price set at the Chapter 8 tax sale.
• Chapter 7 auction sales are often expensive and ineffective.
• When we look at alternatives to Chapter 8 sales, often it's Chapter 7 sales or an appraisal.
• The more we can get into Chapter 7 sales, the better.
• But what you are providing is much-needed oversight and accountability for these Chapter 8 sales.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation held its first regular hearing of the 2025-26 session, adopted its proposed committee rules on a 5-0 vote, and reinstated a suspense file for bills with fiscal impacts over the committee threshold. The chair explained that only AB 418 would be eligible for an immediate vote, while several other measures would be held for suspense consideration because of budget constraints. AB 330 was pulled by the author. AB 418 by Wilson, which would create a clearer process and administrative remedy for county Chapter 8 tax sales, received support from county tax collectors and housing and taxpayer groups. Supporters said the bill would add transparency, due process, and a noticed public hearing for negotiated sales of tax-defaulted properties, while helping counties dispose of low-value or problematic properties more efficiently. The committee voted 6-0 to send AB 418 to Appropriations. Several other bills were heard and then referred to suspense: AB 27 by Chau, which would exclude Chiquita Canyon landfill relief payments from gross income and protect recipients’ eligibility for public benefits, drew strong support from affected residents and environmental advocates; AB 258 by Conley would increase funding for California fairs, with supporters emphasizing fairs’ emergency-response role; AB 397 by Gonzalez would expand the California Young Child Tax Credit into a broader child tax credit for older children; and AB 398 by Aaron would set a $300 minimum refundable Cal EITC benefit. The committee also heard AB 231 by Tye, which would offer a tax credit to microbusinesses that hire formerly incarcerated people, and it too was referred to suspense after supportive testimony from reentry and small-business advocates.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:04.840><c> that</c><00:32:04.960><c> Senate</c><00:32:05.200><c> File</c><00:32:05.480><c>
• All<00:32:13.360><c> those</c><00:32:13.560><c> in</c><00:32:13.640><c> favor</c><00:32:14.000><c> signify
• </c><00:32:14.400><c> by</c><00:32:14.520><c> saying</c><00:32:14.800><c> I.
• Senate<00:32:18.240><c> File</c><00:32:18.520><c> 4807</c><00:32:19.640><c> is</c><00:32:19.800><c> moved
• </c><00:32:20.040><c> on</c><00:32:20.200><c> to</c><00:32:20.320><c> the</c><00:32:20.400><c> full</

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard an introductory presentation from Sam Daily of Believe It Canine Service Partners, a nonprofit that trains service dogs free of charge for disabled veterans. Daily described the organization’s work with veterans, including placements with MACV and a service dog at Veteran Village in Eagan, and said the group has placed 80 teams so far. Senator Howe asked whether the organization had pursued Support Our Troops grants, and Daily said it had received two SOS grants. The first bill taken up was Senate File 4172, as amended, which would expand eligibility for burial in Minnesota state veterans cemeteries to honorably discharged reservists, National Guard members, and Air National Guard members, and would allow some honor guard use for eligible people. Senator Howe said the bill corrects an inequity for Guard and reserve members who served honorably but are not currently eligible. Glenn Pence testified in support, saying the bill recognizes National Guard service and should allow those veterans to be buried with others they served alongside. MDVA’s David Swantek supported the concept but warned that expanded eligibility would increase demand, especially at Little Falls, and could shorten its projected capacity timeline from about 48 years to about 30 years. The committee adopted the A1 amendment and then laid the bill over for inclusion in the Veterans and Military Affairs Finance Omnibus Bill. The committee then heard Senate File 4026, which sets standards for MDVA competitive grants and adds accountability and residency requirements. Senator Koran said the bill would help the department review grants and ensure funds serve Minnesota veterans and families. MDVA chief of staff Dave Belfi supported the bill, saying it reflects agency feedback, aligns with existing residency rules, and does not affect CVSO, VSO, or Support Our Troops grants. The A1 amendment was adopted, and the bill was laid over for inclusion in the omnibus bill. Next, Senate File 4807 was heard, a bill to update pay for National Guard soldiers and airmen called to state active duty. MDVA and National Guard officials said the bill would simplify statute language and raise the minimum base pay for lower ranks to the E5 level, with future adjustments tied to federal pay tables. Senator Kunesh asked about funding, and staff explained the cost would come through an open general-fund emergency appropriation, estimated at about $30,000 annually but varying with activations. The committee adopted amendments to incorporate SF 4172 and SF 4026 into SF 4807, made technical corrections, and then recommended SF 4807, as amended, to pass and be referred to the full committee. Finally, the committee heard Senate File 3603, which would create a program allowing school districts to issue high school diplomas to Minnesota veterans who left school to serve during the Korean conflict or Vietnam War. Senator Rasmussen said the bill recognizes veterans who interrupted their education for service. MDVA’s John Kelly supported the bill, noting it reflects input from MDVA and the Department of Education and that similar programs exist in other states. The committee voted to recommend the bill to pass and refer it to the full committee. The meeting also began discussion of Senate File 4560, which would formalize the Commander's Task Force, but the transcript cuts off before that bill was acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><03:32:07.600><c> further</c><03:32:08.479><c> no</c><03:32:08.720><c> thank</c><03:32:08.880><c>
• > as</c><03:32:49.080><c> you</c><03:32:49.239><c> may</c><03:32:49.439><c> know</c><03:32:50.120><c>
• regulations<03:32:58.800><c> their</c><03:32:59.000><c> outside</c><03:32:59.439><c> Detail</c><03:32
• :32:28.279><c> and</c><04:32:28.399><c> a</c><04:32:28.520><c> few</c><04:32:28.760><c> other</c><04:
• c><04:32:31.840><c> uh</c><04:32:32.319><c> Wednesday</c><04:32:32.840><c> also</c><04:32:33.279><c>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 180, which concerns critical incident stress management teams. Representative Mark PR, the bill sponsor, proposed an amendment to add a definition of “team leader” and to clarify that teams may or may not be affiliated with a municipality. He argued that a certification test offered by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation is unnecessary and too expensive at $400, since team members are volunteers who already receive training and continuing education. Committee members asked about the training structure and certification language, and the sponsor explained that the teams are self-certified and that the amendment was intended to clean up the bill’s language. The committee then voted on HB 180 in executive session. Amendment 0261H was adopted 11-0, and the bill was then moved as amended and passed 11-0. The committee placed the bill on consent. Later, the committee heard House Bill 438, sponsored by Representative Timothy Horan, dealing with immigration detention and related state policy. Horan described the bill as an update to earlier legislation and said it would codify best practices, prohibit state cooperation with mass deportation efforts, bar for-profit operation of immigration detention facilities, and require Executive Council approval before the governor could deploy the National Guard for immigration deportation activities. Committee members questioned whether the bill could be read as authorizing detention facilities and discussed the relationship between the state and Strafford County Jail. An amendment presented on behalf of Representative Patrick Long was described as a technical rewrite that removed several sections and changed language, but the hearing ended before any vote was taken on HB 438.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:15.360><c> Yes,</c><00:32:15.600><c> 43</c><00:32:16.320><c> if</c><00:32:16.480><c> I</c>
• </c><00:32:22.159><c> And</c><00:32:22.320><c> for</c><00:32:22.559><c> the</c><00:32:22.880><c> for<
• </c><00:32:33.440><c> adding</c><00:32:34.559><c> um</c><00:32:34.960><c> and</c><00:32:35.519><c> I<
• 32:37.440><c> a</c><00:32:37.679><c> agency</c><00:32:39.120><c> uh</c><00:32:40.039><c> request</c>
• But<00:32:44.159><c> if</c><00:32:44.480><c> we</c><00:32:44.640><c> could</c><00:32:44.880><c> just<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:00.320><c> So,</c><00:32:01.120><c> I</c><00:32:01.200><c> do</c><00:32:01.320><c> think</
• </c><00:32:02.480><c> name</c><00:32:02.960><c> uh</c><00:32:03.000><c> for</c><00:32:03.160><c> a</c
• :32:08.360><c> author</c><00:32:09.080><c> of</c><00:32:09.240><c> the</c><00:32:09.360><c> bill</c><
• </c><00:32:24.560><c> It's</c><00:32:24.720><c> a</c><00:32:24.800><c> It's</c><00:32:24.960><c> a</c
• </c><00:32:28.720><c> I</c><00:32:28.800><c> can</c><00:32:28.960><c> go</c><00:32:29.400><c> and</c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I was here again testifying for passage of what became Chapter 27 of the Acts of 2003, relating to a
• I'm the chapter president at Quinsigamond.
• 32, section 5, the person's years of employment, which are 20, is multiplied by 1.5.
• than 30%. ...and on General Laws chapter 32, section 5, the person's years of employment, which are
• than 30%. ...which would result in the person getting 32% rather than 30%.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service heard testimony on a wide range of retirement, municipal workforce, and public employee labor bills. Early testimony focused on H. 2749, a Plymouth home rule petition to classify Plymouth harbormaster employees as Group 4 for retirement purposes. Supporters, including local officials and retirement board representatives, argued the employees perform law-enforcement and rescue duties comparable to police and fire personnel, that the change would be fair, and that it would have little or no fiscal impact on the town. A separate harbormaster-related bill, H. 2743, was also introduced later in the hearing. The committee also heard testimony on provisions of the Municipal Empowerment Act (H. 56), including a temporary critical-shortage exemption allowing retired state or municipal employees to return to work in hard-to-fill positions, and a renewed OPEB commission to study retiree health care costs. Administration and municipal officials said the measures were needed to address staffing shortages and rising benefit liabilities, while emphasizing the shortage exemption would be time-limited and require proof of recruitment efforts. Related retirement bills drew support and caution: advocates for higher COLA bases and enhanced COLA benefits urged relief for retirees, but some asked the committee to wait for recommendations from the special COLA commission before acting. A major portion of the hearing concerned labor rights at the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority and the Committee for Public Counsel Services. Union representatives and employees backed bills to extend just-cause protections, promotional rights, and collective bargaining rights to MWRA and CPCS workers, arguing they currently lack protections available to most other public employees. Testimony described unfair discipline, delayed promotions, and high turnover, and committee members indicated prior favorable action on similar MWRA bills and expressed support for addressing CPCS labor rights. The committee also heard from representatives of the Massachusetts Municipal Association and public higher education employees in support of H. 2820, which would require timely funding of ratified state employee contracts, with witnesses describing long delays in receiving negotiated raises and back pay. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair repeatedly invited written testimony and closed each panel after questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.279><c> um</c><00:32:00.840><c> the</c><00:32:01.320><c> name</c><00:32:01.600><c> and</c><00:32:
• c><00:32:05.159><c> we</c><00:32:05.320><c> did</c><00:32:05.480><c> not</c><00:32:05.600><c> see</c>
• acquisition</c><00:32:09.960><c> of</c><00:32:10.120><c> the</c><00:32:10.279><c> property</c><00:32
• </c><00:32:11.840><c> and</c><00:32:12.000><c> the</c><00:32:12.080><c> owner</c><00:32:12.399><c> of
• 32:36.919><c> information</c><00:32:37.320><c> for</c><00:32:37.519><c> the</c><00:32:37.679><c> bill

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:32:08.400><c> They</c><00:32:08.600><c> they</c><00:32:08.760><c> take</c><00:32:08.960><c> a</c>
• </c><00:32:11.200><c> That</c><00:32:11.480><c> then</c><00:32:11.720><c> takes</c><00:32:11.960><c>
• c><00:32:13.640><c> on</c><00:32:13.960><c> on</c><00:32:14.120><c> site</c><00:32:14.440><c> with</c
• And<00:32:19.960><c> there</c><00:32:20.120><c> are</c><00:32:20.200><c> ways</c><00:32:20.640><c> of
• </c><00:32:22.600><c> And</c><00:32:23.120><c> and</c><00:32:23.320><c> in</c><00:32:23.440><c> the</

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 83, which would require hotel keepers to give adequate notice of service disruptions to guests and third-party vendors. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Office of Consumer Protection supported the bill but asked for amendments to restore remedies and add a nonwaiver provision, arguing that without penalties the measure would lack consequences and that consumers should not be able to waive the notice rights. Supporters, including Unite Here Local 5 and individual testifiers, said guests deserve transparency and meaningful recourse when disruptions occur, especially for labor disputes, construction, or other service interruptions that affect the experience they paid for. Hotel industry representatives, including the American Hotel and Lodging Association, the Hawaii Hotel Alliance, and hotel workers/testifiers, opposed the bill in its current form while offering amendments. They said the measure was too broad, difficult to implement, and could interfere with collective bargaining, third-party booking systems, and existing contracts. They also argued that some disruptions are not easily known in advance and that the bill unfairly singles out hotels compared with other industries. One testifier emphasized that notice should be required only for actual, known disruptions rather than potential events, and another raised concerns about applying the bill to properties not directly involved in a labor dispute. After the SB 83 testimony, the committee moved on to SB 2798, which would make permanent and expand statewide the agricultural enforcement pilot program created in 2025 and rename it the agricultural enforcement program. The chair introduced the measure and called on the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity as the first testifier, but the transcript excerpt ends before testimony or any vote on SB 2798.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:32:21.600><c> Any</c><01:32:21.920><c> no</c><01:32:22.159><c> votes?
• </c><01:32:25.840><c> Next</c><01:32:26.000><c> up,</c><01:32:26.239><c> Senate</c><01:32:26.560><c>
• :46.560><c> Um</c><01:32:47.280><c> we</c><01:32:47.600><c> are</c><01:32:47.840><c> going</c><01:32:
• with Senate Bill<01:32:52.239><c> 2401</c><01:32:53.679><c> that</c><01:32:53.920><c> will</c><01:32
• </c><01:32:57.360><c> um</c><01:32:57.520><c> that</c><01:32:58.159><c> uh</c><01:32:58.560><c> my</c

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard SB 2627, which would exempt Hawaii Tourism Authority contracts and agreements for sports projects, events, and related marketing from the state procurement code and other competitive bidding requirements. HTA, DBEDT, and the State Procurement Office testified in support or with comments, while one individual offered general support for sports tourism. Senators focused on narrowing the bill so the exemption would apply more specifically to sports-related projects and marketing, rather than broad marketing activities, and discussed whether the bill should require notice to the State Procurement Office or approval by the chief procurement officer. Procurement officials said a reporting requirement would be the most expeditious option, while still allowing post-event monitoring and public posting of exemptions. Members also discussed whether the exemption should be limited to situations involving sole-source sports entities, such as major leagues or international sports organizations, to better justify bypassing procurement rules. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion provided, but members and testifiers agreed to continue working on the language. The hearing then moved to SB 2074 relating to state facilities and naming rights for the Aloha Stadium and Hawaii Convention Center. The Stadium Authority, HTA, and DBEDT testified in support, while the Outdoor Circle and other organizations opposed the measure. Opponents argued the bill could create fiscal and legal risk, echoing concerns raised in prior legislation and by the attorney general, and warned it would mark a major shift by treating public facilities as commercial branding opportunities. Supporters said naming rights could generate significant revenue to help fund the stadium project and reduce the burden on the state and developers. Senators questioned how signage would be handled, especially whether it would be exterior-facing or limited to inward-facing signage, and the Stadium Authority said it was willing to work with the Outdoor Circle on language that would preserve community aesthetics while allowing revenue generation. A senator cited a prior study estimating naming rights could bring in about $1.5 million per year over 20 years, and asked what that revenue would buy for the public; the Stadium Authority responded that it would help advance the project toward a larger, improved stadium. No final action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> to</c><00:32:03.559><c> nursing</c><00:32:04.120><c> uh</c><00:32:04.240><c> we</c><00:32:04.440
• :32:09.039><c> it</c><00:32:09.080><c> was</c><00:32:09.200><c> not</c><00:32:09.320><c> scheduled</c
• Finance<00:32:10.320><c> members</c><00:32:10.639><c> just</c><00:32:10.799><c> to</c><00:32:11.039>
• :32:23.880><c> and</c><00:32:24.039><c> a</c><00:32:24.240><c> defective</c><00:32:24.720><c> date</c
• </c><00:32:26.440><c> and</c><00:32:26.880><c> uh</c><00:32:27.360><c> to</c><00:32:27.480><c> Senate

Keywords: 910, house, all

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

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:32:08.160><c> again,</c><00:32:08.600><c> it</c><00:32:08.760><c> goes</c><00:32:08.960><c> back
• been designated<00:32:15.040><c> for</c><00:32:15.240><c> pensions</c><00:32:15.800><c> when</c><00:
• when we have when<00:32:17.040><c> we</c><00:32:17.160><c> have</c><00:32:17.440><c> the</c><00:32:18.160
• ><c> the</c><00:32:18.280><c> folks</c><00:32:18.560><c> who</c><00:32:18.679><c> are</c> when we have
• </c> in chapter 354, which is the chapter in chapter 354, which is the chapter that<01:02:53.840><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:01.120><c> Minority</c><00:32:01.440><c> Web</c><00:32:01.679><c> has</c><00:32:01.840><c>
• Minority Web has an amendment.<00:32:02.320><c> Pages,</c><00:32:02.720><c> please</c><00:32:02.960><
• And Senator,<00:32:05.360><c> just</c><00:32:05.519><c> give</c><00:32:05.679><c> us</c><00:32:05.840
• ><c> one</c><00:32:06.080><c> moment</c><00:32:06.320><c> to</c><00:32:06.480><c> get</c> Senator, just
• </c><00:32:19.440><c> Explain</c><00:32:19.679><c> the</c><00:32:19.760><c> amendment.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, February 19, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:20.960><c> as</c><00:32:21.040><c> how</c><00:32:21.200><c> to</c><00:32:21.320><c> file</
• , which is a policy<00:32:28.920><c> that</c><00:32:29.080><c> due</c><00:32:29.200><c> to</c><00:32:
• The<00:32:34.200><c> legislation</c><00:32:34.800><c> will</c><00:32:34.880><c> also</c><00:32:35.120
• c> can</c><00:32:43.320><c> be</c><00:32:43.440><c> sold</c><00:32:43.760><c> on</c><00:32:43.840><c>
• This<00:32:46.240><c> would</c><00:32:46.360><c> permit,</c><00:32:46.680><c> for</c><00:32:46.800><c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :46.240><c> tarot</c><00:32:46.640><c> patch</c><00:32:46.880><c> that</c><00:32:47.120><c> we</c><00
• </c><00:32:49.200><c> That's</c><00:32:49.519><c> 30</c><00:32:49.760><c> years</c><00:32:50.000><c>
• ,</c><00:32:53.200><c> it</c><00:32:53.440><c> was</c><00:32:53.519><c> a</c><00:32:53.679><c> community
• were allowed<00:32:57.039><c> to</c><00:32:57.200><c> come</c><00:32:57.519><c> to</c><00:32:57.840>
• </c> 15A to chapter 1441. 15A to chapter 1441.

Bills: HB1952, HB1951, HB1929, HB2497, HB2208, HB2572, HB1737, HB1953, HB2551, HB2549

Keywords: HB1952, Hawaii agriculture, University of Hawaii, CTAHR, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience, Kauai, agricultural research station, extension station, capital improvements, general obligation bonds, GO bonds, appropriation, ADA compliance, Americans with Disabilities Act, certified kitchen, greenhouse, laboratory, field research, cesspool decommissioning, invasive species

Transcript Highlights:

• The board followed the rulemaking procedures in North Dakota, according to North Dakota Chapter 28-32
• Chapter 8503.
• Chapter 8504.06, land exchange.
• The department followed the rulemaking procedures outlined in Century Code Chapter 28-32.
• Chapter 89-11-01...

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first approved the December 3 minutes, then heard a request from the Board of Clinical Laboratory Practice to amend its proposed rule on exempt test methods to add certain closed-system DNA/RNA tests, including rhinovirus. After testimony explaining that the board had considered late comments from BioMérieux and wanted the rule record to reflect that review, the committee agreed to a limited amendment and passed the motion unanimously. The Department of Agriculture then outlined broad rule updates affecting dairy, eggs, poultry, pesticides, animal health, environmental mitigation, and the Egg Product Utilization Commission. The commissioner said the changes mostly clarified existing requirements, updated references, and reduced some burdens, such as easing dairy hauler training/licensing timing and clarifying out-of-state grade A milk language. Members asked about dairy industry decline, the APUC scoring system, and the rationale for the milk-hauler and out-of-state milk provisions. The State Board of Dental Examiners presented extensive rule changes tied to recent legislation and workforce issues, including a new professional health program for dentists, expanded duties for assistants and hygienists, broader local anesthetic authority for hygienists, and fee increases to fund the program and cover administrative costs. Testimony from Dr. Edward May strongly supported the professional health program based on his own recovery experience. The committee also heard from Game and Fish on rules easing some guide/outfitter experience requirements, allowing electronic exams, and modifying boating safety equipment rules, with no public comment and no fiscal impact. Later, Health and Human Services received approval for an extension to update tattoo/body art rules and a separate motion to repeal an obsolete nurse aide training chapter. HHS also described nursing facility rule updates, lodging sanitation revisions, and related clarifications on licensing, safety, pest control, and fire requirements. The Department of Environmental Quality received an extension for septic-system installer rules, and also presented rules for above-ground storage tanks and water/wastewater operator certification, including new fees and third-party testing options. The Industrial Commission’s oil and gas division described multiple rule changes, some withdrawn after comments, including drilling unit flexibility, site stability, wildfire authority, and streamlined transport/reporting procedures. Finally, DPI began presenting several rule packages, including school construction loan limits, school bus standards, cooperative agreements, special education rules for public charter schools, and new math curriculum and intervention requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

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• </c><00:32:22.360><c> football</c><00:32:22.960><c> that</c><00:32:23.160><c> this</c><00:32:23.360><

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first reviewed several Fish and Wildlife regulations. Staff explained amendments to 301 KAR 2:176, 4:112, and 6:030, including updating wildlife control tag language, creating an impoundment agent program for seized wildlife, and clarifying boating safety rules. A member raised a concern about boat wakes near docks, and staff said the commission had recently voted on related changes that were not yet included because the regulation had been filed earlier; those changes would have to come back later. The committee approved the staff amendments without objection. The Board of Veterinary Examiners then presented 201 KAR 16:767, which would require veterinary managers to be physically present during business hours and limit them to five registered facilities. Board representatives said they had tried to meet with affected parties before the hearing but had not reached agreement. A representative for Kentucky Pet IQ argued the rule was written for full-service hospitals and would be impractical for short, limited-service clinics that only provide vaccinations, preventive care, and parasite testing. Members expressed concern about the rule’s impact on veterinary access in underserved areas, and the committee voted to defer the regulation until the next month so the parties could continue negotiating. The committee next considered Transportation Cabinet 601 KAR 9:120, the online insurance verification system, in both ordinary and emergency form. The chair said staff had identified conflicts with a bill passed the prior year and moved to find the regulations deficient. The motion passed on a roll call vote, with six ayes and two pass votes. The committee then found ordinary ABC regulations 804 KAR 12:020 and 12:030 deficient as well, again by six ayes and two pass votes, after noting that the emergency versions had already been found deficient the previous month. Finally, the committee reviewed Cabinet for Health and Family Services 902 KAR 55:110, which would require veterinarians to report dispensed controlled substances to KASPER while exempting administered medications. OIG staff said the rule was meant to align regulation with statute, which includes veterinarians as prescribers, and emphasized that the reporting duty applies to prescriptions, not administration to animals. Some members supported the change as a needed anti-diversion measure, while others worried about implementation burdens and timing. After discussion, the committee found the regulation deficient by a 6-2 vote. The meeting then moved into full review of 922 KAR 1:565, a Department for Community Based Services rule implementing kinship care provisions from Senate Bill 151; staff said it was needed for implementation once funding is available, but a member criticized the two-year delay and the inclusion of language conditioning implementation on funding. A public witness from the Kinship Families Coalition argued the rule should not shift the 120-day application window in a way that could affect federal funding eligibility and urged the committee to reject the regulation as written.

Transcript Highlights:

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• </c><01:32:47.840><c> Can</c><01:32:48.000><c> you</c><01:32:48.320><c> pine</c><01:32:48.560><c> on<

Bills: HB0083, HB0102, HB0178

Keywords: subpoena, legislative authority, penalty, compliance, law enforcement, artificial intelligence, synthetic sexual material, child protection, self-harm, criminal liability, public employment, labor organization, dues withdrawal, collective bargaining, public funding, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

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• </c><00:32:31.200><c> So,</c><00:32:31.919><c> I'll</c><00:32:32.159><c> be</c><00:32:32.320><c> a</c

Keywords: Consideration of HB 139 -- 00:03:15 Consideration of HB 356 -- 00:08:48, 958, all

Summary: The committee first adopted a committee substitute for House Bill 139, which would allow a political party to replace a candidate who dies or withdraws after the filing deadline but before ballot certification. Representative Decker explained the substitute as a narrow election-related fix, and the bill was then passed by the committee on an 11-yes, 1-pass vote and sent to the full House. The committee then heard House Bill 356, which would move the Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) qualification test from a once-every-four-years, Frankfort-based format to administration through the Kentucky Community and Technical College System at multiple locations and times. Representative Bridges said the Department of Revenue would still write and control the exam, KCTCS would only administer it, the fiscal note was zero, and the change would improve access and convenience without weakening standards. KCTCS said it was prepared to help if directed. Members generally agreed PVAs should be tested, but some raised concerns about test integrity, whether a broader testing network could create uneven conditions, and whether the change should instead use a smaller number of regional test sites. Others supported the bill as a common-sense way to expand access and avoid forcing candidates to wait years after missing a single test date. The committee also discussed the lack of a study guide for the exam and whether that should be addressed separately. No final vote on House Bill 356 is reflected in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under annual leave, the chapter title and review, we update. of session.
• 28-32, and are approved as to their legality.
• We proposed a new chapter of North Dakota Administrative Code.
• This chapter contains a total of 37 sections.
• So I agree with you, Senator Myrdal, just pulling up Chapter 53-06.1.

Keywords: 908, all