Transcript Highlights:

• Orders<00:11:00.800> of<00:11:00.839> the<00:11:00.920> day.
• The question<00:11:30.320> is,<00:11:30.520> shall<00:11:30.720> the<00:11:30.800
• Are<00:11:33.760> you<00:11:33.880> ready<00:11:34.120> for<00:11:34.200> the
• If<00:11:35.960> so,<00:11:36.240> all<00:11:36.360> in<00:11:36.480> favor
• The<00:11:40.240> eyes<00:11:40.640> have<00:11:40.960> it,<00:11:41.760> and

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > life<00:11:13.680> histories<00:11:14.839> are<00:11:15.000> part<00:11
• to<00:11:19.760> try<00:11:20.000> to<00:11:20.120> improve<00:11:20.680>
• with<00:11:29.800> the<00:11:29.880> rule<00:11:30.160> 40<00:11:30.560> petition
• 11:44.680> are<00:11:44.800> now<00:11:45.160> currently<00:11:45.839> serving
• would<00:11:46.920> not<00:11:47.200> be<00:11:47.320> able<00:11:47.560>

Bills: SB2479, SB2557, SB2861, SB3204, SB3324, SB3325

Keywords: criminal procedure, family violence, dating violence, child abuse, evidence admissibility, reduced sentencing, homelessness, reporting requirements, statewide office, housing solutions, kauhale projects, public oversight, SB2861, Hawaii, Office of Wellness and Resilience, OWR, Department of Human Services, DHS, Kakou Pilot Program, Kakou

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to criminal procedure, homelessness, family resilience, Medicaid-funded services, and school Medicaid reimbursement. On SB 2479 SD2, the Judiciary testified in neutral opposition with concerns that the bill could require imprisonment even for probation-eligible defendants, expand sentence reconsideration in ways that could undermine finality for victims, conflict with existing sentencing statutes, and require additional judicial resources. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill’s intent but asked for language changes so people serving sentences could raise the new evidence in Rule 40 petitions and so probation would remain available in appropriate felony cases. Written testimony also included opposition from several county prosecutors and police, and support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The chair later deferred SB 2479 SD2, citing unintended consequences and problems with the bill. For SB 2557 SD1, which would require annual reporting by the State Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, the office said it supported the intent but noted it already produces annual and quarterly reports, that some requested data is already available, and that staffing and cost constraints could make the new reporting burdensome. The State Council on Mental Health supported the measure and suggested narrowing the reporting language to data on individuals with serious mental illness or co-occurring behavioral health conditions, to the extent practicable and in collaboration with relevant agencies. A committee member asked about the availability of point-in-time count data, and the office explained that some figures may not be available every year and may need to be generated through HMIS. Dr. Jack Lewin testified in support, saying the data would be useful for understanding health care costs. The committee passed SB 2557 SD1 with amendments, including a deferral of the effective date. The committee also heard SB 2861 SD2 and SB 3204 SD1, both family resilience pilot program measures. For SB 2861 SD2, the Office of Wellness and Resilience and DHS supported the bill but requested amendments to clarify that the office’s role is planning and advisory, that DHS is a key partner, and that federal compliance safeguards are included. The chair raised concerns about overlap with DHS’s existing Ka Ohana program and asked for language to avoid redundancy while allowing the bill to cover other at-risk children; decision-making was deferred to the next hearing. For SB 3204 SD1, which would create a peer-navigator-based family resilience pilot, the Office of Wellness and Resilience and DHS supported the measure, with the office requesting a two-year pilot period, and both agencies and several advocacy groups submitted support. The committee discussed funding, the proposed five peer navigators, and whether the pilot should be limited to one or two geographic areas; no final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee also heard and supported SB 3324 SD1 on Medicaid home and community-based services, with the Department of Health emphasizing caregiver shortages and the cost-effectiveness of community care, and SB 3325 SD1 HD1 on public school Medicaid reimbursement, where DOE and the Attorney General requested clarifying amendments to reporting language and position titles.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.279> and<00:11:00.399> for<00:11:00.560> your<00:11:00.680> for<00:11
• c> it<00:11:02.320> thank<00:11:02.440> you<00:11:02.920> um<00:11:03.079>
• > us<00:11:33.000> a<00:11:33.120> little<00:11:33.240> bit<00:11:33.399>
• <00:11:42.839> that<00:11:43.000> way<00:11:43.240> Senator Kish<00:11:50.160>
• > just<00:11:56.360> um<00:11:56.920> uh<00:11:57.240> as<00:11:57.680>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:03.440> the<00:11:03.639> past<00:11:03.880> and<00:11:04.079> again
• that<00:11:04.880> some<00:11:05.160> veteran<00:11:05.720> organizations<00:11
• :07.800> the<00:11:08.440> flag<00:11:09.440> um<00:11:10.000> you<00:11:
• ><00:11:18.040> great<00:11:18.320> folks<00:11:18.639> I<00:11:18.760> know<
• 11:39.920> uh<00:11:40.040> and<00:11:40.200> this<00:11:40.480> measure<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first dealt with scheduling and housekeeping, including a plan to take a hard break at 2:00 p.m. for an early bill, hold a brief executive session, and then continue with the remaining afternoon bills. The chair also noted the next likely meeting date would be March 12, when the committee expected to take up the remaining bills before crossover deadlines. The main substantive item was House Bill 142, which would recognize the Honor and Remember flag for Gold Star families and related remembrance purposes. Prime sponsor Rep. Michael Moffett described the bill as a bipartisan measure revised to address earlier concerns, arguing that the flag honors fallen service members, can be personalized with names, and complements rather than detracts from the American flag. He said many other states have already adopted it and suggested the committee could amend details such as the number of days and locations for display. He also raised practical issues about flag dimensions and whether the bill should use "shall" or "may" for display requirements. Testimony was divided. Janine Nutter opposed the bill, saying she supports Gold Star families but objected because the flag resembles the Viet Cong flag and because she believes the American flag should remain the sole symbol representing servicemembers. Kevin Grady, representing the State Veterans Advisory Committee under RSA 115:8, also opposed the bill, saying the committee believes the American flag is the only symbol needed, while still praising the work of Honor and Remember in creating personalized flags for families. Committee members asked questions about where the flag would be flown, whether the State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen is already displaying it, and how the bill’s language would interact with cemetery policies and committee discretion. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• > none<00:11:06.040> we'll<00:11:06.200> be<00:11:06.360> moving<00:11:06.600
• > HB<00:11:07.480> 841<00:11:08.480> relating<00:11:08.800> to<00:11:09.000
• > bill<00:11:38.880> however<00:11:39.680> um<00:11:39.920> I<00:11:40.079
• :11:42.120> may<00:11:42.399> have<00:11:42.720> back<00:11:42.920> to<00
• person<00:11:43.519> assigned<00:11:43.880> to<00:11:44.000> this<00:11:44.560><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So,<00:11:42.200> as<00:11:42.360> these<00:11:42.880> young<00:11:43.200> ladies
• <00:11:46.840> for<00:11:47.000> you<00:11:47.160> to<00:11:47.320> know<
• > you<01:11:16.760> have<01:11:17.160> a<01:11:17.240> job<01:11:17.720><
• > saving<01:11:19.360> the<01:11:19.480> lives<01:11:19.960> of<01:11:20.080
• <01:11:48.480> And<01:11:48.640> that<01:11:48.920> is<01:11:49.160> the<

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• on<00:11:01.440> the<00:11:01.600> report<00:11:02.320> and<00:11:02.480>
• <00:11:08.000> Uh<00:11:08.240> we<00:11:08.399> will<00:11:08.560> have<
• up by<00:11:20.480> 11:30<00:11:21.200> to<00:11:21.440> give<00:11:21.680>
• Prescott,<00:11:25.200> the<00:11:25.360> floor<00:11:25.519> is<00:11:25.680>
• Thank<00:11:27.920> you<00:11:28.000> very<00:11:28.160> much,<00:11:28.320>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• style<00:11:02.360> and<00:11:02.560> protocol<00:11:03.240> of<00:11:03.400>
• <00:11:05.400> So<00:11:05.600> they<00:11:05.760> said<00:11:06.280> no,
• <00:11:08.520> So<00:11:08.680> what<00:11:08.960> ended<00:11:09.440> up
• <01:11:11.520> and<01:11:11.720> land<01:11:12.000> chair<01:11:12.280> votes
• <01:11:19.920> Hearing<01:11:20.080> none,<01:11:20.240> Madam<01:11:20.480>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees met on March 19, 2025, to hear HB 966 HD2, which would create statewide standards for agricultural tourism in counties that adopt ag-tourism ordinances. The bill would require registration with county planning departments, require ag-tourism to remain tied to an active farming operation, and end the activity when the agricultural use stops except in limited circumstances. Testimony from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the Agribusiness Development Corporation, the Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Kualoa Ranch, and the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council was generally supportive of the bill’s intent, with several witnesses emphasizing that agritourism can help farm viability, food security, and public education about agriculture. The Hawaii Farm Bureau and several other testifiers supported agritourism but urged strong guardrails, minimal statewide standards, and deference to county home rule. They said agriculture should remain the primary activity, warned against adding burdens to farmers and ranchers, and suggested better enforcement and agricultural expertise within county planning departments. Phil Weber and others argued for objective standards, such as minimum revenue or work-performed thresholds, annual reporting, and clearer compliance tools, and cautioned that the bill’s termination exemption could be too broad if not tightened. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on whether the bill should apply to Department of Agriculture lands, especially ag park lands, and to DLNR lands. Department of Agriculture staff explained that ag park lands currently do not allow agritourism, while non-ag park lands under Act 90 allow limited related activity tied to farm production, with revenue limits and other conditions. Members and witnesses debated how to define and measure agritourism, how to enforce county rules, and whether to exempt ag park parcels or otherwise clarify that existing DOA rules would control. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing, and the chair requested follow-up language from DOA to address possible exemptions and clarify the bill’s application.

Transcript Highlights:

• :11:14.480> seems<00:11:14.800> to<00:11:14.959> work<00:11:15.200> well
• > them<00:11:16.200> and<00:11:16.440> I<00:11:16.720> I<00:11:16.920> I<
• /c><00:11:17.000> thought<00:11:17.120> it<00:11:17.240> was<00:11:17.320> a<
• 11:21.519> your<00:11:21.839> your<00:11:22.399> goal<00:11:22.639> in<00
• bill<00:11:23.200> is<00:11:23.519> in<00:11:23.680> a<00:11:23.839> 6040

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As<00:11:02.560> you<00:11:02.800> know,<00:11:03.920> under<00:11:04.240> current
• :11:06.720> has<00:11:06.959> to<00:11:07.120> expend<00:11:07.519> additional
• are<00:11:44.560> levelized<00:11:45.200> and<00:11:45.440> we<00:11:45.680>
• do<00:11:45.839> not<00:11:46.079> see<00:11:47.279> uh<00:11:48.240> you
• puts<00:11:50.880> again<00:11:51.200> people<00:11:51.440> on<00:11:51.760>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and a declared quorum. The chamber approved the journal, received committee reports, and heard the House message transmitting House Bills 44, 66, 305, 313, 432, and House Joint Resolution 25 for concurrence. New Senate measures were also introduced, including bills on virtual currency kiosks, chronic pain treatments, kindergarten readiness child care incentives, municipal financial reporting, and a highway designation. The floor then took up several bills. Senate Bill 172, relating to utility fuel adjustment, was explained as giving the Public Service Commission authority to spread fuel adjustment surcharges over time to reduce spikes in electric bills; the committee substitute was adopted and the bill passed 38-0. Senate Bill 160, relating to child care centers and an emergency clause, was described as limiting license revocation or suspension to serious violations and adding oversight for new centers; a floor amendment adding the cabinet’s designee to weekly support contacts was adopted, and the bill passed 38-0. Senate Bill 158, concerning vehicle financial protection products, was presented as codifying consumer protections and regulatory standards for gap-type products; it passed 37-0. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 155 on animal health emergencies, which would allow the agriculture commissioner, in consultation with the state veterinarian, to respond more quickly to livestock and poultry emergencies and suspend certain requirements to expedite feed and medicine delivery. Senate Bill 153, addressing harmful and fraudulent practices, was amended and passed 38-0; it codifies fraud-investigation practices, creates a post-disaster contractor registry, and restricts door-to-door solicitations during declared emergencies. Senate Bill 145, updating Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control rules for caterer licenses, passed 35-1, and Senate Bill 118, relating to credit personal property insurance, passed without dissent after a technical committee substitute clarified that gap waivers are excluded and aligned filing rules with existing law. The transcript ends as the chamber moves on to Senate Bill 45 on agritourism, with explanation beginning but no final action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• 11:19.520> don't<01:11:19.760> have<01:11:20.000> a<01:11:20.320> lot<01:
• I<01:11:26.239> want<01:11:26.400> to<01:11:26.480> make<01:11:26.640> it
• <01:11:26.880> clear<01:11:27.120> also<01:11:27.520> because<01:11:27.840> a
• emails<01:11:31.360> from<01:11:31.600> those<01:11:31.920> opposed<01:11
• 01:11:34.880> we<01:11:35.040> did<01:11:35.199> in<01:11:35.360> the this

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:02.040> pool<00:11:02.360> code<00:11:03.079> they've<00:11:03.240>
• > stick<00:11:03.800> with<00:11:03.959> the<00:11:04.120> addition<00:11
• 00:11:07.720> year<00:11:08.040> with<00:11:08.279> SP 437<00:11:12.440> okay
• <00:11:12.720> so<00:11:13.040> far<00:11:14.040> okay<00:11:14.800> all<
• 11:24.360> the<00:11:24.480> issuance<00:11:24.920> of<00:11:25.079> permits<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up HB 428, with Philip Sherman of the Building Code Review Board presenting a detailed amendment intended to reorganize building-code statutes and limit local changes. He said the proposal would move code-related provisions into RSA 155-A, preserve municipalities’ ability to adopt and administer local enforcement mechanisms and additional non-state codes such as housing or property maintenance codes, but prohibit technical amendments to the State Building Code. He also explained that local administrative functions like permits, fees, certificates of occupancy, plan review, and staffing would remain local, while any local ordinance would still need BCRB confirmation. Members discussed the distinction between administrative and technical amendments, the need to keep fire-code provisions separate, and a date error in the draft’s submission deadline; Sherman suggested the effective-date language should be corrected to reference July 1, 2024. The committee did not vote on the amendment and instead agreed to circulate the draft and revisit it in a later subcommittee meeting before bringing it to the full committee. The discussion then shifted to fire-code issues, with State Fire Marshal Sean Tumi explaining that fire-code-related provisions should be cleaned up in the fire-code statutes and that the state should restrict technical local amendments while possibly allowing limited administrative local standards for transparency and operational consistency. He gave examples such as driveway access, sprinkler connections, key boxes, and other fire-system details that could benefit from local standardization if clearly disclosed. He noted that a separate Senate bill, SB 94, may be a more appropriate vehicle for some of the fire-code language. The chair again emphasized the need for further review and scheduled another subcommittee meeting before the matter would go to the full committee. The committee then began HB 244, and Sherman introduced it as a cleanup of the older municipal-building-code provisions scattered through the RSA 67X series. He said the bill would consolidate and update those references, continuing the effort to align municipal enforcement and appeals provisions with the statewide building-code structure. The transcript cuts off before any further action or vote on HB 244.

Transcript Highlights:

• On<00:11:04.040> behalf<00:11:04.280> of<00:11:04.360> the<00:11:04.400> house
• <00:11:04.720> myself<00:11:05.160> as<00:11:05.320> chair, On behalf of the
• Okay.<00:11:11.480> Thank<00:11:11.640> you<00:11:11.720> for<00:11:11.839> your
• <00:11:12.200> work<00:11:12.440> on<00:11:12.520> this.
• c> the<00:11:29.839> chair<00:11:30.160> of<00:11:30.280> the<00:11:30.400><

Bills: SB2876, SB3253, SB2125, SB2781, HB549, HB1768, SB2053, SB2494, SB2851, SB3073, HB1678, HB1721, HB2475, HB2246, HB1667, HB1516, SB2532, SB3131, SB3154, HB2297, HB1737, SB2143, SB2398, SB2623, HB1740, HB1920, HB1682, SB2153, SB3140, HB1515, SB2835, HB2282, SB3083, SB2031, SB2519, SB2667, SB2140, SB2544, SB2069, SB2697, SB874, SB2043, SB888, SB2721, HB2152, HB1334, HB2385, HB1643, HB2314, HB1688, HB1692, SB2568, SB2983, SB2108, SB3136, HB1959, SB3156, HB1511, HB1753, HB1824, HB2137, HB1810, HB2279, HB2309, HB1548, HB2078, HB2293, SB3262, SB2169, SB2607, SB2964, SB3255, HB2576, HB1481, HB1864, HB1550, SB2818, SB3067, SB2061, HB1728, HB1881, HB2361, HB2395, HB1823, SB2050, SB2397, SB2175, SB2852, SB847, SB3001

Keywords: natural hair braiding, hair braiding, braids, braider, braiding license, cosmetology, barbering, barber board, Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, registration, licensure exemption, sanitation training, health and safety, hair extensions, cornrows, twists, locks, protective hairstyles, beauty industry, occupational licensing

Transcript Highlights:

• if<00:11:18.880> they're<00:11:19.040> going<00:11:19.120> to<00:11:19.200><
• c><00:11:24.880> them<00:11:25.040> make<00:11:25.200> the<00:11:25.519> the<
• >> Okay.<00:11:27.360> Um<00:11:27.760> a<00:11:27.920> little<00:11:28.079
• >> We<00:11:44.399> do<00:11:44.560> have<00:11:44.640> a<00:11:44.800>
• :11:51.680> governor<00:11:52.079> kept<00:11:52.399> about<00:11:52.720> 50%

Keywords: Consideration of HB 10 -- 00:03:22 Consideration of HB 456 -- 00:20:47 Consideration of HB 480 -- 00:31:24, 958, all

Summary: The House State Government Committee met and first considered House Bill 10, sponsored by Rep. Hodgson, as amended by a committee substitute. The bill was described as a transition-period ethics and accountability measure for statewide executive offices. It would require preservation of certain records such as emails and texts related to appointments, permits, pardons, contracts, and settlements; create whistleblower immunity for people providing credible evidence of wrongdoing; add extra review for large settlements and certain no-bid contracts; and extend probation periods for some employees who move back into merit positions near an administration change. Members raised concerns about constitutional issues, the Attorney General’s role, the whistleblower immunity provision, and the impact on merit-system employees and subject-matter experts. The committee substitute was adopted, the bill passed the committee 16-0 with four members passing, and a title amendment was also adopted. The committee then took up House Bill 456, sponsored by Rep. Freeland and presented with Deputy State Treasurer Russell Weber. The bill would designate the fourth week of September as Unclaimed Property Week, remove the requirement that the state treasurer live in Franklin County, allow mineral proceeds such as unpaid royalties to be reported as unclaimed property, and require more complete reporting information from holders. Supporters said the changes would help publicize unclaimed property and improve the return of funds to Kentuckians, noting that the office has returned about $88 million so far. Questions focused on why the residency requirement existed, whether the new week would limit claims, and whether the bill treated all constitutional officers consistently. The sponsor said the week was only promotional and claims could still be filed year-round. During discussion of House Bill 456, the chair asked the sponsor to look into a past $250,000 embezzlement reference mentioned in debate. The bill was then put to a roll call vote and passed the committee with 16 yes votes and four pass votes, and the committee moved a title amendment as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> waiting<00:11:02.000> for<00:11:02.160> it<00:11:02.320> to<00:11:02.480>
• :02.959> and<00:11:03.200> then<00:11:03.360> now<00:11:03.519> you<00:11
• <00:11:05.200> So<00:11:06.480> to<00:11:06.880> address<00:11:07.200> that
• :11:13.760> of<00:11:14.160> the<00:11:14.399> data<00:11:14.720> that Each
• >> Anyway,<01:11:06.640> you<01:11:06.800> guys<01:11:07.120> should<01:11

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:11:05.200> then<00:11:05.440> yesterday<00:11:06.079> morning,<00:11:07.279
• <00:11:11.440> and<00:11:12.000> it<00:11:12.320> has<00:11:12.480> been<
• 46 years<00:11:13.680> since<00:11:13.920> they<00:11:14.079> brought<00:11:14.320
• :11:15.680> did<00:11:15.839> play<00:11:16.079> on<00:11:16.240> the<00:
• 11:16.399> O2<00:11:16.800> and medal.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with a motion to dispense with further roll call proceedings and bring in absent members, then heard a prayer and pledge. A quorum was established, with Senator Carlson noted as voting remotely. The chamber adopted the printed committee reports, except those relating to appointments, which were laid on the table. Several new bills were introduced and given first reading, including SF 3733, SF 3734, SF 3755, and SF 3780, all referred to human services or health and human services committees as announced. Under motions and resolutions, Senator Kunesh added Senator Housley as a co-author to SF 3593 and SF 3594, and SF 2909 was stricken from the calendar. Senator Fate successfully moved SF 3629 from Judiciary and Public Safety to State and Local Government. Senate Resolutions 60 and 61 were referred to Rules and Administration without action. The Senate then adopted SR 62 and SR 63, both recognizing Senate employees for years of dedicated service; Senator Murphy explained that the resolutions honored staff service milestones and, in SR 63, session-only staff. Later, Senator Hley offered a brief announcement celebrating Minnesota connections to recent Olympic hockey results, highlighting women’s and men’s gold-medal teams and naming several Minnesota players. The session concluded with a motion by Senator Murphy to adjourn until Thursday, February 26 at 11:00 a.m., which was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right.<00:11:39.120> Uh<00:11:39.600> seeing<00:11:40.000> none<00:11:40.399
• I<00:11:43.200> would<00:11:43.279> just<00:11:43.440> like<00:11:43.600> to<
• /c><00:11:44.079> uh<00:11:44.320> renew<00:11:44.720> my<00:11:44.959> motion
• I think this<00:11:51.120> would<00:11:51.279> help<00:11:51.600> provide<00:11:
• <00:11:56.560> And<00:11:56.800> thank<00:11:56.959> you<00:11:57.120> for

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:11:12.959> Captive<00:11:13.440> insurer<00:11:14.000> shall<00:11:14.399><
• Officers<00:11:23.680> and<00:11:23.920> directors<00:11:24.959> any<00:11:25.279
• Replace lines<00:11:29.200> 613<00:11:29.760> on<00:11:30.000> page<00:11:30.240
• :11:37.839> replace<00:11:38.160> line<00:11:38.399> 641<00:11:38.959> on
• > the<00:11:40.160> following<00:11:41.120> um<00:11:41.519> annual<00:11

Bills: HB415, HB419, SB219, SB170

Keywords: police abuse registry, law enforcement registry, officer assault, assault on police, resisting arrest, battery on law enforcement, law enforcement injury fund, Back the Blue Act, Attorney General, clemency, pardon, commutation, rehabilitation costs, medical costs, public safety, criminal records, background checks, registry removal fee, privacy, due process

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.120> not<00:11:00.320> going<00:11:00.519> to<00:11:00.720> pay<00:11
• > thank<00:11:03.079> you<00:11:03.240> Mr<00:11:03.800> Rachel<00:11:04.800
• 11:11.440> you<01:11:11.520> Senator<01:11:11.880> Weber<01:11:12.440> um
• > you<01:11:14.600> like<01:11:14.719> to<01:11:14.840> go<01:11:15.040><
• 01:11:18.800> you<01:11:18.960> chair<01:11:19.280> Dr<01:11:19.520> Kowski

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Tax Committee first approved the minutes from the previous meeting and then took up Senate File 11 at the request of the Judiciary Committee. The bill was removed from the table, recommended to pass, and referred to Judiciary. Members explained that the request was tied to data practices language in the bill and Judiciary’s jurisdiction over that subject. The committee then heard Senate File 268, as amended by the A1 amendment. Senator Nelson said the bill would extend a sales tax exemption for certain physician-prescribed, non-durable medical goods to publicly and privately held health plans, aligning them with treatment already given to Medicare, Medicaid, and other government-paid plans. Testifiers from Corner Home Medical and the industry said current tax rules are confusing, audits are burdensome and expensive, and providers often end up paying tax themselves because insurers do not pay retroactively. They argued the bill would reduce administrative burden and create parity in the tax code. The committee adopted the A1 amendment and laid the bill over. Finally, the committee heard Senate File 88, also amended by an A1 technical change. Senator Klein said the bill is intended to prevent the Department of Revenue from issuing retroactive assessments when taxpayers relied in good faith on prior audit guidance, so long as there was no material change in law, court interpretation, federal adjustment, or written notice from the commissioner. Department of Revenue staff said they had no formal position but explained how the bill would affect sample audits and noted it would require more detailed written guidance; they said normal audits would not change much. Supporters from the CPA Society and several senators said the bill would provide certainty and protect taxpayers from unexpected back taxes, while one senator questioned whether the bill was needed and whether it would bypass settlement or litigation. The bill was laid over after discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 1191, senate, all