Transcript Highlights:

• :02.719><c> a</c><01:32:02.960><c> claim</c><01:32:03.679><c> that</c><01:32:04.639><c> for</c><01:32
• 32:17.040><c> who</c><01:32:17.360><c> then</c><01:32:17.840><c> wants</c><01:32:18.159><c> to</c> um
• It<01:32:23.199><c> would,</c><01:32:23.360><c> but</c><01:32:23.600><c> it</c><01:32:23.760><c> would
• ><c> that</c><01:32:25.199><c> agent</c><01:32:25.520><c> was</c><01:32:25.760><c> operating</c><01:32
• &gt;&gt; Yeah.<01:32:41.840><c> So</c><01:32:42.880><c> you're</c><01:32:43.360><c> saying</c><01:32:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > uh</c><00:32:03.279><c> we</c><00:32:03.600><c> discovered</c><00:32:04.000><c> that</c><00:32:04.480
• Um and<00:32:09.360><c> so</c><00:32:10.320><c> um</c><00:32:10.480><c> we</c><00:32:10.720><c> asked
• <00:32:17.120><c> to</c><00:32:17.360><c> show</c><00:32:17.519><c> that</c><00:32:17.679><c> they</c
• &gt;&gt; And<01:32:55.920><c> to</c><01:32:56.080><c> be</c><01:32:56.239><c> clear,</c><01:32:56.480
• </c> chapter 13A. chapter 13A.

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.200><c> of</c><00:32:00.320><c> a</c><00:32:00.519><c> licensed</c><00:32:01.240><c> and</c><00:32
• I can't<00:32:05.320><c> make</c><00:32:05.559><c> that</c><00:32:05.760><c> statement</c><00:32:06.519
• 32:10.279><c> I</c><00:32:10.399><c> won't</c><00:32:10.679><c> take</c><00:32:10.799><c> a</c><00:32
• ><c> has</c><00:32:22.440><c> anything</c><00:32:22.720><c> to</c><00:32:22.840><c> do</c><00:32:23.000
• but I do want to clear<00:32:25.200><c> up</c><00:32:25.440><c> one</c><00:32:25.919><c> uh</c><00:32

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the</c><00:32:07.399><c> sheriffs</c><00:32:08.159><c> were</c><00:32:08.480><c> in</c><00:32:09.799>
• 13.000><c> referring</c><00:32:13.320><c> to</c><00:32:13.600><c> no</c><00:32:13.720><c> no</c><00:32
• moved</c><00:32:22.080><c> out</c><00:32:22.360><c> the</c><00:32:22.600><c> salary</c><00:32:23.039
• :32:25.360><c> and</c><00:32:25.480><c> then</c><00:32:25.679><c> put</c><00:32:25.840><c> it</c> and
• c> so</c><00:32:34.840><c> when</c><00:32:35.120><c> the</c><00:32:35.600><c> when</c><00:32:35.720><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee met on February 12 at 2 p.m. and heard several measures related to corrections, re-entry, law enforcement, retirement benefits, and gun violence prevention. On HB 10002, which would extend the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission coordinator’s term and clarify unannounced inspection authority, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said it had no objection to the term length or to 24/7 unannounced access. The commission’s chair, Commissioner Mark Patterson, asked for a longer term, saying the commission needs more time and stability to manage reform efforts after years without staff during COVID. Community Alliance on Prisons and Carolyn Eaton also supported a longer term, with both suggesting six years would better insulate the position from politics. The chair noted he had asked Chair Bot for background on the prior committee’s changes and said that could be discussed during decision-making. The committee then heard HB 67, which would require DCR to help inmates obtain civil identification documents such as IDs, birth certificates, and Social Security cards as soon as practicable, including for people in furlough or community placement programs. DCR said it supported the bill and described ongoing work with the city and county on ID machines and with agencies on certificates and Social Security cards. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Oversight Commission, Community Alliance on Prisons, and the Office of Public Defense all supported the measure, emphasizing that identification is essential for housing, employment, and successful re-entry and noting the disproportionate impact of incarceration on Native Hawaiians. On HB 1183, which would classify certain law enforcement administrators and Department of Law Enforcement employees as Class A members for retirement purposes, the Department of Human Resources Development, the Employees’ Retirement System, and the Department of Law Enforcement all supported the bill. DHRD said it would help recruitment and retention, ERS said it had technical amendments to suggest, and DLE said the change would help with succession planning and allow the governor to appoint the most qualified leader. The committee also heard HB 1045, an emergency appropriation bill to cover payroll fringe benefits for Department of Law Enforcement personnel after salary funding had been shifted to other departments; Budget and Finance and DLE explained the need for the supplemental funding, and no opposition was noted. Finally, the committee took up HB 664, which would create an Office of Gun Violence Prevention, a grant program, a resource bank, and a special fund. The Attorney General recommended adding standards for grant awards and warned of overlap with the existing Gun Violence and Violent Crimes Commission, suggesting consolidation and repeal of the older commission to avoid duplication. Supporters included the Brady Campaign, Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action Hawaii, a physician, and an Army veteran, who argued the office would centralize data, coordinate prevention efforts, and help secure outside funding. Testimony was mixed, with the chair noting 37 supporters, nine opponents, and three commenters, but no vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> bill</c><00:32:01.919><c> that</c><00:32:02.240><c> will</c><00:32:02.480><c> cut</c><00:32:02.640
• ><c> of</c><00:32:03.519><c> Education</c><00:32:04.159><c> funding</c><00:32:04.960><c> by</c><00:32
• These<00:32:09.200><c> cuts</c><00:32:09.919><c> will</c><00:32:10.240><c> be</c><00:32:10.480><c> devastating
• </c><02:32:52.880><c> except</c><02:32:53.280><c> one</c><02:32:53.680><c> motion</c><02:32:54.000><c
• </c><02:32:56.479><c> Upon</c><02:32:56.800><c> adoption</c><02:32:57.200><c> of</c> Section 6.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1054, an act amending Title 9, Chapter 4, and Title 11, Chapter 2, Article 4, Arizona Revised
• Senate Bill 1494, an act amending section 13-37-307, 32-281, 24-49, 32-321, 32-1854, and 36-40...
• Senate Bill 1544, an act amending Title 19, Chapter 9, Section 13-9-22, relating to probation.
• Senate Bill 1585, an act amending Title 13, Chapter 38, relating to sex offender monitoring.
• Senate Bill 1827, amending Title 41, Chapter 1, Article 1, Section 41-1727, relating to aviation.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:32:08.480><c> Seeing</c><00:32:08.799><c> none,</c><00:32:09.200><c> members</c><00:32:09.679><c>
• Okay,<00:32:12.159><c> seeing</c><00:32:12.480><c> none,</c><00:32:12.799><c> we'll</c><00:32:13.039>
• </c><00:32:14.320><c> And</c><00:32:14.480><c> this</c><00:32:14.720><c> would</c><00:32:14.880><c> be
• </c><00:32:21.039><c> Uh</c><00:32:21.360><c> establishes</c><00:32:21.840><c> a</c><00:32:22.000><c>
• ><c> And</c><00:32:52.320><c> we</c><00:32:52.559><c> have</c><00:32:52.880><c> late</c><00:32:53.279

Bills: SB2543, SB2435, SB2352

Keywords: state construction, construction manager, design review, public works, capital improvement, DAGS, Department of Accounting and General Services, DOE, Department of Education, comptroller, pilot program, design review special fund, county permit review, accessibility compliance, Disability and Communication Access Board, state infrastructure, government construction, project oversight, civil service exemption, county agencies

Summary: The Committee on Government Operations reconvened on February 10, 2026, to take up measures previously heard on February 5. It advanced SB 2983 on criminal destruction of trees with technical, non-substantive amendments and a committee report note asking Judiciary to clarify that removal of invasive species remains allowed; the measure passed with one no vote. SB 2930 on the state risk management revolving fund also passed with amendments, including blanking out the amount, setting a defective date, and directing Ways and Means to review a spreadsheet before further action. The committee likewise passed SB 2928 on making the small business procurement program permanent and SB 2970 on standards of conduct for state agency contracts, adopting the Ethics Commission’s recommended language assigning compliance responsibility to department directors and deputy directors. SB 2927 and SB 3068 on procurement were deferred to a time certain on February 12, and SB 3015 on personal information, SB 2929 on public notice, and SB 2938 on search and rescue were also deferred for further discussion or to avoid re-referral issues. SB 2662 on external consultants was amended to remove a cap and preemptive approval language, narrow the expertise standard, and note possible auditor staffing or appropriation needs; it then passed with amendments. The joint GVO-EIG hearing then took up SB 2543 on state construction projects and an Office of the State Construction Manager within DAGS. Testimony from the Hawaii Iron Workers Stabilization Fund strongly supported the bill, saying it could reduce wasteful spending on large design-build projects and free money for tax credits and other public needs. DAGS, the University of Hawaii, and DLNR offered written comments, while one witness from KIC opposed the measure and asked for an exemption for member-owned electric cooperatives. A Hawaii Solar Energy Association witness also supported the bill but asked that landscape architects be excluded from the bill’s definition of design professionals, and Rocky Mold said Kauai permitting was efficient enough that he had no objection to carving it out. The committee adopted amendments from DNR, DAGS, and UH and passed SB 2543. The hearing also considered SB 2435 on EV charging infrastructure at state facilities. DAGS and the Hawaii State Energy Office supported the concept and explained that the goal was to retrofit managed parking facilities with infrastructure that can meet current and future EV needs, while acknowledging that some stalls can sit unused and that the state must balance space and enforcement. Members raised concerns about whether dedicating 25% of stalls to EV charging would reduce usable parking, and about rural and Big Island conditions where EV range and battery capacity remain limiting. The discussion noted that DOT, DNR, DOE, and DOH may have their own parking facilities outside DAGS control. The committee then indicated it would broaden the bill to apply to all state agencies and lower the threshold in response to member concerns, with final action not fully shown in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:28.159><c> Gavin</c><00:32:28.720><c> Guffy,</c><00:32:30.159><c> the</c><00:32:30.399><c>
• Representative<00:32:33.360><c> Brandon</c><00:32:33.840><c> Guffy</c><00:32:34.320><c> of</c><00:32:
• These<00:32:40.159><c> are</c><00:32:40.240><c> names</c><00:32:40.559><c> of</c><00:32:40.720><c> kids
• uh dis disabled<01:32:04.320><c> folks,</c><01:32:04.639><c> which</c><01:32:04.880><c> I</c><01:32:
• I would have<01:32:06.480><c> a</c><01:32:07.040><c> a</c><01:32:07.360><c> hard</c><01:32:07.600><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:32:05.200><c> and</c><00:32:05.440><c> now</c><00:32:05.600><c> we're</c><00:32:05.760><c> being</
• here</c><00:32:09.679><c> to</c><00:32:09.840><c> tell</c><00:32:09.919><c> you</c><00:32:10.159><c>
• </c><00:32:22.080><c> Um</c><00:32:22.480><c> this</c><00:32:22.720><c> is</c><00:32:22.880><c> just<
• Uh<00:32:26.799><c> the</c><00:32:26.960><c> way</c><00:32:27.120><c> this</c><00:32:27.279><c> bill<
• /c><00:32:27.440><c> has</c><00:32:27.600><c> been</c><00:32:27.840><c> changed</c><00:32:28.080><c>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several housing, landlord-tenant, and condominium-related measures. Senate Bill 62, relating to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority, would allow HPHA-owned parcels and related areas such as parking lots to be closed to the public with posted signage; HPHA strongly supported the bill, saying it would help reduce loitering, drinking, and other problems, and no further testimony was offered. Senate Bill 822, relating to the landlord tenant code, would create a three-year working group in the Department of the Attorney General to study and improve the residential landlord-tenant code. The Judiciary supported the measure but said the scope should be narrowed; the Attorney General opposed leading the group and suggested another agency should do so; Hawaii Realtors and the Hawaii Worker Center supported the concept and suggested moving the chairmanship to the Judiciary and including Legal Aid participation. The Judiciary said it could chair the group if the bill were narrowed to matters within the court’s purview. Senate Bill 38, relating to housing, would limit counties from imposing stricter conditions, AMI requirements, or fee-waiver reductions on certain affordable housing proposals if those changes would increase project costs. HHFDC supported the bill, saying county changes after state approval create uncertainty for developers, while the Hawaii State Association of Counties opposed it as an intrusion on local authority and a restriction on county safety and infrastructure conditions. Members asked about whether existing county review periods were sufficient, and the county association said the main concern was the bill’s language limiting counties from making cost-increasing conditions. Senate Bill 146, relating to condominiums, would revise alternative dispute resolution procedures for condo disputes, including evaluative mediation and binding arbitration. The Hawaii Real Estate Commission said it took no position overall but supported a $150 mediation fee and asked for a similar arbitration fee; Community Associations Institute supported the bill with suggested amendments; however, most testimony was strongly opposed by condominium owners and advocates, who said the bill had been changed to the detriment of owners and would increase costs and reduce protections. The committee noted 44 testimonies on the bill, with 2 in support, 37 in opposition, and 2 with comments. Senate Bill 253, relating to condominium reserves, would require a detailed budget summary to stand on its own, remove a good-faith defense for certain noncompliant budgets, and clarify standing and the association’s burden regarding substantial compliance. Hawaii Realtors and Community Associations Institute supported the measure as improving transparency and giving owners and buyers a clearer picture of association finances. Greg Msakian also supported it, arguing it would help owners and describing problems he experienced with budget committee exclusion and budget noncompliance in his own association. The discussion ended while testimony on the bill was still underway, with additional witnesses expected.

Transcript Highlights:

• :04.159><c> a</c><00:32:04.480><c> child</c><00:32:04.799><c> did</c><00:32:05.039><c> get</c><00:32:
• <00:32:06.480><c> became</c><00:32:06.880><c> violently</c><00:32:07.600><c> ill</c><00:32:07.760><c>
• in the hospital.<00:32:19.840><c> Had</c><00:32:20.159><c> the</c><00:32:20.480><c> parent</c><00:32:
• um<00:32:46.080><c> in</c><00:32:46.320><c> in</c><00:32:47.159><c> those</c><00:32:48.600><c> years<
• </c><00:32:54.559><c> And</c><00:32:54.799><c> I</c><00:32:55.039><c> think</c><00:32:55.120><c> it's

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> comply with KRS chapter 13A. comply with KRS chapter 13A.
• &gt;&gt; There<00:32:13.120><c> is</c><00:32:13.240><c> no</c><00:32:13.480><c> state</c><00:32:13.880
• /c><00:32:18.960><c> break</c><00:32:19.240><c> down</c><00:32:19.520><c> the</c><00:32:19.640><c> three-part
• <00:32:23.800><c> one</c><00:32:23.920><c> of</c><00:32:24.000><c> the</c><00:32:24.120><c> parts?
• &gt;&gt; The<00:32:26.120><c> all</c><00:32:26.440><c> three</c><00:32:26.800><c> parts</c><00:32:27.280

Keywords: 958, all

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Chapter 9: The edict commanded by the king was to be carried out.
• Senate Bill 1458, an act amending Sections 32-1904 and 32-1927.0, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating
• Senate Bill 1458, an act amending Sections 32-1904 and 32-1927.0, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating
• Senate Bill 1616, an act amending Sections 32-12-13, 32-31, and 32-12-31, and 32-37-A, Arizona Revised
• Senate Bill 1668, an act amending Sections 32-6-25, 32-6-36, and 32-8-31, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, guest introductions, and approval of the journal. The chamber then moved through several Committee of the Whole calendars, considering a large number of bills and resolutions, mostly on second reading or in committee-of-the-whole format. Most measures were advanced with do-pass recommendations, often after adopting committee or floor amendments. Among the early items, SB 1515 (Industrial Commission revisions), SB 1645 (Auditor General performance audit), SB 1678 (health facilities), and SCR 1023 (Independent Redistricting Commission changes) were debated and approved. SCR 1023 drew the most discussion, with supporters arguing it would add geographic diversity, expand the commission to three Democrats, three Republicans, and three independents, and tighten population deviation standards to 5,000 people; opponents warned it could skew the commission and reduce nonpartisanship. The Senate also adopted amendments and advanced SB 1399, SB 1507, SB 1564, SB 1621, SB 1629, and SB 1811, with topics including AHCCCS cost reports, school district consolidation, electronic monitoring in long-term care, obesity prevention, behavioral health network adequacy, and public-school internet/wireless device issues. Later calendars addressed elections, public safety, and criminal justice. The Senate advanced SB 1134 (political signs) with an emergency clause, SB 1489 (ballot measures and circulators) after removing certain paid-circulator disclosure requirements, and SB 1725 and SCR 1048 concerning marijuana smoke as a public/private nuisance, shifting much of the issue into civil law and leaving only substantial, deliberate conduct on the criminal side. In public safety, SB 1416 on missing and kidnapped children reporting was amended to require law-enforcement training every two years and documentation of online information-sharing decisions; senators clarified it did not alter the Turquoise Alert. SB 1751 and SCR 1049, both related to capital punishment, were amended to make firing squad an available option rather than a mandatory method in certain cases, with one senator speaking in opposition to the death penalty. The Senate also advanced SB 1012, SB 1573, SB 1661, SB 1662, SB 1569, SB 1634, SB 1647, SB 1655, and SB 1664, covering concealed weapons notice appeals, judicial determinations and religious secular laws, paternity/genetic testing support, probation conditions, election-related voter registration and signature handling, foreign campaign contributions, election worker summonsing, and nomination petition signatures. Several bills were retained or moved between calendars, and the Committee of the Whole reports were adopted, sending the listed bills forward as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• :36.720><c> of</c><00:32:36.960><c> Minnesota</c><00:32:37.519><c> that</c><00:32:37.840><c> are</c><
• </c><00:32:40.880><c> There</c><00:32:41.120><c> about</c><00:32:41.440><c> 15</c> the Department of
• </c><00:32:51.279><c> in</c><00:32:51.519><c> the</c><00:32:51.679><c> state.
• We have a<00:32:52.799><c> couple</c><00:32:53.039><c> concerns</c><00:32:54.000><c> with</c><00:32:54.320
• ><c> the</c><00:32:54.480><c> bill</c><00:32:55.039><c> and</c><00:32:55.279><c> I</c><00:32:55.600><

Bills: HF3806, HF2687, HF497

Keywords: housing, infrastructure bonds, funding, appropriation, Minnesota Statutes, HF2687, single-family homes, corporate landlords, corporate ownership, real estate investment trust, REIT, landlord registry, landlord database, tenant transparency, housing affordability, homeownership, deed tax, transfer tax, property tax, affordable housing

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:01.600><c> we</c><00:32:01.760><c> lose</c><00:32:02.080><c> in</c><00:32:02.240><c> every
• we</c><00:32:03.840><c> have</c><00:32:04.159><c> six</c><00:32:04.480><c> airlines</c><00:32:04.960>
• </c><00:32:08.640><c> A</c><00:32:09.120><c> a</c><00:32:09.360><c> total</c><00:32:09.760><c> of</c>
• </c><00:32:12.159><c> We</c><00:32:12.399><c> losing</c><00:32:12.960><c> on</c><00:32:13.279><c> airfare
• </c><00:32:19.279><c> In</c><00:32:19.519><c> one</c><00:32:19.760><c> month,</c><00:32:20.000><c> we

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Economic Development Technology Committee met on April 17, 2025, to hear STR 121, a resolution to form a working group to explore legalized gaming in Hawaii. Supporters, including DBED, labor representatives, and some industry interests, argued the measure would allow the state to gather more information, consider economic growth, job creation, investment, and tax revenue, and include a range of viewpoints before any final policy decision. Several supporters emphasized that a working group would help ensure informed decision-making and community input. Opponents argued that legalized gambling would disproportionately harm low-income residents and Native Hawaiians, increase addiction and related social harms, and bring crime, corruption, and human trafficking. Some cited examples from other states, illegal game rooms in Hawaii, and concerns that gambling revenue would be limited while social costs would be high. Others said the conversation should be led by local communities rather than industry stakeholders, and one testifier requested community representation on any working group for a potential stadium-area project. The committee also heard from witnesses who framed the measure as a way to address money leaving the state and to create a regulated alternative to illegal gambling. No vote or final action on STR 121 was taken during the hearing, and the chair noted the committee would need to adjourn in time for floor session if the hearing ran long.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:32:03.120><c> two</c><00:32:03.440><c> points</c><00:32:04.000><c> uh</c><00:32:04.080><c> in<
• the one<00:32:04.799><c> minute</c><00:32:05.039><c> that</c><00:32:05.200><c> I</c><00:32:05.440><c>
• environmental compliance with chapter<01:32:54.719><c> 343</c><01:32:55.679><c> to</c><01:32:56.719>
• <c> white</c><01:32:56.960><c> list</c><01:32:57.440><c> to</c><01:32:57.920><c> catch</c> chapter 343
• to white list to catch chapter 343 to white list to catch limits<01:32:58.880><c> required</c><01:32

Bills: SB1406, SB521, SB3247, SB1654, SB1112, SB1301, SB2443, SB2996

Keywords: historic preservation, burial sites, DHHL, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, DLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, section 6E-8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, Hawaii Register of Historic Places, National Register of Historic Places, cultural resources, archaeology, land use review, environmental review, state historic preservation officer, Hawaiian home lands, project permits, consultation, concurrence, nonconcurrence

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures affecting Hawaiian affairs, historic preservation, water access, and land governance. SB 1406 would let the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands assume historic preservation review for projects on lands under its jurisdiction, except for properties listed or nominated for the state or national historic registers. DHHL supported the bill, while a descendant testifier strongly opposed it, arguing that burial and preservation review protects ancestors and should not be streamlined or reduced. No questions were raised and the bill was moved on after testimony. SB 521 would require DHHL to work with county water boards or water departments to provide potable and agricultural water on Hawaiian homelands, with agreements made public. DHHL said it already works with counties but objected to the bill’s mandatory language, saying it could undermine the department’s discretion and independence. A public testifier supported the measure, and committee discussion focused on how water requirements could affect subsistence lots and infrastructure decisions. The committee then took up SB 3247, which would create a Royal Mausoleum Commission within DLNR to oversee preservation, operations, and outreach at Mauna Ala. State Parks said it valued existing collaboration with the aliʻi trusts but wanted clarity on roles, coordination, and funding if a new commission is created. The Royal Order of Kamehameha strongly supported the bill as a culturally grounded way to protect the site, while several other testifiers opposed it, saying the real issue is the curator selection process and warning that a commission could add bureaucracy and delay. The committee also heard SB 1654, authorizing transfer of certain state lands to DHHL, and SB 112, which would add the DHHL chair or designee to the Hawaii Community Development Authority; the Attorney General and HCDA offered technical and policy comments, with HCDA opposing the board change and DHHL supporting participation to protect beneficiary interests. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

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• </c><00:32:49.679><c> You</c><00:32:49.840><c> got</c><00:32:49.919><c> to</c><00:32:50.080><c> do</c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Under annual leave, the chapter title and review, we updated.
• 28-32, and are approved as to their legality.
• We proposed a new chapter of the North Dakota Administrative Code.
• This chapter contains a total of 37 sections.
• It's Chapter 99-01.3-09-01. Poker buy-in is increased from $300 to $1,500.

Summary: The committee approved the March 12, 2026 minutes and granted the Board of Medicine an extension of time to implement rule changes tied to House Bill 1620/1622, which concern North Dakota’s entry into the physician assistant licensure compact. The Board said it is waiting on compact rules, especially fee structures, before finalizing its own rules. The committee then took up extensive Office of Management and Budget personnel rule revisions, covering salary administration, recruitment, leave policies, funeral leave, service awards, appeals, and shared leave. OMB said the changes modernize HR practices and implement recent legislation, including new hire leave and enhanced annual leave for hard-to-fill positions; the committee raised concerns about the subjectivity and fairness of the hard-to-fill leave provisions, but no action was taken against the rules. The North Dakota Lottery presented emergency and regular rule changes, including updates tied to the Millionaire for Life game and miscellaneous clarifications. The Board of Examiners for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology described rule updates that add speech-language pathology assistants to the rules, ease continuing education requirements for out-of-state applicants, expand temporary licensure, and clarify supervision standards. The State Electrical Board reviewed numerous code updates, including changes to electrical and fire alarm standards, receptacle labeling, countertop receptacles, and a major new conveyance/elevator inspection program added by the Legislature; the board said it is preparing to begin inspections by August 1. The Industrial Commission’s Geological Survey Division presented new rules implementing House Bill 1459 on critical minerals in coal-bearing formations, including permit, reporting, confidentiality, and royalty-related provisions. The committee asked about confidentiality of exploration data and drilling depth. The Public Employees Retirement System outlined rule changes implementing several bills affecting defined benefit, public safety, defined contribution, insurance, deferred compensation, and retiree health credit programs, and noted possible future proposals to add state EMS or create a LOSAP-style plan. The Department of Health and Human Services presented substance use disorder voucher rules implementing House Bill 1012, including allowing individuals to apply directly and setting reimbursement procedures; the rules were expected to have a $250,000 general fund impact already included in the budget. The longest discussion involved the Gaming Commission rules. Members questioned whether the commission had authority to raise poker tournament buy-ins from $300 to $1,500, viewing it as an expansion of gaming rather than a mere clarification. After debate, the committee voted to void that specific rule section for lack of statutory authority. The rest of the gaming rules covered higher raffle limits from House Bill 1192, the change from “bar” to “alcoholic beverage establishment,” veterans’ organization proceeds, credit ticket voucher kiosks, online raffles, and advertising restrictions; the presenter said several public comments led to revisions or withdrawals of proposed language. The meeting ended with discussion of upcoming Ethics Commission travel-reporting rules and scheduling the next committee meeting in September.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 407.12.01, scope of chapter. We added to the scope, except where indicated.
• 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.
• It’s Chapter 99-01.3-09-01. Poker buy-in is increased from $300 to $1,500.

Summary: The Administrative Rules Committee met on June 11 and first approved the March 12, 2026 minutes by voice vote. It then granted the Board of Medicine an extension of time to implement rules tied to recent legislation, including North Dakota’s participation in the physician assistant licensure compact and a new physician nutrition continuing education requirement. The Board said it was waiting on compact rules and fee information before finalizing its own changes. The committee heard a lengthy presentation from the Office of Management and Budget on broad personnel rule revisions, including salary administration, recruitment, leave, sick leave, funeral leave, service awards, appeals, and shared leave. OMB said the changes modernize HR language and implement recent legislation such as enhanced annual leave for hard-to-fill positions and new hire leave. Members questioned the hard-to-fill leave provisions, but OMB and counsel said those standards come from statute, not the rules. The committee also heard and accepted rule packages from the Lottery, the Board of Examiners for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, the State Electrical Board, the Industrial Commission, PERS, and Health and Human Services, with each agency describing mostly technical, clarifying, or statutory-conforming changes and noting the public notice and comment process. The most significant action came during the Gaming Commission rules presentation. After questioning whether the commission had authority to raise the poker tournament buy-in limit from $300 to $1,500, members moved to void Section 99-01.3-09-01 on the ground that the agency lacked statutory authority for that change. The motion passed on a roll call vote. The committee also discussed several gaming-related issues, including online raffles, kiosk use, advertising restrictions, and the broader policy question of whether charities should be allowed to own bars, but took no further formal action on those topics.

Transcript Highlights:

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Bills: HB1769

Keywords: criminal justice reform, rehabilitation, private prisons, racial equity, Native Hawaiians, community well-being, mass incarceration, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1769, which would require the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to incrementally reduce the number of people incarcerated in private out-of-state correctional institutions. The DCR director opposed the bill, saying the department does not control overall prison population levels because courts determine admissions, and arguing that Hawaiʻi’s in-state facilities are already over capacity, especially Halawa, which he said is 165% over design capacity. He said only a small portion of the population is under departmental control through furlough programs and argued that bringing people home would require building a new medium-security prison. Supporters, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, the Public Defender’s office, and several individuals, argued the bill creates a phased, accountable path to reduce reliance on mainland prisons and bring people home. Supporters emphasized the harms of separating incarcerated people from ʻohana and culture, the disproportionate impact on Native Hawaiians, and the need for diversion, treatment, re-entry support, and fair sentencing. Several testifiers also said the department has more control than it claimed, pointing to underused furlough options, reclassification, and empty beds at some in-state facilities, while others urged clearer statutory language and guardrails. Members questioned the director about whether people could be reclassified or moved to available beds at facilities such as Kulani and Waiawa, and about whether the department could do more through staffing and contract changes. The director said some proposals had been sent to the Department of Human Resource Development, but that major facility changes would be costly and that minimum-security facilities would need substantial upgrades to house medium-security inmates. After discussion, the chair said the committee would defer HB 1769 to Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. for decision-making and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

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• c> the</c><01:32:38.480><c> vote</c><01:32:38.639><c> on</c><01:32:38.760><c> Senate</c><01:32:39.000
• :32:50.760><c> chair's</c><01:32:51.600><c> recommendation</c><01:32:52.600><c> is</c><01:32:52.960><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: At the joint hearing on SB 951 SD2, the committees heard testimony on a child protection measure requiring mandatory child abuse and neglect reports to include military status and to improve communication between DHS and the Department of Defense. The U.S. Department of Defense testified in support and described its coordinated community response process for abuse reports, saying the bill would help ensure child safety and better coordination with DHS. DHS was initially absent, later appeared, and said it supported the measure but was still working with DOD on implementation details and staff training. Members asked about how DHS becomes involved and whether there were gaps in the current process. The chair recommended passage with technical amendments, including changing the effective date to 7/1/25 and conforming related language, and both committees adopted the recommendation by vote. The Public Safety committee then heard SB 1377 SD2, which would create a Veterans Cemeteries Board within the Office of Veterans Services in the Department of Defense to provide guidance, education, and technical assistance to state veteran cemeteries. DOD supported the bill and explained that county-run cemeteries must meet National Cemetery Administration standards to remain eligible for federal reimbursements and grants; witnesses described past compliance problems at several cemeteries, including one still not compliant in Hilo, and said the board would help counties prepare for future site visits and improve oversight without taking over operations. Members asked about costs, reimbursement amounts, and whether the state would assume cemetery operations; DOD said the current reimbursement process runs through the state to the counties and that direct takeover would be costly. The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the bill with amendments. The committee also heard SB 1382, which would make intentionally or knowingly causing bodily injury to a National Guard member performing duty a class C felony. The Hawaii National Guard and HPD supported the bill, citing incidents during the Maui response where Guard members encountered noncompliant and sometimes physically confrontational individuals while assisting police and protecting impacted areas. Testimony emphasized that Guard members are often unarmed and should receive protections similar to first responders. One witness opposed the bill, but the committee moved forward and adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments. Finally, the committee took up SB 1379 SD2 on emergency preparedness and Community Readiness Centers. Hawaii Emergency Management supported the bill, and supporters said it would create a statewide framework for resilience hubs that can provide supplies, action plans, and refuge during disasters. Testimony highlighted recent hurricanes, wildfires, and other hazards, and argued the measure would complement existing county efforts rather than replace them. County of Hawaii testimony opposed the bill, raising concerns about overlap and cost, while members asked about estimated expenses and implementation. The discussion ended with questions about planning and whether the bill would enhance existing programs; no final vote was captured in the excerpt.