Transcript Highlights:

• > be<00:45:03.000> uh<00:45:03.720> we<00:45:03.839> would<00:45:03.960><
• > on Zoom<00:45:20.000> not<00:45:20.119> on<00:45:20.319> Zoom<00:45:20.559
• no<00:45:27.400> other<00:45:27.599> presentent<00:45:27.960> on<00:45:28.119><
• :20.199> of<01:45:20.400> the<01:45:20.560> chair<01:45:21.520> is<01:45:
• skills<01:45:37.080> in<01:45:37.280> addition<01:45:37.760> to<01:45:38.080>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Committee on Education and Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs heard Senate Bill 422, which would authorize the Department of Education to award a high school diploma to qualified people whose schooling was interrupted by military service or wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. The Department of Education testified in support, noting a prior law that created the Kono diploma program before it sunset in 2020. Several members of the public also testified in support. Both committees later recommended passage of SB 422 without amendments, and the recommendation was adopted by voice votes. The committees then heard Senate Bill 530 on Braille literacy. The bill would establish Braille literacy as state policy, require Braille-related literacy assessments for eligible blind and low-vision students, authorize DOE rulemaking, create a Braille Literacy Resource Center, and appropriate funds. DOE and the Department of Human Services supported the measure, as did the National Federation of the Blind, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, and a blind testifier who described the importance of early Braille instruction. The Attorney General’s office raised concerns about statutory language requiring yearly assessments and suggested revisions so annual decisions remain with IEP teams. The committees voted to pass SB 530 with amendments, including the Attorney General’s suggested changes, and adopted the recommendation. The next measure was Senate Bill 532, which would allow school staff and agents trained by a licensed clinician to volunteer to administer medication to students in public schools under certain conditions and clarify who may prescribe such medication. DOE and Department of Health testimony supported the bill. The Attorney General recommended replacing the term “licensed clinician” with the defined term “health care professional.” The Hawaii Academy of Physician Assistants supported the bill but asked that physician assistants be included among providers who may prescribe medications for school administration. After questions about current school health aide duties and field-trip medication procedures, the committees voted to pass SB 532 with amendments, including the Attorney General’s terminology change, and adopted the recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah.<00:45:02.480> You<00:45:02.640> said<00:45:02.800> you<00:45:02.960><
• c> want<00:45:03.040> to<00:45:03.119> go<00:45:03.200> through<00:45:03.359
• <00:45:04.000> So,<00:45:04.079> I'm<00:45:04.240> in<00:45:04.400> section
• <00:45:06.720> Yeah.<00:45:06.960> Page<00:45:07.280> three. one.
• Um,<00:45:12.319> the<00:45:13.000> changes<00:45:14.000> here,<00:45:14.720>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And >> we're<00:45:00.240> going<00:45:00.480> to<00:45:01.119> just<00:45
• :03.119> going<00:45:03.280> to<00:45:03.760> uh<00:45:04.319> have<00:45
• We got so many<00:45:08.000> people<00:45:08.480> and<00:45:08.800> so<00:45:09.040
• <01:45:06.159> I<01:45:06.480> still<01:45:06.719> think<01:45:06.880> we
• >> Some<01:45:10.080> I<01:45:10.320> I'll<01:45:10.560> work<01:45:10.719

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I<01:45:00.639> advise<01:45:01.040> that<01:45:01.280> we<01:45:01.600>
• take<01:45:01.760> this<01:45:02.000> bill<01:45:02.320> back<01:45:02.480>
• 03.760> back<01:45:04.000> to<01:45:04.239> the<01:45:04.400> chair<01:45
• as<01:45:21.840> you<01:45:22.159> with<01:45:22.320> this<01:45:22.560>
• :45:39.920> it<01:45:40.080> at<01:45:40.239> all.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and then moved out of order to consider Senate Joint Resolution 7, recognizing February 2026 as Black History Month. The resolution was read at length and grounded in the history of Black history commemoration, Carter G. Woodson’s work, the evolution from Negro History Week to Black History Month, and Colorado-specific Black leaders and pioneers such as Barney Ford, Clara Brown, John T. Gunnel, Joseph H. Stewart, and others. Members emphasized that Black history is American history and that the centennial observance should honor both the struggles and achievements of Americans of African descent. Several representatives spoke in support. Representative Bacon described the resolution as an important tradition and said the chamber should record its history. Representative Joseph framed Black history as a living story of resilience, innovation, and justice. Representative Jackson said the resolution matters especially amid efforts to erase or minimize Black history, and tied it to Colorado figures and to her own family history. Representative Carter highlighted the importance of naming schools after Black Coloradans and introduced guests, including educators and community members connected to the resolution. Representative Gonzalez also spoke in support and honored a community member, Tony Gomes, who died of cancer. Representative DeGraaf stated full support for the resolution but offered a lengthy amendment to add more historical references, including Black patriots of the American Revolution, Nat Love, James Beckwourth, Harriet Tubman, and the Tuskegee Airmen. The transcript ends during his proposed amendment, and no final vote or disposition on the resolution is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:57.440> That's<00:45:57.920> Thank<00:45:58.079> you<00:45:58.240>
• <01:45:50.560> Um<01:45:50.880> but<01:45:51.199> yes,<01:45:51.520> the<
• > that<01:45:56.400> process,<01:45:57.560> um<01:45:58.560> again,<01:45
• c> become<02:45:36.279> adults<02:45:37.279> and<02:45:38.160> um<02:45:38.640
• <02:45:47.319> Um,<02:45:48.319> I<02:45:48.640> am<02:45:48.800> very

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:39.839> about<00:45:40.079> the<00:45:40.200> needs<00:45:40.559>
• > needs<00:45:42.040> and<00:45:42.200> yet<00:45:42.400> what's<00:45:42.559
• > know<00:45:46.800> and<00:45:46.920> they're<00:45:47.040> saying<00:45
• going<00:45:52.640> to<00:45:52.760> be<00:45:53.000> here<00:45:53.720> Mr
• c> and<00:45:56.559> just<00:45:56.680> one<00:45:56.800> of<00:45:57.079>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:20.240> I<00:45:20.480> also<00:45:20.800> know<00:45:20.960> that
• :45:22.240> argue<00:45:22.640> for<00:45:22.880> hazard<00:45:23.359> pay
• higher<00:45:25.040> pay<00:45:25.359> and<00:45:25.599> then<00:45:25.760
• <00:45:27.520> to<00:45:27.760> be<00:45:28.000> told<00:45:28.400> let's
• :45:29.520> your<00:45:29.839> hours.

Bills: SB3179, SB2872, SB2391, SB3282, SB2836, SB2181

Keywords: educational workers, harassment, workplace safety, temporary restraining orders, investigation procedures, retired education employees, teacher shortage, rehired retirants, entry level salary, collective bargaining agreements, pension benefits, education, teacher salaries, automatic increments, collective bargaining, teacher retention, workforce development, Pell grant program, short-term education, eligibility

Summary: The joint committee first heard SB 3179, which would require the Department of Education and charter schools to report harassment incidents involving educational workers and adopt procedures for handling them. DOE supported the bill, while the Attorney General recommended clarifying amendments to limit the measure to harassment directed at workers because of their position, to limit DOE legal assistance to temporary restraining order actions, and to clarify whether the harassment must come from outside the school system. Members also discussed whether the bill should cover non-DOE individuals on campus, whether investigations could be handled in-house, and whether training should be embedded in existing workday or school-year training rather than added as a separate requirement. The committee later voted to pass the bill with amendments as SD1. The committee then took up SB 2872, which would require retired teachers or administrators rehired into shortage or hard-to-fill positions to be paid the entry-level salary for that position. DOE supported the bill, and the Attorney General requested clarifying language about its effective date and that it would not affect already matured rights and duties. The Employees’ Retirement System administration emphasized that the bill should retain a 12-month break in service to preserve the pension system’s tax-exempt status and noted the importance of consistent classification of eligible positions. Members expressed support for using retired educators to help fill staffing gaps, but no final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee also heard SB 2391, which would provide annual step increases for public school teachers under bargaining unit 5, subject to funding. The Attorney General said the bill could conflict with collective bargaining procedures and Chapter 89, while DOE said unit 5 includes more than teachers and asked that the benefit be considered for other bargaining units as well, with funding provided if enacted. HSTA strongly supported the measure, arguing that annual step movement is already recognized in the collective bargaining agreement as a recruiting and retention tool. Testimony totals were noted as 16 in support, two in opposition, and three comments. Finally, the committee heard SB 3282, which would establish a statewide framework for the federal workforce Pell Grant program to fund short-term workforce education and training. The Attorney General suggested clarifying that the matter is one of statewide concern because UH is involved. UH and the Chamber of Commerce supported the bill, and DLIR testified that it is coordinating with DOE, the Workforce Development Council, and national groups on implementation. Members questioned whether the Workforce Development Council or DLIR should handle rulemaking and administration, and DLIR said the council is advisory while the department has grant administration expertise. The committee then moved into decision-making after discussion of possible amendments and implementation concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• we<00:45:15.880> have<00:45:16.880> um<00:45:17.119> a<00:45:17.440> deep
• 45:25.400> that<00:45:25.920> alog<00:45:26.319> together<00:45:27.440> so
• <00:45:31.480> can<00:45:31.680> we<00:45:32.359> how<00:45:32.480> can
• c><00:45:32.640> we<00:45:32.760> round<00:45:33.200> that<00:45:34.000> that
• :45:15.920> in<01:45:16.080> the<01:45:16.239> way<01:45:16.440> the<01:45

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the procurement chapter. the procurement chapter.
• How about we do it 2:45? 2:45. >> 2:40. Okay. 2:45? Thank you.
• Okay. 2:45? Thank you. Okay, so >> 2:40. Okay. 2:45? Thank you.
• Okay. 2:45. And that's in this conference room. >> 229. So it's April 30th, 2:45 p.m. in room 229.
• So it's April 30th, 2:45 p.m. in >> 229.

Bills: SB2057, SB2109, SB2400, HB1752, SB2599, SB2930

Keywords: immigration enforcement, sanctuary policy, detainer, ICE, federal immigration authorities, 8 U.S.C. 1357(g), 8 U.S.C. 1373, 8 U.S.C. 1644, deportation, undocumented immigrants, noncitizen, migrant rights, local police cooperation, law enforcement cooperation, hold request, judicial warrant, probable cause, civil immigration enforcement, county police, state police

Transcript Highlights:

• She said this amendment to the chapter is about fish coming into the state of Hawaii, and that the chapter
• That's from chapter 1651.
• nuisance that's from chapter nuisance that's from chapter 1651<00:33:07.039> the<00:33:07.240
• Farm Bureau mikai chapter Farm Bureau mikai chapter opposed<00:39:18.920> Jay<00:39:19.319
• That we would determine the compliance and alignment with chapter 165.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Agriculture and Environment Committee heard five bills on January 24, 2025. SB 1 would phase out disposable air filters and require reusable air filters by 2030; testimony was limited, with one supporter urging clearer definitions of fiberglass and paper and several opponents listed, and the committee later deferred the bill indefinitely for lack of support testimony. SB 13 would create an aquaculture investment tax credit beginning in 2026; state agencies and several industry groups supported it, while the Tax Foundation raised concerns about loose definitions, internal inconsistencies, and blanks that made the bill hard to estimate or vet. The committee passed SB 13 with amendments and technical changes, and deferred its effective date to July 1, 2015 as stated on the record. SB 177 would shift aquatic livestock import and movement permitting to the Department of Agriculture’s Animal Industry Division, require a risk-based assessment and biocontainment standards, and seek a $1 million appropriation for research and staffing. The Department of Agriculture said the bill would help expand aquaculture while managing risks to native species; aquaculture and farm groups supported it, while Animal Rights Hawaii was listed in opposition. The committee passed SB 177 with amendments, blanking the appropriation for committee report consideration, and deferred its effective date to July 1, 2050. SB 184 would raise the beverage container deposit and refund from 5 cents to 10 cents. Supporters said the higher deposit could improve recycling and environmental outcomes, while opponents, including the Tax Foundation, cited fraud concerns, the program’s existing fund balance, and practical challenges in redemption; the Department of Human Services also noted potential impacts on blind vendors. The committee took the bill up but deferred decision-making until Monday, January 27, 2025, at 10:01 p.m. in Room 224. The committee also heard SB 250, which would increase the income tax credit for interisland transportation costs for agricultural products. Agricultural and industry witnesses supported the bill as a way to offset rising shipping costs and preserve access to markets, while the Tax Foundation preferred direct appropriations over tax credits and objected to missing bill details. The committee passed SB 250 with amendments from the Department of Agriculture and deferred its effective date to July 1, 2050. Separately, a joint hearing on SB 240, the Right to Farm bill, drew mixed testimony: the Department of Agriculture supported further study and raised concerns about the bill’s fragmented approach, while farm, cattle, and other industry witnesses split between support for protecting customary Native Hawaiian subsistence farming and opposition to excluding CAFOs and certain business structures. No vote was taken on SB 240 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we will hear the Administration Spending Plan for Water and Coastal Resilience chapters and chapters
• We're here to discuss the Water Chapter and the Proposition 4 bond.
• It would shift some prior general fund appropriations to Proposition 4, and within the water chapter,
• On the other hand, there are a few new programs within the water chapter.
• In the last five years, we've spent that $45 million to upgrade our infrastructure.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hi.<00:45:04.680> Good<00:45:04.840> afternoon,<00:45:05.320> chair<00:45:06.000
• c> SBCC,<00:45:27.240> the<00:45:27.360> State<00:45:27.600> Building<00:45:
• :45:44.960> work<00:45:45.400> of<00:45:45.520> the<00:45:45.640> State<00
• Um<00:45:52.880> it's<00:45:53.120> a<00:45:53.400> it's<00:45:53.600> a<
• <00:45:56.880> There's<00:45:57.920> um<00:45:58.400> in<00:45:58.600> my

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, with most measures drawing either support or comments rather than opposition. HB 2395, relating to taking marine deposits for research, education, management, or propagation, received support from the University of Hawaii and DLNR. HB 2585, relating to agricultural tourism, drew broad support for its intent to keep agritourism secondary to farming, but agencies and farm groups raised concerns about enforcement, county authority, and the rebuttable presumption language. Testifiers included OPSD, the Agribusiness Development Corporation, Hawaii Farm Bureau, a small farm operator, and others, with some urging clearer definitions, simpler registration, and protections for bona fide farms and hosted farm stays. HB 1728, on rainwater catchment systems, was supported in principle by DLNR, which cited drought conditions and said it deferred to counties and the Department of Health on safety and regulation. HB 1881, which would prohibit passenger ropeways on mountain lands, drew strong support from community testifiers who said it would help prevent development disguised as agritourism and protect forests and country lands. HB 1990, establishing penalties and possible foreclosure for unresolved zoning violations, received comments from the Attorney General recommending removal of AG references and more county-centered enforcement, while the Hawaii Association of Realtors warned the 30-day timeline could create problems for absent or unaware homeowners. The committee also heard HB 1712, which would expand and make permanent certain seats on the State Building Code Council. The Plumbers and Fitters union supported the bill, but BIA Hawaii requested amendments to add “licensed contractor” language, and architects and other professionals opposed the measure, arguing that increasing the council from 12 to 15 voting members would make it less efficient and harder to reach quorum. Finally, HB 2151, relating to hempcrete, was supported by a Kauai workforce development advocate and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, who said hempcrete could support agriculture, manufacturing, and affordable housing while reducing carbon and reliance on imported materials. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.640> to<00:45:00.720> come<00:45:00.839> to<00:45:00.960> each<00:45:
• :45:02.280> to<00:45:02.480> come<00:45:03.319> um<00:45:03.640> so<00:45
• <00:45:06.119> look<00:45:06.280> at<00:45:06.520> depending<00:45:06.760>
• > to<00:45:11.480> give<00:45:11.640> some<00:45:11.839> some<00:45:12.000><
• > the<00:45:12.599> average<00:45:12.920> cost<00:45:13.160> for<00:45:13.319

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard from the Department of Labor on several House Bill 2 sections. Members discussed raising the annual elevator certificate fee, which had been $50 since at least fiscal year 2014; the commissioner said the Inspection Division generates more revenue than its costs, and members agreed to amend the fee to $75 and later voted unanimously to accept Section 137. The department also explained a proposed change to civil penalty/warning language in Section 139 to align enforcement across labor laws; that section was accepted unanimously. The commissioner then gave a detailed overview of the second injury fund, describing how it is financed by assessments on insurance carriers, how claims are reviewed for reimbursement, and how the fund is intended to reimburse certain workers’ compensation costs. Members questioned whether the program still serves its original purpose, whether it is revenue-neutral, and whether it should be sunset; the department said the fund is a mixed bag for the state and industry, but no sunset language was adopted. Sections 140 and 141 were then accepted unanimously. The committee next heard from the Judicial Council on Sections 125 through 127. The witness said the changes would streamline payment for indigent defense services other than counsel, reduce the number of bills requiring judge review, and expand the council’s ability to contract with providers for services such as translation and evaluations. He also explained a proposed fail-safe allowing the executive director to decline to process questionable invoices and send them to a judge instead. Members generally supported the streamlining, and Sections 125 through 127 were accepted unanimously. Toward the end of the discussion, members asked about the cost impact of changing the misdemeanor/felony threshold from $1,000 to a higher amount. The Judicial Council said felony cases are significantly more expensive than misdemeanors because they involve more hearings, more discovery, and more attorney time, with assigned felony cases costing several times more on average. No action was taken on that question in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• We saw<00:45:15.680> that<00:45:15.839> the<00:45:16.079> industry<00:45:16.640>
• <00:45:23.760> That's<00:45:24.000> resulted<00:45:24.400> in<00:45:24.560><
• Prices<00:45:37.040> around<00:45:37.280> your<00:45:37.520> area<00:45:37.839><
• have already fallen.<00:45:39.040> So,<00:45:39.200> a<00:45:39.359> one<00:45:
• Uh you<00:45:44.160> could<00:45:44.319> buy<00:45:44.400> that<00:45:44.640>

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:20 Approval of June 4, 2026 Minutes 00:03:09 Prioritizing Kentucky Agriculture: Medical Cannabis 00:03:38 Prioritizing Kentucky Agriculture: Bourbon 01:41:03, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• as well as the income tax chapter.
• as well as the income tax chapter.
• as well as the income tax chapter.
• as well as the income tax chapter.
• well as the income tax chapter.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um so, I'm going<00:45:07.320> to<00:45:07.400> move<00:45:07.960> that<00:45:08.600
• > uh<00:45:08.800> House<00:45:09.080> File<00:45:09.640> 3461<00:45:10.960
• :12.240> to<00:45:12.359> the<00:45:12.480> general<00:45:12.960> register.
• All those<00:45:14.720> in<00:45:14.920> favor,<00:45:15.440> please<00:45:15.880
• And<00:45:21.120> the<00:45:21.320> eyes<00:45:21.640> have<00:45:21.920> it.

Bills: HF4364, HF4821, HF4543, HF3945

Keywords: Central and Eastern European Affairs, ethnic council, advisory council, Minnesota state government, immigrant communities, refugees, humanitarian parolees, Ukraine, Poland, Croatia, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Czech Republic, Baltic states, Slovakia, Slovenia, Kosovo, Russia

Summary: The committee first approved the April 7, 2026 minutes and then held an informal hearing on House File 4364, which would establish a Central and Eastern European Ethnic Council in Minnesota. Representative Jordan and testifiers Mykola Mager and Julia Miller described the large Central and Eastern European community in Minnesota, its contributions to the state, and the need for a formal advisory body to help address barriers to government services, support refugees, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and cultural understanding. Members expressed general support and noted the bill’s importance, but no formal action was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee then took up House File 4543, a bill to create a centralized payroll reporting portal for prevailing wage projects. Representative Frazier said the bill would reduce administrative burden on project owners, improve transparency and accountability, and help prevent wage theft, misclassification, tax fraud, and insurance fraud. Testifiers from county, city, and contractor groups largely supported the idea of streamlining reporting, but contractor representatives raised concerns about employee data privacy, public access to sensitive payroll information, duplication of existing systems, interoperability with contractor software, and the need for stakeholder engagement. Members echoed both support and caution, and the bill was laid over as amended rather than advanced. Finally, the committee considered House File 4821, described by Chair Klevorn as addressing the “penny problem” and a related change to high-deductible insurance plans. The bill would authorize state agencies to round cash transactions because of the penny shortage and would change MMB’s obligation to offer certain high-deductible health plans from “must” to “may,” producing modest administrative savings. Members questioned the drafting of the rounding language and asked about cash transactions at state agencies and the handling of cannabis tax payments. The chair noted the bill had missed the deadline and would be caught by the chief clerk’s office; the discussion ended with the bill being laid over as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:07.800> Um<00:45:08.800> U<00:45:09.040> um<00:45:09.599> all<
• :45:11.200> amendment<00:45:11.680> to<00:45:11.839> get<00:45:11.920> the
• /c><00:45:12.319> the<00:45:12.400> form<00:45:12.560> of<00:45:12.560> the
• And<00:45:20.000> again,<00:45:20.400> if<00:45:20.640> I<00:45:20.880> could
• we<00:45:28.400> keep<00:45:28.560> things<00:45:28.800> moving<00:45:29.520>

Bills: HF1545, HF2426, HF1615, HF2403

Keywords: medical cannabis, cultivation, cannabinoid products, plant canopy, Minnesota statutes, cannabis, hemp, lower-potency, edibles, regulations, licensing, local control, consumer safety, age restrictions, commerce policy, financial institutions, insurance regulation, limited long-term care insurance, Medicare supplement, health insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh they both Arena nearly 45 years old.
• recent cost estimate was $45 million. recent cost estimate was $45 million.
• Um section 8, which under chapter 29A.
• consistent with the move from chapter consistent with the move from chapter 290<00:57:51.200>
• That session law incorrectly referenced chapter 289 when it meant to reference chapter 289A.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ayes 45, nays 16. >> The bill is passed. >> Calendar 826, 463B.
• Ayes 45, nays 16. The bill is passed.
• AYES 45, NAYs 16. >> THE BILL IS PASSED.
• The Tamika Chapter 322 of the Laws of 2014.
• CONFERENCE WILL MEET AT 5:45 IN 315 OF CAPITOL BUILDING.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior day’s journal, and then processed a large number of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate or Assembly versions for third reading. The chamber also adopted the resolution calendar with exceptions and took up several resolutions and ceremonial recognitions, including a resolution mourning Hudson Talbott, a Dairy Month resolution highlighting New York’s dairy industry, and introductions honoring Niskayuna academic teams, Gabriella Scheer for receiving the Liberty Medal, the Hartstein family’s civic engagement, and Diana Cochran’s advocacy for safe firearm storage. The Senate then moved through the calendar and passed many bills on topics including insurance, public health, education, labor, social services, banking, local government, veterans, public service, consumer protection, criminal procedure, cannabis, parks, taxation, election law, and highway matters. Several members explained votes on notable measures: support for acupuncture insurance coverage, consumer protections for doorbell-camera data sharing, expanded protections in debt collection cases, trauma-informed procedures for sexual assault survivors, a Legionnaires’ disease awareness program, changes to mandatory minimum sentencing, and universal safe storage of firearms. A number of home rule and local authorization bills were also approved, including parkland alienation measures and local tax exemption authorizations. Most measures passed with broad bipartisan support, though some drew recorded opposition. Notable roll calls included the consumer debt uniformity bill, the mandatory minimum sentencing bill, the safe storage/firearms bill, and the public housing and public health measures, each with more divided votes. The chamber also accepted a lengthy Rules Committee report sending many additional bills directly to third reading, and then began the supplemental calendar, passing at least the first items before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• :40.320> were<01:45:40.520> made<01:45:40.719> to<01:45:40.880> the<01:45
• 01:45:46.199> research<01:45:46.560> on<01:45:46.679> that<01:45:46.800> to
• to give you<01:45:47.199> a<01:45:47.320> comprehensive<01:45:48.040> list<01:45
• <01:45:53.360> chair<01:45:54.000> so<01:45:54.560> uh<01:45:54.760> CH
• ><01:45:58.480> bill<01:45:59.159> yes<01:45:59.320> it<01:45:59.480> will

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 216, which Representative Carol Maguire described as a fix to a workers’ compensation/retirement “glitch.” The bill would remove the current limit that only one year of workers’ compensation time can be credited as retirement service time. Maguire argued the limit is arbitrary and affects only a very small number of grievously injured workers, while committee members asked about the fiscal impact, available data, and whether the change could affect workers’ compensation rates or incentives. Mark Kavar of the New Hampshire Retirement System said Labor could not provide data on how many people exceed a year on weekly indemnity benefits, so the fiscal note used a conservative estimate that could be scaled down; he also explained that workers’ comp is not earnable compensation, which is why service credit stops after a year, and noted that many long-term cases move into disability retirement or lump-sum settlements. The committee closed the hearing, entered executive session, and voted ought to pass on HB 216 by a 13-0 roll call, sending it to consent and noting it would also go to Finance. The committee then acted on House Bill 85, adopting Amendment 0037 and then voting ought to pass as amended by another 13-0 roll call. The bill was described as allowing second-year respiratory therapy students to work under supervision using the skills they have already learned, with support from the Hospital Association and no opposition noted. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 267, the animal chiropractors bill. Members said the bill had been approved previously but was vetoed because of a defect; the problem has now been corrected, and the bill is intended to reduce delays caused by requiring veterinary referrals before chiropractors can treat animals. The committee voted ought to pass 13-0 and placed the bill on consent.