Transcript Highlights:

• Holy and gracious one, source of wisdom, life, and hope.
• Holy and gracious one, source of wisdom, life, and hope.
• Trusting that you walk along in the hard and hopeful work of governing. Amen.
• So I hope that everybody takes the time to allow Agenda.
• Report standing committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• My hope is, together, we can bring change.
• And so the question I hope that you will answer in your close is, is ...And so the question I hope that
• Thank you, Chair and committee.
• Thank you, committee members.
• I hope today, because I hope that this bill passes today, and I hope that the folks in Walton County

Summary: The committee first took up CS for Senate Bill 304, which would address child protective investigations involving children with certain genetic or medical conditions that can mimic signs of abuse. Senator Sharif and several family members and advocates described cases in which children were removed after injuries were initially misread as abuse, and argued the bill would give parents more opportunity to obtain qualified medical opinions. The committee adopted a substitute amendment that removed language imposing analysis duties on certain medical professionals, then passed the bill favorably after testimony in support from the Florida chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and several affected families. The committee then considered SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings for terrorism victims, SB 96 on relief for Jacob Rogers, SB 382 on affordable housing rent agreements, SB 4 and SB 6 on claims bills for Patricia Armini and Jose Correa, SB 1142 on release of conservation easements, SB 658 on waiver or release of liens, SB 28 and SB 30 on claims involving South Broward Hospital District and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, SB 24 on relief for Mandy Penny Lemon, SB 72 on campaign funds for child care expenses, and SB 1622 on recreational customary use of beaches. Most of these bills were explained by their sponsors as narrow relief or technical measures, and the committee heard a mix of support and opposition from claimants, local governments, industry groups, and advocacy organizations. Several bills drew substantive debate. On SB 382, members discussed rent stability and whether the bill should better address lease language and future rent increases; the amendment and bill were both reported favorably. On SB 1142, members raised concerns about environmental and drainage impacts and whether releases of conservation easements should be mandatory or discretionary, but the bill still passed favorably. On SB 72, members questioned the scope of allowable campaign child care expenses and the need for stronger guardrails against abuse; the bill nevertheless passed favorably. On SB 1622, testimony sharply divided between supporters of restoring public beach access and opponents defending private property rights; debate continued when the transcript ended, so no final vote on that bill is reflected here.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I hope that that works.
• I hope I didn't speak too long, and I hope I answered your question. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Hello, committee members.
• Chair, members of the committee.
• I hope to see you. Good afternoon, Mr. Chair and members of the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• I hope that my colleagues here will vote for that.
• But some of us are getting tired of waiting and hoping.
• Put something in writing and get it to the committee. Thank you.
• So was this another instance of waiting and hoping?
• I don't know that there is any more hoping and waiting.

Committee: All ALC-PEER

Transcript Highlights:

• go to our committee.
• It is the Transportation Committee, so asking for transport to our committee.
• I hope we do.
• There being no further business of the committee, this meeting, this committee is adjourned.
• There being no further business of the committee, this meeting, this committee is adjourned.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard a series of bills focused on transportation safety, climate resilience, wildlife connectivity, parking enforcement, and EV charging reliability. AB 605 would create a pilot program allowing certain hydrogen internal combustion cargo-handling equipment at ports; supporters said it could help ports stay competitive while reducing emissions, while South Coast AQMD raised concerns about possible nitrogen oxide emissions and limits on future regulation. The bill passed on an 11-0 vote to the Natural Resources Committee. AB 1132 would require Caltrans to incorporate community resilience indicators, including socioeconomic factors, into climate vulnerability assessments; supporters from Greenlining, AARP, and others said it would better protect seniors, people with disabilities, and transit users during heat waves and disasters, while some members questioned the cost during a tight budget year. It passed 9-0 to Appropriations, with some members not voting. AB 382 would lower school-zone speed limits to 20 mph and give local agencies more flexibility in how the limit is posted and enforced; supporters cited child pedestrian deaths and safety research, and the bill passed 11-0 to Appropriations. AB 902, as amended, would require transportation projects in wildlife connectivity areas to include wildlife passage features where feasible; supporters emphasized reduced collisions and habitat fragmentation, while the California Building Industry Association and COGs moved from opposition to neutral after amendments. It passed 9-1 to Local Government. AB 1014 would give Caltrans more discretion to lower speed limits on state highways based on local conditions rather than the 85th percentile rule; supporters said it would improve safety in rural and tourist areas, and the bill passed 13-0 to Appropriations. AB 1022 would end towing or booting vehicles solely for unpaid parking tickets, with supporters describing the practice as punitive and harmful to low-income drivers, while cities and parking groups argued it would weaken enforcement and create problems for out-of-state vehicles. The bill passed 9-3 to Appropriations. AB 1423 would require publicly funded EV chargers to meet reliability standards and allow enforcement of uptime requirements; supporters said taxpayers need functioning chargers, while charging-industry opponents objected to retroactive standards and possible conflicts with existing agreements. The bill passed 14-0 to Utilities and Energy. The committee also approved a consent calendar of five bills by voice vote and held roll calls open for additional members to add on.

Transcript Highlights:

• I hope that the committee helps this bill pass. Thank you.
• We actually heard this in the Budget Sub-5 Committee.
• Chairman Gibson and committee, good afternoon.
• Chairman and committee members.
• Chair and committee members.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation held its second regular hearing of the 2025-26 session and announced that, under reinstated suspense-file rules, every bill on the agenda would be referred to suspense rather than voted on immediately. The committee first heard AB 53, which would create a state income tax exemption of up to $20,000 for military retirees and certain survivor benefits. Supporters, including veterans’ groups, military retirees, and local officials, argued California is the only state taxing military retirement pay in full and that the exemption would help retain veterans and their families. Committee members voiced strong support, but the bill was sent to suspense. The committee then heard several wildfire-related tax relief bills. AB 429 would exempt certain wildfire settlement payments from gross income for victims of fires from 2020 through 2026; the author and a Greenville fire victim described the burden of taxing settlement funds, and rural county and forestry groups supported the measure. AB 97 proposed similar relief for Bobcat Fire settlement payments, and AB 389 would create a personal income tax credit for home-hardening expenses in high fire-risk areas, with Cal Fire and realtor representatives supporting the bill as a way to reduce future losses. Each of these measures drew no formal opposition in the hearing and was referred to suspense. AB 386 would create a tax credit for employers that help full-time employees repay student loans, up to $3,000 per employee per year. Supporters said it would help recruit and retain workers and reduce student debt burdens, while the California Tax Reform Association opposed the bill because it lacked allocation criteria and would reduce General Fund and education revenues. Committee members expressed interest but asked for clearer eligibility standards, and the bill was sent to suspense. AB 490 would allow a deduction for interest paid on qualified personal vehicle loans; the author framed it as relief for families dependent on cars, but opposition again came from the tax reform group, which argued the deduction would mainly benefit higher-income taxpayers. The bill also went to suspense. The committee also heard AB 547, which would create a tax credit of up to $5,000 for IVF and other fertility-treatment expenses. The author and a witness who described a long and costly IVF journey said the credit would help families afford treatment and support parenthood; members responded sympathetically and asked why the proposal was structured as a tax credit rather than a health coverage mandate. Finally, AB 330 would extend the prepaid mobile telephony services collection act through 2031, preserving an 80-cent surcharge that supports 911 and local government revenues; local government representatives and cities supported the extension, and it too was referred to suspense. The hearing ended with the committee adjourning after all measures were held for suspense-file consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Alina Cole, our committee assistant. And to my right, John Kim, our committee counsel.
• So we hope this committee can engage on this topic going forward this session.
• So we hope this committee can engage on this topic going forward this session.
• And John Kim will brief the committee. Good morning, Chair, committee members.
• Committee members, I'm John Kim, committee staff. Before you is SB 5871.

Bills: SB5871 , SB5919

Committee: Senate Business, Trade & Economic Development

Keywords: motor vehicle, glass repair, insurance claims, consumer protection, regulations, fire safety, insurance incentives, best practices, community protection, voluntary measures

Transcript Highlights:

• The Joint Committee on Public Employee Retirement is now in session.
• Welcome to the committee.
• We're hopeful that we will receive a pension. And so...
• Any other questions from committee? Thank you. Any other questions from committee?
• And with no further business before the committee, the Joint Committee on Public Employee Retirement

Committee: House Joint Committee on Public Employee Retirement

Transcript Highlights:

• We hope so. All right, that sounds good to me. We'll hope so. All right. That sounds good to me.
• I mean, I hope..."
• I hope that my colleagues here will vote for that.
• "But some of us are getting tired of waiting and hoping.
• So was this another instance of waiting and hoping?

Committee: All ALC-PEER

Summary: The committee considered a series of appropriation, fund transfer, and reserve requests across multiple agencies. Section B temporary appropriations included funding for state technology upgrades, personnel management staffing and IT skills assessment, court reporters and interpreters, crime victim claims, juvenile sex offender assessments, radiation lab testing, and higher education workforce grants and credentialing pathways. Additional items covered an ARPA grant for the University of Arkansas Fort Smith LPN program, an IIJA grant for the Oil and Gas Commission’s critical minerals work, a restricted reserve transfer for State Police vehicle purchases, a transfer to the Arkansas Heroes Program, and cash fund requests for the Real Estate Commission’s AV system and HVAC work. Most of these items were approved by voice vote. One budget classification transfer request from the Commissioner of State Lands drew extended questioning and was ultimately not approved. Members questioned the $250,000 transfer to operating expenses tied to the purchase of a West Little Rock office building, the ongoing lease costs at the prior location, and whether the agency had adequately planned for building-related expenses. After discussion, the motion failed, and members told the agency to tighten spending and return if needed. The committee then took up 15 pay plan appropriation requests totaling $25.7 million and approved them after discussion with DFA, DHS, Corrections, and the State Board of Election Commissioners. Members focused heavily on DHS staffing shortages at human development centers, where officials said vacancies and turnover were driven by overtime and burnout rather than pay alone; one member asked DHS to submit a written plan to address the issue. Corrections reported the pay plan had improved hiring and retention. The committee also approved overtime appropriations for Emergency Management and Military. Reports on reserve funds, the Budget Stabilization Trust Fund, tobacco settlement, State Central Services, Education Adequacy, Medicaid Trust, IIJA, and revenue transfer activity were received. The Medicaid Trust Fund report prompted significant concern about February’s $90 million draw; DHS said the month was unusually high because of cash-flow timing and that the fund should end the year with a balance between $150 million and $200 million, while lawmakers noted a second $100 million set-aside is planned for FY27. The final discussion centered on DHS’s state hospital damage claim and reconstruction funding, where members expressed disappointment that insurance reimbursement would likely return only about $1.8 million now and possibly about $97,000 more later, far less than the roughly $5 million initially expected. DHS explained the policy was based on actual cash value and depreciation for old buildings, and said the work would proceed on Unit 3 for secured restoration because it was the most cost-effective option.

Transcript Highlights:

• the last committee hearing.
• There is a committee that's coming in right after us, and they would hope that we'd even be a few minutes
• There is a committee that's coming in right after us, and they would hope that we'd even be a few minutes
• I hope you can hear me. We also very much appreciate the work of this committee.
• And so since there's no other business to come before this committee, the committee is adjourned.

Committee: House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I hope you'll accept that.
• Chair, members of the committee.
• So I hope that that helps.
• This is not a budget committee, but I will tell you, I'm on the budget committee.
• There's, uh, this is a budget committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any questions from members of the committee?
• Chairman and members of the committee.
• Good afternoon, members of the committee.
• My hope is that my testimony today will give you,… In support of House Bill 1134, my hope is that my
• for their past support and their time today, and I hope the committee will again support this bill by

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services

Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a public hearing on a wide range of bills, with testimony first focused on H. 1315/S. 824, which would require insurance coverage for pain management options during IUD insertion. Representative Sabadosa, Planned Parenthood clinicians, and policy advocates said sedation can reduce fear and trauma, improve access to effective contraception, and should be reimbursed so providers can continue offering it. A Tufts OB-GYN resident also testified that pain control should be standard care for intrauterine procedures. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee then heard extensive testimony on firefighter health bills, especially H. 1230/S. 690 requiring insurance coverage for cancer screenings for firefighters. Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts leaders, a Dana-Farber oncologist, and firefighters themselves described occupational exposure to carcinogens and personal stories of late-stage cancer detection, arguing that early screening can save lives and reduce long-term costs. Representative Crichton and Representative Howitt also spoke in support, and Representative Ayers testified for H. 4012, which would require neurological disorder screenings for firefighters. Committee members expressed support and sympathy, but no action was taken. The hearing also covered H. 3946/S. 756 on hearing aid coverage, with testimony from students, adults with hearing loss, disability advocates, and HLAA representatives describing the educational, social, and financial barriers caused by lack of coverage and urging broader insurance mandates. Later, Representative Donahue and Representative Vargas testified for H. 1337 to expand insurance coverage for opioid antagonists and related medications, including naloxone dispensed at discharge. The committee additionally heard testimony on H. 1134 to improve chronic pain care coordination and non-opioid access, and H. 4162 to improve ostomy supply coverage and access to certified ostomy care, with patients and clinicians describing denials, quantity limits, and non-medical switching. The transcript ends while testimony on H. 1315/S. 824 is still ongoing; no votes or formal committee actions are recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Select Committee on Pension Policy Executive Committee meeting is now in order.
• And so I just hope that that can be included in some way.
• To endorse that by the Select Committee.
• So I am hoping that, although I don't think we need a huge amount of testimony on this bill, I'm hoping
• your Executive Committee agenda a little later.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy

Summary: The Select Committee on Pension Policy Executive Committee approved the July minutes and received brief updates from legal and actuarial staff. Counsel for the Attorney General’s office said there was no litigation update, and the committee then heard from the Office of the State Actuary about the 2024 actuarial valuation and the upcoming ACFR figures, with emphasis that the funding and accounting reports use different methods and will not match exactly. Members discussed the strong funded status of the retirement systems, the effect of the higher assumed investment return and suspension of unfunded liability payments, and the need to understand implementation timing and IRS issues for any future merger or restatement proposals. A major portion of the meeting focused on the interim work plan and possible agenda items for October and November. Staff outlined planned topics including DRS benchmarking, updates on the left one study, Ice Miller’s response, possible participation by other agencies and the State Investment Board, the annual DRS and SIB updates, month-of-death, and a forward-looking session item. Members also discussed whether to add an ad hoc COLA item for PERS 1, TERS 1, and related plans, noting that no COLA was provided this year and expressing concern about inflation and purchasing power. The actuary said the prior fiscal note for the ad hoc COLA bill was about $200 million over 10 years, but that the estimate would likely decrease with the higher assumed return and declining eligible population. The committee approved the draft October agenda after agreeing to streamline some items, including turning the PFC update into an email correspondence item and possibly deferring the December excess compensation presentation depending on whether a December meeting is held. Staff also reported 10 new pieces of constituent correspondence, including messages about PERS 1 and TERS 1 COLAs, the merger bill, and the left one study. In other business, Jacob White of the left two board said his board would soon receive an informational briefing on overtime and excess compensation and would keep the committee informed about any month-of-death action. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was hoping it was good to see the Workforce Training Center, so I hope I'll do that soon.
• I hope that teachers will take a look into that.
• The committee calls it "B to the Third Power."
• I hope that answers your question.
• So, I hope that answers the question.

Committee: House Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> napkin numbers with the committee. napkin numbers with the committee.
• . committee. committee.
• </c> this committee. this committee.
• So, I sincerely hope that this committee will find it appropriate to support HF 4703 and take the next
• So, I sincerely hope that this<01:04:53.520><c> committee</c><01:04:53.880><c> will</c><01:04:54.080>

Bills: HF4308 , HF4153 , HF4703 , HF4711

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF4308, Monticello nuclear plant, Prairie Island, renewable development account, RDA, nuclear waste, spent fuel, dry cask storage, utility tax, commercial-industrial property tax, state general levy, property tax exemption, residential heating fuels, natural gas tax exemption, electricity sales tax exemption, year-round sales tax exemption, distributed solar energy standard, solar mandate, community solar, grid modernization

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration will come to order. A quorum is present.
• Uh the hope is that you won't have to wait very long, Representative Schultz.
• ,</c><00:02:42.800><c> but</c> the the co-chairs of the committee, but the the co-chairs of the committee
• ,</c><00:03:38.319><c> which,</c> development and labor committee, which, development and labor committee
• Um, you know, and we committee before.

Committee: House Rules and Legislative Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• Only committee members may ask questions.
• We've heard testimony in this committee before, and also before other committees on which I've sat over
• Additional questions from the committee.
• And thank you to Chair Lewis and Chair Rausch and the committee, all the committee members who are still
• I am hoping that they will this time.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government

Summary: The hearing focused on Governor Healey and Lt. Gov. Driscoll’s Municipal Empowerment Act, with administration officials and municipal leaders broadly supporting the bill as a package of tools to help cities and towns manage rising costs, staffing shortages, and service demands. The administration highlighted procurement reforms, including raising Chapter 30B advertising thresholds, clarifying cooperative purchasing, and removing the Commbuys notice requirement; permanent authority to amortize emergency-related deficits over three years; expanded authority and enforcement for removing double poles; continued flexibility for hybrid and remote public meetings; regionalization options such as regional boards of assessors and intermunicipal agreements; cybersecurity reporting to EOTSS; and several local revenue options and other municipal finance changes. They said the bill was shaped by listening sessions with municipal officials and was intended to increase flexibility, efficiency, and stability without imposing broad mandates. Committee members asked about regionalization, cybersecurity costs, Commbuys, hybrid meetings, and double poles. Administration witnesses said cybersecurity reporting would help the state target resources and that existing Community Compact and capital grant programs, including IT and municipal fiber funding, could support local needs; they said EOTSS would absorb reporting within existing resources. On procurement, they said the Commbuys notice change would be optional and that other public notice methods would remain available. On hybrid meetings, they emphasized flexibility for different types of boards and the burdens a one-size-fits-all mandate could create for small towns and volunteer boards. On double poles, they said the bill’s main change from last session was to give utilities more time and improve the removal process while keeping enforcement mechanisms aimed at speeding removal rather than raising revenue. The Massachusetts Municipal Association, MAPC, the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, and multiple mayors and town managers testified in support. They described the bill as a practical modernization measure that would help local governments operate more efficiently and respond to fiscal pressure. Witnesses from Northampton, Lynn, Gardner, Cambridge, Franklin, North Andover, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Ashland praised the hybrid meeting provisions, procurement changes, regional service-sharing, and emergency deficit amortization. Several also urged adoption of local revenue tools, including meals and lodging tax options and other local fees, as ways to preserve services and staffing. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, members of the committee. So I'm William Bridges, the committee coordinator.
• Good morning, Madam Chair, members of the committee. William Bridges, committee staff.
• So we hope this committee can engage on this topic going forward this session.
• So we hope this committee can engage on this topic going forward this session.
• Committee members, I'm John Kim, committee staff. Before you is SB 5871.

Summary: The Senate Business, Trade, and Economic Development Committee met for its first session under the committee’s new name and heard a work session on Washington’s economic development policy from the Department of Commerce. Commerce described its Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness, including small business finance, export assistance, business attraction, and sector development work, and emphasized the need for a statewide economic development strategic plan with regular review, stakeholder input, and attention to rural and regional needs. Members asked about foreign trade offices, federal funding uncertainty, tax competitiveness, workforce programs, and the role of the Keep Washington Working program. Commerce said the state’s trade and investment efforts are valuable but face funding challenges, and that Washington must compete on more than taxes, including its business ecosystem and workforce. The committee then heard public testimony on Senate Bill 5919, which would encourage fire districts and insurers to develop voluntary incentives for wildfire mitigation best practices related to agricultural activities. The sponsor described the bill as a way to reward farmers for practices such as defensible space, fire breaks, equipment storage, and avoiding high-risk work during red flag conditions. A fire chief testified in support, citing recent standing grain fires and the need for practical incentives in rural areas. The bill was described as having no appropriation and no requested fiscal note. Members also heard testimony on Washington in the Making 2040 from the Association of Washington Business and a business owner. Supporters said the 16-year economic vision plan was built from broad public engagement and focuses on workforce, business climate, infrastructure, housing, and community. They argued Washington needs more housing, a more competitive regulatory and tax environment, and reliable energy to support growth. Senators questioned how the plan would achieve its housing goals and what specific regulatory changes were needed; AWB said it would provide a regulatory study soon. The committee also received a wildfire mitigation work group update from the Office of Insurance Commissioner, which recommended stronger community mitigation, better data sharing, consumer transparency, and a possible grant program for home hardening, though it did not reach full consensus on a single property mitigation standard. Finally, the committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 5871, which would prohibit assignment of benefits in property and casualty insurance and set new rules for motor vehicle glass repair claims, including ADAS-related disclosures and limits on steering and inducements. The sponsor and supporters, including the Office of Insurance Commissioner, Safelite, NAMIC, and the Northwest Insurance Council, said the bill would reduce auto glass fraud, improve transparency, and help stabilize premiums. Independent glass shop owners and the Independent Glass Association opposed the bill as written, arguing it would favor large vertically integrated companies, restrict small businesses, and fail to address insurer steering and conflicts of interest. Several witnesses requested technical amendments, and the committee took no final vote before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> to the committee as well. to the committee as well.
• Paul, and also Hope House in in St. Paul, and also Hope House in Chanhassen. Chanhassen.
• </c> the committee. My name is Mark O'Leary. the committee. My name is Mark O'Leary.
• Thank you, and I hope uh the chair watches the video to see uh the support amongst the committee members
• You're the last bill of the committee,<00:59:21.080><c> so</c> committee, so committee, so So<00:59:22.320

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> at that and I do oppose this and hope at that and I do oppose this and hope that<00:37:00.480><c
• I was hoping I would get you.
• </c><00:54:55.000><c> I</c> Department of back oh I was hoping I Department of back oh I was hoping I
• I'm an animal lover, and I hope that others are also on the committee.
• that others are also on lover and I hope that others are also on the<02:10:50.920><c> committee</c><

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several housing, land use, and preservation bills. HB 1008 HD2 would require the Department of Land and Natural Resources to complete historic preservation determinations for state affordable housing projects within 90 days and create sensitivity-based review pathways. HHFDC, DLNR’s State Historic Preservation Division, and written testimony from DBEDT supported the bill as an expedited process for projects unlikely to affect significant historic resources. Members asked how the bill would define significant versus non-significant historic properties, how it would interact with Kapakai analysis, and whether burial councils had been consulted; SHPD said the bill would not replace Kapakai review and that burial councils had not been included. Written support also came from OHA, Hawaii Realtors, and the Maui Chamber of Commerce. HB 1093 would clarify the Hawaii Public Housing Authority’s powers relating to housing projects. HPHA supported the measure, saying it would align definitions with prior law and help deconcentrate poverty by allowing mixed-income rebuilding. The director also said the bill was increasingly urgent because of reported federal HUD priorities that could affect public housing and Section 8 funding. HB 1096 HD1 would repeal state low-income housing preferences for disabled veterans and spouses of deceased veterans, with HPHA saying federal veteran programs such as VASH are a better mechanism and that the state preference has not been used in years. HB 1411 would allow HHFDC projects to give sale or lease preferences to applicants who live or work within five miles of a project; HHFDC and the Hawaii Chapter of NAIOP supported it as a way to keep residents connected to their communities, while members raised constitutional concerns about broader local-preference policies. The committee also heard HB 367 HD1, which would create county permit exemptions for certain agricultural and maintenance activities. Written testimony included opposition from the Department of Planning and Permitting and support from the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Grassroot Institute, and others. A public testifier opposed the bill, arguing that permit exemptions could worsen safety and compliance problems. Finally, HB 826 HD1 would allow county planning commissions, by special permit, to authorize residential housing in agricultural districts for agricultural workforce housing, long-term rental, or fee simple ownership under certain conditions. HHFDC supported it as a faster alternative to lengthy state land-use redistricting, but the Department of Agriculture, Land Use Commission, and Office of Planning and Sustainable Development raised concerns about food production impacts, due process, service provision, jurisdictional conflicts, and the use of special permits for what could amount to district boundary changes. Public testimony was mixed, with some support and some opposition. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.