Transcript Highlights:

• something to<01:49:05.119><c> do</c><01:49:05.199><c> with</c><01:49:05.360><c> a</c><01:49:05.520><
• But<01:49:09.420><c> [snorts]</c><01:49:09.920><c> that's</c><01:49:10.239><c> not</c><01:49:10.480><
• <01:49:29.360><c> upon</c><01:49:29.760><c> cases</c><01:49:30.080><c> of</c><01:49:30.320><c> public
• Now, Now, Now, in<01:49:38.560><c> some</c><01:49:38.800><c> cases,</c><01:49:40.239><c> the</c><01:49
• Um, I've<03:49:56.560><c> only</c><03:49:56.720><c> had</c><03:49:56.960><c> two</c><03:49:57.199><c>

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:01.119><c> It</c><00:49:01.359><c> is</c><00:49:01.520><c> in</c><00:49:01.680><c> their</
• &gt;&gt; Okay.<00:49:09.280><c> So</c><00:49:09.440><c> you're</c><00:49:09.599><c> not</c><00:49:09.760
• ><c> have</c><00:49:15.040><c> a</c><00:49:15.280><c> lot</c><00:49:15.359><c> of</c><00:49:15.599><c
• You guys don't<00:49:28.960><c> have</c><00:49:29.119><c> questions</c><00:49:29.440><c> for</c><00:49
• :50.000><c> been</c><00:49:50.400><c> raised</c><00:49:50.640><c> in</c><00:49:50.800><c> a</c><00:49

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:49:07.760><c> on</c><00:49:07.920><c> the</c><00:49:08.079><c> swim</c><00:49:08.319><c> team</c>
• and also many<00:49:12.960><c> children</c><00:49:13.200><c> who</c><00:49:13.359><c> were</c><00:49
• ><c> tiny</c><00:49:18.480><c> um</c><00:49:18.800><c> versus</c><00:49:19.359><c> because</c><00:49:
• </c><00:49:31.040><c> Um</c><00:49:31.520><c> and</c><00:49:31.680><c> and</c><00:49:32.240><c> I</c>
• </c><00:49:51.200><c> Um</c><00:49:52.000><c> but</c><00:49:52.800><c> you</c><00:49:53.040><c> know<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 102, which would make informational materials about type 1 diabetes available on the Department of Education website. Senator Ward said the bill is intended to help parents, teachers, and school staff recognize early symptoms such as thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and weight loss so children can be referred for care before they develop diabetic ketoacidosis. He noted that a newer blood test can identify some children at risk earlier than in the past. Members asked how people would be directed to the website, and Ward said the information would be posted online and also distributed in handouts, with school personnel helping spread awareness. He emphasized the bill is informational only and not a diagnostic or treatment tool. Several supporters testified in favor, including representatives from the Dartmouth Diabetes Link and students with type 1 diabetes who described delayed diagnoses, emergency hospitalizations, and the difficulty of having symptoms misunderstood as stress, athletics, or normal teenage changes. They said the bill could help parents, teachers, and peers recognize warning signs earlier and reduce the risk of life-threatening ketoacidosis. One witness noted that New Hampshire ranks high in childhood type 1 diabetes, and another said even a single person seeing the information could make a difference. A retired diabetes educator and state representative also testified in support. The hearing on SB 102 was then closed. The committee then opened the hearing on Senate Bill 211, which would require school sports teams to be designated as male, female, or co-ed, bar biological males from female-designated teams and locker rooms, and create a cause of action for violations. Senator Avard said the bill responds to constituent concerns and is meant to protect fairness, safety, and privacy for biological females. In questioning, he said girls could still play on boys’ teams, but boys could not play on girls’ teams, and he said he would be open to changes. Opponents, including an attorney from LGBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders, argued the bill is substantially the same as a law passed the previous year that was already challenged in federal court and found likely unconstitutional under equal protection and Title IX; they urged the committee to mark it inexpedient to legislate. The transcript cuts off before any committee vote or further action on SB 211.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> it</c><00:49:24.280><c> on</c><00:49:24.840><c> the</c><00:49:25.040><c> the</c><00:49:25.200><c
• 49:28.600><c> to</c><00:49:29.080><c> actually</c><00:49:29.560><c> know</c><00:49:29.840><c> that</c
• The<00:49:40.840><c> business</c><00:49:41.280><c> owners</c><00:49:41.560><c> are</c><00:49:41.600><
• </c><00:49:42.880><c> And</c><00:49:43.040><c> so,</c><00:49:43.480><c> we</c><00:49:43.600><c> need<
• :49:20.160><c> on</c><01:49:20.320><c> with</c><01:49:20.440><c> our</c><01:49:20.560><c> day.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:16.799><c> um</c><00:49:17.559><c> reaching</c><00:49:17.920><c> out</c><00:49:18.040><c>
• c> I</c><00:49:22.240><c> think</c><00:49:22.400><c> we're</c><00:49:22.520><c> all</c><00:49:22.680>
• :24.839><c> just</c><00:49:24.960><c> need</c><00:49:25.079><c> to</c><00:49:25.200><c> do</c><00:49:
• > and</c><00:49:27.480><c> I</c><00:49:27.559><c> think</c><00:49:27.839><c> we</c><00:49:27.960><c>
• :49:32.400><c> want</c><00:49:32.640><c> to</c><00:49:33.640><c> turn</c><00:49:33.960><c> something<

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.680><c> have</c><00:49:01.760><c> a</c><00:49:01.839><c> plan</c><00:49:02.000><c> and</c><00:49:
• an action<00:49:26.880><c> item</c><00:49:27.520><c> to</c><00:49:27.839><c> add,</c><00:49:28.960><c
• > of</c><00:49:32.720><c> the</c><00:49:32.880><c> earth</c><00:49:33.200><c> piece,</c><00:49:33.599
• What we're<00:49:36.079><c> looking</c><00:49:36.240><c> for</c><00:49:36.480><c> is</c><00:49:36.960
• c><00:49:44.960><c> is</c><00:49:45.119><c> a</c><00:49:45.359><c> is</c><00:49:45.599><c> an</c><00:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Why<00:49:53.760><c> doesn't</c><00:49:54.160><c> it</c><00:49:55.119><c> allow</c><00:49:55.599><c>
• <01:49:01.040><c> it</c><01:49:01.280><c> but</c><01:49:01.440><c> one</c><01:49:01.600><c> person</c
• ><01:49:01.920><c> sort</c><01:49:02.080><c> of</c><01:49:02.320><c> h</c><01:49:02.639><c> having</c
• And<01:49:06.639><c> so</c><01:49:07.280><c> it</c><01:49:07.440><c> it</c><01:49:07.760><c> isn't</c
• ><01:49:08.000><c> the</c><01:49:08.239><c> the</c><01:49:08.600><c> the</c><01:49:09.600><c> most</c

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:01.680><c> who's</c><00:49:02.359><c> uh</c><00:49:02.440><c> started</c><00:49:02.760><c>
• 900 bucks<00:49:03.839><c> and</c><00:49:04.240><c> got</c><00:49:04.400><c> rid</c><00:49:04.520><c>
• of</c><00:49:04.599><c> her</c><00:49:04.760><c> house</c><00:49:05.000><c> it</c><00:49:05.160><c>
• <00:49:19.480><c> the</c><00:49:19.599><c> agency</c><00:49:19.960><c> I'm</c><00:49:20.040><c> not</
• $100</c><00:49:27.280><c> million</c><00:49:27.720><c> in</c><00:49:27.880><c> rent</c><00:49:28.119>

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• as was<00:49:03.400><c> previously</c><00:49:04.040><c> testified</c><00:49:04.880><c> DHS</c><00:49:
• :49:09.400><c> um</c><00:49:10.160><c> Keys</c><00:49:11.119><c> uh</c><00:49:11.280><c> using</c><00
• :18.559><c> uh</c><00:49:18.799><c> and</c><00:49:19.000><c> has</c><00:49:19.160><c> been</c><00:49:
• 00:49:25.280><c> that</c><00:49:25.599><c> exist</c><00:49:26.000><c> and</c><00:49:26.200><c> that's
• in the Senate hearing<00:49:30.040><c> uh</c><00:49:30.160><c> in</c><00:49:30.280><c> the</c><00:49:

Bills: HF737 , HF247 , HF325 , HF1330

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: lead, cadmium, consumer products, safety regulation, retail restrictions, motor sports, nonoxygenated gasoline, fuel regulations, storage requirements, racing events, HF325, flavored nitrous oxide, nitrous oxide, whippets, laughing gas, retail sales, consumer protection, misdemeanor, commerce, Minnesota Statutes chapter 325F

Transcript Highlights:

• than it<00:49:03.480><c> would</c><00:49:03.920><c> push</c><00:49:04.119><c> up</c><00:49:04.359><c
• ><c> use</c><00:49:06.680><c> rates</c><00:49:07.000><c> if</c><00:49:07.119><c> you</c><00:49:07.240
• 00:49:09.640><c> there</c><00:49:10.280><c> and</c><00:49:10.599><c> if</c><00:49:10.720><c> you</c><
• <00:49:11.440><c> the</c><00:49:11.559><c> insurance</c><00:49:12.040><c> department</c><00:49:12.960
• :49:58.880><c> we</c><01:49:59.080><c> get</c><01:49:59.199><c> to</c><01:49:59.360><c> New</c><01:49

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division Three work session on February 21, 2025 focused on the Division of Medicaid Services budget. The chair opened with procedural guidance, noting the division’s role is to make recommendations to the full Finance Committee, that the budget must be balanced, and that members should track possible amendments ahead of a March 26 target for House Bills 1 and 2. Members also discussed the importance of using official budget documents and online resources, and the chair said no motions would be taken at this session. A major early topic was concern over a five-point Medicaid policy document and the timing of House Bill 2. Representative Tarki objected that the document appeared to be an unofficial draft and argued that significant Medicaid policy changes should have been transmitted by February 15 under state law. He said the lack of an official, posted document raised transparency concerns because the changes could affect tens of thousands of residents. Committee leadership responded that the five-point document was a working document, that it would be posted online within minutes, and that House Bill 2 is often delayed while the Office of Legislative Services finalizes and formats the governor’s proposed trailer bill. DHHS Chief Financial Officer Nathan White and Medicaid Director Henry Litman then began the budget presentation. White said the committee would use the PowerPoint as the document of record, starting with the governor’s operating budget pages 885-893, and noted that Medicaid is the largest accounting area in the state budget. He said the governor’s budget reflects about $60 million in reductions within the Medicaid area, with Granite Advantage handled off-budget and another $10 million in reductions there, for roughly a $70 million difference overall. Members asked whether the comparison was being made against an efficiency budget or a prioritized-needs budget, and White said the department could look at it different ways. The presentation then outlined Medicaid’s role in New Hampshire: it provides health coverage, serves as the state’s direct interface with the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and helps finance related services such as long-term supports, school-based services, adult dental coverage, and re-entry programs for people leaving correctional settings. White also reviewed enrollment and program context, saying New Hampshire has about one in seven residents enrolled in Medicaid, making it the fourth smallest Medicaid program in the country by enrollment, and described recent efforts such as youth re-entry and the Medicaid unwind after the end of the federal continuous coverage period. He said the state had to process more than 238,000 redeterminations after the public health emergency and that the department tried to avoid unnecessary coverage loss during that transition.

Transcript Highlights:

• Research<00:49:24.000><c> from</c><00:49:24.120><c> organizations</c><00:49:24.840><c> like</c><00:49
• ><c> Center</c><00:49:27.520><c> for</c><00:49:27.640><c> Public</c><00:49:27.840><c> Policy</c><00:49
• As<00:49:51.360><c> we've</c><00:49:51.520><c> seen</c><00:49:52.080><c> in</c><00:49:52.200><c> what
• </c><00:49:52.360><c> seems</c><00:49:52.560><c> to</c><00:49:52.640><c> be</c><00:49:52.720><c> the<
• during Taylor<00:49:57.200><c> Swift's</c><00:49:57.480><c> Eras</c><00:49:57.800><c> Tour,</c><00:49

Bills: SB2603 , SB3007 , SB3019 , SB3022 , SB2795 , SB2256 , SB3250 , SB2147

Committee: House Culture & Arts

Keywords: Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, state funding, public performances, educational programs, cultural arts funding, culture and arts, arts policy, cultural preservation, community development, economic revitalization, place-based planning, public spaces, historic preservation, adaptive reuse, mixed-use development, business improvement district, Honolulu Chinatown, DBEDT, Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, state foundation on culture and the arts

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2603 SD1, which would designate the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the state symphony orchestra, require annual reports to the legislature, and appropriate funds. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from the orchestra, the Hawaii Youth Symphony, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, business and arts groups, and many individuals. Supporters emphasized the orchestra’s cultural value, its role in inspiring youth and supporting arts education, and its broader community impact. No opposition or questions were raised, and the chair offered praise for the level of public engagement around the measure. The committee then took up SB 3007 SD2, relating to culture and the arts, which would create an Office of Community Culture and Innovation within the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, require annual reporting, appropriate funds, and establish a Community and Cultural Partnerships Program. The Attorney General’s office warned that section four, which separately funds preservation and relocation of artwork from Aloha Stadium, may be non-germane and should be moved to a separate bill; it also suggested the office would be more properly placed under DAGS rather than SFCA. SFCA Director Karen Ewald testified with concerns about added costs, staffing burdens, and the need for earlier communication, while also saying the agency could support the work if properly coordinated. Opposition testimony argued the bill was duplicative or unnecessary, while supporters, including Governor Abercrombie and Dean Sakamoto, said it would help communities, especially Chinatown, and could support planning and cultural revitalization. The chair noted roughly eight opposition testimonies and five in support, and questioned witnesses about coordination and the cost of relocating the Aloha Stadium artwork, which Ewald estimated could cost at least $1.2 million. The AG’s office said removing section four would substantially reduce legal risk. Finally, the committee heard SB 3019 SD2, a consumer protection measure that would cap ticket resale prices at no more than $3 above the original price for events in Hawaii and authorize DCCA to adopt enforcement rules and fines. The Office of Consumer Protection opposed the bill, arguing it would strain limited enforcement resources, push sales to less regulated channels, and likely eliminate the protections offered by established secondary platforms. Chamber of Progress also opposed the bill, saying price caps would encourage black-market sales, scams, and fraud, and that resale markets serve legitimate consumer needs. In support, the National Independent Venue Association backed the measure, though the remainder of its testimony was not fully captured in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:06.319><c> This</c><00:49:06.480><c> is</c><00:49:06.559><c> what</c><00:49:06.720><c> we<
• > stand</c><00:49:12.880><c> or</c><00:49:13.119><c> feel</c><00:49:13.680><c> on</c><00:49:14.640><c
• who should have<00:49:18.480><c> it,</c><00:49:18.800><c> what</c><00:49:19.040><c> should</c><00:49
• </c><00:49:22.240><c> Um,</c><00:49:22.800><c> I</c><00:49:22.960><c> I</c><00:49:23.119><c> I</c><00
• 00:49:29.599><c> to</c><00:49:29.760><c> the</c><00:49:29.920><c> root</c><00:49:30.079><c> of</c><00

Bills: HF3676 , HF2959 , HF3233

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: Safe at Home, address confidentiality, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, harassment, victim privacy, survivor protection, confidential address, protected address, secret address, identity protection, residential confidentiality, program participant, nondiscrimination, court disclosure, protective order, service of process, driver's license, state ID

Transcript Highlights:

• 25.599><c> funding</c><00:49:26.400><c> uh</c><00:49:26.559><c> for</c><00:49:26.720><c> the</c><00:49
• the for the stalls.<00:49:28.319><c> Um</c><00:49:28.880><c> those</c><00:49:29.119><c> are</c><00:49
• We anticipate<00:49:34.319><c> two</c><00:49:34.559><c> of</c><00:49:34.720><c> those</c><00:49:34.880
• 00:49:38.720><c> the</c><00:49:38.880><c> other</c><00:49:39.040><c> two</c><00:49:39.200><c> barns</
• </c><00:49:45.280><c> Uh</c><00:49:45.599><c> we</c><00:49:45.920><c> completed</c><00:49:46.480><c>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Protection, Energy and Environment, and Tourism met for its fourth meeting and approved the February 10 minutes. The committee then heard a presentation from the Cabinet for Economic Development, led by Secretary Jeff Noel, with staff from the cabinet and Kentucky Innovation. The presentation focused on the cabinet’s strategy, including workforce, entrepreneurship, innovation, infrastructure, and placemaking, and emphasized a goal of supporting higher-wage jobs while tailoring programs to urban, non-urban, and rural “heritage communities.” The cabinet reviewed several funding tools and programs, including economic development bond funds, EDF funds, KBI, the Kentucky Innovation Pool, KSTC-related startup and commercialization programs, veteran workforce programs, and Bluegrass State Skills Corporation training funds. Officials said many projects take years to close and that funds are often committed before they are actually disbursed because reimbursements occur after project completion. They also said Kentucky is less competitive than before because of changes in tax policy and that EDF funds are increasingly important to remain competitive with other states. Members asked about whether previously allocated money remained available, whether some funds could be clawed back, and the status of the Blue Oval project. The cabinet said it is oversubscribed, with some committed dollars likely to go unused and be reoffered to other projects. On Blue Oval, officials said progress had been made and described negotiations tied to repayment and job creation requirements. They also discussed the Ford/SK loan structure, saying the companies may assume the full $250 million obligation and that repayments would be required if job targets are not met. The presentation closed with discussion of workforce coordination and the need to connect economic development projects with training and support systems, including possible ripple effects for rural suppliers and related businesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• to extend<00:49:03.200><c> access</c><00:49:03.480><c> to</c><00:49:03.640><c> audio</c><00:49:04.200
• </c><00:49:09.920><c> Health</c><00:49:10.359><c> and</c><00:49:10.599><c> chronic</c><00:49:10.960><
• </c><00:49:16.200><c> in</c><00:49:16.359><c> both</c><00:49:16.559><c> rural</c><00:49:16.839><c> and
• urban areas<00:49:18.240><c> uh</c><00:49:18.359><c> relyant</c><00:49:18.839><c> Audio</c><00:49:19.160
• c> acute</c><00:49:26.400><c> care</c><00:49:26.839><c> visits</c><00:49:27.680><c> uh</c><00:49:28.559

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:03.359><c> So</c><00:49:04.319><c> we</c><00:49:04.480><c> feel</c><00:49:04.720><c> this<
• strict<00:49:08.640><c> limits</c><00:49:09.040><c> on</c><00:49:09.440><c> water</c><00:49:09.839><
• </c><00:49:18.160><c> Next</c><00:49:18.400><c> up</c><00:49:18.559><c> we</c><00:49:18.800><c> have<
• ponds.<00:49:53.200><c> Again,</c><00:49:54.160><c> uh</c><00:49:54.240><c> we're</c><00:49:54.480><
• </c><00:49:56.079><c> the</c><00:49:56.559><c> these</c><00:49:56.960><c> ponds</c><00:49:57.760><c>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land met on February 3, 2026, and heard testimony on several bills, with the chair emphasizing a two-minute limit and noting that bills would die if the hearing ran past noon. For HB 1848, the Commission on Water Resource Management and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development both supported the measure with technical, non-substantive amendments. Testimony focused on requiring early consultation about water availability in district boundary amendment petitions, with water officials explaining that the petitioner should submit a written statement reflecting consultation and that the goal was to identify water constraints earlier in the development process. The Land Use Commission’s representative opposed the bill, arguing that water availability is already addressed through existing environmental review and agency consultation, that the issue had been raised and rejected before, and that the proposal could create unnecessary delay or litigation. The committee then heard HB 1728 on rainwater catchment systems. The Commission on Water Resource Management said it acknowledged the bill’s intent but deferred to counties and other regulatory agencies, including the Department of Health, on regulatory implications. Hawaii Realtors testified in support. No vote was taken during the portion of the hearing shown. For HB 1652 on storm water management systems, the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association opposed the bill, arguing it would weaken protections created by Act 281 (“Sharkey’s Law”) and increase drowning risk for children by exempting certain water features from safety requirements. The American Council of Engineering Companies of Hawaii supported the bill, saying the language clarifies and better balances child safety with practical green stormwater infrastructure, including depth-based limits and exemptions for certain agricultural ponds. The Hawaii Farm Bureau also supported the agricultural pond exemption, saying such ponds are used for irrigation, livestock, and fire control and are generally away from the public. A private testifier, Allison Schaers, opposed the bill and described her daughter’s drowning in a detention basin, arguing that poor maintenance can turn stormwater features into dangerous hazards. The hearing ended without any recorded committee action or vote in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:06.720><c> This</c><00:49:06.880><c> isn't</c><00:49:07.200><c> trying</c><00:49:07.440><c
• 00:49:17.920><c> no</c><00:49:18.079><c> changes</c><00:49:18.400><c> to</c><00:49:18.559><c> that.
• If<00:49:19.359><c> I</c><00:49:19.680><c> made</c><00:49:19.839><c> a</c><00:49:20.079><c> decision<
• </c><00:49:49.520><c> review</c><00:49:49.839><c> process</c><00:49:50.160><c> and</c><00:49:50.400><
• </c><00:49:55.760><c> This</c><00:49:56.079><c> is</c><00:49:56.319><c> more</c><00:49:56.640><c> of<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The meeting opened with brief remarks honoring Harry Bean after his death on February 14, with members describing him as a larger-than-life figure, a valued colleague, and a friend whose conversations and presence will be missed. The committee then moved to vehicle title bills, beginning with HB 1421, which would change title exemptions for older motor vehicles. DMV witnesses explained the fiscal note was based on 2024 new title applications for vehicles in the affected age range and represented a high-end estimate; members discussed whether the bill would actually be revenue-neutral because reduced title revenue would be offset by reduced staffing work. There was also clarification that the bill applies to cars and regular trucks, not heavy trucks or tractor trailers, and that owners could still obtain titles if they met proof-of-ownership requirements. Members noted antique cars would largely be unaffected because they are already exempt. HB 1421 was moved on an OTP motion and passed 9-8. The committee next considered HB 1466, a related title bill narrowed to boat trailers. Members again raised concerns about lost revenue, but the sponsor and DMV witness said the fiscal note was a high-water estimate and that the bill would likely be close to a wash because the department would save on title-processing costs. The witness also explained that VIN verification, when needed, can be done by local police or a dealership, but not for every trailer title. Members discussed the low value and infrequent resale of older boat trailers, and the bill was described as a practical policy change. HB 1466 was moved OTP and passed 8-0. Finally, the committee discussed HB 1483, which would create a special ham radio operator plate with a lightning bolt symbol and call sign. The sponsor explained an amendment was needed because the bill had mistakenly referred to a House and Senate Ways and Means Committee; the fix would treat the plate under existing vanity plate law. DMV witnesses said the plate would be optional, would require legislative approval, and would function like other special decal plates, which are generally limited to nonprofit-related or legislatively authorized uses. Members asked whether the plate would generate revenue, and DMV confirmed vanity plates carry an added fee that does produce revenue. Discussion focused on the plate’s practical purpose for identifying ham operators, especially in emergencies, and on whether it might set a precedent for other special-interest plates.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> as</c><00:49:16.480><c> well</c><00:49:16.559><c> as</c><00:49:16.640><c> the</c><00:49:16.800><
• 49:20.640><c> OTPA</c><00:49:21.200><c> signify</c><00:49:21.599><c> by</c><00:49:21.760><c> saying</
• The amendment<00:49:25.599><c> uh</c><00:49:25.760><c> the</c><00:49:26.319><c> bill</c><00:49:26.640
• Motion<00:49:29.520><c> for</c><00:49:29.760><c> consent</c><00:49:30.319><c> by</c><00:49:30.559><c>
• Seeing<00:49:35.200><c> none,</c><00:49:35.359><c> all</c><00:49:35.520><c> those</c><00:49:35.680><c

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:49:06.520><c> as</c><01:49:06.679><c> an</c><01:49:07.360><c> as</c><01:49:07.480><c> an</c>
• truth<01:49:11.280><c> would</c><01:49:11.560><c> help</c><01:49:11.880><c> her</c><01:49:12.719><c>
• ><c> policy</c><01:49:24.040><c> for</c><01:49:24.280><c> us</c><01:49:24.440><c> to</c><01:49:24.679
• 49:31.040><c> sort</c><01:49:31.239><c> of</c><01:49:31.760><c> uh</c><01:49:32.080><c> input</c><01:
• c><01:49:35.520><c> way</c><01:49:35.800><c> just</c><01:49:36.719><c> I</c><01:49:36.840><c> believe

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first recessed briefly, then took up HB 570, the prescription drug affordability board (PDAB). The chair and several members discussed the House amendment to repeal the board, which removed the fiscal note. The main concern raised was that the PDAB had not yet produced a clear business case showing value for the taxpayer investment, despite several years of work and four annual reports. Supporters of the repeal said the board’s recent report was largely redundant and that the board should either demonstrate a strong return on investment or be shut down; others cautioned against discarding the program too quickly and urged more time to refine the mission and legislative language. No vote was taken, and the committee appeared to agree to retain the bill for further work, with the possibility of revisiting it in a formal executive session on Tuesday. Members also shifted into discussion of HB 2, beginning with Section 85 on opioid abatement trust fund dollars for shelter programs. Department of Health and Human Services officials explained that the provision would provide $10 million from the opioid abatement trust fund, replacing general funds in the governor’s budget, while also noting an additional $2.5 million prioritized needs request for shelter care that was already fully funded. Committee members asked about shelter bed capacity, job placement efforts, and the remaining balance in the opioid fund; DHHS said there are 934 contracted beds and that case management includes help with housing and employment. Officials also said the current proposed budget includes another $1 million later in HB 2 from the opioid fund. The committee then began discussion of Sections 86 through 87, which would preserve the department’s ability to transfer funds between personnel lines. DHHS said the provision is operationally critical and that losing it would make it extremely difficult to manage the department, though it would not have a direct fiscal impact. The next item introduced was Section 88, extending a suspension related to eligibility for services until July 1, 2027; DHHS indicated that if the suspension were not continued, it would likely increase expenditures for Community Mental Health Centers and potentially others. No votes were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• 12.840><c> again</c><01:49:13.040><c> the</c><01:49:13.199><c> kind</c><01:49:13.360><c> of</c><01:49
• :49:17.679><c> so</c><01:49:17.880><c> I</c><01:49:18.199><c> understand</c><01:49:18.360><c> where</
• ><c> going</c><01:49:18.840><c> now</c><01:49:19.199><c> and</c><01:49:19.320><c> I</c><01:49:19.440>
• ><c> um</c><01:49:21.800><c> pass</c><01:49:22.040><c> a</c><01:49:22.199><c> very</c><01:49:22.719><
• :49:29.000><c> candidates</c><01:49:29.520><c> come</c><01:49:29.679><c> in</c><01:49:30.440><c> uh</

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs met on March 12, 2025, and heard testimony on several election-related and governance measures. On SB 176, relating to recounts, the Office of Elections supported clarifying that recount triggers should be based on the final Election Day report rather than the 6:00 a.m. next-day report, citing a 2022 recount example. The chair noted 3 testimonies in support, 42 in opposition, and 1 comment. On SB 1337, relating to the Stadium Authority, the authority supported changing quorum rules so only voting members count, explaining that the current interpretation makes it difficult to conduct business; written testimony from DBEDT was also received. On SB 289, relating to ethics administrative fines, the Ethics Commission supported uniform procedures to resolve uncontested enforcement matters more quickly while preserving due process; written support was also noted. The committee then heard SB 311, a proposed constitutional amendment on freedom of speech and money in elections. Supporters, including Community Alliance on Prisons, Our Revolution Hawaii, Pride at Work Hawaii, Common Cause Hawaii, and others, argued that money in politics distorts democracy and that the amendment would help prevent wealthy interests from buying influence. Opponents, including the Hawaii Christian Coalition and individual testifiers, argued that changing the constitution was too serious, that the proposal should be handled by ordinary legislation instead, and that the measure could create legal conflict. Deputy Attorney General Candace Park said the bill would only matter if key federal cases such as Buckley and Citizens United were overturned, and the chair thanked her for the legal input. The committee also heard SB 780, relating to election ballot disqualification, which would exclude candidates disqualified by constitutional or statutory provisions and create procedures for challenges. Opposition testimony said the bill would undermine voter choice, burden courts and election officials, and invite misuse; the Hawaii Christian Coalition echoed those concerns. Members raised questions about whether the measure would apply only to state and county offices, and the Attorney General’s office said it would follow up. Finally, on SB 1030, relating to election intimidation, supporters said firearms should not be brought near polling places or ballot drop boxes, while opponents argued the bill was unnecessary and could affect lawful possession; the committee received 12 testimonies, with 39 in support. The committee then began SB 1225, a proposed constitutional amendment changing the vote threshold for legislative amendments to a majority of votes tallied, excluding blanks, spoiled ballots, and overvotes; testimony in support was heard from the LGBTQ+ Commission and others, and the discussion was still underway when the excerpt ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• They<00:49:07.680><c> move</c><00:49:07.920><c> from</c><00:49:08.079><c> base</c><00:49:08.400><c> to
• This<00:49:29.119><c> month,</c><00:49:29.359><c> we</c><00:49:29.599><c> pause</c><00:49:29.920><c>
• </c><00:49:44.160><c> And</c><00:49:44.319><c> they</c><00:49:44.480><c> do</c><00:49:44.640><c> it</
• <c> uplift</c><00:49:52.079><c> a</c><00:49:52.319><c> group</c><00:49:52.480><c> of</c><00:49:52.640
• This<00:49:57.440><c> is</c><00:49:57.680><c> personal</c><00:49:58.079><c> for</c><00:49:58.240><c>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, 1012, house, all