Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> wantc><00:01:23.439><c> toc><00:01:23.520><c> makec><00:01:23.600><c> surec><00:01:23.759
• c><00:01:25.520><c> Thisc><00:01:25.759><c> isc><00:01:26.000><c> notc><00:01:26.320><c> new<
• Uhc><00:01:42.960><c> butc><00:01:43.119><c> that'sc><00:01:43.280><c> anc><00:01:43.520><c>
• c> bec><00:05:18.320><c> ablec><00:05:18.560><c> toc><00:05:18.800><c> usec><00:05:20.080><c>
• :15:49.839><c> typec><00:15:50.639><c> fishc><00:15:51.120><c> thatc><00:15:51.440><c> theyc>

Keywords: Ports and Marine Resources - Room 216, 2 March, 2026; 3:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee took up several bills related to marine and airport matters. One measure would amend an existing prohibition on using a “pane” in parts of the Mississippi Sound to add Jackson County back into the restricted area. Another, House Bill 735, would authorize the Department of Marine Resources to pay reserve marine patrol officers for special events using existing federal or local funds rather than new state money. Both were presented as straightforward updates, and HB 735 received a title sufficient do pass motion and was reported out. House Bill 1441 on airport authorities drew more discussion. The bill would give airports authority similar to other property owners to deal with abandoned vehicles on airport property, including notice and abandonment procedures. Members asked about notification requirements, the abandonment timeline, and whether the authority could retain vehicles for official airport use; the sponsor said the existing process and state law notice requirements still apply. An amendment was offered to clarify the 90-day notice language, and the bill was advanced after that amendment. The committee also considered House Bill 1466, a seafood labeling strike-all bill. The sponsor said the Department of Marine Resources and stakeholders were still working on the language, including where labels may be affixed on menus and how grocery store labeling should work. Members discussed the use of “imported” versus country-of-origin labeling, and a representative explained that the language was intended to let restaurants identify specific foreign products by country rather than simply marking them imported. The committee also adopted a grammar correction in the short title and restored a reverse repealer before reporting the bill out. At the end of the meeting, the committee said it was pressed for time and recessed before taking up one remaining bill related to reef issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:02:57.599><c> Letc><00:02:57.840><c> mec><00:02:57.920><c> walkc><00:02:58.160><c> you<
• c> The appropriate ID type will be selected by the precinct officer by tapping the screen.
• c><00:14:49.839><c> Umc><00:14:50.560><c> soc><00:14:51.440><c> itc><00:14:52.079><c> thec>
• ><c> mayc><00:15:10.639><c> notc><00:15:10.800><c> bec><00:15:10.959><c> ac><00:15:11.199><c>
• ><c> umc><00:16:43.920><c> umc><00:16:44.480><c> makec><00:16:44.720><c> usc><00:16:44.880><c

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:14 Approval of Minutes 00:00:40 State Board of Elections 00:00:56, 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government met to hear an update from the State Board of Elections on its Bluegrass Books electronic poll book system. Rachel Pointer and Richard House described the project as an in-house modernization effort intended to improve security, customization, integration with the voter registration system, reduce voter wait times, streamline supplemental and provisional ballot processing, and provide year-round local support to county clerks and poll workers. They emphasized that the system is already a working product, not just a concept, and showed a workflow demonstration of voter lookup, signature capture, ballot issuance, manual lookup, and handling voters who have already voted. The agency also outlined the financial rationale for the project, saying the state currently lacks dedicated funding for replacing the iPads used for election-day poll books and that counties now bear vendor maintenance and support costs. Under Bluegrass Books, the state would seek to cover hardware replacement, maintenance, and on-site support through future appropriations, potentially using bulk purchasing to lower costs. When asked about the size of the appropriation request, the presenters said it was not yet finalized but noted roughly 7,000 devices are deployed statewide and replacement would likely be phased rather than done all at once. Members asked about security and whether the e-poll book could affect vote totals. The Board explained that the e-poll book is separate from ballot casting, that voting machines themselves are not connected to the internet, and that the poll book is networked only to update check-ins and prevent double voting. They said the device is locked down to the poll book application and can operate offline until connectivity returns. A member also asked how to recruit more poll workers; the response suggested higher pay is the main incentive, along with outreach to schools, community colleges, and possible pilot programs involving professionals. The meeting concluded without any votes or formal action beyond approval of minutes, and the next meeting was announced for January 29, weather permitting.

Transcript Highlights:

• :36.479><c> type.
• Um and other types<00:25:54.559><c> ofc><00:25:54.799><c> otherc><00:25:55.120><c> facilityc><00
• :25:55.919><c> typesc><00:25:56.240><c> arec> types of other facility types are types of other facility
• types are regulated<00:25:56.880><c> byc><00:25:57.120><c> otherc><00:25:57.440><c> agenciesc>
• c><00:30:37.200><c> typesc><00:30:37.520><c> ofc><00:30:37.679><c> actionsc><00:30:38.159><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> typec><00:18:28.960><c> ofc><00:18:29.120><c> ac><00:18:29.360><c> policyc><00:18:29.760
• ><c> forc> almost an insurance type of a policy for almost an insurance type of a policy for students
• 00:29:42.080><c> educationalc> multimedia types of educational multimedia types of educational resources
• c> typec><00:54:04.000><c> ofc><00:54:04.160><c> workc><00:54:04.400><c> andc><00:54:04.640><
• c> andc> depending on the uh type of work and and depending on the uh type of work and and things<00

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> typesc> certainly um there are different types certainly um there are different types of<00:32
• c><00:42:56.400><c> typesc><00:42:57.319><c> ofc><00:42:58.440><c> Highwaysc> doesn't specify what
• types of Highways doesn't specify what types of Highways and<00:42:59.839><c> bywaysc><00:43:00.839
• c> therec><02:05:54.400><c> forc><02:05:54.719><c> thisc><02:05:54.920><c> typec><02:05:55.079
• ><c> ofc> that's out there for this type of that's out there for this type of Transportation<02:05:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Public Works and Highways Committee heard testimony on House Bill 375, which would allow municipalities to designate certain road segments for ATV travel, create maps and signage for those routes, set seasonal limits, and require certain equipment on ATVs such as lights, a horn, flashers, and directional signals. The sponsor, Rep. Dan Maguire, said the bill is intended to support tourism and give towns a structured, optional way to permit ATV use on roads, not to override existing uses. Members asked about possible overlap with agricultural vehicle rules, golf carts, speed limits, and whether the bill could allow ATV use on busier roads or expressways; the sponsor said he did not intend to interfere with existing lawful uses and believed golf carts would only be included if they met the relevant statutory requirements. NHDOT State Maintenance Engineer Alan Hennessy said the department had concerns with language exempting municipalities and the Bureau of Trails from the permitting process, arguing that the existing permit system provides needed review, public notice, and signage requirements. He also raised questions about road funding and maintenance if ATVs were allowed on state highways. Fish and Game Captain Michael Eastman testified that his commission opposed the bill as written, citing concerns about the ATV definition, the distinction between ATVs, UTVs, and other OHRVs, and the potential impact on state highways and road maintenance. He said towns can already open roads to OHRV use under existing law, and he noted that accident data for road use would generally be handled by local police or State Police rather than Fish and Game. Craig Reny, chief of the Bureau of Trails, said the current Bureau of Trails/DOT permit process for highway crossings and connectors works well and is used to ensure safety through engineering review. He said his bureau was not taking a position on the bill but wanted to clarify that existing procedures already address many of the issues the bill appears to cover. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.799><c> thatc><00:02:01.280><c> hadc><00:02:01.600><c> thesec><00:02:01.840><c> typesc> Hawaii
• c><00:08:37.919><c> wouldc> so, the types of evidence would so, the types of evidence would typically
• :25:15.679><c> isc><00:25:15.840><c> thatc><00:25:16.000><c> thisc><00:25:16.159><c> typec><00
• <01:26:11.920><c> contactc><01:26:12.800><c> inc><01:26:13.040><c> thisc><01:26:13.360><c> type
• 33:59.120><c> asc><01:33:59.760><c> tauntingc> criminal type offenses such as taunting criminal type

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2246, which would expand public financial disclosure requirements. The State Ethics Commission strongly supported the bill, saying broader disclosure could help restore public trust and potentially deter corruption, and it offered a clarifying amendment to make clear the requirement applies to board and commission members rather than all employees of listed agencies. Several organizations and individuals also testified in support. A committee member asked about the amendment, and the commission explained it was intended as a clarification rather than a substantive change. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2250, which would add homeless facilities to the locations covered by the drug-free-zone offense for promoting controlled substances. The Public Defender opposed the measure, arguing that many homeless facilities are unmarked and not easily identifiable, creating notice, fairness, and due process concerns and risking arbitrary enforcement. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying it targets distributors rather than users, that notice can be proven through evidence, and that the law is aimed at protecting vulnerable people in shelters and similar facilities. In questioning, senators asked how homeless facilities would be identified and whether the bill would cover all shelter models; the prosecutor said the definition is cross-referenced in statute and must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii and other groups testified in opposition, while several service and advocacy groups testified in support. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2325, which would allow courts to review and potentially reduce sentences for certain juvenile offenders after 15 years if the person is not a danger to the community. Judiciary staff said the court supports the bill’s intent but noted Hawaii’s indeterminate sentencing structure leaves no alternative sentence for a court to reduce to, suggesting the measure may need structural sentencing changes or could instead be directed to the Hawaii Paroling Authority. Public defender representatives and youth-justice advocates supported the bill, emphasizing rehabilitation, adolescent brain development, trauma, and the need for a meaningful opportunity for release. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• isc><00:03:59.360><c> anyc><00:03:59.799><c> typec><00:03:59.959><c> ofc><00:04:00.120><c> safety
• c><00:04:00.439><c> threatc><00:04:01.040><c> whenc> there is any type of safety threat when there
• is any type of safety threat when it<00:04:01.400><c> doesn'tc><00:04:01.879><c> existc><00:04:02.640
• otherc><00:04:04.640><c> thanc><00:04:04.879><c> allc><00:04:05.000><c> ofc><00:04:05.120><c>
• c><00:04:16.280><c> getc><00:04:16.400><c> usc><00:04:16.519><c> toc><00:04:16.680><c> ac><

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House Republican leaders spoke to reporters about the ongoing Minnesota House standoff, saying Democrats had still not returned to the chamber and that no meaningful progress had been made toward a power-sharing deal. They rejected claims by Rep. Hortman that the sides were closer to an agreement, saying the same proposal had been offered for about 15 days and that any deal would first require Democrats to “show up to work.” Republicans also said they were open to written negotiations on a tie arrangement, but only if the terms were new and acceptable to both sides. The discussion focused heavily on the consequences of the absent Democrats and the Republicans’ efforts to keep legislative work moving. GOP members said they were still meeting with constituents, discussing bill ideas, and preparing work on capital investment, roads, bridges, wastewater, school funding, and budget issues. They emphasized priorities such as stopping fraud, improving reading outcomes, public safety, and limiting taxes and wasteful spending, while also saying agencies had previously been told not to attend Republican-led committee hearings and that they hoped those meetings could resume. Republicans also addressed questions about pay and per diem, saying members were still receiving legislative salary but not per diem and arguing that lawmakers who do not show up should face penalties, including loss of pay. They said such penalties would need to be authorized by the Rules Committee. On other matters, they said there was nothing new to announce on possible legal action, they had not yet fully reviewed the president’s funding freeze, and they were open to meeting again with Rep. Hortman, including at 3:30 the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> wherec><00:15:17.120><c> there'sc><00:15:17.360><c> onec><00:15:17.600><c> partyc><00:15
• c> I'mc><00:16:04.959><c> speakingc><00:16:05.199><c> asc><00:16:05.440><c> anc> Board.
• ><c> justc><00:17:48.000><c> typec><00:17:48.240><c> inc> the online portion, and I just type in
• the online portion, and I just type in um<00:17:49.440><c> butc><00:17:49.600><c> butc><00:17:49.840
• c><00:18:22.640><c> Ic><00:18:22.880><c> wantc><00:18:22.960><c> toc><00:18:23.039><c> askc><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 5 and SB 1545. SB 5 drew opposition from the Department of the Attorney General, which said the bill conflicted with two sections of the state constitution. A member of the public also opposed SB 5, arguing that representatives should be elected by the people and urging the committee not to pass the measure. After discussion, the committee deferred SB 5, citing the deputy attorney general’s view that it was unconstitutional. The committee then heard SB 1545, which concerns nepotism rules and good-cause exceptions. The State Ethics Commission testified in support, saying the bill would create a clearer, more transparent central process for good-cause exceptions and noting that several exceptions had already been publicly filed. A public testifier also supported the bill but questioned why the judiciary appeared to be excluded from its coverage. After a brief recess, the committee decided to amend SB 1545 by striking the exemption for the legislature and judiciary and changing the effective date to the House defective date. The committee then voted to pass SB 1545 with amendments. The chair, vice chair, and Representatives Ichiyama and Morikawa voted aye; Representative Matsumoto was excused, and the recommendation was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> typec><00:43:40.640><c> onec><00:43:40.960><c> entitiesc><00:43:41.520><c> andc><00:43:41.760
• ><c> arec><00:43:42.000><c> notc> remain as type one entities and are not remain as type one entities
• ><c> anyc><02:29:13.439><c> typec><02:29:13.600><c> ofc> innocently um through any type of innocently
• c><02:43:45.359><c> Thesec> scammer type of contractors. These scammer type of contractors.
• 59:23.920><c> ofc><02:59:24.080><c> confusionc> don't want any type of confusion don't want any type

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal from April 16, 2026, and then moved to announcements and introductions. Representative Woodro welcomed fifth grade students from Denver Academy and recognized his son Ari on his 12th birthday, leading the chamber in singing happy birthday. The House then agreed to take up a memorial out of order. Senate Joint Memorial 1, honoring the late Senator Faith Winter, was read at length and supported with remarks describing her legislative work on transportation, climate, paid family and medical leave, environmental justice, women’s leadership, and bipartisan efforts. Representative Wilford and others spoke emotionally about her public service and personal impact. The memorial was adopted on a 50-10 vote, with 15 excused, and Representatives Rutinel and Lindsay were listed as co-sponsors. The chamber then considered committee reports and special orders. The Appropriations Committee reported several bills favorably, and the majority leader moved a slate of bills to special order. House Bill 1317, creating a unified system of post-secondary talent development and a transition plan for workforce development programs, was amended in committee to remove travel reimbursements, clarify adult learners’ inclusion, adjust advisory committee membership, and preserve type one status for affected departments; it passed the House. Senate Bill 85, concerning military protection orders in domestic violence cases, also passed after Judiciary Committee amendments clarifying law enforcement database checks. Senate Bill 95, supporting victim survivors of certain crimes, passed Judiciary but drew floor opposition from several members who argued the bill’s jury-related provisions conflicted with confrontation rights and due process; despite those concerns, the bill advanced after further debate continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:23:49.760><c> typesc><00:23:50.080><c> ofc> talking about the particular types of talking
• <c> freec><01:50:37.920><c> marketsc><01:50:38.320><c> typec><01:50:38.560><c> systemc><01:50
• type system to sell things.<01:50:39.520><c> Allc><01:50:39.600><c> ofc><01:50:39.760><c> those<
• <c> allowedc><02:03:44.159><c> somec><02:03:44.400><c> typec><02:03:44.480><c> ofc> That would
• c><02:11:46.000><c> supportc><02:11:46.560><c> anyc><02:11:46.880><c> typec> And you know, I

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• type of<00:27:18.240><c> operationc><00:27:18.640><c> inc><00:27:18.960><c> thec><00:27:19.120>
• Uh certain types<00:33:38.880><c> ofc><00:33:39.039><c> transfersc><00:33:39.360><c> ofc><00:33
• :39.519><c> propertyc><00:33:39.760><c> arec> types of transfers of property are types of transfers
• easier and more transparent<01:01:11.119><c> umc><01:01:12.000><c> whatc><01:01:12.240><c> type<
• 07.440><c> typec><01:12:07.840><c> ofc><01:12:08.159><c> AIc> utilizing that particular type of

Bills: HB0075, HB0128

Keywords: virtual currency, kiosk, financial institutions, regulation, Wyoming Money Transmitters Act, penalties, severance tax, oil production, tax exemption, energy sector, economic impact, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• typec><00:21:54.080><c> ofc><00:21:54.200><c> ac><00:21:54.320><c> grantc><00:21:54.720><c>
• programc><00:21:55.200><c> thatc><00:21:55.360><c> wouldc> some type of a grant program that would
• some type of a grant program that would identify<00:21:56.559><c> thatc><00:21:57.240><c> asc><00
• c> geographic type of thing um so that geographic type of thing um so that that's<01:04:51.760><c> there
• ><c> thatc><01:19:36.600><c> typec><01:19:36.760><c> ofc> runs a year and he needs that type of

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• There<00:14:39.360><c> arec><00:14:39.440><c> severalc><00:14:39.839><c> typesc><00:14:40.320><
• The<00:21:19.760><c> typesc><00:21:20.000><c> ofc><00:21:20.159><c> contractsc><00:21:20.720><c
• > matchc><00:21:21.039><c> thec><00:21:21.280><c> typesc> The types of contracts match the types
• The types of contracts match the types of<00:21:21.679><c> programsc><00:21:22.000><c> andc><00:
• ><c> typesc><00:42:32.319><c> ofc><00:42:32.480><c> numbers.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee first heard from the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet’s Grants Management Division on federal victim-services funding. Staff described the main grant programs they administer, including STOP VAWA, VOCA victim assistance, sexual assault services, Byrne state crisis intervention, and Project Safe Neighborhoods. They emphasized that VOCA is especially volatile because it is funded by the federal Crime Victims Fund, which has declined sharply in recent years, reducing Kentucky’s available awards and forcing cuts to state, local, and nonprofit subgrants. They also outlined steps the cabinet has taken to stabilize funding, including changing the subaward formula, aligning the grant period with the state fiscal year, subawarding one year behind the federal cycle, and retaining a reserve. Members asked about how funds reach victims, how subgrantee amounts are determined, and requested a breakdown of grant recipients and amounts; staff said they would provide that information later. The committee then received a detailed presentation from the Department of Juvenile Justice on alternatives to detention. Commissioner Randy White and staff explained that ATDs are short-term, less restrictive placements for low-risk youth, including electronic monitoring, home supervision, group homes, foster care, private child care, community programs, mentoring, evening reporting centers, and in-home wraparound services. They described the referral and approval process involving court-designated workers, detention alternative coordinators, courts, and county attorneys, and said DJJ currently has 16 ATD-related contracts, with placements, programs, and electronic monitoring among them. They also reported that between July 1, 2024, and July 30, 2025, 1,652 juveniles were involved in the process, including 168 diversion cases. Members questioned the cost of juvenile detention versus adult incarceration, whether families pay for electronic monitoring, whether there is a national model for juvenile detention, and what alternatives exist for truancy and contempt cases. DJJ said families do not generally reimburse for electronic monitoring, there is no single national model, and day treatment centers are an important alternative for some youth. The department also said it builds daily routines and wellness education into its facilities, and that more than two-thirds of its programs are evidence-based. Officials said they currently monitor vendor performance through quarterly reviews and can end contracts for poor performance, but that data tracking is still largely manual. They said the new JCOM system, now in pilot in the eastern region, should improve reporting and help identify outcomes and recidivism more effectively.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> typesc><00:45:26.079><c> ofc> 40% used a combination of types of 40% used a combination of types
• wasc><00:45:33.599><c> ofc><00:45:33.839><c> unknownc><00:45:34.319><c> type.
• ><c> byc><00:46:23.680><c> typec><00:46:24.000><c> sincec><00:46:24.240><c> thec> count of IA
• c> typec><01:29:49.280><c> ofc> annual report um to look at any type of annual report um to look
• at any type of information<01:29:49.920><c> thatc><01:29:50.239><c> mightc><01:29:50.480><c> be

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including roll call and approval of the prior meeting minutes, with one member abstaining because of absence and one member opposing. The main informational items were a Department of Health and Human Services update on the rural health transformation grant and a public health briefing on vaccines, followed by a quarterly budget and staffing update and an annual report from the Permanent Subcommittee on Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Related Dementias. Commissioner Lori Weaver reported that the department submitted the rural health transformation grant application on November 4, described it as reflecting input from communities and providers statewide, and said CMS review and budget negotiations would follow before final approval on December 31. She said the grant could support hiring as long as administrative costs stay within the 10% cap, and that the governor’s office will oversee administration with HHS. Ian Watt then testified that New Hampshire remains committed to vaccine access, including through the universal purchase program and annual respiratory virus guidance for flu, RSV, and COVID-19. He said the state continues to use evidence-based review for vaccine policy, noted the CDC’s change regarding the combined MMRV vaccine for the first dose in young children, and said New Hampshire’s school vaccine mandates remain at nine for schoolchildren and 10 for child care, with statutory exemptions still in place. Department staff also said there have been no supply or funding problems affecting childhood vaccine access. Nathan White, the department’s CFO, reviewed the DHHS budget and vacancy trends. He said DHHS makes up a large share of the state budget, that about 31% of its budget is general funds subject to lapse, and that lapse projections are difficult because much of the budget is driven by utilization rather than personnel. He reported current projected general fund lapse of just under $20 million, compared with about $39 million in the statewide surplus statement, and explained that only about a third of DHHS general funds can actually lapse because of statutory restrictions. He also said the department has about 400 unfunded positions, contributing to roughly a $30 million general fund reduction across the biennium, and that the hiring freeze has pushed vacancy trends upward while critical direct-care positions are being prioritized. The Alzheimer’s subcommittee reported six meetings this year, presentations on state services, silver alerts, brain health awareness, and palliative/hospice care, and work toward a new state Alzheimer’s plan. The subcommittee is developing a needs-assessment survey for people living with dementia, caregivers, and service providers, with the goal of using the results and other data sources to inform the plan. Its recommendations focus on integrating Alzheimer’s and dementia materials into chronic disease and aging outreach, embedding brain health into systems of care, adding cognitive health measures to BRFSS, and continuing partnerships with statewide organizations. Members also discussed recent research and prevention efforts, and the committee noted that a separate bill is being pursued to include Alzheimer’s and dementia in existing public health awareness campaigns.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:01:48.479><c> Postc><00:01:48.720><c> sayc><00:01:48.960><c> no.
• This<00:12:13.120><c> typec><00:12:13.279><c> ofc><00:12:13.800><c> projectc><00:12:14.920><c>
• presentsc><00:12:15.920><c> myriadc> This type of project presents myriad This type of project presents
• c> typec><00:46:56.560><c> ofc><00:46:56.800><c> propertyc> restoring nearly every type of property
• restoring nearly every type of property in<00:46:57.440><c> neighborhoodsc><00:46:57.920><c> throughout

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> awarec><00:04:58.880><c> thatc><00:04:59.000><c> thisc><00:04:59.120><c> typec><00:04:59.280
• ><c> ofc> materials we're aware that this type of materials we're aware that this type of request<00
• /c> we got to figure it out because these we got to figure it out because these types<01:13:38.920><c
• <c> whatc><01:13:40.920><c> thec><01:13:41.120><c> Legacyc> types of this is exactly what the Legacy
• types of this is exactly what the Legacy money<01:13:41.760><c> wasc><01:13:41.960><c> forc><01:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of legislation be held off this type of legislation be held off until<00:14:39.120><c> suchc><00:14
• 42:12.160><c> thec><00:42:12.480><c> samec><00:42:12.640><c> typec> provision does not provide
• the same type provision does not provide the same type of<00:42:12.960><c> independencec><00:42:13.760
• <c> typec><00:42:31.119><c> ofc><00:42:31.280><c> institutionalc> will provide the type of institutional
• will provide the type of institutional that<00:42:32.480><c> wec><00:42:32.640><c> needc><00:42:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several measures. SB 2723, which would designate April 27 as State Sheriff’s Day, was supported by the Department of Law Enforcement and a long-serving sheriff, who described the historical roots of Hawaii’s sheriffs in the Kingdom of Hawaii and said the bill would recognize that legacy. HGA submitted written comments, and there was no opposition or vote taken on the measure during the excerpt. The committees then heard SB 17 on wildfire mitigation. The Public Utilities Commission, DLNR, the State Fire Council, OPSD, the Attorney General’s office, and Kamehameha Schools all testified, mostly in support of the bill’s intent but with suggested amendments. Several witnesses said the bill should better define the working group’s structure, staffing, and funding, and the Attorney General noted constitutional concerns about placing the group outside a principal department and pointed out possible overlap with Acts 302 and 303 from the prior year. Committee members questioned whether SB 17 duplicated earlier wildfire legislation, and witnesses generally said it did not directly conflict but overlapped with existing efforts. On SB 2358, which would require reimbursement for search-and-rescue costs when people leave trails and enter closed areas, the State Fire Council and the Hawaii SAR Alliance testified in opposition or caution, arguing that reimbursement could deter people from calling for help and that Hawaii’s SAR system still has structural and administrative gaps. A committee member asked whether other jurisdictions had used similar measures without discouraging rescues; the Fire Council said Kauai has a similar law but it has not resulted in invoices being sent. No action was taken in the excerpt. The final measure discussed was SB 2475 on Red Hill remediation funding and reimbursement from the Department of Defense. The Board of Water Supply, DLNR, and other testifiers supported the bill, emphasizing the need for long-term research, monitoring, and cleanup, while also noting the unique groundwater conditions and the importance of keeping the funds focused on Red Hill contamination response. Committee members asked about existing federal and state funding, whether the state had received any direct federal money, and what would happen if reimbursement is not obtained. DLNR said it was still working through the reimbursement mechanism and that some federal funding had gone to the Red Hill registry, but not directly to the state for this purpose.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> andc><00:00:55.960><c> andc><00:00:56.520><c> reasonsc><00:00:57.400><c> thatc><00:00:57.640
• <c> typec><00:01:20.080><c> ofc><00:01:20.200><c> hearingc> are most ready for this type of hearing
• are most ready for this type of hearing and<00:01:21.080><c> madec><00:01:21.320><c> thatc><00:01
• :50.840><c> excusec><00:01:51.120><c> me,c><00:01:51.600><c> toc><00:01:51.720><c> havec><00:
• :53:22.200><c> anyc><00:53:22.520><c> typec><00:53:22.880><c> ofc><00:53:23.040><c> hands-onc

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• onc><00:09:45.240><c> thec><00:09:45.440><c> typec><00:09:45.600><c> ofc><00:09:45.720><c> jobs
• /c><00:26:35.320><c> typesc> City sponsored or you know those types City sponsored or you know those
• /c><01:23:54.679><c> Hampshirec> type in the state of of New Hampshire type in the state of of New
• c><02:24:26.800><c> aboutc> what type of lands am I talking about what type of lands am I talking
• ><c> assistancec><05:22:43.878><c> butc> accessing this type of assistance but accessing this type

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:27:59.039><c> fundedc><00:27:59.559><c> orc> type of thing right ferally funded or type of thing
• ><c> thec><03:27:55.840><c> typec><03:27:56.000><c> ofc> that but also based on the type of that
• c> toc><04:03:07.319><c> thatc><04:03:07.479><c> typec><04:03:07.640><c> ofc><04:03:07.800><c
• c><04:35:54.760><c> unionc><04:35:55.359><c> typec><04:35:55.879><c> typec><04:35:56.279><c>
• casesc><04:35:56.879><c> rightc> um those are union type type cases right um those are union type

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a work session on the Department of Business and Economic Affairs budget, with testimony from Chase Hegman and Kathy Frederickson. Early discussion focused on staffing and vacancies, including a senior planner position tied to FEMA requirements, a program assistant funded by federal ORID dollars, a program specialist being considered for reclassification, two Housing Champions positions to be funded in the next biennium, and temporary welcome center positions. Members also reviewed the commissioner’s office, indirect cost recoveries tied to federal program administration, and the structure and staffing of rest areas and welcome centers, including the Turnpike-funded locations and seasonal staffing patterns. Members then moved through economic development and federal grant-related accounts. Hegman explained that a large share of the agency’s funding is federal, with some programs requiring state match, including the Apex Accelerator, which supports government contracting assistance for businesses. He described Apex as a small team that helps businesses with DOD and other contracting opportunities through webinars, matchmaking, and one-on-one support. The Office of Workforce Opportunity was described as largely federally funded through Commerce-related workforce programs and subrecipients, with some general fund support for agency-wide needs. The Northern Borders Regional Commission dues and capacity grant were also discussed, with officials explaining the state’s required contribution and the federal funds used to administer the program. A major point of discussion was the proposed reduction to the Small Business Development Center, which officials said provides one-on-one technical assistance to new and small businesses and has a strong return on investment. Members questioned the cut, the federal funding sources, and whether there was a waiting list for services; officials said they would provide more detail on matching requirements and funding. The committee also reviewed travel and tourism accounts, including the joint promotional grant program and tourism advertising funds, both of which are proposed to increase. Officials said the tourism marketing formula is based on a percentage of meals and rooms tax revenue and argued that the spending generates significant visitor spending and tax revenue, citing an outside ROI study and examples of advertising in test markets. No votes were taken during the work session.