Transcript Highlights:

• The chair hears none. The motion prevails. The chair lays out Senate Bill 1960.
• Before we do, members, this is our last public hearing.
• Also, I've seen several cases where the appellate courts have sent cases back to the trial court and
• in my medical CPS cases.
• of their case.

Bills: SB1960, SB1730, SB766, SB2342, SB2501, SB2903

Keywords: digital rights, replication, Voice likeness, visual likeness, private causes of action, fee structure, online service providers, postmortem rights, self-defense, stand your ground, castle doctrine, use of force, deadly force, civil immunity, civil liability, tort claims, attorney fees, court costs, lost income, Chapter 9 Penal Code

Transcript Highlights:

• And today we are hearing resolutions. And today we are hearing resolutions.
• you very much for uh, hearing the bill. you very much for uh, hearing the bill.
• For example, notice and a right to a contested case hearing.
• <01:13:12.600> case<01:13:12.880> hearing.
• contested case hearing. contested case hearing.

Bills: SB2607, SB2031, SB2043, SB2623, SB2876, SB2396, SB2964, SB2089

Keywords: landscape architecture, licensure, educational requirements, examination, professional standards, consumer protection, junk fees, live-event tickets, short-term lodging, transparency, pricing disclosure, deceptive practices, insurance, captives, regulations, policyholders, SB2623, Hawaii pharmacy law, Board of Pharmacy, registered pharmacy technician

Summary: The committee first heard HCR 168 and HR 158, which would create a temporary working group to study utility capacity, coastline infrastructure lifespan, and the costs of needed expansions. Public Utilities Commission staff said the commission was not the right entity to direct all of the work because it lacks authority over many affected agencies. Members discussed whether the study should be limited to a coastal area or broadened to the whole island, and in decision-making the committee amended the measure to focus on the County of Honolulu, correct references to the Public Utilities Commission, and revise the working group membership to include the PUC chair, legislative designees, and directors or designees from DLNR, DOT, HIEMA, and DCCA Consumer Advocacy. The committee then passed both resolutions with amendments; the vote was adopted unanimously, with some members excused. The committee next considered HCR 145 and HR 137, which would convene a working group on climate change impacts on insurance availability and affordability. The Insurance Division stood on its written comments, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission supported the intent, and the Attorney General opposed the measure, warning that a working group could create discoverable materials that might complicate the state’s climate litigation and noting a technical ambiguity in the reference to the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund administrator. After questions about discovery and the lawsuit, the committee amended the resolutions to replace the administrator reference with the chair of the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund Board of Directors, remove the Attorney General as convener while keeping the office as a member, and have the working group share findings and recommendations with the House CPC and Senate CPN committees instead of issuing a report. The committee passed the measures with amendments, with Rep. Martin voting with reservations. In the later agenda, the committee heard SB 2607, SD 1 on landscape architect licensure. The Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects supported the bill, explaining it modernizes licensure requirements to align with national standards and clarifies the profession’s design-focused role. The bill was discussed as distinguishing landscape architecture from groundskeeping and from civil engineering drainage work. No opposition was heard. The committee also heard SB 2031, SD 2 on consumer protection and price transparency for live ticket events and short-term lodging. The Office of Consumer Protection supported the bill, saying it largely mirrors an FTC rule requiring all-in pricing and would give the state enforcement authority and remedies. The Hawaii Financial Services Association opposed the bill as drafted and sought a limited exemption for credit card issuers relying on third-party hotel information, while the Hawaii Hotel Alliance supported the measure but asked for language deeming compliance with the federal rule sufficient for short-term lodging. Committee members questioned whether those proposed exemptions would conflict with federal law or weaken state enforcement, and the discussion focused on preemption, liability, and the value of state remedies such as restitution.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2024 alone, we participated in 78 contested cases and 37 projects before the PUC, and our litigation
• Although both might be the case, both could be the case. OK.
• There are some that are sort of, there are test cases coming up around the state.
• I didn't hear much about the buildout of transmission.
• Hearing none, the committee stands adjourned, subject to call to the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• I may be been one and only one case.
• <00:21:02.080> in wrong, but I know of only one case in wrong, but I know of only one case
• Yes, it provides that there will be no, uh, that if you have a hearing on a CO and you lose the hearing
• So they've gone through a hearing need.
• case though. case though. just<01:24:59.280> I<01:24:59.600> would<01:25:00.159>

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 3 February, 2026; 3:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up several bills described as vehicles to keep options open for pending rural health issues, especially the rural health transformation fund and the Greenwood Hospital situation. The chair explained that Greenwood Hospital is struggling financially and operationally, including a Medicaid overpayment dispute in which Medicaid planned to recoup $2 million from a December payment, threatening payroll and continued operation. The committee discussed a proposed committee substitute that would delay recoupment until May 1 and preserve legislative flexibility to help Greenwood if a workable plan emerges. The committee adopted motions for title sufficiency and due pass on the block of bills, including the committee substitute and reverse repealer provisions. The committee then turned to two certificate-of-need bills. One bill, 2474, was presented as a rural hospitals measure that would let certain rural hospitals obtain certificates of need for services such as outpatient dialysis units, ambulatory surgical facilities, and geriatric psychiatric units, with definitions aimed largely at Delta and other rural counties. The chair also included a provision making the state health officer’s licensing decision final and not subject to judicial review, with only a short reconsideration process available. Senator Hill objected, arguing the bill concentrated too much power in the health department, eliminated meaningful court review, and unfairly picked winners and losers instead of letting the market work. The chair responded that the goal was to reduce costly, repetitive litigation and preserve access to care in areas where hospitals struggle financially. The committee then considered Senator Blackwell’s broader CO bill, which would address appeals and litigation more generally by shifting costs to the losing party in CO disputes. A reverse repealer was adopted first, and the chair explained that the bill was intended to reduce endless and expensive appeals while still allowing a limited opportunity for reconsideration. Senators Hill and others raised concerns about limiting judicial review and expanding health department power, while the chair said many states have no judicial review in this area and that the committee was exploring the issue further. The chair said he had asked several members to study the matter and contact the National Council of State Legislatures. The committee ultimately adopted the motions on the bills and amendments by voice vote, with the ayes prevailing each time.

Transcript Highlights:

• does not change that we sometimes hear does not change that we sometimes hear claims<00:17:02.480
• state's housing crisis as you'll hear state's housing crisis as you'll hear lots<00:17:53.360>
• attached or detached so I I'm hearing attached or detached so I I'm hearing what<00:44:26.559>
• I think it sort of is likely to be a case-by-case thing.
• I think it sort of is likely to be a case-by-case thing.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Housing Committee heard testimony on HB 577, a bill to expand accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in New Hampshire. The sponsor and supporters described the state’s housing shortage and argued the bill would make it easier for property owners to build ADUs by right, up to 950 square feet, either attached or detached, while still requiring compliance with building codes, septic/water limits, and other local requirements. Supporters said the measure would help seniors age in place, provide housing for young adults, caregivers, and workers, and make better use of existing property such as garages and barns. Representative Reed raised concern that removing language related to short-term rentals could allow ADUs to be used for that purpose rather than long-term housing. The sponsor said he was open to clarifying language on short-term rentals, and another witness explained that current law already allows municipalities some choice on ingress/egress requirements, while the bill would standardize that and leave the design choice to the property owner. Several supportive witnesses followed, including the New Hampshire Home Builders Association, the New Hampshire Association of Realtors, the Business and Industry Association, AARP, Housing Action New Hampshire, 603 Forward, and New Hampshire Youth Movement. They emphasized affordability, property rights, workforce housing, intergenerational living, and the need for statewide consistency. A Derry resident testified that his existing garage space could be converted into an ADU under HB 577, but current local rules prevent that because it is detached; he said the bill would let him rent it affordably. Supporters also argued that ADUs can increase property values and help homeowners cover mortgages and taxes. In opposition, the New Hampshire Municipal Association said the bill would impose a local zoning mandate, could add density pressure on already stressed infrastructure, and did not guarantee that new units would be affordable or workforce housing. No vote or final committee action was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• committee hearing.
• contested committee hearing. contested committee hearing.
• They'll have more than 10 minutes per hearing to hear a bill or an idea.
• They'll have more than 10 minutes per hearing to hear a bill or an idea.
• They'll have more than 10 minutes per hearing to hear a bill or an idea.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's see, before we get a high-level look at our current year budget, as well as hear from our agency
• Next we will be hearing from Secretary Cord Byrd, Department of State. Come on down.
• You are the next contestant. It's good to see you again, sir. Come on down.
• You are the next contestant. It's good to see you again, sir. Good to be back.
• Because I know as business owners, that's one of the biggest things that we hear.

Summary: The Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee met to organize for the session, take roll, and hear introductory remarks from members and agency heads. Members briefly introduced themselves and their districts, with several noting transportation, economic development, emergency response, military, and hurricane recovery issues in their areas. Chair Shove then outlined the subcommittee’s jurisdiction and current-year budget, noting a total of about $20.3 billion, with most funding coming from trust funds and only a small share from general revenue. The committee also heard that upcoming meetings would include presentations from major agencies in the subcommittee’s purview. The first agency presentation was from the Department of Military Affairs and the Florida National Guard. Major General John Haas described the Guard’s three missions—supporting national security, responding to state emergencies, and adding value to the state—and highlighted deployments for hurricanes, border security support, and ongoing support to the Department of Corrections. He emphasized that the Guard is understrength relative to Florida’s size and demand, said recruiting is strong, and identified force structure growth as the main challenge. Members asked about aircraft, funding sources, and recruiting; Haas explained the Guard’s helicopter and fixed-wing fleet, said aircraft purchases are funded through legislative appropriations, and reported strong interest in the Florida State Guard’s recruiting pipeline. Executive Director Mark Thieme then described the Florida State Guard’s expansion into air, ground, and maritime capabilities, including Black Hawks, boats, drones, canine search-and-rescue teams, and ground support units. He said the agency supported immigration enforcement and hurricane response, and asked for continued legislative support to expand aviation, maritime, and medical capabilities. Members praised the Guard’s disaster response work and asked about aircraft, funding, and staffing. Secretary Cord Byrd of the Department of State followed, focusing on election administration, election security, the SunBiz and voter registration IT systems, arts and culture, corporations, libraries, and historical resources. He said Florida’s election system remains a national model, reported two prosecutions for non-citizen voting, and discussed modernization needs for legacy IT systems. The committee also asked about voter lookup tools, password privacy for SunBiz, and arts funding vetoes. Secretary Alex Kelly of the Department of Commerce described the agency’s broad portfolio, including workforce, economic, community, and international commerce functions, plus housing recovery, broadband, small business support, rural infrastructure, defense-community grants, and law enforcement recruitment bonuses. He said access to capital is the biggest barrier for small businesses and noted ongoing work with CareerSource, the Department of Corrections, and other partners on workforce and reentry. Secretary Jared Perdue of the Department of Transportation then outlined FDOT’s record budget and five-year work program, emphasizing emergency response, preservation and maintenance, safety, and major investments in roads, ports, airports, transit, and spaceport infrastructure. He said the department has removed millions of cubic yards of storm debris, is ahead of schedule on the Moving Florida Forward initiative, and faces a large unfunded project backlog. Members asked about supply chain issues, project priorities, and workforce needs, and Perdue said FDOT is open to collaboration on recruitment and retention.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:09:23.040> that Tennessee versus Cardona the case that Tennessee versus Cardona the case
• It's important to hear from everybody.
• It's important to hear from everybody.
• Quinton Van Meter, can you hear us okay? Dr. Quinton Van Meter, can you hear us okay? I sure can.
• Can you hear me? We can hear you, so go ahead and introduce yourself for the record and proceed.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you hear me? Just the right one. Just the right one. Just the right one. Just the right one.
• I often hear people saying, "Can you just put a signal up there?"
• That's great to hear that you're combining the medical resources as well.
• In the case of our industrial base, it's our water, wastewater system. That is our Achilles heel.
• And on page 22, in case everyone hasn't looked at that, he has defined some of his asks.

Transcript Highlights:

• I Case >> yes.
• All All those Didn't you hear me?
• <04:00:08.800> Chairman, the case. Mr. Chairman, the case. Mr.
• And if somebody has a case or can come up with a case, I would stand corrected.
• republic, not a popularity contest. republic, not a popularity contest.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• will going to close the public hearing will going to close the public hearing on<01:01:00.079>
• Now we're back in the hearings.
• I mean hearing. My apologies. We are in a hearing. Representative Jack Flanigan: Thank you, Mr.
• be an overvote on them in which case be an overvote on them in which case they<04:05:31.760>
• <05:26:27.120> this we've had the pleasure to hear this we've had the pleasure to hear this

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All of whom you will hear from after this.
• <00:09:35.519> issue contested issue contested issue uh<00:09:37.760> but<00:09:38.000>
• <00:21:55.360> from directly out to schools to hear from directly out to schools to hear from
• There are court cases and supreme court cases that reinforce that.
• There are court cases and supreme court cases that reinforce that.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is easy to Squat on a property whose owner has died because the owner does not contest the right to
• but if you look at the second handout, uh, and sometimes an ISD will seek back to back, this was the case
• separate vote of the tax, taxing entity so that it's called out, uh, as well as giving notice of the hearing
• Hearing none, the House Committee on Ways and Means stands adjourned, subject to the call of the chair

Transcript Highlights:

• case hearings arising from the administration or enforcement of DEQ rules and permitting, license, or
• <02:29:09.840> case<02:29:10.080> hearings and to conduct contested case hearings and
• to conduct contested case hearings arising<02:29:10.880> from<02:29:11.120> the<02:29:
• <02:33:13.920> cases,<02:33:14.240> and<02:33:14.399> all public contested cases
• , and all public contested cases, and all rulemaking<02:33:15.120> hearings.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes funding for a case management system for contested cases, which is currently handled manually
• This enables them to take on more cases.
• We represent them as a class when it comes to the actual cases.
• Enforcement cases are worked by only three staff attorneys.
• State Office of Administrative Hearings.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairwoman Tack and committee members for hearing this bill by name is Gina Hell. I'm a doc.
• Members for hearing hearing this bill again.
• Contests. Key. Yes loan. Yes, Maggard yes for us. Yes, Wood. And yes. Rizzo Rosenwald. Yes 1000.
• Case managers had something been wrong. Had patients safety been at risk.
• And on the Florida we hear every day from people who say I can't get into a psychiatry us.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, as the son of renowned surfer and contest director Liam McNamer, brother of Garrett, Landon
• :15:13.240> renowned<00:15:13.560> Surfer<00:15:13.920> and<00:15:14.120> contest
• <00:15:14.519> director of renowned Surfer and contest director of renowned Surfer and contest

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• EXEMPTS CERTAIN PROJECTS WITH UNEXPECTED DELAYS AND COMPETITIVE NEGOTIATION ACT AND THE MOST HOTLY CONTESTED
• >> Chair: YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> IN MOST CASES THERE ARE TWO FROM EACH COUNTY AND THEY ARE PARTICIPATING
• MEMBERS. >> IN MOST CASES THERE ARE TWO FROM EACH COUNTY AND THEY ARE PARTICIPATING MEMBERS. >> Senator
• I HEAR FROM MY COMMISSIONER SAY IF WE DIDN'T HAVE TO SIT ON ALL THESE BOARDS THAT DID NOT HAVE TO DO

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are streaming this hearing live on YouTube.
• Hearing none, the measure passes.
• Hearing none, the measure passes.
• Hearing none, the measure passes.
• Hearing none, the measure passes.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing began with SB 133 on energy, which drew opposition testimony from James Abraham, who said the bill was unnecessary because the Public Utilities Commission had already opened a proceeding to investigate wheeling, including intergovernmental wheeling, and should be allowed to finish its collaborative process. The committees then moved to SB 161 on county permitting and inspection, where several agencies submitted written comments or opposition, while the Grassroots Institute and HCDA-related testimony supported the measure. Members raised concerns about accountability and whether state agencies would report back on projects approved under any permitting exemption, and witnesses suggested annual reporting or amendment language to address that issue. The hearing then turned to SB 232 and SB 588, both related to renewable energy permitting. Testimony on SB 232 was largely supportive, but Rocky Mold of the Hawaii Solar Energy Association said SB 232 was an older version of a bill and that SB 588 was the preferred, updated measure. Members discussed whether the bill should be limited to residential or behind-the-meter customer-sited systems rather than utility-scale projects, and Mold clarified that the proposal was intended for customer-sited systems, not utility-scale facilities. For SB 588, the Department of Land and Natural Resources warned that state or county laws inconsistent with the National Flood Insurance Program could jeopardize flood insurance eligibility and related federal assistance, while Mold argued the bill’s FEMA floodway exemption was needed to avoid blocking solar installations on existing structures. The chair expressed concern about risking federal funding and questioned whether the exemption could be narrowed without defeating the bill’s purpose. SB 412, also on renewable energy, received supportive testimony from the State Energy Office and others. Members questioned whether a single coordinating entity should compile agency assessments, and Mark Glick said the Energy Office could take on that role if given the duty and sufficient staff. The committee then discussed SB 635 on energy efficiency, which would require state agencies to use energy-efficient lighting. Mark Glick testified that much of the work was already underway through benchmarking and related contracts, and a DAGS representative said the state was already assessing 590 buildings over 10,000 square feet, with results expected around 2027. Members suggested amending the bill to require annual status reports so the committees could track progress and avoid duplication. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And winning those far more important contests is going to require investments we can't afford if Arkansas
• And winning those far more important contests is going to require investments we can't afford if Arkansas
• and I think every member of the committee here sees your passion, sees your desire, and I'm glad to hear

Summary: The Senate Revenue and Tax Committee met to consider Senate Bill 1, sponsored by Senator Jonathan Dismang, which continues the state’s long-running effort to reduce Arkansas income tax rates. Dismang said the bill would lower the personal income tax rate retroactive to January 1, 2026 and delay the corporate income tax change until the following January, bringing the rate down from 7% to 3.7%. He also said the bill would use existing surplus funds and estimated that a person making $65,000 would see their effective tax burden reduced by about 45% compared with earlier rates. The committee heard several witnesses in opposition, including a United Methodist pastor/social worker, a parent describing her son’s disability and need for supported living services, representatives from Arkansas Appleseed and Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, and a Marshallese community advocate. They argued that Arkansas should preserve revenue for public schools, health care, food assistance, housing, rural hospitals, early childhood education, and disability services, and said the tax cuts would disproportionately benefit higher-income taxpayers while providing little relief to working families. Several speakers cited low state spending relative to national averages and warned that further cuts would worsen existing service gaps. In closing, Dismang and other supporters said the state can be both compassionate and competitive, that no essential services would be cut by the bill, and that Arkansas has continued to grow revenue despite prior tax reductions. Members emphasized balancing service funding with economic competitiveness and noted the legislature’s focus on lower-income tax brackets in earlier reforms. The committee then voted to do pass SB1, and the bill was approved.