Transcript Highlights:

• So, I'm going<00:45:22.400> to<00:45:22.880> ask<00:45:23.119> the<00:45:23.359>
• 45:33.480> is<00:45:34.480> is<00:45:35.040> to<00:45:35.359> be<00:45:35.440
• <00:45:45.440> If<00:45:45.599> I<00:45:45.760> could<00:45:45.839> live<
• <00:45:48.880> be<00:45:49.119> a<00:45:49.359> resident<00:45:49.680> of
• of this state<00:45:50.480> to<00:45:50.720> be<00:45:51.440> a<00:45:51.680>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Tarrant County is 45, but Bexar County is also 53%.
• Tarrant County is 45, but Bexar County is also 53%.
• What we've already done, we think, already got 45% of the seniors and disabled paying no school tax.
• Also, I think it's important to know that many of our local chapters partner with nonprofits and other
• And like I said before, we have 26 local chapters across the state, and every single one of them has

Bills: SB23, SJR85

Keywords: homestead exemption, elderly, disabled, ad valorem taxation, school district funding, Texas constitutional amendment, property tax relief, school district taxes, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, elderly homeowners, senior citizens, disabled homeowners, age 65 or older, school finance, tax exemption increase, local school taxes, property tax exemption, homestead tax relief, voter approval

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government heard testimony on Senate Bill 23 and its companion constitutional amendment, Senate Joint Resolution 85, both by Senator Bettencourt. The bills would increase the additional homestead exemption for elderly and disabled homeowners from $10,000 to $60,000, which proponents said would significantly reduce property taxes and help seniors and disabled Texans age in place. Bettencourt and supporters described the measure as part of a broader property tax relief package, estimating combined savings of about $950 for over-65 and disabled homeowners when paired with other recent homestead exemption changes. Witnesses largely supported the proposal. Testimony in favor came from a lawyer, a private citizen, Texas Realtors, the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature, and the Texas Association of Builders, all emphasizing relief for fixed-income seniors, housing stability, and the ability to remain in their homes. Several witnesses noted rising property taxes, medical costs, and the challenges seniors face in moving or affording home modifications. One witness from Every Texan said a flat homestead exemption is the most equitable way to cut property taxes, but argued against additional tax cuts generally, favoring a circuit-breaker approach and warning that permanent tax cuts could reduce funding for schools and other needs. The committee also discussed data showing many over-65 homeowners already pay no school property taxes in some counties and that the proposed changes would increase that share. After closing public testimony, the committee voted on the measures. Senate Bill 23 was reported favorably to the full Senate by a 7-0 vote, and S.J.R. 85 was also reported favorably by a 7-0 vote. The transcript also shows Senate Bill 898 being laid out and passed unanimously earlier in the meeting, with a recommendation for the local and uncontested calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now<00:45:02.079> um<00:45:02.480> the<00:45:02.720> agency<00:45:03.119> is<
• /c><00:45:03.440> not<00:45:04.319> coming<00:45:04.560> up<00:45:04.720> with
• That's chapter law. That's chapter 141, That's chapter law.
• > need<01:45:25.119> to<01:45:25.360> have<01:45:25.600> some<01:45:26.320
• .<01:45:53.760> Now<01:45:54.159> in<01:45:54.400> parallel<01:45:54.800> with

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I I do thank<00:45:04.640> the<00:45:04.960> member<00:45:05.280> from<00:45:
• <00:45:08.960> the<00:45:09.200> member<00:45:09.440> from<00:45:09.680>
• But<00:45:13.520> thank<00:45:13.760> you<00:45:13.920> very<00:45:14.240> much
• <00:45:25.359> member<00:45:25.680> of<00:45:25.920> that<00:45:26.240> team,
• /c><00:45:35.920> uh<00:45:36.480> um<00:45:36.720> the<00:45:37.040> sport

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional performance, then introduced several bills. H.896 would create a New England Oregon bank specialty license plate and was referred to Transportation. H.897 would prohibit social media use by children and was referred to Commerce and Economic Development. H.898, a committee bill on transitions from copper-based to fiber-based telecommunications networks and consumer protections, was read and placed on the notice calendar. H.899 would finance multi-unit housing through the Vermont Economic Development Authority and was referred to Commerce and Economic Development. The chamber also referred H.635, eliminating Department of Corrections supervisory fees, to Ways and Means because it affects state revenue. The House adopted JRS 40, a joint resolution setting weekend adjournment for February 13, 2026, to reconvene no later than February 17, 2026. It also concurred in HCR 181 congratulating the 2025 Spirit of the ADA award winners and HCR 189 designating February 11, 2026, as Disability Advocacy Day at the State House. HCR 181 recognized a long list of employers for inclusive hiring and accommodations, while HCR 189 highlighted disability rights history, the Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights, and ongoing barriers faced by Vermonters with disabilities. The House then took up HCR 192, recognizing February 11, 2026, as National 211 Day in Vermont and celebrating Vermont 211’s statewide referral and crisis-support role. The resolution noted more than 61,000 contacts and over 22,000 referrals in 2025, along with its emergency and after-hours support functions. Members also made announcements recognizing Recovery Day, the Spirit of the ADA award recipients, Disability Advocacy Day, National 211 Day, and other guests and events in the chamber. On the action calendar, the House considered the conference committee report on S.23, concerning the use of synthetic media in elections. The committee reported a strike-all compromise on definitions, disclosure requirements, exemptions, and penalties. The report defined deceptive synthetic media, required a disclosure for certain synthetic media distributed within 90 days of an election, provided exemptions for some broadcasters and parody, and set civil penalties for violations. The House was asked to adopt the conference report.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:45:35.520> better<00:45:35.680> the<00:45:36.000> good<00:45:36.240> scope
• > we<00:45:42.400> have<00:45:42.480> a<00:45:42.640> lot<00:45:42.720>
• <00:45:44.000> Thank<00:45:44.240> you<00:45:44.319> to<00:45:44.480> all
• It it it seems<00:45:48.000> to<00:45:48.160> me<00:45:48.319> that<00:45:48.560
• > there<00:45:48.800> is<00:45:49.599> um<00:45:50.319> you<00:45:50.480>

Bills: HF3965, HF3704, HF3260, HF3718

Keywords: pesticide, agriculture, environmental protection, health risks, chemical safety, local agriculture, insecticides, pollinators, seeds, environmental health, neonicotinoids, systemic insecticides, civil penalties, pest management, land trends, report, appropriation, farmers, veterinary medicine, veterinary technology

Transcript Highlights:

• as possible<00:45:22.760> and<00:45:22.960> as<00:45:23.359> effective<00:45:24.119
• and<02:45:01.439> I<02:45:01.560> urge<02:45:01.840> all<02:45:02.000> my
• c> do<02:45:03.680> the<02:45:03.800> same<02:45:04.080> I<02:45:04.240>
• <02:45:13.200> a<02:45:13.319> gentleman<02:45:13.640> from<02:45:13.760> New
• 07:45:07.318> a<07:45:07.520> city<07:45:07.878> seat<07:45:08.200> to<07

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• factors<00:45:30.440> first<00:45:30.680> up<00:45:30.839> is<00:45:31.000>
• :45:35.839> present<00:45:36.079> on<00:45:36.240> Zoom<00:45:36.480> chair
• present<00:45:38.000> with<00:45:38.520> comments<00:45:39.520> next<00:45:39.800
• to pass with<01:45:08.520> amendments<01:45:09.080> any<01:45:09.239> no<01:45:
• :45:13.679> passes<01:45:14.520> thank<01:45:14.679> you<01:45:14.800> next

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several fireworks-related bills. On HB 550, which would allow law enforcement to use drone recordings to establish probable cause for fireworks arrests in public areas and appropriate funds for drones, the Department of Law Enforcement and Honolulu Police Department supported the measure. The Public Defender and some public testifiers opposed it, arguing that a statute cannot mandate probable cause and that the bill raises constitutional concerns. A prosecutor later explained that the bill is intended to address Hawaiʻi case law, especially State v. Kit, which limits aerial surveillance over homes under the state constitution, and suggested that changing “shall” to “may” could reduce constitutional problems. Members also questioned whether current law already allows video evidence of fireworks violations and whether the bill was necessary. Testimony included both support and opposition from individuals and organizations, and no vote was taken during the hearing. The committees then heard HB 806, which would appropriate funds for the Department of Law Enforcement to conduct sting operations on Oʻahu to enforce fireworks laws. The department and police supported the bill, while the Libertarian Party of Hawaiʻi opposed it, arguing that fireworks are already illegal and that the measure adds unnecessary enforcement powers and constitutional risk. Committee members asked what “sting operation” means and whether the term should be defined more clearly; the department said it refers to police or criminal investigations involving deception and agreed a definition would help guide use of the funds. The department also said the funding would support training, storage, and other operational costs for undercover investigations. Finally, the committees heard HB 1483, a broader fireworks enforcement bill that would create an adjudication system for fireworks infractions, revise definitions and penalties, establish new offenses, and increase penalties when fireworks offenses cause injury or death. The Attorney General’s office strongly supported the bill, saying it would improve enforcement by clarifying definitions and allowing cases to be proven without particle testing or expert witnesses when fireworks leave no physical evidence. The Department of Law Enforcement also supported it. The Public Defender opposed the bill, focusing on the bill’s penalty enhancements for offenses that are rarely enforced and its concurrent trial provision, which it said raises problems because of the differences between civil and criminal proceedings. No final committee action or vote was reported in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> of<00:45:39.440> the<00:45:39.720> office<00:45:40.160> of<00:45:40.319><
• president<00:45:41.079> for<00:45:41.359> academic<00:45:41.920> strategy<00:45
• ><00:45:45.800> here<00:45:45.920> to<00:45:46.079> answer<00:45:46.359> any<
• thank<00:45:47.880> you<00:45:48.880> thank<00:45:49.079> you<00:45:49.680
• 45:11.520> state<01:45:12.480> Mahalo<01:45:13.480> thank<01:45:13.719> you

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The question<00:45:00.960> is<00:45:01.599> what<00:45:01.760> is<00:45:01.920><
• > does<00:45:18.880> is<00:45:19.119> to<00:45:19.920> uh<00:45:20.160>
• > to<00:45:25.200> pay<00:45:25.359> within<00:45:25.839> 30<00:45:26.079
• :27.680> you<00:45:27.839> have<00:45:27.920> to<00:45:28.079> pay<00:45:
• Not 45,<00:45:30.160> not<00:45:30.480> two<00:45:30.720> months<00:45:30.960>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :45:51.160> our<00:45:51.680> existence<00:45:52.359> but<00:45:52.760> our
• very first<00:45:53.599> interaction<00:45:54.520> with<00:45:55.200> uh<00:45:
• <00:45:59.079> they<00:45:59.240> reached<00:45:59.559> out<00:45:59.720>
• <01:45:03.080> careers<01:45:03.679> what<01:45:03.840> they<01:45:03.960>
• them<01:45:06.800> go<01:45:07.040> on<01:45:07.280> to<01:45:08.239> uh<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But to take the<00:45:02.560> uh<00:45:02.800> parents<00:45:03.359> right<00:45
• I'm also<00:45:08.720> one<00:45:08.960> that's<00:45:09.200> on<00:45:09.359>
• <00:45:11.520> HB<00:45:12.319> uh<00:45:12.720> 1961<00:45:14.160> could
• :45:19.680> we<00:45:19.920> have<00:45:20.079> a<00:45:20.240> hearing &
• to chapter 329, Hawaii Revised Statutes to make<02:45:09.760> it<02:45:09.920> consistent<

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard testimony on HB 1875, which would expand Hawaii’s existing protections to include gender-affirming health care, clarify permitted disclosures of protected health information, and bar certain adverse actions by malpractice insurers and health carriers against providers of lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care. The Insurance Division of DCCA supported the bill with a technical amendment, suggesting language tied to actuarial analysis rather than the phrase “actuarially sound.” The Office of Information Practices also provided comments. Most testimony was strongly in support. State agencies and advocacy groups, including the Hawaii State Youth Commission, State Health Planning and Development Agency, Commission on the Status of Women, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Stonewall Caucus, ACLU of Hawaii, PFLAG Oahu, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said the bill would protect patient privacy, reduce chilling effects from out-of-state litigation, and help retain providers in a state already facing shortages. Several testifiers said gender-affirming care is medically necessary, evidence-based, and life-saving, and emphasized that Hawaii should protect its own health care decisions from outside political pressure. A few individuals testified in opposition, arguing the bill was unnecessary or that it protected providers more than opponents of the bill, but these views were not echoed by most of the testimony. The chair repeatedly reminded testifiers to keep comments brief and maintain decorum. The transcript provided does not include a final committee vote or disposition on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> a<01:45:04.400> different<01:45:04.560> in<01:45:04.800> a<01:45:05.040><
• <01:45:12.960> We<01:45:13.119> know<01:45:13.360> we<01:45:13.520> took<
• <01:45:23.440> the<01:45:23.600> sales<01:45:23.920> tax<01:45:24.239> off
• >> I<01:45:26.239> think<01:45:26.320> it's<01:45:26.639> important<01:45:
• <02:45:00.800> Uh<02:45:01.120> it's<02:45:01.359> a<02:45:01.520> bill

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Thank<00:45:05.839> you<00:45:06.000> for<00:45:06.160> the<00:45:06.400
• Um I<00:45:09.680> I'm<00:45:10.319> trying<00:45:10.560> to<00:45:10.720> find
• <00:45:10.800> a<00:45:11.040> point<00:45:11.280> person<00:45:11.760> in
• Um, we're going<00:45:18.319> to<00:45:18.400> go<00:45:18.560> and<00:45:18.720
• It's<00:45:21.200> sending<00:45:21.520> you<00:45:21.920> knowing<00:45:22.240>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• by<00:45:06.480> vaccinating<00:45:07.200> kids<00:45:08.640> and<00:45:09.359><
• <01:45:01.520> And<01:45:01.679> so,<01:45:03.119> um<01:45:04.000> I
• <01:45:10.000> Um<01:45:10.880> any<01:45:11.119> other<01:45:11.360> comments
• <01:45:15.520> Uh<01:45:16.000> then<01:45:16.239> let<01:45:16.400> me
• <01:45:18.400> This<01:45:19.040> uh<01:45:19.280> article<01:45:19.679>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee met as a special House committee on COVID response efficacy, noted absences, and restated its mission to review New Hampshire’s pandemic response, including federal guidance, federal funds, emergency use authorization vaccination efforts, long COVID treatment, patient bill of rights implementation, and vaccination policies. The main business was discussion of a proposed letter or report language concerning current COVID vaccine recommendations for young children, especially those under age two, and how to support any conclusions with cited scientific and state sources. Representative Polozov argued that the committee should ask the governor or agencies to reconsider current recommendations, saying the committee should focus on whether vaccination is needed for that age group, whether it is effective, and whether the risks outweigh the benefits. He said he had distributed articles and wanted the committee to pair its conclusions with scientific and statistical data. Other members asked him to identify the specific New Hampshire DHHS and American Academy of Pediatrics sources for the recommendation, clarify the age range being discussed, and separate any evidence about adverse effects in other age groups from the infant/toddler demographic so the letter would be transparent and not misleading. Members generally agreed the letter should be carefully sourced and refined, with citations for each claim. The chair said the committee would treat the request as urgent and try to finalize a version by the next meeting, noting that some members would be traveling. The committee also discussed scheduling additional testimony in September and October, possibly with extra meetings, to continue gathering evidence and to hear from witnesses. The chair then began reviewing supporting articles, including studies he said were new since the 2024 report, and introduced a 2025 South Korea cohort study and another 2025 Italian cohort study as examples of the evidence he wanted to incorporate into an updated 2026 report.

Transcript Highlights:

• :10.360> they<01:45:10.480> can<01:45:10.760> go<01:45:10.920> back<01:45
• is<01:45:17.719> not<01:45:17.960> an<01:45:18.199> option<01:45:18.639>
• do<01:45:37.480> have<01:45:37.599> a<01:45:37.719> continuous<01:45:38.480>
• > so<01:45:42.880> we<01:45:43.000> do<01:45:43.199> look<01:45:43.400>
• they're<01:45:44.119> doing<01:45:44.400> with<01:45:44.560> those<01:45:44.760

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.040> completer<00:45:00.440> in<00:45:00.559> two<00:45:00.839> programs<
• > much<00:45:03.760> and<00:45:04.040> if<00:45:04.160> I<00:45:04.280> could
• <00:45:05.160> it's<00:45:05.280> a<00:45:05.480> concentrator<00:45:06.280>
• > incentive<00:45:07.119> rather<00:45:07.319> than<00:45:07.440> a<00:45
• <00:45:09.480> that<00:45:09.599> the<00:45:09.720> student<00:45:10.079>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 669, sponsored by Representative Smith, which was presented as a response to a September shooting incident in his district that led to school closures and missed instructional days. Smith said the bill was intended to help school districts recover lost days caused by extraordinary emergencies and not to set a broad precedent. Members asked whether districts had adjusted calendars to make up time, and Smith said many had already extended days or moved calendars into June. The committee then voted to pass House Bill 669, with all members present voting yes. The committee next heard House Bill 621, as amended by a committee substitute that removed a homeschooling-related section and left only the school-threat provisions. The bill would allow courts to impose a fine on parents when a child is adjudicated for terroristic threatening if law enforcement incurred excessive costs, and it would require a mental health assessment for the child. Representative Duvall and Officer Steve Chappelle supported the measure, arguing that online school threats spread fear, disrupt attendance, pull law-enforcement resources from other schools, and should create more parental accountability. Representative Riley also supported the accountability goal, citing lost instructional time and a recent student suicide tied to online issues. Several members raised concerns about the bill’s scope and due process. Representative Josh Callaway questioned why this offense should be the starting point for parental fines and warned about a slippery slope in holding parents liable for children’s crimes. Representative Willner said the bill seemed more like a judiciary issue, questioned whether punishment can make parents better parents, and asked about diversion programs and the meaning of the detention language. Representative Tipton pointed to existing statutes on mental health assessments and terroristic threatening penalties, and said the committee substitute would alleviate many concerns. Scott West, speaking for Kentucky Policy and the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, argued that the mandatory detention language would remove judicial discretion and that the parental fine provision could conflict with existing due process protections requiring notice, a hearing, and a finding that lack of supervision was a substantial factor in the child’s delinquency. The transcript does not show a final vote on House Bill 621 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• 45:01.920> I<00:45:02.240> looked<00:45:02.480> through<00:45:02.720> that
• :06.880> and<00:45:07.280> it<00:45:07.599> struck<00:45:08.000> me<00:45
• I want to say students, but that's<01:45:06.159> another<01:45:06.639> chapter<01:45:08.000
• > to<01:45:08.320> children<01:45:08.960> in that's another chapter to children
• in that's another chapter to children in foster<01:45:09.840> care<01:45:10.719> as<01:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session opened on February 13, 2026, with the chair outlining the committee’s advisory role and the possible motions available under House Rule 45. The committee then took up House Bill 1569, concerning the Philbrook Center/state hospital campus property, and heard extensive testimony from Commissioner Charlie Arlinghouse. He explained that the property is currently one parcel and state law prevents subdivision unless a separate Senate bill, identified as SB 572, is enacted to fix the legal issue. He said HB 2 directed the sale of the property but did not address subdivision or marketing details, and he characterized the $5 million revenue estimate as speculative. He also said the state would first offer the property to the city or county, which he viewed as the most practical buyer and potential partner for any subdivision work. Members asked whether the building should be retained for transitional housing or sold, what would happen after July 1, 2026, and whether other vacant state buildings could absorb the current occupants. Arlinghouse said there are no firm plans for the building if it is not sold, and that HHS would remain until a sale occurs. He described the building as not especially historic or attractive and noted plumbing issues, while also acknowledging HHS’s view that it could serve as transitional housing. He said there is no reserve stock of office space, that the state already rents substantial office space in Concord, and that some nearby state buildings are either under renovation or only partially usable. He also said the Executive Council would have to approve any sale and that moving costs are usually not budgeted in advance, leaving the using agency to absorb them. Several members raised concerns about relying on asset sales to balance the budget, citing past examples where projected real estate revenue did not materialize on schedule. Arlinghouse agreed that one-time revenue should generally be used for one-time expenses, but said the state sometimes has legitimate reasons to sell assets and that such decisions depend on the state’s needs. He estimated the state rents roughly 100,000 square feet of office space in Concord at about $25 per square foot, and said he would provide a more exact figure later. In response to a question about whether the state should include a right of first refusal if the property is later resold, he said that idea had not been considered but could make sense, especially if the buyer is the city or county. No votes were taken during this portion of the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02.640> Uh<02:45:02.880> thank<02:45:03.120> the<02:45:03.200> LRC<02:45
• <02:45:06.600> Uh<02:45:06.760> you<02:45:06.920> all<02:45:07.040> make<
• And um that<02:45:10.600> uh<02:45:10.680> I<02:45:10.760> learned<02:45:11.040>
• <02:45:23.120> says,<02:45:23.360> "Look,<02:45:23.680> we<02:45:23.800>
• <02:45:24.840> Our<02:45:25.040> goal<02:45:25.280> is<02:45:25.360> to

Keywords: In an effort to stave off issues that may occur with long format live streams, we have split this stream into two parts., 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :30.000> to<00:45:30.400> really<00:45:30.720> make<00:45:30.880> a<00:45
• um<00:45:33.440> I<00:45:33.680> thank<00:45:34.000> you<00:45:34.560>
• :45:43.040> name<00:45:43.200> is<00:45:43.359> Trevor<00:45:43.680> Cornwell
• <00:45:47.119> Technologies<00:45:48.160> and<00:45:48.400> I'm<00:45:48.720>
• Aspire<00:45:53.920> is<00:45:54.079> part<00:45:54.240> of<00:45:54.319> a

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, the change<00:45:09.440> in<00:45:09.599> this<00:45:09.760> bill<00:45:10.079
• /c><00:45:15.040> us,<00:45:15.520> but<00:45:15.839> something<00:45:16.079>
• <00:45:28.400> But<00:45:28.640> as<00:45:28.800> far<00:45:28.960> as
• and<00:45:33.119> lineal<00:45:33.520> descendants<00:45:34.000> that<00:45:34.240
• 34.960> with<00:45:35.280> um<00:45:36.000> core<00:45:36.640> areas<00:45

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2592, which would clarify the powers of the Mauna Stewardship and Oversight Authority regarding land use on Mauna Akea and related property transfers. The Department of Land and Natural Resources supported the rural property transfer but objected to language transferring conservation district use permits, saying CDUPs normally run with the land rather than being assigned to specific telescopes or observatories. The University of Hawaiʻi and the observatories generally supported the bill but urged clearer language, especially on the transfer of real property assets, related obligations and liabilities, and the inclusion of milestones for the transition. Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill’s overall intent but warned that some language could be overbroad and might improperly waive future beneficiary claims. Several testifiers opposed the measure, arguing it ignored DHHL lands and beneficiary rights, while others supported it as a way to clarify the authority’s role. Members questioned DLNR about the practical effects of transferring CDUP responsibility, and the committee emphasized that the bill was narrowly focused on specific land. The committee then took up House Bill 2593, which would authorize the Mauna Stewardship and Oversight Authority to extend existing leases and subleases for up to 10 years. The authority explained that the bill does not itself extend any lease, but instead gives the authority discretion to initiate a transparent public process if extensions are needed. The University of Hawaiʻi supported the concept but said the timing of any extension matters and noted possible legal requirements under state law. The observatories also supported the bill, describing it as a flexible tool during a broader transition process and noting that the authority has held many public planning workshops. Opponents, including Native Hawaiian and community testifiers, argued that the conservation lands should receive the highest protection, that the community had not consented, and that the observatories have had decades to plan ahead. One testifier urged the bill be deferred or killed for lack of clarity. In response to questions, the committee clarified that the bill only authorizes a process and does not itself extend leases, and that any extension would require public participation. The final measure discussed in the excerpt was House Bill 2047, relating to the AHAPU advisory committee. The discussion focused on the committee’s administrative relationship to the Department of Land and Natural Resources and whether DLNR should oversee basic legal compliance issues such as Sunshine Law and legislative reporting. DLNR explained that the committee is administratively attached to the department, which provides support on human resources, procurement, and legal questions, but that the committee itself generally handles its own operations. The department said it would route compliance questions to its attorneys and implement their advice. The hearing then moved on to House Bill 2231, which would transfer appointment authority for island burial council members from the governor and Senate to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs board of trustees. OHA said it generally supported the change for geographic moku representatives, since it already nominates candidates for those seats, but expressed concern about taking on appointment authority for the large landowner seats because that role is less directly tied to its statutory duties.