Transcript Highlights:

• sections to the existing law sections sections to the existing law sections three<01:11:09.360><
• <01:42:07.719> say<01:42:08.119> that<01:42:08.360> if<01:42:08.480> you<
• <01:42:12.639> are<01:42:12.840> missing<01:42:13.679> and<01:42:13.920>
• > use<01:42:24.880> absentee<01:42:25.880> ballots<01:42:26.880> um<01:42
• > the<01:42:32.000> number<01:42:32.320> of<01:42:32.599> rejected<01:42:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > questions<00:42:10.839> the<00:42:10.920> only<00:42:11.200> time<00:42
• so<00:42:24.359> I<00:42:24.520> I<00:42:24.640> hope<00:42:24.920> that
• :47.599> are<00:42:47.800> lots<00:42:47.960> of<00:42:48.119> odd<00:42:
• <00:42:50.319> my<00:42:50.520> my<00:42:50.680> point<00:42:50.880> is
• is<00:42:52.240> to<00:42:53.119> it<00:42:53.280> it<00:42:53.400> does

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Federal<00:42:05.200> tax<00:42:05.680> policies<00:42:06.440> and<00:42:06.600>
• And<00:42:15.760> the<00:42:15.880> ripple<00:42:16.200> effect<00:42:16.720>
• There<00:42:26.280> is<00:42:26.480> no<00:42:27.240> way<00:42:28.280> our
• But<00:42:33.480> through<00:42:33.720> this<00:42:34.040> tax<00:42:34.440>
• So,<00:42:48.000> what<00:42:48.160> does<00:42:48.280> the<00:42:48.400> tax

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 01:42:07.199> compact<01:42:07.520> that<01:42:07.679> would<01:42:07.840> help
• move<01:42:10.800> between<01:42:11.360> states<01:42:12.159> um<01:42:12.320><
• <01:42:39.040> So<01:42:39.280> how<01:42:39.520> the<01:42:39.679> ITMC<
• > eligible<01:42:44.320> licenses<01:42:44.960> to<01:42:45.280> the<01:42
• > able<01:42:48.560> to<01:42:48.960> get<01:42:49.199> the<01:42:49.440>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:42:01.920> spent<00:42:02.160> a<00:42:02.280> lot<00:42:02.400> of
• of time and<00:42:03.160> a<00:42:03.240> lot<00:42:03.359> of<00:42:03.480>
• <00:42:09.960> corollary<00:42:10.520> to<00:42:10.760> what<00:42:10.880>
• you could get<00:42:11.359> rid<00:42:11.560> of<00:42:11.880> or<00:42:12.560>
• :42:19.880> students<00:42:20.319> be<00:42:20.559> safe<00:42:21.240> and

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So section 60, I correction section 59.
• So that takes us to<00:42:19.599> page<00:42:20.000> 31 to page 31 to page 31 section<00
• This<00:42:27.760> is<00:42:28.160> a<00:42:28.480> change<00:42:28.800>
• <00:42:58.880> to<00:42:59.440> what<00:42:59.680> we<00:42:59.839> thought
• You mentioned next section, section 84.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:42:01.520> as<00:42:01.920> relates<00:42:02.240> to<00:42:02.880> the<
• <00:42:03.680> we<00:42:03.839> heard,<00:42:04.400> but<00:42:04.800> one
• > decide<00:42:08.400> to<00:42:08.800> to<00:42:09.119> go,<00:42:09.599
• > Seaworth<00:42:11.280> says,<00:42:12.079> to<00:42:12.240> go<00:42:12.400
• > council,<00:42:13.359> is<00:42:13.599> that<00:42:14.720> it<00:42:14.960

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began with procedural announcements about report turnaround, amendment submission methods during split operations, a possible January 29 session, the governor’s State of the State on February 5, parking, cafeteria opening, and the plan to finish work by February 10. It then moved into executive session on HB 1123, which would require certain companies to post salary ranges on public job listings. Representative Granger moved ITL, arguing the bill would interfere with negotiations, especially for higher-level jobs, and raise compelled-speech concerns. Supporters, including Representatives Schultz, Sullivan, Cahill, Staub, and others, said salary ranges help applicants avoid wasted time and travel, improve transparency, and are already a common workplace disclosure. The committee voted 10-9 to ITL HB 1123. The committee next took up HB 177, concerning a definition of remote work in labor law. Representative Murphy moved ITL, saying the bill could burden employers, create vague obligations, duplicate existing protections, and potentially require intrusive compliance measures. Representative Sullivan described a proposed amendment that would narrow the bill to a definition of remote work and remove broader requirements, but the committee ultimately voted 11-9 to ITL HB 177. Members also noted that the amendment had not been fully circulated in time and that the issue might merit further review. Finally, the committee opened HB 1352, a workers’ compensation bill focused on repricing and payment practices. The sponsor withdrew an initial ITL motion and moved OTP after amendment review. Members discussed concerns raised at the hearing about delayed payments, third-party administrators, and the need for better accountability. Representative McKenzie’s amendment would define good faith, create a voluntary three-year dispute-resolution pilot, restore fines to prior levels, and add reporting/accountability requirements for carriers that miss the 30-day payment deadline. Several members supported the amendment as a way to help small businesses and providers, while others said repricing needed broader study through the workers’ compensation advisory council. The Department of Labor explained that the amendment would require carriers and related payers to report missed determinations to the department and would increase oversight of payment timeliness.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:02.800> If<00:42:02.960> you're<00:42:03.040> opposed,<00:42:03.359><
• <01:42:01.840> If<01:42:01.920> you<01:42:02.000> favor<01:42:02.239> the
• <01:42:12.400> In<01:42:12.560> favor<01:42:12.719> of<01:42:12.800> the<
• <01:42:13.520> If<01:42:13.600> you're<01:42:13.760> opposed,<01:42:14.080><
• <01:42:27.199> Madam<01:42:27.520> clerk,<01:42:28.239> by<01:42:28.560>

Keywords: MS House Floor - 5 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then confirmed a quorum, dispensed with the journal reading, and moved into the calendar. Members also introduced several visitors and groups in the galleries, including AFL-CIO representatives, Volunteer Mississippi, the Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy, New England College students on a civil rights tour, and other guests and constituents. The chamber then proceeded through a series of motions to reconsider, table, or advance bills on the calendar. On the appropriations calendar, the House passed several Senate bills after adopting strike-off or amendment language. Senate Bill 2896, described as a potential trooper pay raise measure, was amended and passed 128-0. Senate Bill 2898 increased the MIMA disaster assistance trust fund from $20 million to $40 million and passed 128-0, and Senate Bill 2924 authorized spending from that fund and passed 119-0. Other appropriations measures included Senate Bill 2825 on the healthcare industry zone act, Senate Bill 2832 extending a repealer for the short-line railroad tax credit, Senate Bill 2834 on motor vehicle specialty tags, Senate Bill 2835 allowing banks to use third-party vendors to check liens, and Senate Bill 2846 on conduit bonds; each was explained as largely conforming to House language or adding reverse repealers, and each passed overwhelmingly. The Ways and Means calendar included Senate Bill 2850, which removed a reverse repealer and updated the Advantage Jobs Act to align incentives with prior commitments and future tax changes; it passed 119-0. Senate Bill 2873 expanded administrative forfeiture procedures to products on the cigarette and ends registry and passed 117-1. Senate Bill 2882 clarified that tax assessors cannot require settlement statements for homestead exemptions and passed 118-0. Senate Bill 3111, which would exempt up to 10 cases of wine donated annually to nonprofits from alcohol taxes, drew some concern and passed 97-13 after a reverse repealer was added. Senate Bill 316 added energy storage facilities such as batteries to the definition of alternative energy for local ad valorem tax purposes and passed 114-1. Senate Bill 3124 revised the Pregnancy Resource Act to allow individuals as well as businesses to participate in the tax credit, adjust reporting and in-state requirements, and incorporate House language; the transcript cuts off before the final vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• 42:04.720> are<00:42:04.920> there<00:42:05.200> any<00:42:05.480> questions<
• c><00:42:28.280> so<00:42:28.480> that<00:42:28.599> we<00:42:28.720> would
• ><00:42:32.559> of<00:42:32.800> concern<00:42:33.800> I<00:42:33.880> think<
• /c><00:42:34.079> that<00:42:34.200> might<00:42:34.359> be<00:42:34.440> a
• <00:42:47.040> we<00:42:47.359> we<00:42:47.520> have<00:42:47.640> an<00

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture, water, invasive species, and land-use bills. HB 299 and HB 1220, both relating to invasive species, drew broad support from the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, DLNR, the Department of Agriculture, C-GAPS, Sierra Club, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, and others. Testifiers said HISC funding fills gaps between agency mandates, supports research and technology, and helps respond to both terrestrial and marine invasive threats. On HB 1220, C-GAPS described a marine anemone infestation in Kāneʻohe linked to aquarium release and said control and restoration would be difficult without the bill’s funding. A committee member asked for tracking information on the species, and the Division of Aquatic Resources said it maintains monitoring data and annual reports. No opposition was noted on either measure. HB 506, relating to conservation enforcement, also received support from DLNR and Malama Pu‘u Ma. Committee discussion focused on the bill’s scope and how the funding would be used. Members asked about a prior boat purchase mentioned in opposition testimony and about whether mainland vendors were being used; the department said it did not buy that boat and that procurement follows the normal state process, with total bid price including delivery, taxes, and other fees. The department explained that the bill’s funding is primarily for marine enforcement work in nearshore fisheries, including herbivore protection around O‘ahu. HB 915, relating to water use, had mixed testimony. DLNR supported alternative water sources and amendments to the water code, while the Department of Agriculture opposed the bill as drafted, saying its irrigation program is designed for non-potable agricultural use and is not structured for residential or mixed-use development. The Department of Health said it needed more information on its reuse guidelines and noted concern about removing the recycled water manager requirement, which it said helps ensure safe operation and maintenance of reuse systems. Members questioned the bill’s preemption language and whether county or state rules would be displaced, and Agriculture suggested county water agencies might be better suited for some of the proposed uses. HB 502, concerning land use, drew support from the Attorney General’s office, the Land Use Commission, Hawaii Realtors, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Farmers Union, with the Department of Agriculture standing on its written testimony. The Attorney General warned that allowing important agricultural lands to be redistricted through a declaratory ruling process could conflict with the state constitution and recommended excluding IAL from the bill. The Land Use Commission said it has an inventory of IAL lands and did not believe the bill would affect them, and it agreed to the suggested protection. Supporters said the bill could help move lands with limited agricultural value into the rural district, reduce pressure on productive farmland, and better align land use with actual farming potential. HB 929, relating to the agricultural land conveyance tax, received comments from the Department of Taxation and opposition from Hawaii Farm Bureau and Hawaii Realtors; Farm Bureau said it supports preserving agricultural land but was concerned about unintended consequences and questioned whether speculative flipping of ag land is a current problem.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:03.200> um<00:42:03.280> that<00:42:03.520> we<00:42:03.680> take<
• <00:42:14.160> that's<00:42:14.480> not<00:42:14.720> something<00:42:14.880
• So it's it's<00:42:28.800> met<00:42:29.839> and<00:42:30.160> and<00:42:30.240>
• <00:42:35.119> came<00:42:35.280> and<00:42:35.520> talked<00:42:35.839>
• > of<00:42:36.640> his<00:42:36.960> constituents<00:42:37.520> and<00:42

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > intact<00:42:15.480> uh<00:42:15.680> and<00:42:15.880> that<00:42:16.319>
• 20.440> many<00:42:20.720> of<00:42:20.920> them<00:42:21.599> have<00:42
• :42:33.240> this<00:42:33.400> bill<00:42:33.680> incompass<00:42:34.240> it<
• c> addition<00:42:35.599> we<00:42:35.720> hope<00:42:35.920> as<00:42:36.040
• :42:52.920> the<00:42:53.160> product<00:42:53.800> that<00:42:53.960> was

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:01 Roll Call 00:16 HB 211 Discussion 02:55 HB 211 Vote 16:30 HB 160 Discussion 18:50 HB 160 Vote 52:06 Adjournment 57:35, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Local Government met for its first meeting of the year, established a quorum, and heard two bills. House Bill 211, sponsored by Representative Chris Lewis, would create a definition for cigar bars and allow indoor cigar smoking in qualifying establishments if they meet criteria such as deriving at least 15% of gross income from cigar-related sales, restricting entry to those 21 and older, prohibiting cigarettes and vaping, and requiring a smoke-free area for deliveries. Lewis and Louisville Metro Council member Anthony Pantini described the bill as a small-business and tourism measure modeled on Tennessee law, while the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and a St. Elizabeth physician opposed it, arguing it would undermine local smoke-free ordinances and expose patrons and workers to harmful secondhand smoke. Several members raised local-control concerns, and Lewis said he was open to local governments making decisions on less restrictive approaches. The committee adopted a committee substitute and then approved HB 211 on a roll call vote, with multiple members voting yes and several no votes, sending the bill forward as amended. The committee then heard House Bill 160 from Representative Susan Whitten, with Logan Haynes of the Kentucky Manufactured Housing Institute. They said Kentucky faces a housing shortage of roughly 200,000 units and that starter homes are increasingly unaffordable, making manufactured housing an important part of the solution. Whitten said the bill would treat manufactured housing more like site-built housing while still allowing local governments to enforce cosmetic standards such as roof pitch, exterior facade, and foundation material, and she emphasized that HOA, deed, and historical preservation restrictions would remain in place. Haynes argued that modern manufactured homes are federally and state inspected, more energy efficient, faster to build, and more affordable than site-built homes, and he said the bill would not open the door to older-style mobile homes or single-wides except in limited narrow-lot situations. Representatives from the Kentucky League of Cities and the Kentucky Association of Counties expressed concerns about the bill’s current language, saying land-use decisions should remain local and warning that the definition of qualified manufactured home and the bill’s treatment of local standards could have unintended consequences. They said they appreciated Whitten’s willingness to work with them and indicated they hoped to continue negotiating amendments as the bill moved forward. No vote on HB 160 was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:06.800> be<00:42:07.200> wonder<00:42:07.760> where<00:42:07.880>
• students<00:42:19.160> um<00:42:19.520> in<00:42:19.720> high<00:42:19.880><
• 42:21.559> as<00:42:21.680> thought<00:42:21.800> would<00:42:21.880> explore
• <00:42:30.640> a<00:42:30.720> nursing<00:42:31.119> program<00:42:31.480>
• ><00:42:34.480> and<00:42:34.559> this<00:42:34.680> allowed<00:42:34.960> me

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:42:19.680> at<00:42:19.760> the<00:42:19.880> end<00:42:20.040> of
• 42:24.319> as<00:42:24.480> well<00:42:24.640> as<00:42:24.960> the<00:42
• Section 70, Northern Shield, on page 42 of House Bill 2 does relate to this accounting unit.
• That page 40, Section 70, so starting on line 22. I don't know what section 42, p— no, I got it.
• :42:29.160> so<04:42:30.160> um<04:42:30.840> I<04:42:31.000> I<04:42:31.080

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met with New Hampshire DOT Commissioner Bill Cass and Finance Director Danielle Shandra to review the agency’s FY 2026 budget. Cass gave a high-level overview of DOT’s mission, organization, funding structure, and staffing trends, noting the agency has about 650 employees across five divisions. He said the Governor’s recommended FY 2026 budget totals $95.99 million, essentially flat from FY 2025, with funding primarily from Turnpike funds, Highway funds, federal sources, and a small General Fund share for non-highway units. Members asked about how Turnpike and Highway funds are treated in state accounting, and DOT explained that while they are enterprise funds restricted to their purposes, they are considered unrestricted from the statewide perspective and are appropriated through the budget process. A major topic was staffing and budget targets. DOT said its full-time staffing level has remained relatively flat since 2014 even as vehicle miles traveled increased and vacancies rose. To meet budget targets, the department unfunded seven permanent positions and nine temporary full-time positions, and later noted additional reductions in Finance, including the elimination of two full-time positions, reduced print shop equipment purchases, and deeper cuts to overtime, temporary help, equipment, and supplies in FY 2027. DOT also explained that it shifted funding for one unmanned aerial system position from General Funds to Highway Funds, saying the change was workable because the position supports highway-related work and federal-aid-eligible activities. Members asked for clarification on the state transit operating match, and DOT explained that the Legislature had previously provided about $1.8 million annually in General Funds to help local transit agencies meet federal match requirements, but that funding was not included in this budget. DOT said that could reduce the ability to draw down some federal transit funds, though the impact may not be immediate because those funds can be used over several years. The department also described its unmanned aerial system program, saying it has been used for about five years for mapping, survey work, construction oversight, and storm damage assessment, and that it now has about five drones and two full-time positions supporting the program. DOT said it is expanding cross-training so more employees can operate drones without adding positions. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:06.640> measure<00:42:06.960> is<00:42:07.119> s<00:42:07.359> sp1
• better<00:42:33.119> attention<00:42:33.440> to<00:42:33.599> the<00:42:33.720>
• :35.440> and<00:42:35.559> that<00:42:35.720> I<00:42:35.839> have<00:42:
• some real concerns<00:42:37.480> about<00:42:38.480> uh<00:42:38.599> the<00:42
• of uh<00:42:45.760> the<00:42:45.960> crisis<00:42:46.880> in<00:42:47.000>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several insurance and condominium-related bills. SB 1137 would require insurers to notify policyholders of approved rate changes within 30 days and at least 30 days before the effective date. The Insurance Division supported the bill, while testimony focused on condominium master policies and whether the notice period would be enough for associations to respond to rate increases. The division said the bill would mainly affect admitted carriers, not surplus lines insurers that write many condominium master policies, and warned against limiting the nonadmitted market. SB 293, requiring sellers to disclose when USPS cannot deliver mail or packages to a residential property, was also heard with HAAI Realtors commenting. SB 752 would extend notice periods for cancellation or nonrenewal of property-casualty policies; the Attorney General’s Office raised concerns about contractual impairment and retroactive application. The committee also heard SB 575, which would allow authorized insurers to offer building and hurricane damage coverage for condominium buildings at a lower rate than prior surplus lines coverage. The Insurance Division stood on written testimony, and a condominium owner urged amendments to require a membership vote before such coverage changes, citing concerns about condominium self-governance. SP 1046 would require managing agents to notify unit owners and the Real Estate Commission when a condominium association fails budget and reserve reporting requirements. The Real Estate Commission said the bill was administratively workable as drafted but noted ambiguity over who counts as the “managing agent”; several testifiers opposed the measure, arguing it could disrupt the principal-agent relationship and impose legal judgment on nonlawyers, while others supported it. SP 150, dealing with captive insurance companies seeking exemption from examinations, drew the most detailed discussion. The Captive Insurance Council supported the bill as a way to reduce duplicative oversight and improve Hawaii’s competitiveness, while the Insurance Division opposed it as drafted, citing concerns about broad commissioner discretion, possible missed issues between exams, staffing shortages, and the need to preserve oversight. A committee member asked about a possible middle ground, including a shorter exemption period or limiting the bill to self-attestation companies; the division said it would need more information and that annual filings and approval requirements would still provide oversight. The committee also heard SP 212, which would require at least two Real Estate Commission members to be licensed engineers or architects; testimony included support and a concern about conflicts of interest among people who serve in multiple roles in the condominium and real estate sectors. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided, and the chair moved from one measure to the next after testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:42:01.839> you<00:42:02.000> have<00:42:02.119> our<00:42:02.280> written
• testimony but<00:42:03.240> I<00:42:03.319> did<00:42:03.599> want<00:42:03.720
• 42:11.720> in<00:42:11.880> this<00:42:12.079> bill<00:42:12.400> are<00:
• :42:43.160> share<00:42:43.960> when<00:42:44.160> people<00:42:44.480> visit
• risk<00:42:51.160> infections<00:42:51.880> thanks<00:42:52.880> okay<00:42:53.440

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony on several health-related measures, with most of the discussion focused on SB 1419, SB 1494, and SB 1495, which were taken out of order to accommodate ASL/Death Blind Task Force testimony. SB 1419, relating to Act 253 (Session Laws of Hawaii 2023), drew support from the Department of Human Services and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii, with testimony emphasizing use of the term “low vision” and support for the program timeline. The committee later recommended passage with amendments, including technical changes and updated appropriation fiscal years, and the motion was adopted unanimously by the members present. SB 1494, concerning hearing aids, drew broad support from disability advocates and others who argued that hearing aids improve health, reduce accidents, and may help reduce dementia risk. Testifiers also urged that the bill define hearing aids as prescription hearing aids rather than including over-the-counter devices, and the Department of the Auditor and Insurance Division raised cost and coverage questions. The committee recommended passage with amendments, changing the coverage approach to optional coverage similar to vision and dental and requesting a sunrise analysis for prescription hearing aids; that recommendation was adopted. SB 1495, which exempts hearing aids from the general excise tax, also received support, while the Attorney General flagged a possible single-subject issue and the Tax Department estimated a potential $1.1 million revenue impact. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including deletion of the challenged language, technical fixes, and noting the revenue estimate; that recommendation was adopted. The committee then moved through additional measures with mostly supportive testimony. SB 1421 on medical records prompted questions about what happens when a solo practitioner dies or closes practice, and the discussion centered on ensuring patients can obtain records, including a proposed amendment requiring a successor provider to send records to the patient’s last known address. SB 1422, dealing with a special fund and vital statistics funding, was supported by the Department of Health, which said the special fund did not meet criteria and that deposits should instead go to the Vital Statistics Improvement Special Fund. SB 1423 on certificate of need exemptions for Department of Health facilities drew support, with discussion of possibly extending exemptions to dialysis and behavioral health/psychiatric services; the Department indicated it would not oppose that change. SB 1424 on credentialing of health care providers also received support, and SB 1425 on the State Emergency Medical Services Committee focused on reducing quorum requirements because many members are active first responders and cannot always attend meetings. The committee also heard support for SB 1426 on emergency medical services, SB 1431 on viral hepatitis, and SB 1433 on harm reduction, with testimony on hepatitis outreach funding and syringe access best practices; for SB 1433, the Department of Health identified a blank in the bill and recommended a six-month period for the syringe-possession exception.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> But, we<00:42:04.120> know<00:42:04.480> we're<00:42:04.640> low<00:42:
• :28.280> of<00:42:28.440> K<00:42:28.600> through<00:42:28.840> 12<00:42:
• are<00:42:31.400> going<00:42:31.720> into<00:42:32.000> that<00:42:32.360><
• :33.120> to<00:42:33.200> K<00:42:33.360> through<00:42:33.560> 12,<00:42
• ; So,<00:42:39.360> if<00:42:39.560> we<00:42:40.160> if<00:42:40.320> we

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 7 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, heard an invocation from Reverend Chip Stevens of First Baptist Church in Jackson, and recited the pledge of allegiance. The body then dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles, and received several guest introductions, including the president of Mississippi University for Women, the physician of the day, and the session’s pages. The main item of business was Senate Bill 2004, the Mississippi PERS Stability Act. Senator Sparks explained that the bill would provide a $500 million infusion to the PERS accumulated employers account on July 1, 2026, followed by $50 million annually for 10 years, with backup funding from unobligated general funds if needed. He said the measure was intended to help address the system’s roughly $26 billion liability and to support both state employees and local government employers, noting that the state had already taken other steps to strengthen PERS. The bill was advanced to engrossed status, read for the third time, and placed on the calendar for final passage. Senator Norwood asked whether the funding would help local governments, and Senator Sparks said it would, because the liability is shared by all employers in the system and affects local balance sheets and bond ratings. Senator Bryan then spoke at length in opposition to the broader direction of retirement policy, criticizing the committee process, the fragmentation of retirement legislation, and what he described as incentives for privatization and unfair treatment of new hires. He said he would still vote for the bill because it sends money into the system, but argued that the state should focus retirement benefits on older retirees and avoid further benefit expansions. Senator Sparks responded that the bill was a necessary cash infusion to honor commitments to employees, stabilize the system, and avoid insolvency, and said more PERS legislation would follow.

Transcript Highlights:

• energy emissions<00:42:03.800> to<00:42:04.000> reduce<00:42:04.599> that<00:42
• :42:06.839> Jacob<00:42:07.160> to<00:42:07.359> answer<00:42:07.640> the
• :42:22.240> for<00:42:22.480> us<00:42:22.880> to<00:42:23.880> I<00:42:24.040
• :24.319> was<00:42:24.640> pass<00:42:24.960> the<00:42:25.200> fee<00:42
• /c><00:42:30.680> know<00:42:30.839> we<00:42:30.920> can<00:42:31.480> spur<

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Economic Development and Technology heard testimony on HB 976, a measure related to incentives for renewable fuels, including renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. Supporters said the bill would help close the cost gap between renewable and conventional fuels, strengthen Hawaii’s energy security, support climate goals, and encourage local economic development. Testifiers from Pono Pacific, PAR Hawaii, Hawaiian Electric, Hawaiian Airlines/Alaska Airlines, the Hawaii Department of Transportation, Pacific Biodiesel, Aloha Carbon, and others described ongoing or planned projects, local feedstock development, and potential benefits for agriculture, waste diversion, and emissions reductions. Several testifiers also discussed proposed amendments. The Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition said it wanted to remove the import tax credit, eliminate the aggregate cap increase to avoid additional state funding, and revise local-production language to rely on a carbon-intensity threshold rather than location-based preferences. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised technical concerns about the bill’s administration, including prorating credits if the cap is exceeded and the feasibility of a 30-day filing window. Some supporters urged keeping solid waste, including construction and demolition debris, as eligible feedstock, while Energy Justice Network opposed that approach and also urged removing GMO-related language and waste-based feedstocks because of environmental and toxic emissions concerns. Opposition testimony focused on the bill’s cost and feasibility. Energy Justice Network and Ted Metros argued the measure could become a large subsidy for a refinery and questioned whether Hawaii has enough land and water to produce meaningful quantities of biofuel locally. Metros also criticized the refundable credit structure and said the state should not bear the cost for what he described as a benefit largely tied to tourism and imported fuel. No vote was taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the chair later noted the committee had received 13 testimonies in support, 18 in opposition, and seven comments, and then invited further discussion on cost allocation and lowering caps to broaden participation.

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.359> no<00:42:02.280> representative<00:42:03.000> roach<00:42:04.000> no
• <00:42:30.960> just<00:42:31.160> trying<00:42:31.480> to<00:42:32.240> keep
• <00:42:32.400> it<00:42:32.520> a<00:42:32.640> little humor uh just trying
• > than<00:42:33.839> the<00:42:34.400> uh<00:42:35.240> uh<00:42:35.359><
• :36.200> out<00:42:36.520> that<00:42:37.440> tune<00:42:37.720> in<00:42

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 1378, an elections administration bill, and first adopted the DE5 amendment. The author described DE5 as a negotiated package combining provisions from several bills on election administration, including notice of temporary polling locations, residence standards for people under civil commitment orders, polling place closure/change notices, absentee voting provisions, special election filing periods, and timelines for filing statements of economic interest. The committee then adopted two additional amendments, A6 and A8, both presented as technical or corrective changes; A8 restored language on off-reservation temporary polling that had been inadvertently left out. Testimony from county election officials and the Secretary of State’s office was generally supportive of the bill’s election-administration changes. Blue Earth County’s Michael Stalberger said the bill would streamline election-day work, improve absentee ballot deadlines, clarify ballot correction procedures, formalize chain-of-custody plans, and speed out-of-court remedies for ballot errors. He also raised concerns about implementation details, including the timing for first chain-of-custody plans, applying candidate filing changes to townships and school districts as well as cities, the short turnaround for college student housing lists, and whether the statewide system could handle new absentee-ballot data fields. Nicole Freeman of the Secretary of State’s office echoed support for the technical cleanup and several policy changes, including removing the permanent absentee application box from voter registration forms, clarifying ballot-board procedures, chain-of-custody planning, and the out-of-court remedy, while also flagging concerns about the absentee application cutoff, city opt-outs from absentee voting, and staffing requirements for absentee locations. Later in the hearing, members discussed a separate proposed amendment, A4/A3, dealing with prohibitions on inducements to vote or register, including lotteries or other chances to win money or goods. The author explained it was intended to clarify existing law and respond to recent examples of large-money election-related giveaways, but after discussion the chair declined to offer the amendment in committee, saying it would likely not have enough support and could be taken up later on the floor. The hearing ended with the technical amendments adopted and the bill advanced with the committee continuing broader discussions on the remaining issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:05.240> 20an<00:42:05.960> us<00:42:06.079> wrote<00:42:06.240> a<
• <00:42:08.599> have<00:42:08.680> a<00:42:08.839> job<00:42:09.040> to
• um<00:42:16.920> but<00:42:17.560> I'm<00:42:18.560> I<00:42:18.680> have
• <00:42:18.760> an<00:42:18.880> amendment<00:42:19.359> coming<00:42:20.040>
• > um<00:42:21.680> to<00:42:22.280> this<00:42:22.559> topic<00:42:22.920

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:42:04.000> ask<00:42:04.400> right<00:42:04.560> we<00:42:04.800> have
• >> Well<00:42:05.680> no<00:42:05.839> it<00:42:05.920> would<00:42:06.079
• > be<00:42:06.319> a<00:42:06.640> section<00:42:06.960> of<00:42:07.119>
• that<00:42:07.599> of >> Well no it would be a section of that of >> Well
• no it would be a section of that of that<00:42:08.079> piece<00:42:08.319> of<00:42:08.480

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting focused on reviewing and amending draft minutes and then discussing a draft report on SAU consolidation and school administration efficiency. Members first corrected a disputed statement in the minutes about who starts charter schools, and agreed to mark it as disputed. They also noted a donation figure mentioned in the meeting but not reflected in the notes, and then approved the minutes as amended. The committee then reviewed supporting materials, including a Census Bureau education spending table and a 1993 report on eliminating SAUs. The chair argued New Hampshire ranks very high in administrative spending and used that as evidence for reducing administrative costs. Other members pushed back, noting that education costs are largely borne locally and that the committee should stay focused on its charge. Several members also objected to characterizations of SAU boards and to relying heavily on an old report or on the School District Governance Association’s proposal. The draft report itself drew repeated edits. Members objected to language suggesting the testimony from associations was simply that change was not needed, and proposed more neutral wording about concerns over the impacts of changes. There was also disagreement over a proposed model in which a county-level school administrator would be elected; some members said that would be inappropriate and premature, while others argued the committee had not yet fully developed a consolidation model. The discussion ended with a call from some members for more time and for a future joint legislative committee to continue refining any proposal before legislation is introduced.