Transcript Highlights:

• c><01:26:45.120><c> typec><01:26:45.280><c> ofc><01:26:45.600><c> responsesc> I have not gotten
• 43.280><c> ofc><01:28:43.920><c> ofc><01:28:44.319><c> transparencyc> for symmetrical type of of
• thisc><01:29:52.319><c> typec><01:29:52.479><c> ofc><01:29:52.720><c> financingc> do you feel
• ><c> typec><02:20:51.120><c> ofc><02:20:51.279><c> ac> appropriate to deal with that type of a
• c><02:31:36.880><c> abortionsc> types of forced non-consentual abortions types of forced non-consentual

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on House Bill 1067-FN, which would formalize and expand mental health courts in New Hampshire and create a grant-based funding structure for them. Representative Mark Pearson, the prime sponsor, described the bill as a bipartisan, compassionate, and cost-effective approach that would connect people with mental illness to treatment and supervision instead of incarceration, while still holding them accountable. He said the proposal was developed with input from the judicial branch, law enforcement, corrections, mental health organizations, and others, and emphasized that local courts could tailor programs to their needs. Committee members questioned the bill’s fiscal note, whether the legislature had previously studied the issue, how the program would be funded, and whether the bill should more explicitly address treatment, prevention, and data collection. Representative Buzz Sher, who helped develop the bill, explained how mental health courts work, including referral, clinical and public-safety assessments, case management, goal-setting, and graduation from the program. He said existing New Hampshire mental health courts are mostly partial and county-funded, and that the bill would formalize them, set standards, and allow grant funding. He also cited data from Georgia and New Hampshire suggesting significant savings from reduced incarceration and related costs. Members also raised concerns about due process, whether people not formally charged could be swept into the system, and whether individuals with violent offenses or domestic violence histories could be diverted inappropriately. Sher responded that only people already in the criminal justice process are eligible and that courts use safety assessments to screen out most violent cases. The committee requested that Sher file supporting financial data from other jurisdictions, and he agreed to do so. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:18:16.400><c> ofc><00:18:16.520><c> things,c><00:18:16.880><c> thec><00:18:17.000><c> type
• c><00:18:17.320><c> ofc> with these types of things, the type of with these types of things, the
• c><00:37:16.680><c> atc> type of advantages, but we are aiming at type of advantages, but we are
• a typing typing typing error<02:57:14.920><c> onc><02:57:15.280><c> onlinec><02:57:15.680><c> 1.4
• ><c> thec><04:45:57.480><c> typec> Madam President, this is the type Madam President, this is the

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate was called to order, a quorum was established, and remote voting was authorized for several members. The body adopted committee reports except those related to Senate Concurrent Resolution 6, gave Senate File 4067 a second reading, and referred newly introduced bills as listed on the agenda. It also adopted a motion to strike and re-refer House File 3379 to the Committee on Finance, and then moved into special orders and floor debate. The main floor action was on House File 2358, a public safety bill providing enhanced criminal penalties for certain coercion offenses. Senator Lang described it as creating a Minnesota crime targeting sexual extortion of children, including online extortion. Senator Maye Quade supported the bill and spoke about the tragic constituent story behind it. The Senate took a roll call and passed the bill 67-0, with its title agreed to. The Senate then began debate on Senate File 4511, which would clarify Minnesota gambling law to prohibit prediction-market style betting disguised as futures contracts. Senator Marty argued the bill was needed to stop companies such as Kalshi and Polymarket from using futures-contract language to evade state gambling restrictions and to protect existing regulated gambling businesses. Senator Johnson initially offered the A10 amendment to delay action until federal jurisdiction issues are resolved, but withdrew it after debate. He then offered the A8 amendment to preserve longer-term weather-related hedging contracts, which Senator Marty supported as a distinction from short-term, manipulable bets; the A8 amendment was adopted. Debate continued with questions about the bill’s scope, including whether it would reach election-related or financial contracts.

Transcript Highlights:

• 14.760><c> towardc><01:06:15.119><c> technologyc><01:06:15.760><c> typec><01:06:16.279><c> and<
• to our technology<01:14:28.520><c> typec><01:14:29.199><c> withc><01:14:29.360><c> anc><01:14:
• 29.719><c> emphasisc><01:14:30.199><c> onc> technology type with an emphasis on technology type with
• withoutc><02:16:50.160><c> somec><02:16:50.479><c> typec><02:16:51.040><c> ofc> that folks have
• c> otherc><05:23:44.000><c> typesc><05:23:44.240><c> ofc><05:23:44.400><c> docketsc><05:23:44.878

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 31.920><c> I'llc><00:01:32.159><c> deferc><00:01:32.400><c> toc><00:01:32.560><c> himc><00:01
• c><00:01:35.759><c> anc><00:01:35.920><c> amendmentc><00:01:36.159><c> herec><00:01:36.320><c
• ><c> toc><00:01:37.119><c> movec><00:01:37.280><c> thatc><00:01:37.520><c> asc> desk.
• :23.840><c> thec><00:19:24.160><c> typec><00:19:24.320><c> ofc> when we're thinking about the type
• of when we're thinking about the type of housing<00:19:24.880><c> wec><00:19:25.120><c> wantc><00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:14:30.320><c> uhc><00:14:31.120><c> youc><00:14:31.279><c> knowc><00:14:31.360><c> we
• ><c> familyc><00:14:36.399><c> leavec><00:14:36.880><c> uhc><00:14:37.040><c> willc> this the
• c><00:14:42.880><c> Asc><00:14:43.120><c> suchc><00:14:43.519><c> uhc><00:14:43.600><c> wec
• right employers in what you described right employers in Hawaii<00:22:57.360><c> typec><00:22:57.600
• c><00:22:58.960><c> I'mc><00:22:59.200><c> justc> Hawaii type of employees.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:13:28.480><c> Uh,c><00:13:28.800><c> Ic><00:13:29.040><c> amc><00:13:29.120><c> notc>
• You know, in reviewing<00:24:50.480><c> thec><00:24:50.799><c> typesc><00:24:50.960><c> ofc><00
• :24:51.120><c> legislationc> reviewing the types of legislation reviewing the types of legislation
• <00:25:09.679><c> typec><00:25:09.840><c> ofc><00:25:09.919><c> move.
• c> successfully and make this type of move. successfully and make this type of move.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 302, which would expand access to medical cannabis by removing the in-person provider-patient relationship requirement and related restrictions. The Department of Health supported the bill, and multiple advocates and organizations testified in support, including the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Alliance for Cannabis Reform, Marijuana Policy Project, and others. Supporters said the measure would improve access for patients, especially on outer islands, and some urged broader amendments allowing providers to certify cannabis for any medical condition and to speed registration and treat in-state and out-of-state patients equally. No opposition was heard, and the bill was left with no questions after testimony. The committee also heard HB 1052 HD1, which clarifies that the Public Utilities Commission may use universal service fund monies to provide free telecommunications access for individuals with print disabilities. Testimony was uniformly supportive from the DCCA Division of Consumer Advocacy, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Human Services, the Public Utilities Commission, and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii. Witnesses described the program as an important accessibility service that has been operating under prior appropriations and should continue under the universal service program. HB 1482, relating to controlled substances and hemp/synthetic cannabinoids, drew support from the Department of Law Enforcement, Department of Health, Honolulu Police Department, and others, with some comments from the Attorney General’s office. Supporters said the bill would clarify that delta-8 THC is a controlled substance and help enforcement against illegal hemp products and synthetic cannabinoids. Testimony and questioning focused on the need for better lab testing capacity, retail registry and age-gating, seizure authority, nuisance abatement, and possible use of special funds or appropriations to support enforcement. Members also discussed enforcement of illegal hemp businesses and whether additional funding or statutory changes would be needed. Finally, the committee took up HB 712, a 340B drug-discount measure affecting safety-net providers and contract pharmacies. Hospitals, health centers, and provider groups testified in support, saying the bill would protect access to discounted drugs and preserve funding for services such as chronic disease management, transportation, and specialty care. Pharmaceutical-industry representatives opposed the bill or sought amendments, arguing the 340B program has expanded beyond its original intent and lacks transparency, and they requested reporting or audit-like provisions to verify claims and revenues. Members questioned both sides about alleged abuse, the growth of contract pharmacies, and whether the bill should include transparency requirements before moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:06:59.760><c> Ifc><00:06:59.800><c> Ic><00:06:59.880><c> couldc><00:07:00.000><c> give<
• :07:01.000><c> justc><00:07:01.200><c> sayc><00:07:01.360><c> thisc><00:07:01.560><c> onec> one
• And whereas type O blood is often used And whereas type O blood is often used in<00:30:38.520><c> trauma
• making it the most needed<00:30:41.240><c> bloodc><00:30:41.560><c> typec><00:30:42.360><c> and<
• c> needed blood type and most likely to be needed blood type and most likely to be a<00:30:43.760><

Keywords: MS House Floor - 3 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with a prayer, pledge, and quorum present, then moved through routine organizational business including journal approval, committee reports, introduction of pages, and numerous member introductions recognizing visiting veterans groups, medical residents and physicians, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority members, former members, constituents, and other guests. Several members also made announcements about upcoming committee meetings and events, including Education, Drug Policy, Appropriations A, Elections, and other standing committees. The main floor action involved adoption of two House resolutions from the supplemental calendar. House Resolution 29 designated January 2026 as National Blood Donor Month in Mississippi, with remarks highlighting the importance of blood donation, Vitalant’s role, and the need for a diverse blood supply; the resolution was adopted. House Resolution 26 commended Jamal Roberts for winning the 23rd season of American Idol; members noted he would not be present the next day because of other obligations and that he would reschedule, and the resolution was also adopted. Later, the House observed a moment of silence and announced it would adjourn in memory of Richard Hagar, a law enforcement officer who died in the line of duty, and J.P. Carter, a 3-year-old who died of cancer. The chamber recessed and later adjourned until 10:00 a.m. the next day after additional committee meeting announcements and member notices, including a breakfast invitation and a reminder about committee schedules.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> holdc><00:07:41.640><c> typec><00:07:41.920><c> secretc><00:07:42.320><c> clearancesc> who
• you know, handle those<00:18:48.360><c> typesc><00:18:48.720><c> ofc><00:18:48.840><c> situations
• c><00:18:49.720><c> Andc><00:18:49.920><c> so,c><00:18:50.720><c> myc> those types of situations
• > addressc><00:18:57.040><c> thosec><00:18:57.400><c> typesc><00:18:57.840><c> ofc><00:18:58.400
• ><c> incidentsc><00:18:59.040><c> asc> to address those types of incidents as to address those types

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call: 00:01:36 Homeland Security: 00:03:46 Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership: 00:36:29, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• andc><00:20:10.799><c> thosec><00:20:11.120><c> typesc><00:20:11.360><c> ofc><00:20:11.640><c
• > questionsc> online and those types of questions online and those types of questions really<00:20:
• c><00:39:45.480><c> umc><00:39:45.680><c> typesc><00:39:45.920><c> ofc><00:39:46.200><c> operations
• Health but as far as the Department of Health is<00:59:24.440><c> anyc><00:59:24.720><c> typec><00
• c><00:59:26.160><c> Watersc> is any type of discharge is state Waters is any type of discharge is state

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Housing and Health and Human Services hearing began with Senate Bill 878, which would extend the sunset date for the state rent supplement program for kupuna to June 30, 2028. Testimony was uniformly supportive, including from the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, Hawaii Public Housing Authority, Executive Office on Aging, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and others. Catholic Charities described a waitlist of seniors at imminent risk of homelessness and said the program helps seniors retain housing or secure units with landlord support. Members asked whether the bill would expand the number of households served; staff said the contract allows up to 127 households and that additional pending households could be funded, but applicants must still go through the program process. Both committees voted to pass SB 878 unamended. The committees then heard Senate Bill 1610 on Ohana Zones. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions supported the measure so long as it did not supplant existing funding, and described the funding as supporting homelessness services and wraparound supports. The Department of Human Services and Department of Land and Natural Resources offered comments, with DHS suggesting a definition of “kali” be added for clarity. The committee chair said the bill would receive technical amendments for clarity and consistency and accepted proposed amendments related to including “tales” in the program; the measure was advanced with amendments, with members voting in favor in both committees. In the joint Health and Human Services and Labor and Technology hearing, Senate Bill 1496 on civil rights and website accessibility drew support from disability advocates and organizations, including the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the National Federation of the Blind, the Deaf and Blind Task Force, and the Disability and Communication Access Board. Testimony emphasized the need for stronger state protections amid concerns about federal enforcement, while one testifier raised concerns about jurisdiction, minimum contacts, the use of WCAG 2.1 standards, and the bill’s immediate effective date. The committees decided to pass SB 1496 with technical amendments, including adding a defective date to allow further work before conference, and the recommendation was adopted in both committees. Later, the joint Health, Human Services, and Commerce and Consumer Protection hearing took up Senate Bill 404 on service animals. The Attorney General’s office raised a possible constitutional issue and the lack of an enforcement mechanism, while DHS deferred to other agencies. DCAB supported the bill but recommended amendments to identify an enforcement agency and require notices from professionals and sellers of service-animal or emotional-support-animal paraphernalia. Several advocacy and real estate-related groups testified in support. After discussion, the chair recommended deferring SB 404 for further work because of the Attorney General’s concerns, and the hearing adjourned without a vote on the measure. The final joint Transportation, Culture and the Arts, and Health and Human Services agenda heard SB 1526 on a drug and alcohol toxicology testing laboratory and SB 1492 on mobility management; both measures were advanced with amendments or as-is, with SB 1526 sent forward with technical amendments and SB 1492 moved ahead after members noted blank dollar amounts and requested the Department of Transportation provide figures.

Transcript Highlights:

• These<00:10:10.080><c> typesc><00:10:10.560><c> ofc><00:10:11.080><c> projectsc><00:10:11.600><
• c> wouldc><00:10:11.760><c> notc><00:10:12.040><c> bec> These types of projects would not be These
• c><00:13:09.440><c> thisc><00:13:09.800><c> typec><00:13:10.680><c> ofc> These men and women
• 24:39.080><c> reductionc><00:24:39.520><c> andc><00:24:39.600><c> thosec><00:24:39.760><c> types
• c><00:24:40.000><c> ofc> carbon reduction and those types of carbon reduction and those types of

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• toc><01:08:29.759><c> otherc><01:08:30.080><c> typesc><01:08:30.480><c> ofc><01:08:31.040><c>
• ofc><01:08:32.159><c> uhc><01:08:33.359><c> uhc> have access to other types of of uh uh have access
• to other types of of uh uh of<01:08:35.279><c> nursingc><01:08:35.839><c> typec><01:08:36.080><c
• c> of nursing type facilities. of nursing type facilities. in<01:08:37.279><c> ourc><01:08:37.520
• tracking the I think it recommended three<01:10:37.280><c> differentc><01:10:37.520><c> typesc><

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:00 Approve Minutes from November 13, 2025- 00:00:55 RiverLink Tolling Operations for Louisville Bridges-Quarterhill Testimony- 00:01:48 Staff Report on Veterans’ Centers- 00:26:45 Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs Response to Staff Report- 0:58:53 Adjournment- 1:18:00, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from the November 13, 2025 meeting and then heard testimony from Quarter Hill, the tolling subcontractor for RiverLink on the Indiana-Kentucky bridge system. Quarter Hill described its role in back-office support and call center operations for the Lincoln, Kennedy, and Lewis and Clark bridges, and said the contract began in 2021 with go-live in September 2023. The company reported that revenue has increased since it took over, customer service response times have improved, and it has been operating at a loss because the contract was based on outdated transaction estimates and did not account for higher-than-expected volume and added support costs. Members questioned Quarter Hill about the role of consultants, the low reported collection rate, and why the company was leaving the contract. Quarter Hill said a single large consulting engineering firm had been hired to help shape the RFP and contract, but argued that consultants and overly detailed requirements can create disputes and hinder efficient service. On collection rates, the company said the reported 85% rate reflects the absence of registration holds and other enforcement tools, and that the remaining unpaid tolls are the hardest to collect. The company also said it had lost significant money on the contract and had reached a change order and termination agreement, while emphasizing that the system itself was functioning well. The committee then received a staff report on Kentucky veterans centers. Staff said quality of care is generally high and staffing has improved, but reported occupancy figures are misleading because they are based on certified beds rather than functional capacity after conversions to single-occupancy rooms and capital projects. The report said actual occupancy is closer to 85% than the commonly reported 56%, and that increasing occupancy would not necessarily increase revenue because the state’s cost of care exceeds reimbursement and private-pay revenue. Recommendations included adopting functional occupancy reporting, continuing the move to single-occupancy rooms, reviewing modernization needs at Thompson Hood, including Eastern Kentucky in planning, and referring the Radcliffe HVAC procurement and installation to the Auditor of Public Accounts and Attorney General for review.

Transcript Highlights:

• ofc><00:02:38.480><c> thec><00:02:38.959><c> billc><00:02:39.560><c> thatc><00:02:39.680><c>
• ><c> andc><00:02:43.319><c> inc><00:02:43.519><c> itsc><00:02:43.840><c> placec><00:02:44.640
• c> thec><00:03:21.400><c> datac><00:03:22.040><c> byc><00:03:22.519><c> Jc><00:03:22.879><c>
• otherc><00:16:32.720><c> typesc><00:16:32.920><c> ofc> includes all those other types of includes
• all those other types of Investments<00:16:33.680><c> Thatc><00:16:33.839><c> thesec><00:16:34.000

Keywords: 00:25 Call to Order/Roll Call 01:36 Discussion of 25RS SB 153 23:11 Roll Call Vote on 25RS SB 153 30:56 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Health Services met on March 14, 2025, and took up a committee substitute for Senate Bill 153. The substitute deleted the original bill language and replaced it with provisions from Senate Bill 14, aimed at prohibiting pharmaceutical manufacturers from discriminating against 340B covered entities and adding reporting requirements for those entities. The sponsor explained that the protections would sunset after one year, allowing lawmakers to review data by July 1, 2026, and that Kentucky would continue to follow any future federal changes to the 340B program. Members asked several questions about the scope of the reporting, including what “total operating cost” means, how duplicate discounts are prevented, whether the reporting applies only to hospitals and not federally qualified health centers, and who would receive the data. The sponsor said the reporting is intended to help the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and the Office of Health Data Analytics at LRC assess how the program is working, including charity care and community benefits, while preserving protections for rural hospitals and allowing them to continue using contract pharmacies. A representative from LRC confirmed the data would come to the General Assembly through the Office of Health Data Analytics. The committee expressed mixed views about the balance between transparency and potential burdens on hospitals, especially rural facilities. Several members said they were supportive but had reservations about the reporting requirements and the sunset structure, while others noted concerns about unintended consequences and the possibility of changes on the House floor. The committee ultimately adopted the committee substitute, approved a title amendment, and reported Senate Bill 153 with House Committee Substitute 2 favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• bed type,<00:36:58.240><c> patientc><00:36:58.640><c> movementc><00:36:58.960><c> acrossc><00:36
• :59.200><c> thec><00:36:59.440><c> wholec> type, patient movement across the whole type, patient
• ><c> typec><00:40:08.320><c> ofc><00:40:08.480><c> workc><00:40:08.720><c> inc><00:40:08.960>
• Is<00:48:14.640><c> therec><00:48:14.880><c> anyc><00:48:15.040><c> typec><00:48:15.280><c> of<
• /c><00:48:15.920><c> reimbursementc><00:48:16.560><c> orc> Is there any type of reimbursement or

Keywords: MS House Floor - 21 January, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a quorum call, and several guest introductions, including a pastor, a doctor of the day, medical students and physicians for MSMA White Coat Day, and visitors in the galleries. The chamber then moved to the calendar and took up House Bill 314, the Ibogaine Treatment Drug Development Grant Program Act. The sponsor described ibogaine as a potential treatment for opioid use disorder, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, depression, and related conditions, emphasizing that the bill would not legalize the drug but would authorize the State Department of Health to fund a consortium for FDA-regulated clinical trials with private matching funds, a university and hospital partner, and a requirement that at least 20% of commercialization revenue go to the state. Members asked about VA involvement, whether the trials would serve veterans or civilians, how the drug would be administered and monitored, why a statute was needed, and the source of the proposed state funding. The bill passed by a vote of 110 yeas and 1 nay. The House then considered House Bill 534, as a committee substitute, creating the Mississippi Health Exchange, a statewide health information exchange for real-time sharing of admission, discharge, transfer, and related patient information among hospitals, clinics, payers, and public health officials. The sponsor said the system would improve continuity of care, help with bed availability and mental health placements, and support public health analysis while protecting privacy through HIPAA compliance, an opt-out process, and limits on access to identified data. The bill would require hospitals, community mental health centers, and state hospitals to participate as a condition of licensure, designate a single nonprofit operator selected by the Department of Health, and create a fund for implementation and cybersecurity costs. Members questioned the bill about privacy protections, the opt-out process, whether data could be sold or shared improperly, costs to hospitals, whether hospitals and the hospital association supported the measure, and how the exchange would work in transfer scenarios. The sponsor said the bill would make unauthorized sharing illegal, that most hospitals already participate in some form of HIE, and that the exchange would not cost the state anything immediately because there was no appropriation attached. The discussion also noted possible help from rural transformation funding. The transcript ends during continued questioning of House Bill 534, before final passage or other action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:13:33.519><c> Doc><00:13:33.760><c> youc><00:13:33.920><c> havec><00:13:34.000><c> ac
• /c><00:14:08.079><c> handc><00:14:08.240><c> itc><00:14:08.399><c> offc><00:14:08.560><c> toc
• <c> onc><00:14:14.959><c> onc><00:14:15.440><c> wherec><00:14:15.680><c> wec><00:14:15.839><c
• ><00:21:38.480><c> theirc><00:21:38.799><c> typec><00:21:38.960><c> ofc><00:21:39.120><c> outdoor
• c> to promote their type of outdoor to promote their type of outdoor recreation<00:21:40.559><c> and

Bills: HB0015, HB0017, HB0019

Keywords: right to repair, digital electronics, consumer protection, embedded software, manufacturers, repair providers, tools and documentation, anti-theft measures, blockchain, financial technology, digital innovation, economic development, select committee, trespass, hunting, land use, public access, wildlife, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:19:26.400><c> That'sc><00:19:26.640><c> allc><00:19:26.840><c> thec><00:19:26.960><c> people
• c> Okay,<00:20:12.320><c> DOTc><00:20:12.720><c> isc><00:20:12.880><c> inc><00:20:13.000><c>
• c><00:20:15.080><c> Isc><00:20:15.240><c> therec><00:20:15.400><c> anyonec><00:20:15.800><c>
• :36:30.520><c> thosec><00:36:30.800><c> typesc><00:36:31.120><c> ofc><00:36:31.280><c> homesc
• ><00:36:31.640><c> thatc> for fighting those types of homes that for fighting those types of homes

Bills: SB2405, HCR19, HCR63, HCR85, HCR140, HCR166, HCR82, HCR98, HCR104, HCR106, HCR141, HCR165, HR20, HR57, HR77, HR132, HR156, HR74, HR90, HR96, HR98, HR133, HR155

Keywords: agricultural workforce, housing, Hawaii, working group, zoning, land use, financial incentives, tax credits, water conservation, infrastructure, public health, March4Water, water access, sustainable resources, Honopou Bridge, emergency access, wildfire risk, public safety, structural integrity, community outreach

Summary: The Water and Land Committee met on April 7 and heard testimony on several resolutions and one bill. SB 2405 SD1 HD2, relating to agricultural workforce housing, received support from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, HFTC, and the Hawaii Farmers Union, and the committee later recommended passage as is; one member voted with reservations citing department cost and staffing concerns. The committee also heard HCR 19/HR 20 designating March as March for Water Month, HCR 63/HR 57 urging DLNR and DOT to clarify jurisdiction over Honouliuli Bridge, HCR 85/HR 77 on transferring parcels for the East Kapolei TOD project, HCR 140/HR 132 on vegetation management and fuel reduction in West Maui, HCR 166/HR 156 on identifying East Oahu lands for native Hawaiian tree planting, HCR 82/HR 74 on basic shelter standards for rapid deployment housing, HCR 98/HR 90 on a Honolulu housing pattern book, HCR 104/HR 96 on North Shore coastal trails, HCR 106/HR 98 on endorsing Waikiki as a world surfing reserve, HCR 141/HR 133 on Maui fire code enforcement, and HCR 165/HR 155 on permanent pickleball nets and lighting at Kamiloiki Community Park. Testimony was generally supportive on most measures, with several agencies and organizations submitting written comments or appearing in support. HCR 82/HR 74 drew the most discussion: the State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the intent but asked that accessibility be considered on the front end, while another testifier opposed the resolution, arguing it could turn temporary emergency shelters into permanent substandard housing and should be deferred. Committee members discussed temporary versus permanent housing standards and accessibility, and the chair later said the measure would be amended to require permanent units to meet appropriate code standards and to note accessibility concerns in the committee report. On HCR 140/HR 132, DLNR testified that firebreak maintenance on its Waianae lands would be costly, and members noted funding and staffing implications. At the end of the meeting, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations on the measures it voted on. SB 2405 was passed with a reservation from one member; HCR 19/HR 20, HCR 63/HR 57, HCR 85/HR 77, HCR 98/HR 90, HCR 104/HR 96, HCR 106/HR 98, HCR 141/HR 133, and HCR 165/HR 155 were passed unamended, while HCR 140/HR 132 was passed with reservations and HCR 166/HR 156 and HCR 82/HR 74 were passed with amendments. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• typesc><00:23:27.640><c> ofc><00:23:27.760><c> trainingc><00:23:28.160><c> asc><00:23:28.280
• ><c> farc><00:23:28.520><c> asc><00:23:28.679><c> EMSc> other types of training as far as EMS other
• types of training as far as EMS and<00:23:29.240><c> thingsc><00:23:29.440><c> likec><00:23:29.640
• ><c> combatc><00:31:14.520><c> allc><00:31:14.760><c> typesc><00:31:15.080><c> ofc><00:31:15.160
• ><c> fraudc><00:31:15.520><c> inc> works to combat all types of fraud in works to combat all types

Bills: HF4446, HF4066, HF1082

Keywords: public safety officer, survivor benefits, line of duty death, occupational cancer, firefighter, police officer, paramedic, EMT, correctional officer, first responder, workers' compensation, death benefits, occupational exposure, carcinogen, cancer presumption, mesothelioma, leukemia, lung cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:16.160><c> onec><00:02:16.239><c> ofc><00:02:16.319><c> thec><00:02:16.480><c> fewc><00:02
• c><00:02:24.720><c> Andc><00:02:24.879><c> thenc><00:02:25.120><c> I'llc><00:02:25.360><c> go
• c><00:04:55.840><c> Andc><00:04:56.000><c> Ic><00:04:56.160><c> Ic><00:04:56.320><c> goc><00
• c><00:06:21.919><c> Ic><00:06:22.240><c> amc><00:06:22.400><c> goingc><00:06:22.479><c> toc
• c><00:06:56.800><c> toc><00:06:56.880><c> bec><00:06:56.960><c> donec><00:06:57.120><c> inc

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The governor discussed Minnesota’s budget outlook ahead of a supplemental budget release next month, saying the state remains financially strong but should be cautious because of federal uncertainty and a structural imbalance in spending. He said the administration’s approach will be measured, with limited new spending and possibly modest revenue measures, while prioritizing a bonding bill and maintaining the state’s AAA bond rating, reserves, and middle-class tax cuts. He also praised the 2023 legislative session and bipartisan cooperation as the basis for the state’s current position. A major topic was spending growth in special education and the broader human services system. The governor said special education is a fundamental service the state is legally and morally obligated to provide, but costs need to be managed more efficiently. He pointed to legacy IT systems in the Department of Human Services and county service delivery as expensive, antiquated, and error-prone, and said the state needs a multi-year modernization plan and continued reorganization. He argued that reforms such as prepayment verification and other fraud controls should reduce costs without cutting services. The governor also addressed federal actions affecting Medicaid and other programs, sharply criticizing efforts to withhold funds and claims of widespread fraud. He said Minnesota’s Medicaid error rate is lower than the national average and argued that the federal government’s approach would harm children, pregnant women, and seniors without improving fraud prevention. He also said the state’s gun violence prevention and fraud-fighting packages are expected to be relatively close to budget neutral. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken in the meeting, which was primarily a press availability and Q&A.

Transcript Highlights:

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• this type of doesn't work in this type of situation<01:03:00.559><c> alsoc><01:03:01.000><c> inc
• ><c> thosec><04:39:49.360><c> typesc><04:39:49.600><c> ofc><04:39:49.878><c> Grantsc> essence
• /c><05:29:48.400><c> ourc> types of materials handed out in our types of materials handed out in our
• :46:00.600><c> theirc><06:46:00.798><c> kidsc> types of things for fear that their kids types of

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 763, an early bill concerning AED access at athletic events and venues. Representative Morris offered amendment 0743H to clarify the bill by removing charter schools from the language and tying AED placement to American Heart Association guidance, emphasizing that AEDs should be readily accessible within a reasonable walking distance rather than mandated on every field. The amendment and then the bill as amended both passed 17-0, and the bill was reported out as Ought to Pass with Amendment. The committee then considered House Bill 781, requiring school districts to adopt cell phone-free education policies, and a related bill, House Bill 131. HB 781 was amended to include charter public school boards, cover other personal electronic communication devices, require at minimum restrictions on student personal cell phones during class instruction, allow superintendent-approved exceptions for medical or language needs, protect students with medical needs or disabilities under Section 504, and set an effective date of July 1, 2025. Some members argued the amendment was too prescriptive and limited local control, while supporters said it still left districts flexibility outside classroom instruction. The amendment passed 16-1, and the bill then passed Ought to Pass as Amended 16-1. HB 131, described as a mirror bill, was then retained by a 17-0 vote. House Bill 398, a title bill requiring Holocaust and genocide studies to include impacts on people with disabilities, was moved to ITL after Representative Selig reported the genocide commission believed the topic was already being covered. That motion passed 17-0. The committee also agreed to hold several bills for later consideration, including HB 754, HB 1221, HB 360, and HB 699, citing the need for more review or missing copies. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 361, prohibiting mandatory mask policies in schools. Supporters argued the bill would preserve individual choice while preventing statewide or districtwide mandates in future public health emergencies, and cited a Department of Health and Human Services letter saying masks remain effective but decisions should be based on individual choice and risk assessment. Opponents emphasized local control and the need for districts to respond to different public health conditions. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on HB 361 was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><02:00:01.840><c> forc><02:00:02.159><c> thesec><02:00:02.480><c> typesc> appear to be sufficient
• 15:50.480><c> thec> type of generation falls under the type of generation falls under the commission
• overall principle of how these<02:22:00.240><c> typesc><02:22:00.560><c> ofc><02:22:00.800><c> projects
• c><02:22:01.200><c> willc><02:22:01.439><c> bec><02:22:01.680><c> reviewedc> these types of projects
• c><02:24:53.920><c> Soc><02:24:54.439><c> it'sc><02:24:55.439><c> ac> type of business to work

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :34.240><c> typec><00:24:34.480><c> ofc><00:24:34.880><c> uhc> examiners and what what type of
• uh examiners and what what type of uh assessment<00:24:35.679><c> isc><00:24:36.000><c> requiredc
• /c><01:28:42.560><c> andc><01:28:42.880><c> typec><01:28:43.199><c> ofc><01:28:43.440><c> vehicle
• ,c><01:28:44.320><c> whetherc> trips taken and type of vehicle, whether trips taken and type of vehicle
• c><01:45:55.119><c> theyc> type costs.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The commission to study the cost of special education met, confirmed a quorum, introduced members and guests, and approved the minutes from the October 29 meeting. Members noted the commission’s mandate under Senate Bill 57 and emphasized the need to focus on recommendations and findings by July 1, 2026. The chair also distributed additional handouts, including materials related to the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program and administrative rules tied to differentiated aid and disability determinations. The main discussion centered on how students qualify for differentiated aid under the EFA program. Matt Sutherton of the Children’s Scholarship Fund explained that the organization, which contracts with the state to administer EFAs, accepts either school-district/IEP documentation or a medical certification of disability (MCD) from a licensed medical professional. Members questioned how this process relates to the state’s special education rules and whether the school-district examiner standards in ED 107/1107.04 apply to EFAs. Sutherton said the MCD form, created with the department, requires the medical professional to sign that they are qualified to make the determination and to identify the disability. Several members expressed concern that the EFA process is less rigorous than the school-district IEP process and may be inflating disability counts. One member argued that the administrative rules cited are primarily for school districts, not EFAs, and said the Department of Education may not know how many of the roughly 890 EFA students receiving differentiated aid came through school-district documentation versus the MCD pathway. Another member said the EFA system appears more generous than the school system and raised concerns about oversight, auditing, and whether the program’s data are accurate. Sutherton said the organization reviews signed documentation, credentials, and diagnosis information, and may request additional records to help adjudicate expenses. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the prior minutes.