Transcript Highlights:

• 25 projects funded.
• to<00:58:40.000> over<00:58:40.559> 25<00:58:41.680> projects<00:58:42.720
• > um<00:58:42.880> got that got to over 25 projects um got that got to over 25 projects
• >> Move<01:25:02.480> the<01:25:02.719> bill<01:25:02.960> by<01:25:03.440
• >> We<01:25:55.679> are<01:25:55.760> voting<01:25:56.159> members<01:25:56.639

Bills: SF0102, SF0123, SF0021, SF0099

Keywords: energy transmission, load growth, Wyoming energy authority, transmission planning study, public utilities, regional cooperation, energy, funding, grants, loans, coal, natural gas, mineral processing, economic development, stable token, liquidity, trust account, Wyoming, fund distribution, financial regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Uh<00:25:00.880> I<00:25:01.120> just<00:25:01.279> have<00:25:01.360><
• <00:25:09.600> didn't<00:25:09.679> hear<00:25:09.840> me,<00:25:10.000>
• 25:15.039> he's<00:25:15.360> requested<00:25:15.840> to<00:25:16.080> be
• up<00:25:16.720> and<00:25:16.880> block<00:25:17.600> that<00:25:17.919>
• If<00:25:20.400> not,<00:25:20.640> the<00:25:20.880> motion<00:25:21.039> is

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 18 February, 2026; 11:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee began with process instructions about using committee substitutes, identifying bills with reverse repealers, and taking up noncontroversial items in blocks. It then approved Senate Bill 3051, the DFA budget, which included LBR-level funding with a reverse repealer and agency-by-agency allocations for the status of women, DFA, tort claims, state property insurance, BEAM, and Mississippi Home Corporation. Senate Bill 3052, the governor’s support budget, was also approved as a final-action bill without a reverse repealer, with members noting the reduction from the prior year was tied to lower federal funding. The committee then handled the IHL budget bills. Senate Bill 3053, the general support bill, included a 3% across-the-board raise for IHL professors and $20 million for repair and renovation at universities, plus $5 million for UMMC; it passed as a committee substitute with a reverse repealer. Senate Bill 3054, the original IHL-related bill, passed without a committee substitute. Bills 3055 through 3059 were taken up in block and approved, providing 3% increases for A units at Alcorn State and Mississippi State. Senate Bill 3060, student financial aid, added about $7.7 million for scholarship costs, including MESG, MTAG, and Winters-Reed loan repayment, and passed as a committee substitute. The committee also approved the larger IHL budget bill with a reverse repealer and discussed, but did not fund, a UMMC cancer center request at that stage. Subcommittee 3 presented education-related bills. Senate Bill 3062 was approved at LBR with a reverse repealer and included a large transfer from the education enhancement fund. Senate Bill 3063 added $15 million for repair and renovation and $8.11 million for faculty pay raises, and passed as a committee substitute with a reverse repealer. On Senate Bill 3064, the Employment Security Commission budget, members discussed whether the committee substitute included a reverse repealer and noted they might revisit that on the floor if needed; the bill was advanced. Subcommittee 4 then took up Senate Bills 3065, 3066, 3068, and 3069 in block and approved them: Ethics Commission funding increased for salary realignment and a database; Judicial Performance Commission language was tightened to freeze the director’s salary and ensure youth court oversight funds were used solely for that purpose; Tax Appeals Board funding was increased to restore cuts and vacancy funding; and Workers’ Compensation Commission funding rose to cover commissioner salary increases and related language changes. Later, the committee approved Senate Bill 3067 for the Department of Public Safety, which included a reverse repealer, LBR-level funding, additional money for furniture for the new headquarters, and reappropriation language. Senate Bill 3071, the GCRF bill, was approved with a reverse repealer and reappropriation language for prior-year projects. Senate Bill 3072, the Department of Mental Health budget, was approved with a reverse repealer and included $12 million for the Canopy project, prior-year invoice funding, and language tied to mental health-related legislation. Finally, Senate Bills 3073 through 3075 were taken up in block for licensing boards, with increases for the Chiropractic Examiners, Dental Examiners, and Pharmacy boards, including funding for licensing system updates, vacancy funding, and expansion of the pharmacy recovery program.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:25:04.400> 15<01:25:04.800> years<01:25:05.040> ago<01:25:05.360> we<
• > IEPs<01:25:10.560> now<01:25:10.719> we<01:25:10.960> have<01:25:11.040>
• <01:25:22.480> And<01:25:22.719> then<01:25:23.040> how<01:25:23.199> do<
• 01:25:23.360> we<01:25:23.600> cost<01:25:24.000> it<01:25:24.159> out<01
• <01:25:26.400> How<01:25:26.560> do<01:25:26.719> we<01:25:26.880> cost

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee took up several school building aid bills. HB 295, which would make school building aid program funds non-lapsing, drew debate over whether the program is effective and whether funds should be allowed to carry forward. Supporters argued the program is underfunded and that even small leftover amounts should remain available for building aid; opponents said non-lapsing funds limit future budget flexibility and that the program creates winners and losers. The committee voted 4-3 to recommend HB 295 inexpedient to legislate (ITL). The committee then considered HB 366, which would increase school building aid for eligible projects and include retroactive funding for projects completed in the past. The motion to ITL was supported on the grounds that retroactive payments would be unfair to districts still waiting in line and that the legislature should focus on future projects. Supporters of the bill said the increase was modest and that districts that built during a prior moratorium on aid were left with long-term fiscal burdens. The committee again voted 4-3 to recommend ITL. The discussion also broadened into special education funding and a retained bill, HB 742, concerning catastrophic special education aid and the source of funding. Members debated whether the education trust fund should cover the aid and whether the committee should act now or wait for a separate commission studying special education costs. Several members emphasized that special education costs are rising, that more data is needed on student identification and funding formulas, and that the commission’s report may provide better guidance. The chair said the subcommittee’s recommendations would go to the full committee, and the next meeting was expected to be rescheduled from November 4 to later that week because of election-related conflicts.

Transcript Highlights:

• species<00:25:55.920> on<00:25:56.120> lands<00:25:56.520> based<00:25:56.760><
• <00:25:57.520> work<00:25:57.760> that<00:25:57.880> they<00:25:58.040> do.
• And I<01:25:47.680> want<01:25:47.880> to<01:25:48.240> um<01:25:48.280> make
• <01:25:48.480> full<01:25:48.680> support<01:25:49.160> on<01:25:49.320>
• :55.480> at<01:25:55.600> the<01:25:55.720> time<01:25:56.000> that<01:25

Bills: SB3253, SB2401, SB3169, SB17, SB3014, SB3032, SB1432, SB2002, SB2972, SB3247

Keywords: conservation, endangered species, wildlife preservation, native birds, biodiversity, sanctuary, nonprofit, DLNR, agricultural district, land use, chapter 195D, chapter 205, chapter 42F, state funding, public purpose, habitat restoration, predator-free sanctuary, ecosystem restoration, Zealandia, wildlife refuge

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land heard testimony on SB 5253 SD2 relating to conservation and SB 2401 relating to regional shoreline mitigation district, with the chair emphasizing short testimony limits and the need to finish before session. On SB 5253, DLNR said it stood on its written testimony and answered questions about the bill’s proposed nonprofit endangered species sanctuary. Members asked whether existing entities or agreements, such as land trusts, private landowners, and DLNR safe harbor agreements, could accomplish similar conservation goals without creating a new entity. DLNR said similar work already exists, but it was not aware of a comparable sanctuary model in the state. A member also questioned language suggesting for-profit businesses in the sanctuary, and DLNR said the intent appeared to be sales of outreach or similar materials, though it agreed that such activities could be handled by a nonprofit. The bulk of the hearing focused on SB 2401, which would create a regional shoreline adaptation/mitigation framework. The Department of the Attorney General said it had concerns about inconsistent use of the terms “mitigation” and “adaptation,” warning of possible title-subject issues. DLNR said it was neutral on the terminology and more concerned with the substance, and noted that the bill would not waive permits; any plan would still require environmental review and applicable state and county permits. DLNR also supported OHA’s recommendation to consider impacts on Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices during regional planning, and said the bill’s language on temporary shoreline protection measures could help address the gap between emergency permits and longer-term planning while avoiding a hardening-only approach. The Office of Planning supported the regional planning concept but noted it is not a regulatory agency and would need to work with DLNR and the Land Board. OHA supported the bill’s planning-based approach but recommended amendments to require assessment of impacts on Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices during plan development and to clarify that environmental review would still apply at the project level. Testifiers from the Ka‘anapali Steering Committee strongly supported the bill, saying it would provide a regional framework for ongoing erosion problems while preserving full regulatory authority and normal permitting, and they proposed amendments to standardize terminology, create a limited pathway for temporary shoreline protection, and address ownership and maintenance responsibilities. Members discussed the meaning of “mitigation” versus “adaptation,” the scope of shoreline hardening, and whether the bill would help the legislature take a broader, more holistic view of shoreline decisions. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• specific parts<01:25:03.120> of<01:25:03.199> the<01:25:03.360> bill<01:25:03.920
• 01:25:05.600> committee<01:25:05.920> that<01:25:06.239> I<01:25:06.400> think
• think weren't um<01:25:08.480> covered<01:25:08.800> in<01:25:09.040> the<01:25
• So, we're<01:25:10.639> suggesting<01:25:11.120> that<01:25:11.440> those<01:25:
• <01:25:30.400> And<01:25:30.560> we<01:25:30.880> have<01:25:31.120> nobody

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several bills on water, land, housing, permitting, and historic preservation. For SB 746/SD2/HD1 on invasive species, DLNR and the Department of Agriculture supported the intent but warned that a bounty approach for coconut rhinoceros beetle could have unintended consequences, divert resources from biocontrol research, and be vulnerable to abuse; Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the measure. The committee also heard SB 1541 on the WoE water system, with testimony from ADC, Kunia Village Title Holding Company, and Farm Bureau in support, emphasizing the importance of the system for agriculture and the high cost of water on lands already dedicated to farming. The most extensive discussion was on SB 66, relating to building permit review and county permitting authority. DPP opposed the bill, saying the problem is not just agency review time but the broader permitting process, including applicant corrections, outside-agency review, staffing shortages, and low pay that make it hard to fill vacancies. DPP said it already meets or beats existing review deadlines for residential permits and is using tools like electronic plans and AI to help applicants submit better plans. Several supporters, including Iron Workers Local 625, an individual witness, and Hawaii Food Industry Association, backed the bill but urged a pilot program or other safeguards; some also asked for broader permit coverage beyond single-family homes. Committee members questioned DPP about whether applicant correction time should count against the clock, whether self-certification could be used, and whether the state should fund any new mandate. The committee then took up SB 26 on affordable housing, with HHFDC, OPSD, and HCDA in support and no opposition noted. Finally, on SB 1263 relating to historic preservation, HHFDC and DLNR supported the bill, while OHA offered comments and requested amendments, especially on the new risk-based review process for high-, medium-, and low-risk areas. OHA said the new procedure should be implemented carefully and allowed more time, describing it as a pilot that should be done well to be useful while still protecting cultural and historic resources. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:25:01.760> Um,<01:25:02.080> in<01:25:02.239> the<01:25:02.400> work<
• > we<01:25:09.360> treat<01:25:09.600> them<01:25:09.760> as<01:25:09.920>
• Um,<01:25:11.679> and<01:25:13.120> I<01:25:13.360> would<01:25:13.520> be
• > that<01:25:18.480> is<01:25:18.800> and<01:25:19.120> why<01:25:19.760>
• <01:25:35.199> Uh<01:25:35.840> and<01:25:36.239> although<01:25:36.560>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• in<01:25:02.600> regards<01:25:03.600> to<01:25:04.560> um<01:25:05.560>
• <01:25:09.880> um<01:25:10.880> appointed<01:25:11.280> by<01:25:12.080>
• not<01:25:20.000> been<01:25:20.159> able<01:25:20.320> to<01:25:20.480>
• > to<01:25:20.960> speed<01:25:21.120> on<01:25:21.280> everything<01:25:
• <01:25:23.600> Um<01:25:23.920> I<01:25:24.159> wonder<01:25:24.320> if

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Water and Land met on March 25, 2025, and first announced it had deleted HCR 3 and HCR 4567 from the agenda pending similar Senate measures. It then heard HR 35/HCR 40, which urges DLNR and other state agencies to work with community groups to co-steward community forests on public lands. DLNR’s urban and community forester testified in strong support, and several organizations and individuals submitted support; there were no questions or opposition noted. The committee next heard HCR 64, asking OPSD to convene a working group on establishing and placing an Office of Resilience and Recovery. OPSD and the Governor’s Office of Recovery and Resilience supported the resolution and suggested friendly amendments, including replacing county civil defense representatives with mayors or their designees and allowing subject-matter experts to serve. Members questioned the office’s role, funding, and relationship to other resilience and emergency management offices, and the witness explained it was created after the Maui wildfires to coordinate long-term recovery, with special-project funding and a focus distinct from response and mental health functions. The committee also heard HR 59/HCR 65 on coordinating concurrent reviews of general plan, district boundary, and zoning amendments during land reclassification. OPSD testified with comments and warned that the proposal could facilitate spot zoning if individual landowners could use the concurrent process, recommending it be limited to county-initiated actions. A related discussion followed on HR 118/HCR 122, which would create a collaborative working group on surveying and protecting iwi kūpuna and related coastal erosion issues; DNR, OHA, and others supported it with suggested additions, and testimony emphasized cultural sensitivity and community-specific decision-making. Members asked about burial practices and a recent court ruling, and witnesses said the working group could help guide broader policy and communication. Finally, the committee heard HR 145/HCR 151, requesting DLNR to report on its lease enforcement process and procedures. DLNR said it was recruiting staff to conduct lease inspections but had difficulty filling positions due to compensation, and explained that new or extended leases can include inspection requirements, while retroactive cost-shifting would raise contractual issues. Members asked for information on lease renewal timelines and whether inspection provisions were being added to renewals; DLNR said those decisions are made in public sunshine meetings and agreed to provide additional information. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• > in<00:25:17.760> um<00:25:18.240> got<00:25:18.400> in<00:25:18.559>
• It was a bigger<00:25:24.559> detriment<00:25:25.039> to<00:25:25.279> you<00:25
• apologize that you did lose 5.7 and 5.4 million<00:25:45.760> projected<00:25:46.320> this
• <00:25:46.799> That's million projected this year. That's million projected this year.
• The project has an estimated completion date of March 2027 at an estimated cost of $25 million.

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:

• > St<00:25:03.159> Paul<00:25:03.360> as<00:25:03.480> a<00:25:03.600>
• > in<00:25:08.520> downtown<00:25:09.000> St<00:25:09.360> Paul<00:25:10.120
• :25:34.120> them<00:25:34.279> down<00:25:34.520> I<00:25:34.640> got<00:
• general<00:25:35.640> housing<00:25:36.039> deed<00:25:36.440> and<00:25:36.559
• <00:25:47.240> questions<00:25:47.679> we<00:25:47.799> can<00:25:48.159>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They have been coming<00:25:32.559> back<00:25:32.720> to<00:25:32.960> the<00:25
• c><00:25:37.679> is<00:25:37.840> a<00:25:38.000> benefit<00:25:38.320> that<
• :47.279> in<00:25:47.600> the<00:25:47.760> way<00:25:47.919> that<00:25:
• :25:49.840> will<00:25:50.000> all<00:25:50.159> be<00:25:50.320> worked
• :25:56.480> have<00:25:56.640> to<00:25:56.799> be<00:25:56.880> deployed.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > that<00:25:27.760> project.
• <00:25:28.880> the help them finish that project. the help them finish that project. the original
• <00:25:29.600> project,<00:25:30.400> the<00:25:30.640> unincorporated original
• project, the unincorporated original project, the unincorporated towns<00:25:32.240> contributed
• :25:20.479> of<02:25:20.560> you<02:25:20.800> may<02:25:21.040> not<02:25

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The State Water Project is managed by DWR.
• The State Water Project is managed by DWR, and it provides water to 27 million Californians.
• members of the public to participate in future State Water Project permitting processes.
• infrastructure project tied to the State Water Project, which requires this extension of time to proceed
• , 25, 24, 25, 25, 2569, 25, 25, 25, 27, 26, 27, 26, 23, 23, 23, 23, 25, 25, 25, 25, 29, 26, 26, 26, 26

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee heard a large regular-order agenda and took up several bills with mostly brief presentations and no major debate. AB 2215 by Calderon would extend the time for the Department of Water Resources to fully develop State Water Project water rights to 2046; supporters said it would protect water reliability and affordability for 27 million Californians, while opponents argued it would bypass the Water Board process, set a precedent for other water-rights holders, and potentially enable costly projects like Delta Conveyance. The committee also approved a set of unanimous-support bills for consent and suspense-file measures, then moved through a series of policy bills with generally favorable testimony from sponsors and allied organizations. Among the bills discussed, AB 2038 would extend insurance protections for wildfire victims facing nonrenewal or cancellation of home insurance; AB 2322 would standardize the definition of commercial, industrial, or institutional sites for municipal stormwater permitting; AB 1794 would allow enteral nutrition formulas to be shipped directly to patients’ homes; AB 1696 would clarify that nurse midwives do not need physician supervision within their licensed scope; AB 1860 would let county offices of education use design-build and progressive design-build; AB 1876 would codify nondiscrimination protections in health care coverage; AB 2281 would direct the Office of Election Cybersecurity to consult with researchers and assess resources; AB 2448 would require technology to protect sensitive medical records, including reproductive health data; AB 1994 would require local law enforcement to provide victims information on federal immigration relief options; and AB 1829 would expand allowable uses of CalWORKs student-parent support funds for basic needs and related services. Testimony was largely in support, with a few targeted concerns raised on AB 1696 and AB 2281. The committee took roll-call votes on the bills presented and advanced them, with some members recorded as not voting or voting no on selected measures. It also approved the suspense calendar as read and then opened public comment on bills not presented that day; no members of the public came forward, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• > it<00:25:14.799> now<00:25:15.080> this<00:25:15.240> rule<00:25:15.600>
• rule<00:25:24.120> that<00:25:24.880> the<00:25:25.880> the<00:25:26.039>
• were all<00:25:28.840> given<00:25:29.360> you<00:25:29.480> know<00:25:29.919>
• :34.120> this<00:25:34.279> gives<00:25:34.480> us<00:25:34.679> the<00:25
• c> the<00:25:37.799> second<00:25:38.039> thing<00:25:38.200> we<00:25:38.320

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House and Senate agriculture committees met on January 17, 2025, for an informational briefing on biosecurity and invasive species; Chair Kahaloa opened by noting there would be no public testimony. Members introduced themselves, and the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council (HISC) program manager Chelsea Arnot outlined the purpose of the briefing and the statewide impacts of invasive species, citing examples such as coconut rhinoceros beetle, little fire ant, coquí frogs, albizia, and mosquito-borne disease. She emphasized that biosecurity requires coordinated action across state departments, counties, federal agencies, universities, and communities, and highlighted HISC’s role in funding interagency projects, island invasive species committees, research, outreach, and early detection efforts. Arnot and HISC representatives described major funding and program needs, including a requested $4.25 million increase to HISC to raise its baseline budget to $10 million, support island committee operations, research, biocontrol, marine biosecurity, surveillance, and staffing. They also requested $500,000 for the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab, saying it is critical to invasive ant research and little fire ant response. The briefing also noted HISC’s leverage of federal dollars, including a $4.6 million REPI award with HISC providing the match, and cited successful collaborative eradications and responses, including veiled chameleons on Maui, axis deer on Hawaiʻi Island, and a 2023 coconut rhinoceros beetle response on Maui that prevented further spread. Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture officials then discussed implementation of updated administrative rules effective January 20, 2025, which permanently restrict movement of coconut rhinoceros beetle host material and give the department stronger authority to stop movement of infested material. They reported 2024 import activity of about 50,000 ship and aircraft arrivals, inspection/clearance of 20 million pieces, and 16,000 interceptions, with additional staffing from Act 231 expected to increase interceptions. They also described Act 231 funding and current spending status: about 65% obligated and 52% encumbered, with some funds tied to contracts for CRB and little fire ant response, plus an $800,000 green-waste hauling RFP that had to be reissued because of a flaw. The department said 580 Oʻahu homes and 290 Hawaiʻi Island homes are slated for little fire ant treatment, while Maui and Kauaʻi will focus on survey and outreach. Members questioned how homes are selected for subsidized treatment, whether HISC and the island invasive species committees received Act 231 support, and whether the state should direct how contracted funds are prioritized. Representative Martin raised concerns that the RFP limited eligibility to private pest control companies and excluded more experienced entities such as the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab. Department officials said they would follow up on prioritization and funding details, and noted that emergency proclamations and procurement flexibility could help with rapid response and hiring during invasive species emergencies.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.000> lot<00:25:00.159> of<00:25:01.039> uh<00:25:01.600> potential<00
• :25:02.559> concerns<00:25:03.080> down<00:25:03.279> the a lot of uh potential
• c> that<00:25:03.960> were<00:25:04.480> very<00:25:04.760> clear<00:25:05.480
• in any legislation<00:25:06.520> that<00:25:06.640> you<00:25:06.760> brought<00
• <00:39:57.480> of<00:39:57.680> those 25% diversion in other words 25 of those 25%

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee met on January 29, 2025, to hear the Metropolitan Council’s presentation on the Governor’s proposed agency budget requests. The Council outlined three main budget items: authorization to advance funds to MnDOT to help coordinate a highway project with arterial bus rapid transit construction; a proposal to make free regular-route transit rides permanent for eligible Metro Mobility riders, after a successful pilot that produced nearly 75,000 rides; and a reduction in general fund support for rail operations, which the Council said it could absorb in the near term. The Council also noted it was seeking $15 million in the bonding bill for bus rapid transit, including support for the H Line, and described other capital requests for an infill/infiltration program and regional parks. Council leadership said the advance-funds proposal would let two projects move together more efficiently, reduce disruption, and potentially lower costs by avoiding repeated reconstruction and maintenance. On the Metro Mobility fare pilot, they said the lower fare increased rider freedom and spontaneity while saving state money because fixed-route service is cheaper than individual Metro Mobility trips. On the general fund reduction, they said the agency is expanding service, opening the Gold Line, B Line, and E Line, and can manage the cut because of its diversified revenue sources, though it could affect future expansion. Senator Nelson raised concerns about the proposal to expand the Right-of-Way Acquisition Loan Fund to include regional parks and trails, warning that the legislation should clearly avoid creating condemnation authority for park or trail projects, especially where they are adjacent to MnDOT projects. Council staff responded that the program would finance local acquisitions rather than give the Met Council condemnation power, and said they would take the concern under advisement and ensure the legislation is carefully drafted. Members also discussed federal funding uncertainty; Council officials said federal transit operating support is about $30 million and that a pause or cut could affect future capital projects and some existing awards, while the region’s diversified funding base would help cushion operations. No votes or formal actions were taken at the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:25:16.400> That<00:25:16.640> mission<00:25:17.039> continues<00:25:17.600>
• But<00:25:18.559> Isaiah<00:25:19.039> 43<00:25:19.679> tells<00:25:19.919> us
• <00:25:20.159> not<00:25:20.320> to<00:25:20.480> dwell<00:25:20.720> on<
• HR<00:25:52.240> 2066,<00:25:53.279> an<00:25:53.440> act<00:25:53.679> to
• <02:25:26.560> out<02:25:26.720> to<02:25:26.960> 10<02:25:27.200> years.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, April 23, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the<00:25:14.640> drive<00:25:15.200> and<00:25:15.520> what<00:25:15.760><
• >> Good.<00:25:18.400> I<00:25:18.600> and<00:25:18.760> I<00:25:19.040>
• 25:42.400> the<00:25:42.480> Great<00:25:42.680> River<00:25:42.880> Road.
• :25:49.520> and<00:25:49.680> I<00:25:50.040> talk<00:25:50.320> a<00:25:
• for specific projects like interpretive projects. projects. projects.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:37.279> skin<00:25:37.520> in<00:25:37.760> the<00:25:37.919> game
• :25:45.039> that<00:25:45.360> they<00:25:45.600> have<00:25:45.840> to match
• has<00:25:47.600> to<00:25:47.760> be<00:25:47.919> shovel<00:25:48.320>
• Describing projects water projects.
• for 25 years. for 25 years.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um doesn't<00:25:04.559> that<00:25:04.960> warrant<00:25:06.320> looking<00:25:
• > policy<00:25:34.960> I<00:25:35.200> believe<00:25:35.360> there<00:25:
• <00:25:40.320> to<00:25:40.640> 174<00:25:41.679> but<00:25:41.840> that<
• I forgot<00:25:44.000> to<00:25:44.080> mention<00:25:44.240> that<00:25:44.400>
• <00:25:45.520> But<00:25:45.600> to<00:25:45.760> the<00:25:45.919> other

Keywords: Finance - Room 216, 20 January, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee heard an update from PERS Executive Director Higgins, who reported that the system has about $38 billion in assets, earned roughly 11.7% last fiscal year, and is about 57% funded. He thanked lawmakers for a newly passed $1 billion funding bill and emphasized that funding the existing system remains the top priority. Higgins also noted that the board’s actuarially recommended contribution is about 26% of payroll, while the system is currently receiving about 18.4%, and said PERS will return later in session with a few requested bills. Higgins addressed several policy topics under discussion this session, including return-to-work rules, first responders, and Tier 5. He said return-to-work changes are possible if the law is changed and funding implications are addressed. For first responders, he said any special treatment should be done within PERS rather than by creating a separate system, with the affected group and parameters clearly defined and fully funded. He also said the new Tier 5 hybrid plan is being implemented on track for March 1 and is projected to improve the system’s long-term financial position by reducing future liabilities and helping pay down the unfunded liability. Members then questioned Higgins about the system’s funding policy, the 30-year closed amortization period used in the ADC calculation, and whether that approach should be revisited in light of recent funding actions and changes in assumptions. Higgins said the board reviews the policy annually, that the closed amortization approach was chosen to better pay down the unfunded liability, and that the annual valuation and experience studies already incorporate recent funding changes, Tier 5, and the phased employer-rate increases. He acknowledged that a significant new infusion of funding could justify reviewing the amortization period, but cautioned against changing it too often because it could undermine progress toward paying down the unfunded liability.

Transcript Highlights:

• > in<00:25:02.960> line<00:25:03.159> with<00:25:03.279> our<00:25:03.520
• our actual experience when<00:25:05.120> projecting when projecting when projecting benefits<
• 00:25:07.360> and<00:25:07.440> then<00:25:07.600> the<00:25:07.720> final
• so that<00:25:26.919> will<00:25:27.080> lead<00:25:27.360> into<00:25:27.679><
• <00:25:42.000> will<00:25:42.200> stay<00:25:43.000> at<00:25:43.159> 1.7

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that it's a high priority<00:25:26.880> project<00:25:27.279> so<00:25:27.559> we
• c><00:25:27.679> are<00:25:27.919> confident priority project so we are confident priority
• project so we are confident that<00:25:28.640> we're<00:25:28.880> able<00:25:29.120><
• > that<00:25:32.240> project<00:25:32.600> will<00:25:32.919> not continuously
• so that project will not continuously so that project will not you<00:25:33.520> know<00:25:33.919

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education heard several measures focused on health, environment, and research. HB 970 would allow chiropractic students to participate in clinical practice under direct supervision; the Hawaii Board of Chiropractic offered comments and asked for a delayed implementation date until July 2027 to allow time to adopt rules, while the Hawaii State Chiropractic Association supported the bill. Members also discussed that there are currently no chiropractic schools in the state. The committee then heard HB 1185, which creates a plant-based building materials working group, and HB 1337, which establishes an endemic plant seed bank pilot program. Supporters of HB 1185 said the bill could help create green jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by developing materials such as bamboo, hempcrete, and bio-cements, with questions raised about in-state processing. For HB 1337, witnesses supported the goal of preserving endemic species but said a large-scale refrigerated storage and seed-production facility would be needed; one witness estimated startup costs of about $6 million for one island and noted existing seed banks are small-scale and not designed for reforestation. HB 1300 would fund a University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center multi-ethnic cohort study on cancer disparities among Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, Filipinos, and Asians, including environmental and social factors such as proximity to landfills. The Cancer Center, ACS CAN, and labor representatives supported the bill, emphasizing health disparities and concerns about landfill exposure; committee members asked about federal funding, and the Cancer Center said it would pursue NIH, private, and foundation support, with the state share described as $500,000 per year for two years. HB 736 would create a wastewater technology testing pilot program at the Water Resources Research Center; supporters said it could help certify cheaper alternatives to costly cesspool and septic upgrades, and the Department of Health supported the measure. The committee also heard HB 531, which authorizes special license plates for the Cancer Center; supporters said it would raise visibility and funds, and the Cancer Center estimated revenue would likely be under $100,000. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.