Transcript Highlights:

• requirements of KRS chapter 13A. requirements of KRS chapter 13A.
• 301<00:11:49.680> K1<00:11:50.320> 1015.
• :11:53.600> repeals<00:11:54.000> 301<00:11:54.480> K<00:11:55.040> 2030<
• updated<00:11:56.720> provisions<00:11:57.279> are<00:11:57.519> being<00:11:57.760
• moved to 301<00:11:58.720> K<00:11:59.440> 3150.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee met in August with a quorum present and approved the prior meeting minutes without objection. The committee then reviewed several regulations, generally adopting staff-suggested amendments without objection, and heard brief explanations from agency representatives on each item. The Board of Pharmacy regulations would clarify what registered and certified pharmacy technicians may do under supervision and what certified technicians may not do, while updating registration applications. The Board of Cosmetology package included changes to executive director authority, licensure and reciprocity rules, school requirements, training hours, instructor ratios, sanitation and disease-related rules, complaint procedures, and permit terms; members asked about straight razor language and the increase in student-to-instructor ratios, and the board explained that cosmetologists are not permitted to use straight razors and that the higher ratio was intended to give schools flexibility, especially for part-time students and schools with wait lists. The Occupational Therapy emergency compact regulation added four compact rules adopted in April 2025, and Senator West raised a technical question about certification requirements under House Bill 6; the agency said it had been instructed to file the regulation as submitted. The Department for Fish and Wildlife Resources presented a package covering wildlife management area rules, a northern pintail bag limit increase, reportable disease reporting, and a repeal tied to boat registration fees. After a brief explanation of the new wildlife disease reporting rule, the agency requested and received a deferral of 301 KAR 2:031 to avoid a gap while replacement language is finalized. The Economic Development Finance Authority explained an emergency regulation for the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive Program, saying it was needed because the program had become oversubscribed and because administration was shifting to a new film office and council; members also asked about certification issues under House Bill 6, and the agency said it had filed the regulation as directed. The Department of Workplace Standards emergency PPE regulation was also discussed, with members asking about HB 6 certification language, and the agency gave the same response. The Department of Insurance regulation would create a $10,000 registration fee and a $1,000 annual licensing fee for pharmacy benefit manager licenses, with an agency amendment exempting PBMs that solely serve workers’ compensation plans. Members asked how many PBMs would be affected and why workers’ compensation PBMs were carved out; the agency said there were 70 registered PBMs total, four solely workers’ comp, and that workers’ comp rates are set by statute and could not absorb the fee. Finally, the Public Service Commission’s pole attachment regulation was summarized as a broadband-expansion measure that speeds application review, increases the number of poles allowed in a single application, and shortens dispute timelines; the commission explained it grew out of earlier legislative direction and subsequent emergency amendments, and the committee adopted the staff amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:11:28.400> So,<01:11:28.880> uh,<01:11:29.280> one<01:11:29.440> of
• c> can<01:11:36.320> have<01:11:36.560> an<01:11:36.800> owner,<01:11:37.360
• <01:11:44.719> Uh,<01:11:45.199> but<01:11:45.600> do<01:11:45.840> we
• :11:47.520> the<01:11:47.760> shop<01:11:48.000> is<01:11:48.320> open have
• there that<01:11:52.400> has<01:11:53.440> training<01:11:53.920> in<01:11:54.239

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• an all-female chapter, it looks like.
• Their chapter was just in Spain, right?
• 264, Section 3, and Laws 1987, Chapter 347, Section 3, as amended.
• We'll be in at 11 o'clock tomorrow.
• evening. 11 o'clock tomorrow.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have multiple chapters.
• So, I would have multiple chapters.
• House Bill 11:15. House Bill 11:15.
• Seeing none, the House Bill 11:15?
• House Bill 11:15 is adopted. House Bill 11:15 is adopted.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and spent much of the opening portion recognizing visitors and celebrating Colorado FFA Day. Members introduced guests and student groups, including the Colorado Dental Association and 350 Colorado Youth Action Committee, and several speakers highlighted the importance of FFA and agricultural education. Representative Johnson and AML Winter gave extended remarks about FFA’s role in leadership, rural life, and support for students, and the chamber recognized FFA members in attendance. The chamber then adopted a motion making several bills special orders and moved into floor consideration of multiple measures. Senate Bill 10, concerning clarification of agricultural property tax definitions, passed after sponsors explained it would better define agricultural land and pasture-based livestock operations to support small and beginning farmers. Senate Bill 52, concerning coal transition communities, passed after the House adopted amendments L4, L5, and L6 clarifying that hiring preferences apply only to qualified coal transition workers in coal transition communities and that public entities may invest settlement funds related to coal closures. House Bill 1115, modifying prepaid wireless telecommunications service charges, passed after a finance committee amendment exempted federal Lifeline plans; sponsors said the bill reinstates the 911 surcharge on prepaid plans to support 911 and 988 services. House Bill 1182 passed after sponsors and the veterinarian member described it as a sunset repeal of the Veterinary Pharmaceutical Advisory Committee, which had not met since 2021. House Bill 1096, allowing Medicaid members to access direct primary care on a cash-pay basis, passed with a two-year data-review amendment; sponsors said it is aimed at rural health access and health deserts. House Bill 1142, concerning child advocacy centers, also passed after amendment L3 clarified definitions in Title 19; sponsors said it would better define child advocacy centers, multidisciplinary teams, and child maltreatment and support confidentiality and immunity protections for those centers.

Transcript Highlights:

• :16.000> okay<00:11:16.200> moving<00:11:16.519> on<00:11:16.920> sb8<00:
• 11:17.760> relating<00:11:18.200> to<00:11:18.399> jury um okay moving on sb8 relating
• c><00:11:20.720> we haveb<00:11:28.800> h<00:11:29.320> pan<00:11:30.120> Hawaii
• <00:11:30.560> associate<00:11:31.200> Prof<00:11:31.560> of I have B.H.
• And I looked up that chapter, and there is no 432E chapter in the Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee opened its first hearing of the 2025 session with procedural instructions about testimony limits, Zoom participation, written testimony, and a reconvening date if needed. It then heard SB 200 on speedy trials. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing it could create conflicts of interest for prosecutors, potentially make victims or witnesses quasi-parties to criminal cases, force traumatizing testimony on continuance motions, and unfairly delay trials for in-custody defendants. A World Care representative supported the bill and urged broader protections for minors, disabled people, and seniors. The chair also pressed the public defender to suggest improvements, emphasizing that the bill was driven by victims and families. No vote or final action was taken on SB 200. The committee next took up SB 8 on jury duty exemptions for health professionals. Testimony was strongly supportive from nurses, physicians, and disability advocates, who said APRNs and other nurses are in short supply and that jury service can disrupt patient care, especially in rural and neighbor island areas. One witness suggested expanding the exemption to include registered nurses as well as APRNs, while a senator raised concerns about blanket exemptions for non-practicing APRNs and suggested a time limit. The bill remained under discussion with no final action reported. The committee then heard SB 144 on chiropractic, with the state chiropractic board offering comments and the Hawaii State Chiropractic Association supporting the measure as a way to address workforce shortages and provide students more hands-on clinical experience. A World Care witness also supported the bill after clarifying her remarks. The chair then moved to SB 107 on medical informed consent, where the Hawaii Medical Board opposed the bill and the Healthcare Association of Hawaii and Queen’s Health System offered comments, citing concerns about duplicative standards. A support witness proposed expanding the bill to better address combined mental and physical health conditions. Finally, SB 189 on breast cancer screening drew support from the Hawaii Medical Association, Hawaii Radiological Society, Queen’s Health Systems, and others, while the Insurance Division raised concerns about possible insurance mandate defrayment and the need for a sunrise analysis. Senators also asked about local demographic data and coverage impacts; the chair indicated decision-making would be deferred to another day.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.120> concerns<00:11:01.120> if<00:11:01.279> not<00:11:01.440> sen<00
• <00:11:02.800> on<00:11:03.040> S<00:11:03.240> sp660<00:11:04.160> sd1<00
• :11:04.639> is<00:11:04.720> to<00:11:04.920> pass recommendation on S sp660 sd1
• any<00:11:05.800> no<00:11:06.000> votes<00:11:06.200> or un amended any no
• next<00:11:10.560> up<00:11:10.680> is<00:11:10.839> s<00:11:11.000> SP<

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee took up a series of Senate bills and generally advanced most of them, often with technical or substantive amendments. SB 15 on the definition of historic property was amended to narrow the definition to properties at least 50 years old that are culturally significant or otherwise significant for Hawaii Register purposes, and it passed. SB 97 on excessive speeding was amended to clarify felony penalty language, license revocation timing, and fingerprinting procedures, and passed. Other bills passed as is or unamended included SB 145 on water shortages, SB 108 on accessible parking enforcement, SB 660 on hospitality anti-harassment measures and panic buttons, SB 1662 on landlord application fees and tenant screening reports, SB 1421 on Department of Health provider arrangements, SB 1439 on DOH nuisance authority, and SB 1452 updating controlled substances law. SB 1454 on wage payment violations passed with technical amendments only, while SB 1481 on motorcycle instruction permits was deferred as not ready. Several bills received more substantial changes. SB 253 on condominium association budget summaries was amended to require a single document and to shift the standard to substantial compliance; it passed. SB 371 on critical infrastructure damage was amended to remove a section affecting manslaughter law and to apply specifically to broadband and cable networks; it passed. SB 984 on water pollution liability for large landowners was advanced with a defective date. SB 1517 on public land leases for recreational residential use was amended to change the lease term to five years and add a defective date. SB 1074 on temporary continuation of challenged activities during environmental review was significantly amended to limit the provision to currently authorized activities, add a one-year limit with possible court extension, and clarify other terms; it passed. SB 1322 on emergency mental health transport was amended to restore provider-initiated transport language, require notice and coordination, remove special immunity provisions, and clarify court-ordered treatment procedures; it passed. The committee also passed SB 1496 on disability access to information in public accommodations, with a request that the committee report discuss the Roe v. St. Pizza case and the distinction between physical and digital accommodations. SB 1255 on Uniform Information Practices Act record retention was deferred as not ready. At the end of the meeting, the chair noted that both agendas were completed and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• to some<01:11:15.080> of<01:11:15.199> the<01:11:15.320> comments<01:11:15.679><
• > of<01:11:16.920> all<01:11:17.080> let<01:11:17.199> me<01:11:17.400>
• > put<01:11:20.159> this<01:11:20.400> bill<01:11:20.760> in<01:11:21.760
• 11:23.239> have<01:11:23.560> uncertainty<01:11:24.560> in<01:11:24.760> our<
• <01:11:27.640> and<01:11:28.040> I<01:11:28.159> think<01:11:28.400> that

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chapter 259, relating to amusement ride and trampoline court safety.
• House Bill 2594, amending Section 16-14-3, Chapter 11, Article 1, A.R.S., by adding Section 25-15.02,
• House Bill 2594, amending Section 16-14-3, Chapter 11, Article 1, A.R.S., by adding Section 25-15.02,
• Amending Title 30, A.R.S., by adding Chapter 2 and repealing Title 30, Chapter 20, Article 1, relating
• House Bill 2999 amending sections 9-46-3.15 and 11-49, by adding Chapter 40, relating to special taxing

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, guest introductions, and routine communications from the governor and Senate. Members then moved into multiple Committee of the Whole sessions to consider a large number of Senate bills and later House bills on final reading. Several measures were retained on the calendar, while many others advanced with or without amendments. The House also adopted a group concurrence motion on numerous Senate amendments to House bills and later took up third-reading votes on a series of House bills. Among the main committee actions, SB 1049, SB 1315, SB 1401, SB 1418, and SB 1540 were amended and recommended do pass; SB 1332 and SB 1538 also advanced, while SB 1016, SB 1519, SB 1624, SB 1627, SB 1723, and SB 1725 were retained. Debate centered on school safety and interoperability equipment in SB 1315, housing and zoning issues in SB 1118, and school discipline/bullying transparency in SB 1684. Members also discussed SB 1074 on student discipline notifications, SB 1275 on diversion program wording, and SB 1684 on bullying reporting and school liability, with supporters emphasizing safety, accountability, and clarity and opponents warning about unfunded mandates, litigation, and impacts on public schools. On final reading, the House passed a long list of bills, including HB 2032, HB 2035, HB 2109, HB 2120, HB 2176, HB 2189, HB 2195, HB 2203, HB 2342, HB 2383, HB 2423, HB 2428, HB 2439, HB 2440, HB 2573, HB 2594, HB 2621, HB 2641, HB 2673, HB 2693, HB 2752, HB 2756, HB 2875, HB 2895, HB 2916, HB 2923, HB 2946, and HB 2999, with recorded votes ranging from narrow to unanimous. HB 1118, dealing with municipal zoning and historic properties, failed on the floor after debate over housing policy and charter/public school issues, though a motion to reconsider was later made. The session ended with personal announcements, including recognition of Child Help, a memorial reading for Major General W. Bill Van Dyke, caucus meeting notices, a retirement reception reminder, an anniversary acknowledgment, and a Pride Month statement.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 4156, amending the law as 2021, chapter 9,000, amending laws 2023, chapter 2011, 11, and state
• House Bill 4159 in mid-6-11 and 456-11 and 456.0.1 appropriating monies relating to the environment.
• Senate Bill 1421, amending Title 6, Chapter 1, Article 2, A.R.S., and Title 44, Chapter 9, Article 1,
• Enacting Title 28, Chapter 14, Article 2, A.R.S.
• Amending Title 23, Chapter 6, Article 4A, amending Section 23-977.3 as amended by Laws 2025, Chapter

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• as under 5575, as amended by Laws 2024, chapter 210, section 3, relating to commerce.
• SB 1836, an act amending Title 41, Chapter 11, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to criminal
• The vote is 11 ayes, 3 not voting. You have passed House Bill 4142, signed in open session.
• System is closed by vote: 16 ayes, 11 nays, 3 not voting.
• Amending sections 43-11-64.04, 11-0-4, 43-164-05 at 43-11-68.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and several guest recognitions, including a student honored for a national Mandarin speech contest, a Ms. Black Arizona candidate, and a Madison Elementary School reusable-tray pilot program. The body also recognized interns and approved the prior journal. The chamber then moved through Committee of the Whole calendars and adopted committee reports recommending passage of a series of budget-related bills. The main legislative business centered on the 2026-27 budget package and related omnibus measures, including appropriations, budget implementation, capital outlay, commerce, criminal justice, environment, health care, higher education, human services, K-12 education, state property, revenue/taxation, and transportation bills. Most of these measures were advanced with do-pass recommendations, with repeated debate focused on the tax omnibus and the overall budget’s policy choices. Supporters argued the package provided affordability, tax relief, conformity with federal tax changes, reduced government spending, and reforms to entitlement and other programs; opponents argued it favored corporations and wealthy taxpayers, cut health care, food assistance, housing, tourism, wildfire response, and education, and would forfeit federal matching funds. Several members specifically criticized the failure to close the data center tax exemption and to raise sports betting taxes, while supporters defended those provisions as pro-business and pro-growth. There was also discussion of fund sweeps, including university research funds, housing trust funds, and other agency balances, with opponents saying the sweeps targeted encumbered or already-committed money. After debate, the Senate adopted Committee of the Whole reports and advanced the bills, and later took up House bills introduced and placed on third reading, with members explaining their votes on HB 4138, the General Appropriations Act, largely along party lines. At the end of the session, the Senate processed messages from the House requesting the return of SB 1160 and SB 1786 for reconsideration, and the Senate requested the House return HB 2415 for reconsideration. The chamber also introduced and placed several House budget bills on third reading, including HB 4138 through HB 4153, continuing the budget process.

Transcript Highlights:

• That statute is not the same<00:11:48.560> um<00:11:48.720> standard<00:11:49.760> as
• <00:11:50.240> the<00:11:50.399> the<00:11:50.720> pardon<00:11:51.040> or
• > So,<00:11:52.480> if<00:11:52.720> a<00:11:52.880> state<00:11:53.120><
• So, if a state court expunge<00:11:53.920> a<00:11:54.079> state<00:11:54.399> offense
• <00:11:58.399> recognize<00:11:58.880> it<00:11:59.120> as<00:11:59.360> expuned

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And we have Lauren Akit, who's the Maui president of the Maui chapter and also the University of Hawaiʻi
• have<00:02:25.200> Sonia<00:02:25.640> Toma<00:02:25.959> who's Maui chapter
• we have Sonia Toma who's Maui chapter we have Sonia Toma who's the<00:02:26.319> public<00:02
• For the record, it was 11 ayes and 12 noes. Thank you.
• <00:08:01.400> eyes<00:08:01.919> and Clerk for the record it was 11 eyes and Clerk

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, called the roll, approved the previous day’s journal, and heard several introductions recognizing staff, visiting students from Do Middle School participating in Working Families Day, and advocates from organizations including H-CAN, Hawaii Workers Center, Aloha Care, the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the American Association of University Women Hawaii. The clerk then reported gubernatorial messages withdrawing several nominations to boards and commissions, transmitting one nomination to the State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision, and House communications sending House bills to the Senate for first reading and committee referral. The chamber adopted multiple groups of standing committee reports, including reports requiring 48-hour notice and one-day notice, and then took up third reading of Senate bills. Several bills passed third reading by unanimous consent or near-unanimous votes, including measures relating to water pollution, spaying and neutering animals, condominiums, marine life conservation districts, mental health, geothermal resources, the University of Hawaiʻi, and aircraft. Senate Bill 841 SD1 and SB 1042 SD1 each passed 22-1, SB 1197 SD1 passed 21-2, and SB 319, relating to marijuana, failed on third reading with 11 ayes and 12 noes. The Senate also granted a waiver of referral for Senate Bill 1621 SD1 to the Committee on Ways and Means so it could meet the first taking deadline, and gave one day’s notice for third reading. The session concluded with a motion adopted to leave the journal open until 11:00 p.m. for additional committee reports and to recess until 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 4.

Transcript Highlights:

• So,<00:11:21.720> it's<00:11:21.839> a<00:11:21.920> combination<00:11:23.080>
• Chair, and<00:11:28.320> I<00:11:28.440> I<00:11:28.520> appreciate<00:11:29.120
• > a<00:11:35.839> partial,<00:11:36.360> I<00:11:36.440> think<00:11:36.680>
• /c><00:11:38.120> in<00:11:38.240> making<00:11:38.600> sure<00:11:38.800> we
• 11:43.040> to<00:11:43.280> and<00:11:43.400> all<00:11:43.560> of<00:11:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• case<00:11:52.600> an<00:11:52.760> appropriate<00:11:53.160> notice<00:11:53.480
• be posted<00:11:54.480> please<00:11:54.720> avoid<00:11:54.959> using<00:11:55.200
• 00:11:57.600> from<00:11:57.839> profanity<00:11:58.320> or<00:11:58.480> uncivil
• any<02:11:20.239> members<02:11:20.559> wish<02:11:20.840> vote<02:11:21.000>
• you members<02:11:28.440> uh<02:11:28.639> next<02:11:28.800> up<02:11:28.960><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 48 SD2 HD1 relating to combat sports. The Attorney General offered a technical comment on the bill’s effective date, and several testifiers from the combat sports community strongly supported the measure with amendments. They argued that boxing and MMA should be treated separately, that the current regulatory structure has made events too costly and reduced opportunities, and that more local oversight would help revive the sport and give youth a constructive outlet. Committee members questioned whether the bill’s medical staffing requirements would apply to boxing, MMA, or both, and whether the added requirements would increase costs and reduce access. The witness from the combat sports community said amateur boxing is already regulated through USA Boxing, that the DCCA should focus on professional boxing, and that for safety he would support two physicians and one ambulance for boxing and MMA events. The committee then took up SB 117 SD2 HD1 relating to transportation. The Department of Transportation and the Ulon Initiative testified in support, and the bicycling community was listed as supporting as well. Members focused on the bill’s rebate program for electric transportation devices, asking how successful it had been and whether removing the rebate would affect use. DOT said the program began in February 2023 and had issued about 500 rebates totaling roughly $166,000, aimed at helping people without vehicles access transportation options. The department explained that the bill would broaden access and increase the rebate amount, including additional assistance for low-income applicants. Finally, the committee heard SB 897 SD3 HD1 relating to energy and wildfire liability. The Division of Consumer Advocacy, the Public Utilities Commission, the Attorney General, Clearway Energy Group, Ulon Initiative, Kawai K, IBEW Local 1260, and Hawaiian Electric all testified in support, while the Hawaii Association for Justice was listed as opposed but not present. Supporters said the bill would help finance wildfire mitigation and infrastructure improvements through securitization, reduce wildfire risk, and address utility cost and credit concerns. Hawaiian Electric emphasized that the bill is forward-looking, would help protect customers from future wildfire-related cost increases, and requested amendments including a study on a future wildfire recovery fund. In questioning, members pressed Hawaiian Electric on the liability cap, asking whether it would have applied to the Maui wildfires and whether it would cover personal injury or wrongful death; the witness and company counsel clarified that the aggregate cap applies only to qualifying property damage, not personal injury or wrongful death, and said they would follow up on how the cap would calculate in a Maui-type event. Hawaiian Electric also said it would seek financing under the bill if enacted and updated members on settlement funding efforts, including raising the first $550 million in equity and divesting assets to help meet its obligations.

Transcript Highlights:

• > the<00:11:07.280> incorrect<00:11:08.000> version<00:11:09.000> of<00:11
• c> must<00:11:12.280> reconsider<00:11:13.120> our<00:11:13.320> vote<00:11:
• <00:11:16.080> be<00:11:16.240> able<00:11:16.440> to<00:11:16.560> be<00
• <00:11:20.880> not<00:11:21.160> have<00:11:21.320> agreed<00:11:21.800>
• :11:30.839> the<00:11:30.920> House<00:11:31.200> proposal<00:11:31.839> of

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• when the anger rises,<00:11:02.160> send<00:11:02.399> a<00:11:02.640> calming<
• 00:11:03.200> breeze<00:11:03.600> of<00:11:03.839> peace ...rises, send a calming
• :11:34.480> to<01:11:34.640> rule<01:11:34.880> 40.7.
• Thank<01:11:36.320> you,<01:11:36.480> Mr.<01:11:36.800> President.
• <01:11:57.520> The<01:11:57.840> secretary<01:11:58.400> will<01:11:58.719> close

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.440> gallons<01:11:01.760> of<01:11:01.920> wine<01:11:02.159> a<01:11
• > retail<01:11:07.840> the<01:11:07.960> wines<01:11:08.360> that<01:11:08.520
• > at<01:11:09.320> on<01:11:09.640> and<01:11:10.000> off<01:11:10.239>
• <01:11:19.719> additional<01:11:20.600> license<01:11:21.600> and<01:11:21.760><
• and they can also<01:11:22.480> apply<01:11:22.840> for<01:11:23.800> a<01:11:23.960

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• c> perspectives<00:11:41.519> of<00:11:41.760> all<00:11:41.920> the<00:11:42.079
• [snorts] We<00:11:44.399> may<00:11:44.560> not<00:11:44.800> always<00:11:44.959
• c><00:11:47.360> share<00:11:47.600> a<00:11:47.839> common<00:11:48.079> goal
• We<00:11:55.600> are<00:11:55.760> confident<00:11:56.079> that<00:11:56.320>
• c><00:11:58.480> the<00:11:58.640> language<00:11:59.120> that<00:11:59.440>

Bills: HF962, HF3541, HF2936, HF3762, HF2879

Keywords: Capitol security, public safety, emergency management, state buildings, law enforcement, corrections, legislative approval, rule-making, financial impact, jail regulations, expungement, firearm eligibility, criminal records, organized retail crime, retail theft, supply chain theft, theft enterprise, organized theft, cargo theft, shoplifting

Transcript Highlights:

• So,<00:11:09.880> again,<00:11:10.640> prior<00:11:11.000> to<00:11:11.280> I
• <00:11:11.400> just<00:11:11.640> hit<00:11:11.800> on<00:11:11.920> those
• <00:11:14.400> it's<00:11:14.600> very<00:11:14.960> important,<00:11:16.240>
• federal and state<00:11:19.480> law<00:11:19.600> that<00:11:19.839> all<00:11:
• .<00:11:33.120> Um<00:11:33.600> you<00:11:33.880> will<00:11:34.000> see

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:54 Pension System Update 00:03:38, 958, all

Summary: The committee held its first official interim meeting after merging the General Government and Finance, Personnel, and Public Retirement committees, establishing a quorum and opening with the pledge and prayer. Members then received a briefing from KPPA representatives Ryan Barrow and Aaron Sarock on the state retirement systems, including KERS, CERS, and SPRS, and on the importance of fully funding the actuarially determined employer contribution, supplemental appropriations, and investment earnings in reducing unfunded liabilities. They said the systems have made progress toward a statutory closed amortization target of 2049 and emphasized that supplemental funding lowers current employer contribution rates but does not change that end date. A major topic was federal and state reemployment-after-retirement rules for retirees who return to work with participating employers. KPPA explained that retirees must have a bona fide separation from service, no prearranged agreement to return, and generally a one-calendar-month break in service for retirees on or after January 1, 2024. If a member fails to comply, retirement benefits can be voided, payments stopped, health coverage ended, and benefits repaid. The presenters also noted that rehired retirees do not earn a second retirement account, and employers rehiring them must pay employer contributions and, in non-exempt cases, reimburse health insurance costs. Members asked about the scale of rehired retirees and the difference between employer contribution and health insurance reimbursement amounts. KPPA said that in fiscal year 2025 there were over 3,500 rehired retirees in CERS and over 5,000 in SPRS, with substantial employer contributions and health reimbursement payments collected. They also explained that some positions are exempt from these chargebacks, including school resource officers and certain law enforcement positions that meet statutory criteria. The committee discussed House Bill 213, which allows cities, sheriffs’ departments, and post-secondary institutions to offer health insurance to rehired officers if authorized by the governing body, effective August 1, 2026, and clarifies the fiscal-year basis for certain exemption limits. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• > to<01:11:34.239> make<01:11:34.480> is<01:11:35.199> uh<01:11:35.440>
• <01:11:45.280> But<01:11:45.440> I<01:11:45.679> think<01:11:45.840> all<
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Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing opened with SB 1442, which would update the statute governing the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division and clarify its role as the state Medicaid provider of intensive mental health services for children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbance. The Department of Health testified in strong support, saying the current statute is outdated and warning against any unfunded mandate because the division relies on federal funding and faces uncertainty about future resources. Written testimony from several organizations also supported the bill. The committees took no immediate action and said they would hold decision-making until later. The hearing then moved to SB 479 on ABLE savings accounts. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Hawaii Disability Rights Center supported the measure, arguing that ABLE accounts help people with disabilities save money without losing benefits and that the state needs more outreach and staffing to expand participation. A testifier with a disability said the bill would help people keep Social Security and housing stability. The chair indicated an intention to move the bill forward, and asked about funding; the discussion settled on a requested appropriation of about $75,000 for incentives. Next, SB 1245 on reimbursement of pharmacists drew broad support from the Hawaii Pharmacists Association, rural pharmacies, the Hawaii Primary Care Association, and others, who said the bill would improve access to care, especially on neighbor islands and in rural communities, and help pharmacies participate in 340B-related services. The Insurance Division and HMSA raised concerns about bill language, saying it could be read to cover pharmacists outside an insurer’s network and that the scope of reimbursable services needed clarification; the pharmacists’ association said the bill is intended to apply only to in-network pharmacists and should continue to reference existing scope-of-practice law. The hearing also took up SB 1279, which would allow pharmacists to authorize medications via telehealth under certain circumstances. The State Board of Pharmacy opposed the bill, citing patient safety, a pilot project with reported errors, concerns about controlled substances and unregulated technicians, and the view that in-person pharmacist services are safer and already available on the affected islands. Several pharmacies and health care groups supported the measure as a way to preserve 340B access and improve service on Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi, while some local pharmacies said they already provide in-person service and opposed remote dispensing. No votes were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.