Transcript Highlights:

• Um, first I'd like to point out I think there was a comment just made about the testimony, but the testimony
• I know I submitted testimony and I do not see that testimony as I submitted it.
• And sorry about the testimony. We'll get that up ASAP. Oh, no, no worries.
• And sorry about the testimony. Zoom. And sorry about the testimony.
• Um, we will also be taking a recommendation from testimony of Mr.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 5 and SB 1545. SB 5 drew opposition from the Department of the Attorney General, which said the bill conflicted with two sections of the state constitution. A member of the public also opposed SB 5, arguing that representatives should be elected by the people and urging the committee not to pass the measure. After discussion, the committee deferred SB 5, citing the deputy attorney general’s view that it was unconstitutional. The committee then heard SB 1545, which concerns nepotism rules and good-cause exceptions. The State Ethics Commission testified in support, saying the bill would create a clearer, more transparent central process for good-cause exceptions and noting that several exceptions had already been publicly filed. A public testifier also supported the bill but questioned why the judiciary appeared to be excluded from its coverage. After a brief recess, the committee decided to amend SB 1545 by striking the exemption for the legislature and judiciary and changing the effective date to the House defective date. The committee then voted to pass SB 1545 with amendments. The chair, vice chair, and Representatives Ichiyama and Morikawa voted aye; Representative Matsumoto was excused, and the recommendation was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• and um stand on our written testimony. and um stand on our written testimony.
• We stand on our testimony.
• on its written testimony with comments. on its written testimony with comments.
• Um, when I asked for testimony, you should have just given your testimony. So, hold on. Yeah.
• much for um your testimony. Of course. much for um your testimony.

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:

• Hearing none, public testimony is now closed. House Bill 2193 will be left pending.
• Hearing none, testimony is now closed. Close. House Bill 5646 will be left pending.
• At this time, I'll open up public testimony on House Bill 5308.
• At this time, we'll open up public testimony on House Bill 101.
• At this time, we'll open up public testimony on House Bill 290.

Bills: HB101, HB290

Keywords: voter approval, local tax, disaster declaration, tax rate increases, community funding, PFAS, agriculture, criminal offense, pollution, Johnson County, environmental regulation, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have submitted some written testimony We have submitted some written testimony on<00:10:04.240
• I submitted written testimony.
• I submitted written testimony.
• correction<00:16:22.000> I testimony.
• There's one correction I testimony.

Bills: HB1730, HB1985, HB1749, HB1921

Keywords: cesspool, wastewater systems, public health, environmental protection, affordable upgrades, coral reefs, water quality, Hawaii legislation, cesspools, wastewater, environment, pollution, Hawaii, sustainable development, sewerage system, real estate, disclosure, environmental impact, wastewater management, housing

Summary: The committee heard several agriculture-related bills. HB 1953 would create a two-year conservation and environmental stewardship pilot program in the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB); testimony from Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii supported investing in conservation agriculture and farm practices that protect waterways and native species. HB 248 would establish a climate-resilient food systems grant program, with DAB explaining the types of equipment and processing investments such grants could support, such as coffee roasting, packaging, harvesting equipment, and other value-added infrastructure. HB 2246 would create a grant administration program and revolving fund to help DAB manage grants; DAB said the bill would help leverage federal, state, county, and private funding by retaining part of the indirect cost recovery to meet matching requirements. HB 2549 would create a clean plant program to produce and distribute disease-free plant material, and reforestation advocates said it would support large-scale reforestation efforts. HB 2551 would fund an area fruit fly suppression program; DAB described sterile fruit fly technology and said the program could help reduce fruit fly populations statewide. HB 2216 would authorize DAB to package and sell part of its loan portfolio to third parties, and HB 2152 would clarify liability and penalties for dog attacks on livestock, with the Hawaii Sheep and Goat Association discussing proposed language and the Hawaiian Humane Society’s suggested amendment on euthanasia procedures. Testimony was largely supportive across the measures, with DAB, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and other agriculture and conservation groups generally backing the bills. There was some discussion on funding levels and implementation details, including DAB’s estimate of about $750,000 for three clean plant stations and a question about the appropriations needed for the fruit fly suppression program. For HB 2152, the chair noted an amendment incorporating Hawaiian Humane Society language that would require surrender of a dog found to have caused livestock loss or damage for humane euthanasia within 24 hours. In decision-making, the committee voted to pass all of the measures discussed, most with technical amendments or date-defect amendments to July 1, 2050. HB 1953, HB 2548, HB 2549, HB 2551, HB 2216, and HB 2152 were all adopted unanimously by the members present, and HB 2246 also passed with technical amendments. The chair’s amendment to HB 2152 was specifically adopted to include the humane euthanasia language.

Transcript Highlights:

• > complete,<00:07:51.199> the after your testimony is complete, the after your testimony
• I'm here for any provide testimony.
• <01:11:53.760> of submitted testimony supporting four of submitted testimony supporting four of
• I'm here to provide testimony claims.
• <01:22:28.880> you I'm I'm failing to in your testimony you I'm I'm failing to in your testimony

Bills: HB1991, HB1776, HB1897, HB1900

Keywords: liquor tax, alcohol, inflation adjustment, small craft breweries, public health, tenant rights, housing stability, landlord-tenant code, eviction prevention, multilingual resources, condominium, dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration, attorneys' fees, common expenses, construction defects, building code, statute of repose, statute of limitations

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1991, which would change Hawaii’s liquor excise tax structure to an ABV-based system. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii took no position and stood on written comments. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and an individual testifier who described surviving a drunk-driving crash, argued that higher alcohol taxes reduce alcohol-related harms, save lives, and generate additional state revenue. The public health witness cited alcohol-related harms as a major preventable cause of death and said the tax increase would have only a small annual cost for most consumers. Most industry testimony was in opposition. Representatives of Lanikai Brewing Company, Maui Brewing Company, the Wine Institute, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association said the bill would sharply raise taxes on beer and wine, squeeze already thin margins, and threaten local jobs and businesses. They argued Hawaii producers already face high costs for labor, energy, shipping, and compliance, and said an ABV-based tax would be difficult to administer, would require additional testing and labeling work, and could reduce consumer choice. Several industry witnesses urged lawmakers to instead adopt a small-producer or class 18 carveout, with one suggesting a cap tied to 60,000 barrels. Committee members questioned the brewers about alcohol content testing, labeling, and whether smaller producers already measure ABV. Witnesses said many local producers do not certify ABV for in-state sales, that yeast and fermentation can vary by batch, and that an ABV-based system could require more testing than current practice. No vote or final action on the bill was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I look forward to your questions at the end. testimony great uh thank you chairman testimony great uh
• Thank you for that testimony, Mr. Bren.
• all right thank you for that testimony all right thank you for that testimony next<00:32:00.600>
• <00:56:24.559> Mr and proceed with your testimony Mr and proceed with your testimony Mr chairman
• complete application there was testimony complete application there was testimony earlier<00:59:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your testimony. Mr. Seale. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• All right, please proceed with your testimony. Thank you.
• All right, we appreciate your testimony. Thank you.
• We appreciate your testimony. Thank you, sir. Thank you, pal.
• All right, we appreciate your testimony.

Bills: SB1757, SB1758, SB1898, SB2050

Keywords: rock crushing, permits, air quality, environmental monitoring, aggregate production, seismicity, public meeting, land use, SB 1758, cement kiln, portland cement, aggregate production operation, aggregate quarry, semiconductor wafer manufacturing, chip fabrication, semiconductor plant, vibration, seismic disturbance, liability limitation, TCEQ

Transcript Highlights:

• Please introduce yourself and proceed with your testimony.
• Please introduce yourself and proceed with your testimony.
• Please introduce yourself and proceed with your testimony.
• Please introduce yourself and proceed with your testimony.
• Please introduce yourself and proceed with your testimony.

Bills: HF2730, HF2257, HF2768, HF1932, HF2437

Keywords: local government debt, municipal bonds, county bonds, capital improvements, public financing, bond issuance, public hearing, notice period, bond guarantee, Minnesota Public Facilities Authority, volume cap, private activity bonds, housing finance, residential rental bonds, LIHTC, low-income housing tax credits, redevelopment, courthouse financing, jail financing, law enforcement center

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll be limiting testimony to 3 minutes today.
• Thank you for your testimony.
• Chair: Thank you for your testimony.
• Thank you very much for your testimony.
• Thank you very much for your testimony.

Bills: HB158

Keywords: public funds, lobbying activities, political subdivision, government spending, transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• The testimony in significantly.
• <00:04:52.320> that bill, but there was testimony that bill, but there was testimony that
• <00:05:24.960> Thank uh move to public testimony? No. Thank uh move to public testimony?
• If you'll state your name and provide your testimony.
• If you'll state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The testimony is closed. We will go to questions.
• That concludes my testimony. and we can stand for questions. Thank you.
• I have nothing to add to that testimony. Thank you. All right.
• Thank you very much for the presentation. testimony.
• Thank you for your testimony.

Bills: HF1587, HF2293, HF2218, HF1208, HF1482

Keywords: HF1587, Cass County, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, DNR, condemnation, eminent domain, state land, surplus land, public waters, tribal land transfer, federally recognized Indian Tribe, tribal ownership, land conveyance, no consideration, land appropriation, natural resources, U.S. Highway 2, Section 27 Township 145 North Range 28 West, land return, Tribal sovereignty

Transcript Highlights:

• testimony. Thanks for being here. testimony. Thanks for being here.
• Thank you for taking my testimony<01:27:03.040> today. testimony today. testimony today.
• Please proceed with your testimony. Please proceed with your testimony.
• Thank you so much for your testimony.
• the elements uh that in testimony the elements uh that in testimony uh<01:55:52.280> those

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:34.640> that today based upon the testimony that today based upon the testimony that
• . testimony.
• . testimony. testimony.
• begin your testimony. Uh thank you, Mr. begin your testimony. Uh thank you, Mr.
• Thank you for your testimony.

Bills: HF4740, HF3940

Keywords: financial assurance, feedlot permits, manure storage, environmental compliance, agriculture regulation, abandoned infrastructure, pollution control, environmental impact, animal feedlot, livestock, regulations, Minnesota Rules

Summary: The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes and then heard House File 4740, authored by Rep. Hansen, which would require feedlots with at least 1,000 animal units to provide financial assurance for closure costs. Hansen argued the bill would shift cleanup responsibility from taxpayers to owners, citing abandoned feedlots, changing ownership structures, and the 2024 Pure Prairie Poultry bankruptcy as examples of why public funds should not be used for closures and cleanup. He also said the bill would apply to new or renewed permits and suggested a statutory definition of abandoned feedlot storage units may be needed. Farm and livestock groups testified in opposition. Minnesota Farmers Union, Minnesota Milk Producers Association, Minnesota Pork Producers Association, and Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation said existing MPCA and county permit rules already require closure planning and reporting, and that the bill would add unnecessary costs and barriers for family farms, beginning farmers, and expansion. They warned the financial assurance requirement could function like an animal-unit cap, encourage fragmentation or out-of-state relocation, and impose annual costs that would not improve environmental outcomes. Several testified that true abandonment is rare and that current permitting and closure processes already address it. MPCA staff said the agency has concerns with the bill, noted there is currently no formal fiscal note, and said the agency would need to ensure any appropriations cover ongoing staffing needs. MPCA officials explained that permitted feedlots already must notify the agency before closure, follow a checklist of closure requirements, and undergo follow-up inspection; they said abandonment notifications are uncommon and they are not aware of any currently permitted facilities in abandonment process. Members questioned whether the bill was needed, what form financial assurance would take, how other states handle similar requirements, and whether the proposal would unfairly burden smaller or family operations. No vote on HF 4740 was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I apologize because I didn't see your testimony. I saw the Attorney General's testimony.
• I apologize because I didn't see your testimony. I saw the Attorney General's testimony.
• <01:24:34.040> from to outline that in our testimony from to outline that in our testimony
• Uh you have our testimony,<01:29:53.240> written<01:29:53.520> testimony<01:29:54.000><
• testimony, written testimony in support. testimony, written testimony in support.

Bills: SB2041

Keywords: land court, real property, legal documents, bureau of conveyances, judicial confirmation, property registration, working group, Hawaii Revised Statutes, reform, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard SB 2041, which would repeal the Land Court, transfer its functions to the Bureau of Conveyances, and create a working group to recommend implementation. DLNR and Judiciary stood on their written testimony, while Realtors supported the bill and one testifier raised concerns about the loss of judicial authority, title disputes, adverse possession, and possible effects on Kuleana lands. Members questioned whether property could be deregistered and what the legal consequences would be, and the Bureau of Conveyances said deregistration is already available but burdensome. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, and the measure was adopted by both committees. The Judiciary Committee then heard SB 2247, which restricts certain governor-appointed, Senate-confirmed executive branch employees from participating in campaign fundraising. The State Ethics Commission and Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill as a way to curb pay-to-play concerns and the appearance of undue influence, and several advocacy and civic groups also testified in support, with one person opposing. The committee agreed to amend the bill so the restrictions apply only after confirmation and continue until the person leaves the covered position. The committee voted to pass SB 2247 with amendments. Finally, the Judiciary Committee heard SB 2143, which would make the Attorney General the interim Chief Election Officer if that office becomes vacant until the Elections Commission appoints a replacement. Supporters argued the bill would provide continuity, prevent delays in certifying election results, and protect election integrity; opponents argued it would politicize the office, create a conflict of interest, and was unnecessary because current law already provides a process for filling vacancies. Testimony was extensive and sharply divided, with many speakers on both sides. The transcript provided does not include a final vote or action on SB 2143.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, please... limit your testimony to two minutes and avoid repeating any testimony that has already
• I don't want to replicate his testimony.
• Thank you for your testimony.
• Is that your testimony here today?
• Thank you for your testimony. Members, do we have any questions? Thank you for your testimony.

Bills: HB19, HB30, HB851, HB1663, HB1681, HB1769, HB1937, HB1979, HB2428, HB2433, HB2825, HB3159, HB3424, HB3486, HB3487, HB3504, HB3605, HB3879, HB3994, HB4382, HB4752, HB5444, HB5446, HB5447, HB3199, HB4847, HB19

Keywords: local government debt, property tax, ad valorem tax, bond election, certificate of obligation, anticipation note, school district tax rate, voter-approval rate, debt service cap, municipal finance, county bonds, flood control district, hospital district, public works, tax transparency, property tax notice, November uniform election date, general obligation bonds, local debt reform, taxpayer notice

Transcript Highlights:

• If you'll state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony.
• <00:33:58.519> chair proceed with your test testimony chair proceed with your test testimony
• keyblades uh there was further testimony keyblades uh there was further testimony so<00:49:49.040
• <00:53:43.920> or I'm happy to answer any testimony or I'm happy to answer any testimony or
• I appreciate your testimony, and thank you, sir. All right.

Bills: HF737, HF247, HF325, HF1330

Keywords: lead, cadmium, consumer products, safety regulation, retail restrictions, motor sports, nonoxygenated gasoline, fuel regulations, storage requirements, racing events, HF325, flavored nitrous oxide, nitrous oxide, whippets, laughing gas, retail sales, consumer protection, misdemeanor, commerce, Minnesota Statutes chapter 325F

Transcript Highlights:

• Appreciate your testimony. Thank you. Appreciate your testimony. Thank you.
• <00:56:51.839> Any your testimony. Any your testimony. Any questions?
• you very much for your testimony. you very much for your testimony. Questions?
• your testimony. your testimony.
• Thank you. testimony. Representative Heath Howard, testimony.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Speed with testimony. The chair calls Clifford Porter. ご視聴ありがとうございました。
• Good to see you again in another Rockstar testimony. I hate the chair.
• I have copies of my testimony.
• You have first-hand, second-hand, and third-hand testimony. The first hand is eyewitness testimony.
• Thank you both for your testimony. Thank you. Is there any?

Bills: HB2646, HB3941, HB5153, HB5155, HB5394, HB 1106, HB426, HB4529, HB3984, HB4273, HB 1097, HB3940, HB1941, HB4377, HB3153

Keywords: child care, task force, high-quality care, affordability, prekindergarten partnerships, foster care, transitional living, Medicaid reform, youth assistance, independent living, services for youth, employment training, educational support, mental health services, health care, public health, child health program, reimbursement, local health entities, maternal health

Transcript Highlights:

• and go ahead with your testimony. Okay. and go ahead with your testimony. Okay.
• Um thank you for your testimony that.
• testimony. My name is Suzanne Dickinson. testimony. My name is Suzanne Dickinson.
• Seeing none, we'll go to member questions. testimonies here today, they stated that testimonies here
• Um, is Thank you for your testimony.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Open public testimony on the committee substitute.
• We'll close public testimony.
• I will open public testimony on House Bill 3474.
• If not, public testimony is closed. If not, public testimony is closed. You all voted out?
• Okay, we will now open public testimony.

Bills: HB42

Keywords: special prosecutor, state law, criminal justice, accountability, law enforcement

Summary: The committee heard Senator Flores lay out the committee substitute for HB 2894, which would expand state reimbursement eligibility for local governments disproportionately affected by the disabled veterans homestead exemption. Flores said the bill would add certain municipalities in Bell, Coryell, and Lampasas counties if lost ad valorem tax revenue equals or exceeds 10% of general revenue, while existing recipients would remain under the current 2% threshold. Lampasas and Bell County officials and the City of Killeen testified in support, describing significant revenue losses and urging adequate funding. One witness, Howard Avery, argued any reimbursement should be counted as property tax revenue for voter-approval rate purposes to avoid a windfall. The committee later adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably, with one nay. The committee also heard SB 782, which would create a temporary severance tax exemption for restimulated inactive oil and gas wells, intended to encourage investment in mature wells. The Comptroller explained the revised fiscal note as effectively zero because the wells are currently marginal and not generating meaningful tax revenue, while industry witnesses said the bill could extend well life, support local economies, and reduce orphan-well liabilities. Public testimony was supportive, and the bill was left pending. Members then heard HB 3033, a DPS-related grant program funded by voluntary $3 donations on driver’s license and ID applications to support nonprofits aiding injured or fallen DPS officers and their families, including memorial highway signs. The DPS Officers Association supported the bill, citing existing foundation assistance and the need for a steady funding stream. The committee later reported the bill favorably. The committee also considered SB 524, which would permanently extend the franchise tax and fee exemption for qualifying veteran-owned businesses for their first five years; testimony from a veteran business owner and veterans advocates supported the measure, and the committee adopted the substitute and reported it favorably. Additional measures were laid out and left pending or voted out: HB 3594, a local San Antonio retiree health care fund bill with agreed changes for contributions, spouse benefits, and remarriage rules, was supported by stakeholders and reported favorably; HB 4738 would repeal small administrative fees tied to certain loans and was reported favorably; HB 42 on HEAF funding and HB 5246 on the Texas Space Commission were heard and left pending. The committee also reported HB 3474, a cleanup bill for the Pension Review Board’s investment performance review schedule, and HB 2802, the Austin firefighter retirement fund bill, both favorably. Finally, the committee took up HB 1056, which would allow gold and silver held in the Texas Bullion Depository to function as legal tender through debit-card transactions. Supporters framed it as a way to use hard assets and expand financial options, while bankers and some senators raised major operational, consumer-protection, tax, and constitutional questions; the bill remained under discussion as testimony began.