Transcript Highlights:

• It'd be a completely different conversation.
• Yeah, she and I have had conversations. We are not going to see eye to eye on this.
• They've already been working on this stuff for years in conversations.
• A lot of those conversations have stopped.
• A lot of those conversations have stopped after this bill is introduced.

Summary: The committee heard several water, wildlife, conservation, and local government bills. AB 362, by Assembly Member Ramos, would add tribal water uses as a statewide beneficial use and strengthen tribal consultation in water planning; tribal representatives and conservation groups supported it as a long-overdue correction, while water agencies, business groups, and agricultural interests raised concerns about CEQA, regulatory uncertainty, and impacts on existing water planning. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials, with some members noting ongoing stakeholder discussions and one abstention. AB 1089, by Assembly Member Carrillo, would expand local permitting authority under the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act to include commercial and industrial projects. The author and the City of Adelanto argued it would speed housing and economic development in the high desert while preserving the overall conservation framework, but environmental groups opposed it as premature and potentially weakening protections for Joshua trees. The committee approved the bill on a due pass motion to Appropriations. AB 1024, by Assembly Member Harabedian, would require a regional black bear mitigation plan for the San Gabriel Valley and related areas; Sierra Madre officials described rising bear intrusions and the need for state help, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 846, by Assembly Member Connolly, would streamline permitting for local wildfire preparedness and vegetation management projects in local responsibility areas by creating a faster review process at Fish and Wildlife and improving mapping coordination with Cal Fire. Local government, fire service, and agricultural witnesses supported the bill as a common-sense wildfire prevention measure, and it passed to Natural Resources with no opposition. AB 263, by Assembly Member Rogers, would extend emergency minimum-flow regulations for the Scott and Shasta Rivers for five years or until permanent rules are adopted; supporters said it protects salmon recovery, tribal subsistence, and the fishing economy during a transition period, while opponents argued it bypasses normal regulatory process and harms farmers. The committee approved it on a due pass as amended motion to Appropriations, with one abstention and two no votes. AB 1044, by Assembly Member Bains, would create a new Tulare County groundwater sustainability agency for undistricted lands after other local agencies split off; the bill passed to Local Government. AB 1426, by Assembly Member Arambula, began testimony on creating a Diablo Range Conservation Program to fund habitat protection and restoration across the range.

Transcript Highlights:

• , conversation, conversation, is<00:38:25.839> rather<00:38:26.320> than<00:38:27.040><
• We really need folks at the table so that we can have a great conversation.
• Um so I look have a great conversation.
• <01:12:28.960> as folks to uh support this conversation as folks to uh support this conversation
• appreciate the continued conversation. appreciate the continued conversation.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the other piece of this learner conversation.
• But I do think I will say this: I think we're going to have to have that conversation.
• So we'll certainly entertain that conversation, though.
• So I guess I just don't understand what volatility means in that conversation.
• As CCF, we have not had those conversations on our campuses.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• BNSF, I had conversation with them last week.
• We have been having conversations with them.
• We would have conversations, and we are having conversations with them.
• And one of the gentlemen here today, we've had conversations.
• The refuge has been very cooperative in the conversations.

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met to receive interim status updates on several water-related studies and Department of Water Resources projects. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and then heard updates on the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study. Staff reported that the committee had already received the testimony contemplated in the study plans, including input from state agencies, local governments, and out-of-state entities, and that any further action would be at the committee’s discretion. The Department of Water Resources then provided project and budget updates on NAWS and the Southwest Pipeline Project. Reese reported NAWS is expected to serve about 81,000 users, with a total projected cost of about $571 million and about $96 million remaining, while the Southwest Pipeline Project is estimated at $1.06 billion total with about $409 million remaining. Members asked about funding sources, capacity needs, and whether current and future construction is being designed for increased demand; department staff said current work is designed for ultimate capacity, but some future components may need redesign based on new requests. The committee also discussed local cost shares, Minot’s role in NAWS funding, and whether the system is adequate for peak demand. A major portion of the meeting focused on the department’s cash management, carryover, and long-term water funding outlook. The department said Resources Trust Fund revenues are tied to oil extraction taxes and are affected by stripper well exemptions and future oil price declines. Members expressed concern about large carryover balances and whether the state is obligating more money than can realistically be spent in a biennium. The department reported about $340.6 million in remaining carryover and said it is trying to reduce that through a two-tier pre-construction/construction process and closer project vetting. The department also summarized the Deloitte studies on regional governance and finance and on cost-share policy. Stakeholders generally favored keeping the current governance structures for NAWS and Southwest with improvements, while Red River stakeholders leaned toward a different option; the department said it will bring an implementation plan back in September. On cost share, Deloitte’s recommendations would reduce some percentages, prioritize projects differently, and use other measures to close a projected long-term funding gap. Members debated affordability, local burden, deferred maintenance, and whether statutory changes may be needed to allow the commission more flexibility in prioritizing and funding projects. No formal votes or final actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:07:46.080> File this conversation about Senate File this conversation about Senate File
• our first conversation of many. our first conversation of many.
• The conversation is going to continue.
• you for the conversation, committee. you for the conversation, committee.
• Thank you for the conversation.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I know there's, when I was on delegation, a lot of conversation that we've given.
• uh, so currently I had a a conversation uh, so currently I had a a conversation with<00:40:43.200
• <00:41:09.599> of conversation with the commissioner of conversation with the commissioner
• I had a conversation with the Commissioner of Education.
• > the conversation yesterday with the conversation yesterday with the commissioner<00:46:29.359

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from the March 6, 2026 meeting and then received updates from the Legislative Budget Assistant audit staff on several ongoing audits. Christine Young reported that the special education audit was in report-writing stage with 39 of 80 observations completed and a draft expected in the second quarter, the education freedom accounts audit had 27 of 42 observations completed with a draft also expected in the second quarter, and the Doorway program audit had a draft report with 15 observations sent to DHHS on March 30, with responses due April 24 and presentation expected at the May fiscal committee meeting. Members asked about the size of the special education report, and staff estimated it would be over 800 pages and roughly three pounds. The committee then reviewed prior audit responsiveness from the Human Rights Commission. The commission reported that 22 observations had been completed, with remaining issues focused on timely case processing, a formal risk assessment, and a performance measurement system. Officials said staffing shortages were improving, a risk assessment manual had been drafted, a scorecard system was nearly complete, and the commission’s rules were moving through the public hearing process. Members asked about the timeline, and the commission said case processing was averaging 20 to 22 months and that the remaining items were expected to be resolved over time. Police Standards and Training also reported progress on prior audit items. The director corrected one status designation and said the job task analysis for curriculum development was substantially resolved, with findings and recommendations being prepared for the council. He said work on fitness testing was on hold pending legislative action, the performance measurement and strategic planning item remained a priority, and the council was focusing first on updating administrative rules. He also said the corrections advisory committee likely needed a statutory amendment to better reflect members with practical corrections experience. In response to questions, he said the council does not certify county correctional officers but reviews county curriculum annually, and he said the agency would be open to discussing consolidation or a pathway for county officers to become state-certified. The Department of Corrections then updated the committee on parole board-related audit items, saying 11 of 13 DOC-related findings were resolved. The remaining issues involved implementing a structured decision-making process for the parole board and improving data collection for recidivism tracking; the board had applied to the National Institute of Corrections for training, and manual data collection was underway. DOC also said it had created a HIPAA-compliant release form to share substance use disorder treatment information with the parole board. Finally, OPLC reported on the mental health workforce audit, saying six findings were fully resolved and six substantially resolved, with most remaining items tied to rulemaking and application processing. The office expects to complete its backend system migration and improve timeliness metrics by the end of the year, and it recently launched a jurisprudence exam for the mental health board. Under potential audit topics, staff said two items remained suspended because of litigation, and the committee discussed whether to keep DHHS contract management on the list. Representative [name unclear] proposed adding two new education freedom account audit topics: verification of residency and eligibility, and a record of educational attainment while preserving student privacy. Members supported adding them, but staff warned the expanded scope could delay the report and would require coordination with the Department of Education and approval by the Fiscal Committee. The chair said staff would work with the commissioner and LBA to draft the revised scope for further committee action.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um, those issues um there wouldn't be any issues because there are already six conversion charter
• So, so we don't know for sure, but the intent is to be like we have six conversion charter schools.
• So, um, those issues um there wouldn't be any issues because there are already six conversion charter
• So, so we don't know for sure, but the intent is to be like we have six conversion charter schools.
• <00:17:36.799> charter like we have six conversion charter like we have six conversion charter

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Education met on March 19 and moved through several bills under time pressure, hearing mostly brief testimony. SB 2024 SD2 and SB 896 SD2, both concerning public-private partnerships for charter school facilities, drew support from the Department of Education, the Charter School Commission, White Kids Can, and Hawaii Technology Academy. DOE said any P3 model should apply only to charter schools on private land and not affect public schools on DOE land. Supporters argued the approach could speed construction, reduce costs, and keep public money in public assets, while UPW and HGA raised concerns about privatization. In response, SFA said the intent was to mirror the existing conversion charter school model, with public ownership of assets and unionized staff, and noted some regions have waited years for schools. SB 2613 SD1 on TMK transfers was heard next. DOE said the bill had originally been supported as part of the governor’s package but was amended to require DOE to convey lands for 13 libraries on DOE property, which DOE said would create “donut holes” in campuses and was unnecessary because existing agreements already govern library use. The State Public Library System supported the bill, saying it has long coexisted with DOE but needs clearer separation and more reliable control over its sites. The Attorney General’s office said the library system currently lacks express statutory authority to own real property and flagged implementation issues because some of the affected parcels are not currently owned by DOE. Committee members questioned both sides about current agreements, communication, and how the bill would change operations. SB 494 SD2, concerning charter school audits, received comments from the Charter School Commission, which said the bill was redundant because charter schools already undergo annual audits during the term of their contracts. The Office of the Auditor was also present. SB 2391 SD2, relating to automatic pay increases for teachers, drew strong opposition from the Office of Collective Bargaining, which said step movement and longevity increases are negotiated in each contract and do not automatically carry over when a contract expires; it warned the bill could affect upcoming negotiations with HSTA. HSTA and several other supporters argued the bill would standardize annual step movement, improve retention, and reflect existing contract language. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know there was a lot of conversation two years ago about that.
• Um, there’s been some conversation about a laidback compact.
• Um, there’s been some conversation about a laidback compact.
• Um, so again, you can read it there, but it's kind of the same conversation we've been having.
• anybody in and have a conversation. anybody in and have a conversation.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting focused on the Legislative Budget Assistant audit of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification’s response to 12 findings, especially those tied to mental health workforce licensure. The executive director said 10 findings were substantially resolved, one fully resolved, and one partially resolved, with most issues tied to ongoing rulemaking. He explained that the office regulates 61 professions, has limited rules-drafting staff, and is working through a long rulemaking process while also adapting to frequent statutory changes. The committee discussed the first finding on license portability/endorsement, which the director said was the office’s highest priority and had been implemented through universal recognition rules adopted in 2023. Members asked detailed questions about how the office reviews other states’ licensing standards, whether it evaluates jurisdictions case-by-case or maintains a database, and how many jurisdictions qualify for endorsement in various professions. The director said the office initially reviewed all states and professions at once, now maintains and updates a list of substantially similar jurisdictions, and sometimes evaluates narrower jurisdictions such as counties, cities, or foreign countries. He noted that some professions, like nursing, have broad reciprocity, while others, including some mental health-related fields, vary widely and may have only a limited number of qualifying jurisdictions. He also said the office is exploring whether AI could help with research and tracking, though not with final verification. The committee then turned to expedited licensure processing. The director said the office now handles examination, review, and issuance or denial based on board-set criteria, rather than requiring every board to review every application, which has sped up processing. He said delays still occur with criminal background checks and FBI fingerprint processing because of paper forms, federal involvement, and back-and-forth with the Department of Safety when releases are incomplete or incorrect. Members raised concerns about broader state process bottlenecks and asked whether legislation could help streamline the system. A legislator said he was already working on related background-check language for another agency and believed the current draft may satisfy FBI requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• yes so there's been some conversation yes so there's been some conversation around<00:16:27.800>
• So yes, we are having those conversations. Great, I'm very happy to hear that. Thank you so much.
• So yes, we are having those conversations. Great, I'm very happy to hear that. Thank you so much.
• So yes, we are having those conversations. Great, I'm very happy to hear that. Thank you so much.
• So yes, we are having those conversations. Great, I'm very happy to hear that. Thank you so much.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Conversations, Zooms with the meeting and LBB has had a conversation. that historically that was never
• We cannot continue to have the conversation and say yeah it's a problem.
• It's the same conversation for adults now.
• have regular conversations At HHSC, we meet quite frequently.
• He's not in a conversation about that.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• back and have this conversation. back and have this conversation.
• 02:26:09.920> over<02:26:10.160> and are conversations we've had over and are conversations
• don't believe I've had a conversation don't believe I've had a conversation with<02:26:25.200>
• present of these type of conversations present of these type of conversations because<02:31:31.280
• there and watching the conversations there and watching the conversations take<02:47:23.680>

Bills: SB2613, SB2147

Keywords: public school land transfer, Department of Education, DOE, land conveyance, fee simple title, tax map key, TMK, Act 307, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, Act 139, Board of Land and Natural Resources, BLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, DLNR, Kauai, Maui, Honolulu, Kaimuki Middle School, Wilcox Elementary School, school property

Summary: The committee heard SB 2613, a cleanup bill relating to public school land transfers under Act 307 (2022), which revises tax map key references and the conveyance process for properties transferred to the Department of Education. The Hawaii State Public Library System supported the measure, saying it would complete the long-unfinished separation of the library system from DOE property control and make future building projects more efficient and cost-effective. DOE also supported the bill and requested an amendment to remove TMK 43-62 parcel 10, the Wilcox Elementary School parcel, so that it could instead be transferred to the county for use with the adjacent park and tennis courts. Members focused heavily on why land transfers and construction approvals have been slow, especially the need for right-of-entry documents and an MOA for a library construction project. Library and DOE witnesses said the delays stemmed from site-control issues and confusion over property status, and that the bill would clarify which parcels are transferred by operation of law and remove the need for additional transactional documents in many cases. Several members questioned whether the bill actually changes authority or simply clarifies existing practice, and DOE said it wanted legislative clarity so the transfers are unmistakably effective on a date certain. The committee also discussed a separate section of the bill dealing with public use of school facilities after hours, including parking fees on property under DOE jurisdiction. DOE explained that any parking charges would apply only to property it controls, not county roads, and that fees are set through existing facility-use procedures. Members raised concerns about the pace of land transfers generally and urged DOE to move more expeditiously on pending parcels. The hearing then moved on to SB 2147, which would designate the first Friday in February as Love My Library Day; the library system testified in support as the committee began that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's worth the conversations I think it's worth the conversations that<01:13:49.440>
• We've had so many people doing it, but this has been a great conversation because this conversation today
• We've had so many people doing it, but this has been a great conversation because this conversation today
• We've had so many people doing it, but this has been a great conversation because this conversation today
• We've had so many people doing it, but this has been a great conversation because this conversation today

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, and so I think that's important to consider as we talk through this conversation.
• <01:00:26.559> Um,<01:00:26.960> and talk through this conversation.
• Um, and talk through this conversation.
• And we've had conversations to that effect, and we're very hopeful.
• don't look at alternative conversations don't look at alternative conversations about<01:06:35.680

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Committee to Study Long-Term Managed Care met to approve prior minutes and outline its schedule, with meetings set for September 24 and September 29 ahead of an October 1 report deadline. The chair said the committee would use the first two meetings to digest testimony, likely ask follow-up questions of DHS, and then work toward conclusions and a report format. The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously. The main testimony came from Sharon Alexander of Amera Health, who argued in favor of moving from fee-for-service Medicaid long-term services and supports to a managed LTSS model. She described managed LTSS as a capitated, quality-driven system used in about 26 states, and said it can improve care coordination, accountability, access to home- and community-based services, and budget predictability. She cited Amera Health’s experience in Pennsylvania and Delaware, including care coordination, housing and transportation support, caregiver programs, and quality benchmarks tied to state oversight. She also said nursing facilities would remain an important option for people who need that level of care. Committee members asked about how the programs are administered, how rates are set, how care managers work, and how quality is measured. Alexander said states contract with managed care organizations at actuarially sound capitated rates, with annual contracts, reporting, and oversight. She explained that care managers typically conduct quarterly assessments and follow up after trigger events such as hospitalization, and that housing coordinators may assist with transitions to the community. On quality, she said states use CMS-related and HCBS benchmark measures covering service timeliness, care planning, transitions, and other outcomes, and that New Hampshire could build on existing metrics rather than starting from scratch. She also noted that rural areas face workforce and transportation challenges, which managed care plans try to address through technology and self-direction options.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:29:16.880> about<00:29:17.120> the could have some conversation about the could
• that are impacted by this, it was very important for me to be able to bring this conversation to the
• had conversations with the students<00:36:17.760> that<00:36:17.839> are<00:36:17.920>
• Representative Clardy said he would be open to the conversation.
• I uh would be open to the conversation I uh would be open to the conversation um<01:31:27.880>

Bills: HF2090, HF982, HF2229

Keywords: higher education, scholarship, financial aid, state grant, tuition assistance, Pell grants, student retention, education equity, disabled veterans, veterans' dependents, dependent children, college affordability, books and fees, University of Minnesota, public colleges, Office of Higher Education, veterans benefits, military families, permanent disability, 100 percent disability

Transcript Highlights:

• I love the conversation. We’re all trying to solve the same thing.
• I love the conversation. We’re all trying to solve the same thing.
• I love the conversation. We’re all trying to solve the same thing.
• This work group creates a much-needed space for that conversation.
• This work group creates a much-needed space for that conversation.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Although it is driver's licenses, which is within our purview, the conversation is regarding the cost
• Over the course of the last year, we've had a lot of conversations with different folks.
• conversations with um different<00:21:02.360> folks.
• amendment and getting the conversation amendment and getting the conversation started.
• Given the federal conversation right now Given the federal conversation right now on<01:45:12.600>

Bills: HF3919, HF1335, HF3864, HF3916, HF3728

Keywords: veterans benefits, Secret War, Laos veterans, eligibility process, burial fees, veteran designation, electronic license, driver's license, digital credential, transportation, data privacy, authentication, license plates, vehicle registration, validation stickers, Minnesota statutes, transportation policy, aeronautics, transponder, aircraft safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, members, I had a conversation with Chair Bliss last night.
• The original intention was to move this to the Judiciary Committee, but after having conversation with
• Uh members, I had a conversation 1855.
• Uh members, I had a conversation with<00:00:57.280> uh<00:00:57.440> Chair<00:00:57.760
• with chair bliss uh having conversation with chair bliss uh and<00:01:05.360> members<00:01:05.600

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• what has been a continuing conversation what has been approved<00:58:24.520> is<00:58:24.839>
• to try to do ongoing conversations to try to do another<01:03:28.760> referendum<01:03:29.359
• about Taxation and the conversation about Taxation and the relationship<01:44:15.880> between
• and conversations with our neighbors<01:48:19.239> to<01:48:19.400> make<01:48:19.599>
• Heights, who would very much like to enter into a more meaningful conversation with the State Fair,

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• but uh I'm a you have a conversation but uh I'm a really<00:11:10.279> small<00:11:11.120>
• <01:09:33.159> uh received a little more conversation uh received a little more conversation
• That was a reflection of the conversation that we had over the interim.
• That was a reflection of the conversation that we had over the interim.
• That was a reflection of the conversation that we had over the interim.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I know those conversations were happening. They were done in a thoughtful way.
• So I know those conversations were happening. They were done in a thoughtful way.
• There are exemptions for seasonal employees. further conversations down the road with further conversations
• Chair, and I look forward to those conversations.
• Members, again, I really appreciate today's conversation.

Keywords: 1183, house