Transcript Highlights:

• In deference to my colleague Senator Yates, I have not read this bill.
• I've not done the deep dive that my colleague Senator Yates has said, so in deference to him, if he had
• colleague Senator Yates has said uh so colleague Senator Yates has said uh so in<00:13:57.079> deference
• :57.839> if<00:13:57.959> he<00:13:58.079> had<00:13:58.199> some in deference
• to him if he had some in deference to him if he had some reservations<00:13:58.800> about<00:

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Roll Call 00:17 SB 129 Discussion 00:46 SB 129 Vote 04:27 SB 178 Discussion 05:48 SB 178 Vote 07:57 SB 151 Discussion 09:01 SB 151 Vote 11:24 SB 201 Discussion 15:17 SB 201 Vote 21:48, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor met and first took up SB 129, with a committee substitute adopted before testimony. The bill would allow certain qualified third-party entities in Louisville Metro, including public bodies and long-standing nonprofits, to purchase certificates of delinquency on vacant and abandoned residential properties after 90 days, with the goal of returning blighted property to productive use and back on the tax rolls. Several members supported the measure as a tool for housing and economic development, while Senator Boswell and Chair Willer noted concerns about protecting vulnerable property owners, such as widows, the elderly, and people with disabilities. SB 129 was approved by the committee with favorable expression. The committee then heard SB 178, which updates statutes related to the Education and Labor Cabinet by moving the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation’s Division of Program Policy into statute, renaming Business and Apprenticeship to Industry and Apprenticeship, and making related organizational changes. Testimony from cabinet staff said the changes reflect work already being done and that a floor amendment would be needed for one additional correction. The bill was advanced unanimously with favorable expression. Next, the committee considered SB 151, which would bar state tax dollars from being used to pay persons not legally present in the United States. The sponsor argued the bill was needed to prevent Kentucky funds from going to undocumented workers on state job sites, while Senator Wheeler questioned what the bill would change beyond existing law and how such payments would occur through contracts or appropriations. Senator Yates said he was not opposed to the premise but wanted more time to review the bill’s mechanics, and Senator Thomas voted no for the same reason. Despite those concerns, SB 151 passed with favorable expression. Finally, the committee heard SB 2011, a workers’ compensation bill that would delay newly appointed administrative law judges from taking office until Senate confirmation, extend current ALJ terms through June 1 of next year, and allow retention votes for board members to improve stability and attract more applicants. The sponsor said the bill addresses a loophole that can discourage qualified candidates from applying because they may have to leave private practice before confirmation. After a question about whether the bill would affect salaries, the sponsor explained compensation is set by statute and caseload need is separately reviewed. The bill received favorable expression and the meeting concluded with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are actually in support of the intent, but we are asking that it be deferred to get the military to
• We just want some time. intent, but we are asking that it be intent, but we are asking that it be deferred
• to get the military to deferred to get the military to re-engage<00:19:33.600> with<00:19:33.840
• >> Uh, it's not necessarily our bill, but I would probably defer to the Department of Transportation
• to the Department of defer to the Department of Transportation<00:35:51.440> to<00:35:51.839>

Bills: HB2264, HB2336, HB2298, HB1518

Keywords: protective orders, military, law enforcement, judicial coordination, victim safety, community safety, federal military installations, disaster response, emergency services, state funding, transportation department, public safety, Hawaii, education, high school diploma, veterans, wartime practices, armed services, HB1518, Hawaii SNAP

Summary: The committee opened by announcing that it would hear testimony but would not take decisions on the day’s bills, with action deferred to a later decision-making agenda. The first measure, HB 2264, would require notification to military security forces when a protective order is issued involving a military-affiliated person. Support came from the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Hawaii National Guard, and DBEDT’s Military Affairs office, all emphasizing better coordination and faster notice to help protect victims and support command oversight. Family Court Judge Jesse Hall supported the intent but asked for deferral, explaining that a prior fax-and-email notification system had broken down and that the military had not re-engaged with the court. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the bill but recommended narrowing it so it applies only when the respondent is actually marked as military-connected and delaying the effective date to January 1, 2027 to allow implementation. In questions, members discussed the current breakdown in communication, the number of military-marked TROs statewide, and whether the bill would be necessary if the old system were restored; the military witness said she would try to reestablish contact with the court. The committee then took up HB 2336, which would authorize the Department of Transportation to enter into agreements with the U.S. Department of Defense for services at federal military installations and charge an administrative fee. DOT and the Military Affairs office supported the measure, describing it as a way to speed projects, combine state and federal resources, and strengthen infrastructure that also supports disaster response and the economy. Members questioned why the bill was needed if similar arrangements had existed before, and whether Title 23 federal highway funds could be used; DOT responded that the bill would help expedite projects and supplement, not supplant, federal funding, while each project would still require review of the appropriate funding source. The committee also heard HB 2298, which would allow the Department of Education to award high school diplomas to qualified people whose schooling was interrupted by military service or wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. The U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Hawaii Office of Veterans Affairs, and DOE supported the bill, and DOE said implementation would have only a minimal printing cost. Finally, the committee heard HB 1518, which would require DHS, upon obtaining a federal waiver, to create a pre-release SNAP application process for inmates nearing release by January 1, 2028. DHS said it was already working on a pilot and stood on its testimony; the County of Hawaii, the Correctional System Oversight Commission, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported the measure, arguing it would improve reentry outcomes and would not cost the state additional money. No votes or final committee actions were taken on any of the bills during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• But over the long haul, there is hundreds of millions of dollars of deferred maintenance in that facility
• That facility is very old, and the upgrades and the deferred maintenance would be too much.
• 00:33:27.200> upgrades<00:33:27.519> and<00:33:27.760> the<00:33:27.840> deferred
• old and the upgrades and the deferred old and the upgrades and the deferred maintenance<00:33:28.559
• The deferred maintenance every year is in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• some government money to help the capitalization and improvements that are needed because of the deferred
• some government money to help the capitalization and improvements that are needed because of the deferred
• some government money to help the capitalization and improvements that are needed because of the deferred
• some government money to help the capitalization and improvements that are needed because of the deferred
• money to help the capitalization and improvements that are needed because of the deferred maintenance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So there's quite a bit that has to do with deferred maintenance and other things.
• deferred maintenance and other things. deferred maintenance and other things.
• respectfully urge the committee to defer respectfully urge the committee to defer to<00:39:46.720
• I know there were some recommendations that we defer the bill, but I'm just going to keep it moving for
• <01:37:05.760> the um recommendations that we defer the um recommendations that we defer the

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• here, and he was number eight on our agenda item, but he has another place to be, and so out of deference
• here, and he was number eight on our agenda item, but he has another place to be, and so out of deference
• mean, you could potentially say repealed by 16.1-69.1 in these other historical notes, but I would defer
• to Meg on that because she's giving me a look. ...these other historical notes, but I would defer to

Keywords: Code Commission, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• eight projects to the approved list of projects eligible for funding through the Higher Education Deferred
• request for approval of a change order in the amount of $412,993 for the strategic capital plan, deferred
• We're going to defer this till next month for a vote.
• We're going to defer this till next month for a vote and give everyone an opportunity to get those questions

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee first received a fiscal status statement and five-year baseline budget update from the Office of Planning and Budget. Members were told there were no changes to the baseline, but several current-year items now require appropriations, including Hurricane Katrina closeout costs under GOSEP, projected Department of Corrections shortfalls for offender medical care and overtime, and a reduction in the minimum foundation program tied to February 1 student counts. After questions about how the five-year percentages and inflation assumptions were calculated, the committee adopted the fiscal status statement. The committee then approved several Facility Planning and Control items, including adding eight higher education deferred maintenance projects to the approved list under Act 751, a $412,993 change order for LSU’s Jesse Coates Building project, a report of four other change orders for informational purposes, and combining two Hornbeck water projects into a single expanded water plant and distribution project. It also approved a two-year extension of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Banner ERP consulting agreement and approved Water Sector Commission recommendations for an additional $5.5 million for the Tencel Water District Association, which included a $100,000 local commitment. A major portion of the meeting focused on a proposed tax increment financing package for a 1,000-room headquarters hotel adjacent to the New Orleans Convention Center. Witnesses described the project as a $550 million private investment supported by state and local tax dedications, with projected benefits including more convention business and improved competitiveness. Members raised concerns about the 45-year term, the use of a 1% state tax dedication, possible cannibalization of existing hotel revenue, and the return on the public incentive. After extensive questioning, the committee deferred the proposal to the next month for further review and requested additional projections. Finally, the committee reviewed contract extensions for Louisiana Economic Development’s marketing vendors and a Department of Education amendment for the Odyssey platform used in the Louisiana Gator program. The education officials explained the contract is based on a per-student amount of $143.50 and that the current amendment is needed to avoid a lapse when the existing term ends June 30. Members discussed whether an RFP should be started for future years to seek a better price, and the department said it would be able to provide academic outcome data after the current testing cycle. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• eight projects to the approved list of projects eligible for funding through the Higher Education Deferred
• request for approval of a change order in the amount of $412,993 for the Strategic Capital Plan, Deferred
• We're going to defer this till next month for a vote.
• We're going to defer this till next month for a vote and give everyone an opportunity to get those questions

Summary: The committee first adopted the fiscal status statement and five-year baseline summary after a brief discussion about how the baseline percentages are calculated and why projected expenditures exceed revenues in later years, with staff explaining that inflation assumptions drive much of the increase. The Office of Facility Planning and Control then received approval for several items: adding eight higher education deferred maintenance projects, approving a $412,993 change order for LSU’s Jesse Coates Building project, reporting four smaller change orders for information, and combining two Hornbeck water projects into one expanded water plant/well and distribution plan. The committee also approved a two-year extension for UL Lafayette’s Banner ERP consulting contract and approved additional Water Sector Commission funding of $5.5 million for the Tensas Water District Association, with a $100,000 local commitment noted. The most extensive discussion centered on a proposed tax increment financing package for a new 1,000-room Omni headquarters hotel adjacent to the New Orleans Convention Center. Project representatives said the hotel would require about $550 million in private investment, with the authority contributing land and $80 million, and that the package would dedicate state and local tax increments for 45 years after opening. Senators and representatives questioned the structure, the length of the incentive, the expected return to the state, possible cannibalization of existing hotel tax revenue, and why the convention center would receive a 1% stream for so long. Several members said they wanted more information on projected annual revenues and the overall return before voting, and the committee deferred the item to the next month. Later, Louisiana Economic Development requested one-year extensions for two marketing-related contracts with Zender Communications and Graham Group, and the Department of Education sought an amendment to the Odyssey contract for the Louisiana Gator program. The education discussion focused on the per-student cost of $143.50, the use of current enrollment and appropriation levels to set the contract ceiling, the fact that startup costs were no longer included, and the need for continuity before the current contract expires June 30. Members asked for an RFP to be considered for future years and for more information on student outcomes and actual spending. The committee took no vote on the education item during the discussion, and the meeting adjourned after the final exchanges.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, for GM 552, we are deferring decision making until Thursday, when she hopefully will be able to
• > Alice's<00:15:16.000> families<00:15:16.800> and Okay, for GM 552, we are deferring
• Okay, for GM 552, we are deferring decision making until Thursday, when she hopefully will be able to
• Okay, for GM 552, we are deferring decision making until Thursday, when she hopefully will be able to

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services met on April 15 to consider several gubernatorial nominations, with the chair reminding the public that written testimony had been reviewed and testimony time would be limited. The first nominee, James Landgraf (GM 528) for the Board of Certification of Public Water System Operators, was supported by the Department of Health and testified that his water-system experience would help ensure certification standards protect safe drinking water, including on Maui and the other islands. Committee members asked about his background and Maui water issues, and the chair later recommended advise and consent. The committee also heard GM 552 for Pina Lemosu to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, but Lemosu was absent due to illness. Daintry Bartoldus of the council testified in strong support, citing Lemosu’s lived experience, critical thinking, and advocacy on disability and employment issues. The committee deferred decision-making on this nomination until the next day. For GM 717, Annabelle Stone for the Language Access Advisory Council, testimony from Waipahu Safe Haven Immigrant Migrant Resource Center and Aloha Care emphasized her interpreter background, bilingual skills, and commitment to equitable access for limited-English-proficient residents. Stone said her public health and community experience would help the council, and the chair recommended advise and consent. The final nomination, GM 782, was John McComas for the Statewide Health Coordinating Council. Supporters including Jack Lewin and Aloha Care highlighted McComas’s long career in health care, including leadership at Aloha Care and work on expanding community health resources. McComas said he wanted to continue contributing to health care access statewide after retirement. The committee took no objections on the nominations it voted on and adopted the chair’s recommendations to advise and consent for GM 528, GM 717, and GM 782, while GM 552 was deferred.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would defer to an environmental lawyer on that. uh one of the states.
• I would defer<00:07:56.400> to<00:07:56.720> an<00:07:57.039> environmental<00:07
• :57.599> lawyer<00:07:58.000> on defer to an environmental lawyer on defer to an environmental

Keywords: Environment Prot, Cons and Water Res - Room 210, 2 February, 2026; 3:30 P.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee first organized by electing Senator McClendon as secretary and adopting the chairman’s rules, with reconsideration motions allowed to be disposed of the same day they are entered. A quorum was confirmed present. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2418, which would prohibit geoengineering in the state by defining it as the intentional injection, release, or dispersion of chemicals or other substances into the atmosphere to affect temperature or sunlight. The bill sponsor said it was intended to safeguard public health and noted he had received constituent concerns and photographs of alleged chemtrails. Senators raised questions and proposed amendments, including one to exempt research by IHL centers and another to clarify that ordinary agricultural pesticide, herbicide, and fungicide use would not be affected. The committee adopted the research amendment and rejected the agriculture amendment, then reported the bill out as amended. The committee next considered several Department of Environmental Quality bills. Senate Bill 2414 made cleanup changes to an advisory council by replacing a reference to the Mississippi Manufacturers Association with the Mississippi Business Alliance and adjusting the number of industry representatives; it was passed and reported. Senate Bill 2415 revised DEQ public hearing procedures to allow hearings in Hinds County, in the county or municipality where a permit is sought, or online, and removed a $10 water well permit fee; the committee adopted the committee substitute and reported the bill. Senate Bill 2760 removed a specific office reference in DEQ law to give the agency more flexibility in assigning staff and programs, and it was reported without opposition. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2761, described by DEQ as a modernization of the state’s lead-based paint program to align it with current and future federal law, similar to changes made last year for the asbestos program. That bill was reported out. The last measure, Senate Bill 2252, would authorize DEQ to consider permitting a commercial hazardous waste injection facility; the sponsor said the bill would only allow DEQ to evaluate and potentially permit such a facility, not require one, and that the agency remained neutral. After adopting a committee substitute, the committee voted to report the bill, and the meeting ended with a motion to rise and report.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would have to look that up or defer to counsel if she knows.
• look<00:10:01.440> that<00:10:01.680> up<00:10:01.839> or<00:10:02.160> defer
• <00:10:02.560> to would have to look that up or defer to would have to look that up or defer

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The Caucus of the Whole received a presentation on the history of Vermont’s practice of electing the Adjutant General and on the upcoming election process. Speakers explained that the General Assembly has elected the Adjutant General since shortly after the War of 1812, making Vermont unique among states, and described the respective roles of the legislature, the governor, and the Adjutant General in overseeing the Vermont National Guard. They also noted legislative oversight of annual reports on sexual assault and harassment complaints, death benefits, and state funding for the Guard. The presentation reviewed current statutory qualifications for the office, including rank, service membership, senior service college graduation, and federal recognition, and explained that the election now occurs in the second year of the biennium at a joint assembly. Members were told the next election is expected on February 19, 2026, once the House clerk sets the date. The presenters also said the legislature recently modernized the statute to require qualified candidates and clarified that the Adjutant General and Inspector General title is one office under the statute. Members asked questions about the two-year term, the election procedure, and whether the committee would make a recommendation. The presenters said nominations and seconding would occur and the vote would be by paper ballot, similar to trustee elections. They also said the Government Operations committee and caucus were providing a forum for the candidates but would not issue a recommendation, leaving the decision to individual members. The meeting ended with members encouraged to review candidate biographies and contact information and to speak directly with the candidates.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Kahaloa, Madam Speaker, may this matter be deferred? So ordered.
• Moria Madam Speaker may this<00:13:23.040> matter<00:13:23.360> be<00:13:23.519> deferred
• c><00:13:24.160> so<00:13:24.480> ordered<00:13:24.880> item this matter be deferred
• so ordered item this matter be deferred so ordered item number<00:13:25.440> three<00:13:25.760

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , I do have experience with programs of this sort, having served on the board of trustees of the deferred
• of trustees having served on the board of trustees of<00:02:12.800> the<00:02:13.040> deferred
• <00:02:13.520> compensation<00:02:14.160> plan<00:02:14.400> for of the deferred
• compensation plan for of the deferred compensation plan for several<00:02:14.959> years<00:02

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Labor and Technology Committee met on April 4, 2025, to consider four governor’s messages involving nominations to the Hawaii Retirement Savings Board and the Hawaii Workforce Development Council. Barbara Creek, nominated to the Retirement Savings Board for a term ending June 30, 2029, testified that she had already served two years on the board, had prior experience with deferred compensation plans, and wanted to help operationalize the program quickly and efficiently. In response to a question about Senate Bill 855, she explained that an opt-out auto-enrollment model is the gold standard for retirement savings programs, would increase participation and contributions, and would help Hawaii avoid being an outlier and improve the chances of joining a multi-state compact for a cost-effective program. Amber Aana, nominated to the Workforce Development Council for a term ending June 30, 2029, emphasized her maritime-industry background and commitment to diversity, inclusion, and training opportunities for women and underrepresented groups. Scott Collins, nominated to the same council for a term ending June 30, 2028, said he had served on the board since 2022 and could contribute public-sector and union experience to help address government workforce challenges. Pane Mayonga II, also nominated to the Workforce Development Council for a term ending June 30, 2029, was absent due to union travel, but the committee heard extensive testimony in support from labor, industry, and community representatives. Support testimony was recorded for all four nominees, including from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, United Public Workers, Hawaii State AFL-CIO, Hawaii Nurses Association, Hawaii Ports Maritime Council, and other organizations and individuals. For Pane Mayonga II, the committee noted support from a broad coalition including labor unions, maritime and construction groups, and community advocates. No opposition testimony was presented, and members did not raise substantive questions on the Workforce Development Council nominees. After a brief recess, the committee reconvened for decision-making and voted to recommend advice and consent on all four governor’s messages: GM 727 for Barbara Creek, GM 744 for Amber Aana, GM 717 for Scott Collins, and GM 728 for Pane Mayonga II. Each recommendation was adopted unanimously, and the committee congratulated the nominees before adjourning with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Morikawa, Madam Speaker, may this matter be deferred? So ordered.
• may<00:17:17.039> this<00:17:17.199> matter<00:17:17.480> be<00:17:17.640> deferred
• <00:17:18.199> so<00:17:18.439> ordered may this matter be deferred so ordered may
• this matter be deferred so ordered item<00:17:19.640> number<00:17:19.919> three<00:17:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so the chair's recommendation is to defer it for now because I'm not ready to pass anything that's
• :27:25.679> recommendation<00:27:26.400> is<00:27:26.640> to<00:27:26.880> defer
• the chair's recommendation is to defer the chair's recommendation is to defer it<00:27:27.440>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Miss Cameron Kilberg, uh, she is an attorney for Swimly.com, and I'll defer to her to maybe answer
• 33.920> I'll she is an attorney for swim.com and I'll she is an attorney for swim.com and I'll defer
• 35.279> to<00:14:35.480> maybe<00:14:35.759> answer<00:14:36.360> your defer
• to her to to maybe answer your defer to her to to maybe answer your question<00:14:36.800> more

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee began with procedural reminders that the meeting would be short, that bill changes should generally be provided with 24-hour notice, that testimony would be limited at the chair’s discretion, and that no signs were permitted in the room. After roll call established a quorum, members led the pledge and prayer. The chair also recognized Marsha Robinson of Fort Knox for her service to veterans and military families and for receiving the Association of Defense Communities’ National Military Spouse Leadership Award. The sole bill considered was Senate Bill 61, relating to swimming pools. The sponsor, Senator Craig Richardson, said the bill was intended to protect private property rights by clarifying that homeowners who rent out their private swimming pools through platforms such as Swimly.com would still be treated as operating private pools rather than public recreation pools subject to additional regulation. Senators asked about parking impacts in residential neighborhoods and about liability and insurance coverage. The sponsor said the bill did not address parking or homeowners association issues, and a representative from Swimly.com testified that homeowners insurance and platform-backed insurance products can provide coverage for rentals. The committee voted to advance SB 61. The roll call showed unanimous support from members present, with Senator Wilson briefly explaining his yes vote and joking that the sponsor should ask for it in the future. The chair congratulated the sponsor on getting his first bill through committee and said it would be heard again on the floor. The meeting ended with an announcement about Military Kids Day on Tuesday, February 25, and an invitation for families to contact the Senate clerk for details.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Morikawa, Madam Speaker, may this matter be deferred? So ordered.
• ><00:17:28.480> this<00:17:28.559> matter<00:17:29.000> be<00:17:29.160> deferred
• <00:17:29.640> so speaker may this matter be deferred so speaker may this matter be deferred

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, I'd have to defer either to nonpartisan staff or maybe one of our partners in the audience who
• Again, I'd have to defer either to nonpartisan staff or maybe one of our partners in the audience who
• Again, I'd have to defer either to nonpartisan staff or maybe one of our partners in the audience who
• Again, I'd have to defer either to nonpartisan staff or maybe one of our partners in the audience who
• I'll defer to them. Thank you, Miss Per. Looks like she's ready to say something.

Bills: HF3487, HF3421

Keywords: anonymous reporting, school safety, education, crisis intervention, threat reporting, early literacy, reading instruction, teacher preparation, teacher candidates, teacher licensure, educator licensing, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, PELSB, field experience, supervised practicum, evidence-based reading, science of reading, literacy methods, teacher training, preservice teachers

Transcript Highlights:

• So I will defer to Eric first. Thank you, Mr. Chair, members.
• I will defer to our nonpartisan if we're able to do that. Yeah, I don't think we can. Ma'am, Mr.
• to<00:16:12.079> our<00:16:12.240> nonpartisan<00:16:12.959> if at I will defer
• <00:38:27.599> who<00:38:27.760> wants I'll defer to our nonpartisan who wants I'll
• defer to our nonpartisan who wants to<00:38:28.160> walk<00:38:28.320> us<00:38:28.560

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:15:18.399> I deferred maintenance um activities.
• I deferred maintenance um activities.
• And I may defer >> Thank you, Madam Chair.
• I'll defer to Senator Her to comment more if he has any comments.
• <02:03:43.040> $91 the feds just um decided to defer $91 the feds just um decided to defer

Keywords: 1187, senate, all