Transcript Highlights:

• faster than somebody can repay, and it traps families in cycles of poverty and make successful re-entry
• cycles of poverty and<00:46:52.960> make<00:46:53.119> successful<00:46:53.760> re-entry
• <00:46:54.640> harder<00:46:55.359> at and make successful re-entry harder at and make
• successful re-entry harder at many<00:46:55.839> times<00:46:56.079> hanging<00:46:56.400

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the corrected journal, and heard several announcements about upcoming committee meetings, events at the Capitol, and recognitions, including Music Therapy Day, Black History Month activities, adoptable puppies, and a Colorado Agricultural Forum. Members also celebrated Representative Story’s birthday and recognized the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) for its long-running support of arts, culture, science access, and economic impact in Colorado. The House adopted Senate Joint Resolution 12, designating February 20, 2026, as Colorado FFA Day, by a vote of 64-1 with one excused. The chamber then moved to special orders for several bills. The first major bill considered was House Bill 1017, which would prohibit insurers from receiving criminal restitution unless they are direct victims. Sponsors argued the bill prioritizes human victims, prevents restitution from becoming an unpayable burden on low-income defendants, and clarifies the law in response to court concerns and stakeholder feedback. Opponents argued it would shift costs to taxpayers and policyholders and could increase civil litigation and insurance premiums. An amendment, L005, was adopted to clarify the bill’s scope, and the bill then passed as amended. The House also took up House Bill 114, concerning minimum lot size and local land-use rules. An amendment, L002, was offered to prohibit certain local lot frontage, setback, open-space, or coverage requirements that would effectively prevent construction of a single-family home on a 2,000-square-foot residential lot. Supporters framed the measure as protecting housing access, while opponents argued it would override local land-use decision-making and public hearing processes. The transcript ends during debate on a substitute motion related to the amendment, before final action on House Bill 114 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• These requirements create a significant barrier to entry, particularly for low-income individuals and
• create a significant requirements create a significant barrier<00:14:08.160> to<00:14:08.320> entry
• ,<00:14:09.040> particularly<00:14:09.600> for barrier to entry, particularly for barrier
• to entry, particularly for low-income<00:14:10.320> individuals<00:14:10.800> and<00:14

Bills: HB1697, HB1678, HB1679, HB2282, HB1940, HB1671, HB1481, HB2015, HB2207, HB2486

Keywords: natural hair braiding, registration, Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Act, public health, sanitation, cumulative voting, associations, unit owners, board of directors, elections, Hawaii Revised Statutes, condominium, association meetings, electronic voting, proxy voting, mail voting, insurance, premium increase, policy cancellation, licensing

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1697, which would exempt natural hair braiders from licensing requirements under certain conditions. The DCCA Board of Barbering and Cosmetology said it recognizes braiding as within the scope of cosmetology practice but warned that a broad exemption could create consumer protection gaps, especially around sanitation training, tool use, and enforcement. Supporters from the Institute for Justice and the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii argued the current licensing regime is overly burdensome and unrelated to braiding, citing the 1,250-hour training requirement, high tuition costs, barriers for low-income entrepreneurs, and the fact that many other states already exempt braiders. Committee members asked whether a standalone sanitation course or similar training could address the board’s concerns, and the board said it would bring that idea back for discussion. The committee also noted 16 written testimonies in support and 2 in opposition. The committee then took up HB 1678, relating to condominium and planned community association elections using cumulative voting. Supporters, including the Hawaii State Association of Parliamentarians, said the bill would clarify that cumulative voting applies to all candidates, including write-ins, and would help resolve confusion in association elections. One testifier urged the committee to remove proxy voting, calling it an abuse of power in some associations, while another asked whether cumulative voting and proxies could be manipulated to stack votes. In response, the parliamentarian explained that cumulative voting and proxy voting are different, that proxies simply allow someone to vote on another’s behalf, and that existing deadlines and counting procedures reduce opportunities for abuse. Testimony also emphasized that electronic or mail voting can be secure and efficient, and that the bill would make the process clearer and more democratic. Finally, the committee heard testimony on HB 1679, which would clarify an association board’s authority over electronic meetings, electronic voting, voting without a meeting, and mail voting without a meeting. Supporters said the measure would clean up statutory language, make electronic voting optional, and fix problems created by a 2024 change that made written-consent timing rules difficult to use for association actions. They also said the bill would clarify that proxies are only used at meetings, not for actions taken without a meeting. One opponent argued the bill needs further amendment because electronic voting is not well defined and could be abused, and questioned the neutrality of parliamentarians testifying on condominium bills. No votes were taken on any of the measures during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• penalties for criminal trespass, and streamlining law enforcement's ability to address unauthorized entry
• c> enforcement's ability to address enforcement's ability to address unauthorized<01:33:26.240> entry
• <01:33:27.040> during<01:33:27.280> non-school unauthorized entry during non-school
• unauthorized entry during non-school hours.<01:33:28.680> Department<01:33:28.960> stands<

Bills: SB3263, SB3261

Keywords: student-athletes, name image likeness, NIL, compensation, transparency, University of Hawaii, Title IX, funding, protections, athlete agents, student athletes, endorsement contracts, professional representation, registration requirements, sports law, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on Senate Bill 3263, which would create a state-supported endowment for University of Hawaii athletics NIL (name, image, and likeness) funding. University of Hawaii Athletics Director Matt Eliott supported the bill, saying NIL requires both immediate funding and a longer-term sustainable solution. He asked for several changes: lowering the initial endowment target from $10 million to $2 million so the fund could start sooner, allowing NIL reporting by team rather than by individual student-athlete, and clarifying that athletes may choose whether to use an agent, while still allowing certified agents or a parent/guardian if desired. Committee members raised concerns about using taxpayer dollars for athlete compensation, the burden on a small-state budget, and whether the university could realistically raise the required matching funds. Several senators questioned whether the university had a concrete fundraising plan and whether the endowment would meaningfully help UH compete with larger programs. Eliott said UH is already fundraising privately for current NIL obligations, had raised more than $1.6 million toward a $3 million annual goal, and would continue fundraising for both short-term needs and the endowment match. He also said the university is not trying to compete with Power Five schools on the same scale, but to be successful at its own conference level. Members also discussed transparency and privacy, with some senators arguing that if state money is used, the public should know how it is spent, while Eliott said individual student-athlete NIL information should remain private and team-level reporting would be preferable. He confirmed international student-athletes are eligible for NIL and said about 60 to 70 UH athletes are currently participating, with more than 100 expected next year. The discussion also touched on UH’s Mountain West media rights and local TV rights, with Eliott explaining that the conference distribution is expected to remain around $3.5 million and that local TV rights would be negotiated separately. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, you know, this is one of the things we measure because especially math, like the entry-level math
• math one ma measure because especially math one ma like<00:37:28.480> the<00:37:28.800> entry
• 29.359> math<00:37:29.680> can<00:37:29.920> be<00:37:30.240> an like the entry
• level math can be an like the entry level math can be an impediment<00:37:30.960> to<00:37:31.200

Bills: SB2901, SB2902, SB2903, SB2904, SB2905, SB2906, SB2907, SB2908, SB2909, SB2910, SB2911, SB2912, SB2913, SB2914, SB2915, SB2916, SB2917, SB2918, SB2919, SB2920, SB2921, SB2922, SB2923, SB2924, SB2925, SB2926, SB2927, SB2928, SB2929, SB2930, SB2931, SB2932, SB2933, SB2934, SB2935, SB2936, SB2937, SB2938, SB2939, SB2940, SB2941, SB2942, SB2943, SB2944, SB2945, SB2946, SB2947, SB2948, SB2949, SB2950, SB2951, SB2952, SB2953, SB2954, SB2955, SB2956, SB2957, SB2958, SB2959, SB2960, SB2961, SB2962, SB2963, SB2964, SB2965, SB2966, SB2967, SB2968, SB2969, SB2970, SB2971, SB2972, SB2973, SB2974, SB2975, SB2976, SB2977, SB2978, SB2979, SB2980, SB2981, SB2982, SB2983, SB2984, SB2985, SB2986, SB2987, SB2988, SB2989, SB2990, SB2991, SB2992, SB2993, SB2994, SB2995, SB2996, SB2997, SB2998, SB2999, SB3000

Keywords: geological subsurface characterization, groundwater, geothermal resources, environmental review, Hawaii groundwater and geothermal resources center, scientific research, non-extractive, public trust doctrine, clean energy, greenhouse gas, carbon sequestration, climate change, energy policy, Hawaii state energy office, emissions reduction, sustainable development, fare-free transportation, greenhouse gas emissions, public transit, tax on petroleum

Transcript Highlights:

• "And you got to remember a lot of these case managers are entry-level people just out of college, and
• 11.760> managers a lot of these case managers a lot of these case managers are<00:14:14.959> entry
• c><00:14:15.439> [clears throat]<00:14:15.440> level<00:14:15.760> people are entry
• [clears throat] level people are entry [clears throat] level people just<00:14:17.199> out<00

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and worked with the tribes and were able to provide benefits to its tribal citizens by allowing free entry
• to its tribal citizens by<02:15:57.360> allowing<02:15:57.920> free<02:15:58.320> entry
• /c><02:15:58.880> into<02:15:59.199> the<02:15:59.440> state by allowing free entry
• into the state by allowing free entry into the state parks. parks. parks.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• airport without the ground leases from the trade port, any short-term uses that we charge, right-of-entry
• ><01:02:51.839> charge,<01:02:52.160> right<01:02:52.400> of<01:02:52.559> entry
• <01:02:52.799> fees<01:02:53.119> and that we charge, right of entry fees and that
• we charge, right of entry fees and licensing<01:02:54.000> agreements<01:02:54.720> on<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Dedicated Funds met to review the House budget provision that would impose a 5% administrative charge on a broad list of dedicated funds, with some exemptions. Members discussed the House approach versus the Senate’s more general approach of leaving the governor discretion over which funds could be charged. The chair explained the committee was hearing from agencies about any legal, contractual, or practical reasons their funds should be exempt, and the agenda was expanded to include several departments and written submissions from others. The Department of Education testified first, identifying several funds it said should be exempt: a printing revolving fund that is funded by transfers rather than fees; teacher certification, which is self-funded by educator licensing fees and would require an immediate fee increase if charged; a vending stand set-aside tied to the federal Randolph-Sheppard program and subject to federal approval and vendor committee procedures; and a public school infrastructure/safety account, where most revenue is transferred from the education trust fund or general fund rather than generated by fees. Members questioned the department about the effect on school safety projects and whether the fee would simply reduce the number of projects completed each year. The Veterans Home asked for exemptions for three funds: a donation benefit account used for recreational activities and quality-of-life expenses for residents, a small memorial trust fund whose interest supports veteran activities, and a resident member account that holds veterans’ personal income such as Social Security and pensions. The department argued the charge would reduce donations, cut services, and effectively function like an income tax on vulnerable veterans. The Banking Department also requested exemption for its consumer credit administration license fund, saying it is used to keep exam fees low and is expressly intended by statute to reduce costs on regulated businesses; it said the 5% charge would undermine that framework and could eventually force higher fees. The Department of Justice began testimony on its dedicated funds, starting with the medical legal investigative fund, which pays for death investigations and related services under statute and without general fund support. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the committee mainly heard testimony and asked questions about the practical and legal effects of applying the administrative charge.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the way out of enrollment issues is to broaden the entry, broaden the door, and invite students
• enrollment issues is to broaden<00:33:14.960> uh<00:33:15.200> the<00:33:15.440> entry
• c><00:33:16.080> broaden<00:33:16.399> the<00:33:16.559> door, broaden uh the entry
• , broaden the door, broaden uh the entry, broaden the door, and<00:33:17.200> invite<00:33:17.600

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Higher Education Conference Committee reviewed differences among the Governor’s, House, and Senate proposals for state grant parameter changes and their effects on state grant spending, North Star Promise spending, and average student awards. Nonpartisan staff explained that the proposals use different combinations of parameter changes, with the Governor’s and Senate plans modeled to avoid or minimize rationing, while the House plan would require rationing to balance the program. Staff reported projected biennium balances of a positive $29.836 million for the Governor’s proposal, a negative $60.758 million for the House proposal without rationing, a positive $994,000 for the House proposal with rationing, and a positive $3.623 million for the Senate proposal; North Star Promise balances also varied, with the Senate showing a positive balance and the Governor and House with rationing showing negative balances. Staff also said the Senate proposal would extend availability of the state grant appropriation and suspend surplus procedures through fiscal year 2029, allowing the balance to carry forward. The committee then focused on the House-only tuition and fee cap provision, which would limit the tuition recognized for state grant purposes for four-year programs to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities level, with 1% annual increases in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. House members said the cap was intended to address rising tuition, especially at the University of Minnesota, and to produce savings in the state grant program. The governor’s office confirmed the provision was not included in the Governor’s bill. Representatives from the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Private College Council opposed the cap, arguing it would reduce awards for low-income students and shift costs to students rather than address underlying tuition pressures; they also said it could discourage enrollment at higher-cost institutions. Supporters from Minnesota State argued the cap would improve fairness because students at lower-tuition institutions are effectively capped lower, while students at more expensive institutions receive larger awards, and they said the legislature should intervene in a variable that has grown substantially over time. Committee members questioned how the cap would work and whether it was tied to the Twin Cities campus rate. Testifiers clarified that the state grant formula is tied to the University of Minnesota level, but because Minnesota State institutions are below that level, the cap effectively limits their students to their own lower tuition while allowing higher awards at the University of Minnesota and private colleges. No formal vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the chair indicated the committee would continue with item-by-item review of the remaining parameter changes and hear additional testimony from agencies and institutions.

Transcript Highlights:

• And lastly, we're having conversations about a new market entry.
• 54.080> market having conversations about a new market having conversations about a new market entry
• As<01:23:55.040> thirdparty<01:23:55.600> aggregators<01:23:56.239> come entry
• As thirdparty aggregators come entry.

Bills: HF2928, HF2912, HF2297

Keywords: water appropriation, data centers, environmental review, energy conservation, permit application, carbon-free energy, geothermal energy, renewable energy, Macalester College, appropriation, sustainability, solar energy, pollinator programs, license plates, agrivoltaics, environmental sustainability, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Good entry-level jobs are available for those with certificates and associate degrees, with many opportunities
• academic profession for the lattering of academic credentials.<00:49:50.880> Good<00:49:51.200> entry-level
• Good entry-level jobs are credentials.
• Good entry-level jobs are available<00:49:53.040> for<00:49:53.280> those<00:49:53.520>

Bills: HF2634, HF2241, HF2649, HF2520, HF2610

Keywords: North Star Promise, scholarship, higher education, Minnesota Office of Higher Education, in-demand jobs, workforce development, career training, job market, high-demand occupations, high-demand industries, college aid, state financial aid, FAFSA, student eligibility, program of study, degree program, certificate program, community college, university, labor market data

Transcript Highlights:

• anti-limb fencing, crash-rated barriers, bollards, and will also plan to include structures for gates of entry
• include structures for<01:10:51.760> gates<01:10:52.239> of for gates of for gates of entry
• 54.480> MSFA<01:10:55.120> is<01:10:55.280> currently<01:10:55.679> working entry
• The MSFA is currently working entry.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So you get a default judgment, which means an automatic order of entry of judgment in your favor.
• 00:22:33.440> automatic<00:22:33.840> order<00:22:34.080> of<00:22:34.240> entry
• which means an automatic order of entry which means an automatic order of entry of<00:22:34.720>

Bills: HF1392, HF2233, HF695, HF2228, HF1289

Keywords: consumer protection, restitution, attorney general, consumer enforcement, unclaimed funds, victim compensation, settlement funds, special revenue fund, general fund, restitution account, consumer fraud, state treasury, eligible consumers, distribution of funds, tax subtraction, income tax, refund, unpaid compensation, Minnesota Department of Revenue, consumer redress

Transcript Highlights:

• So we need to actually focus on re-entry and help people successfully transition into the community,
• So we need to actually focus on re-entry and help people successfully transition into the community,
• So we need to actually focus on re-entry and help people successfully transition into the community,
• So we need to actually focus on re-entry and help people successfully transition into the community,

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: At the joint hearing on SB 951 SD2, the committees heard testimony on a child protection measure requiring mandatory child abuse and neglect reports to include military status and to improve communication between DHS and the Department of Defense. The U.S. Department of Defense testified in support and described its coordinated community response process for abuse reports, saying the bill would help ensure child safety and better coordination with DHS. DHS was initially absent, later appeared, and said it supported the measure but was still working with DOD on implementation details and staff training. Members asked about how DHS becomes involved and whether there were gaps in the current process. The chair recommended passage with technical amendments, including changing the effective date to 7/1/25 and conforming related language, and both committees adopted the recommendation by vote. The Public Safety committee then heard SB 1377 SD2, which would create a Veterans Cemeteries Board within the Office of Veterans Services in the Department of Defense to provide guidance, education, and technical assistance to state veteran cemeteries. DOD supported the bill and explained that county-run cemeteries must meet National Cemetery Administration standards to remain eligible for federal reimbursements and grants; witnesses described past compliance problems at several cemeteries, including one still not compliant in Hilo, and said the board would help counties prepare for future site visits and improve oversight without taking over operations. Members asked about costs, reimbursement amounts, and whether the state would assume cemetery operations; DOD said the current reimbursement process runs through the state to the counties and that direct takeover would be costly. The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the bill with amendments. The committee also heard SB 1382, which would make intentionally or knowingly causing bodily injury to a National Guard member performing duty a class C felony. The Hawaii National Guard and HPD supported the bill, citing incidents during the Maui response where Guard members encountered noncompliant and sometimes physically confrontational individuals while assisting police and protecting impacted areas. Testimony emphasized that Guard members are often unarmed and should receive protections similar to first responders. One witness opposed the bill, but the committee moved forward and adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments. Finally, the committee took up SB 1379 SD2 on emergency preparedness and Community Readiness Centers. Hawaii Emergency Management supported the bill, and supporters said it would create a statewide framework for resilience hubs that can provide supplies, action plans, and refuge during disasters. Testimony highlighted recent hurricanes, wildfires, and other hazards, and argued the measure would complement existing county efforts rather than replace them. County of Hawaii testimony opposed the bill, raising concerns about overlap and cost, while members asked about estimated expenses and implementation. The discussion ended with questions about planning and whether the bill would enhance existing programs; no final vote was captured in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• view of the new addition, Zone 2, the Atrium, so you'll see the arch steel that is the new public entries
• This specific entry is only aimed at when the leadership of the organization you're auditing, there's
• This specific entry is only aimed at when the leadership of the organization you're auditing, there's
• This specific entry is only aimed at when the leadership of the organization you're auditing, there's

Bills: HF1867, HF1240

Keywords: lottery, retailer contracts, Minnesota Statutes, contract qualifications, public integrity, criminal background, legislative auditor, public funds, state government, compliance, transparency, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• manage the funds and monitor expenditures through our annual budget process and associated budget entry
• annual budget process and Associated annual budget process and Associated budget<00:04:57.800> entry
• > well<00:04:58.680> as<00:04:58.840> periodic<00:04:59.280> audit budget entry
• as well as periodic audit budget entry as well as periodic audit by<00:05:00.280> our<00:05:00.560

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is truly our entry level to a lot of our workforce, so a wonderful front door from the standpoint
• > students in this school this is truly students in this school this is truly our<00:03:08.680> entry
• :03:09.560> a<00:03:09.680> lot<00:03:09.840> of<00:03:10.000> our our entry
• level to a lot of our our entry level to a lot of our Workforce<00:03:11.239> so<00:03:11.680

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So when you make more than what the state has determined is your entry into the program, and then you
• is than what the state has determined is than what the state has determined is your your your entry
• 19:57.159> and<01:19:57.280> then<01:19:57.440> you<01:19:57.600> make entry
• into the program and then you make entry into the program and then you make more<01:19:58.080> than

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• out a good starting point for where educators could start playing with these tools at a very safe, entry-level
• <01:26:18.480> very<01:26:18.719> safe<01:26:18.920> and<01:26:19.080> entry
• these tools at a very safe and entry these tools at a very safe and entry level<01:26:20.239>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• with, uh, probation officers and, um, folks that support individuals as they're going through the re-entry
• they're going support individuals as they're going through<01:02:47.520> the<01:02:47.640> re-entry
• process<01:02:48.799> and<01:02:48.920> so<01:02:49.079> I through the re-entry
• process and so I through the re-entry process and so I think<01:02:49.440> our<01:02:49.640><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are they seeing any barriers to, you know, like entry-level housing, younger families coming into their
• barriers to you seeing that being any barriers to you know<00:55:42.000> like<00:55:42.280> entry-level
• <00:55:42.680> housing<00:55:43.400> you<00:55:43.520> know know like entry-level
• housing you know know like entry-level housing you know younger<00:55:44.000> families<00:55:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all