Transcript Highlights:

• would allow a person to use one leashed blood trailing dog to track a wounded or a killed big game animal
• But it was all about big game animals: antelope, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, moose, or mountain goat.
• But it was all about big game animals: antelope, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, moose, or mountain goat.
• But it was all about big game animals: antelope, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, moose, or mountain goat.
• But it was all about big game animals: antelope, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, moose, or mountain goat.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Another challenge with our ag industry is the small animal producers.
• I asked about the small animal slaughterhouse.
• You guys going try do mobile or the small animals? Looking at a place along Kunia.
• You guys going try do mobile or the small animals?
• You guys going try do mobile or the small animals?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm not saying that the other animal proteins don't have a place. They certainly do.
• Pork, chicken, they all have a place in terms of the animal proteins.
• So it's not a matter of a xenophobic concern as I think animates some other interests around it.
• concern<01:52:09.920> as<01:52:10.239> I<01:52:10.400> think<01:52:10.560> animates
• xenophobic concern as I think animates xenophobic concern as I think animates some<01:52:11.440>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing focused on how federal policy changes, tariffs, funding cuts, the federal shutdown, and delays in the farm bill are affecting Hawaii agriculture and food access. Opening remarks emphasized Hawaii’s heavy dependence on imported food and farm inputs, the state’s vulnerability to disruptions in USDA services, and the need for stronger state, county, and community coordination. Speakers also noted that immigration enforcement and broader global supply-chain pressures can affect local farm labor, production, and food availability. Sharon Herd, chair of the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, described both positive and negative federal impacts. She said Hawaii has benefited from some recurring grants and a large new $8.8 million federal grant, but also reported about $22 million in losses from suspended or terminated grants, including farm-to-school and water-related projects. She said some USDA programs, such as microgrants for food security and FISMIP, are currently suspended, while the specialty crop block grant remains active. She also said Hawaii farms declined from 7,328 to 6,569 between the 2017 and 2022 censuses and argued the state cannot rely on imports alone to feed its people. Amanda Shaw of Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii presented findings from federal funding cut reports. She said the first report, in March, identified about $88 million in potential cuts, and the newer report found $64.7 million in confirmed cuts and about $175 million in potential cuts. She said federal shifts are creating uncertainty for farmers, food-system organizations, and school and community food programs, and noted that 4,000 to 5,000 Hawaii farmers could receive less money because of changes to payment-factor provisions for socially disadvantaged farmers. She also said Hawaii has lost 18% of local USDA staff since September 2024, with possible further national reductions expected. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only, and the chair noted that any legal questions, including the reported SNAP changes, would be for the Judiciary Committee to assess later.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have completed a master plan for the new animal quarantine station, and you might say, well, why?
• And that's because we want to relocate the animal quarantine station from where it currently is, with
• We have completed a master plan for the new animal quarantine station, and you might say, well, why?
• And that's because we want to relocate the animal quarantine station from where it currently is, with
• We've completed a master plan for the new animal quarantine station, and you might say, well, why?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• President, I previously stated that we've been using the animal damage management board as kind of the
• President, I previously stated that we've been using the animal damage management board as kind of the
• c><00:54:55.280> been<00:54:55.520> using<00:54:55.760> the<00:54:56.400> animal
• that uh we've been using the animal that uh we've been using the animal damage<00:54:57.200>

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, predation issues and whether or not animals can evade predators the way they normally would.
• <01:20:55.679> not predation issues and whether or not predation issues and whether or not animals
• 57.440> evade<01:20:57.840> predators<01:20:58.239> the<01:20:58.400> way animals
• can uh evade predators the way animals can uh evade predators the way they<01:20:58.719> normally
• being hit by blades, but there's other things happening there: predation issues and whether or not animals

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, it is correcting a long-standing injustice that's in our animal cruelty statutes, where half of the
• baby uh aquin population has been deprived of its, uh, protections from animal cruelty.
• Uh, it is correcting a long-standing injustice that's in our animal cruelty statutes, where half of the
• baby uh aquin population has been deprived of its protections from animal cruelty.
• Where half of the baby uh aquin population has been deprived of its protections from animal cruelty.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a pet-friendly environment, so kids who have a history of abuse with animals, we can't support
• We have a pet-friendly environment, so kids who have a history of abuse with animals, we can't support
• /c><01:04:25.000> um<01:04:25.200> abuse<01:04:25.760> with<01:04:26.000> animals
• have a history of um abuse with animals have a history of um abuse with animals we<01:04:27.039>

Keywords: 00:00:00 Introductions 00:00:22 Roll Call 00:01:56 Discussion on SB 85 00:14:03 Vote on SB 85 00:16:15 Explanation of Agency Amendment 00:19:04 Voice Vote on Amendment 00:19:33 Discussion on Kentucky Foster Children Housing, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 85, sponsored by Senator Meredith, which would move the Office of the Ombudsman from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to the State Auditor’s office and make related cleanup changes. Meredith said the bill grew out of a prior task force and a two-year transition from Senate Bill 48, and he argued the move would create independence, improve access to the ITWIST database, ensure complaints are not lost in the handoff, and add confidentiality protections for whistleblowers. Auditor Allison Ball and her staff said the bill would codify access and procedures after earlier disputes and a court-mediated settlement, and they described the measure as necessary to make the new structure work effectively. Members asked how the Ombudsman would handle complaints and verify services in cases involving waiver recipients and other cabinet services. Ball and her staff said the Ombudsman would investigate complaints, make inquiries, and provide accountability outside the cabinet structure, with timelines and procedures similar to the Auditor’s office. The committee also discussed staffing and whether the office would need more personnel; Ball said the office already had about 100 people but could use more. The bill passed 10-0 with favorable expression. The committee then approved an agency amendment to administrative regulation 922 KAR 1:001490 concerning foster parent background checks. Cabinet staff explained the amendment corrected a drafting error by removing references to civil determinations in a second section of the regulation because the system cannot search those determinations, while still allowing the required checks under state and federal law. Senator Herron asked what a civil determination meant, and staff said it could involve a court finding in a custody or abuse case, though such findings are now typically handled through the child abuse and neglect registry. The amendment was adopted. Afterward, the committee began a discussion on Kentucky foster children housing and related issues. Ball and Ombudsman staff presented a preliminary assessment of children placed in office buildings, saying the review covered 49 children placed over a four-month period and showed a different picture than the public narrative of only older, high-acuity youth. They reported that some children had no documented behavioral or disability issues, many came directly from home, the average age was 13, the average stay was four nights, and placements were spread across several regions rather than centered only in Louisville. Members raised concerns about the lack of formal policies and procedures, staff safety, and how to ensure children are treated appropriately, and Ball said the Ombudsman was continuing a deeper review. No final action was taken on that discussion in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, the Animal Welfare was established in May 30th in 2024. Governor Polis signed it.
• Animal welfare was established on May 30, 2024. Governor Polis signed it.
• Animal welfare was established on May 30, 2024. Governor Polis signed it.
• Animal welfare.
• I mean, I love horses and animals, but the animal welfare responsibilities can be handled with existing

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and received several committee reports. The Finance Committee reported Senate Bills 155, 49, and 116 with amendments and favorable referral to Appropriations, and House Bill 1188 favorably to Appropriations. The Business, Labor, and Technology Committee reported House Bill 1110 with amendments and a favorable recommendation to the Committee of the Whole, placed on the Consent Calendar, and also recommended confirmation of several appointments, including members of the State Plumbing Board, State Electrical Board, and Workers’ Compensation Cost Containment Board. The chamber then proceeded out of order for personal privileges and a resolution honoring Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., including recognition of visiting members and students participating in its Capitol Day. The Senate next took up House Joint Resolution 1027 concerning remembrance of the Holocaust. The resolution emphasized the history of the Holocaust, rising anti-Semitic incidents, the importance of Holocaust and genocide education, and the need to confront hate and otherization. Senators Weissman and Ball spoke in support, stressing the dangers of hateful rhetoric, the need for vigilance and compassion, and the importance of learning from history. HJR 1027 passed unanimously by roll call, 35-0, and the roll call was listed as co-sponsors. Announcements followed recognizing the Sikh community’s Vaisakhi observance and a langar lunch at the Capitol, along with a proclamation for Sikh Awareness Appreciation Month. There were also notices about a Republican caucus, a Legal Services Committee meeting on Senate Bill 2683 and a litigation update, and a brief personal privilege remark about tax day and agriculture. The Senate then recessed until 10:30 a.m., later raised the call, and moved into special orders for second reading of a large group of House bills on the Consent Calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a drug used as a tranquilizer for large animals from horses to elephants.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please commit to protect our environment, protect the animals that use it and the citizens.

Transcript Highlights:

• So what we saw months ago were images that were that looked more like anime images where the facial features

Transcript Highlights:

• We operate 365 days a year, hosting 5,000 animals.

Bills: HF2439

Keywords: environmental protection, pollution reduction, waste management, climate change, funding allocations

Transcript Highlights:

• Defense of Veterans Affairs HB 3303 by button relating to the exemption from sales and uses of exotic animals

Transcript Highlights:

• briefly say that wheeling, um, I wasn't here last year, but my recollection of wheeling is a different animal
• [clears throat] is is a [clears throat] is is a different<00:27:04.680> animal,<00:27:05.160><
• > to<00:27:05.400> speak,<00:27:05.800> but<00:27:06.040> I'll different animal
• , so to speak, but I'll different animal, so to speak, but I'll let<00:27:06.440> that let that

Bills: SB3326

Keywords: renewable energy, energy storage, cost reduction, public utilities commission, Hawaii energy policies, 910, house, all

Summary: The joint committees on Energy and Environmental Protection and Labor heard SB 3326, a bill concerning a study of separating transmission from generation in Hawaii’s electric system. Testimony was largely opposed. Life of the Land argued that true separation on an isolated island grid has not been shown to work anywhere and said the bill would waste taxpayer money. Hawaiian Electric and the Public Utilities Commission also opposed the measure, saying Hawaii already uses competitive bidding for new generation, that the bill would add cost, complexity, and reliability risks, and that a new study would duplicate prior work. In response to questions, the PUC explained its existing competitive bidding framework and said it had not seen an island system fully restructure in this way. The chair then amended the bill’s intent to require the PUC to open a proceeding for an independent, comprehensive analysis of the state’s energy pathways, including cost reduction, financial risk, state energy goals, and reliability, rather than narrowly focusing on separation. Both committees voted to pass SB 3326 SD2 with amendments, with the Energy committee adopting the recommendation unanimously and the Labor committee adopting it with one reservation and two no votes. The Energy and Environmental Protection Committee then took up SB 2497 SD2, which would require electric utilities other than cooperatives to provide transparent, publicly accessible customer bill impact analyses and annual reports to the PUC. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and the PUC offered comments, with the PUC supporting the intent. Life of the Land said the proposed disclosure requirements would be too complex for most ratepayers to use meaningfully, while Hawaiian Electric said the bill could raise costs and slow projects, though it acknowledged some of the language changes and said much of the information is already available through existing planning and regulatory processes. Hawaii Clean Power Alliance and one individual testified in support. No vote was taken on SB 2497 SD2 during the excerpt. The committee also heard SB 3183 SD2, which would bar higher-income taxpayers from claiming the renewable energy technologies income tax credit for certain residential solar systems and would change refundability rules. The Department of Taxation, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the Tax Foundation offered comments, while the Hawaii Solar Energy Association and numerous companies and individuals opposed the bill. Opponents raised concerns about impacts on financing models and the solar market. Members asked the Department of Taxation for data on how credits are claimed by homeowners versus third-party owners and on the refundability of the credit; the department said it did not have the information immediately available but would follow up. The chair indicated decision-making would likely be deferred to allow further review, and no vote was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Substitute 1 and House Committee Amendment 1, the title amendment, Senator Carpenter, an act relating to animal
• Carpenter, an act amendment, Senator Carpenter, an act relating<00:07:37.000> to<00:07:37.280> animal
• relating to animal health emergencies. relating to animal health emergencies.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 55% of them feared that, as a result of their participation in watching these sorts of videos and animations
• 14.000> and in watching these sorts of of videos and in watching these sorts of of videos and animations
• <00:35:15.040> and<00:35:15.359> synthetic<00:35:15.839> pornography animations
• and synthetic pornography animations and synthetic pornography that<00:35:17.040> it<00:35:17.200

Bills: HB0076, HB0102, HB0115

Keywords: annexation, landowner rights, municipal law, city planning, property, local government, artificial intelligence, synthetic sexual material, child protection, self-harm, criminal liability, cardiac emergency, defibrillator, school safety, training, public health, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're pets in some ways, you know, they're very smart animals, but the eggs are a plus.
• <00:20:50.159> smart know, they're they're very smart know, they're they're very smart animals
• <00:20:52.640> So<00:20:52.880> it animals, but the eggs are a plus.
• So it animals, but the eggs are a plus.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:05 Roll Call 00:00:12 Discussion of Legislative Measures 00:03:12 Discussion of Housing and Land Use 00:21:58 Discussion of Short Term Rental Policies 01:03:17 Adjournment 01:15:38, 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from its June 4, 2025 meeting and then heard a series of presentations focused largely on housing and land-use policy. Senator Robbie Mills and Representative Josh Bray discussed two 2025 housing measures: Senate Bill 50, which would create residential infrastructure development districts to help local governments finance infrastructure for new housing developments through special assessments and local debt, and House Bill 7, which would let local governments identify development areas and rebate new property tax revenue to developers as an incentive for housing growth. They said Kentucky faces a statewide housing shortage of roughly 210,000 units, projected to grow if building patterns do not change, and argued that regulatory relief and financing tools are needed to increase supply. Representative Rebecca Rymer presented House Bill 371, which would require local permitting when an industry’s residual waste landfill is located in a different county from the industry itself. She said current law lets such landfills bypass local review, leaving host counties with no say despite road impacts and other local burdens. She said the bill would preserve the existing exemption when the landfill and industry are co-located, and noted support from KLC and KO. Representative Steve Doan also described House Bill 806, a statewide backyard chicken bill that would allow domesticated hens, prohibit roosters, set a minimum of six hens that local governments could not go below, and preserve local authority over setbacks, sanitation, maintenance standards, and egg sales. He said it would override outright local bans but not HOA restrictions, and cited a current Northern Kentucky dispute and ADA litigation as reasons for the proposal. The committee then heard a broader discussion on housing and land use from Charlie Gardner of the Mercatus Center and Nolan Gray of California YIMBY and the Bluegrass Institute. They outlined categories of land-use regulation, described the recent growth of state-level housing reforms nationwide, and cited examples such as ADU legalization, smaller lot sizes, reduced parking minimums, streamlined permitting, and single-stair or other building-code reforms. They argued that housing shortages are a statewide concern, that localities often have incentives to block growth, and that state intervention can reduce costs and uncertainty without compromising health and safety. Members asked about the housing shortage estimate, the effect of red tape on safety and local authority, and how state reforms could be phased in; the presenters said reforms often include lead time, can be targeted to larger jurisdictions, and should focus on reducing time and cost while maintaining basic standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're a 24/7 operation, 365 days a year, holding over 5,000 live animals.
• impact and it would cause the zoo to lose the ability to supplement programs such as our on-site animal
• such<00:40:38.400> as<00:40:38.560> our<00:40:39.160> on-site<00:40:40.160> animal
• Legacy’s outdoor heritage—restoring and preserving the beautiful land that God has given us and the animals

Bills: HF2563

Keywords: HF2563, legacy finance bill, Legacy Amendment, outdoor heritage fund, clean water fund, parks and trails fund, arts and cultural heritage fund, Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, Clean Water Council, Minnesota legacy funds, habitat conservation, prairie restoration, wetland restoration, forest conservation, riparian buffers, water quality, groundwater protection, drinking water, septic systems, watershed planning

Transcript Highlights:

• I see all the pines here, and they’re all beautiful and pretty and everything, but the animals don’t
• beautiful and pretty and everything<00:18:58.080> but<00:18:58.200> the<00:18:58.320> animals
• ><00:18:58.880> don't<00:18:59.080> tend<00:18:59.280> to everything but the animals
• don't tend to everything but the animals don't tend to congregate<00:19:00.559> around<00:19:

Keywords: 1183, house