Transcript Highlights:

• So is it, I mean, are we setting a threshold that's already what the market is doing?
• And the reason I'm asking is because I actually think I saw the same news report as Auntie.
• So Carl Bonham from UHERO had a report that warned about inclusionary zoning.
• So Carl Bonham from UHERO had a report that warned about inclusionary zoning.
• we'll be adding in the committee report we'll be adding in the committee report that<02:07:09.760

Bills: HB1721, HB1714, HB1718, HB1732, HB1740, HB1777, HB1842, HB1919, HB1701, HB1923, HB1741, HB1734, HB1739

Keywords: housing, expedited permits, insurance, indemnification, construction, affordable housing, executive compensation, Hawaii housing finance, legislative approval, low-income housing, moderate-income housing, mixed-use development, transit-oriented development, TOD, county powers, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, HHFDC, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, DHHL, affordable housing credits

Summary: The House Housing Committee met on February 4 and heard testimony on several housing measures, beginning with HB1721, which clarifies insurance, indemnification, and certificate-of-occupancy requirements for expedited permits. Testimony on HB1721 was uniformly supportive from the American Council of Engineering Companies, the Grassroot Institute, and individual testifiers, who said the bill would fix insurance issues for design professionals and encourage more participation in the expedited-permit program. No opposition was heard and no questions were raised. The committee then heard HB1714, which would raise salary caps for the executive director and deputy executive director positions at the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation and allow more autonomy in personnel matters, including employment contracts. HHFDC supported the bill, saying greater flexibility is needed to recruit and retain staff and that current pay ceilings are not the main issue because the agency lacks operating funds to reach them. The Department of Human Resources Development offered comments and raised concerns about autonomous personnel authority and employment contracts, saying state personnel matters are governed by existing statutes and collective bargaining rules; the Hawaii Public Housing Authority also offered comments, and one board member and one individual opposed the measure. Members questioned whether performance-based pay or existing incentive policies could address retention instead of statutory salary changes. The committee also heard HB1718, which would make permanent county authority to facilitate mixed-use developments and issue county bonds for low- and moderate-income housing projects. Support came from OPSD, HHFDC, the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Housing and Land Management, and Housing Hawaii’s Future, all emphasizing that permanent authority is needed to finance long-term mixed-use and transit-oriented projects. A member asked whether the sunset provision would make bonding impractical, and the city representative agreed that temporary authority would make financing difficult because development takes time. Later, the committee took up HB1732, establishing the Kamina Homes program to fund counties’ purchase of voluntary deed restrictions from eligible buyers. The Department of Taxation and several groups, including HHFDC, AARP Hawaii, the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, Hawaii Realtors, Holomua Collaborative, and others testified, with most supporting the bill as a way to help local families remain in Hawaii and age in place. Holomua said a recent survey found 75% of 3,200 working families were considering moving, and argued the bill could preserve housing for local residents. Members asked about the bill’s 8% cap on deed-restriction cost and why the program focuses on residency rather than resale restrictions; the bill’s proponents said the cap allows flexibility for county negotiations and that the measure is aimed at workforce preservation rather than land-trust-style appreciation limits. Finally, the committee heard HB1740, which would modify a prior HHFDC housing pathway by reducing the qualified-resident requirement from 100% to 80% and allowing more flexibility for long-term rental instead of owner occupancy. HHFDC and Holomua Collaborative supported the change, saying the earlier 100% requirement had produced no developments or applicants and that the revised standard would make projects more feasible while still preserving housing for local residents. The committee did not take final votes on these measures during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The second is we're going to add a reporting schedule every year from DBEDT to the Legislature to share
• The second is we're going to add a reporting schedule every year from DBEDT to the Legislature to share
• A recent report stated that 27% of all our households are worried about having to leave, and among the
• Also, the National Low Income Housing Coalition's Out of Reach 2023 report reveals that a minimum wage
• We are, you know, as the UHERO report states, we are the worst state by a long shot.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Technology met on February 7, 2025, to hear testimony on several bills and later take up amendments and votes. HB 1405, HB 1406, and HB 1407 drew broad support from business, housing, utility, and development groups, with no opposition noted on those measures. Testifiers generally said the bills would streamline permitting, improve coordination, and expand support for chambers of commerce and small businesses. After recess, the chair recommended amendments to each bill, including changes to broaden eligibility, add reporting requirements, and include funding and staffing notes. HB 1405 was amended to allow certain projects with one state and one county permit to qualify, require annual DBEDT reports to the Legislature, and note one full-time position and $125,000 in funding; the committee voted to pass it with amendments. HB 1406 was amended to move the intergovernmental task force from DBEDT to the House Legislature, add a Speaker-appointed chair, and include a $125,000 appropriation note; it also passed with amendments. HB 1407 was amended to convert the chamber support from a grant process to an RFP process and require a 1-to-5 match on a $100,000 award; it too passed with amendments. In each case, the chair’s recommendation was adopted, with Representative Tam excused. The committee also heard HB 796, a tax-credit review bill, which drew no support and 12 opposition testimonies with three comments. Opponents, including SAG-AFTRA Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, argued that automatic sunset provisions or broad tax-credit cuts would burden working families and that existing review mechanisms already exist under state law. The Department of Taxation and DBEDT offered technical comments, and the Tax Foundation suggested the bill’s goals might be better addressed by cleaning up the existing review process. Later, the committee heard HB 303, which had 17 supporters and no opposition. Testifiers from the Department of Health, University of Hawaii, Hawaii State Center for Nursing, Queen’s Health System, and the Hawaii State Chiropractors Association supported the measure, with the chiropractors asking to be included in eligibility. The Hawaii State Center for Nursing said the program had been successful for five years and had room to expand. HB 577 also drew support, with the Department of Taxation offering comments and the Tax Foundation noting technical issues. HB 949 generated mixed testimony: Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce supported it, while Hawaii Children’s Action Network raised concerns about the bill’s effects and the lack of fiscal analysis; Sugar Creek Capital also supported the measure and clarified that the credit would not offset the GET. Finally, HB 933 and HB 959 were heard, with HB 933 receiving six support testimonies and comments focused on grocery tax relief and food insecurity, and HB 959 drawing strong support from labor and advocacy groups for its broad tax relief package, while the Tax Foundation and Hawaii Appleseed urged caution about the proposed 50% GET increase and asked for clearer fiscal analysis.

Transcript Highlights:

• The 300% federal poverty level threshold changes depending on the household size.
• Contributed to previous interim reports agency policy documents and advisory committee reports collecting
• Instead, they call 911. or facility staff to report problems.
• This triggers an incident report.
• I respectfully ask for your support and request that House Bill 4116 favorably be reported. reported

Bills: HB741, HB 1199, HB2070, HB2402, HB2542, HB2665, HB2789, HB3096, HB3396, HB3595, HB3747, HB4116, HB4127

Keywords: child welfare, relative caregiver, monetary assistance, Department of Family and Protective Services, child custody, family law, emergency power, nursing facilities, assisted living, generator requirements, health and safety, emergency generators, power outage, emergency generator, assisted living facilities, power source, child abuse, neglect registry, court findings, Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, the chair recognizes Representative Gilman to report out the blue sheets.
• Gilman to report out the blue<00:52:56.960> sheets.
• just as any majority or minority reports just as any majority or minority reports may<01:45:48.639
• was invented back in 1995, the threshold was invented back in 1995, the threshold for<02:22:58.560
• Seeing none, the chair recognizes Representative Gilman to report out the blue sheets.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, our report is not due till the end of 2027.
• So, she did mention the GAO report from April of 2025.
• And made some really good points from that report. I do encourage reading the full report.
• But I really encourage reading the full report.
• But I think if you see things like that, I would love to read the full report.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We got a report of mass die-off of manatees in the Indian River Lagoon.
• We got a report of mass die-off of manatees in the Indian River Lagoon.
• a second-degree misdemeanor for any person who knowingly provides false information in a required report
• a second-degree misdemeanor for any person who knowingly provides false information in a required report
• The law also establishes enhanced penalties for violations related to reportable boating accidents or

Summary: The Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee first considered the appointment of Joshua Kellam to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Kellam described his background with Garcia Companies, emphasized his conservation interests and land stewardship work, and addressed concerns about his development ties, the commission’s composition, the recent black bear hunt vote, and a prior Yes on 2 campaign supported by the Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Supporters said he is a conservation-minded landowner and good steward of large acreage, while opponents argued the commission is already overrepresented by developers and lacks scientific or conservation expertise. After debate, the committee voted to recommend his confirmation, with Senators Smith and Arrington voting no and the rest of the members present voting yes. The committee then received an FWC implementation update on recently enacted boating and waterways legislation. FWC staff reviewed five laws: the Boater Freedom Act (SB 1388), Vessel Accountability (SB 164), Lucy’s Law/Boating Safety (HB 289), Disposition of Migrant Vessels (SB 830), and Water Access Facilities (HB 735). The presentation covered new rules on vessel stops, safety decals, Springs Protection Zones, derelict and at-risk vessel enforcement, long-term anchoring permits, tougher boating penalties, removal of migrant vessels, and grants for boating access infrastructure. Staff said rulemaking and officer training were underway, with some provisions already effective and others scheduled to take effect later in 2025 or January 2026. Members asked follow-up questions about derelict vessel cost recovery and the new Springs Protection Zone standard. FWC explained that responsible owners must reimburse removal costs and can lose vessel registration privileges if they do not pay. On Springs Protection Zones, staff said the new law raises the threshold from any harm to significant harm and requires vessel activity to be the predominant cause, with subject matter experts and partner agencies helping make that determination. Senator Smith questioned whether the higher standard makes protections harder to establish and asked about Silver Glen Springs; FWC said that proposal was paused and would be revisited under the new criteria. The committee took no further action and adjourned after the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• The chief clerk will report the bill.
• The clerk will report the amendment. Fiser moves to amend House File 2309, the first engrossment.
• The clerk will report the amendment. Fiser moves to amend House File 2309, the first engrossment.
• The clerk will report the amendment.
• The clerk will report<00:10:16.160> the<00:10:16.399> amendment.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• They will also collect data and report that to CPE.
• <00:24:32.559> of website in regard to any reports of website in regard to any reports of
• Incidents of reported anti-Semitism are up exponentially.
• 26:03.039> in<00:26:03.360> Kentucky reported major incidents in Kentucky reported major
• They have to report violations you have.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 77, which would allow comprehensive universities to pursue doctoral programs under a new approval process and, in the original bill, would also change who may serve on the EPSB board for small colleges and universities. The sponsor and Council on Postsecondary Education representative explained that the committee substitute removed the current statutory prohibition on comprehensive universities offering certain doctoral degrees, but added eligibility guardrails: a 77% first-to-second-year retention rate, a 56% six-year graduation rate, and three months of unrestricted cash reserves. They said the thresholds were based on national data placing institutions in roughly the top quartile, and that CPE would still review proposals for mission fit, workforce need, fiscal impact, and, where applicable, programmatic accreditation and legislative appropriations. EKU President David McFaden supported creating a pathway for comprehensive universities, said Kentucky is unusual in having an explicit statutory prohibition, and urged the committee to keep the standards attainable and durable. The committee approved the bill and adopted a title amendment, with the motion passing unanimously. The committee then heard Senate Joint Resolution 55, which addresses antisemitism on postsecondary campuses. Senator Tichenor said the resolution responds to a rise in antisemitic incidents after October 7, 2023, and would require campuses to notify students each semester of Title VI rights, complaint procedures, existing harassment policies, and available Jewish student resources. It would also direct campuses to disband student organizations found to provide material support to known terrorist organizations, report such matters to law enforcement, and collect and report antisemitism data to CPE for posting on its website. A guest speaker from the Kentucky Jewish Council described a sharp increase in reported incidents, including harassment, threats, vandalism, and hostile campus activity, and argued that schools have often done too little to respond. He said the resolution was amended to protect free speech while ensuring Jewish students receive the same protections as other protected groups. The transcript ends while testimony on the resolution was still underway, before any committee vote on SJR 55.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, the substitute would raise that threshold to 30 employees.
• There being six ayes and zero nays, the committee substitute is favorably reported.
• It's favorably reported. Do you want it local or floor also?
• It has to do with pole reports and... ...it has to do with pole reports, and so it's kind of a companion
• Senator Nichols moves that House Bill 144 be favorably reported to the Senate.

Bills: HB111

Summary: The committee heard a long series of House bills, with most measures laid out by Senate sponsors and then left pending after brief public testimony. Early bills focused on construction and licensing issues, including HB 305 on prompt payment for public construction audits, HB 5093 on restoring public access to notary contact information, HB 2037 on updating landlord-tenant repair and security deposit rules, HB 4214 on a centralized public information request contact database, and HB 5435 exempting higher education institutions from a 90-day notice requirement for certain public-private partnership projects. Testimony was generally supportive on these bills, and no votes were taken; each was left pending. The committee also considered several transparency and regulatory bills. HB 111 would expand the Public Information Act to certain nonprofit state associations and narrow some attorney-client and working-paper exceptions, with supporters arguing it would improve oversight of public funds and critics questioning the scope and thresholds. HB 5129 would protect occupational license holders’ personal identifying information from disclosure without consent, HB 4350 would allow peace officers to redact personal information from online real property records, HB 4748 would authorize multiple-award state purchasing contracts, and HB 4765 would clean up code enforcement officer licensing rules. HB 4134 would allow motor vehicle creditors to charge limited fees for electronic payment options while requiring a free alternative, and HB 1043 would direct a study of blockchain-based property title records; both drew testimony, with some concern about the practical effects and vendor implications of the blockchain study. Several bills addressed insurance, workforce, and digital-asset regulation. HB 3520 would reduce the insurance coverage required for transportation network companies during the period when a driver is en route to pick up a passenger, drawing support from Texans for Lawsuit Reform and opposition from trial lawyers who argued the higher coverage better protects the public. HB 3320 would create a self-insurance pool for religious institutions, with TDI explaining it would still be regulated but operate under a special statutory framework. HB 4233 would modernize rules for digital asset service providers by removing certain auditor-access requirements and updating reporting and licensing provisions. HB 3923 would reduce bachelor’s-degree requirements for some state jobs, though Every Texan argued low pay, not degree requirements, is the main driver of turnover. HB 4518 would create a legal structure for decentralized unincorporated nonprofit associations tied to blockchain governance; business law experts opposed it as unnecessary and potentially risky, while crypto advocates supported it. Finally, HB 1803 would join an interstate compact for dentists and dental hygienists, with supporters citing workforce shortages and opponents saying Texas already licenses quickly and that the compact could weaken state oversight. Throughout the hearing, the committee repeatedly closed testimony and left bills pending, and a quorum was eventually established before later items were heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• positions or whatever it may be, you may end up paying an extra $6 million because you went over the threshold
• c><00:21:25.880> went<00:21:26.200> over<00:21:26.400> the<00:21:26.520> threshold
• <00:21:27.200> down because you went over the threshold down because you went over the threshold
• off the top of my head, but that does put us in that 5% category even though we're well below the threshold
• threshold. threshold. Yes,<00:25:36.200> ma'am. Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, I have a report.
• Those reports will be received throughout the day.
• They will work with the examiner of Public Accounts to develop their own reporting system and will report
• system and set a threshold.
• And why the $500 threshold? I’m sorry, what? Why $500 threshold?

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• However, questions continue to arise regarding clarity of reporting thresholds, consistency in application
• <00:48:32.240> thresholds,<00:48:33.200> consistency<00:48:34.160> in of reporting
• thresholds, consistency in of reporting thresholds, consistency in application,<00:48:35.360> training
• ,<00:48:38.200> enforcement mandated reporters, enforcement mandated reporters, enforcement
• adequate protections for reporters adequate protections for reporters acting<00:48:53.200> in

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The Judiciary Interim Committee met under time constraints and asked members to rank interim topics for a letter to Management Council. The committee then took brief public testimony on a series of proposed study topics, with no formal votes recorded in the transcript. Early testimony focused on landlord eviction rights, where speakers said the court eviction process is too slow, can worsen housing shortages, and leaves landlords unable to recover rent, fees, or damage costs. The foster care topic was presented as a request to examine whether the system gives too much weight to reunification and not enough to the child’s best interests, especially for younger children. A Blue Envelope Program proposal was also discussed; supporters said it would help law enforcement communicate with autistic or otherwise communication-challenged individuals during traffic stops and emergencies, and improve consistency statewide. The committee also heard a proposal to study Wyoming’s homicide-by-vehicle statute, with testimony from a constituent whose mother was killed by a repeat dangerous driver. Speakers argued the current law leaves a gap because prior DUIs, high-risk driving history, and other aggravating factors do not meaningfully affect charging unless intoxication or extreme conduct is present. Related testimony from Wyoming Pathways said the change should be a tool in the toolbox for prosecutors and could improve safety for pedestrians and drivers. Senator Cooper then raised campaign finance reform and dark money, urging a resolution asking Wyoming’s congressional delegation to seek a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United and restore state control over election spending transparency. Additional topics included a request from the Wyoming Livestock Board to review peace officer statutes so its investigators could act on felonies committed in their presence or prevent imminent bodily harm, while remaining within their current duties and certification. Representative Lee asked for review of non-disclosure agreements in public-private partnerships and executive sessions so the public can eventually understand how such agreements were used. Senator Pearson asked for interim consideration of shared custody amendments, saying fit parents should have a fair opportunity for shared parenting after separation. Representative Storer proposed revisiting DUI penalties, especially for refusal of chemical testing, arguing that refusal often prevents prosecution and that the law should impose treatment and license suspension consequences. The committee also heard a request to review statutes involving political parties, and the state court administrator asked for interim study of remote public access to court records, citing ongoing automation efforts, privacy concerns, and funding needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is no minimum threshold.
• There is no minimum<00:20:00.320> threshold. minimum threshold. minimum threshold.
• c> 2<00:21:39.039> plus<00:21:39.360> two Contracts extend beyond the 2 plus 2 threshold
• This really matters, and according to MDE’s 2026 rigorous coursework report to the legislature, PSO is

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• the very disability compensation they receive is counted as income, pushing many over the income threshold
• Because the threshold is $125,000. That's what we're trying to fight. What is that, mathematics?
• Because the threshold is $125.
• That's what we're trying to fight. and the other state The threshold is $125,000.
• In the other states, there is no threshold. Right.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Military and Veteran Affairs heard several veteran-focused measures, with extensive testimony in support from veterans’ organizations and individual veterans. SB 888 would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income calculations for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption, addressing a situation where disability benefits can disqualify veterans from tax relief. SB 1354 would prohibit military personnel from another state, territory, or district from entering California to perform military or law enforcement functions without the Governor’s express permission, while preserving Title X activity, training, and mutual aid arrangements. SB 623 would place the Veterans Bond Act of 2026 on the ballot to authorize a $1.25 billion general obligation bond for the CalVet Home Loan Program, which supporters said is nearing depletion of bond authority and remains a critical path to homeownership for veterans and military families. SB 1407 would increase the state income tax exclusion for military retirement pay and surviving spouse benefits to the first $40,000, subject to income caps, as a retention measure to keep military retirees in California. Supporters for the bills emphasized housing stability, affordability, retention of veterans in California, and the economic benefits of keeping military retirees and their income in the state. SB 888 and SB 623 drew broad support from veterans’ groups, county veterans service officers, and related organizations, with no opposition testimony. SB 1354 also received support from veterans’ advocates, while committee members sought clarification on training, mutual aid, and the bill’s scope, and the author agreed to work on amendments. SB 1407 drew strong support from veterans and military organizations, but also formal opposition from the California Tax Reform Association, which argued the state already provides generous veteran benefits and that the tax break would be unfair to other public servants. The committee voted to advance all four measures. SB 888 was approved and re-referred to Revenue and Taxation; SB 1354 was approved as amended and re-referred to Public Safety; SB 623 was approved as amended, given urgency, and re-referred to Housing and Community Development; and SB 1407 was approved and re-referred to Revenue and Taxation. The consent item, SCR 143, was adopted unanimously. After the initial votes, the committee later took add-on votes to confirm passage of SB 888 and SB 1354, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• the very disability compensation they receive is counted as income, pushing many over the income threshold
• Because the threshold is $125,000. That's what we're trying to fight. And the other state...
• Because the threshold is $125.
• That's what we're trying to fight. and the other state Threshold is 125.
• In the other states, the 38, there is no threshold, right?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Military and Veteran Affairs heard four bills and one consent resolution, all focused on veterans’ benefits and military policy. SB 888 would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income when determining eligibility for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption. The author and numerous veterans’ organizations argued that disability benefits should not disqualify disabled veterans from tax relief, and the bill received broad support with no opposition. The committee passed it 6-0 and later 8-0 on add-on, sending it to Revenue and Taxation. SB 1354 would prohibit military personnel from another state, territory, or district from entering California to perform military or law enforcement functions without the Governor’s permission, while preserving Title X activity, mutual aid, and training arrangements. The author said it was meant to protect California’s authority and prevent unauthorized military involvement. Committee members asked for clarifications about training and mutual aid, and the author agreed to work on amendments. The bill passed 5-0 initially and later 6-0 on add-on, with referral to Public Safety. SB 623 would place the Veterans Bond Act of 2026 on the ballot to authorize $1.25 billion in general obligation bonds for the CalVet home loan program. Supporters emphasized the program’s century-long record, self-supporting structure, low foreclosure rate, and importance in helping veterans buy homes and stay in California. Members discussed the urgency of getting the measure on the ballot in time and the possibility of folding it into another bond if needed. The committee approved the bill with urgency and sent it to Housing and Community Development, later voting 8-0 on add-on. SB 1407 would increase the state income tax exclusion for military retirement pay and survivor benefits to the first $40,000, subject to income caps. Supporters said it would help retain veterans and their economic contributions in California, while an opposition group argued the state already provides generous veteran benefits and that the measure would be unfair to other public servants. Despite the opposition, the bill passed and was re-referred to Revenue and Taxation. The committee also adopted consent resolution SR 143 unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:09:25.839> were development projects reports were development projects reports were received
• That report has been bound and ready to go.
• think the board is looking at a report think the board is looking at a report here<00:15:10.399>
• That concludes our report.
• <00:53:56.480> to to meet a certain income threshold to to meet a certain income threshold

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:09 Approval of Minutes 00:00:48 KOAP Report 00:01:09 Update from CHFS 00:20:27, 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with a quorum, approval of the September 18, 2025 minutes, and a staff update on recent tobacco settlement-funded agriculture activities. The agriculture side highlighted Commissioner Shell’s outreach, including school visits, farm visits, and speaking engagements in Kentucky and a trip to Tennessee to discuss program models. A representative also described a national conference in Iowa, where Kentucky’s agriculture finance program was praised as a $180 million loan program built with tobacco settlement funds. The board noted September approvals totaling $950,000 for the agriculture development board and $3.3 million for the finance corporation, along with staff activity such as site visits, program closures, and project reports. The board also announced that the KKMP report covering 2015-2022 would be distributed and that the annual report, marking the program’s 25th anniversary, was being prepared. The board then reviewed two featured projects. The Organic Association of Kentucky requested $425,000 for organic producer support, but the board approved only one year of funding at $29,000, with members noting concern about recurring applicants and the need to evaluate long-term funding. The second project, by Joseph Dale Bentley in Lewis County, sought $51,300 to expand a small ruminant facility for goat production and export. Members were particularly interested because the project was already operating and creating market opportunities for Kentucky goat producers; the board approved half the project cost to help expand infrastructure and potentially allow quarantining on site. The cabinet then presented its annual update on tobacco settlement fund use in public health. Julie Brooks, Sarah Johnson, and Andrea Day reported on the HANS home visitation program, tobacco prevention and cessation efforts, lung cancer screening, and early childhood oral health. HANS served more families in FY25, rising from 6,293 to 6,715, and increased services from 139,943 to over 143,000. Tobacco prevention and cessation programs continued to support Quit Now Kentucky and My Life, My Quit, though officials noted federal uncertainty and the loss of federal tobacco control infrastructure. They also reported a slight decline in student outreach and cessation requests, but continued demand from schools and communities for vaping and nicotine prevention support. Lung cancer screening expanded to 55 screens, with Kentucky cited as a model for other states due to improved incidence, survival, and early detection rates. Early oral health efforts continued through local health departments, with more trainings for public health nurses, continued varnish kits, and expanded support for dental graduates and hygiene teams.

Transcript Highlights:

• That report then Unanimous support.
• Um, it changes uh thresholds process.
• , bills or conference committee reports, bills or conference committee reports, but<01:00:57.760>
• The secretary will report a...
• I think that's threshold number.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Reports from standing committees. There are none. Reports from select committees. There are none.
• The division will use these funds to run a pilot program for these grants, which will report annually
• Joint Committee on Government and Finance. ...to run a pilot program for these grants, which will report
• And that was at a 51% threshold? Correct.
• anywhere in the state of West Virginia and shall not be subject to proximity or employee usage thresholds

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and a long series of guest introductions, including honorary pages, veterans, child care advocates, and other visitors. The chamber then took up Senate Resolution 63 designating March 13, 2026, as Veterans Visibility Day. Senators spoke at length about honoring everyday veterans, those who served and returned home, and families of those who did not. The resolution was adopted 33-0, with one absent vote, and the remarks of the sponsor were ordered printed in the journal appendix. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 64 opposing China’s misuse of U.N. Resolution 2758 and reaffirming support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. Members described it as an annual expression of support for Taiwan and urged the congressional delegation to stand with Taiwan. The resolution was adopted by voice vote. The chamber then passed House Bill 4007 on industrial access roads, increasing annual funding and project limits for the program, and House Bill 4010 creating an airport hangar grant pilot program funded with $75 million; both bills passed 33-0 and were made effective by the Senate. A major debate centered on House Bill 4012, which would reduce regulatory burdens on utilities and add conditions for transmission projects and PSC approvals. Supporters argued it would protect West Virginia landowners and ratepayers from subsidizing out-of-state projects, while opponents warned about federal preemption and said the bill could hinder beneficial transmission development. After amendment, the bill passed 29-5 and was made effective from passage. The Senate also passed House Bill 4025, moving certain health-related employees into the classified exempt system; House Bill 487 creating a West Virginia-Ireland Education Alliance; House Bill 4106 allowing constitutional carry for 18- to 20-year-olds; House Bill 4176 allowing youth and handicapped hunters to harvest buck deer or doe during special hunts; House Bill 4191 expanding child care support and changing reimbursement rules; House Bill 4345 requiring digitization and transfer of missing persons records to the Fusion Center; and House Bill 4418 creating a Tax Efficiency Act for voluntary electronic B&O tax filing. Most of these measures passed with strong margins, though House Bill 4106 and House Bill 4191 drew notable debate and narrower votes. The most extended and divided discussion came on House Bill 4425, which repealed the one-time high school transfer athletic eligibility protection. Supporters said the current rule had led to recruiting, competitive imbalance, and harm to smaller schools, while opponents argued it punished children and restricted parental choice, especially in academic or safety-related transfers. After extensive debate, the bill passed 31-3. The Senate then moved on to House Bill 4198 and House Bill 4245 by unanimous consent actions, and the transcript ended amid continued debate on school transfer policy and related concerns about fairness, parental authority, and student welfare.

Transcript Highlights:

• The level of increases that they’ve been able to determine are almost on the threshold of not having
• five orders of magnitude essentially lower than what the EPA publishes as their sort of minimum threshold
• question, the background levels that are detectable are about five orders of magnitude below the thresholds
• The only bad news I have to report out of this is that we're out of money.
• “Finally, just note on a staffing perspective: a lot of outreach, QA/QC, reporting, reviewing reports

Bills: HB2024, HB2053, HB2097, HB2116, HB2117

Keywords: stormwater, recharge mapping, water resources, groundwater, appropriation, Arizona, irrigation, non-expansion areas, water management, agriculture, HB2116, Colorado River, litigation fund, water rights, Arizona water law, general fund appropriation, state budget, interstate water compact, Colorado River Compact, water litigation

Summary: The committee began with member and staff introductions, then heard House Bill 2024, which would expand the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority’s water supply development definition to include snowpack augmentation and related planning and facility work. Supporters argued cloud seeding and drone-based silver iodide deployment could increase snowpack and water supply at relatively low cost, while opponents raised concerns about weather modification, uncertainty in the science, and possible environmental or health effects. After debate, the committee approved HB 2024 on a 6-4 vote, with some members expressing reservations and requesting more information before floor consideration. The committee next considered House Bill 2053, which would direct the Arizona Department of Water Resources to update stormwater recharge mapping statewide and provide $100,000 for the work. The sponsor and ADWR said the bill would expand on prior state-land mapping and help identify recharge opportunities on private land; ADWR was neutral and said it could do the technical mapping but could not make legal determinations about appropriable surface water rights. Salt River Project opposed the bill’s language on surface-water rights, arguing that determinations about unappropriated water belong to the courts and that site-specific recharge projects could affect downstream rights. The committee adopted the Griffin amendment and then passed HB 2053 as amended on a 6-4 vote. Chelsea McGuire of WIFA then gave a broad presentation on the agency’s revolving funds, conservation grants, and long-term augmentation efforts, describing past investments, current grant awards, and seven potential augmentation projects under development. She said WIFA’s current budget ask was essentially for no additional cuts, while members asked about costs, project qualifications, and public-private structure. The committee then took up House Bill 2097, which would impose a six acre-feet-per-acre groundwater pumping cap in irrigation non-expansion areas, add reporting and well-measurement requirements, and set a $150 penalty for violations. ADWR said the bill could require additional staffing and that the cap and substitution provisions had technical concerns; environmental groups argued the cap was too high and could still encourage overpumping, while supporters said it would finally place a limit on INA pumping. HB 2097 passed 6-4. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2116, which would appropriate $1 million to the Colorado River Litigation Fund; the sponsor described it as a contingency for ongoing Colorado River negotiations, and the committee moved the bill forward after brief discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 1187, senate, all