Transcript Highlights:

• We're also<00:45:41.040> in<00:45:41.200> the<00:45:41.359> process<00:45:41.599
• <01:45:22.000> federal<01:45:22.960> adult<01:45:23.360> education<01:45:24.080>
• Thank you for<01:45:29.760> the<01:45:29.920> opportunity<01:45:30.400> to<01:45
• .<01:45:39.760> We<01:45:40.000> stand<01:45:40.159> in<01:45:40.400> strong<
• <01:45:43.920> Is<01:45:44.080> there<01:45:44.159> anyone<01:45:44.400>

Bills: HB1977, HB1764, HB1934, HB2533, HB1790, HB2181, HB1870, HB2140, HB2468, HB2358, HB1588, HB1688, HB1986, HB2030, HB2195, HB1949, HB1695, HB1950, HB2094, HB2115, HB2297, HB2336, HB2416, HB2049

Keywords: maternal health, infant health, mobile application, Medicaid, healthcare access, state programs, music education, public concerts, Hawaii State Library, cultural collaboration, music accessibility, libraries, education, reading programs, early childhood, nonprofit, community engagement, teacher retention, Hawaiian language education, special needs schools

Transcript Highlights:

• > does<00:45:18.880> is<00:45:19.119> to<00:45:19.920> uh<00:45:20.160>
• > to<00:45:25.200> pay<00:45:25.359> within<00:45:25.839> 30<00:45:26.079
• :27.680> you<00:45:27.839> have<00:45:27.920> to<00:45:28.079> pay<00:45:
• Not 45,<00:45:30.160> not<00:45:30.480> two<00:45:30.720> months<00:45:30.960>
• And<00:45:33.359> if<00:45:33.599> they<00:45:33.760> don't<00:45:34.000> pay

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began with procedural announcements about report turnaround, amendment submission methods during split operations, a possible January 29 session, the governor’s State of the State on February 5, parking, cafeteria opening, and the plan to finish work by February 10. It then moved into executive session on HB 1123, which would require certain companies to post salary ranges on public job listings. Representative Granger moved ITL, arguing the bill would interfere with negotiations, especially for higher-level jobs, and raise compelled-speech concerns. Supporters, including Representatives Schultz, Sullivan, Cahill, Staub, and others, said salary ranges help applicants avoid wasted time and travel, improve transparency, and are already a common workplace disclosure. The committee voted 10-9 to ITL HB 1123. The committee next took up HB 177, concerning a definition of remote work in labor law. Representative Murphy moved ITL, saying the bill could burden employers, create vague obligations, duplicate existing protections, and potentially require intrusive compliance measures. Representative Sullivan described a proposed amendment that would narrow the bill to a definition of remote work and remove broader requirements, but the committee ultimately voted 11-9 to ITL HB 177. Members also noted that the amendment had not been fully circulated in time and that the issue might merit further review. Finally, the committee opened HB 1352, a workers’ compensation bill focused on repricing and payment practices. The sponsor withdrew an initial ITL motion and moved OTP after amendment review. Members discussed concerns raised at the hearing about delayed payments, third-party administrators, and the need for better accountability. Representative McKenzie’s amendment would define good faith, create a voluntary three-year dispute-resolution pilot, restore fines to prior levels, and add reporting/accountability requirements for carriers that miss the 30-day payment deadline. Several members supported the amendment as a way to help small businesses and providers, while others said repricing needed broader study through the workers’ compensation advisory council. The Department of Labor explained that the amendment would require carriers and related payers to report missed determinations to the department and would increase oversight of payment timeliness.

Transcript Highlights:

• Court<01:45:31.119> Services<01:45:31.600> 13<01:45:32.080> 67.6<01:45:32.880>
• <01:45:43.199> 232<01:45:43.840> House<01:45:44.080> Bill<01:45:44.320> 26
• 45:02.718> be<05:45:02.798> from<05:45:02.958> various<05:45:03.200> sources<
• <05:45:21.280> An<05:45:21.440> estimated<05:45:21.920> $68,91<05:45:23.280>
• <05:45:32.638> created<05:45:32.878> in<05:45:33.040> section<05:45:33.360> 39

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the prior journal, and heard several brief recognitions before moving to business. Members welcomed foster care advocates for Child Abuse Prevention Month, Girl Scouts visiting the Capitol, and participants in Black Maternal Health Week, with remarks emphasizing foster youth voice, leadership development, and the need for culturally competent maternal health care and doula/midwife support. The chamber then took up House Joint Resolution 1026, honoring former Governor Roy Romer and designating a portion of I-25 as the Governor Roy Romer Memorial Highway. Supporters highlighted Romer’s long public service, his work on education and infrastructure, and his role in major state projects. A proposed amendment to strike the word “memorial” was withdrawn, the House suspended the rules to allow Romer to speak from the well, and Romer offered remarks about legislative collegiality and the importance of democracy and listening to opposing views. House Joint Resolution 1026 was adopted on a 60-0 vote, with four excused and one absent. After a brief recess, the House returned to special orders and resumed reading House Bill 1410 at length, continuing through extensive appropriations language for the Department of Human Services, including child welfare, youth services, Medicaid-related transfers, SNAP and benefits administration, and other funding line items. No final action on House Bill 1410 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• today is the<00:45:24.800> second<00:45:25.119> crossover<00:45:25.760> filing<
• Please file your committee reports<00:45:32.400> and<00:45:32.720> drafts<00:45:33.440>
• in<00:45:48.960> favor<00:45:49.359> say<00:45:49.640> I.
• All those<00:45:51.040> opposed<00:45:51.520> say<00:45:51.760> no.
• <00:45:58.079> Have<00:45:58.319> a<00:45:58.560> great<00:45:58.960> weekend

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :12.079> budget<00:45:12.480> and<00:45:12.800> the<00:45:13.040> transportation
• trunk<00:45:14.400> highway<00:45:15.760> um<00:45:16.319> uh<00:45:16.400
• :18.160> And<00:45:18.800> the<00:45:19.040> crux<00:45:19.520> of<00:45:
• And the crux of the changes would<00:45:20.880> start<00:45:21.119> on<00:45:21.359>
• <00:45:25.280> assumption<00:45:26.079> assumptions I believe that's the crux of it

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > I<00:45:03.680> ask<00:45:03.920> my<00:45:04.160> question<00:45:04.319><
• about the draft.<00:45:05.119> Um,<00:45:06.560> and<00:45:06.800> isn't<00:45:
• 07.040> it<00:45:07.200> the<00:45:07.440> case<00:45:07.599> that<00:45:
• /c><00:45:14.000> gas<00:45:14.240> plant<00:45:14.800> um<00:45:15.119> if
• 45:57.359> those<00:45:57.680> words<00:45:58.000> and<00:45:58.319> then

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the 22nd chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, the Pharisees asked, In the 22nd chapter of the Gospel
• Recess for the House has been extended until 11:45.
• I repeat, recess for the House has been extended until 11:45. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
• The hour of 11:45 having to come to, heaven arrive to have an hour of 11:45 having to come to having
• The hour of 11:45 having to come to, haven't arrived. The House will come to order.

Keywords: Scheduler, 973, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.240> of<00:45:00.319> the<00:45:00.480> state<00:45:00.640> and<00:45
• <00:45:07.119> and<00:45:07.359> natural<00:45:07.760> resources<00:45:08.160>
• <00:45:11.040> generations<00:45:11.440> to<00:45:11.680> come<00:45:11.760>
• <00:45:13.760> Okay,<00:45:14.240> thank<00:45:14.400> you<00:45:14.560>
• <00:45:32.960> My<00:45:33.200> name<00:45:33.280> is<00:45:33.520> Robert

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several shoreline easement resolutions and a water-supply study resolution. For the easement measures, the Department of Land and Natural Resources supported each item, and testimony also came from affected landowners and community members. Members asked about why some easements were granted gratis to public agencies, with DLNR explaining that those cases involved public infrastructure such as stormwater management and did not require bonds or rent. For private properties, DLNR described the standard process of monthly rent during the legislative approval gap, followed by a one-time appraised payment for a 25-year easement once the appraisal is completed. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on shoreline erosion and whether hardened shoreline structures or seawalls were contributing to beach loss. On one measure, DLNR explained that a large sandbag shoreline structure was tied to a nearby boat harbor that had altered sand movement over time, causing flanking erosion on adjacent unarmored property. On another, DLNR said a wall built under a valid 1960s permit was originally a boundary or landscaping wall, but now functions as a seawall as the shoreline has migrated landward. Members raised concerns about fairness, public beach access, and whether adjacent owners should share costs, and DLNR responded that shoreline matters are handled parcel by parcel under existing statute. The committee also heard support for a resolution creating a task force or study on desalination. DLNR’s Commission on Water Resource Management supported the intent but asked for more time to complete a comprehensive report, noting the work would require substantial staffing and coordination. The Board of Water Supply and CARES also testified in support, with CARES emphasizing future water-supply needs, cultural and historic preservation concerns, and the importance of coordinating with other agencies. DLNR said it would rely on existing studies and work with county agencies and the Department of Health. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:45:03.640> mcis<00:45:04.599> if<00:45:04.720> he<00:45:04.800> had
• <00:45:08.119> election<00:45:08.400> night<00:45:08.680> count<00:45:09.119>
• have asked<00:45:09.640> for<00:45:09.760> a<00:45:09.880> recount<00:45:10.920
• > I<00:45:14.640> mean<00:45:14.880> like<00:45:15.240> the<00:45:15.359>
• <00:45:21.160> if<00:45:21.520> this<00:45:21.640> had<00:45:21.839> happened

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.960> my<00:45:01.200> pitch<00:45:01.440> is<00:45:01.760> so<00:45:01.880
• > the<00:45:02.400> as<00:45:02.520> you<00:45:02.640> know so my pitch is
• > the<00:45:03.720> criteria<00:45:04.359> is<00:45:04.800> is represent
• scitech the criteria is is represent scitech the criteria is is more<00:45:05.240> than<00:45:
• 05.559> just<00:45:05.800> the<00:45:06.040> exam<00:45:07.200> there'ss

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee hearing focused on House Bill 271, which would remove the exam requirement for licensure as a Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA). The chair and several members expressed reservations about repealing a requirement that was only created in 2021, arguing that licensure should include some measurable demonstration of competency and that it is too early to judge whether the current standard is working. Members also raised concerns about the social work compact and the lack of uniformity across states, saying that changing the requirement now could undermine the standards New Hampshire agreed to at the outset. Testimony in support of the bill argued that the LSWA exam is a barrier for applicants because the level is intended for people without formal social work education, and the exam is the same national exam used for licensed social workers. The witness said there is only one LSWA in New Hampshire, so there is little pass/fail data, but noted that the Association of Social Worker Boards reported 78% of its membership favored retaining the exam. Supporters also emphasized that LSWA holders complete 30 hours of training and extensive supervised hours, and that they are not intended to work independently. Opponents or skeptics questioned whether the exam is the right measure for this role and asked for data showing actual failures or barriers. The discussion turned to possible alternatives, including a different exam, a practical skills assessment, or broader rulemaking authority for the board to set LSWA criteria. One suggestion was to amend the law to give the board authority to develop appropriate standards in rulemaking, rather than naming a specific exam in statute. Members also discussed whether the board could create a more suitable assessment and noted that the current law requires a national proctored examination approved by the board, but there is no national exam specifically for LSWA. No final vote or action was taken in the excerpt, and the subcommittee indicated it would gather more information, including the existing rule language, before moving the bill forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2192, enacting Title 23, Chapter 2, relating to employment.
• House Bill 2192, enacting Title 23, Chapter 2. Go ahead and read the first bill on the calendar.
• House bill 2192, enact amending 10.0.23, Chapter 2, 2, relating to employment.
• House Bill 2932, enacting Section 45-56,000, relating to withdrawal of groundwater.
• Amending Title 41, Chapter 21, Article 1, Section 41-105, relating to state...

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, approved the prior journal, and moved through several Committee of the Whole calendars. On Calendar 1, HB 2192 (employment/video content matters of public concern) was amended and given a do pass recommendation. HB 2592 (government information technology) was amended to remove legislative approval of certain emergency or temporary AI-related rules and received a do pass recommendation. HB 2752 (Commerce Authority trade office) received a do pass recommendation after a Mesnard amendment and an Epstein amendment was debated; the Epstein amendment failed on division, and the bill was retained on the calendar. HB 2916 (traffic schools and instructors fingerprint clearance) was amended to allow work to begin while fingerprint clearance is pending and received a do pass recommendation. HB 2946 (development fees) was amended to address municipal distinctions based on dwelling size/bedrooms and received a do pass recommendation. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted. On Calendar 2, HB 2918, HB 2999, HB 1418, and HCR 2059 were considered. HB 2999 (special taxing districts/infrastructure finance districts) drew the most discussion; a Mesnard floor amendment made several changes to tax-rate, bond, and infrastructure provisions, and the bill was ultimately amended and given a do pass recommendation. HB 1418 (sheriff auxiliary authority) and HCR 2059 (county services) also received do pass recommendations. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted. On Calendar 3, HB 2035 (DCS kinship care placement requirements) was amended to change a reporting deadline and received a do pass recommendation. HB 241 (child neglect financial resources exception), HB 2594 (child confidentiality), and HB 2932 (groundwater transportation fee/withdrawal-related provisions) were also considered; HB 2594 and HB 2932 were amended and received do pass recommendations. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted. On Calendar 4, HB 2109 (portable wireless communication devices/distracted driving penalties for motorcycles), HB 2118 (mobile food vendors’ licenses), HB 2244 (eviction satisfaction of judgment), and HB 4011 (HOA duties) were all advanced, with committee or floor amendments adopted where offered, and the report was adopted. The Senate also took up an additional Committee of the Whole for HB 2440 (transition program), adopted a technical floor amendment, and advanced the bill. Later, the chamber adopted a proclamation recognizing Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on its centennial and welcomed guests from the university. The Senate received a House request to return SB 1113 for further amendment and appointed free conference committees for HB 2133 and HB 2010. On third reading, HB 2592 passed 16-9-1, HB 2916 passed 26-1-3, HB 2946 passed 27-0-3, and HB 2999 passed 21-6-3, with Senator Epstein explaining her no vote on HB 2999 due to concerns about homeowner cost uncertainty. The Senate then adjourned until April 15, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• of protecting<00:45:09.720> consumers<00:45:10.400> in<00:45:10.640> that<00:45
• <00:45:13.280> in<00:45:13.480> narrow<00:45:13.840> markets<00:45:14.400>
• balance<00:45:43.080> back<00:45:43.600> into<00:45:43.920> the<00:45:44.040>
• entertainment<00:45:47.920> industry<00:45:48.480> here<00:45:48.840> in<00:45:
• <00:45:58.640> like<00:45:58.880> to<00:45:59.040> end<00:45:59.480> up

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I<00:45:20.320> just<00:45:20.520> want<00:45:20.640> to<00:45:20.680> make
• leave of absence<00:45:24.440> while<00:45:24.680> you're<00:45:24.800> in<00:45
• Okay,<00:45:33.520> any<00:45:33.720> other<00:45:33.880> questions<00:45:34.560
• > jobs<00:45:51.840> to<00:45:51.960> help<00:45:52.160> pay<00:45:52.320
• <00:45:54.280> And<00:45:54.480> so,<00:45:54.800> are<00:45:54.960> you<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:45:46.720> the<00:45:46.880> Attorney<00:45:47.319> General<00:45:47.800><
• :52.040> number<00:45:52.520> 610<00:45:53.359> million<00:45:53.680> we<
• <00:45:54.280> sort<00:45:54.440> of<00:45:54.559> in<00:45:54.839> committee
• sort of in committee heard that detailed<00:45:56.800> um<00:45:57.280> but<00:45:57.520
• > again<00:45:58.359> uh<00:45:58.720> you<00:45:58.920> can't detailed um

Bills: HF23, HF1355

Keywords: whistleblower, whistleblower protections, public employees, state employees, retaliation, reporting fraud, misuse of authority, personal gain, state government, state services, state programs, legislative auditor, constitutional officer, public corruption, fraud reporting, government accountability, employee rights, labor law, Minnesota Statutes 181.931, Minnesota Statutes 181.932

Transcript Highlights:

• provides the<00:45:14.920> PC<00:45:15.880> with<00:45:16.000> the<00:45:16.119>
• 45:29.119> funds<00:45:30.119> uh<00:45:30.280> dcca<00:45:31.280> division
• morning stand<00:45:34.280> our<00:45:34.480> comments<00:45:35.359> iding<00:45
• > got<00:45:38.880> you<00:45:39.119> thank<00:45:39.400> you<00:45:40.400
• anyone else<00:45:50.440> who<00:45:50.559> would<00:45:50.720> like<00:45:50.960

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate hearing focused primarily on SB 1201, a wildfire measure that would create a wildfire recovery fund and allow securitization for electric utilities. Hawaiian Electric strongly supported the bill, saying it would help protect customers, property owners, insurers, and the broader economy from future catastrophic wildfire liability while improving the utility’s credit profile and lowering financing costs. Support also came from DCCA Consumer Advocacy, the Attorney General’s office on written comments, Ulupono Initiative, Clearway Energy Group, IBEW Local 1260, Par Hawaii, KIUC, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, Plus Power, and numerous organizations and individuals. Opponents or commenters raised concerns about the liability cap, victim compensation process, and fund structure, including the Hawaiʻi Association for Justice, the Hawaiʻi Regional Council of Carpenters, and the Hawaiʻi Insurance Council; Henry Curtis of Life of the Land supported the concept of a fund but questioned the catastrophe threshold and whether the fund would be empty without a prudency finding. Much of the discussion centered on whether the proposed fund would actually help restore Hawaiian Electric to investment grade, with senators comparing the proposal to California’s wildfire fund. Hawaiian Electric said the bill was only one part of a broader process, alongside physical risk reduction and settlement finalization, and argued that without the bill the utility would not regain investment grade. Senators also questioned the proposed $1 billion fund size, the fairness of ratepayer contributions versus shareholder contributions, and whether customers should pay for consulting and administrative costs; Hawaiian Electric said its proposed amendment would remove those consulting-related charges. The company also said the fund would accrue interest and, if unused, could be returned to customers, and that there would be replenishment and supplemental contribution mechanisms if the fund were exhausted. The Attorney General’s office said it still had further amendments to discuss, and the departments had not yet resolved where the fund should reside administratively, though Hawaiian Electric said it believed DCCA was the appropriate place but was open to alternatives. KIUC requested two amendments. No vote or final committee action was taken during the hearing, and the measure remained under discussion with questions and proposed amendments still outstanding.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:02.760> on<00:45:03.000> this<00:45:03.200> and<00:45:03.319> the<
• 00:45:18.880> and<00:45:19.040> get<00:45:19.119> a<00:45:19.280> zoning<
• variance um<00:45:21.160> with<00:45:21.400> that<00:45:22.240> and<00:45:22.520
• <00:45:26.720> said<00:45:27.200> because<00:45:27.640> they're<00:45:27.880
• which<00:45:46.920> quite<00:45:47.119> frankly<00:45:47.559> was<00:45:47.720>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:45:09.840> Uh<01:45:10.159> next,<01:45:10.560> I'll<01:45:10.880> call
• I'm<01:45:20.480> representing<01:45:20.880> the<01:45:21.119> nurses<01:45:21.679
• As we heard from<01:45:40.560> the<01:45:40.800> sponsor<01:45:42.080> of<01:45:
• 42.239> the<01:45:42.480> bill,<01:45:42.880> this<01:45:43.119> is<01:45
• According to<01:45:47.440> the<01:45:47.600> United<01:45:48.000> Nations,<01:45

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• No,<00:45:10.079> I<00:45:10.319> was<00:45:10.480> not.
• <00:45:11.839> Yeah,<00:45:12.480> it's<00:45:12.800> a<00:45:12.960> very
• <00:45:14.160> very<00:45:14.400> proud<00:45:14.560> of<00:45:14.720> you.
• <00:45:24.160> Okay,<00:45:25.040> we<00:45:25.359> got<00:45:25.520> everybody
• It<00:45:26.480> looks<00:45:26.640> like<00:45:26.960> almost<00:45:27.920>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs held a resolutions hearing on April 1, 2025, and considered a series of measures largely focused on housing, domestic violence, corrections, Native Hawaiian issues, and public safety. Early items included HCR 158 HD1 and HR 153 HD1, which request a Judiciary-led working group to improve landlord-tenant code provisions to increase housing supply; Hawaii Realtors testified in strong support, and there was no opposition. The committee also heard HCR 55 and HR 51 on studying the effectiveness of domestic violence, restraining order, and stalking laws. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office said some requested data may exceed judicial authority but that useful Judiciary data exists, while the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the intent but urged broader, better-funded, survivor-inclusive analysis across all counties and islands. Members asked for clarification on the proposed draft, and the witness emphasized narrowing the scope, including stalking, and extending the timeline. The committee then took up HCR 23 HD1 on the new Oahu Community Correctional Center. The Public Defender supported adding a courtroom but objected to language about transporting released detainees away from residential communities or public spaces as unconstitutional; the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation supported the measure and said one multipurpose courtroom would be sufficient, and that most released inmates are picked up by family or programs, with others transported to a bus depot. HCR 174 HD1/HR 170 HD1, on in-school based learning programs for youth in the juvenile legal system, drew strong support from Debt Free Justice Hawaii, which said the resolution was youth-led and could help replace fees and fines with community service and rehabilitation opportunities. HCR 185, on an audit of proposed mandatory health insurance coverage for Native Hawaiian healing and cultural practices, received comments from Pāpa Lokahi supporting the concept but warning that reimbursement issues are complex, that the community should restart broader conversations, and that the measure should not be rushed or unfunded; members questioned whether the resolution was the right vehicle and whether it could affect ACA implementation. Several Native Hawaiian and community measures were also heard. HCR 147/HR 147, creating a legislative working group on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands funding, had support from DHHL and the Democratic Party of Hawaii. HCR 193 HD1/HR 186 HD1, on transferring Native Hawaiian burial site management to OHA, was strongly supported by OHA, which also proposed adding recognized lineal and cultural descendants to the working group membership; the committee noted multiple supporting testimonies and no opposition on the House draft. HCR 8/HR 8, urging DOJ inclusion of Hawaii in the missing and murdered indigenous persons outreach program, was supported by OHA, which cited a task force report showing Native Hawaiian women and girls make up over 40% of missing persons cases despite being about 10% of the population. HCR 124 HD1/HR 120 HD1 on Hawaiian language resources had no testimony. HCR 180 HD1 on collaborative homelessness response drew comments from the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions and three support testimonies. HCR 72/HR 65 on county ethics standards also drew support only. HCR 100/HR 96 on competency in LGBTQ+ and culturally specific gender identity training received support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, which stressed the need for training that reflects Native Hawaiian and other Polynesian understandings such as mahu and fa’afafine. The committee continued with additional measures that were mostly noncontroversial. HCR 30/AHR 29 on enforcement against out-of-state vehicles had support from the Department of Transportation. HCR 43 HD1, studying highway patrol and speed cameras, had one opposition testimony. HCR 119 HD1/HR 115 HD1, endorsing Taiwan’s international participation and a U.S.-Taiwan trade agreement, was supported by DBEDT. HCR 62 HD1 and HR 57, on flying the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia flag year-round at the Capitol, had no testimony, though DBEDT supported the related measure. Throughout the hearing, members generally asked few questions, and the transcript reflects testimony, comments, and stated positions rather than any final committee votes or deferred actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have 45 million borrowers.” “With debt but no degree. We have 45 million borrowers.
• We have 45 million borrowers. It's doing a with debt but no degree. We have 45 million borrowers.
• The only chapter that I've read carefully is the education chapter.
• But I wrote none of the words that are in that chapter.
• Again, I agree with most of what's in that chapter.

Summary: The committee first heard a confirmation from UCF trustee reappointee Mr. Christie, who described his background in medical devices and prior board service and said he wanted to help UCF strengthen its financial foundation, workforce alignment, and engineering and technology pipeline. Members asked about UCF’s direction, and he emphasized the university’s role in producing engineers and supporting Florida’s space and technology sectors. The committee then moved to the higher education budget for fiscal year 2025-26, which was presented as an $11.5 billion total budget including local funds and focused heavily on workforce education, nursing, agriculture technology, tutoring, student aid, and university initiatives. Chair Harrell highlighted increases for school district workforce education, Florida College System operations, career and technical education grants, the GATE program, nursing education through USF’s Florida Center for Nursing, UF/IFAS rural and agricultural programs, UCF’s Community School Grant Program, UF’s literacy and tutoring initiatives, autism and neurodevelopment services, full funding for major scholarship programs, and $250 million for state universities through the Board of Governors. Senator Davis asked about line grant flexibility, and Harrell said a conforming bill would address the details. The budget proposal was adopted as a recommendation to the full Appropriations Committee, with staff authorized to make technical corrections. The committee then took up a series of confirmations, beginning with Florida State University reappointee Peter Collins, who emphasized his long FSU ties, leadership on the board, and goal of keeping FSU on a path toward top-10 status and AAU membership. Rebecca Matthews, a new University of West Florida appointee, discussed her education-related volunteer work, Florida Education Foundation service, and interest in supporting UWF’s continued excellence; senators questioned her on Title IX and she said she would support student protections and compliance. Rachel Moyah, another UWF appointee, highlighted her education, school board experience, and priorities of student safety, fiscal discipline, and workforce readiness; she also said she would comply with Title IX and other applicable rules. Ashley Ross, also nominated to UWF, said she would focus on university advancement, military ties, cybersecurity, civil engineering, and strong governance, and agreed that Title IX protections should be preserved and advanced. The most extensive questioning came during the confirmation of Adam Kessel, a UWF appointee and Heritage Foundation fellow, who was asked about prior writings on privatizing public universities, his comments about the GI Bill, and his views on free speech and Project 2025. Kessel said he did not recommend privatizing Florida universities, clarified that his comments about the GI Bill and over-enrollment were about broader higher education policy, and said he supports veterans and the GI Bill. He described his higher education work as focused on civic education, accreditation, student success, tenure, and free speech, and said trustees should improve campus culture through policies, training, and institutional neutrality. Public testimony on UWF was sharply divided: former UWF leaders and community members warned that the new slate of trustees and their vote to make Scott Yenor chair had chilled donations, enrollment, and community trust, while a James Madison Institute representative praised Kessel’s scholarship and thoughtful approach. The committee also heard from FAMU reappointment Belvin Perry, who cited his judicial career and board service and said his goal is to support student success, retain strong faculty and staff, and help FAMU continue rising in national standing. Finally, the committee began hearing from remote appointees, including UCF nominee Mark Philburn, who emphasized his construction, affordable housing, and higher education board experience, and FSU nominee Peter Jones, who described his finance and investment background and long service to FSU boards and committees. The last nominee heard before the transcript ended was Florida Gulf Coast appointee Paul Applegarth, whose audio issues delayed his remarks; he began by noting his prior federal confirmation, military service, and GI Bill-supported education.

Transcript Highlights:

• :45:03.360> would<00:45:03.440> be<00:45:03.520> a<00:45:03.560> defensible
• >> All<00:45:07.240> right,<00:45:07.360> I'm<00:45:07.480> a<00:45:07.520
• c><00:45:23.400> assess<00:45:23.680> my<00:45:23.800> standing<00:45:24.200>
• I<00:45:27.960> I<00:45:28.000> might<00:45:28.200> be<00:45:28.320> clear
• <00:45:41.000> bit<00:45:41.240> on<00:45:41.480> the<00:45:41.560> statement

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The meeting opened with a quorum present and approval of the April 17 minutes. The commission then heard a presentation from attorney Jacob Rhodes of Cleveland, Waters and Bass on the history and legal basis of New Hampshire’s timber tax, explaining that timber was historically treated as part of real property, that a 1913 case confirmed that view, and that a 1949 constitutional amendment created a separate timber yield tax to discourage clear-cutting and support forest conservation. He described the tax as a tax on the yield when timber is severed, not an income tax, and noted that towns are reimbursed through a system based on Department of Revenue Administration market data and local reports of cut. Members and guests asked how “yield” is defined, how the timber tax interacts with current use, and whether carbon sequestration could be treated similarly. Testimony explained that current use generally is not affected by harvesting timber, that towns can tax standing timber under RSA 79:5 but rarely do because it is labor-intensive, and that carbon credits might be valued using a similar market-data approach. Several speakers discussed a prior bill drafted with DRA input that would have treated carbon more like timber, but noted it never fully advanced in the General Court and that the version ultimately discussed by the House differed from the earlier DRA-comfortable draft. The discussion also covered whether carbon sequestration agreements are effectively long-term leases or transfers of timber rights, with Rhodes suggesting that 99-year arrangements could be taxable transfers of real property under DRA rules, though he had not reviewed specific agreements. DRA staff said they do not currently have a timber-like survey mechanism for carbon and would likely need access to proprietary market data or a subscription service to build one. No formal vote was taken beyond approving the minutes; the commission appeared to agree to revisit the carbon/timber valuation issue and the draft bill at a future meeting.