Transcript Highlights:

• American<00:14:21.600> Academy<00:14:22.000> of<00:14:22.120> Pediatrics<00:14:
• > clause<00:14:29.920> one<00:14:30.280> and<00:14:30.839> and<00:14:31.000
• The<01:14:03.240> 2024<01:14:04.240> law<01:14:04.640> was<01:14:04.800> an
• <01:14:07.520> know<01:14:07.800> it's<01:14:07.960> not<01:14:08.200> enough
• The<01:14:45.680> Minnesota<01:14:46.240> legislature<01:14:46.960> is<01:14:47.120

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:14:10.959> uh<00:14:11.199> vines<00:14:11.519> and<00:14:11.680> where<
• they are.<00:14:12.560> And<00:14:12.720> the<00:14:12.959> second<00:14:13.279
• > is<00:14:13.760> uh<00:14:13.920> a<00:14:14.079> few<00:14:14.240>
• > a<00:14:15.440> a<00:14:15.680> bamboo<00:14:16.079> stand<00:14:16.959
• <00:14:23.199> if<00:14:23.360> you<00:14:23.440> have<00:14:23.519> a

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard three resolutions first. STR 32/SR 18 asked the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to work with the Department of Transportation to use inmate work furlough programs for state roadway and highway maintenance. Testimony was generally supportive of the intent, but the Correctional System Oversight Commission raised concerns about using work furlough for maintenance and emphasized that participants should be paid at least minimum wage, be able to meet restitution and support obligations, and not have their release timing affected. The measures were later recommended and adopted by both committees with no amendments in the joint portion. STR 199/SR 179 concerned increased caution regarding foreign infrastructure. There was no public testimony. In decision-making, the committees split the measures: STR 199 was deferred because of a similar measure, while SR 179 was passed with amendments. The amendments were described as clarifying Hawaii’s goals of self-sufficiency, local self-reliance, and self-determination, and encouraging scrutiny by departments and agencies to reduce dependence on imports. STR 231/SR 207, which would direct DOT to install electronic equipment at state airports and harbors to scan for illegal fireworks, drew mixed testimony, including support from the Oahu Filipino Community Council and comments from Matson Navigation. DOT said it supported the intent. The committees adopted amendments to address Matson’s concerns by moving inspections to a place outside the immediate loading and unloading area, and both committees passed the measures as amended. The Public Safety and Military Affairs committee then took up additional resolutions. STR 113/SR 94, designating Hawaii as a Purple Heart state on August 7, 2025, received no testimony and was not discussed further. STR 204/SR 164, asking the Department of Law Enforcement for information on disposal, detonation, and destruction of explosive fireworks and similar hazardous materials, also drew no testimony in the excerpt. STR 107/SR 88, urging military branches in Hawaii to provide hurricane-resistant shelters for active and retired personnel and families, likewise received no testimony. STR 148/SR 119, supporting construction of a floating dry dock at Pearl Harbor, drew broad support from industry, military, and state economic development representatives. STR 149/SR 120, creating a vegetation management working group to address wildfire risk, received extensive testimony in support and comments, with speakers from DCCA, PUC, Hawaiian Electric, IBW 1260, Hawaiʻi Telecom, and Kamehameha Schools discussing wildfire hazards, responsibility for vegetation near utility infrastructure, and the need to include workers and landowners in the process. STR 126/SR 105, calling for an incremental reduction in the number of inmates housed in private out-of-state facilities, prompted a lengthy discussion with DCR. The director said Hawaii’s out-of-state incarceration is driven by overcrowding and security needs, not a quota, described the per-person-per-day cost of CoreCivic housing, noted that Hawaii pays about $96 per inmate per day out of state versus about $37 in-state, and said the department is working on a master plan and future facility needs. The committee also discussed the need for a new prison and possibly a new jail. The excerpt ends with the committee still in discussion, without showing a final vote on STR 126/SR 105.

Transcript Highlights:

• > to<00:14:00.880> speak<00:14:01.120> to<00:14:01.519> is<00:14:02.240><
• <00:14:06.800> This<00:14:06.959> is<00:14:07.199> something<00:14:07.760>
• <00:14:11.680> Um<00:14:12.240> we<00:14:12.800> uh<00:14:13.120> when
• <00:14:15.680> a<00:14:15.920> problem<00:14:16.240> to<00:14:16.480> us<
• at an<00:14:25.760> organizational<00:14:26.480> chart,<00:14:26.959> try<00:14

Bills: HF3676, HF2959, HF3233

Keywords: Safe at Home, address confidentiality, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, harassment, victim privacy, survivor protection, confidential address, protected address, secret address, identity protection, residential confidentiality, program participant, nondiscrimination, court disclosure, protective order, service of process, driver's license, state ID

Transcript Highlights:

• Dawkins Haggler; chapter president Lillian Morris from the North Mississippi chapter; chapter president
• the Jackson, Mississippi chapter.
• She's been here before<00:14:00.560> and<00:14:00.800> she<00:14:01.040> still<00
• :14:01.199> comes<00:14:01.440> back.
• So, thank<00:14:02.079> you,<00:14:02.240> Doc.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 16 February, 2026; 4:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with quorum calls, an invocation by Dr. Jeff Parker of Southside Baptist Church in Jackson, and the pledge of allegiance led by the sergeant-at-arms. Dr. Parker offered a prayer for the members, their families, and the state, and the chamber welcomed several guests, including members of Jack and Jill of America, Dr. Gloria Graham as doctor of the day, and Pastor Parker’s wife, Sheila Parker. On the calendar, the Senate first disposed of several procedural items by tabling motions to reconsider on Senate Bill 2441, which concerns limited medical licenses, and Senate Bill 2454, which revises Medical Licensure Board provisions, including licensure status, definitions, procedures, fines, and temporary practice authority. During discussion of SB 2454, Senator McClendon asked about the board’s composition, and Senator Brian explained that the bill would allow three lay members on the board while keeping doctors in the majority, noting that this was a recommendation from the board itself. The Senate also took up an out-of-order resolution honoring Mississippi members of the Seattle Seahawks NFL Super Bowl 60 champions. The remainder of the meeting consisted largely of announcements. Senators announced upcoming receptions and committee meetings, including Judiciary A, Rules, and Highways and Transportation, and several members asked that the Senate adjourn in memory of deceased relatives and community members. Senator England reminded members of the March 10 primary elections and encouraged voting. The Senate then adopted a motion to stand in recess until 5:00 p.m., with the journal to reflect adjournment until 10:00 a.m. the following morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• The initial language that we had proposed pretty much just kept it in Chapter 407, which is the chapter
• I don't know. kept it in Chapter 407, which is the chapter of NRS that pertains specifically to State
• When the language came back, it actually came back in Chapter 322, which is a state lands chapter of
• Erica Mosca for the record, representing Assembly District 14 in East Las Vegas.
• Assembly District 14 in East Las Vegas. Yes, I'm going to be brief today.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We like<01:14:06.480> the<01:14:06.640> intent<01:14:06.880> of<01:14:07.040>
• Um we're just<01:14:08.560> not<01:14:08.800> clear<01:14:09.040> on<01:14:09.280
• 12.239> u<01:14:12.400> because<01:14:12.640> we<01:14:12.880> don't<01:14
• Testimony<01:14:40.880> and<01:14:41.120> support<01:14:41.360> from<01:14:41.679
• <01:14:55.440> We<01:14:55.760> really<01:14:56.000> appreciate<01:14:56.480

Bills: HB1769

Keywords: criminal justice reform, rehabilitation, private prisons, racial equity, Native Hawaiians, community well-being, mass incarceration, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1769, which would require the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to incrementally reduce the number of people incarcerated in private out-of-state correctional institutions. The DCR director opposed the bill, saying the department does not control overall prison population levels because courts determine admissions, and arguing that Hawaiʻi’s in-state facilities are already over capacity, especially Halawa, which he said is 165% over design capacity. He said only a small portion of the population is under departmental control through furlough programs and argued that bringing people home would require building a new medium-security prison. Supporters, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, the Public Defender’s office, and several individuals, argued the bill creates a phased, accountable path to reduce reliance on mainland prisons and bring people home. Supporters emphasized the harms of separating incarcerated people from ʻohana and culture, the disproportionate impact on Native Hawaiians, and the need for diversion, treatment, re-entry support, and fair sentencing. Several testifiers also said the department has more control than it claimed, pointing to underused furlough options, reclassification, and empty beds at some in-state facilities, while others urged clearer statutory language and guardrails. Members questioned the director about whether people could be reclassified or moved to available beds at facilities such as Kulani and Waiawa, and about whether the department could do more through staffing and contract changes. The director said some proposals had been sent to the Department of Human Resource Development, but that major facility changes would be costly and that minimum-security facilities would need substantial upgrades to house medium-security inmates. After discussion, the chair said the committee would defer HB 1769 to Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. for decision-making and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• and the<00:14:24.480> meaning<00:14:24.720> behind<00:14:25.040> the<00:14:25.199
• <00:14:48.800> Due<00:14:49.120> to<00:14:49.199> the<00:14:49.440> size<
• 00:14:51.040> we<00:14:51.279> do<00:14:51.440> not<00:14:51.600> have of
• like myself have<00:14:56.320> to<00:14:56.480> wait<00:14:56.639> weeks<00:14:
• <00:14:58.720> from<00:14:58.959> the<00:14:59.120> public<00:14:59.440>

Bills: HF3698, HF3067, HF3730

Keywords: libraries, electronic books, digital audiobooks, licensing agreements, public access, paraprofessional, paraprofessional qualifications, education support staff, teacher aide, teacher assistant, special education, Title I, federal personnel qualifications, Minnesota Department of Education, school district, charter school, cooperative unit, Read Act, reading instruction, math instruction

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:35.440> to<00:14:35.600> 11:30<00:14:36.560> in<00:14:36.800> room
• >> Mr.<00:14:40.560> Pro<00:14:40.800> Tim,<00:14:41.040> you're<00:14
• >> All<00:14:52.399> in<00:14:52.639> favor<00:14:52.880> say<00:14:53.120
• Motion prevails.<00:14:56.880> Work<00:14:57.199> now<00:14:57.440> receive<00:14
• Receive<00:14:58.320> those<00:14:58.480> reports<00:14:58.800> throughout<00:14

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Chapter Service Coordinator Some people call it Chapter Manager.
• chapters.
• I serve eight chapters, and of course, it was nine chapters.
• So they started a scoping project and I think we basically worked with 14 chapters all the way down 491
• So there's like 14 or 15 chapters involved in it.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tom<00:14:43.920> Machica<00:14:44.560> on<00:14:44.800> Zoom<00:14:45.120> for
• Aloha<00:14:53.120> and<00:14:53.600> good<00:14:53.839> afternoon.
• Colleen Tamay on<00:14:56.079> behalf<00:14:56.320> of<00:14:56.480> our<00:14:56.639
• Tommy Machica.<00:14:58.399> The<00:14:58.560> Tech<00:14:58.880> Foundation<00
• :14:59.199> of<00:14:59.360> Hawaii Machica.

Bills: SB2699

Keywords: fare-free transit, youth transportation, environmental tax, transit equity, public transit, Hawaii, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee reconvened and first addressed SB 2699 on public transit/free transportation for young people. Members noted that the Committee on Transportation had already deferred the measure, and this committee said it would defer it as well before adjourning that brief reconvened session. The hearing then moved to SB 2373, which would establish a state goal to strengthen nature-based carbon emissions reduction solutions and authorize the Hawaii State Energy Office to develop methods to quantify carbon reductions from marine ecosystem restoration. The Energy Office said marine carbon sequestration was outside its expertise and asked to be removed from that portion of the bill, while DLNR and OPSD offered comments and said the work fit better with their areas, with DLNR saying it could take it on if properly resourced. Testimony included support from environmental groups, and committee discussion focused on which agency should lead and whether existing methodologies could be used. Next was SB 21001 on organic waste reduction and diversion. The Department of Health supported the intent but raised implementation concerns. Hawaii Farmers Union strongly supported the bill, arguing it would help build compost supply, improve soil health, and give counties time to develop infrastructure; they cited Vermont as a model and said the bill could extend landfill life and reduce methane. Members asked about the Vermont approach and the need for infrastructure before household-level diversion. The committee also heard SB 2905, which would increase the environmental response, energy, and food security tax and direct more revenue to the electric vehicle charging system subaccount. The Energy Office, PUC, and Tax Department offered comments; youth and clean transportation advocates strongly supported the bill as a way to expand charging access and meet EV adoption goals. A member questioned whether the proposed increase would outpace the state’s ability to deploy chargers, and PUC staff said the current annual appropriation is about $750,000 and that they could provide more data on an appropriate funding level. Additional measures were briefly taken up: SB 3231 on condominium maps and county zoning certification in A districts drew support from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau; SB 2486 on climate change drew comments from the Energy Office, Climate Commission, and OPSD, who said it duplicated existing climate planning and should include adaptation language; and SB 2376 on the renewable fuels production tax credit drew support from industry and agricultural groups, while the Energy Office and Tax Department raised concerns about the rollover provision and the scale of the credit. No final votes were recorded in the excerpt beyond the earlier deferral of SB 2699.

Transcript Highlights:

• is a presentation by Representative Esposito of House Bill 301 relating to proposed amendments to Chapter
• Members, the bill takes a different approach to amending Chapter 120. ...to Chapter 120.
• Members, the bill takes a different approach to amending Chapter 120 from Senate Bill 108 that was previously
• In August 2024, Chapter 65C-46 was finalized and laid out the content for these signs for safe homes.
• Again, the notice of proposed rule was published on February 14, last Friday.

Summary: The Joint Administrative Procedures Committee heard a presentation from Representative Esposito on a proposal to strengthen oversight of agency rulemaking under Chapter 120. The bill would require cost-benefit analysis at the front end and after implementation, create an eight-year sunset and review process for rules, and require express legislative authority for agency rulemaking. Members questioned the lack of concrete examples of burdensome rules, the effect on already slow rulemaking, the choice of an eight-year sunset, and the bill’s origin; Esposito said she was working with stakeholders and cited her chamber-of-commerce background and research with the Cicero Institute. No vote was taken on the bill itself. Staff then reported on legislatively mandated rulemaking from 2023 and 2024, noting that most required rules had been adopted, proposed, noticed, or scheduled, with a few agencies still outstanding. The Department of Financial Services explained a delayed notice of rule development for the MySafe Florida Home condominium pilot program as an oversight that has since been corrected, and the Department of Education said it did not proceed with rulemaking for the Fostering Prosperity grants because the program received no funding in the 2025 budget. The Department of Health described delayed rulemaking for the sickle cell disease and trait registry, saying the registry and opt-out forms were being implemented and that notices of rule development had now been filed. Members pressed the department on why rules took so long and discussed the need for statutory deadlines. The Department of Children and Families reported on two 2023 human-trafficking-related rules: signage requirements for residential treatment facilities and children’s safe homes, and a new certification process for adult safe homes. DCF said the signage rule is now moving forward and the adult safe home certification rule has been submitted for final review after workshops and stakeholder feedback. Senators questioned the lengthy timeline and the lack of oversight during the interim, while the chair emphasized the need for time-certain deadlines in legislation and for JAPAC oversight hearings. The committee also considered staff-proposed amendments to Chapter 120 addressing emergency rules pending legislative ratification and the process for initiating ratification, including a one-year limit and notice to JAPAC. After discussion, the committee voted to forward the proposed amendments to the Senate President and House Speaker. Finally, members discussed a proposed amendment to the administrative law judge appointment and retention process under Section 120.65. DOAH’s interim director opposed the change, saying ALJs and workers’ compensation judges have different functions and warning against shifting appointment power to cabinet officers whose agencies appear before DOAH. Members raised concerns about timeliness, consistency, and accountability in DOAH decisions. The committee voted to forward this proposal as well, with Senator Smith voting no on that motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• 14:18.239> is<01:14:18.800> um<01:14:19.639> who<01:14:20.400> in<01:14:20.800
• c> I<01:14:26.880> would<01:14:27.520> I<01:14:27.639> believe<01:14:27.880>
• > in<01:14:34.840> that<01:14:35.040> range<01:14:35.440> I<01:14:35.600>
• 01:14:41.880> do<01:14:41.960> you<01:14:42.080> know<01:14:42.239> what
• <01:14:42.840> is<01:14:43.000> like<01:14:43.080> $80,000<01:14:43.840>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Housing held a public hearing and moved quickly through a long agenda, beginning with HB 606 on the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. DHHL and several community testifiers strongly supported the bill, describing it as a way to fulfill long-standing promises to Native Hawaiians, reduce the DHHL waitlist, keep families in Hawaii, and support housing production and the broader economy. Testifiers emphasized the cultural and economic importance of stable housing and noted the large number of people still waiting for DHHL homes. The committee then heard HB 1086, also relating to DHHL, which would allow the department to use a $75 million appropriation from the dwelling unit revolving fund as collateral for loans. DHHL, HHFDC, and other supporters said the measure would help DHHL obtain better loan terms and preserve trust funds for other uses. Members asked detailed questions about how the collateral would work, whether other agencies use similar structures, and what would happen if the collateral were drawn upon; staff explained that the funds would be encumbered for the loan and that a similar model had been used for a HUD-backed project. The committee also heard HB 739, which would create the COM homes program to fund counties to buy voluntary deed restrictions from eligible homeowners or buyers. Supporters said the program could help keep local workers in Hawaii by using existing housing stock and cited examples from places like Aspen and Vail. The Attorney General’s office recommended amendments to remove duration requirements to avoid right-to-travel concerns, and the Tax Foundation suggested clarifying the conveyance tax exemption so it also covers the instrument imposing the restriction. Members asked whether tax dollars would be used to buy homes, who would be eligible, and how enforcement would work; supporters said the program is voluntary and income-blind, with restrictions tied to living and working in the state. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 28-261 and 26-260, Arizona Revised Statutes, amending Title 26, Chapter 1, Article 7, Arizona
• Next bill, Senate Bill 1684, an act amending Title 15, Chapter 1, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes
• Senate Bill 1663, an act amending Title 14, Chapter 7, Article 12, relating to the legislature, amending
• Section 2, as amended by Laws 2022, Chapter 377, Section 2, and repealing Laws 2018, Chapter 259, Section
• 3, as amended by Laws 2022, Chapter 277, Section 3, relating to traumatic event counseling.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate met in Committee of the Whole on several calendars, with opening prayer, pledge, attendance, guest introductions, and recognition of doctors of the day and student visitors. The chamber also approved the prior day’s journal and later adopted multiple Committee of the Whole reports assigning bills for further action. Several measures were retained on the calendar, including SB 1366, SB 1503, SB 1787, SB 1803, and SB 1628. On the first calendars, the Senate advanced SB 1232 on military compatibility permit zoning, SB 1493 on disciplinary action appeals for law enforcement officers, SB 1538 on civil traffic violations and warrant-related penalties, and SB 1618 on the military affairs commission, all with amendments. The chamber also advanced SB 1424 on firearm safety instruction in public schools, SB 1456 on state highways and routes, SB 1552 on a tax revision, SB 1554 on chiropractic claims, SB 1572 on civics instruction, SB 1633 on an income tax subtraction for a primary residence, SB 1684 on school liability for serious injury, and SCR 1004 on photo enforcement systems. SCR 1004 drew comments that the amended version would require photo radar to be put to voters in affected cities or towns in the 2028 election cycle. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on SB 1094, which would create civil liability for physicians performing irreversible gender-reassignment surgery on minors. Supporters argued it would protect minors and hold doctors accountable, while opponents said it would discriminate against transgender youth, increase malpractice costs, chill medical care, and reduce provider availability. The Senate also debated SB 1124 on psychiatric evaluations ordered by boards, SB 1496 on Department of Child Safety procedures and representative payees, and SB 1713 on AHCCCS procurement contracting, with concerns raised about access, delays, and agency discretion. SB 1813, dealing with the state hospital governing board and Maricopa County bed limits, prompted debate over litigation risk versus expanding capacity for people with serious mental illness. In later calendars, the Senate advanced SB 1246 on homeowners associations and foreclosure, SB 1271 on municipal authority and alarm-system reporting, SB 1338 on state and local public benefits eligibility, SB 1428 on county board membership, SB 1663 on freedom of speech and the Freedom of Speech Monument Committee, SB 1688 on membership association fees and disclosures, SB 1805 on county recorder/court claim deeds and notaries, SCR 1024 on legislative qualifications and residency requirements, and SB 1808 on homeowners associations and county flags. SB 1338 drew opposition from Sen. Kuby, who said it would remove refugees, DACA recipients, and asylum seekers from eligibility for state and local benefits. SCR 1024 was amended to require one year of party affiliation in addition to district residency, and the sponsor explained it was intended to align party and district requirements. Most measures were adopted from Committee of the Whole with do-pass recommendations, many as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:05.000> move<00:14:05.240> on<00:14:05.399> to<00:14:05.560> the
• Hawaii<00:14:06.480> Farm<00:14:06.720> Bureau<00:14:07.399> Brian<00:14:07.720
• mamoto thank you<00:14:08.680> chair<00:14:08.920> the<00:14:09.000> ho<00:14:09.240
• c><00:14:13.240> you<00:14:14.240> we<00:14:14.399> had<00:14:14.600> 14<
• <00:14:22.759> in<00:14:22.920> person<00:14:23.800> please<00:14:24.040> come

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:09.040> Wes<00:14:09.680> Anhard,<00:14:10.320> who's<00:14:10.560>
• > of<00:14:28.160> my<00:14:28.399> SA<00:14:28.720> major<00:14:29.040><
• He's still<00:14:30.480> serving<00:14:30.800> at<00:14:30.959> the<00:14:31.120
• <00:14:37.519> Let<00:14:37.600> us<00:14:37.760> make<00:14:37.920> you<
• Lady<00:14:43.600> from<00:14:43.760> Hines,<00:14:44.160> Miss<00:14:44.399>

Keywords: MS House Floor - 3 March, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then dispensed with the reading of the journal and introductions. The session included many gallery introductions recognizing Jackson State University Day and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Day, along with visiting university officials, alumni, students, community leaders, and other guests. Members also offered remarks honoring JSU achievements and several individuals, including a doctor of the day, a mayor, military personnel, and a legislative intern. One member asked for adjournment in memory of two West Bolivar students who died in a house fire, and the chamber observed that request. On the calendar, the House took up several House resolutions in blocks. Items 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7 were adopted without objection, and House Resolution 72 and House Resolution 75 were each adopted by voice vote. The chamber then considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 526, described as congratulating the Ole Miss Rebels; it was adopted by a recorded vote of 121 yeas and 0 nays. A request was made for immediate release on that resolution, and there was no objection. Members also discussed adding the full House membership as co-authors on House Resolution 78, which was noted as honoring an outstanding Jackson State baseball player. Several announcements were made about committee meetings and events, including Medicaid, Judiciary, State Affairs, and Accountability, Efficiency, and Transparency meetings, though State Affairs was later announced not to meet that afternoon. Members also announced a legislative reception hosted by the Mississippi Tourism Association and Game and Hospitality Association, and a 100-year anniversary event for the Mississippi Forester Commission. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 10:00 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members,<00:14:12.959> questions<00:14:13.279> for<00:14:13.519> the<00:14:13.920
• Okay.<00:14:16.800> If<00:14:16.959> not,<00:14:17.120> we'll<00:14:17.360> move
• :24.000> tax<00:14:24.320> credit<00:14:25.279> for<00:14:25.600> a<00:14
• a<00:14:28.800> residence<00:14:29.920> with<00:14:30.320> windresist<00:14:31.279
• So we stand<00:14:53.519> on<00:14:53.680> our<00:14:54.079> written<00:14:54.480

Bills: SB3275, SB3105

Keywords: cannabis, low-dose, personal use, cultivation, cannabis accessories, Hawaii cannabis law, medical cannabis, physician assistant, licensure compact, medical services, interstate practice, healthcare portability, military families, licensing authority, 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection reconsidered two condominium bills and adopted recommendations to pass both with amendments. For SB 2433, members approved amendments clarifying that condominium unit owners’ interests are to be recognized and protected in educational and related programs by the Real Estate Commission and DCCA, while making technical changes and changing the effective date. For SB 2838, the committee replaced the bill’s broader substantive language with a narrower requirement that associations provide electronic copies of specified documents, including master leases, reserve studies, audited financial statements, contracts, leases, and other agreements, along with technical changes and an amended effective date. Both measures were adopted unanimously by the members present, with Senator McKelvey excused. The committee then heard SB 2710 on animal issues, which would define and regulate dog breeders, set care standards, create county licensing authority, require records, and establish an animal abuser registry and related penalties. Testimony was mixed: the Public Defender and the American Kennel Club opposed the bill, arguing for stronger enforcement of existing laws rather than harsher penalties and warning that the bill would burden responsible breeders; the Hawaiian Humane Society supported the bill’s breeder regulation and registry provisions but urged removal of the hoarding section; and the committee noted 26 written testimonies in support, 14 in opposition, and four comments. In decision-making, the committee passed SB 2710 with amendments that blanked the license fee, deleted the animal abuser registry and shelter/pet store/breeder compliance checks, struck the hoarding provisions and proposed criminal penalty changes, and made technical changes with a deferred effective date. The committee also heard SB 2209 on rental discrimination, which would allow attorney’s fees to a prevailing party in source-of-income discrimination cases, and SB 2884, which would create a nonrefundable income tax credit for wind-resistant retrofits or hurricane shelters. The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission supported SB 2209, and the committee later passed it with a deferred effective date. SB 2884 drew support from DCCA’s Insurance Division, the Department of Taxation, HEMA, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, and a public witness who urged hurricane preparedness; it was passed with the Department of Taxation’s proposed amendments and a deferred effective date. Finally, the committee heard SB 2922 on cooperative associations, which would create a general cooperative associations framework. DCCA offered comments, while the Hawaii Co-op Hui, Purple Maya Foundation, Enliven Cooperative, and Hawaii Farmers Union supported the measure and argued that current law is too limited for worker, producer, and multi-stakeholder co-ops. After discussion about using the existing chapter 421C structure rather than creating a new regulatory scheme, the committee passed SB 2922 with amendments adopting changes proposed in testimony from the Hawaii Farmers Union and deferred the effective date.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:05.120> had<00:14:05.360> a<00:14:05.600> discussion<00:14:05.839>
• with the House<00:14:06.399> author<00:14:06.720> prior<00:14:06.959> to<00:14:
• :14:14.720> is<00:14:14.959> having<00:14:15.120> right<00:14:15.279> now
• <00:14:16.000> what<00:14:16.240> our<00:14:16.480> concern<00:14:16.720> is.
• <00:14:26.320> created<00:14:26.720> under<00:14:27.600> 47159<00:14:28.959>

Bills: HF1667, HF2526, HF68

Keywords: correctional fees, supervision fees, probation, Department of Corrections, criminal justice funding, electronic home monitoring, drug testing, restitution collection, community service work, postprison supervision, court-ordered services, fee sunset, fee phaseout, offender fees, community corrections, supervised individuals, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

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• >> Yes,<00:14:09.600> I<00:14:09.839> stand<00:14:10.079> on<00:14:10.320>
• <00:14:37.760> Uh,<00:14:38.079> good<00:14:38.240> afternoon<00:14:38.639><
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Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a large number of health-related measures, with the most extensive discussion on SB 2283, which would expand mail-order pharmacy access for prescription drugs. Supporters including HMSA, the Board of Pharmacy, and health plan groups said mail order could lower costs, improve adherence, and reduce hospitalizations, while independent pharmacies and rural neighbor-island providers warned it could harm local pharmacies, reduce access for patients who rely on face-to-face service, and create delivery and storage problems for medications. No vote was taken on SB 2283 during the excerpt, and the chair moved on after hearing testimony. The committee also heard SB 2855 on opioid antagonists, with the Insurance Division and HMSA noting that medically necessary opioid antagonists are already covered and suggesting the issue may be addressed through education or administrative fixes. Fentanyl and substance abuse groups supported the measure. SB 3045 on health insurance coverage for continuous glucose monitors drew broad support from diabetes and health organizations; HMSA said it had already expanded coverage for members on injectable insulin but raised concerns about supply constraints and said it had not yet seen an auditor study referenced in discussion. Members asked whether the bill would extend coverage beyond current policy. SB 2843 on domestic violence received support from the Public Defender’s Office, prosecutors, and victim-related organizations, who said the pilot program for misdemeanor domestic violence cases had reduced backlogs and improved court efficiency. A prosecutor also supported retaining coercive control as a petty misdemeanor tool in larger domestic violence cases. SB 2845 on healthcare facility access drew strong support from many health, legal, and advocacy groups, who said it would protect patients and staff from disruptive interference at healthcare facilities; one opponent argued it would chill lawful speech and protest and unfairly exempt labor demonstrations. The committee then heard SB 2854 and SB 3202, both healthcare-related measures, with testimony largely in support. SB 2854 drew comments from health and dental groups, and SB 3202 focused on workforce and licensing issues, including support for retired physicians volunteering, preceptor tax credits, and adding advanced midwifery and physician assistant-related provisions. The chair repeatedly enforced a one-minute testimony limit and moved through the agenda without recorded votes in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

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• <00:14:53.920> and<00:14:54.560> you<00:14:54.720> can<00:14:54.880> get<
• :01.440> we<01:14:01.600> did<01:14:01.760> hear<01:14:02.000> that<01:14
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• I don't<01:14:12.320> know<01:14:12.800> sort<01:14:12.960> of<01:14:13.120>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

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• <00:14:18.240> There<00:14:18.320> was<00:14:18.480> a<00:14:18.560> bill
• 00:14:19.680> won't<00:14:19.839> do<00:14:20.000> away<00:14:20.240> with
• I'm<00:14:21.199> a<00:14:21.360> licensed<00:14:21.760> real<00:14:21.839><
• I<00:14:22.959> feel<00:14:23.120> like<00:14:23.279> I<00:14:23.519> am<

Keywords: Consideration of HB 139 -- 00:03:15 Consideration of HB 356 -- 00:08:48, 958, all

Summary: The committee first adopted a committee substitute for House Bill 139, which would allow a political party to replace a candidate who dies or withdraws after the filing deadline but before ballot certification. Representative Decker explained the substitute as a narrow election-related fix, and the bill was then passed by the committee on an 11-yes, 1-pass vote and sent to the full House. The committee then heard House Bill 356, which would move the Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) qualification test from a once-every-four-years, Frankfort-based format to administration through the Kentucky Community and Technical College System at multiple locations and times. Representative Bridges said the Department of Revenue would still write and control the exam, KCTCS would only administer it, the fiscal note was zero, and the change would improve access and convenience without weakening standards. KCTCS said it was prepared to help if directed. Members generally agreed PVAs should be tested, but some raised concerns about test integrity, whether a broader testing network could create uneven conditions, and whether the change should instead use a smaller number of regional test sites. Others supported the bill as a common-sense way to expand access and avoid forcing candidates to wait years after missing a single test date. The committee also discussed the lack of a study guide for the exam and whether that should be addressed separately. No final vote on House Bill 356 is reflected in the transcript excerpt.