Transcript Highlights:

• That the amendment goes to that version.<00:14:17.200> Is<00:14:17.320> that<00:14:17.480
• <00:14:20.080> That's<00:14:20.400> all<00:14:20.560> I<00:14:20.640> need
• >> That's<00:14:21.000> That's<00:14:21.240> right.
• <00:14:21.720> You<00:14:21.880> are<00:14:22.000> correct.
• Just<00:14:28.280> to<00:14:29.200> characterize<00:14:29.839> it<00:14:29.960><

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The conference committee first discussed HB 1099, which creates a committee to study private business providing special education services and local school district reimbursement. Members explained that the issue is broader than special education alone, involving residential placements, foster care, court-ordered placements, and questions about which entity pays for education and care costs when students are placed in residential facilities. The House proposed an amendment to expand the study to include students placed in residential facilities by school districts as well as those placed through episodes of treatment or court order, and members agreed the existing commission would not resolve the issue before its July 1, 2026 expiration. Representative Coker raised concern about the phrase “but not limited to,” but members said the broader language was needed to capture placements beyond the existing statutory categories. The committee then agreed to accede to the Senate version of HB 1099 with a committee amendment, and the House voted unanimously to adopt amendment 2026-1845H. The bill was placed on the consent calendar, and the meeting adjourned. The transcript also includes a separate conference committee discussion on HB 1807, concerning mandatory reporting to voters. The main dispute was how to present administrator compensation: the House favored total administrative cost, while the Senate initially preferred average administrator salary. Members debated whether voters would be better informed by totals or averages, and whether the bill should define “administrator” more clearly by reference to DOE rules. The committee reached a tentative compromise to add both an average administrator salary graph and a total administrator cost graph, define administrators by reference to ED 501.02(B), scale the graph more precisely, and list the top 10 highest-paid administrators plus any employee earning over $100,000. Both chambers then gave unanimous support to the revised approach, with the understanding that the draft would be finalized and signed later.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:14:42.560> It's<01:14:42.880> a<01:14:43.040> it's<01:14:43.280> a
• 14:48.640> the<01:14:48.800> tales.
• It costs $93<01:14:49.920> million<01:14:50.320> in<01:14:50.480> the<01:14:50.640
• <01:14:51.440> And<01:14:51.600> that<01:14:51.840> is<01:14:52.000> a
• c> you<01:14:57.440> know<01:14:58.080> that<01:14:58.400> is<01:14:59.120><

Bills: HF331, HF916

Keywords: school supplies, sales tax exemption, use tax, sales and use tax, back-to-school, classroom supplies, education tax relief, tax holiday, retail exemption, Minnesota sales tax, school materials, binders, calculators, notebooks, pencils, backpacks, book bags, local tax revenue, taxable sales base, income tax

Transcript Highlights:

• > And<00:14:02.800> so,<00:14:02.959> we<00:14:03.120> want<00:14:03.199>
• In fact, if<00:14:08.320> you<00:14:08.480> look<00:14:08.560> at<00:14:08.639><
• :14:12.480> budget<00:14:12.800> request<00:14:13.279> are<00:14:13.440> the<
• we<00:14:15.839> have<00:14:16.240> so<00:14:16.480> that<00:14:16.639><
• And I<00:14:23.600> think<00:14:23.680> that's<00:14:23.920> a<00:14:24.240>

Bills: SB2543, SB2435, SB2352

Keywords: state construction, construction manager, design review, public works, capital improvement, DAGS, Department of Accounting and General Services, DOE, Department of Education, comptroller, pilot program, design review special fund, county permit review, accessibility compliance, Disability and Communication Access Board, state infrastructure, government construction, project oversight, civil service exemption, county agencies

Summary: The Committee on Government Operations reconvened on February 10, 2026, to take up measures previously heard on February 5. It advanced SB 2983 on criminal destruction of trees with technical, non-substantive amendments and a committee report note asking Judiciary to clarify that removal of invasive species remains allowed; the measure passed with one no vote. SB 2930 on the state risk management revolving fund also passed with amendments, including blanking out the amount, setting a defective date, and directing Ways and Means to review a spreadsheet before further action. The committee likewise passed SB 2928 on making the small business procurement program permanent and SB 2970 on standards of conduct for state agency contracts, adopting the Ethics Commission’s recommended language assigning compliance responsibility to department directors and deputy directors. SB 2927 and SB 3068 on procurement were deferred to a time certain on February 12, and SB 3015 on personal information, SB 2929 on public notice, and SB 2938 on search and rescue were also deferred for further discussion or to avoid re-referral issues. SB 2662 on external consultants was amended to remove a cap and preemptive approval language, narrow the expertise standard, and note possible auditor staffing or appropriation needs; it then passed with amendments. The joint GVO-EIG hearing then took up SB 2543 on state construction projects and an Office of the State Construction Manager within DAGS. Testimony from the Hawaii Iron Workers Stabilization Fund strongly supported the bill, saying it could reduce wasteful spending on large design-build projects and free money for tax credits and other public needs. DAGS, the University of Hawaii, and DLNR offered written comments, while one witness from KIC opposed the measure and asked for an exemption for member-owned electric cooperatives. A Hawaii Solar Energy Association witness also supported the bill but asked that landscape architects be excluded from the bill’s definition of design professionals, and Rocky Mold said Kauai permitting was efficient enough that he had no objection to carving it out. The committee adopted amendments from DNR, DAGS, and UH and passed SB 2543. The hearing also considered SB 2435 on EV charging infrastructure at state facilities. DAGS and the Hawaii State Energy Office supported the concept and explained that the goal was to retrofit managed parking facilities with infrastructure that can meet current and future EV needs, while acknowledging that some stalls can sit unused and that the state must balance space and enforcement. Members raised concerns about whether dedicating 25% of stalls to EV charging would reduce usable parking, and about rural and Big Island conditions where EV range and battery capacity remain limiting. The discussion noted that DOT, DNR, DOE, and DOH may have their own parking facilities outside DAGS control. The committee then indicated it would broaden the bill to apply to all state agencies and lower the threshold in response to member concerns, with final action not fully shown in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• It strikes the final sentence of Chapter 272, Section 28.
• Tell that to the parents in Brockton right now, where a school employee is facing a 14-count criminal
• If a school employee is acting in good faith to educate, they have nothing to fear from Chapter 272.
• It has to do with Chapter 272. Let's look at the actual law.
• calls expenses, $12.5 million of that going to the sheriffs, and $10 million of that going to DOC. $14

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House began with routine ceremonial business, including the Pledge of Allegiance, adoption of several congratulatory resolutions, and suspension of Joint Rule 12 to send two petitions to committee. It then took up a supplemental fiscal year 2026 appropriations bill (H. 5393 / H. 5493), which Ways and Means reported at about $227.3 million for items including snow and ice costs, no-cost calls, substance use services, homeless programs, and technical changes related to lottery revenue and other outside sections. The bill was advanced through second and third reading and later passed to be engrossed after a roll call vote. The chamber also passed to engrossment a land transfer bill for the Town of Marion (H. 5388) and a Bolton alcohol licensing bill (S. 2628, as amended). The House also enacted two local bills: one further regulating special meetings of the Holyoke City Council and one amending the charter of the town of Reading. A major floor debate centered on S. 2726, an act regarding free expression, which was framed by supporters as a response to book challenges and censorship in public and school libraries. Supporters, including Representatives Garballey and Moran, argued the bill would protect librarians, require reporting of book challenges, preserve age-appropriate access to materials, and keep challenged books on shelves during review; opponents raised concerns about parental rights and local control. Several amendments were offered and rejected, including one that would have removed a criminal-law protection for librarians and educators, and another that would have shifted school review authority more directly to elected school committees. Two amendments were adopted: one clarifying that challenged material is considered in its entirety, and another narrowing who may initiate certain complaints to parents or guardians of a student in the school. The bill ultimately passed to be engrossed by a large roll call vote. The House also debated and passed H. 5491 / S. 1646, implementing recommendations of the Walsh Kennedy Commission on hot work safety after the 2014 Beacon Street fire. Supporters said the bill would require certification for hot work, strengthen penalties for repeated or reckless violations, and improve public notification and enforcement to prevent future tragedies; the bill passed to be engrossed unanimously or near-unanimously after roll call. In addition, the chamber advanced a local land transfer for the Yankee Doodle Bike Path in Billerica and a bill concerning ownership and maintenance of culverts and dams in Town Line Brook and Lindenbrook. The session included several recesses, quorum checks, and recognition of guests, including Danvers High School graduates, a former state representative, and WGBH representatives for Public Media Awareness Day.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.600> to<00:14:00.759> a<00:14:00.920> mother<00:14:01.240> and<00:14:
• <01:14:08.520> my<01:14:09.520> that<01:14:09.639> was<01:14:09.880> not<
• > over<01:14:12.840> on<01:14:13.000> that<01:14:13.239> way<01:14:13.400
• :17.120> not<01:14:17.400> what<01:14:17.520> I<01:14:17.639> heard<01:14
• <01:14:19.000> no<01:14:19.239> that's<01:14:19.400> not<01:14:19.560> a<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• > and<00:14:03.360> to<00:14:03.480> be<00:14:03.600> able<00:14:03.759><
• c><00:14:10.360> task<00:14:10.680> force<00:14:11.000> is<00:14:11.199> that
• that um some<00:14:12.839> of<00:14:13.000> the<00:14:13.279> job<00:14:14.279><
• c> of<00:14:14.440> what<00:14:14.600> we<00:14:14.720> have<00:14:14.839>
• :14:58.440> with<01:14:58.600> it<01:14:59.000> it<01:14:59.120> is<01:14

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee met on March 13, 2025, and took up several firearms and fireworks measures. On SB 227, which would create an illegal fireworks enforcement division in the Department of Law Enforcement and appropriate funds, DLE supported the bill, saying fireworks enforcement has become a full-time job requiring dedicated staff rather than a collateral-duty task force. Members discussed whether the bill and the related task force bill were both needed; DLE said yes, explaining that the new division would provide full-time state employees while the task force funding covers interagency costs such as transportation, storage, overtime, and personnel. Testimony on SB 227 was reported as 12 in support and 6 in opposition. On SB 222, which would fund the illegal fireworks task force and extend its sunset to June 30, 2030, DLE and the Honolulu Police Department supported the measure, emphasizing continued enforcement pressure and interagency coordination. An opponent from the Libertarian Party of Hawaii argued the bill was a waste of time, criticized fireworks prohibition as cultural overreach, and performed a song in opposition. Representative Shimizu asked about results from the extra enforcement effort, and DLE said enforcement has driven up street prices and made investors think twice, which they described as a goal of pricing people out of the market. The chair reported 13 testimonies in support and 6 in opposition. The committee then heard SB 1324, a more comprehensive fireworks bill that would revise definitions and penalties, create first- and second-degree fireworks offenses, add infractions, and increase penalties for serious injury or death. DLE and the Attorney General strongly supported it, saying the bill would improve enforcement, address black-market activity, and help prosecutors when fireworks have already exploded and evidence is destroyed. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing existing laws already punish these offenses and that the real issue is enforcement; the office also raised constitutional concerns about the bill’s concurrent civil infraction and criminal trial process. Honolulu Police supported the bill, while the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office said the alternative definitions would help in cases involving exploded versus seized fireworks. The chair noted 17 testimonies in support, 7 in opposition, and 3 comments, and members discussed whether the bill could be amended to address the public defender’s concerns. The committee also began hearing SB 308, which would expand the state’s magazine-capacity restrictions to firearms with detachable magazines over 30 rounds, with a grandfathering provision for certain magazines obtained before January 1, 2026. DLE supported the bill as a fair balance that would grandfather existing magazines while preventing new high-capacity acquisitions. Opposition testimony from Jerry Yuan of the Pool, Oil, Rifle, and Pistol Club argued the proposal was another shifting restriction and opposed magazine bans generally. The hearing continued with additional testimony not fully captured in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would<00:14:06.200> you<00:14:06.320> please<00:14:06.520> identify<00:14:06.920
• John<00:14:08.760> Johnson,<00:14:09.160> Assistant<00:14:09.600> General<00:14:
• :58.400> in<00:14:58.520> line<00:14:58.720> with<00:14:58.880> what<00:14
• :59.120> we<00:14:59.240> do<00:14:59.400> have<00:14:59.600> on<00:14:59.720
• Board of Barbering for informational review, 201 KAR 14:085 and 180. 201 KAR 14:085 and 180 establish

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first reviewed several Fish and Wildlife regulations. Staff explained amendments to 301 KAR 2:176, 4:112, and 6:030, including updating wildlife control tag language, creating an impoundment agent program for seized wildlife, and clarifying boating safety rules. A member raised a concern about boat wakes near docks, and staff said the commission had recently voted on related changes that were not yet included because the regulation had been filed earlier; those changes would have to come back later. The committee approved the staff amendments without objection. The Board of Veterinary Examiners then presented 201 KAR 16:767, which would require veterinary managers to be physically present during business hours and limit them to five registered facilities. Board representatives said they had tried to meet with affected parties before the hearing but had not reached agreement. A representative for Kentucky Pet IQ argued the rule was written for full-service hospitals and would be impractical for short, limited-service clinics that only provide vaccinations, preventive care, and parasite testing. Members expressed concern about the rule’s impact on veterinary access in underserved areas, and the committee voted to defer the regulation until the next month so the parties could continue negotiating. The committee next considered Transportation Cabinet 601 KAR 9:120, the online insurance verification system, in both ordinary and emergency form. The chair said staff had identified conflicts with a bill passed the prior year and moved to find the regulations deficient. The motion passed on a roll call vote, with six ayes and two pass votes. The committee then found ordinary ABC regulations 804 KAR 12:020 and 12:030 deficient as well, again by six ayes and two pass votes, after noting that the emergency versions had already been found deficient the previous month. Finally, the committee reviewed Cabinet for Health and Family Services 902 KAR 55:110, which would require veterinarians to report dispensed controlled substances to KASPER while exempting administered medications. OIG staff said the rule was meant to align regulation with statute, which includes veterinarians as prescribers, and emphasized that the reporting duty applies to prescriptions, not administration to animals. Some members supported the change as a needed anti-diversion measure, while others worried about implementation burdens and timing. After discussion, the committee found the regulation deficient by a 6-2 vote. The meeting then moved into full review of 922 KAR 1:565, a Department for Community Based Services rule implementing kinship care provisions from Senate Bill 151; staff said it was needed for implementation once funding is available, but a member criticized the two-year delay and the inclusion of language conditioning implementation on funding. A public witness from the Kinship Families Coalition argued the rule should not shift the 120-day application window in a way that could affect federal funding eligibility and urged the committee to reject the regulation as written.

Transcript Highlights:

• > keep<00:14:12.880> an<00:14:13.040> eye<00:14:13.360> on<00:14:14.079><
• that<00:14:15.839> is<00:14:15.920> a<00:14:16.160> good<00:14:16.320>
• > that<00:14:21.040> um<00:14:21.600> the<00:14:21.920> way<00:14:22.160>
• <00:14:29.920> uh<00:14:30.079> return<00:14:30.320> to<00:14:30.560> work.
• <00:14:31.600> um<00:14:31.839> the<00:14:32.160> way<00:14:32.320> it

Bills: SB3179, SB2872, SB2391, SB3282, SB2836, SB2181

Keywords: educational workers, harassment, workplace safety, temporary restraining orders, investigation procedures, retired education employees, teacher shortage, rehired retirants, entry level salary, collective bargaining agreements, pension benefits, education, teacher salaries, automatic increments, collective bargaining, teacher retention, workforce development, Pell grant program, short-term education, eligibility

Summary: The joint committee first heard SB 3179, which would require the Department of Education and charter schools to report harassment incidents involving educational workers and adopt procedures for handling them. DOE supported the bill, while the Attorney General recommended clarifying amendments to limit the measure to harassment directed at workers because of their position, to limit DOE legal assistance to temporary restraining order actions, and to clarify whether the harassment must come from outside the school system. Members also discussed whether the bill should cover non-DOE individuals on campus, whether investigations could be handled in-house, and whether training should be embedded in existing workday or school-year training rather than added as a separate requirement. The committee later voted to pass the bill with amendments as SD1. The committee then took up SB 2872, which would require retired teachers or administrators rehired into shortage or hard-to-fill positions to be paid the entry-level salary for that position. DOE supported the bill, and the Attorney General requested clarifying language about its effective date and that it would not affect already matured rights and duties. The Employees’ Retirement System administration emphasized that the bill should retain a 12-month break in service to preserve the pension system’s tax-exempt status and noted the importance of consistent classification of eligible positions. Members expressed support for using retired educators to help fill staffing gaps, but no final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee also heard SB 2391, which would provide annual step increases for public school teachers under bargaining unit 5, subject to funding. The Attorney General said the bill could conflict with collective bargaining procedures and Chapter 89, while DOE said unit 5 includes more than teachers and asked that the benefit be considered for other bargaining units as well, with funding provided if enacted. HSTA strongly supported the measure, arguing that annual step movement is already recognized in the collective bargaining agreement as a recruiting and retention tool. Testimony totals were noted as 16 in support, two in opposition, and three comments. Finally, the committee heard SB 3282, which would establish a statewide framework for the federal workforce Pell Grant program to fund short-term workforce education and training. The Attorney General suggested clarifying that the matter is one of statewide concern because UH is involved. UH and the Chamber of Commerce supported the bill, and DLIR testified that it is coordinating with DOE, the Workforce Development Council, and national groups on implementation. Members questioned whether the Workforce Development Council or DLIR should handle rulemaking and administration, and DLIR said the council is advisory while the department has grant administration expertise. The committee then moved into decision-making after discussion of possible amendments and implementation concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:14:00.000> Department<00:14:00.160> of<00:14:00.320> Health,<00:14:00.639><
• <00:14:03.120> Go,<00:14:03.440> you<00:14:03.519> do<00:14:03.680> have<
• could be devoted<00:14:11.480> to<00:14:12.480> support<00:14:13.199> to<00:14:
• <00:14:24.240> of<00:14:24.480> CD<00:14:24.959> CBD<00:14:25.519> and
• Um I guess<00:14:44.079> it<00:14:44.399> would<00:14:45.079> be<00:14:46.079>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 302, which would expand access to medical cannabis by removing the in-person provider-patient relationship requirement and related restrictions. The Department of Health supported the bill, and multiple advocates and organizations testified in support, including the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Alliance for Cannabis Reform, Marijuana Policy Project, and others. Supporters said the measure would improve access for patients, especially on outer islands, and some urged broader amendments allowing providers to certify cannabis for any medical condition and to speed registration and treat in-state and out-of-state patients equally. No opposition was heard, and the bill was left with no questions after testimony. The committee also heard HB 1052 HD1, which clarifies that the Public Utilities Commission may use universal service fund monies to provide free telecommunications access for individuals with print disabilities. Testimony was uniformly supportive from the DCCA Division of Consumer Advocacy, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Human Services, the Public Utilities Commission, and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii. Witnesses described the program as an important accessibility service that has been operating under prior appropriations and should continue under the universal service program. HB 1482, relating to controlled substances and hemp/synthetic cannabinoids, drew support from the Department of Law Enforcement, Department of Health, Honolulu Police Department, and others, with some comments from the Attorney General’s office. Supporters said the bill would clarify that delta-8 THC is a controlled substance and help enforcement against illegal hemp products and synthetic cannabinoids. Testimony and questioning focused on the need for better lab testing capacity, retail registry and age-gating, seizure authority, nuisance abatement, and possible use of special funds or appropriations to support enforcement. Members also discussed enforcement of illegal hemp businesses and whether additional funding or statutory changes would be needed. Finally, the committee took up HB 712, a 340B drug-discount measure affecting safety-net providers and contract pharmacies. Hospitals, health centers, and provider groups testified in support, saying the bill would protect access to discounted drugs and preserve funding for services such as chronic disease management, transportation, and specialty care. Pharmaceutical-industry representatives opposed the bill or sought amendments, arguing the 340B program has expanded beyond its original intent and lacks transparency, and they requested reporting or audit-like provisions to verify claims and revenues. Members questioned both sides about alleged abuse, the growth of contract pharmacies, and whether the bill should include transparency requirements before moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Secretary, record the vote: 14 ayes, 14 nays, and 2 not voting. You have failed Senate Bill 1178.
• Secretary, record the vote: 14 ayes, 14 nays, and 2 not voting.
• By 14, that was a statutory hearing to the duty to report.
• Senate Bill 1511, an act amending Title 28, Chapter 14, Article 2, Section 28-522, relating to commercial
• In 14 years, it took us a while to get there to the agreement, but in 14 years it was the smoothest budget

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That kicks<00:14:06.079> us<00:14:06.240> off<00:14:06.399> of<00:14:06.560>
• <00:14:09.519> Uh,<00:14:09.920> and<00:14:10.320> that's<00:14:10.560> a
• we're<00:14:12.720> doing<00:14:12.880> here<00:14:13.199> so<00:14:13.360>
• It's okay to<00:14:22.800> disagree,<00:14:23.279> but<00:14:23.519> let's<00:14
• We're all here<00:14:26.480> to<00:14:26.720> work<00:14:26.880> together<00:14:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2046, which would establish and fund an Olo Hawaii Commission to coordinate and promote initiatives supporting the use of Olo Hawaii. The Attorney General suggested adding an end date because the bill creates a temporary commission, and several supporters from the University of Hawaii, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission said the commission could improve coordination, funding decisions, and consistency across agencies. Members discussed whether the commission should include broader representation, including expertise on Niihau dialect speakers and other stakeholders, and the bill was then set aside as the committee moved to the next measure. The committee next considered House Bill 2438, creating the Hawaii Cultural Trust within DBEDT, authorizing an income tax credit for contributions to the trust and qualified cultural organizations, and creating a special license plate to support the trust. DBEDT said it would need additional resources, including staff, to administer the program. The Department of Taxation recommended changing the effective date to 2026 to allow time for implementation and adding a requirement that credits be claimed within one year. OHA supported the bill but objected to language that would require it to maintain a prequalified list of organizations, saying that could limit applicants and conflict with its grant process. The Tax Foundation said it supported cultural funding but preferred direct appropriations and grants over a trust fund and tax credit structure. The final measure discussed was House Bill 2584, which would temporarily increase public land trust revenues transferred to OHA while reaffirming the state’s obligation to the 20% pro rata share, with a repeal date of June 30, 2028. The Attorney General recommended deleting the bill’s requirement that OHA receive a minimum amount equal to the 20% share, arguing the constitution and Admission Act do not specify a precise dollar amount and that the legislature must determine allocation. OHA strongly supported the bill, arguing the state currently pays only about 5% and that historical records show much higher amounts are owed; OHA also pointed to a carry-forward account it said held about $55 million. DLNR opposed the bill because the fiscal impact was unspecified and could affect land management and special fund budgets. Several OHA trustees and supporters urged the committee to pass the bill, and one testifier criticized the state for underfunding Native Hawaiian obligations. No votes were taken in the portion provided, and the committee continued hearing testimony on HB 2584.

Transcript Highlights:

• :30.120> Early<00:14:30.560> Childhood<00:14:31.560> Omnibus<00:14:32.160> chapter
• Families ominous chapter Families ominous chapter 115<00:14:51.120> the<00:14:51.279> Paid<
• :53.320> under<00:14:53.880> 2023<00:14:54.880> chapter<00:14:55.480> 59<
• 00:14:56.480> the mandated under 2023 chapter 59 the mandated under 2023 chapter 59 the earned
• earned sick and safe time mandated under 2023<00:14:59.920> chapter<00:15:00.600> 53<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Anyone<00:14:12.079> who<00:14:12.320> knows<00:14:12.760> Barbara<00:14:13.760>
• Barbara is one<00:14:28.880> of<00:14:28.959> a<00:14:29.120> kind<00:14:29.760>
• On behalf<00:14:33.600> of<00:14:33.760> our<00:14:34.000> staff,<00:14:34.639><
• :14:36.800> I<00:14:37.040> say<00:14:37.199> thank<00:14:37.440> you<00:
• <00:14:38.880> We<00:14:39.120> wish<00:14:39.279> you<00:14:39.440> all<

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Section 35 program is set at $14 million, while the no-cost calls program is $12 million in this
• Lawn of Watertown moves to amend the bill by inserting after Section 14 the following three sections:
• Said chapter 29 is hereby further amended by inserting after section 2, LLL, LLL, LLL...
• Refinements to the definition of a violent injury under Chapter 32 of our general laws.
• In this matter, 141 in the affirmative, 14 in the negative. The bill is passed to be engrossed. Mr.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House took up several routine and ceremonial matters first, including a resolution honoring the Solomon Northup Committee and commemorating the arrival of the Solomon Northup sculpture in Boston, which was adopted. Members also adopted an order extending the Revenue Committee’s reporting deadline on House No. 4606, concurred in a Senate sick leave bank petition for Jeffrey Yatson, and suspended Joint Rule 12 for a similar sick leave bank petition for Jean McCarran. The House then advanced House No. 4413, a bill on the terms of certain Commonwealth bonds, to third reading and later passed it to be engrossed. The main floor debate centered on House No. 4601, the fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill. The bill was described as a $2.25 billion supplemental budget with a net Commonwealth cost of about $750 million, covering MassHealth, snow and ice deficiencies, Home Base, universal school meals, reproductive health care supports, a sports and entertainment fund, and other items. The bill also included outside sections on public health and finance, and it ratified seven collective bargaining agreements. The House adopted Amendment 70, which added Health Safety Net funding measures, including higher hospital assessments and a $50 million transfer from the Commonwealth Care Trust Fund, after supporters said it would help avert a projected shortfall and generate federal Medicaid revenue. A separate amendment on Home Base eligibility was rejected. The House also adopted a consolidated amendment that included provisions affecting western and central Massachusetts municipal health insurance costs and changes to violent injury benefit language for first responders, including clarifying the definition of a weapon and tightening the standard for covered injuries. Another consolidated amendment was adopted by roll call, and the bill itself was then passed to be engrossed by a recorded vote. The session ended with an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. and a motion to adjourn in memory of former House members Thomas and George, which was agreed to before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Commercial<00:14:46.280> was<00:14:46.440> founded<00:14:46.800> in<00:14:46.920
• <00:14:49.400> worked<00:14:49.720> alongside<00:14:50.440> most<00:14:50.720
• <00:14:52.640> away<00:14:52.839> in<00:14:52.960> 2020.
• Um Um Um but<01:14:03.080> in<01:14:03.160> terms<01:14:03.480> of<01:14:03.640>
• > don't<01:14:05.840> know<01:14:05.960> to<01:14:06.080> what<01:14:06.200>

Bills: HF1234, HF3528, HF3672, HF3679, HF3680, HF1944

Keywords: payment transparency, public contracts, contractor rights, government accountability, construction payments, barbering, licensing, examinations, barber schools, public safety, certifications, Barber Examiners Board, data transparency, Legislative Budget Office, state agencies, fiscal notes, public data, standard time, federal law, time zone

Transcript Highlights:

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• tva's<00:14:14.079> one<00:14:15.079> do<00:14:15.160> you<00:14:15.279> know
• <00:14:17.920> um<00:14:18.040> so<00:14:18.240> it's<00:14:18.440> LG
• you<00:14:45.240> Mr<00:14:45.440> chairman<00:14:46.000> just<00:14:47.000>
• /c><00:14:54.759> is<00:14:54.920> not<00:14:55.160> affected<00:14:55.480> I

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:12 Introduction of Guests 01:09 HB 88 Discussion 01:46 HB 88 Roll Call Vote 03:24 HB 346 Discussion 04:20 HB 346 Roll Call Vote 21:58 Chair Comments 24:31, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first considered House Bill 88, which was described as a short bill to clarify procedures for Waste Management boards, including term limits, appointments, and making sure consolidated governments actively recruit community members and make openings easier to find. The sponsor said the bill was intended to resolve confusion about members staying on after terms expire. The bill received no opposition, passed the committee unanimously, and was reported favorably for the floor. The committee then took up House Bill 346, as amended by a committee substitute. The sponsor explained that the bill responds to a dispute over air emission fees, especially for emergency generators and backup generators used for worker safety and limited non-emergency testing. The bill would exempt emergency generators and backup generators operating 100 hours or less for maintenance/testing from fees, while also removing an existing 4,000-ton cap so the per-ton fee would drop for most permitted sources. Members discussed the possible impact on utilities and ratepayers, with concerns raised that costs could be passed through to consumers and affect coal-dependent areas. The sponsor and another member argued the change would generally reduce fees for most sources and incentivize emissions reductions; the cabinet was described as neutral, and the affected utilities were identified as TVA, LG&E, East Kentucky Power, and Big Rivers, with only TVA having raised comments. The committee substitute was adopted, and the bill passed the committee with a favorable recommendation, though one member voted no and several members explained yes votes while expressing ongoing concerns about future rate impacts. At the end of the meeting, members briefly discussed broader concerns about utility surcharges and the need to monitor the effects of legislation on ratepayers, but those comments were not part of the bill under consideration. The chair noted that future meetings may include more bills and could start earlier if needed, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• No, Koznick is<00:14:34.959> just<00:14:35.240> walking<00:14:35.520> in<00:14:35.600
• Call<00:14:37.240> his<00:14:37.440> name,<00:14:37.640> please.
• There<00:14:43.079> are<00:14:43.240> seven<00:14:43.720> eyes,<00:14:44.200>
• Oh,<00:14:46.560> so<00:14:47.040> fast,<00:14:47.800> Representative<00:14:48.400
• <00:14:51.760> I<00:14:51.880> would<00:14:52.200> have<00:14:52.320> done

Bills: HF4074

Keywords: retirement, pension, public employees, MSRS, PERA, TRA, St. Paul Teachers Retirement Fund Association, police and fire, correctional employees, probation officers, telecommunicators, dispatchers, 911 operators, public safety answering point, PSAP, firefighters, volunteer firefighters, paid on-call firefighters, fire relief association, state aid

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• :02.160> to<00:14:02.399> do<00:14:02.480> what<00:14:02.720> is<00:14:02.880
• And there<00:14:04.160> is<00:14:04.320> but<00:14:04.560> one<00:14:04.800>
• But<00:14:11.680> if<00:14:12.000> not<00:14:12.320> trial<00:14:12.639> and<
• vista of<00:14:17.519> time<00:14:18.399> will<00:14:18.720> understand<00:14:19.199
• ><00:14:27.440> of<00:14:27.600> my<00:14:27.760> time.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

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• 01:14:36.000> and<01:14:36.239> indirectly<01:14:36.800> to<01:14:36.960> many
• people in<01:14:37.679> Hawaii<01:14:38.080> and<01:14:38.320> far<01:14:38.560
• This bill<01:14:43.920> would<01:14:44.159> not<01:14:44.320> only<01:14:44.480>
• Thank you<01:14:55.840> for<01:14:56.000> your<01:14:56.159> time,<01:14:56.400>

Bills: SB1406, SB521, SB3247, SB1654, SB1112, SB1301, SB2443, SB2996

Keywords: historic preservation, burial sites, DHHL, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, DLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, section 6E-8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, Hawaii Register of Historic Places, National Register of Historic Places, cultural resources, archaeology, land use review, environmental review, state historic preservation officer, Hawaiian home lands, project permits, consultation, concurrence, nonconcurrence

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures affecting Hawaiian affairs, historic preservation, water access, and land governance. SB 1406 would let the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands assume historic preservation review for projects on lands under its jurisdiction, except for properties listed or nominated for the state or national historic registers. DHHL supported the bill, while a descendant testifier strongly opposed it, arguing that burial and preservation review protects ancestors and should not be streamlined or reduced. No questions were raised and the bill was moved on after testimony. SB 521 would require DHHL to work with county water boards or water departments to provide potable and agricultural water on Hawaiian homelands, with agreements made public. DHHL said it already works with counties but objected to the bill’s mandatory language, saying it could undermine the department’s discretion and independence. A public testifier supported the measure, and committee discussion focused on how water requirements could affect subsistence lots and infrastructure decisions. The committee then took up SB 3247, which would create a Royal Mausoleum Commission within DLNR to oversee preservation, operations, and outreach at Mauna Ala. State Parks said it valued existing collaboration with the aliʻi trusts but wanted clarity on roles, coordination, and funding if a new commission is created. The Royal Order of Kamehameha strongly supported the bill as a culturally grounded way to protect the site, while several other testifiers opposed it, saying the real issue is the curator selection process and warning that a commission could add bureaucracy and delay. The committee also heard SB 1654, authorizing transfer of certain state lands to DHHL, and SB 112, which would add the DHHL chair or designee to the Hawaii Community Development Authority; the Attorney General and HCDA offered technical and policy comments, with HCDA opposing the board change and DHHL supporting participation to protect beneficiary interests. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

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• > are<00:14:20.160> attempting<00:14:20.480> to<00:14:20.639> help<00:14:
• judge<00:14:24.079> is<00:14:24.240> left<00:14:24.480> trying<00:14:24.800>
• Gaining<00:14:31.839> two<00:14:32.079> experienced<00:14:32.720> persons<00:14:
• <00:14:46.320> as<00:14:46.560> a<00:14:46.720> lawyer<00:14:47.199> and<

Bills: HF3874, HF3875, HF3378

Keywords: judicial funding, Chief Justice security, fiscal year 2028, court system, judicial branch, judiciary, court notices, restitution, child protection, publication process, human services, Optum reports, data privacy, transparency, legislative oversight, 1183, house

Summary: The committee approved the March 3 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Minnesota Judicial Branch on House File 3874, which was laid over for possible inclusion in a finance bill. State Court Administrator Jeff Shorba and Chief Judge Michael Fritz testified in support of a supplemental funding request focused on judicial branch safety and security, along with funding to cover the employer share of Minnesota Paid Leave costs. Shorba said the branch is seeking help because it did not receive funding for paid leave in the last session and is having to hold positions open to absorb the cost. The safety and security request included five parts: personal data protection for judges and court administrators, home security, two additional staff positions for threat assessment and coordination, security for the chief justice at public events, and a revived courthouse security grant program for counties. Testimony emphasized rising threats and incidents involving judges and court staff, including examples of doxing, home surveillance, and threats involving litigants, and cited increases in reported incidents, threats, and disturbances. Fritz said the branch’s current response system is stretched and that more law-enforcement-trained staff would improve coordination and response. Members questioned why the judicial branch should receive state funding for paid leave when private employers must absorb the cost, and Shorba responded that the branch was excluded from end-of-session funding decisions and that the mandate should be funded for all branches of government. Members also asked about the threat-response process and whether local law enforcement should be used more directly. Another concern raised was whether State Patrol troopers assigned to judicial security would have the training needed for criminal-code enforcement, and Shorba said the branch is discussing that issue with the State Patrol. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.