Transcript Highlights:

• was<00:42:01.280> part<00:42:01.400> of<00:42:01.520> the<00:42:01.839><
• > Ric<00:42:18.800> is<00:42:19.000> that<00:42:19.160> was<00:42:19.359>
• > from<00:42:20.359> uh<00:42:20.480> the<00:42:20.559> ACLU<00:42:21.280
• <00:42:22.839> uh<00:42:22.960> the<00:42:23.079> scope<00:42:23.440> of<
• <00:42:24.319> uses<00:42:25.040> uh<00:42:25.200> do<00:42:25.520> as<00

Bills: HF2233, HF1524, HF1893, HF1396, HF2456, HF2959, HF2300, HF2412, HF3022, HF2825, HF1862, HF1373, HF1039, HF3070

Keywords: Uniform Special Deposits Act, special deposit, banking law, financial institutions, escrow, escrow account, trust account, security deposit, beneficiary, depositor, creditor process, garnishment, attachment, levy, setoff, recoupment, financial market infrastructure, retirement benefits, compensation, earnest money

Transcript Highlights:

• SS<00:42:07.280> hi<00:42:07.520> member<00:42:07.839> Tako<00:42:08.359
• 42:11.359> Garcia<00:42:12.079> hi<00:42:12.680> chair<00:42:13.000> your
• <00:42:16.319> you<00:42:16.480> for<00:42:16.720> the<00:42:17.000> human
• <00:42:47.920> is<00:42:48.119> adopted<00:42:48.960> thank<00:42:49.160>
• :42:54.480> to<00:42:54.800> defect<00:42:55.160> the<00:42:55.359> date

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing opened with House Bill 1462 on crisis services. Testimony from the Department of Law Enforcement, the Community Alliance on Prisons, and the Department of Health supported expanding behavioral health crisis services as an alternative to arrest or incarceration. Witnesses said additional crisis sites would help divert people in mental health crisis to appropriate care, and the Department of Health described its current crisis center in Ewa, including the need for renovations such as a padded room and the time required to get the facility operational. In response to questions, the department estimated the Ewa center’s budgeted cost at about $4.3 million, not including rent or startup repairs, and said a second site’s cost would depend on whether it was freestanding or attached to an existing facility. The committee then heard House Bill 700 on cognitive assessments. The Executive Office on Aging supported the bill’s intent but asked that it be amended to make assessments optional rather than mandated, to pilot the program first, and to allow flexibility in handling HIPAA-protected data. SHPDA also supported the measure but said it should not be mandatory and suggested that payers reimburse for assessments when requested by patients, families, or physicians. The Alzheimer’s Association and caregivers strongly supported standardizing cognitive assessments to improve early detection and access to newer treatments, while noting the existing opt-out provision. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the bill but asked that the age 65 threshold be removed because cognitive decline can begin much earlier for people with Down syndrome, autism, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and related conditions. In response to a question, the Office on Aging said a pilot project could likely be done for about $150,000, with data security being the main added cost. The final bill discussed was House Bill 237 on peer support programs. Testimony from Family Hui Hawaii, Early Childhood Action Strategy, peer support workers, and families described peer-to-peer programs as a cost-effective way to reduce isolation, strengthen families, and provide long-term community support. Speakers said these programs help parents and caregivers navigate crises, child welfare involvement, addiction recovery, and other challenges, and can have lasting benefits for children’s development and family stability. Several witnesses tied the bill to broader state goals, including infant and early childhood mental health, trauma-informed care, and child welfare reform. Written testimony from about a dozen organizations and individuals was also noted in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• do<04:42:02.160> not<04:42:02.400> support<04:42:02.878> on<04:42:03.200>
• 42:05.760> open<04:42:05.920> the<04:42:06.160> hearing<04:42:06.480> on<
• <04:42:16.160> And<04:42:16.400> please,<04:42:16.718> I'd<04:42:17.040>
• <04:42:25.040> Chairman,<04:42:25.600> and<04:42:26.080> uh<04:42:26.240>
• <05:42:08.400> um<05:42:08.718> is<05:42:09.280> up<05:42:09.760> up<05:42

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay,<00:42:11.760> we'd<00:42:11.920> like<00:42:12.079> to<00:42:12.240><
• <00:42:18.079> It<00:42:18.319> is<00:42:18.480> 1:44<00:42:19.440> p.m.
• We<00:42:19.920> are<00:42:20.079> still<00:42:20.240> in<00:42:20.480> room<
• /c><00:42:20.800> 229<00:42:22.160> and<00:42:22.400> it<00:42:22.560> is
• <00:42:24.800> Uh<00:42:25.280> first<00:42:25.520> item<00:42:25.920> on

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:

• <00:42:05.280> case<00:42:05.839> the<00:42:06.000> rental<00:42:06.359>
• <00:42:09.079> fee<00:42:09.720> will<00:42:09.920> go<00:42:10.079> into
• trust<00:42:11.440> and<00:42:11.599> they<00:42:11.680> will<00:42:11.880>
• :42:14.720> or<00:42:15.000> forever<00:42:16.000> wages<00:42:16.720> will
• <00:42:18.960> we<00:42:19.160> have<00:42:19.359> created<00:42:19.760>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Housing held a public hearing on a series of housing bills. HB 1432 and HB 1428 drew support from HHFDC, and HB 1428 also received testimony from Hawaiian Community Assets, which said housing counseling funding is needed to meet demand for financial education tied to affordable housing, and that such counseling can help reduce evictions, prevent foreclosure, and stabilize households. HB 833 on community land trusts received broad support from HHFDC, county housing officials, community land trust representatives, and a local developer; testimony emphasized keeping housing affordable in perpetuity, but also asked for clearer access to financing, longer repayment terms, and inclusion of additional land trusts in the bill. Peter Savio argued that community land trusts are the best way to control demand and keep housing tied to local incomes. The committee also heard HB 19 on the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund, which HHFDC said should be made permanent because the pilot has been successful, with 81 units in the program and $7.4 million of the $10 million allocation already committed. HHFDC said the fund helps stalled for-sale projects by providing state equity that revolved back when homes are sold. HB 529 and HB 432 were also heard; HB 432 would create a subaccount in the rental housing revolving fund for projects above 60% AMI, and HHFDC said this would help finance housing for households at 65% and 80% AMI. The bill drew support from several housing, business, and industry groups. Several other housing measures were discussed with mixed testimony. HB 419 had HHFDC support, Limby Hawaiʻi opposition, and support from the Grassroot Institute and others; members asked about whether councils approve these projects in one or multiple readings. HB 527 and HB 416 also drew a mix of support and opposition, with questions focused on county approval timelines and whether state-financed projects would still go through normal local review. HB 417 on the rental housing revolving fund prompted questions about how it differs from the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund and whether it should be more flexible for mixed rental and for-sale projects. HB 418’s proposed working group was noted as potentially unnecessary because HHFDC said a public working group was already being formed. HB 1411 on housing preference raised questions about what happens if a recipient changes jobs, and HB 374 drew an Attorney General’s Office recommendation to remove a duration requirement to avoid possible constitutional travel issues. HB 373 and HB 1492 were also heard, with strong testimony from Peter Savio in favor of a broader trust-based model for affordable housing. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.000> this<00:42:00.240> has<00:42:00.400> been<00:42:00.560> a<00:42:
• ><00:42:04.000> have<00:42:04.240> and<00:42:04.720> as<00:42:04.960> the
• <00:42:06.160> the<00:42:06.400> money<00:42:06.640> stays<00:42:06.880> the<
• So uh that<00:42:08.640> is<00:42:08.800> one<00:42:08.960> thing<00:42:09.040><
• c> we<00:42:09.280> would<00:42:09.440> like<00:42:09.760> to<00:42:09.920><

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting focused on Kentucky school choice and innovation, with discussion of the state constitution’s “common schools” requirement and how that has been interpreted alongside newer education models. Chairman Tipton described model laboratory schools, Gatton and Craft Academies, magnet and virtual programs, and said these options show that Kentucky has long expanded opportunity through innovation. He then turned the discussion to Senate Bill 207, which he said was designed to support schools of innovation. Senator Steve West reviewed the history of Kentucky charter schools and explained that SB 207 was modeled on a South Carolina approach. He said the bill allows a local school board to contract with a third-party entity to manage an existing school, seek waivers from certain state rules, and receive SEEK funding while also allowing outside private investment. He emphasized that the district initiates the process, that the school remains public, and that the bill includes accountability through a time-limited contract that can be ended if the school is not performing. Members asked about the difference between SB 207 and the earlier charter school law, whether schools could cherry-pick students, and whether teachers would remain district employees. West and Tipton said the new model is tied to an existing school rather than a new charter, cannot cherry-pick students, and keeps teachers as district employees. Representative Brown raised concerns that charters and exceptions could leave some children out, especially lower-income students, while West responded that the proposal is intended to expand choice for families who may not otherwise have it and cited examples from other states where similar models improved low-performing schools. No vote or formal action was taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> The<00:42:05.920> birth<00:42:06.240> record<00:42:06.640> comes<00:42:
• There's a CDCbased<00:42:10.480> form<00:42:11.200> that<00:42:11.520> the<00:42
• is putting<00:42:19.680> in<00:42:19.920> there<00:42:20.240> is<00:42:20.480><
• :39.119> child<00:42:39.440> is<00:42:39.760> det<00:42:40.319> Let<00:42
• > is<00:42:53.440> on<00:42:53.760> the<00:42:54.079> CDC<00:42:54.720>

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Friday, March 20, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate reconvened with a quorum and quickly moved through committee reports and second-reader bills, adopting committee amendments and sending several measures to third reading without objection. Bills advanced included SB 10 on State Highway Administration approval timelines for speed monitoring systems; SB 487 on speed monitoring systems in safety corridors; SB 689 creating a task force on post-release services and re-entry; SB 811 requiring reporting of new home sale prices in multiple listing services; SB 877 authorizing a Baltimore City stop sign monitoring pilot in the 41st district; SB 937, the Maryland Fair Chance Housing Act, limiting use of criminal history in tenant screening; SB 984 barring private immigration detention facilities; SB 465 on out-of-court statements and second-degree assault; SB 187 on pre-release services for incarcerated women; SB 388, the Decade Act, revising multiple economic development and tax credit programs; and SB 844, the annual corrective bill. Most of the floor discussion focused on explaining amendments and the policy effects of the bills. Supporters described the housing bill as expanding second-chance opportunities while adding safeguards, and a senator asked detailed questions about how landlords could screen for serious offenses and sex offender registry status. SB 984 was described as an emergency measure preventing state and local approval of private detention facilities and authorizing enforcement by the Attorney General. SB 465 was presented as closing a gap in Maryland law on witness intimidation and aligning the state with broader practice. SB 187 would rename and expand the women’s pre-release facility into a re-entry facility and require progress reports. The most extended debate came on SB 165, the on-site wastewater systems bill. One amendment to exempt redevelopment properties from inspection was offered and failed by roll call with 27 votes in the negative. A second amendment to require consultation with Maryland Realtors in developing regulations was then offered; supporters argued it would help avoid delays in property settlements and bring real estate professionals into the regulatory process, while opponents said the bill concerned broader wastewater regulations, not just property transfers. The transcript cuts off during that amendment’s discussion, before the final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• :42:04.400> I've<00:42:04.520> told<00:42:04.680> you<00:42:04.839> before
• on-<00:42:07.000> premise<00:42:08.000> um<00:42:08.359> and<00:42:08.760><
• c><00:42:10.240> going<00:42:10.319> to<00:42:10.440> do<00:42:10.560> mobile
• > but<00:42:12.240> we<00:42:12.400> don't<00:42:12.760> we<00:42:12.880>
• > but<00:42:17.520> I<00:42:17.599> don't<00:42:17.720> know<00:42:17.880

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um<00:42:34.120> I<00:42:34.200> just<00:42:34.320> want<00:42:34.440> to
• <00:42:34.520> say<00:42:34.960> thank<00:42:35.200> you<00:42:35.240> very
• So,<00:42:44.920> I<00:42:44.960> appreciate<00:42:45.360> you<00:42:45.720>
• <00:42:48.600> Look<00:42:48.720> at<00:42:48.800> us<00:42:48.920> go.
• :42:50.760> thanks<00:42:51.000> for<00:42:51.080> the<00:42:51.200> bill,

Bills: HF4062, HF4063, HF4065, HF3926, HF4216, HF3176, HF3728, HF3988, HF3865

Keywords: vehicle registration, title transfer, rental vehicles, state regulations, motor vehicle laws, school buses, USDOT number, first aid kits, transportation safety, vehicle regulations, transit safety, assault penalties, public transportation, criminal justice, transit workers, transportation, railroad, safety, economic development, public roads

Transcript Highlights:

• :42:40.240> support<00:42:41.119> um<00:42:41.400> next<00:42:41.599> is<
• c><00:42:49.839> Kawai<00:42:50.440> in<00:42:50.640> support<00:42:51.200> and
• Carin<00:42:52.040> in<00:42:52.240> support<00:42:53.000> that's<00:42:53.160>
• everybody who signed<00:42:53.839> up<00:42:53.960> on<00:42:54.079> sb281<00:42
• on<00:42:58.040> Zoom<00:42:58.400> or<00:42:58.760> here<00:42:59.440> sing

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several election-related bills first. SB 51, a comprehensive public financing bill for candidates, drew strong support in testimony but also concerns from the Campaign Spending Commission that the Hawaii Election Campaign Fund has only about $2.2 million, far short of what would be needed, and that the program could not realistically start in 2026 because of staffing and system changes; the commission asked for a start date no earlier than 2028. SB 118, which would create a full-time investigator position at the Campaign Spending Commission, was supported by the commission, which said it has lacked staff growth since 1995 and that an investigator is needed to handle investigations instead of having the commission’s attorney do that work. SB 255, a housekeeping bill on excess cash campaign contributions, was supported by the commission and several county officials and would require excess cash contributions over the limit to be returned within 30 days or turned over to the Hawaii Election Campaign Fund. SB 345, which would expand the current partial public financing program, was supported by the commission but drew questions because it would still allow private fundraising; the commission said that under its assumptions the bill would provide more total public funds than SB 51, with a maximum of a little over $20 million versus a little over $15 million for SB 51. Testimony counts were reported as 125 support/48 oppose for SB 51, 26 support/0 oppose for SB 118, 30 support/49 oppose for SB 255, and 30 support/49 oppose for SB 345. The committee then discussed SB 176 on recount thresholds. The Office of Elections said it would stand on written testimony, and the East Hawaii Republican Party was listed but not present. The Office of Elections explained in response to questions that the bill’s recount trigger would be based on the final election-day count, not the early 6 a.m. tabulation, because the initial count is not complete until later in the day and cured ballots are counted later; the office said it does not want to begin recounts before all election-day ballots are counted. The reported testimony count was 4 support, 50 oppose, and 2 comments. Finally, the committee heard SB 260, the Judiciary’s biennial budget bill. Judiciary staff requested about $6.17 million in FY 2026 and $6.25 million in FY 2027 for operations, 17 permanent positions and one temporary position, plus $11.9 million for capital improvements. The Judiciary said the request would support specialty courts such as Women’s Court, Truancy Court, and DWI Court, a new Wahiawa District Court unit, an additional district court judge in Kona, cybersecurity, the Criminal Justice Research Institute, and facility projects including South Kohala design work and a Kauai chiller replacement. Civil legal services providers, including Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii, Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, the Legal Clinic, Kuikahi Mediation Center, the Domestic Violence Action Center, the Hawaii State Bar Association, and the Hawaii Access to Justice Commission, all supported the bill but asked for an additional $1 million for the civil legal services line item, saying demand is high and the funding is spread across more providers than before. The Judiciary clarified that some of its requested positions would support Wahiawa and Women’s Court, and that the civil legal services funding goes to organizations serving low-income residents on issues such as immigration, domestic violence, evictions, and foreclosures. The committee also briefly took up SB 279 on fentanyl possession thresholds, where the prosecuting attorney’s office supported the bill and said fentanyl is already driving overdose deaths and that the proposed thresholds target distribution-level quantities rather than personal use.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:16.000> have<00:42:16.240> that<00:42:16.640> report<00:42:17.040>
• But you<00:42:17.920> are<00:42:18.079> correct<00:42:18.319> that<00:42:18.640>
• 42:20.000> not<00:42:20.240> have<00:42:20.720> all<00:42:20.960> of<00:42
• :22.400> uh<00:42:22.480> that<00:42:22.720> go<00:42:22.880> along<00:42
• <00:42:45.839> have<00:42:46.160> access<00:42:46.480> to<00:42:46.720> the

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee began a work session on House Bill 1600, concerning access to the centralized voter registration database on election days. Secretary of State David Scanlan testified that the state already has a new statewide voter registration system connected to town clerks and supervisors of the checklist, and that the bill was probably unnecessary but acceptable if the legislature wanted it. He raised concern about language that could require direct electronic access in every polling place, noting that some polling locations lack reliable internet or cell service and that municipalities can change polling locations, which could make a rigid requirement expensive and impractical. Members discussed whether the bill should be clarified to allow direct or indirect access, including use of a phone-based workaround, and the secretary said that would address his concern. The committee then voted on HB 1600. Representative Maguire moved ought to pass with an amendment adding “direct or indirect access” on page one, line seven, and the motion was seconded. The amendment was adopted 9-0 by voice vote, and the committee then voted 9-0 to OTP the bill. The chair stated that HB 1600 would be placed on consent. The committee next took up House Bill 1197F FN, a technical correction to insurance laws. Members noted it had already passed the House with amendment and that the fiscal note was effectively indeterminate but would not affect the general fund because the insurance agency is self-funded. The committee voted 9-0 to OTP the bill; the chair said consent calendar placement would be decided by the full committee. Finally, the committee opened a work session on House Bill 11:30 FN regarding judicial performance evaluations. Representative Lynn, the bill’s sponsor, argued that the fiscal note overstated the immediate cost and said the judicial branch could likely manage through the current biennium while implementing the new system. He also supported making judges’ names public and said the bill’s anonymity provisions were aimed at protecting the identities of questionnaire respondents, not the judges being evaluated. Members asked about public disclosure, internal access to evaluation materials, and the removal of language allowing the governor and executive council to receive evaluations on request; discussion continued on those points, but no final vote on HB 11:30 FN was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• > will<00:42:02.240> go<00:42:02.319> down<00:42:02.400> to<00:42:02.560>
• :42:04.319> give<00:42:04.480> it<00:42:04.560> to<00:42:04.720> 1050<00:
• <00:42:05.839> and<00:42:06.079> we'll<00:42:06.240> come<00:42:06.400> back.
• And then on u<01:42:38.880> line<01:42:39.679> uh<01:42:40.280> 26<01:42:41.280>
• :42:58.040> of<01:42:59.040> how<01:42:59.280> to<01:42:59.520> do<01:42:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :42:08.200> what's<00:42:08.400> being<00:42:08.599> done<00:42:08.760> in
• > policy<00:42:10.359> and<00:42:10.560> this<00:42:10.720> sudden<00:42:
• > Hudson<00:42:20.680> we<00:42:21.319> um<00:42:21.760> are<00:42:22.000
• :42:25.119> on<00:42:25.400> everything<00:42:25.880> than<00:42:26.880> I
• I and shake<00:42:27.440> a<00:42:27.599> stick<00:42:27.839> at<00:42:28.240>

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee heard a presentation from State Court Administrator Jeff Shorba on the Minnesota judicial branch’s 2026-27 budget request. He outlined the courts’ structure and workload, noting 322 judges, about 2,800 staff, roughly 1 million district court cases annually, and a current budget of about $479 million. Shorba emphasized the courts’ constitutional role, the fact that court fines and fees are deposited into the general fund rather than retained by the branch, and recent legislative investments that helped reduce pandemic-era backlogs, improve technology, sustain treatment courts, and raise interpreter and examiner pay. The budget request focused on several areas: a 6% judicial salary increase to address recruitment and retention problems, including a 15% rise in turnover and a 27% drop in applicants since 2020; funding for health care and office lease cost increases; digital accessibility compliance work required by new federal ADA rules; a modernized justice partner access system for court records; higher pay for forensic psychological examiners, whose workload has risen sharply; increased juror compensation from $20 to $100 per day and mileage adjustments; and ongoing funding for interpreters, jury services, and cybersecurity. Shorba said the total request would be a 12% increase over the FY 2026-27 base budget. Members asked follow-up questions about funding for newly launched treatment courts and how those courts are financed after federal grants expire. Shorba said he would provide more detail later and noted the branch generally starts treatment courts with federal funding before seeking state support. Representative Ric also asked about labor negotiations, and Shorba explained that the judicial branch negotiates its own contracts rather than using the executive branch, with three unions involved and many unrepresented employees. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• hemp edibles to<00:42:01.880> continue<00:42:02.520> to<00:42:02.640> be<00:42:
• that oppose this,<00:42:10.320> and<00:42:10.440> it<00:42:10.560> passed<00:42
• Uh the goal<00:42:15.000> is<00:42:15.160> to<00:42:15.280> get<00:42:15.480>
• this<00:42:15.680> passed<00:42:16.160> and<00:42:16.280> have<00:42:16.440
• Um and<00:42:20.520> so<00:42:20.760> I<00:42:20.880> ask<00:42:21.160> for

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, a roll call, and confirmation that a quorum was present, then moved to committee reports. The main floor debate centered on a Rules Committee report involving the referral of a sports betting bill. Senator Rasmussen and others argued the bill should go first to the State and Local Government Committee because gambling falls within that committee’s jurisdiction, while Senator Franzen, Senator Klein, and others defended the Rules Committee’s 6-2 decision to send it to Commerce, emphasizing committee discretion and past referral practice. After clarification that the vote was only on adopting the committee report, the Senate rejected the report by a vote of 22-44. The Senate then handled second readings of a slate of Senate and House bills and introduced two new Senate files: SF 4759, eliminating Cesar Chavez Day, referred to State and Local Government, and SF 4760, changing employment/occupation rules related to criminal convictions, referred to Judiciary and Public Safety. In motions and resolutions, several bills were re-referred with little or no opposition: SF 2689 was moved from State and Local Government to Judiciary and Public Safety but failed on a 30-35 vote; SF 4194 was moved from Taxes to Health and Human Services; SF 4274 was moved from Judiciary and Public Safety to Transportation; SF 4332 was moved from Environment, Climate, and Legacy to Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development; and SF 4592 was moved from Judiciary and Public Safety to Jobs and Economic Development. SF 4455 was also given a second reading and placed on General Orders. The session ended as the Senate moved into special orders.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, what<00:42:13.839> happens<00:42:14.160> in<00:42:14.400> the<00:42:15.119><
• <00:42:26.240> being<00:42:26.400> as<00:42:26.480> smart<00:42:26.880> on
• > I've<00:42:30.160> I<00:42:30.400> took<00:42:30.640> a<00:42:31.200>
• c><00:42:38.960> your<00:42:39.280> documents<00:42:40.480> because<00:42:40.720
• c><00:42:55.200> Bill<00:42:55.440> 415<00:42:56.000> who<00:42:56.240> maybe

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :42:00.720> putting<01:42:00.960> the<01:42:01.040> burden<01:42:01.520> on
• <01:42:09.600> And<01:42:09.760> so<01:42:09.920> it<01:42:10.040> falls<
• indicate<01:42:18.440> their<01:42:18.640> lack<01:42:18.920> of<01:42:19.120><
• Um Um Um I I I I<01:42:25.320> mean,<01:42:25.560> I<01:42:25.680> I<01:42:
• section three and section four. section three and section four.

Bills: HF4277, HF3819, HF3489, HF4408, HF3901, HF4316

Keywords: child care, child care center, day care, licensed child care, video security cameras, surveillance, security cameras, maltreatment, child abuse, child safety, public and shared areas, camera mandate, child care assistance program, CCAP, Great Start Compensation Support, early learning scholarships, licensed provider, Minnesota Statutes 142B.68, Harvey's Law, privacy

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• > the<00:42:14.400> app<00:42:14.720> sends<00:42:15.040> them<00:42:15.280>
• > platform<00:42:17.200> that<00:42:17.520> is<00:42:17.839> not<00:42:18.240
• it to<01:42:11.520> my<01:42:11.760> attention,<01:42:12.800> I<01:42:13.280>
• :14.480> me<01:42:14.639> go<01:42:14.800> and<01:42:14.960> check<01:42:

Keywords: 1136, house, all

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• <00:42:34.480> you<00:42:34.960> I<00:42:35.160> sorry<00:42:35.359> I
• > you<00:42:37.359> DX<00:42:38.359> hi<00:42:38.720> um<00:42:39.000>
• > to<00:42:43.480> think<00:42:43.599> of<00:42:43.720> the<00:42:43.880>
• <00:42:44.520> is<00:42:44.720> an<00:42:44.960> allocation<00:42:45.839> of<
• > so<00:42:48.960> I<00:42:49.040> do<00:42:49.200> know<00:42:49.520>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing of the House Committees on Tourism and Water and Land was held on March 20, 2025, on SB 1396 SD3 HD1, which would raise transient accommodations tax revenues beginning in 2027, impose a $20 per-night tax on stays booked through loyalty or rewards points, and dedicate funds to DLNR for natural resource protection, management, and restoration. The Office of the Governor, DLNR, DBEDT, the Hawaii State Energy Office, Tax Department, Hawaiian Home Lands, HI-EMA, the Climate Advisory Team, Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, HCDA, the Hawaii Ocean Legislative Task Force, Resource Legacy Fund, KUA, and the Hawaii Tourism Authority all testified in support or with comments, generally emphasizing the need for dedicated funding for environmental stewardship, resilience, wildfire and climate preparedness, and community-based projects. Several supporters cited polling showing broad visitor willingness to pay additional fees to protect Hawaiʻi’s resources, and DLNR and the Attorney General noted the bill aligns with broader state land-management and fire-safety priorities. Opposition came from the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi and the Maui Chamber of Commerce, which argued the bill unnecessarily raises the TAT, places more burden on visitors and visitor-dependent businesses, and could harm Maui’s still-recovering economy. The Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaiʻi initially marked opposition but then said it had misunderstood the bill’s relationship to another measure and asked to resend testimony. Expedia Group did not oppose the TAT increase itself but raised operational concerns about the new tax on loyalty-point redemptions, calling it novel and difficult to administer. The American Hotel Lodging Association and Hawaiʻi Hotel Alliance were listed as having no comments present. Testifiers also suggested amendments, including dedicating the revenues to a special fund, ensuring community grants, and clarifying administrative provisions. One testifier urged the bill be used to fund hurricane shelters and stronger building standards, while another emphasized that the measure should support people and disaster resilience as well as environmental protection. During questions, members asked for the polling methodology and for a breakdown of current TAT allocations; staff indicated they could share the survey memo and began identifying existing statutory remittances. No vote or final committee action was taken during the excerpted portion of the hearing.

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• >> All right,<00:42:08.760> so<00:42:09.320> thank<00:42:09.560> you,<00:42
• My district is<00:42:16.400> Hillsborough<00:42:16.920> 27<00:42:18.280> in<00:42
• :00.080> who<01:42:00.240> may<01:42:00.440> one<01:42:00.640> day<01:42:
• >> Thank<01:42:09.520> you,<01:42:09.600> Madam<01:42:09.920> Chair,<01:42

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

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• committee<00:42:02.280> were<00:42:02.440> move<00:42:02.640> this<00:42:02.760>
• first<00:42:06.200> part<00:42:06.400> and<00:42:06.520> just<00:42:06.680>
• :07.880> the<00:42:08.000> other<00:42:08.160> one<00:42:08.319> as<00:42
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• > a<00:42:23.640> board<00:42:23.920> established<00:42:24.359> to<00:42:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing began with SB 133 on energy, which drew opposition testimony from James Abraham, who said the bill was unnecessary because the Public Utilities Commission had already opened a proceeding to investigate wheeling, including intergovernmental wheeling, and should be allowed to finish its collaborative process. The committees then moved to SB 161 on county permitting and inspection, where several agencies submitted written comments or opposition, while the Grassroots Institute and HCDA-related testimony supported the measure. Members raised concerns about accountability and whether state agencies would report back on projects approved under any permitting exemption, and witnesses suggested annual reporting or amendment language to address that issue. The hearing then turned to SB 232 and SB 588, both related to renewable energy permitting. Testimony on SB 232 was largely supportive, but Rocky Mold of the Hawaii Solar Energy Association said SB 232 was an older version of a bill and that SB 588 was the preferred, updated measure. Members discussed whether the bill should be limited to residential or behind-the-meter customer-sited systems rather than utility-scale projects, and Mold clarified that the proposal was intended for customer-sited systems, not utility-scale facilities. For SB 588, the Department of Land and Natural Resources warned that state or county laws inconsistent with the National Flood Insurance Program could jeopardize flood insurance eligibility and related federal assistance, while Mold argued the bill’s FEMA floodway exemption was needed to avoid blocking solar installations on existing structures. The chair expressed concern about risking federal funding and questioned whether the exemption could be narrowed without defeating the bill’s purpose. SB 412, also on renewable energy, received supportive testimony from the State Energy Office and others. Members questioned whether a single coordinating entity should compile agency assessments, and Mark Glick said the Energy Office could take on that role if given the duty and sufficient staff. The committee then discussed SB 635 on energy efficiency, which would require state agencies to use energy-efficient lighting. Mark Glick testified that much of the work was already underway through benchmarking and related contracts, and a DAGS representative said the state was already assessing 590 buildings over 10,000 square feet, with results expected around 2027. Members suggested amending the bill to require annual status reports so the committees could track progress and avoid duplication. No votes were taken during the hearing.