Transcript Highlights:

• Andrea Abregell with the California Municipal Utilities Association, in support.
• What we're trying to do is make sure that we utilize the work that's already been done.
• Beth Olaasso on behalf of Inland Empire Utilities Agency in support. Good morning.
• If the bear is then captured, then it will be utilized.
• If the bear is then captured, then it will be utilized.

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of water, parks, transportation, species protection, and fisheries bills. AB 430 would require the State Water Resources Control Board to publish an economic and environmental impact study when emergency water regulations are extended over multiple years; the author and supporters from agricultural and water groups said it would add transparency without limiting emergency authority. AB 1139 would expand a CEQA exemption to let county park agencies open existing roads and trails for non-motorized recreation, with supporters emphasizing access to nature and opponents warning about impacts to sensitive habitat, tribal resources, and fire risk. AB 929 would temporarily exempt small community water systems and managed wetlands from certain SGMA pumping reductions and fines; supporters said it would protect vulnerable communities and wetlands, while farm and water coalition opponents argued it would undermine basin-wide groundwater management and shift burdens to other users. AB 1225, creating an Accessibility Advisory Committee for State Parks, drew broad support and passed unanimously. The committee also heard AB 514, which would encourage local water suppliers to develop emergency water supplies for drought and service interruptions; it passed with broad support, though one member cautioned against using scientific research as a loophole. AB 550 would let developers seek incidental take permits for species under consideration for listing, aimed at reducing delays for clean energy projects; environmental groups supported the goal but asked for clearer standards, limits on using research as mitigation, and a fee provision, and the bill passed as amended. AB 697 would authorize an incidental take permit for the State Route 37 interim project in Solano and Marin counties, balancing congestion relief and habitat restoration; supporters stressed long commutes and urgent restoration deadlines, while opponents raised climate, sea-level-rise, and tribal concerns. The bill passed, with some members noting they would continue to work on the measure. Other measures discussed included AB 975, which would give Sutter County a narrow, temporary exemption from streambed alteration agreements for certain damaged small bridges and culverts; county officials described repeated flood damage and long permitting delays, and the bill passed as amended. AB 1056 would phase out transferability of set gillnet permits after 2027, allowing only a final family transfer; supporters framed it as a gradual response to bycatch concerns, while fishing industry opponents said it would unfairly target an existing fishery and set a bad precedent. The committee also took up AB 1146, described by the author as a response to politically motivated water releases; supporters from conservation and water organizations backed the bill. Several bills were voted out to Appropriations, some were left open for later action or add-ons, and the committee repeatedly noted it was working through the agenda without a quorum early in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• But on top of that, we found another $106.8 million, and we utilized, actually, we utilized federal funds
• So, but on top of that, we found another $106.8 million, and we utilized, actually we utilized federal
• funds, And we utilized, actually, we utilized federal funds, available federal funds, but we just found
• The sheriff has discretion as to, again, which model they choose and how they utilize that money.
• And I'm also supportive of utilizing state funding... ...immigration law.

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation and then took up several conference committee matters and resolutions. It granted the House request for a conference committee on House Bill 46 and adopted a conference report on Senate Bill 37, which was described as higher education governance reform, including stronger board authority, changes to faculty senates, general education requirements, and a new ombudsman office. Senators also adopted a large package of resolutions and HCRs by voice vote. A major focus was Senate Bill 12, the “Parental Bill of Rights,” whose conference report was adopted after extended questioning. The bill was described as giving parents more access to school materials and grievance procedures, requiring parental consent for student clubs, and restricting school district employees from assisting with social transitioning or related gender-identity instruction. Senators raised concerns about effects on students already socially transitioned and on parental rights in medical or psychological decisions; the author said the House language was retained in key areas and that districts would need policies and parent notification. The report passed 20-11. The Senate then adopted a resolution allowing the conference committee on Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-2027, to go outside the bounds, and later adopted the budget conference report. Senators highlighted major funding for public education, property tax relief, public safety, health and human services, child care, water and transportation infrastructure, and the Texas Energy Fund. The budget discussion also covered higher education, mental health facilities, community attendant wages, rural hospitals, DFPS case management, child care assistance, and a study rider on TRS. The report passed unanimously, 30-0. Finally, the Senate suspended rules to take up Senate Bill 8 and adopted its conference report. The bill requires counties with jails or jail contracts to participate in the federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program, with sheriffs choosing among available models and counties receiving tiered grants to help cover costs. Supporters framed it as a public safety measure targeting criminal illegal aliens, while opponents questioned whether it would divert local resources and increase fear in immigrant communities. The report was adopted after debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• of a permit for housing or really any other construction.
• or really any other construction housing or really any other construction some some some municipalities
• family has been in the construction family has been in the construction trades<00:51:00.920>
• they're on water sewer they're utilizing they're on water sewer they're utilizing roads<01:16:15.600
• <01:16:21.120> local people utilizing local people utilizing local infrastructure<01:16:23.080

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I just wanted to say that we've utilized atmospheric water generators in support of the fires in Maui
• atmospheric water generators uh utilize atmospheric water generators uh in<00:04:26.520> support<
• <00:13:22.800> this space as well of utilizing this space as well of utilizing this technology
• On this measure, uh, establishes a Green Building tax credit for costs related to the construction of
• <01:04:52.680> and design construction and design construction and maintenance<01:04:54.720

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The hearing began on SP 547, which would create incentives for graywater recycling systems and atmospheric water generators through an income tax credit, a Department of Health rebate program, and building code standards. The Department of Health and Department of Taxation offered written comments; Taxation said it had seven proposed amendments to improve administration. Testimony was largely supportive, with advocates and local users describing water-supply benefits, emergency use during the Maui fires, and potential help for drought conditions and Red Hill concerns. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii suggested only the rebate program should move forward for clearer cost transparency, and the Department of Health said it needed more time to study the bill. Members questioned the fiscal impact and whether combining a tax credit and rebate was typical, but staff did not have cost estimates. Decision-making on SP 547 was deferred to February 12, 2025. The committee then took up SP 242 on foreign ownership of agricultural lands. The chair recommended passage with amendments, including deleting a reference to the Attorney General in one section and changing the effective date to July 1, 2050. Supporters argued the bill was a first step to limit foreign ownership of farmland, citing other states with similar restrictions, while several members said they supported the intent but had reservations about possible unintended harm to farmers and agriculture investment. After discussion, the measure passed with amendments on a 5-0 vote, with some members voting with reservations. The committee also discussed SP 1633, which would create a green building tax credit for structures using at least 30% Hawaii-grown hemp material. The chair said the bill was close but needed more work, and decision-making was deferred to February 12, 2025. Later, the committee heard several environmental measures: SB 683, which would ban intentionally added PFAS in certain products starting in 2028; SB 1109, which would replace the “finding of no significant impact” with a “finding of completion of environmental disclosure process”; SB 391, which would expand recycling requirements to certain lithium-ion batteries; and SB 12, which would classify neonic pesticides as restricted-use pesticides and limit certain seed treatments. Testimony on these bills included support from environmental and advocacy groups, comments from state agencies, and requests for amendments or further study, but no final votes were taken on those measures in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We hear it day in and day out: let's utilize all the tools.
• This is just another tool that we can utilize to build our state. Thank you. Thank you, Mr.
• A balance that firms weather-dependent resources through the utilization of dispatchable credits.
• I'm Barksdale English with the Public Utility Commission, testifying on the bill.
• I, too, am concerned about the utilization of AI algorithms in the declination aspect of insurance.

Bills: SB388, SB455, SB917, SB925, SB1006

Keywords: dispatchable generation, electricity, natural gas, ERCOT, energy credits, utilities regulation, renewable energy, arbitration, insurance contracts, surplus lines, Texas law, insurance policy, boiler inspection, boiler safety, inspection report deadline, certificate inspection, authorized inspector, inspection agency, Health and Safety Code, board of boiler rules

Transcript Highlights:

• of government and bringing leaders together, listening to different perspectives, fire science, construction
• Eric Turner with the California Construction and Industrial Materials Association in support.
• concerns that the bill's proposed commission with a focus on fire insurance and with the lack of utility
• It also mandates utilities to collaborate with regional emergency centers and enhances PSPS notifications
• I start by thanking Senator Caballero and her staff for the constructive dialogue on this bill and for

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:22:56.559> operation, includes a construction, operation, includes a construction, operation
• Right now, the PSC has the ability to um award a utility cost recovery. Is that correct?
• Could that utility then take that money that was collected and spend on another project?
• <00:26:15.919> the ability to um award a utility the ability to um award a utility the ability
• a utility can cost recover? a utility can cost recover?

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 05:04 Orders of the Day 06:01 HB 143 06:11 HB 164 08:07 HB 314 11:07 HB 398 21:17 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 29:02 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 34:01 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 35:40 ConC/Rules Report 40:15 Floor Amendments 41:15 Adjournment 41:26, 958, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call showing 95 members present. The chamber approved the prior journal, received notice that the Senate had passed Senate Bills 20 and 68 and requested concurrence, and then moved to floor action on several bills. House Bill 143, relating to fiduciary bonds, was explained as removing the requirement that a fiduciary sign a bond in the presence of a court clerk or notary public; it passed 94-0. House Bill 164, relating to hearing aid coverage and related services, was described as increasing the coverage cap from $1,400 to $2,500, updating the definition of hearing aid, and adding network adequacy requirements; it passed 93-0 with one abstention. The House then considered House Bill 314, relating to the Kentucky Communications Network Authority and declared an emergency. Supporters said the bill was intended to address long-standing concerns about KentuckyWired management and oversight. A committee substitute and floor amendment were adopted, and the bill was explained as moving KCNA into the Finance and Administration Cabinet, transferring its functions to the Commonwealth Office of Technology, abolishing the separate executive director position, and reconstituting the board with new members and appointments. The bill passed 80-13. House Bill 398, relating to decommissioning costs for electric generating units, was presented as allowing terminal net salvage to be included in rates so utilities can recover end-of-life plant costs over time rather than through larger future spikes; after questions about PSC authority and safeguards, it passed 78-15. After the orders of the day concluded, members made announcements about upcoming committee meetings and a birthday recognition. House Resolution 7, recognizing guiding principles for elections in Kentucky, was reported as having passed unanimously in committee and was adopted without objection. The House also received the report of the Committee on Committees and the Rules Committee, which referred several bills and resolutions to standing committees and posted House Bills 194 and 393 for the next regular orders. The chamber then adjourned until 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• But without the housing credits in this case, this project would never be under construction today.
• that construction period.
• So no tax benefits flow to anyone during that construction period.
• There are different sources of funding that they could utilize that they already have.
• There are different sources of funding that they could utilize that they already have and exist.

Bills: HB2352, HB2388, HB2418, HB2499, HB2500, HB2579, HB2584, HB2804

Keywords: funding, auditor general, county treasurer, procedural reviews, state appropriations, HB2388, Arizona Commerce Authority, ACA, small modular reactor, SMR, nuclear energy, advanced nuclear, data center, data centers, economic development, study, appropriation, general fund, jobs, wages

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2584, which would prohibit public funds from being used for genetic sequencing equipment made by companies owned or controlled by entities domiciled in a foreign adversary. The sponsor said the bill is intended to prevent sensitive genetic data from being sold or used against the United States. There was little public testimony, and the committee approved the bill on a 13-5 vote for a do pass recommendation. Members then considered HB 2804, a rural development and housing tax credit bill that would let the Department of Housing allocate up to $2 million per year in credits for qualifying rural affordable housing projects, with the program set to expire in 2037. Supporters, including the sponsor, the mayor of Flagstaff, and housing investors and developers, said the credit would leverage federal LIHTC dollars, attract private capital, and help finance affordable housing for seniors, veterans, and low-income residents in rural Arizona. Opponents from the Arizona Free Enterprise Club argued state LIHTC programs are inefficient, costly, and hard to oversee. The committee passed the bill 13-4. The committee also heard HB 2388, as amended, which appropriates $100,000 to the Arizona Commerce Authority to study the economic benefits of small modular reactors and data centers, with a report due by June 30, 2027. Supporters said the study could help Arizona plan for future energy and data-center growth, while opponents argued the agency already has other funding sources and should not receive additional money for the study. The amended bill passed 10-7. After a presentation from Auditor General Lindsay Perry on county treasurer procedural reviews and the Santa Cruz County embezzlement case, the committee approved HB 2352, which provides $2,385,900 in FY 2029 for the Auditor General to continue county treasurer reviews, on an 11-7 vote. The committee then unanimously approved HB 2418, as amended, which directs $600,000 to be evenly distributed among five major incident task force counties and codifies the longstanding distribution practice. Finally, the committee took up HB 2499, the first of two ESA administration bills, which would appropriate $2.6 million and 12 FTEs to the Department of Education for ESA administration and oversight beginning in FY 2027; the bill drew extended debate about ESA growth, accountability, testing, and spending oversight, but the transcript cuts off before the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also manage 750 property leases, 324 construction projects through our real estate and construction
• 30.480> projects leases, 324 construction projects leases, 324 construction projects through<00
• We track and construction division.
• Throughout the construction grants.
• Uh construction, reconstruction, etc.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to the original home to be able to transfer the base tax year to the new construction.
• We're looking for insurance buy-in, we're going to look to the utility sector for more.
• So the more the state does, the more we can take off of the utility bill.
• They are also experiencing about 14 to 17 percent of their monthly utility bills going to the utilities
• You're right about the stack: your insurance bill, utility bill.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several revenue and taxation bills, beginning with SB 1124, which would require the California Department of Public Health to create and post signage at tobacco retail locations about lung cancer screening eligibility. Senator Archuleta and Dr. Alex Zhu testified that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death and that awareness is low, while retail groups raised implementation concerns about sign size, notice, and penalties. Members discussed screening access and cost, and the author indicated willingness to reduce penalties. The bill passed 4-0 to the Senate Health Committee. The committee then heard wildfire-related tax relief measures. SB 1352 would clarify that disaster victims rebuilding homes may increase the size of a reconstructed home by up to 10% without triggering reassessment, and SB 1343 would provide a $4,000 income tax credit for sales tax paid on furniture and appliances purchased to furnish a rebuilt primary residence after a disaster. Both measures were supported by local officials and taxpayer groups, with some concern about administration and whether the benefits would skew toward higher-income households. Each bill passed unanimously, with SB 1352 sent to Appropriations and SB 1343 also sent to Appropriations. SB 1172 would place limits and transparency requirements on consultant compensation in local tax-sharing agreements, prompted by concerns that revenues in places like Shafter and Dinuba were being diverted away from local communities. The bill drew support from the League of California Cities and the California Retailers Association, while some members worried about local control. It passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 1408 would authorize the Contra Costa Transportation Authority to place a countywide sales tax measure of up to 1% on the ballot to continue transportation funding; supporters said it would let voters decide on continued investment in roads, transit, and congestion relief, while taxpayer groups opposed it. The bill passed 4-1 to Appropriations. The committee also considered SB 1404, which would restore a fire prevention fee in state responsibility areas and use it to help fund Cal Fire wildfire prevention and suppression, with the author arguing the fee would help address rising wildfire costs and reduce reliance on other funding sources. Rural county and taxpayer groups opposed it, citing affordability, double-charging, and constitutional concerns; some members also questioned the fee’s administration and burden on fixed-income residents. The bill passed 4-1 to Appropriations. Finally, SB 1102 would create a $2,000 tax credit for frontline nurses working in rural hospitals to improve retention and access to care; it drew support from a rural clinic and no opposition beyond a CTA tax-credit concern, and it passed 5-0 to Appropriations. The consent calendar, including SB 1072, SB 1165, and committee bills SB 1435-SB 1437, was also adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• or the tag if I can't utilize the space? or the tag if I can't utilize the space?
• <02:35:04.960> job, construction job, construction job, >> right?
• >> In a construction zone. Correct. >> In a construction zone.
• >> in a construction zone. >> in a construction zone.
• believe because it is a construction believe because it is a construction zone.<02:56:37.120>

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And it has been noted that data centers create temporary construction jobs, create temporary construction
• H. 727 also requires that any data center sign a contract with the utility.
• This large load contract, which must be approved and reviewed by the Public Utility Commission, Utility
• It maximizes the construction of renewable power on site, and it includes Renewable power on site, and
• It sets out guardrails that the Public It sets out guardrails that the Public Utility Commission will

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 228 by Senator Duplessis: joint resolution to amend the Constitution relative to water utility
• Relative to removing and replacing drinking water utility service lines located on property owned by
• utility customers.
• House Concurrent Resolution by Representative Cruz: urge and request the State Uniform Construction Code
• House Bill 1186 by Representative Jacob Landry, provide relative to uniform construction code inspector

Bills: HR252, HR253, HR254, HR255, HR256, HCR103, HCR104, HR244, HR245, HR246, HR247, HR248, HR249, HR250, HR251, HCR101, HCR102, SCR40, SCR60, SB112, SB131, SB145, SB194, SB268, SB307, SB312, SB319, SB333, SB341, SB346, SB464, SB466, SB488, SB495, SB503, SB507, SB509, HR9, HR196, HCR27, HCR28, HCR50, HCR62, HCR67, HCR71, HCR78, HCR81, SCR20, HB123, HB251, HB625, HB662, HB709, HB769, HB775, HB783, HB895, HB1011, HB1057, HB1155, HB1186, HB1224, HB1245, HB1247, HB1253, HB1254, HB1255, HB1256, SB8, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB14, SB16, SB17, SB18, SB20, SB21, SB22, SB40, SB48, SB55, SB69, SB75, SB77, SB78, SB85, SB102, SB115, SB133, SB140, SB148, SB151, SB165, SB169, SB170, SB185, SB197, SB200, SB217, SB235, SB278, SB280, SB291, SB300, SB303, SB315, SB324, SB330, SB411, SB416, SB420, SB436, SB438, SB449, SB455, SB456, SB477, SB489, SB521, SB97, SB105, HR171, HCR49, HCR65, HCR72, HR37, HCR64, HR170, HR191, HR206, HR207, HR208, HR217, HCR11, HCR53, HCR60, HCR66, HCR68, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, SCR11, SCR22, SCR2, HCR6, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB130, HB258, HB633, HB801, HB61, HB98, HB102, HB139, HB142, HB170, HB185, HB194, HB199, HB231, HB247, HB294, HB336, HB474, HB661, HB842, HB852, HB66, HB153, HB165, HB326, HB387, HB455, HB513, HB603, HB660, HB719, HB762, HB766, HB802, HB816, HB833, HB940, HB950, HB975, HB1028, HB1039, HB1051, HB1053, HB1080, HB1201, HB1215, HB1228, HB1251, HB1252, SB1, SB23, SB32, SB42, SB43, SB46, SB51, SB110, SB113, SB150, SB154, SB161, SB218, SB220, SB221, SB253, SB289, SB310, SB351, SB399, SB404, SB502, SB26, SB28, SB29, SB30, SB41, SB44, SB64, SB84, SB87, SB93, SB98, SB107, SB118, SB142, SB192, SB195, SB199, SB219, SB222, SB234, SB241, SB255, SB275, SB277, SB292, SB294, SB306, SB314, SB482, HCR32, HB798, HB998, HB1084, HB1223, HB59, HB955, HB1191, HB1234, HB646, HB824, HB341, SB397, SB442, HB901, HB79, HR20, HR74, HB284, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB911, HB926, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1240, SB47, SB82, SB89, SB149, SB382

Keywords: consumer protection, credit card fees, cash transactions, rounding practices, transparency, low-income, economic impact, residential construction, building codes, inspection practices, housing costs, task force, HR254, House Resolution 254, Ty Hebert, Acadiana Legislative Delegation, Louisiana State University, LSU, graduation, commendation

Transcript Highlights:

• State Penitentiary utility State Penitentiary utility infrastructure,<00:48:35.280> the<00
• It is construction of a 353-bed facility.
• It's construction of a 353 bid project.
• It's construction of a 353 bid facility. facility. facility.
• Construction is currently under review.

Bills: HB60

Keywords: geoengineering, weather modification, environmental safety, atmospheric pollutants, criminal pollution, Meeting Start: 00:00:02 Roll Call: 00:00:08 26 RS HB 60 - AN ACT relating to geoengineering: 00:01:35 Department of Corrections Update: 00:32:59 Kentucky Parole Board Update: 01:19:21, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas employers utilizing out-of-state workers' compensation insurance...
• I think it was very constructive. We had things we asked for that we didn't get.
• I want to offer one constructive note on the substitute that I think is very much in line with it.
• It's common-sense regulations like other utilities or companies have.
• So over 90% of our installed Utility scale capacity has come online since 2020.

Bills: SB458, SB819, SB1238, SB1642, SB1643, SB1644, SB1791, SB1810, SB1824, SB1825, SB758, SB1455, SB1706

Keywords: insurance appraisal, property insurance, auto insurance, homeowners insurance, residential property, disputed loss, loss valuation, appraisal clause, appraiser, umpire, Texas Department of Insurance, TDI, insurance dispute resolution, claims adjustment, total loss, windstorm insurance, FAIR Plan, surplus lines insurance, policyholder, insurer

Transcript Highlights:

• And we could utilize those on specific purposes.
• Really, so to utilize those over in TDCJ.
• Have a fund that actually can utilize, that you can utilize during that downturn to smooth out the rough
• The construction we hope to be complete.
• Utilization but as I understand it hearing from providers Is utilization down or up currently?

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Since 2020, the construction industry and TxDOT have experienced daily challenges. is with the construction
• What happens with the utilities?
• . for for their utilities.
• But then to coordinate and schedule the relocation of those utilities.
• And so through utilization of these additional dollars.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2496, revaluations district's construction contract; Commerce.
• HB 2692, procurement professionals construction service; Commerce.
• HB 2052, mobile homes utilities fraud hearings; Commerce.
• HB 2052, mobile homes utilities fraud hearings; Commerce.
• HB 2912, utility resource plan commission review; Enru.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and took attendance. Members then recognized several guest groups and individuals, including the West Valley Regional Chamber, Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics Arizona, Vitalant for National Blood Donor Month, and veterans and military family representatives in advance of a Veterans Caucus meeting. A proclamation was read recognizing January as National Blood Donor Month in Arizona and honoring Vitalant’s role in supplying blood to Arizona patients. The chamber also heard a declaration naming January 22, 2026, West Valley Regional Chamber Day, and members made personal remarks, including a memorial tribute to Jennifer Marie Walker Skaggs and announcements about committee meetings and caucus events. The House recorded attendance, entered committee reports, and processed a large number of bills through first and second reading, covering elections, education, veterans, health, housing, taxation, artificial intelligence, public safety, and other topics. Several bills were also withdrawn and reassigned to different committees, including referrals to Artificial Intelligence and Innovation, Government, and Public Safety and Law Enforcement. No substantive floor debate or final votes on legislation occurred in the transcript beyond procedural motions. The House later recessed and reconvened, continued first-reading referrals for additional bills and resolutions, and then adjourned on a motion approved by voice vote until 1:15 p.m. Monday, January 26, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• controls for non-opioid analgesics than the least restrictive or extensive utilization controls for
• <00:02:40.239> controls or more extensive utilization controls or more extensive utilization
• restrictive or extensive utilization restrictive or extensive utilization controls<00:02:48.080>
• We're not construction workers, folks.
• We're not construction workers, folks. We're not construction workers, folks.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and first moved through administrative regulations without comment. The committee then heard Senate Bill 56, sponsored by Senator Gerald Neal, which would require Medicaid and its managed care entities to treat non-opioid pain medications on equal footing with opioid analgesics by prohibiting more restrictive coverage controls, prior authorization, or step therapy for non-opioids. Neal argued the bill would improve access to safer pain treatment options and reduce the risk of opioid use disorder, and Billy O'Brien of Young People in Recovery testified in support, describing personal experiences where non-opioid options were difficult to obtain despite a desire to avoid opioids. After discussion, the bill received a motion and second and passed the committee on a 10-0 vote. The committee then took up Senate Bill 72, sponsored by Senator Don Douglas and presented with Greg Chaffin of Alliance Defending Freedom. Douglas described the bill as a provider recruitment and retention measure intended to protect health care workers from being compelled to act against their conscience and to address workforce shortages and pressure in health care settings. He said the bill would protect individual beliefs while maintaining professionalism. A large number of witnesses then testified, and the chair limited public comments to two minutes each because of the number of speakers and the controversy surrounding the bill. Most public testimony opposed SB 72. Speakers including representatives of the Kentucky Council of Churches, a psychologist, an ordained minister and nurse, a nurse practitioner, and an ACLU policy strategist argued the bill was overly broad, could allow refusals of care by a wide range of health care workers, and could delay or deny treatment, especially for vulnerable patients and in rural or emergency settings. Several cited concerns about discrimination, patient safety, and the lack of adequate protections for patients. One witness recounted the death of an 18-year-old pregnant patient as an example of the harm that can result from delayed care. The transcript ends during additional testimony on SB 72, before any committee vote or final action on that bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• A lady living at the power plant couldn't afford her utilities, that's why she came homeless.
• that's why she came homeless utilities that's why she came homeless she<00:16:40.040> had<00:
• So everybody's utility bill, from electric to utilities, we take a half percent of the utilities.
• It'll be like right now we sell the vertical construction to the homesteader.
• speed up the process with the modular construction.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing focused primarily on Senate Bill 1409, which would cap county user fees charged to Department of Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries. Department of Hawaiian Home Lands supported the measure, arguing it would reduce monthly housing-related costs for lower-income beneficiaries and help make homesteading more affordable. Several testifiers, including the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and some individuals, also submitted comments or support. County and city water and sewer agencies, including the County of Kauai Department of Water, the City and County of Honolulu Department of Facility Maintenance, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, and the City and County Department of Environmental Services, strongly opposed the bill, saying it would shift substantial costs to other ratepayers, create lost revenue, and could force fee increases for everyone else. They also raised concerns about the bill’s cap structure and potential misuse, while noting their systems are funded by user fees rather than taxes. During committee discussion, Honolulu Board of Water Supply officials estimated about 4,500 DHHL customers on Oʻahu and projected lost revenue of roughly $30 million to $36 million over five years, with larger cumulative impacts over time; they said any waiver would be absorbed by other customers. The County of Hawaiʻi representative estimated nearly 2,000 DHHL customers on the Big Island and about $2.4 million in annual lost revenue. DHHL responded that it is pursuing revenue-generating projects on unused lands, but members questioned whether the department should do more to generate its own revenue and suggested looking at other affordability mechanisms, including market rent on commercial properties or a similar cap on other beneficiary fees. After hearing the testimony and discussion, the committee chair announced the recommendation to defer SB 1409 indefinitely, and the Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs agreed with that decision. The hearing then moved to Senate Bill 1408, a housekeeping measure. DHHL testified in support, saying the bill was part of an effort to lower housing costs through a modular manufacturing approach. DHHL described plans to use an unused hangar at Kalaeloa for a potential modular housing manufacturing plant, including discussions with the University of Hawaiʻi and a Denver-based company, and said it was also exploring a pilot project with Habitat for Humanity on Maui. No vote or final action on SB 1408 was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.