Transcript Highlights:

• Further motion, all<00:32:03.360><c> those</c><00:32:03.440><c> in</c><00:32:03.600><c> favor</c><00:
• 32:03.919><c> say</c><00:32:04.159><c> I.
• &gt;&gt; Very<00:32:05.679><c> good.</c><00:32:06.080><c> Oppose.</c><00:32:06.480><c> No.
• &gt;&gt; Wow.<00:32:08.559><c> Even</c><00:32:08.880><c> then,</c><00:32:09.200><c> the</c><00:32:09.360
• The Senate<00:32:10.240><c> will</c><00:32:10.399><c> recess</c><00:32:10.960><c> until</c><00:32:11.360

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:32:31.279><c> first</c><00:32:31.840><c> bill</c><00:32:32.559><c> is</c><00:32:32.880><c> Senate
• </c><00:32:48.799><c> is</c><00:32:49.039><c> a</c><00:32:49.200><c> preference</c><00:32:49.600><c>
• :32:54.720><c> that</c><00:32:54.960><c> is</c><00:32:55.200><c> moving</c><00:32:55.519><c> through<
• </c><00:32:57.679><c> I</c><00:32:58.000><c> am</c><00:32:58.159><c> not</c><00:32:58.480><c> one</c>
• <00:32:59.039><c> to</c><00:32:59.360><c> create</c><00:32:59.679><c> a</c><00:32:59.919><c> lot</c>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Triple C committee heard SB 2799, relating to the Kalopa settlement. Testimony was largely supportive, with several individuals and homestead organizations urging passage and asking that Hawaiian Homes Commission, HHCA beneficiaries, and community representatives be included in transition planning. The Department of Health opposed the added reporting requirement as unnecessary and argued its role is limited to patient care, while committee members pushed back and emphasized the need for broader community input and landowner participation, especially from DHHL and DLNR. The chair recommended passage of SB 2799 unamended, with a committee report noting that the required May report should include the interagency transition working group timeline, proposed budget, and proposed procedures. The recommendation was adopted unanimously by the committees present. The joint agenda also took up SB 2887, which would expand the important agricultural land qualified agricultural tax credit to include Hawaiian homelands used for subsistence or agricultural/pastoral purposes and broaden eligible costs to include orchard or fruit-bearing crops and clearing former sugar and pineapple lands. The Department of Land and Natural Resources supported the concept but requested amendments; the Department of Taxation and Department of Agriculture provided comments and information on administration and existing claims. The Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the intent but argued the bill should create a new tax credit in Chapter 235 rather than fold DHHL lands into the existing IAL credit. After discussion, the chair recommended passage with the Hawaii Farm Bureau’s amendments and technical changes, and both committees adopted that recommendation. The Hawaiian Affairs committee then acted on several bills. SB 1406, SB 521, and SB 1654 were deferred indefinitely because the chair said related work was already underway and the committee wanted to avoid duplicative paperwork. SB 3247, relating to Mona Ala/Royal Mausoleum, was amended to convert the proposal into a Royal Mausoleum Working Group with periodic reporting and stakeholder input, and it passed with amendments. SB 112, SB 131, and SB 2443 were advanced with amendments that primarily deferred effective dates to keep the measures moving while discussions continue. The committee also noted that some measures were being deferred or reshaped to align with ongoing administrative or companion-bill processes, and the amended recommendations were adopted by the members present.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:32:01.960><c> something</c><00:32:02.159><c> that's</c><00:32:02.360><c> very</c><00:32:02.559><c
• </c><00:32:04.880><c> idea</c><00:32:05.120><c> what</c><00:32:05.200><c> a</c><00:32:05.320><c> gold
• > how</c><00:32:08.519><c> like</c><00:32:08.880><c> said</c><00:32:09.039><c> don't</c><00:32:09.159
• c> been</c><00:32:15.399><c> at</c><00:32:15.679><c> before</c><00:32:16.679><c> and</c><00:32:17.159
• 00:32:40.159><c> I</c><00:32:40.279><c> had</c><00:32:40.399><c> a</c><00:32:40.480><c> lot</c><00:32

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first dealt with scheduling and housekeeping, including a plan to take a hard break at 2:00 p.m. for an early bill, hold a brief executive session, and then continue with the remaining afternoon bills. The chair also noted the next likely meeting date would be March 12, when the committee expected to take up the remaining bills before crossover deadlines. The main substantive item was House Bill 142, which would recognize the Honor and Remember flag for Gold Star families and related remembrance purposes. Prime sponsor Rep. Michael Moffett described the bill as a bipartisan measure revised to address earlier concerns, arguing that the flag honors fallen service members, can be personalized with names, and complements rather than detracts from the American flag. He said many other states have already adopted it and suggested the committee could amend details such as the number of days and locations for display. He also raised practical issues about flag dimensions and whether the bill should use "shall" or "may" for display requirements. Testimony was divided. Janine Nutter opposed the bill, saying she supports Gold Star families but objected because the flag resembles the Viet Cong flag and because she believes the American flag should remain the sole symbol representing servicemembers. Kevin Grady, representing the State Veterans Advisory Committee under RSA 115:8, also opposed the bill, saying the committee believes the American flag is the only symbol needed, while still praising the work of Honor and Remember in creating personalized flags for families. Committee members asked questions about where the flag would be flown, whether the State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen is already displaying it, and how the bill’s language would interact with cemetery policies and committee discretion. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.399><c> we</c><00:32:01.840><c> uh</c><00:32:02.000><c> move</c><00:32:02.200><c> on</c><00:32:02.399
• <c> and</c><00:32:12.720><c> uh</c><00:32:12.919><c> look</c><00:32:13.080><c> forward</c><00:32:13.399
• to seeing this<00:32:14.039><c> bill</c><00:32:14.480><c> uh</c><00:32:14.600><c> through</c><00:32:
• 00:32:16.080><c> support</c><00:32:16.440><c> Mr</c><00:32:16.760><c> chair</c><00:32:17.760><c> all<
• > motion</c><00:32:20.080><c> that</c><00:32:20.279><c> HF</c><00:32:21.000><c> 819</c><00:32:21.679>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.880><c> and</c><00:32:01.039><c> I</c><00:32:01.279><c> feel</c><00:32:01.360><c> that</c><00:32:
• </c><00:32:03.440><c> part</c><00:32:03.760><c> pretty</c><00:32:04.080><c> high</c><00:32:04.320><c>
• ><c> I</c><00:32:05.120><c> think</c><00:32:05.200><c> if</c><00:32:05.679><c> um</c><00:32:06.480><c
• > it</c><00:32:06.720><c> gets</c><00:32:06.880><c> to</c><00:32:07.039><c> the</c><00:32:07.279><c>
• done</c><00:32:14.240><c> is</c><00:32:14.399><c> the</c><00:32:14.559><c> person</c><00:32:14.720><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Education heard testimony on HB 1895, which would add education-worker protections by expanding harassment-related offenses. The Department of Education, HSTA, HGA, and several school employees and principals testified in support, describing increased harassment and threats toward teachers and staff, especially since COVID, and saying the bill would help deter bad actors. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the measure, saying the language was vague and overbroad, could criminalize ordinary parental advocacy or speech, and might not survive constitutional scrutiny. In response to questions, the public defender said existing statutes already cover threatening or assaultive conduct against educational workers, while DOE representatives said the bill was aimed at excessive and repetitive disruptive behavior. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt. The committee then took up HB 1592, concerning protections for educational workers and sports officials. DOE, the Charter School Commission, HGA, HSTA, school principals, athletic programs, and many individual testifiers supported the bill, with several describing threats, harassment, and aggressive behavior at schools and athletic events. One principal said he had repeatedly involved law enforcement after threats and incidents on campus, and a teacher testified about the need to keep school environments safe and orderly. The Office of the Public Defender again opposed the bill, arguing that current law already enhances penalties for assaults and terroristic threatening against educational workers and sports officials, and that new offenses would have little deterrent effect. Committee members questioned whether the bill should be a separate statute and how to distinguish passionate advocacy from harassment; DOE said the line was crossed when conduct became excessive and repetitive, while the public defender urged clearer drafting and more emphasis on prevention, education, security, and de-escalation. No vote or final action was announced in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:00.080><c> Please</c><00:32:00.320><c> listen</c><00:32:00.559><c> to</c><00:32:00.720><c>
• S1<00:32:04.880><c> 198</c><00:32:05.600><c> an</c><00:32:05.760><c> act</c><00:32:06.000><c> relating
• given<00:32:18.240><c> s</c><00:32:18.880><c> has</c><00:32:19.279><c> driven</c><00:32:19.760><c> a
• decadesl<00:32:21.600><c> long</c><00:32:21.840><c> decline</c><00:32:22.320><c> in</c><00:32:22.559
• And<00:32:55.200><c> the</c><00:32:55.360><c> Vermont</c><00:32:55.840><c> Youth</c><00:32:56.240><c>

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> I'm</c><00:32:02.320><c> not</c><00:32:02.480><c> the</c><00:32:02.640><c> only</c><00:32:02.799
• The Great<00:32:03.360><c> Lakes</c><00:32:03.679><c> nation</c><00:32:04.000><c> we</c><00:32:04.240
• Uh parts of New<00:32:07.600><c> York</c><00:32:07.840><c> get</c><00:32:08.080><c> energy</c><00:32:
• ><00:32:11.039><c> so</c><00:32:11.279><c> simple</c><00:32:12.159><c> to</c><00:32:12.559><c> create
• the<02:32:05.760><c> National</c><02:32:06.399><c> HIV</c><02:32:07.120><c> AIDS</c><02:32:07.520><c

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, September 4, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would have 32 years. I had every reason to believe I was on track in the earlier years.
• Chapter 32, Section 23 of Massachusetts General Law defines what the pension fund can and cannot invest
• 32, retirement systems and pensions...
• The chapter urges the General Court to adopt this legislation.
• The chapter does not want the funds of its members to support this genocide.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hearing focused first on teacher retirement legislation, especially H. 2932 and S. 1884, which would give long-serving educators a one-time opportunity to enroll in Retirement Plus after the program’s 2001 rollout was described as confusing and inconsistently communicated. Legislators, union leaders, and many teachers testified that some educators missed the opt-in window because of faulty notices, leave status, transfers, or misinformation about payroll deductions, and that many have had to work several extra years as a result. Supporters said the bills would correct an unfair administrative error, provide a buyback option with interest, and could also save local school districts money by allowing earlier retirements. Representative Mark Sylvia also testified for H. 4234, a Fairhaven-specific bill to raise the age limit for special police officers from 65 to 70 and clarify appointing authority, citing experience and budget needs. The committee then heard testimony on several pension investment and divestment bills. Supporters of H. 2811 and related climate-risk measures argued that PRIM should assess, disclose, and address climate-related financial risk in the state pension fund, warning that fossil fuel investments could threaten long-term returns and public finances. Environmental advocates and financial experts said climate risk is systemic and urged transparency, divestment planning, and alignment with the Commonwealth’s climate goals. Another set of speakers supported H. 2984, which would divest pension investments from companies selling weapons to Israel; they argued the state should not be complicit in violence in Gaza and cited humanitarian and human rights concerns. Additional testimony supported H. 2900 and S. 1869 to divest from the firearm industry, with speakers saying pension investments should not undermine Massachusetts gun laws. No votes were taken during the hearing. The chairs repeatedly thanked speakers, limited testimony time, and noted that written testimony could be submitted later. The hearing concluded with the committee moving through the sign-up list and hearing extensive public testimony on the teacher retirement and divestment proposals.

Transcript Highlights:

• :06.720><c> some</c><00:32:06.880><c> more</c><00:32:07.039><c> tolerable</c><00:32:07.760><c> structure
• &gt;&gt; Okay.<00:32:11.360><c> Any</c><00:32:11.600><c> other</c><00:32:11.760><c> persons</c><00:32
• Seeing<00:32:14.720><c> none,</c><00:32:14.960><c> members,</c><00:32:15.279><c> we</c><00:32:15.600>
• <00:32:19.519><c> and</c><00:32:19.679><c> county</c><00:32:19.840><c> of</c><00:32:20.000><c> Honolulu
• <c> of</c><00:32:21.039><c> Budget</c><00:32:21.360><c> and</c><00:32:21.519><c> Fiscal</c><00:32:21.919

Bills: SB2119, SB3131, SB3069, SB3180, SB2137, SB2993, SB2778, SB2672, SB2014, SB2967

Keywords: reimbursement, public employees, travel costs, government travel policy, finance management, job title, administrative assistant, executive assistant, state personnel, civil service, modernization, employment standards, DAGS, Department of Accounting and General Services, comptroller, civil service exemption, collective bargaining exemption, public works special project branch, specialized public works, information technology modernization

Transcript Highlights:

• to uh to uh get<00:32:23.840><c> our</c><00:32:24.000><c> homeowners</c><00:32:24.399><c> to</c><00:32
• </c><00:32:26.159><c> agreed</c><00:32:26.399><c> to</c><00:32:26.640><c> when</c><00:32:26.799><c> they
• So would<01:32:06.000><c> you</c><01:32:06.159><c> like</c><01:32:06.320><c> to</c><01:32:06.480><c>
• </c><01:32:07.920><c> chair</c><01:32:08.239><c> and</c><01:32:08.480><c> I</c><01:32:08.639><c> will
• ><c> get</c><01:32:37.840><c> the</c><01:32:38.000><c> bill</c><01:32:38.159><c> in</c><01:32:38.400>

Bills: SF1750, HF704, HF3479

Keywords: common interest community, CIC, homeowners association, HOA, condominium, planned community, cooperative, unit owner, association board, declarant, declarant control, special declarant rights, assessment lien, foreclosure, late fees, fines, attorney fees, resale disclosure, annual report, maintenance plan

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.200><c> the</c><00:32:00.320><c> bulk</c><00:32:00.680><c> of</c><00:32:00.840><c> our</c><00:32:
• ><c> the</c><00:32:03.880><c> mainland</c><00:32:04.520><c> it's</c><00:32:04.760><c> like</c><00:32:
• </c><00:32:08.880><c> So</c><00:32:09.040><c> if</c><00:32:09.160><c> there</c><00:32:09.400><c> is</
• :15.040><c> if</c><00:32:15.200><c> we</c><00:32:15.360><c> could</c><00:32:15.680><c> try</c><00:32:
• </c><00:32:21.120><c> of</c><00:32:21.200><c> these</c><00:32:21.400><c> smaller</c><00:32:21.840><c>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Government Operations held an informational briefing with the State Procurement Office on its small business procurement program. SPO staff described the program’s purpose as expanding access to state contracting for small businesses, including veteran-, Native Hawaiian-, and women-owned firms, and said they are seeking to make the current five-year initiative permanent before it ends in June 2027. They reported outreach efforts, a new website and newsletter, statewide surveys, draft administrative rules, and a 38% increase in small business registrations in the HANS database. They also explained that the program is intended to support outreach, education, certification, compliance, and a statewide database to connect agencies with qualified small businesses. Committee members focused heavily on whether the program is producing measurable contract awards, not just registrations. The chair and senators questioned the definition of “small business,” noting that SPO currently relies on SBA standards in HANS and is considering a Hawaii-specific definition based on employees, revenue, and Hawaii residency. Members raised concerns that the data showed only a small number of registered businesses receiving awards and that the database does not yet track awards well enough to evaluate performance. SPO responded that the database has had funding gaps, that the position was only filled in February 2025, and that the agency is still building the system and rules needed to track outcomes accurately. A major theme was how to make the program more effective for very small or “micro” businesses and how to reduce the complexity of state procurement. Members discussed the difference between set-asides and bid preferences, with SPO explaining that set-asides are generally tied to RFPs and preferences to IFBs. The committee suggested that future rules should make participation easier, provide more training and hand-holding, and possibly create pathways for micro businesses or groups of small businesses to bid together. No votes or formal actions were taken; the briefing ended with the committee asking SPO to provide more performance data and clearer information on outreach results and database contents.

Transcript Highlights:

• It<00:32:01.720><c> matches</c><00:32:02.320><c> the</c><00:32:02.440><c> language</c><00:32:02.920><
• :32:14.200><c> after</c><00:32:14.480><c> it</c><00:32:14.560><c> moved</c><00:32:14.720><c> through<
• > irritants</c><00:32:28.280><c> in</c><00:32:28.400><c> the</c><00:32:28.480><c> homes</c><00:32:28.800
• </c><00:32:34.240><c> how</c><00:32:34.480><c> the</c><00:32:34.640><c> insurer</c><00:32:35.200><c>
• ><c> go</c><00:32:35.720><c> back</c><00:32:36.000><c> to</c><00:32:36.120><c> the</c><00:32:36.240><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.200><c> cuz</c><00:32:01.320><c> the</c><00:32:01.440><c> only</c><00:32:02.039><c> um</c><00:32:
• /c><00:32:07.080><c> to</c><00:32:07.360><c> my</c><00:32:07.799><c> best</c><00:32:08.360><c> um</c>
• ><c> do</c><00:32:16.559><c> you</c><00:32:16.720><c> see</c><00:32:17.519><c> kids</c><00:32:17.799>
• are just kids<00:32:18.919><c> and</c><00:32:19.840><c> they're</c><00:32:20.120><c> they</c><00:32:
• <00:32:22.000><c> and</c><00:32:22.200><c> boundaries</c><00:32:22.720><c> and</c><00:32:22.880><c> zip

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:09.919><c> group</c><00:32:10.240><c> to</c><00:32:10.399><c> assess</c><00:32:10.720><c>
• 00:32:48.080><c> areas</c><00:32:48.960><c> um</c><00:32:49.519><c> more</c><00:32:49.760><c> than</c
• </c><00:32:51.519><c> However,</c><00:32:51.919><c> this</c><00:32:52.159><c> is</c><00:32:52.240><c>
• </c><00:32:53.519><c> We're</c><00:32:53.760><c> happy</c><00:32:53.919><c> to</c><00:32:54.159><c> do
• We're happy to do it,<00:32:54.399><c> but</c><00:32:54.799><c> I</c><00:32:55.039><c> think</c><00:32

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first considered a series of Governor’s Message nominations, largely to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and one to the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances. Testifiers and agencies spoke in strong support of the nominees, emphasizing their advocacy, community involvement, and lived experience. The committee heard from nominees and supporters for John Paul Moses III, Cynthia Fowler, Joshua Eay, Alicia Kim, Raymond Mamea, Maria Christina Valenzuela, Eden Watabayashi, Sierra Whiteside, and Brandy Lynn Macallani Hayen. After hearing testimony, the committee voted to advise and consent on each nomination, with the votes adopted by the members present. The committee then took up SR 53 / SCR 69, which asks the Department of Health to convene a pharmacy benefit manager working group to improve transparency, fairness, and drug affordability. Supporters included the Hawaii Pharmacist Association, the University of Hawaii system, and several individuals, while the Department of Health said the issue is complex and may require additional support or a different structure. Members discussed whether the Department of Health should lead the effort or whether another entity, such as SHIPA with an appropriation, might be more workable; the Department of Health suggested a $100,000 appropriation could be sufficient. Next, SR 56 / SCR 73 proposed a report on the developmental needs of children born during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Office of Wellness and Resilience supported the measure and asked for an extended deadline to the end of 2026, and several youth, mental health, and community organizations testified in support. The committee also heard SR 69 / STR 86 on creating an aeromedical services working group, with support from Air Methods, the Department of Health, and the Hawaii Medical Association, and SR 99 / STR 118 on studying the use of filtered catchment water for business activity, which drew support from the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association and comments from the Department of Health that the issue is complicated and should include the Department of Agriculture. No final votes on the resolutions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the passage of Scripture is from Acts, the Book of Acts, chapter 10, verses 34 and 35, said, “Peter
• Good lady from 32. All those opposed say nay. Hearing none, the motion passes.
• Senate Bill 1288 by the Education Committee, an act relating to education, amending Chapter 10, Title
• Good lady from 32. We are not talking about slavery here. We are not talking about slavery here.
• Continue, good lady 32. Finish your thoughts.

Summary: The House convened with 63 members present, approved the journal, and received Senate and governor messages, including enrolled House Bills 533, 502, 555 and several Senate bills for first reading. Standing committee reports advanced a number of bills, including House Bills 713, 723, 664, 667, 716, 650, and 717, and introduced a large slate of new House and Senate bills covering health care, taxation, education, public safety, alcohol regulation, tribal water rights, and other topics. In Committee of the Whole, members amended and advanced several bills. House Bill 570 on reckless driving was amended to clarify language about children and construction zones and reported back with amendments and without recommendation. House Bill 561 on flags was amended to add the Basque autonomous community flag and to prohibit certain political, religious, or ideological flags on government property; it was also reported back with amendments and without recommendation. House Bills 692, 575, and 562 were each amended with mostly clarifying changes and reported back with amendments and without recommendation. House Bills 530, 627, 598, and 673 were held in committee with progress reported and leave to sit again. The House then considered House Bill 704, which would require employers to use E-Verify to screen new hires for work authorization. Debate focused on immigration enforcement, labor shortages, agriculture, constitutional concerns, and whether the bill would burden businesses or displace workers. After extended debate, the House passed HB 704 by a vote of 43-26 with one absent and excused. House Bill 700, a related E-Verify measure with criminal penalties and broader application, also drew extensive debate on constitutionality, existing employees, labor impacts, and immigration policy; it passed 36-33 with one abstention and one excused. The House then adopted committee reports, held the remaining third-reading bills until Monday, received administrative rules letters, made announcements, and adjourned until March 2, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Justin Lam representing<00:32:02.240><c> the</c><00:32:02.320><c> Department</c><00:32:02.720><c> of<
• We<00:32:04.320><c> did</c><00:32:04.560><c> submit</c><00:32:05.040><c> written</c><00:32:05.240><c>
• in strong<00:32:06.240><c> support</c><00:32:06.560><c> of</c><00:32:06.600><c> this</c><00:32:06.760
• :27.160><c> But</c><00:32:27.240><c> they're</c><00:32:27.400><c> also</c><00:32:27.800><c> carrying<
• </c><00:32:42.560><c> So</c><00:32:42.720><c> this</c><00:32:43.000><c> bill</c><00:32:43.520><c> directly

Bills: SB2479, SB2557, SB2861, SB3204, SB3324, SB3325

Keywords: criminal procedure, family violence, dating violence, child abuse, evidence admissibility, reduced sentencing, homelessness, reporting requirements, statewide office, housing solutions, kauhale projects, public oversight, SB2861, Hawaii, Office of Wellness and Resilience, OWR, Department of Human Services, DHS, Kakou Pilot Program, Kakou

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to criminal procedure, homelessness, family resilience, Medicaid-funded services, and school Medicaid reimbursement. On SB 2479 SD2, the Judiciary testified in neutral opposition with concerns that the bill could require imprisonment even for probation-eligible defendants, expand sentence reconsideration in ways that could undermine finality for victims, conflict with existing sentencing statutes, and require additional judicial resources. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill’s intent but asked for language changes so people serving sentences could raise the new evidence in Rule 40 petitions and so probation would remain available in appropriate felony cases. Written testimony also included opposition from several county prosecutors and police, and support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The chair later deferred SB 2479 SD2, citing unintended consequences and problems with the bill. For SB 2557 SD1, which would require annual reporting by the State Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, the office said it supported the intent but noted it already produces annual and quarterly reports, that some requested data is already available, and that staffing and cost constraints could make the new reporting burdensome. The State Council on Mental Health supported the measure and suggested narrowing the reporting language to data on individuals with serious mental illness or co-occurring behavioral health conditions, to the extent practicable and in collaboration with relevant agencies. A committee member asked about the availability of point-in-time count data, and the office explained that some figures may not be available every year and may need to be generated through HMIS. Dr. Jack Lewin testified in support, saying the data would be useful for understanding health care costs. The committee passed SB 2557 SD1 with amendments, including a deferral of the effective date. The committee also heard SB 2861 SD2 and SB 3204 SD1, both family resilience pilot program measures. For SB 2861 SD2, the Office of Wellness and Resilience and DHS supported the bill but requested amendments to clarify that the office’s role is planning and advisory, that DHS is a key partner, and that federal compliance safeguards are included. The chair raised concerns about overlap with DHS’s existing Ka Ohana program and asked for language to avoid redundancy while allowing the bill to cover other at-risk children; decision-making was deferred to the next hearing. For SB 3204 SD1, which would create a peer-navigator-based family resilience pilot, the Office of Wellness and Resilience and DHS supported the measure, with the office requesting a two-year pilot period, and both agencies and several advocacy groups submitted support. The committee discussed funding, the proposed five peer navigators, and whether the pilot should be limited to one or two geographic areas; no final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee also heard and supported SB 3324 SD1 on Medicaid home and community-based services, with the Department of Health emphasizing caregiver shortages and the cost-effectiveness of community care, and SB 3325 SD1 HD1 on public school Medicaid reimbursement, where DOE and the Attorney General requested clarifying amendments to reporting language and position titles.

Transcript Highlights:

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• I<04:32:30.000><c> want</c><04:32:30.080><c> to</c><04:32:30.159><c> be</c><04:32:30.319><c> clear</c

Keywords: 928, house, all

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

Transcript Highlights:

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• c> with</c><00:32:15.760><c> more</c><00:32:15.920><c> than</c><00:32:16.080><c> a</c><00:32:16.160><
• And<00:32:25.720><c> uh</c><00:32:25.880><c> Minnesotans</c><00:32:26.400><c> in</c><00:32:26.520><c>
• :32:28.160><c> for</c><00:32:28.679><c> by</c><00:32:28.840><c> more</c><00:32:29.040><c> than</c><00
• :32:34.920><c> the</c><00:32:35.040><c> bill</c><00:32:35.240><c> carried</c><00:32:35.480><c> by</c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , settlement,<00:32:10.600><c> or</c><00:32:10.800><c> other</c><00:32:11.400><c> final</c><00:32:11.840
• And<00:32:13.520><c> with</c><00:32:13.800><c> me</c><00:32:14.000><c> today,</c><00:32:14.679><c> I<
• And And And Mr.<00:32:19.280><c> Keller</c><00:32:20.040><c> is</c><00:32:20.360><c> the</c><00:32:21.040
• Mr.<00:32:31.880><c> Chief</c><00:32:32.160><c> Deputy</c><00:32:32.679><c> Attorney</c><00:32:33.120
• c> would</c><00:32:35.360><c> like</c><00:32:35.520><c> to</c><00:32:35.600><c> go</c><00:32:35.679><

Bills: HF2783, HF2603, HF2846, HF2354, HF1836, HF2713, HF1198, HF1389

Keywords: state government finance, biennial budget, appropriations, Minnesota Management and Budget, Healthy Aging Subcabinet, Office of Healthy Aging, older adults, aging policy, long-term care, caregivers, public health, Medicaid fraud, medical assistance fraud, attorney general subpoena power, fraud enforcement, business filing fraud, Secretary of State, deceptive mailings, consumer protection, certified public accountant

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair lays out SER 32. Recognizes Chairman Metcap to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Is there anyone wish to testify on for or against SCR 32? I see none.
• If there's no objection, SCR 32 will be left pending. Is there objection? Chair hears none.
• SCR 32 is left pending. Which one? It's first Darby and then, OK.
• Uh, we're gonna create the Solar Residential Solar Retailer Regulatory Act under Chapter 1806 of the

Bills: SB 1036, SB 1566, SB 1664, SB 2268, SCR 5, SCR 8, SCR 9, SCR 32, SCR 46

Keywords: residential solar, solar retailer, solar salesperson, solar panel sales, solar lease, solar installation, renewable energy, clean energy, consumer protection, deceptive sales, door-to-door solicitation, occupational registration, TDLR, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation, Public Utility Commission, electrical contractor, interconnection, net metering, Truth in Lending Act