Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:01.600> all<00:25:01.840> people<00:25:02.080> should<00:25:02.240>
• > create<00:25:15.360> or<00:25:15.679> perpetuate<00:25:16.159> the<00:25
• B.<00:25:31.120> Providing<00:25:31.520> for<00:25:31.760> equality<00:25:32.159
• <00:25:47.440> liberty<00:25:47.919> and<00:25:48.159> equality<00:25:48.799>
• Section<00:25:56.559> two,<00:25:57.520> article<00:25:58.000> 23<00:25:58.400><

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional for Mental Health Awareness Month, focused on the fragility and renewability of mental health and the importance of human connection, kindness, and reaching out to people who are struggling. The chamber then handled several referral items, including first reading and referral of Senate Bill 329, an act relating to criminal procedures involving firearms, to the Judiciary Committee. It also referred Senate Bills 323 and 326 to the Committee on Appropriations because they carry appropriations, and noted that Senate Bill 278, relating to cannabis and state revenue, had been reported favorably with amendment and was referred to Ways and Means under House Rule 35A. The House took up Joint Senate Resolution 53 on weekend adjournment for May 15, 2026, and adopted it in concurrence by voice vote. The chamber also read House Concurrent Resolution 284 honoring former Senate Majority Leader and Department of State’s Attorneys and Sheriffs’ Executive Director John F. Campbell for his public service, including his work on marriage equality and gun control, and members gave remarks recognizing his leadership, humor, and impact on the institution. Several guests were welcomed and recognized during announcements, including a representative involved in a diaper drive, local officials, and Norma Malone, who was honored for decades of public service in Barry Town and related local boards. The main floor action was on Proposal 4, a proposed constitutional amendment on equality of rights. The Judiciary Committee recommended concurrence, and the member from Burlington explained the amendment’s purpose and process, emphasizing that it would add an equal protection guarantee to the Vermont Constitution covering race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and national origin, while preserving other constitutional protections. The member also reviewed the proposal’s prior passage in both chambers in the previous biennium and its current path toward appearing on the November 2026 ballot if approved again by the House and Senate. The transcript ends while the House is still hearing extended remarks on Proposal 4, with no final vote on the amendment shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:13.919> We<00:25:14.159> have<00:25:14.320> moved<00:25:14.559> to
• 23.440> as<00:25:23.760> possible<00:25:24.640> and<00:25:24.960> to<00:25
• > sure<00:25:43.919> most<00:25:44.240> of<00:25:44.320> you<00:25:44.480
• And the<00:25:51.279> areas<00:25:51.520> that<00:25:51.760> need<00:25:51.919><
• c> to<00:25:52.080> be<00:25:52.240> built<00:25:52.559> up,<00:25:53.360>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum, approved the June 5, 2025 minutes, and heard a presentation from Don Pemberton and David Buchanan of AgriKim/AgriCam on the Eddyville Riverport fertilizer terminal. They explained that the company supplies fertilizer, crop protection, and seed across western Kentucky, with the Eddyville port serving as a key source for about 100,000 tons of fertilizer annually and supporting roughly 20 counties and 19 wholesale customers. They said the existing facility is aging and vulnerable to river humidity and corrosion, and they proposed reconstructing the fertilizer bins into a fully enclosed, more durable facility with an estimated cost of about $1.76 million, far less than rebuilding from scratch. The presenters argued the project is important to keep fertilizer moving quickly during a short application season, to manage global supply disruptions and tariffs, and to avoid higher freight costs if product had to come through other ports. They also emphasized environmental benefits from a contained facility that would reduce runoff into nearby waters. Committee members asked about supply sources, demand trends, ownership, lease terms, and whether the building’s capacity would change. The witnesses said demand is increasing, much of the product still comes from overseas or other domestic ports, and the building would be owned by the company while the Riverport Authority owns the ground. Several members expressed support for the port’s importance to western Kentucky agriculture and noted the need for timely fertilizer storage and delivery. One member, however, said he was not in favor of using public money to subsidize a private, for-profit business and urged the company to negotiate a longer lease with the Riverport Authority before making such a capital investment. The discussion ended without a vote or formal action on the project, though members indicated the issue may be revisited and that the Riverport Authority will later present additional needs to the transportation committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Projects directly according to state statute 5-16-7.
• There's a significant funding stream for spaceport capital projects at 25% of the collected GRT.
• And then the other 25 is still going to the school.
• The money's still there. 25% of the schools. The bonds are still being paid off.
• Projects and district projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:25:01.360> with<00:25:01.480> the<00:25:01.600> new<00:25:01.760> upgrade<
• :25:05.000> right<00:25:05.360> sizing<00:25:05.799> that<00:25:06.520> but
• So you'll see we included 24's actual that we transferred, and then what's projected for 25, 26, and
• We talked about it, and I just looked at the governor's projected numbers, and for 25 she's got like
• <01:37:08.239> for 4.78 in 25 and then the projection for 4.78 in 25 and then the projection

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first reviewed House Bill 1, focusing on the legislative branch budget, especially the Senate and House lines. Members discussed that the Senate’s fiscal year 2025 adjusted authorized amount was higher than 2024 actual spending, largely due to personnel, benefits, and travel, and one member proposed a $500,000 annual cut. Staff explained that any reduction would need to be allocated across specific line items such as personnel, benefits, and travel, and noted that the Senate budget is entirely General Funds. After discussion of how the adjusted authorized figures were calculated and why the branch no longer staffs some joint committees as it once did, the committee moved on without taking a vote on that section. The committee then heard a detailed presentation from the New Hampshire Retirement System. NHRS officials described their statutory administrative budget, which is funded through the retirement trust rather than the General Fund, and said the FY 2026-2027 increase is driven by IT modernization, cybersecurity, a new strategic plan, and additional staff positions. They also reviewed the system’s funding progress, clean audit opinions, investment performance, and changes to asset allocation, while noting that several recent pension-related laws required major database changes. Members questioned the large increase in salaries and benefits, the need for new employees versus contractors, the purpose of training costs, and the source of the Group Two benefit funding. NHRS said the governor’s budget includes General Funds for Group Two benefit changes, with $5 million in FY 2026 and $27.9 million in FY 2027, and that the figures reflect the governor’s recommendation and related HB 2 provisions. Committee members also asked about employer and employee contribution rates for Group Two police and fire members, which NHRS said were not included in the budget document but were about 31.2% for police and 30.35% for fire, with employee shares around 11.55% and 11.8%. The committee did not make a decision on the NHRS budget during this exchange and indicated it would review the details further before returning to it later. The committee then heard from the Community Development Finance Authority on the State Treasury Department budget line for the required state match to administer the federal Community Development Block Grant program. CDFA explained that its $280,000 annual request for FY 2026 and FY 2027, totaling $560,000, supports administration, technical assistance, contracting, and monitoring of roughly $19 million in annual federal CDBG funds. Members asked about the leverage of the state match, oversight of projects, staffing, and grant prioritization. CDFA said it has 18 employees, uses public hearings and a scoring system to prioritize awards, and conducts both desk and on-site monitoring, with annual audits to ensure compliance. No vote was taken on the CDFA item in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :44.520> in<00:25:44.799> asking<00:25:45.240> the<00:25:45.399> chair<00
• you<00:25:48.559> may<00:25:48.960> have<00:25:49.640> uh<00:25:49.760><
• c> his<01:25:28.239> name<01:25:28.639> the<01:25:28.719> one<01:25:28.880><
• :38.520> on<01:25:39.199> monaa<01:25:40.199> and<01:25:40.639> I<01:25:40.800
• :25:42.040> you<01:25:42.159> know<01:25:42.480> that<01:25:42.880> our<01

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Water and Land Committee heard several measures related to DLNR, coastal management, and public lands. SB 561, which appropriates funds for conservation enforcement equipment for the Oʻahu branch of DOCARE, drew broad support from DLNR and multiple organizations, with the chair noting 18 supporters and no opposition. SB 465 would require DLNR to study the carrying capacity of Kīkiʻola Small Boat Harbor on Kauaʻi and report to the Legislature; DLNR supported the intent but suggested the study be timed with an ongoing $41 million capital improvement project. Senator Kouchi explained the bill was meant to close a permit loophole that has allowed operators to increase passenger capacity without additional approval, while one testifier opposed the measure as unnecessary and late. Supporters included county and community representatives, while some written testimony opposed it. The committee also heard SB 1456, which broadens the definition of beach restoration to include work on eroded beaches and degraded dune systems, including sand management, native vegetation, and removal of abandoned materials. DLNR, the University of Hawaiʻi, and other testifiers supported the measure as an administrative update. SB 1460 would require BLNR lease extensions to use updated forms reflecting current leasing practices; DLNR supported it as an administrative bill. SB 1517 would authorize public land leases for recreational residential use by public lottery limited to county residents. DLNR supported the bill, and Chipper Wiman and others testified that it would help preserve Kauaʻi’s historic recreational cabins and create fairness for local families; the committee also heard concerns about older cabins, market-based auction prices, and the need to keep these leases affordable for residents. The committee then heard SB 1511, which would prohibit vessels longer than 75 feet from entering Honoliʻi Bay, with an exemption for government vessels; DLNR and at least one additional testifier supported it. SB 1019 would allow the Ocean Stewardship Special Fund to be used for beach restoration planning and grants to nonprofits for cleanup, but DLNR said that purpose fit better under the separate Beach Restoration Special Fund, and the Ocean Tourism Coalition opposed the bill on that basis. Finally, SB 1457 would authorize DLNR to issue interim rules on commercial and recreational water sports equipment use for up to two years; DLNR described it as an adaptive-management tool for changing conditions, while multiple water-sports operators and residents opposed it, arguing it would reduce public participation, expand agency power, and target the foiling community. The hearing closed with the chair noting heavy opposition to SB 1457, including 88 written testimonies against it and only a few in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:25:01.279> drive<00:25:01.440> in<00:25:01.600> a<00:25:01.679> day<
• > think<00:25:09.520> need<00:25:09.760> to<00:25:09.919> be<00:25:10.080
• <00:25:12.400> Senator<00:25:12.720> How,<00:25:13.039> do<00:25:13.120>
• No,<00:25:15.200> I<00:25:15.360> I<00:25:15.600> I'm<00:25:15.840> in<00
• Uh, I think there's,<00:25:18.080> you<00:25:18.240> know,<00:25:18.320> I<00:25

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• by law we bring that for LBC approval in all cases the projects help us continue to deliver the safe
• The 2024-25 General Appropriations Act authorized the Agency for Health Care Administration to...
• The 2024-25 General Appropriations Act authorized the Agency for Health Care Administration to submit
• The state fiscal year 2024-25 disproportionate share hospital model allotment is allocated...
• The 2024-25 General Appropriations Act in Chapter 2024...

Summary: The Legislative Budget Commission met with a quorum present and considered 12 budget amendments, most of which were adopted without opposition. The first amendment transferred $8.2 million in Department of Corrections general revenue authority from salary incentives to contracted services to support the phased demobilization of Florida National Guard troops assisting with correctional staffing. Senator Pizzo questioned the length of the Guard’s deployment and urged a long-term staffing solution, while the department said the Guard presence was being reduced and that about 2,200 employees were in training. The Department of State received an additional $618,391 in federal grant authority for library grants and private cloud costs, and the Department of Transportation’s two amendments were zero-sum work program changes: one realigned funds to production-ready projects and another added three projects over $3 million each to the current-year work program. The commission then approved several Agency for Health Care Administration amendments tied to Medicaid supplemental payment programs. These included funding for the Florida Cancer Hospital Program, indirect medical education payments, disproportionate share hospital payments for the state mental hospitals, the Low-Income Pool program, physician supplemental and public hospital payments, Florida KidCare, and Medicaid services realignment. Members asked about possible federal disallowances in the LIP and physician/public hospital programs, and agency staff said some disallowances were likely but the amount was not yet known. For KidCare and Medicaid, staff explained the changes were based on the December estimating conference, enrollment shifts, and updated actuarial assumptions, including changes to managed care regions and program design. The final amendment restored budget authority for a hospital direct payment program after a prior payment, including a $24.3 million CMS-related amount and $3.2 million in administrative fees, was not processed before fiscal year-end and reverted. Senator Pizzo pressed the agency on how the payment was missed and whether any penalty applied; staff said the invoice was not received and processed in time and that communication issues contributed. After brief debate on each item, the commission adopted all amendments, with one recorded nay on the final item, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So 25% of the money that we pay now in all wind and solar projects on federal lands, 25% of the money
• and solar projects on federal lands, 25% and solar projects on federal lands, 25% of<02:33:19.359
• to the state where the project is and 25% to the county.
• to the state where the project is and 25% to the county.
• Um the project is and 25% to the county.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.159> June<01:25:00.440> 30th<01:25:00.920> of<01:25:01.560> 2025<01:25
• :27.040> end<01:25:27.199> of<01:25:27.360> the<01:25:27.480> world<01:25
• :25:29.320> but<01:25:29.480> maybe<01:25:29.800> we<01:25:29.920> would
• <01:25:30.840> the<01:25:31.199> executive<01:25:31.760> Council<01:25:32.320
• 25:57.480> and<05:25:57.600> now<05:25:57.798> all<05:25:57.920> of<05:25

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee met to continue work on House Bill 2, with the chair saying the goal was to finish the bill as given by the governor, though additional amendments were expected. Members first discussed the bail section and agreed to hold it for later because a separate House bail bill was expected on Thursday and could have significant county cost impacts. They also generally accepted the proposed reorganization of positions between Fish and Game, DNCR, and the Department of Environmental Services, but noted the need to review effective dates and funding details, including a possible double appropriation of $275,000 for a scientist position already funded in HB 1. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on environmental review and native plant-related sections moving functions from DNCR to DES. Members discussed changing the rulemaking timeline from 180 days to 90 days, and clarifying that “begin” means the public hearing stage. They also reviewed how fee revenue would shift between agencies in HB 1 so the budget impact would be net zero. The committee indicated it would prepare amendments reflecting these changes and revisit them at a later vote. The longest discussion concerned the boathouse provisions. Members debated whether the new definitions and construction standards were appropriate in a budget bill, with one member arguing they should be in a separate bill, while others said the provisions were urgent because of a lawsuit and the lack of clear guardrails. Concerns included the February 20, 2025 effective date, which some thought might be retroactive, the detailed limits on what may be stored in a boathouse, and a fee increase that some felt could discourage homeowners from seeking permits. The committee also questioned whether the fee structure should be tiered for smaller projects and whether permit-by-notification projects should be exempted. No final votes were taken on these sections during the discussion; instead, members agreed to seek legal and policy answers and to return with amendments and public hearing input before voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Item 25 is a preliminary approval for the Northwest Louisiana Finance Authority for the Petro Tower Project
• Item 25 is a preliminary approval for the Northwest Louisiana Finance Authority for the Petro Tower Project
• Any questions on item 25? Speaker de Villio moves approval of item 25.
• However, they decided not to move forward with the project.
• However, they decided not to move forward with the project.

Summary: The State Bond Commission met on May 21, established a quorum, approved the April 16 minutes, and then considered a long agenda of bond, refunding, and election-related requests. Items 3 through 10 were election propositions for the November 3 ballot involving ad valorem taxes, parcel fees, and charter amendments for purposes such as fire protection, agricultural centers, neighborhood security, recreation, aging services, drainage, and roads and bridges; staff said they met technical and legal requirements, and the commission approved them. The commission also approved several local financings, including water and sewer projects, fire district equipment and facility improvements, school board and parish bonds, and refunding transactions for the East Baton Rouge City-Parish and St. James Parish School Board. A retroactive approval request from the City of Kenner related to a CEA with GMB Basketball LLC was discussed; staff made no recommendation because it was retroactive, but noted it appeared to be an oversight, and item 22, the related airport district agreement, was approved. The commission approved additional financing for the Louisiana Housing Corporation’s Federal City Building 10 affordable housing project, a preliminary approval for the Northwest Louisiana Finance Authority’s Petro Tower redevelopment in Shreveport, and two Louisiana Public Facilities Authority projects: Southern University’s Scott’s Bluff student housing project and the Crescent City Schools project for Harriet Tubman Charter School. During discussion of the Crescent City Schools financing, a commissioner asked about the use of MFP funds; staff explained that lease payments would be the repayment source and that MFP dollars are generally split between educational expenses and facilities costs, with the school’s typical split around 72% instructional and 28% administrative/facilities-related. Both items were approved. The commission then received six cost-of-issuance reports for previously approved bond issues, with various fee adjustments but no motions required. It also reviewed a debt schedule update and adopted Resolution No. 2 authorizing up to $425 million in general obligation refunding bonds to refund Series 2016 bonds and tender other outstanding bonds for savings, with pricing tentatively set for June 16 and closing for June 30. In other business, the commission heard a brief public comment from New Orleans City Council President J.P. Morrell thanking the commission for helping place a charter amendment on the ballot to improve New Orleans budgeting transparency and oversight. The meeting ended after monthly reports were noted and no further business was raised.

Transcript Highlights:

• > But<00:25:01.919> I<00:25:02.080> would<00:25:02.240> also<00:25:02.799
• 00:25:11.919> region<00:25:12.799> um<00:25:13.200> to<00:25:13.840> try<
• um because<00:25:18.480> there<00:25:18.720> is<00:25:18.799> the<00:25:19.039>
• 25:21.760> um<00:25:21.840> and<00:25:22.080> I<00:25:22.240> don't<00:25
• So, I think<00:25:24.400> that<00:25:24.640> we<00:25:24.799> do<00:25:24.960>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The task force approved the October 14, 2025 meeting minutes and then heard a presentation from Austin Kaylor of WSP on alternative aviation fuels. Kaylor described an ongoing feasibility study focused on Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and the other four commercial airports in Kentucky, with an eye toward both near-term use of alternative aviation fuel in existing supply chains and longer-term in-state production using local feedstocks. He said Kentucky’s current jet fuel use at the five airports is about 609 million gallons annually and could approach 1 billion gallons by 2050, and he outlined potential feedstocks such as soybeans, corn, and waste oils, along with existing logistics assets like river terminals, trucking, rail, and some pipelines. He also discussed federal and state policy support, including renewable fuel credits and the recent 45Z tax credit extension, and said the study suggests significant economic-development potential if Kentucky can leverage existing infrastructure and incentives. Members asked about the cost of sustainable aviation fuel, whether taxpayers would be subsidizing it, and whether food crops would be diverted from food use. Kaylor responded that the market is increasingly using second-generation and waste-based feedstocks, that federal incentives can cover much of the price differential, and that SAF is a direct substitute for conventional jet fuel with some efficiency benefits. He said demand comes from both U.S. and foreign carriers, including major U.S. airlines that have made emissions-reduction commitments. Members also raised the possibility of locating production in Appalachia to create jobs closer to feedstock sources; Kaylor said that approach has worked in other states and could fit Kentucky’s logistics network. The committee then heard from Leif Elder of the Utah Department of Transportation, who introduced himself and said he would discuss advanced air mobility legislation in Utah. The transcript cuts off before his substantive presentation, and no further votes or actions were recorded after the question-and-answer discussion on alternative aviation fuels.

Transcript Highlights:

• This<00:25:15.120> bill<00:25:15.600> ensures<00:25:16.080> that<00:25:16.400
• to this bill.<00:25:25.919> Clean<00:25:26.240> water,<00:25:27.120> green<00:25
• :50.799> a<00:25:51.120> great<00:25:51.440> bill<00:25:52.159> that<00:25
• .<01:25:05.760> Like<01:25:05.920> I<01:25:06.159> said,<01:25:06.320> that
• the<01:25:07.600> language<01:25:07.920> that<01:25:08.239> uh<01:25:08.320>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• 25:12.480> son<00:25:12.720> they<00:25:12.960> have<00:25:13.440> for<00
• But<00:25:18.960> it<00:25:19.279> stuck<00:25:19.520> with<00:25:19.679> me<
• c> that<00:25:22.799> can<00:25:22.960> be<00:25:23.120> done<00:25:23.279><
• So it is those types<00:25:38.159> of<00:25:38.400> projects<00:25:38.799> that<
• 00:25:39.120> this<00:25:39.440> program types of projects that this program types of projects

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 25:06.360> have<00:25:06.880> the<00:25:07.320> Hawaii<00:25:07.720> technology
• /c><01:25:06.000> for<01:25:06.280> geothermal<01:25:06.960> when<01:25:07.119><
• 01:25:22.880> um<01:25:23.080> a<01:25:23.280> CIA<01:25:23.920> and<01:25
• > okav<01:25:30.119> is<01:25:30.239> the<01:25:30.440> home<01:25:30.760
• > we<01:25:50.800> have<01:25:51.040> an<01:25:51.280> Chung<01:25:51.639

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So,<00:25:01.200> let's<00:25:02.320> see<00:25:02.480> if<00:25:02.559> we
• c><00:25:02.799> can<00:25:02.880> figure<00:25:03.120> out<00:25:03.360> why
• >> Oh,<00:25:47.919> that<00:25:48.080> was<00:25:48.320> I<00:25:48.480><
• <01:25:49.600> projects.
• <01:25:50.639> So,<01:25:50.960> we<01:25:51.199> we're shovel ready projects

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing focused on how federal policy changes, tariffs, funding cuts, the federal shutdown, and delays in the farm bill are affecting Hawaii agriculture and food access. Opening remarks emphasized Hawaii’s heavy dependence on imported food and farm inputs, the state’s vulnerability to disruptions in USDA services, and the need for stronger state, county, and community coordination. Speakers also noted that immigration enforcement and broader global supply-chain pressures can affect local farm labor, production, and food availability. Sharon Herd, chair of the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, described both positive and negative federal impacts. She said Hawaii has benefited from some recurring grants and a large new $8.8 million federal grant, but also reported about $22 million in losses from suspended or terminated grants, including farm-to-school and water-related projects. She said some USDA programs, such as microgrants for food security and FISMIP, are currently suspended, while the specialty crop block grant remains active. She also said Hawaii farms declined from 7,328 to 6,569 between the 2017 and 2022 censuses and argued the state cannot rely on imports alone to feed its people. Amanda Shaw of Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii presented findings from federal funding cut reports. She said the first report, in March, identified about $88 million in potential cuts, and the newer report found $64.7 million in confirmed cuts and about $175 million in potential cuts. She said federal shifts are creating uncertainty for farmers, food-system organizations, and school and community food programs, and noted that 4,000 to 5,000 Hawaii farmers could receive less money because of changes to payment-factor provisions for socially disadvantaged farmers. She also said Hawaii has lost 18% of local USDA staff since September 2024, with possible further national reductions expected. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only, and the chair noted that any legal questions, including the reported SNAP changes, would be for the Judiciary Committee to assess later.

Transcript Highlights:

• :16.480> we<00:25:16.799> look<00:25:17.120> at<00:25:17.440> this<00:25:
• called<00:25:25.520> the<00:25:25.760> system<00:25:26.000> of<00:25:26.159>
• Can<00:25:35.679> we<00:25:35.919> rebalance<00:25:36.559> New<00:25:36.799>
• /c><00:25:55.679> modest<00:25:56.159> amount<00:25:56.400> of<00:25:56.559>
• 57.440> could<00:25:57.679> do<00:25:57.840> so<00:25:58.080> much<00:25:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :04.320> the<00:25:04.440> best<00:25:04.840> possible<00:25:05.280> balance<
• , funding<00:25:38.040> the<00:25:38.640> Medicaid<00:25:39.560> program<00:25:40.120
• 25:43.080> health<00:25:43.320> care<00:25:43.600> coverage<00:25:44.320> to<
• and uh testing<00:25:53.240> to<00:25:53.320> provide<00:25:53.720> more<00:25:54.120
• As<00:25:57.080> the<00:25:57.160> federal<00:25:57.560> government<00:25:58.000

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, March 16, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened on Monday, March 16th, with an invocation focused on safety during storms, support for first responders, and recognition of Women’s History Month. A quorum was present, and the President noted the chamber was preparing for a very busy week, with possible double sessions and a Saturday session if needed. The House message on House Bill 297, concerning adult education and high school diploma pathways, was received and referred to the appropriate standing committees. The chamber then took up several committee reports, mostly adopting committee amendments and favorable reports without objection. Among the bills advanced to third reading were SB 85 on use of Information Technology Investment Fund revenues, SB 520 on public safety spending flexibility in charter counties, SB 558 creating a Chesapeake Bay Enhancement Program, SB 641 on procurement exceptions for historic preservation services, SB 647 establishing a catastrophic disability benefit tier for certain law enforcement retirement members, SB 654 raising the State Police mandatory retirement age to 62 and adjusting DROP rules, and SB 668 on Children’s Cabinet funding for local management boards. SB 756, a Baltimore City PILOT/tax exemption bill for a Downtown Rise District project, was also advanced. Several bills were special ordered to allow time for amendments or further discussion. SB 334 on machine gun convertible pistols was special ordered to the next day after members said amendments were not ready. SB 309, concerning a statewide sales and use tax exemption for precious metal bullion or coins, was also special ordered for the next day so members could add co-sponsors. SB 818 on State Center development contract requirements and an advisory group was special ordered to the appropriate time the next day after discussion of its community input and federal-law compliance provisions. The Budget and Taxation Committee then reported on the fiscal 2027 operating budget, SB 282, and the budget reconciliation and financing act, SB 284. The committee chair said the budget left a $250 million cash surplus and $2.2 billion in the rainy day fund, kept general fund spending below the current year, imposed no tax or fee increases, and funded priorities including behavioral health in schools, child care scholarships, local government disparity grants, nursing homes, developmental disabilities services, public schools, Medicaid, energy assistance, and economic development. Both SB 282 and SB 284, along with their committee amendments, were laid over until the next day for second reading debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:25:17.919> as<00:25:18.080> fast<00:25:18.240> as<00:25:18.399> we<
• 00:25:18.919> can<00:25:19.919> okay<00:25:20.480> well<00:25:20.880> six
• <00:25:50.600> commission<00:25:51.120> in<00:25:51.320> zoom<00:25:51.760><
• uh<00:25:53.679> good<00:25:53.840> morning<00:25:54.440> uh<00:25:54.559>
• uh Michael Glo Jr<00:25:55.559> Vice<00:25:55.799> chair<00:25:56.080> of<00:25

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Technology met on March 12, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures. On SB 9, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation testified in support, and there were no questions or objections. On SB 148, the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs offered comments, and a member of the public testified in support of combining boxing and MMA oversight into a single combat sports commission, with amendments to preserve safety standards and separate or distinct treatment for the two sports. Committee discussion focused on whether proposed requirements were primarily safety-related or cost-related, how to handle smaller events, and whether a one-year implementation delay was necessary; the department said many safety provisions already exist in the MMA program, that it was open to continued discussion on costs, and that it needed time to combine rules and appoint new commissioners. The chair suggested possible amendments to account for event size and to reduce burdens on smaller events. The committee then heard SB 816, which drew extensive testimony on providing legal representation for immigrants in immigration proceedings. Supporters included the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, ACU Hawaii, the Refugee and Immigration Law Clinic, the Legal Clinic, Hawaii Friends of Civil Rights, the Hawaiʻi Coalition for Immigrant Rights, Pride at Work Hawaii, and others. Supporters argued that immigration cases can be as serious as criminal cases, that counsel is essential for due process, and that representation improves outcomes; several also emphasized the economic importance of immigrants to Hawaii. One supporter noted a suggested amendment to include training for attorneys and partners doing deportation defense and asylum work. Opposition came from a Navy veteran who argued the bill would use state resources for a federal issue, create inequities, and impose fiscal burdens. The chair noted 69 testimonies in support and 44 in opposition, and later an additional supporter brought the total to 70 in support. No vote was taken in the portion of the meeting provided. The committee also heard SB 125, with the Department of Economic Development, the Agreed Business Development Corporation, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association in support, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii offering technical comments about complicated nested definitions in the bill. Testimony on SB 125 focused on updating the Enterprise Zone Program so local manufacturers selling directly to retail could qualify, along with value-added products and certain health-related sectors. Finally, on SB 732, the State of Hawaii Creative Industries testified with comments, raising concerns about county permit-fee waivers, implementation timing, and the bill’s lack of a carry-forward provision for the film tax credit. The witness said uncertainty in the credit was already causing productions to delay coming to Hawaii and urged stability to support the industry and local workers. The committee then moved on to additional testimony on the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• > of<00:25:53.799> the<00:25:53.919> house<00:25:54.120> and<00:25:54.279
• > of<00:25:55.120> the<00:25:55.240> senate<00:25:55.600> for<00:25:55.880
• for review and comment<00:25:57.840> so<00:25:58.039> we<00:25:58.399> do<00:25
• is not followed<01:25:25.280> um<01:25:25.520> we<01:25:25.639> do<01:25:25.800
• :25:42.199> on<01:25:42.480> to<01:25:42.880> line<01:25:43.719> 17<01:25

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :25:00.880> is<00:25:01.200> to<00:25:01.440> that<00:25:01.919> uh<00:25
• ><00:25:08.400> we<00:25:08.640> would<00:25:08.720> call<00:25:08.880> those
• Um so when<00:25:13.760> when<00:25:14.480> uh<00:25:15.600> um<00:25:15.919>
• Senator<00:25:16.240> Kunes,<00:25:16.799> so<00:25:17.200> on<00:25:17.520
• :18.320> side<00:25:18.640> then<00:25:19.120> uh<00:25:19.200> you<00:25

Keywords: 1187, senate, all