Transcript Highlights:

• <01:45:02.400> has<01:45:02.560> been<01:45:02.719> greatly<01:45:03.280>
• > out<01:45:10.880> who<01:45:11.040> they<01:45:11.159> are<01:45:11.840
• :12.159> they<01:45:12.320> did<01:45:13.040> I<01:45:13.159> have<01:45:
• on<01:45:45.840> every<01:45:46.239> bill<01:45:47.159> and<01:45:47.360>
• 45:24.160> my<02:45:24.319> son<02:45:24.560> is<02:45:24.720> by<02:45:24.880

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on House Bill 148, with the chair limiting testimony to two minutes and asking for no outbursts so the committee could get through eight bills that day. Representative Kofalt, the prime sponsor, said HB 148 was the same as last year’s HB 396, which passed both chambers but was vetoed by the governor. He explained the bill would allow, but not require, separation by biological sex in bathrooms, locker rooms, houses of correction, and certain athletic competitions, leaving local school boards and administrators discretion to set policies. He argued the bill was meant to address safety and privacy concerns and cited a Milford incident and concerns in several school districts as examples of why local flexibility was needed. Committee members questioned the lack of a definition of “biological sex” and how the bill would be applied. Kofalt said he did not think a definition was necessary because males and females are generally understood, and he said the bill would give local policymakers latitude to make practical rules. He also said the bill was intended to address situations where people might misuse transgender claims to access spaces inappropriately. In response to questions, he said he was aware of issues in Kearsarge, Milford, and Mascoma school districts and had heard of discomfort in the State House, though he did not know all the details. Several opponents testified that the bill would discriminate against transgender and non-binary people and create enforcement problems. Executive Councilor Karen Hill said the bill would roll back New Hampshire’s anti-discrimination protections and conflict with the state’s Live Free or Die values. Alice Wade, a trans woman, said she had used women’s restrooms without incident and argued the bill would invite invasive enforcement and harassment. Representative La Selig said the bill was discriminatory and that bathroom concerns were being confused with unrelated harassment by cisgender males. Betsy Harrington supported the bill, citing a girls’ soccer game at Kearsarge that she said was disrupted by a boy playing on a girls’ team. Rosie Emer and her child testified against the bill, saying bathroom restrictions would increase anxiety and risk for trans and non-binary children. Stephen Scaer and Wendy Stallings supported the bill, arguing sex is biologically fixed and that excluding males from female spaces should not require genital inspections. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :48.480> you<00:45:48.600> want<00:45:48.760> to<00:45:48.800> look<00:45
• bill last<00:45:52.400> year<00:45:52.880> uh<00:45:53.200> Co-Chair<00:45:53.600
• :00.760> to<01:45:00.880> talk<01:45:01.520> not<01:45:01.720> just<01:45
• I hope we can come<01:45:11.760> back<01:45:11.960> and<01:45:12.080> talk<01:45
• 45:20.720> dollars<01:45:21.480> of<01:45:21.880> uh<01:45:22.000> state<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:47.359> chairs<00:45:47.760> to<00:45:48.000> hear<00:45:48.319> those
• to<00:45:49.119> move<00:45:49.280> those<00:45:49.520> bills.
• Um I think that<00:45:51.599> there<00:45:52.359> is<00:45:53.359> great<00:45:53.760
• > aid<00:45:54.079> that<00:45:54.400> we<00:45:54.560> can<00:45:54.720>
• :55.200> motans<00:45:55.839> in<00:45:56.160> protecting<00:45:56.640> them<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:26.400> Uh<00:45:26.720> so<00:45:26.960> I<00:45:27.200> have
• Uh so I have some<00:45:27.760> answers<00:45:28.079> to<00:45:28.319> some<00:45
• <00:45:32.880> for<00:45:33.200> AEG<00:45:33.760> placement<00:45:34.560> and
• a<01:45:56.960> different<01:45:57.199> chapter<01:45:57.840> and that they
• have a different chapter and that they have a different chapter and I'm<01:45:58.320> not<01:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:45:02.880> saw<00:45:03.040> in<00:45:03.119> the<00:45:03.280> mun<
• or<00:45:31.920> property<00:45:32.240> taxes<00:45:32.640> as<00:45:32.880>
• <00:45:35.040> Um<00:45:35.440> in<00:45:35.680> the<00:45:35.760> county
• <00:45:42.720> And<00:45:42.880> really<00:45:43.119> what<00:45:43.280>
• /c><00:45:44.319> trying<00:45:44.560> to<00:45:44.720> get<00:45:44.800> at<

Bills: HB0105, HB0107, SF0002

Keywords: K-12 education, school facilities, security improvements, public funding, state appropriations, school construction, local government funding, sales tax distribution, municipal funding, economic equity, state revenue, Wyoming Legislature, legislative appropriations, Legislative Service Office, LSO budget, general fund, biennial budget, legislative branch, legislator travel, per diem

Transcript Highlights:

• :45:04.440> 100<00:45:04.760> over<00:45:05.000> $100<00:45:05.839> out<00
• <00:45:06.440> 2,000<00:45:06.960> doesn't<00:45:07.240> seem<00:45:07.440> like
• <00:45:08.319> number<00:45:09.119> it<00:45:09.240> can<00:45:09.359> make
• that might<00:45:21.520> be<00:45:21.680> safer<00:45:22.240> for<00:45:22.480>
• eliminating<00:45:24.400> this<00:45:24.920> tax<00:45:25.319> is<00:45:25.559>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:23.200> before<00:45:23.520> so<00:45:23.640> when<00:45:23.760> is
• <00:45:25.119> so<00:45:25.280> that<00:45:25.440> we<00:45:25.559> can
• /c><00:45:26.079> discussion<00:45:26.520> on<00:45:26.640> it<00:45:27.280>
• vendors<00:45:51.119> the<00:45:51.319> guy<00:45:51.800> coming<00:45:52.119><
• 53.440> know<00:45:53.680> that<00:45:53.880> so<00:45:54.359> they<00:45

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , it applies to that law or in a chapter, it applies to that chapter. chapter. chapter.
• :00.480> uh<01:45:00.960> to<01:45:01.199> a<01:45:01.440> meeting<01:45:
• 45:09.360> and<01:45:10.400> they<01:45:11.840> uh<01:45:12.080> provided
• <01:45:14.320> three<01:45:15.119> students<01:45:16.000> in<01:45:16.239> a<
• Two of<01:45:20.000> them<01:45:20.800> were<01:45:21.119> just<01:45:21.360>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:45:03.040> The<01:45:03.160> list<01:45:03.520> it<01:45:03.840> it
• Adrian<01:45:16.680> Sloan,<01:45:17.040> you're<01:45:17.200> on<01:45:17.400><
• the<01:45:23.680> great<01:45:24.400> chief Senate<01:45:28.960> file<01:45
• From<01:45:37.800> the<01:45:38.080> great key.<01:45:43.200> I<01:45:43.360
• > just<01:45:44.040> and<01:45:44.240> it<01:45:44.320> was<01:45:44.520>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• need<00:45:25.880> to<00:45:26.480> we<00:45:26.599> need<00:45:26.760><
• of interest<00:45:40.880> that<00:45:41.079> a<00:45:41.280> firm<00:45:41.839>
• <00:45:49.240> thank<00:45:49.440> you<00:45:49.720> thank<00:45:49.880> you<
• <00:45:54.839> just<00:45:55.079> because<00:45:55.480> I<00:45:55.599> have<
• > in<00:45:57.680> here<00:45:58.000> that<00:45:58.880> um<00:45:59.240>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land met on March 18, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures related to state funds, public lands, wastewater, port infrastructure, and other land and water issues. Early in the hearing, SB 1395, relating to state funds and climate mitigation financing, drew support from the Governor’s office, the Hawaii Climate Advisory Team, the State Energy Office, and others, while the Tax Foundation of Hawaii urged the committee not to revert to the original version because of concerns about a special fund and compliance with state statutes. After discussion, the chair said the bill would be deferred because of budget uncertainty and the need to preserve reserves, and members agreed to that recommendation. The committee then took up SB 1393, SB 1669, SB 102, SB 1511, SB 1083, and SB 946, among others. SB 1393 and SB 1669 received support or comments from agencies including the Attorney General’s office, the State Energy Office, and other departments; SB 1669 was sent on with amendments and to Finance for further review. SB 102, concerning a third-party review process, prompted questions about who would select consultants and whether the bill would affect staffing and permitting costs; it was advanced with amendments, with one member noting reservations about the shift to private third-party review. SB 1511, SB 1083, and SB 946 also moved forward, generally with amendments or as amended, and several members noted reservations tied to budget impacts or statutory language. The committee also heard testimony on HB 1393, which involved public lands and school facilities, where the Department of Education sought a change to the deletion language and the School Facilities Authority said it stood on its written comments. For SB 146, relating to the Ali Canal, the University of Hawaiʻi and DLNR supported the measure, and a member asked about the estimated annual cost, which was described as $125,000 per year. On SB 946, members discussed whether removing the term “person” could narrow the law too much; after that discussion, the committee agreed to restore the term and proceed with an HD1. The meeting ended with the committee recessing after completing its agenda and adopting the chair’s recommendations on the measures considered.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:22.800> now<00:45:23.280> where<00:45:23.440> we've<00:45:23.680>
• <00:45:26.400> systems<00:45:26.640> that<00:45:26.800> aren't<00:45:26.960>
• especially<00:45:31.280> on<00:45:31.520> islands<00:45:32.400> um<00:45:32.560
• > Cow<00:45:35.599> Island<00:45:35.839> or<00:45:36.640> um<00:45:36.800
• to<00:45:41.280> want<00:45:41.440> for<00:45:41.680> new<00:45:41.920>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee on SB 170 opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then worked through the bill section by section, focusing first on a housing-related provision that would prohibit municipalities from requiring occupants to be related by blood or marriage. The chair proposed adding “school enrollment status” as a protected class to prevent towns from limiting where students may live, especially in Durham. Members debated whether that phrase was too vague and whether “educational status,” “enrollment status,” or “school enrollment status” was the best wording. Public testimony raised concerns that adding a new protected class could have broader implications under the state’s anti-discrimination law and could also affect municipal zoning authority, while supporters argued the bill was aimed at preventing local rules that restrict student housing and group living arrangements. The subcommittee did not take a final vote on that language during the discussion. The committee then turned to land-use and subdivision provisions. The Department of Environmental Services testified that its test-pit and related land-development rules are already protective of groundwater and surface water, and that municipalities sometimes impose stricter setbacks or other requirements locally. Builders and housing advocates argued that more stringent local requirements for test pits, well siting, and related approvals add time and cost and can impede housing development, while some municipal concerns were raised about aquifer and wellhead protection overlay districts and local groundwater safeguards. Public testimony also supported making state standards uniform across municipalities, though one speaker noted that local and state review processes can differ and that the bill could simplify approvals. The subcommittee also discussed a road-length provision, with one member supporting limits on municipal caps that could impede development and another suggesting a possible water-and-sewer-capacity qualifier. Additional sections were explained as allowing utilities and infrastructure to be placed in subdivision open spaces or perimeter buffers, and requiring municipalities to act quickly on plan changes after initial review. The chair indicated support for several of the sections as drafted, and the discussion ended with the committee moving through the remaining provisions without recorded final votes in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• :43.000> in<00:45:43.119> the<00:45:43.280> state<00:45:43.559> in<00:45:
• :45:48.000> in<00:45:48.160> applying<00:45:48.440> for<00:45:48.640> these
• > funds<00:45:50.200> unfortunately<00:45:50.680> given<00:45:50.839> the
• reducing<00:45:57.480> funding<00:45:57.760> for<00:45:57.880> a<00:45:58.000
• :58.400> program<00:45:58.680> with<00:45:58.839> unspent<00:45:59.240> funds

Bills: HF1063

Keywords: grain buyers, grain dealer, grain elevator, agriculture, financial reporting, audit, CPA review, independent accountant, financial statement, balance sheet, cash flow, nonpublic data, licensee oversight, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, grain purchase volume, insolvency, nonpayment, warehouse chain, fiduciary duties, producer protection

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam President, we've got a Chapter 70 formula that no longer recognizes the burdens that are being
• It will soon be upon us to write the next chapter of education finance legislation in Massachusetts,
• And a Chapter 70 formula that does not capture the need that that creates.
• Chapter 70 is not adequate for a majority Of the communities that struggle.
• Amendment number 45 by the same senator, the clerk will read. Amendment number 45 by Mr.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate first handled a House petition from John H. Rawlers and others seeking eminent domain authority for a parcel in Norwood; Joint Rule 12 was suspended and the matter was referred to the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. The chamber then resumed debate on the literacy bill, with Senator Tarr offering a series of amendments focused on school district funding, teacher competency, reporting, waivers, and curriculum implementation. Most of Tarr’s amendments were rejected, but one requiring written, appealable denials of district waivers was adopted by roll call, and another amendment on reporting from the Early Literacy Fund, including provisions for English language learners and special education educators, was also adopted. A separate amendment extending the timeline for DESE to publish high-quality curricula was adopted, while several other amendments were withdrawn or defeated. The Senate also considered and adopted an amendment from Senator Comerford addressing rural and regional equity in education funding. That amendment expanded eligible uses of the Early Literacy Fund to include screening assessments, required DESE to prioritize geographic and funding equity, mandated a public hearing in Western Massachusetts before final grant criteria were finalized, and directed technical assistance to rural districts. Senators from across the chamber spoke in support, emphasizing chronic underfunding, declining enrollment, minimum-aid pressures, and the need for a broader review of the Chapter 70 formula and a Foundation Budget Review Commission. The amendment passed unanimously. Later, the Senate took up an amendment from Senator Moore on children’s vision care, which would have created a registry for vision screening and expanded eye exam requirements, but it was withdrawn after supportive debate. The chamber then adopted the Ways and Means redraft, ordered the bill to third reading, and passed An Act relative to teacher preparation and student literacy to be engrossed by a unanimous roll call. Final passage was also achieved for a separate House land-taking bill allowing the town of Hingham to use municipal property for a center for active living, which passed by the required two-thirds vote and was enacted. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Monday and adjourned in memory of Donna Goldstein.

Transcript Highlights:

• :30.960> uh<00:45:31.119> for<00:45:31.520> the<00:45:31.839> overall allocated
• Uh<00:45:36.560> I<00:45:36.800> will<00:45:37.040> defer<00:45:37.359> to
• Uh I will defer to executive director Burer<00:45:39.040> who<00:45:39.280> has<00:45:39.440
• <00:45:41.920> uh<00:45:42.079> to<00:45:42.319> talk<00:45:42.560> about
• staffing<00:45:43.599> uh<00:45:43.680> and<00:45:43.920> whether<00:45:44.240>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard from the Department of Corrections first about Wellpath’s medical services contract and the contractor’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy. DOC officials said Wellpath’s reorganization plan was confirmed in May 2025, the contract was automatically assumed, and services have continued without lapses. They said DOC has not seen any reduction in care, staffing problems, or known impact on Kentucky operations, and that DOC and health services staff meet with Wellpath almost weekly. Members asked whether “emergence” meant discharge from bankruptcy; staff clarified that Wellpath has not yet been discharged and is still in the process of paying debts. The discussion then shifted to the Department of Juvenile Justice’s proposed high-acuity juvenile mental health treatment facility. DJJ said the facility is still in the conceptual and preliminary programming stage, with no full design funding yet and no entry into the formal A/B process with DECA. The proposed facility would have 24 beds total, split into 16 clinical beds and 8 assessment/stabilization beds, and would need to separate males and females as well as high- and low-risk youth under Senate Bill 162. Officials said the concept was developed with DJJ and CHFS mental health staff and outside design experts, and that the project was submitted in the capital plan for consideration. Members questioned the need for the facility, the estimated construction and staffing costs, and whether the state has enough youth to justify it. DJJ said the number of youth needing this level of care changes frequently, that they currently have one youth in Pennsylvania and typically send one to five youth out of state each year, and that out-of-state placement is increasingly difficult. Officials argued that a dedicated facility would reduce delays, keep youth closer to home, and avoid the need to retrofit multiple detention centers. Some members expressed concern that the projected operating costs seemed high compared with the small number of current out-of-state placements, and asked for more information on annual out-of-state spending and the number of youth who would qualify for the facility.

Transcript Highlights:

• :41.760> to<00:45:42.000> have<00:45:42.079> it<00:45:42.240> be<00:45:42.400
• <00:45:45.760> That<00:45:45.839> that<00:45:46.160> might<00:45:46.319>
• <00:45:48.000> it<00:45:48.480> it<00:45:48.800> would<00:45:48.960> be<00
• <00:45:50.000> improvement<00:45:50.640> in<00:45:50.880> the<00:45:51.040> lives
• I can explain<00:45:56.319> to<00:45:56.480> my<00:45:56.720> patient<00:45:57.200

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Under annual leave, the chapter title and review, we update. of session.
• We proposed a new chapter of North Dakota Administrative Code.
• This chapter contains a total of 37 sections.
• It's the Chapter 99-01.3-09-01. Poker buy-in is increased from $300 to $1,500.
• So I agree with you, Senator Myrdal, just pulling up Chapter 53-06.1.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:45:14.200> Kyle<00:45:14.480> Elliott<00:45:15.000> more<00:45:15.200>
• > the<00:45:16.640> path<00:45:16.960> for<00:45:17.359> path<00:45:17.599
• 45:20.079> that<00:45:20.240> it<00:45:20.359> would<00:45:20.520> be<00:
• waste<00:45:21.160> of<00:45:21.319> the<00:45:21.440> board<00:45:21.760> and
• :56.040> or<00:45:56.200> to<00:45:56.319> the<00:45:56.440> board<00:45:

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 46, which would allow lottery winners of $1 million or more to remain anonymous. After brief discussion and a motion with a second, the committee approved the bill unanimously and sent it to the House floor. Members then heard House Bill 54, a workforce and education measure aimed at aligning dual credit and project-based learning with licensed construction trades and other high-demand careers. The sponsor and witness said the bill is intended to help students meet both education and on-the-job training requirements, address labor shortages, and speed entry into the trades. Several members raised concerns about possible abuse of internships, the need for input from unions and other trade groups, and the amount of authority left to the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction to write regulations. The sponsor said the bill does not replace current hands-on training requirements and expressed willingness to continue discussions. The committee passed the bill, with some members explaining their votes as conditional or in hopes of further amendments. The committee also approved House Bill 261, which would let retired CPAs provide certain uncompensated services, such as nonprofit work, while retaining their CPA designation, and would create a retirement-based CPE waiver for those limited services. A question from Representative Donworth focused on how retired CPAs would disclose their status to nonprofits; the board representative said retired status is noted in board records, but there is currently no separate requirement governing use of the CPA designation. The bill passed. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 262, which would remove restrictions on small CPA firm names after an owner dies or retires. The sponsor said Kentucky is an outlier because current law requires the remaining owner to change the firm name. The bill passed unanimously. After that, the chair turned the gavel over to the vice chair and began presenting House Bill 306, which would change engineering education requirements for licensure, especially to help Eastern Kentucky University fire protection engineering technology graduates qualify for licensure in Kentucky rather than leaving the state. The sponsor and witnesses explained that the bill would not change the rest of the PE licensure pathway, only the education component, and said most other states already allow this route. Members noted that engineers may have concerns and encouraged continued discussions before the bill advances further.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've broken up today's presentation into three different chapters.
• We've broken up today's presentation into three different chapters.
• We've broken up today's presentation into three different chapters.
• We've broken up today's presentation into three different chapters.
• So a quick preview of what you'll hear in this first chapter: overall, there is a shift within the last

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The committee first received a presentation from Legislative Audit on Arkansas Department of Education grant distributions for fiscal year 2025. Auditors explained the report summarizes $4.6 billion in grants to school districts, charter schools, education cooperatives, and other entities, with most funding coming from the Public School Fund and federal sources. Members asked about specific recipients and programs, including ClassWallet, master principal bonuses, Economics Arkansas, and CDC surveillance grants. Department of Education staff clarified that the audit report only shows distributions, not how recipients ultimately used the money, and noted that some funding declines reflected the end of one-time federal COVID relief dollars. Senators also asked about the special-language appropriation for Economics Arkansas and the use of public school fund revenues. The committee then heard a Bureau of Legislative Research presentation on Consumer Price Index projections from Moody’s Analytics and S&P Global, followed by a detailed adequacy-study update on teacher recruitment, retention, and salaries. The teacher report covered teacher counts, education levels, experience, shortages, preparation pathways, licensure exceptions, survey results, and salary trends. Key findings included about 32,800 teachers statewide in 2025, an average retention rate of 87%, and 30% of surveyed teachers saying they were considering leaving the profession. The report also noted shortages in special education, math, science, and other areas, growth in alternative preparation pathways, and the phaseout of several licensure exceptions under Act 304 of 2025. Members asked extensively about survey methodology, teacher satisfaction, preparation for classroom environment and special education, the cost and return on investment of alternative licensure routes, and whether exit-interview data exists statewide. The presenters said they could follow up on several questions, including details on alternative programs, incentives for ESL and special education endorsements, and comparisons to other surveys. On salaries, the report said the statewide average teacher salary in 2025 was $60,254, with districts averaging slightly higher than charters. Arkansas ranked 45th nationally on average salary in 2025, though 36th when adjusted for cost of living, and average district salaries had declined 8% in inflation-adjusted terms since 2016. Members also discussed the LEARNS Act minimum salary floor of $50,000, salary disparities among districts, and whether the state should focus more on retaining experienced teachers as well as raising starting pay.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under those measures, the person can provide alternative measures to the department within 45 days.
• insufficient to prevent the structures from materially damaging migratory birds in the state, it has 45
• Thank you for the record, Cyrus Reed, Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club.
• “Cyrus Reed, Lone Star Chapter, Sierra Club, respectfully against the bill.
• Yes, respectfully, Cyrus Reed, Lundstar chapter, the Sierra Club, respectfully against the bill.

Bills: SB3074, HB49, HB2440, HB3556, HB3619, HB3866, HB4042, HB4112, HB4271, HB4413, HB4426, HB5033

Keywords: SB 3074, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Water Code, permit applications, environmental permitting, administrative record, ex parte communications, legislative communications, governor, lieutenant governor, state legislators, district projects, public records, recusal, conflict of interest, substantial interest, agency transparency, environmental regulation, permit renewal

Summary: The committee heard and laid out several natural resources and environmental bills, with testimony focused on balancing development, public health, wildlife protection, and regulatory authority. SB 3074 would allow the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislators to communicate in writing with TCEQ about matters before the commission, with safeguards requiring the communication to be part of the record and allowing other parties to respond; a committee substitute narrowed it to written communications about permits only, limited legislator communications to facilities in their districts, and adjusted conflict-of-interest rules. HB 3556, as substituted, would require notice to Texas Parks and Wildlife for certain very tall structures in specified coastal counties and give TPWD a limited right to seek injunctive relief if mitigation is insufficient to prevent material harm to migratory birds; supporters said it would address ignored wildlife recommendations and protect key flyways, while opponents argued the bill was too broad, singled out wind energy, and gave one agency unusually strong enforcement power. HB 49 would expand liability protections for produced-water recycling and beneficial use; supporters said it would encourage reuse of a large wastewater stream and reduce disposal pressures, while opponents warned it could shield operators from responsibility before the science and standards are mature. HB 4413 would authorize mass-balance accounting for renewable biomass feedstocks, and HB 3866 would regulate intermediate bulk container recycling facilities near homes, with a committee substitute adding a grandfather clause and making implementation contingent on funding. The committee also heard bills affecting air and energy regulation. HB 5033 would create a trigger to end vehicle emissions inspections if federal law changes to allow it; the substitute removed a Supreme Court-related trigger, and the lone public witness opposed the bill, warning it would worsen air quality and harm nonattainment areas. HB 4112 would clarify that on-site storage of high-level radioactive waste is allowed at current and future nuclear reactors and university research reactors only for waste generated at that site; the substitute clarified the language and removed an inoperative permit condition, and witnesses from environmental and nuclear groups said the clarification was needed to prevent unintended restrictions while avoiding off-site storage. HB 2440 would prohibit state agencies from using air-quality rules to ban or restrict vehicles based on energy source, including internal combustion vehicles, and no public testimony was offered. HB 4271 would require TCEQ to hold public meetings on request for composting facility authorizations; the substitute limited the requirement to future applications and was presented as a transparency measure after a denied local request and extensive public comments. Additional bills addressed landowner protections and Railroad Commission oversight. HB 3619 would require the Railroad Commission to restore surface land after plugging or replugging operations and indemnify landowners from damages tied to authorized entry; a witness supported the bill but urged fixing a separate statutory loophole that he said allowed operators to enter unrelated tracts without notice. HB 4042 would extend Railroad Commission pipeline safety and fee provisions to propane distribution systems by removing the word “natural” from the relevant definitions. HB 4426 would set a 10-year permit term for commercial surface disposal facilities, allow renewal based on compliance history, and require renewal applications 120 days before expiration. The committee took no votes because a quorum was not initially present, and each bill was left pending after testimony and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some<00:45:16.800> of<00:45:16.960> it<00:45:17.280> which<00:45:17.480> has<
• ><00:45:24.359> to<00:45:25.200> we<00:45:25.359> have<00:45:25.520> this
• <00:45:28.880> allow<00:45:29.200> us<00:45:29.320> to<00:45:29.480> charge
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Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2455, HD2, relating to employment practices. Testimony was limited, with support from the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women and UPW; the committee noted nine support, zero opposition, and zero comments. No vote was taken on this bill during the portion provided. The committee then took up House Bill 2165, HD2, relating to the Hawaii Employment Security Law. DLIR supported the measure but requested an amendment moving language in Section 2 from subsection A to subsection C to preserve the legal structure. Members questioned DLIR about a January 8 U.S. Department of Labor letter and whether the bill would keep Hawaii in conformity with federal unemployment insurance requirements. DLIR said the federal guidance requires the state to remove the carve-out for labor-dispute claimants, though unions with hiring halls and members in good standing could still be exempt from work-search requirements under an authorized list. UNITE HERE Local 5 opposed the bill and said the current law already gives the department discretion to exempt striking workers. The committee recessed the bill before any final action was taken in the portion shown. In the joint hearing with Commerce and Consumer Protection, the committees heard House Bill 1509, HD2, relating to workers’ compensation. DLIR supported the bill, DHER offered comments and requested an amendment, UPW supported it, and one Zoom testifier described personal experience with delayed care and urged faster decisions. After testimony, the committees voted to pass the bill with amendments. The adopted amendments restored the 7-day treatment-plan deadline from 10 days, changed the effective date to January 1, 2077, and struck the proposed $500 fine for employers who fail to respond within 10 days. Back in the Labor and Technology agenda, the committee heard House Bill 1515, HD2, also relating to workers’ compensation, with testimony noting seven in support, one in opposition, and one comment, but no action was taken in the excerpt. The committee also heard House Bill 1514, HD2, relating to workers’ compensation vocational rehabilitation plans. A Zoom testifier opposed the bill, arguing the 120-day timeline was unrealistic for complex cases. DLIR said the bill would give the director discretion to extend the vocational rehabilitation plan timeline beyond 120 days with no cap on extensions, and the committee noted five support, four opposition, and zero comments. Finally, the committee began House Bill 2458, HD3, relating to surveillance pricing. OCP said it stood on written testimony, while supporters argued the bill would prevent corporations from using personal data to set prices, especially for groceries. Retail and grocery interests opposed the measure, saying it was too broad and could restrict loyalty programs, promotions, and discounts; one witness asked that a loyalty-program exemption be restored.