Transcript Highlights:

• We are in Conference Room 229 at the Hawaii State Capitol.
• Mark Patterson, Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission.
• , hearing none, we'll move on to agenda item number four, which is a presentation by the State of Hawaii
• presentation by the state of Hawaii Department<00:05:25.280><c> of</c><00:05:25.440><c> Corrections<
• </c><00:30:31.039><c> is</c> and this again is specific to Hawaii is and this again is specific to Hawaii

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The working group on restrictive housing met with a quorum present, approved the August 21, 2025 minutes, and adopted a procedure to take public testimony on each agenda item with a two-minute limit per testifier, with some flexibility for follow-up questions. The main presentation came from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on restrictive housing policies and a recent outside assessment of mental health care practices at HSCF and OOTC. DCR said the assessment found strengths such as consistent medication administration and staff commitment, but also identified major problems including outdated workflows, staffing shortages, inadequate physical plant conditions, overuse of suicide/safety watch for personal safety issues, and a need for more individualized treatment plans. DCR described several corrective steps already underway: filling a long-vacant high-level mental health administrator position, adjusting evening medication passes, working with DOH on transfer and referral workflows, planning a new electronic medical records system and revised screening tools, and pursuing additional training for ACOs and mental health staff. For OOTC, DCR said the facility is overcrowded and decrepit, needs a better screening tool, and requires more mental health-specific training and staffing. For HCF, DCR said the layout limits confidential assessments and provider access, and that the proposed consolidated healthcare unit would add 43 beds, private exam rooms, and a de-escalation room. DCR also said the new unit could serve acute and chronic suicide/safety watch needs and possibly some inmates with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or significant cognitive impairment. The discussion then focused on Act 292, which DCR said is difficult to implement as written. DCR said the bill aligns with DOJ, NCCHC, and ACA guidance in defining restrictive housing, limiting duration, requiring reviews, identifying vulnerable populations, and using step-down units, but raised two major concerns: a requirement to refer vulnerable people to DOH for confinement, and a requirement for clinical assessments every 12 hours by a provider. Members responded that the law should be matched with funding and staffing, and asked what resources are needed. DCR said it submitted a request for 35 positions at a cost of about $8.6 million, and also said funding may be needed for community-based beds and contracted medical services. Members also asked about the current MOA/MOU between DOH and DCR, the working group membership, and the timeline for revisions. DCR said the group includes DCR, DOH, and governor’s office medical advisors, that a first draft is complete, and that the revised agreement should be in place by the end of the year. On staffing, DCR said ACO recruitment classes increased from five to eight, vacancy rates dropped from 34% to 24%, but OOTC still faces a projected $7.1 million shortfall and heavy overtime costs, forcing post closures and program reductions. The meeting ended with continued discussion of screening tools, including DCR’s explanation that current broad questions may over-identify people with substance-use-related symptoms as having serious mental illness, and that a more discrete tool is needed to better identify those with acute needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is, they invest in publicly traded stocks and bonds.
• housing bond for this particular way to create affordable housing.
• So it is anticipated to be in the bond.
• The bond would go to the voters in November, and if the bond passes, then it would be funded.
• If the bond doesn't pass, it would not be funded.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely focused on child safety, immigrant community transparency, agricultural land security, consumer protection, estate transfers, detention commissary pricing, and public works wage enforcement. SB 1234 would require fentanyl to be included in drug tests ordered by juvenile courts for parents or guardians in dependency cases; the author said it was a narrow child-safety measure, and there was no opposition. SB 1257 would require the Attorney General to publish annual reports on immigration enforcement incidents at designated safe locations; supporters said it would improve accountability and document fear in immigrant communities, while questions centered on how the data would be collected and concerns were raised about sanctuary policies. SB 1176 would bar foreign adversary entities from buying or controlling California agricultural land; supporters framed it as a national security measure, while committee members pressed the author on enforcement, who would verify buyers, and possible discriminatory application. The bill was moved on a 2-4 vote and placed on call after the author said he would work on clarifying responsibility and nondiscrimination concerns. The committee also heard SB 1146, which would require clear disclosure when AI-generated or altered images, audio, or video are used in health-related advertisements depicting health care providers. The California Medical Association and California Dental Association supported the bill, saying it would curb deceptive deepfake ads and protect consumers; it passed unanimously, 7-0. SB 988 would restrict assignment of benefits in auto glass claims, require claim numbers and itemized estimates, and update repair disclosure rules to curb overbilling and steering; supporters said it would protect consumers and stabilize insurance costs, while independent glass shop concerns about steering and market concentration were discussed. The bill passed 7-0, with one member abstaining because of a conflict. SB 1288, presented on behalf of Senator Laird, would require financial institutions to make good-faith efforts to notify beneficiaries of non-probate assets and would simplify access requirements, especially for nonprofits. Supporters described long delays and burdensome account-opening requirements; SIFMA and the California Bankers Association opposed the bill unless amended, citing conflicts with federal and industry obligations and concerns about retroactive burdens. The bill passed 8-0. SB 941 would cap commissary markups in private immigration detention facilities at 35% above vendor cost; supporters said detainees often pay excessive prices for basic necessities, and the bill passed 8-0. Finally, SB 909 would raise and index public works contractor fees and penalties and dedicate more penalty revenue to enforcement; labor supporters said stronger funding is needed to address wage theft and backlogs, while contractors warned of uncapped costs and reduced transparency. The discussion continued with questions about enforcement and whether stronger penalties or license restrictions would better deter repeat violators.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Representative Bruce from District 23, which is South Canyon, South Ada, and all of Hawaii, the whole

Summary: The meeting was a brief introductory session for a legislative committee with a new member present. Members and one student participant introduced themselves, sharing their districts, professional backgrounds, prior committee assignments, and a few personal updates. Several members noted their interest in issues likely to come before the committee, including technology, health and welfare, commerce, education, and nuclear-related matters tied to the Idaho National Laboratory. A short discussion followed about whether artificial intelligence legislation might be assigned to this committee. The chair said such issues have traditionally gone to State Affairs, but he was open to asking leadership to route more technology-related bills to this committee, including AI proposals, if they arise. Representative Ilana Rubel then introduced herself, noting her Southeast Boise district and her background as an intellectual property attorney with experience in technology law. No bills were heard, no testimony was taken beyond introductions, and no votes were held. The chair closed the meeting after the introductions and discussion of possible future committee jurisdiction.

Transcript Highlights:

• And of course, to all of our students, we look forward to you taking leadership for Hawaii.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For some reason, CNRA has been completely dependent on voter-approved bonds or the occasional surplus
• compensation programs, but we can't keep doing this, whether it's human-animal conflict or climate change, by bonds
• compensation programs, but we can't keep doing this, whether it's human-animal conflict or climate change, by bonds
• I've also worked as a conservationist and researcher with sharks in Hawaii, lions in Zimbabwe, and cheetahs

Committees: House Water, Parks and Wildlife , House Water, Parks, and Wildlife

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker and kind gentleman, it's obvious with the governor's initiative, the bonding initiative that's
• And the reason that I like it so much is because of the bonding that we talked about, and, you know,
• And I guess the thing that I think about is we have this bonding, we have roads that need to be worked
• Madam Speaker and generally, no, it's actually a severance tax bond earmark.
• Where would... ...severance tax bond earmark.

Bills: HB111 , HB61 , HB43 , HB156 , HB70 , SB3 , HB103 , HB109 , HB128 , HB247 , HJM2 , HJM3 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM32 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• The severance tax bonds. Mr.
• However, due to our bonding process regarding capital outlay...
• However, due to our bonding process regarding capital outlay, However, due to our bonding process regarding
• They do have other revenues, bonds, et cetera.
• It's actually a severance tax bond earmark.

Bills: HB111 , HB61 , HB43 , HB156 , HB70 , SB3 , HB103 , HB109 , HB128 , HB247 , HJM2 , HJM3 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM32 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and pledges, and spent much of the session on memorials and recognitions. Members honored former Senator Clint Hardin with a certificate and extended condolences, with several representatives sharing personal remembrances of his work on autism coverage, second chances for formerly incarcerated people, rural issues, and bipartisan dealmaking. The chamber also recognized Council of Governments Day, 4-H Day, NMSU Day, scouting groups, and several student and community guests, including youth from 4-H, NMSU CAMP, folklórico, and the La Cueva boys soccer team. The House received messages from the governor and Senate, including authorization for House Bill 320, the Industrial Carbon Reduction Act, and Senate passage of several bills. Committee reports were adopted on a long list of measures, including House Bills 145, 158, 180, 49, 164, 256, 287, 60, 120, 166, 306, 124, 314, 185, 253, 195, 259, 295, 296, 338, and others, along with several joint resolutions and memorials. The chamber also ordered certain bills germane and referred them to committees, and enrolled and engrossed multiple memorials. On third reading, House Bill 43, a PERA cleanup bill, passed 65-0. The House Judiciary Committee substitute for House Bill 70, updating the Public Regulation Commission and hearing officer structure, passed 66-0 after brief debate. House Bill 247, which modernizes capital outlay procedures and limits reauthorizations, was then taken up; the sponsor explained it would send unspent general fund capital outlay money to a Capital Development and Reserve Fund and tribal project balances to the tribal infrastructure fund. An amendment was offered to redirect the reserve fund money to the state road fund, and debate began, with members discussing road conditions and the purpose of the reserve fund.

Transcript Highlights:

• investigations and helped<00:13:56.959><c> strengthen</c><00:13:57.360><c> the</c><00:13:57.600><c> bond
• </c><00:13:57.839><c> between</c><00:13:58.240><c> state</c> helped strengthen the bond between state
• helped strengthen the bond between state and<00:13:58.959><c> local</c><00:13:59.279><c> public</c><

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then imagine him driving his pickup truck through Hawaii County in search of a chukar with his beloved

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The committee heard several RS introductions and acted on each one. RS 32873, brought by Rep. Alfieri, would prohibit bulk purchasing of Idaho lottery tickets, which he said allows LLCs and corporations to corner top prizes and deprives Idahoans of winnings. He cited examples of out-of-state entities winning large prizes after buying tickets in Idaho and said the bill would let lottery law enforcement investigate and deny payment for coordinated purchases over $5,000 in 24 hours. The committee voted to introduce the RS. Rep. Redmond presented RS 32864, a DOPL cleanup measure that consolidates roughly 100 disciplinary provisions scattered across practice acts into one uniform procedure in Title 67. He said it was a procedural consolidation only and would not change substantive practice standards or grounds for discipline. The committee voted to introduce the RS. Rep. Church presented RS 33012, a resolution focused on political violence and legislative/public safety, describing personal concerns about security and urging support for civility and mutual respect in politics. Rep. Alfieri voiced strong support, and the committee voted to introduce the resolution. Rep. Mitchell then presented a revised RS 33016, explaining that references to planting trees in an endowment had been removed after concerns from the prior day; the committee voted to introduce it and send it to second reading. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It says, with the exception of Hawaii, California electricity rates are the highest in the country.
• It says with the exception of Hawaii, California electricity rates are the highest in the country.
• It says, with the exception of Hawaii, California electricity rates are the highest in the country.

Summary: The committee first heard SB 868, the Plug and Play Solar Act, which would streamline approval for portable plug-in solar devices for homes and apartments. The author and supporters argued the bill would help renters and other Californians lower electric bills, expand access to solar, and create statewide safety standards through UL certification and the National Electrical Code. Opponents, including electrical workers, firefighters, utilities, and PG&E, raised concerns about shock, fire, backfeeding, older electrical systems, and the bill bypassing the California Electrical Code and Building Standards Commission process. After extended discussion and testimony from UL, the author agreed to add California Electrical Code language, and several opponents indicated they would move to neutral; the committee then passed the bill out as amended to the Senate Judiciary Committee on a roll call vote. The committee then took up SB 886, which would establish rules for large data centers to prevent electricity cost shifts to other ratepayers. The author and supporters said rapid data center growth could drive major grid costs and that the bill would require data centers to pay for their own infrastructure, participate in demand response, and secure new zero-carbon resources. Supporters included environmental and consumer groups, while opponents such as the Data Center Coalition, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, utilities, and business groups argued the bill was unnecessary, could duplicate CPUC proceedings, and might impose operationally risky mandates, especially around demand response and backup power. Committee staff described amendments narrowing the bill to large data centers, clarifying tariff and cost-allocation provisions, replacing behind-the-meter storage with a pre-funded long-term clean energy contract, and exempting certain public and critical facilities; the discussion continued with questions about cost responsibility, clean energy targets, and peak-load management.

Transcript Highlights:

• It says, with the exception of Hawaii, California electricity rates are the highest in the country.
• It says with the exception of Hawaii, California electricity rates are the highest in the country.
• It says, with the exception of Hawaii, California electricity rates are the highest in the country.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would just like to note that Hawaii...
• Also, Hawaii does not have a full-service VA hospital, and like Alaska, has access issues with seven
• interpret the law will disallow services to two million women veterans in the U.S. and 13,000 in Hawaii

Committee: Senate Senate Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• That's in Idaho and Hawaii.
• </c><00:37:52.720><c> in</c><00:37:52.800><c> Idaho</c><00:37:53.520><c> and</c><00:37:53.760><c> Hawaii
• </c> genius bill that's in Idaho and Hawaii genius bill that's in Idaho and Hawaii is<00:37:55.040><c
• extent that you can speak about it, I think the custodian for our business finance authorities conduit bond
• "Yes, we Bitco is the custodian for New Hampshire's Bitcoin-backed municipal bond.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with roll call and introductions of commission members and guests, followed by approval of the agenda and a motion to approve the February 10 minutes with a correction clarifying that one quoted statement was misattributed. The commission then moved into presentations. The main presentation came from the Conference of State Bank Supervisors on implementation of the federal GENIUS Act for stablecoins. The speaker reviewed the OCC’s recent 367-page proposed rule, noting it raises many open questions and design choices for states, and discussed expected upcoming rulemaking from the FDIC, Federal Reserve, and Treasury. The presentation focused on six areas: permissible issuer activities, reserve assets and redemption, risk management and supervision, treatment of state-qualified issuers, capital/operational backstops, and foreign issuers. It also flagged unresolved issues around Bank Secrecy Act/AML requirements and the meaning of “digital asset service provider” activities. A substantial portion of the discussion addressed yield restrictions, with the presenter explaining the OCC’s broad definition of yield and its rebuttable presumption against issuer-affiliated or related third-party yield arrangements. The speaker said this likely forecloses many existing white-label structures but leaves some room for third-party payments depending on distance from the issuer, and noted ongoing Senate debate over similar provisions. The presentation also covered reserve valuation, liquidity and diversification requirements, redemption timing, and supervisory expectations such as third-party oversight, IT security, exam cycles, and reporting. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the amended minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Zentmire, and with my legislative assistant, John Darnell, who is now enjoying Hawaii.

Committee: House Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Zentmire, and with my legislative assistant, John Darnell, who is now enjoying Hawaii.

Committee: House Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force

Summary: The Task Force on Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment met to open the meeting, confirm electronic participation, and establish a quorum. The chair reviewed the task force’s prior work and the cumulative goals from its annual reports, including sustaining SUD funding, recognizing recovery support providers, improving emergency transportation for Medicaid, establishing a mental health course, and continuing funding through opioid and marijuana tax revenues. The chair also outlined the process used to compile the annual reports and suggested that the task force seek department feedback on progress toward those goals and set the agenda for summer hearings. The main business was election of officers. Senator Nicola was nominated for chair, with Representative Taylor also nominated. After roll call, Senator Nicola was elected chair for the remainder of the year by a 6-4 vote. Representative Taylor was then nominated for vice chair, nominations were closed, and he was elected by acclamation. Representative Taylor said he would work with staff to schedule summer hearings, gather department input, and meet with the governor’s office to align on priorities. Several members offered closing comments thanking participants and staff for their work, especially the policy team and those who helped compile the reports and data. Members noted that more work remains on substance use issues in Missouri and suggested increasing public notice for future meetings so people on the ground can participate. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Chris Bruce, District 23, which is South Canyon, South Ada, and all of Hawaii.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee considered five RS introductions. The first, RS 337233 from Speaker Moyle, would create a mechanism for the Attorney General to enforce compliance with state law by public entities, taxing districts, and other bodies when laws or budget intent language are ignored. Representatives Church and Birch objected that the referral authority was too limited and potentially partisan, arguing it should be broader and more balanced; Moyle said he wanted to keep the process limited to avoid abuse. The committee voted to introduce the RS, with Birch and Church recorded as nays. The committee then introduced RS 33716, also from Moyle, which addresses future data centers and seeks to require non-consumptive water rights because of drought concerns and the water demands of data centers. Birch voiced support and the motion passed without recorded opposition. Next, RS 33728 from Representative Chris Bruce was introduced; Bruce said it was the third data center bill of the year and updates issues involving sales tax exemptions, water use, and electricity use. The motion to introduce it passed. Two memorial-related items from Representative Furness were also introduced. RS 33714 would urge federal action to move forward with permitting for a tungsten mine in Lemhi County, described as the only tungsten mine in the United States; Birch raised a drafting concern about referencing the federal Department of War rather than the Department of Defense, but no amendment was offered and the motion passed. RS 33726 would move the State Historical Preservation Office from the Idaho State Historical Society to the newly combined Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination to improve efficiency; that motion also passed. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Chris Bruce, District 23, which is South Canyon, South Ada, and all of Hawaii.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• thing we know for culture, depth, nebue, strong, set place, and the Fagney on this sympos, a suit, Hawaii

Bills: HB111 , HB108 , HB145 , HB164 , HB291 , HJR6 , HR1 , HB63 , HB64 , HB165 , HB184 , HB200 , HB4 , HB7 , HB20 , HB65 , HB66 , HB80 , HB88 , HB96 , HB166 , HB285 , HB295 , HB306 , SB29 , SB37 , HJM2 , HJM3 , HJM1 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM32 , HM13 , HM47 , HM20 , HM51 , HM1 , HM31 , HM35 , HM36 , HM46 , HM53 , HM54 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• And then imagine him driving his pickup truck through Hawaii County in search of a chukar with his beloved

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First off is Senate Bill 88, House Draft 1, relating to the Hawaii National Guard.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint House and Senate conference committee met on April 17, 2025, and discussed three measures. For SB 88 HD1, relating to the Hawaii National Guard, and SB 1377 SD2 HD1, relating to veteran cemeteries, conferees said proposed conference drafts had been circulated, but both bills still needed WHAM and Finance approval and an effective-date adjustment, so each was rolled over to Monday, April 21, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in Conference Room 16. For HB 433 HD1 SD1, relating to public safety and re-entry services, members said they were waiting for the budget to close. The Senate indicated it was agreeable to a reporting addition in the Senate draft, and staff would circulate alternate drafts depending on whether an appropriation was included in the final budget. That bill was also held over to April 21 at 1:30 p.m. At the 3:30 p.m. conference, the committee took up SB 1452 SD1 HD2, relating to the Uniform Controlled Substance Act. Conferees agreed to the House version with an effective date of July 1, 2025, and noted no WHAM or Finance referral was needed. The committee then voted unanimously to adopt the proposed conference draft, with Senate and House conferees all voting aye except one excused Senate member, and the bill was reported out successfully.