Transcript Highlights:

• And I imagine that many of us are going to have to think about allocating state resources to help existing
• And I imagine that many of us are going to have to think about allocating state resources to help existing
• And I imagine that many of us are going to have to think about allocating state resources to help existing
• state resources to help existing programs.
• No new housing development resources.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that they allocated.
• It's going to increase the revenue. they allocated for 100 students and they they allocated for 100 students
• If they student that they allocated.
• <00:53:51.520> to education funding that we allocate to education funding that we allocate
• prioritize their needs and allocate prioritize their needs and allocate those<02:41:33.439> dollars

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:54.680> effective the state's natural resources effective the state's natural resources
• underfunding of our natural resource underfunding of our natural resource protection<00:20:06.720
• because the natural natural resources because the natural resources<00:20:21.799> are<00:20:22.000
• monies are used for natural resource monies are used for natural resource protection<00:20:34.799
• <00:23:41.320> Mahalo beautiful and abundant resources Mahalo beautiful and abundant resources

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing of the House Committees on Tourism and Water and Land was held on March 20, 2025, on SB 1396 SD3 HD1, which would raise transient accommodations tax revenues beginning in 2027, impose a $20 per-night tax on stays booked through loyalty or rewards points, and dedicate funds to DLNR for natural resource protection, management, and restoration. The Office of the Governor, DLNR, DBEDT, the Hawaii State Energy Office, Tax Department, Hawaiian Home Lands, HI-EMA, the Climate Advisory Team, Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, HCDA, the Hawaii Ocean Legislative Task Force, Resource Legacy Fund, KUA, and the Hawaii Tourism Authority all testified in support or with comments, generally emphasizing the need for dedicated funding for environmental stewardship, resilience, wildfire and climate preparedness, and community-based projects. Several supporters cited polling showing broad visitor willingness to pay additional fees to protect Hawaiʻi’s resources, and DLNR and the Attorney General noted the bill aligns with broader state land-management and fire-safety priorities. Opposition came from the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi and the Maui Chamber of Commerce, which argued the bill unnecessarily raises the TAT, places more burden on visitors and visitor-dependent businesses, and could harm Maui’s still-recovering economy. The Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaiʻi initially marked opposition but then said it had misunderstood the bill’s relationship to another measure and asked to resend testimony. Expedia Group did not oppose the TAT increase itself but raised operational concerns about the new tax on loyalty-point redemptions, calling it novel and difficult to administer. The American Hotel Lodging Association and Hawaiʻi Hotel Alliance were listed as having no comments present. Testifiers also suggested amendments, including dedicating the revenues to a special fund, ensuring community grants, and clarifying administrative provisions. One testifier urged the bill be used to fund hurricane shelters and stronger building standards, while another emphasized that the measure should support people and disaster resilience as well as environmental protection. During questions, members asked for the polling methodology and for a breakdown of current TAT allocations; staff indicated they could share the survey memo and began identifying existing statutory remittances. No vote or final committee action was taken during the excerpted portion of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• , for this particular grant allocation, for this particular grant allocation, but<00:36:36.800>
• . resources. resources.
• Cities United Way's 211 resource Cities United Way's 211 resource helpline.<01:37:02.920> And<
• allocations and response efforts.
• helps protect public resources. helps protect public resources.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , including... water, geologic mapping and hazards, a variety of energy resources, and mineral resources
• exploration for energy resources.
• And then understanding better certain geologic resources, critical minerals, being one of those resources
• exploration for energy resources.
• And then understanding better certain geologic resources, critical minerals, being one of those resources

Transcript Highlights:

• okay so the you said the resources okay so the you said the resources okay so the you said the funding
• in it's just they've got the resources in it's just they've got the resources in in place now but they
• and few from uh the the county resources and few from uh the the county resources okay so all wouldn't
• we already do things in State resources we already do things in State resources we already do things
• are in public to know that the resources are in public to know that the resources are in place this

Keywords: sessions, 2025-R, 1, 219

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources will now come to order.
• The strike-all amendment cleans up federal resources references, clarifies an existing compost exemption
• And again, to meet these goals, you need the resources.
• And where local governments get their resources is through taxation.
• Great question. and trying to get engineering firms or resources. Sure. Madam Chair, thank you.

Bills: S0558, S1294, S1468, S1474, S1682, S1628

Keywords: stormwater systems, environmental standards, municipal infrastructure, engineering certifications, local compliance, Florida Department of Transportation, biosolids, agronomic rate, land application, environmental protection, Florida statutes, nutrient management, recordkeeping, farming, compost products, wastewater treatment, environment, sewage disposal, pollution control, reporting requirements

Summary: The committee took up several environmental bills, beginning with SB 1682 on local administration of vessel restrictions. Senator Trumbull said the bill would give cities and counties tools to address abandoned, derelict, and long-term anchored vessels while following state standards and FWC guidance. Members from affected areas spoke in support, citing recurring derelict vessel problems and the difficulty and cost of removal once vessels sink. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard SB 1468 on advanced wastewater treatment, which would require DEP to compile a detailed statewide report on wastewater treatment plants, including construction age, treatment levels, contaminant data, spill history, flood risk, and receiving waterbody impairment information. Florida Rural Water Association testified that any move to require advanced treatment for all plants over one MGD could create major financial burdens without dedicated funding. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered CS/SB 1294 on biosolids management, with a strike-all amendment adopted. Senator Bradley said the revised bill would require bulk Class AA biosolids fertilizer and compost products to be land applied only at agronomic rates and, absent a bona fide sale, only at permitted DEP-approved sites, with a transition date moved to July 1, 2028. Supporters said it would protect water quality and legitimate fertilizer and compost markets, while rural utilities asked for funding and flexibility. The committee reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee took up CS/SB 1628 on net zero policies by governmental entities. Senator Avila said the bill would prohibit local governments and other governmental entities from adopting or funding net zero policies, imposing related fees or taxes, or operating cap-and-trade or carbon trading programs. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying the definition of carbon dioxide. The bill drew extensive debate: supporters argued it would protect residents and businesses from higher costs and preserve predictability, while opponents said it would block local climate and clean-energy policies, including electric buses, energy-efficiency measures, and climate resilience planning. After public testimony on both sides, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 1474 on biosolids management, which Senator Gates said would require biosolids and septage to be treated at the highest practical level when wastewater treatment facilities are reasonably accessible and would bar Class B land application within 50 miles of a permitted wastewater facility. An amendment applying the statutory definition of septage was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 558 on stormwater system standards. Senator Burgess said it would create statewide standards for municipal and county stormwater systems using FDOT guidelines and third-party inspections, with an amendment making technical changes and broadening who may perform inspections. Supporters said uniform standards could improve safety and reduce failures, while contractors, engineers, and industry groups warned it could raise costs, delay projects, and preempt stronger local standards. The bill remained under discussion as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next we go to water and natural resources. The Senate will be chairing this interim.
• The House appointments to water and natural resources. Representatives McLean, vice chair.
• The Water and Natural Resources Committee Senate appointments are the chair this year will be Senator
• It does each district office have a supplies budget that they have been allocated? Mr.
• The Forestry Division of Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources is uh available to help coordinate this

Transcript Highlights:

• It decreases the allocation to $1 million per year.
• language pertaining to the limitation on the allocation certificate.
• Sections 25 and 26 allow allocations and additional allocations to be used on certain types of recreation
• Section 5, 7, and 9 all relate to the Minnesota Bond Allocation Act.
• Section five bond allocation act.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this would allocate more than five percent to sustainable aviation fuel if they thought there was
• So this would allocate more dollars.
• So this would allocate more than<00:33:00.720> five% than five% than five% to<00:33:03.200>
• Allocates money from the special fund.
• along the way, we're putting resources along the way, we're putting resources so<01:18:45.679>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1694, which would create a sustainable aviation fuel tax credit, and HB 1695, which would expand the state’s renewable fuels production tax credit. For HB 1694, supporters from the airlines, renewable fuels industry, business groups, and some environmental and youth representatives said sustainable aviation fuel is a practical near-term way to cut emissions in aviation, a hard-to-decarbonize sector, and argued the credit would send a market signal, support local production, and help meet state climate goals. Opponents, including Energy Justice Network and a taxpayer-focused testifier, argued the bill could subsidize expensive fuels that may not be truly clean, could duplicate benefits available under other tax provisions, and should not support transpacific aviation or technologies they said are unproven or harmful. The Department of Taxation stood on written testimony, and the chair later asked that all verbal testimony on remaining bills be limited to one minute because of time constraints. HB 1695 drew similar support and opposition, but focused more broadly on renewable fuels for transportation, trucking, shipping, and other sectors. Supporters, including the Hawaii State Energy Office, airlines, PAR Hawaii, the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, Pacific Biodiesel, and the RNG Coalition, said the bill would help scale local fuel production, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support jobs and agriculture, and advance the state’s climate and energy goals. Several supporters emphasized that the credit would help build a local industry and that life-cycle accounting should be used to measure emissions benefits. Opponents repeated concerns that some biofuels and waste-based fuels may not be climate-beneficial, may rely on flawed modeling, and could create costly infrastructure that would need to be replaced later. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• to those that are eligible for resources to those that are eligible for them. them. them.
• I question for House Research: What is the total allocation for LGAs in the state?
• for LGAs in What is the total allocation for LGAs in the<00:43:36.720> state?
• <00:59:29.920> are about what our state resources are about what our state resources are delivering
• Thank you. don't, and when public resources are don't, and when public resources are stretched<01:34:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, PED is requiring LEAs and schools to... commit other resources, including planning time
• We can provide ideas and resources.
• Chairman, my specific questions are about how the $500 monthly stipend or payment was allocated.
• I wish our performance allocations were larger because it is incremental.
• Methodology that was used to determine the allocations given to schools is very problematic.

Transcript Highlights:

• If it is just an allocation, that seems better suited for something like a GIA.
• are supposed to be allocated towards. are supposed to be allocated towards.
• If it is just an allocation, that seems better suited for something like a GIA.
• If it is just an allocation, that seems better suited for something like a GIA.
• If it is just an allocation, that seems better suited for something like a GIA.

Bills: SB874, SB2097, SB2098, SB2126, SB2154, SB2153, SB2160, SB2123, SB2110

Keywords: veterinary medicine, prescription, consumer rights, transparency, pet medication, sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, food system resilience, grant program, Hawaii agriculture, agriculture, clean plant program, disease-free plants, plant propagation, small farms, midsize farms, sustainable farming, Hawaii, data analysis, market study

Summary: The committee heard several agriculture-related bills. SB 874 on veterinary medicine would require veterinarians, upon a client’s request, to provide a written prescription for an animal patient in an existing veterinary client-patient relationship, allow Hawaii-licensed pharmacies to dispense those prescriptions, and authorize the Veterinary Medicine Board to set penalties. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with supporters citing lower costs and consumer choice; the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association said veterinarians already should be doing this and supported the bill if amended. One testifier in opposition argued the bill needed a conspicuous notice requirement so pet owners know they can request prescriptions. Committee members and the Department of Agriculture said they were not aware of widespread problems, and discussion focused on whether the measure was already consistent with current practice and whether amendments would address remaining concerns. The committee also heard SB 2097, which would create a climate-resilient food systems grant program in the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and appropriate funds. The department, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, and others supported the bill, saying it could help farmers and ranchers invest in resilience, infrastructure, and technology. Several testifiers asked for clearer definitions, especially for terms like “food hubs” and “resilience hubs,” and suggested adding technical assistance and clearer eligibility criteria. The department explained the program was intended for shovel-ready projects in the middle of the supply chain, with a focus on farmers in a certain revenue range, and said it was modeled on a USDA program. SB 2098 would establish a clean plant program to produce and distribute disease-free plant material to growers, nurseries, and other producers. Testimony was supportive, emphasizing biosecurity, nursery industry needs, and preventing invasive species and crop disease. The department described the program as using tested clean stock, tissue culture facilities, and data collection to support future planting decisions, and estimated a two-year ramp-up. Members questioned whether the program duplicated existing work at CTR/other partners and whether data collection should be centralized, but the department said the effort would build on existing varieties and partnerships rather than overlap them. Finally, SB 2126 would create a conventional farming grant program for small and midsize conventional farmers. Supporters from the department, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council said conventional agriculture deserves support and that the bill would help increase food production. Opposition and comments focused on the bill’s exclusion of organic farmers; one farmer said the measure was unfair unless amended to include organic producers, while a Farmers Union witness said the bill was too vague about the grant’s purpose and should be clearer about its goals. In response to questions, the department said the exclusion of organic farming was not intentional and that the bill was meant to support all agriculture, though no vote or final action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it possible to be able to allocate another $800,000 when it's actually needed?
• <00:21:02.760> trust<00:21:03.040> fund<00:21:03.280> grant natural resources
• trust fund grant natural resources trust fund grant application<00:21:04.200> competitive.
• Yeah, you know, we have a resource and asset management process for our projects.
• and asset management we have a resource and asset management process<00:37:28.080> for<00:37:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Bills: SR28, SB201, SB1379, SB1525, SB1966, SB2112, SB2170, HB2749, HB3262, HB3265, HB3673, HB3781, HB3040, HB3076, HB3369, HB3982, HB3462, HB3465, HB3521, HB3796, HB3800, HB4095, HB4298, HB4316, HB4338, HB4408, HB4454

Keywords: minimum salary, education funding, teacher compensation, Oklahoma education, salary schedule, human trafficking, victims, prevention, support services, Attorney General, pilot program, grant funding, SB1525, tourism, recreation, conference, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission, special agency account, private partnerships

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, was there a funding allocation in the governor’s budget for this program?
• There was not a funding allocation. The bill is paid for with existing appropriations.
• And so it just uses already existing resources within NYSERDA to do these kinds of projects.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications, chaired by Senator Kevin Parker, considered a lengthy agenda of energy- and utility-related bills. The committee discussed measures on utility outage penalties for combination utilities, a NYSERDA-backed electric landscaping rebate program, stronger utility storm response compliance, a study on utility reporting of late payments to credit agencies, a used zero-emission vehicle rebate program, alternative fuels along the New York State Thruway, a property tax exemption for energy-related utility real property, a NYSERDA pilot microgrid at Glenwood Houses, a prohibition on PSC approval of certain utility rate increases, a sustainable aviation fuel tax credit, a usage monitoring program, and a bill on denial of increased utility rates and charges. Several bills prompted questions about who would pay for the programs or penalties, with sponsors and staff repeatedly stating that fines would be paid by utilities and that many programs would be funded through NYSERDA or existing appropriations, though members raised concerns about whether ratepayer funds or system benefits charges could be used. The electric landscaping rebate bill drew extended debate over whether its equipment definitions could allow companies to use battery equipment charged by generators, while the microgrid pilot and used EV rebate bills were defended as investments to improve reliability, lower peak costs, and build a secondary EV market. Senator May spoke in support of the Glenwood Houses microgrid and the related investment rationale. Most bills were advanced after motions and votes, often with some no votes or without-recommendation votes. The committee reported several measures to third reading, including the utility outage penalties bill, the utility storm response bill, the utility rate increase restriction bill, the usage monitoring program, and the denial of increased utility rates and charges bill. Other bills were advanced to the Finance Committee, Budget and Revenue Committee, or Local Government Committee, including the electric landscaping rebate program, the used EV rebate program, the alternative fuels bill, the tax exemption bill, the Glenwood Houses microgrid pilot, and the sustainable aviation fuel tax credit.

Transcript Highlights:

• The $3 million allocated yearly, what is the plan for that? And is there a spending plan? Yes.
• <01:10:08.880> elsewhere funding getting allocated elsewhere funding getting allocated elsewhere
• that we have within use of the resources that we have within the<01:27:58.719> staff.
• ,<01:38:31.520> I the predictability of resources, I the predictability of resources, I think
• > the<01:39:01.760> state state resources, from the state state resources, from the state

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Culture and the Arts held an informational briefing on May 22 with the Hawaii Arts Alliance, the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA), and the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission. Chair Capella said the purpose was to better understand the organizations’ work and strengthen relationships ahead of the interim and next session. The Hawaii Arts Alliance, led by Executive Director Gay Humphrey, described its mission to enrich Hawaii’s cultural fabric through arts education, advocacy, and community engagement, and highlighted its history tied to Alfred Price, including the creation of Hawaii’s 1% for art law and the alliance’s 45 years of service. The alliance outlined its current work, including administering SFCA-funded statewide programs such as Artist in the Schools and the new folk and traditional arts program, with 34 teaching partners serving more than 100 public and charter schools and Kumu Hawaii as the single grantee for traditional weaving instruction. It also discussed Arts First Partners, the incubation of Arts at Mark’s Garage, expanded advocacy efforts supported by Creative West grants, and new multi-year philanthropic support from the Hawaii Community Foundation and Atherton Family Foundation. The alliance said it is launching statewide listening sessions and an arts advocacy training program, and noted that most SFCA funds pass through the alliance to program partners, with the organization retaining 10 to 14 percent for administration. SFCA Executive Director Karen Ewald then described the agency’s role as the state arts agency, its strategic planning process, and its main programs, including Art in Public Places, the Capital Modern museum, Artist in the Schools, apprentice mentoring grants, community arts grants, the Hawaii State Poet Laureate program, a statewide cultural extension program, and the Hawaii Open Arts Program. She said SFCA has 21 staff with one vacancy, is awaiting a federal NEA partnership agreement, and is considering new revenue streams such as a cultural trust. She also noted that the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission was recently attached to SFCA, which has improved coordination and allows SFCA to provide funding for conservation and upkeep of the King Kamehameha statues statewide. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only, with questions deferred until after the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• She said the majority of these resources are being allocated into parts of the state where it is harder
• <01:00:54.319> are<01:00:54.480> being<01:00:54.760> allocated<01:00:55.359>
• into<01:00:55.599> parts resources are being allocated into parts resources are being allocated
• are being deployed uh these resources are being deployed uh these changes<01:02:41.160> will<
• <01:03:59.920> that<01:04:00.000> were engage with resources that were engage with

Bills: HF44, HF2102, HF2279, HF2280, HF2281

Keywords: HF44, Casey Jones State Trail, Pipestone Trailhead, Currie Loop, Minnesota bonding bill, capital investment, state bonds, bond proceeds fund, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, trail rehabilitation, trail reconstruction, recreational trail, bike trail, hiking trail, infrastructure, state trail, Pipestone, Currie, bonding authorization

Transcript Highlights:

• resources quickly, locally, and resources quickly, locally, and responsibly<00:05:03.040> um<
• community response dollars and resources community response dollars and resources from<00:08:01.199
• . without exhausting limited resources.
• Louis County's emergency assistance funds run out in early March, with no new allocation in July.
• <00:14:52.959> $9.6 year, Henipin County has allocated $9.6 year, Henipin County has allocated

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 3403, authored by Vice Chair Rep. Kazowski, and first adopted an A1 amendment. The amendment made technical and implementation changes recommended by the Department of Revenue, allowed a small portion of funds for county and tribal administrative costs, and clarified timing and reporting for spent and unspent funds. After the amendment was adopted, the bill was moved to Ways and Means. Rep. Kazowski described HF 3403 as a $50 million emergency rental assistance measure to help stabilize households facing eviction, with $44 million directed to counties and $6 million reserved for tribal nations, administered through the Department of Revenue using the existing local homeless prevention aid formula. Supporters said the bill would provide immediate, targeted help to renters and landlords, prevent evictions, and reduce downstream costs to shelters, schools, employers, and health systems. Several testifiers, including representatives from Greater Twin Cities United Way, St. Louis County, Hennepin County, Minneapolis, social workers, a resident, and tribal housing leaders, said local resources were insufficient to meet rising need and emphasized the impact of federal immigration enforcement and related economic disruption on families, workers, and communities. Testimony highlighted sharp increases in rental assistance requests, rising eviction filings, depleted county funds, and the strain on nonprofit and mutual aid efforts. County and city officials said emergency rental assistance and related legal services had already prevented thousands of evictions, but current funding was not enough. Tribal testimony stressed disproportionate homelessness among Native Americans and supported the bill’s tribal allocation. During member discussion, Rep. Amani Hiltsley said the bill was an economic stabilization tool and requested a roll call vote, noting safeguards against fraud and the broader costs of inaction.

Transcript Highlights:

• and you can see that in the table where the agency had increased funding identified in riders by allocating
• For this session and beyond, I hope you will continue to see the Governor's staff as a resource in service
• We are requesting additional funding for our state of Texas accounting and reporting resource project
• We allocate the remaining 90% of our grant portfolio to various stages of cancer research.
• We align our resources to make sure we are fully leveraging our resources with what SEPRIT is doing.

Keywords: 1184, house, all