Transcript Highlights:

• :47.079> I<00:11:47.200> was<00:11:47.440> I<00:11:47.560> happened<00:11
• /c><00:11:49.360> medical<00:11:49.760> thing<00:11:49.959> and<00:11:50.079>
• and I wasn't here<00:11:50.560> to<00:11:50.720> present<00:11:51.000> it<00:11
• :51.120> the<00:11:51.279> first<00:11:51.560> year<00:11:52.360> so<00:11
• c><00:11:56.639> uh<00:11:56.880> from<00:11:57.079> the<00:11:57.200> Department

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first discussed scheduling and notice for upcoming executive sessions on a larger slate of bills, including plans to take up eight bills in the morning and possibly the last three bills in the afternoon, with caucus time provided if needed. The chair emphasized advance notice, publication, and flexibility if more bills are added later. The hearing then opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and proceeded to HB 568, a bill allowing local planning boards to request water supply studies for subdivisions to ensure water adequacy as housing density increases. Representative Kat McGee, the prime sponsor, said HB 568 was developed after constituent concerns about private wells being affected by nearby development. She described the bill as narrowly tailored, non-mandatory, and intended to preserve local control while clarifying that planning boards may request studies under local regulations. She noted bipartisan support, an exclusion for community water systems and larger groundwater withdrawals regulated elsewhere, and said the bill would help prevent water shortages and related problems for new and existing homes. Questions from members focused on whether the bill should specify that it applies to subdivisions of four or more lots, since that language had been in an earlier version. Testimony on HB 568 was mixed. Bob Quinn of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors opposed the bill, arguing it lacked a definition of “water supply study,” could lead to expensive hydrology studies, and might raise housing costs; he suggested more work with DES or a study committee. DES administrator Brandon Kernin said the department had worked from a 2010 groundwater commission report, that such problems arise only intermittently in certain areas, and that the bill would make explicit local authority to adopt such ordinances. He also said DES data and homeowner surveys can help identify problem areas and that more robust wells could be considered in the long term. The committee noted 10 online submissions in favor and 3 opposed, plus blue-sheet testimony of 2 in favor and 1 neutral, and then closed the hearing on HB 568. The committee immediately opened HB 582, a bill on safety requirements for operation of personal watercraft. Representative Darby, the sponsor, said the bill responds to the speed and maneuverability of modern personal watercraft, which he described as more like motorcycles on water than traditional boats, and cited a fatal accident on Lake Monomonac as an example of the risks. He said the bill is not intended to restrict ordinary recreation or wake surfing, but to update safety standards for a newer class of larger, quieter three-person PWCs. The hearing began with Darby’s presentation, and no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02.760> okay<00:11:03.519> and<00:11:03.720> I'm<00:11:04.040> I'm<00:11
• c><00:11:07.200> but<00:11:07.680> uh<00:11:08.560> once<00:11:08.959> once
• it'll<00:11:11.320> go<00:11:12.160> of<00:11:12.320> course<00:11:12.880>
• :11:15.040> so<00:11:15.760> um<00:11:15.920> just<00:11:16.040> to right
• are<00:11:28.399> supported<00:11:29.560> the<00:11:29.800> bulk<00:11:30.120>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: House Finance Division III convened a work session on the DHHS budget, with the chair noting there would be no votes and that the committee would spend the day hearing from the commissioner’s office. Nathan White, DHHS Chief Financial Officer, opened with the Division of Finance/Office of Business Operations, explaining that the unit supports the department through daily financial management, AP/AR, audit work, expense projections, transfers, and procurement functions such as contracts, amendments, RFPs/RFAs, and grants management. He also described the division’s revenue and reporting work, including federal draws, CMS-64 reporting, and the public assistance cost allocation plan, and said the department had centralized rate-setting work and a small team handling Medicaid rate analysis and nursing facility rebase work. Members asked about vacancies, turnover, and budget changes. White said the division had 18 positions unfunded in the governor’s budget, reducing personal services from about $10.8 million to $9.9 million, and estimated the division’s vacancy rate at about 11 percent, below the department average. He said turnover was relatively low, with one retirement at the manager level and higher turnover mainly at lower AP-level positions. He also explained that some budget lines reflected reallocations rather than new spending, including fringe benefits centralized elsewhere and an EBT card contract moved into this unit because the staff member overseeing it works in Finance. When asked about a rent/lease increase, he said it was due to higher copier leasing costs under a statewide DAS contract. White highlighted several management and technology improvements. He said a business intelligence tool procured in 2022, using Salesforce and Excel-based data, helped DHHS better track federal revenue and maintenance-of-effort spending, reducing FY24 General Fund lapse by about 70 percent and federal/other revenue lapse by 88 percent compared with FY23; he warned that the tool is not funded in the current budget. He also described Lean Six Sigma efforts in the contracts team, training for vendors and nonprofits on procurement and indirect cost rules, and a Finance Academy to standardize policies and procedures. On the contracts side, he said the department uses Smartsheet for project management and DocuSign for electronic signatures, which cut contract execution time dramatically, but noted DocuSign is also not funded in the governor’s budget. The session ended as the committee prepared to move on to the Employee Assistance Program presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:38.320> I<00:11:38.440> need<00:11:38.639> the<00:11:38.800> pink<
• card so<00:11:39.519> I<00:11:39.600> can<00:11:39.800> arrange<00:11:40.279>
• > security<00:11:47.440> issue<00:11:47.839> so<00:11:48.279> before<00:11
• > my<00:11:55.399> far<00:11:56.399> left<00:11:56.880> which<00:11:57.040><
• :11:02.720> a<03:11:02.840> lot<03:11:03.040> of<03:11:03.160> our<03:11:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The meeting was an orientation for the Resources, Recreation and Development Committee, led by Chair Bob Harb. He reviewed committee procedures, including pink cards for witnesses, blue sheets for counts, use of drawers in the committee room, scheduling practices, and how bills would be posted and distributed. Members briefly introduced themselves and explained why they wanted to serve on the committee, with several citing interests in conservation, water quality, outdoor recreation, land use, and related local issues. The committee then opened a hearing on HB 1113, relative to OHRV operation on certain highways within the town of Windsor. Representative Ré Colcombe, the sponsor, explained that the bill would allow local OHV/UTV access across a short section of state road in Windsor so residents on divided portions of town could travel legally between areas. He said the town selectmen were already allowing OHRV use on town roads, the route was paved, traffic impacts were expected to be minimal, and local police had no objections. He also said the town would hold public hearings and notify abutters as required, and that if the select board ultimately opposed the proposal he would recommend killing the bill. Members asked about the legal authority for the change, speed limits, traffic volume, winter maintenance, and whether the Department of Transportation or select board had to approve the route. Colcombe said the town must hold a public hearing and that the change would need to be incorporated into RSA 258:10, section 4. He said the road is maintained by the town in winter and by the state in summer. An opponent, Anne Davis, testified that she opposed the bill, saying ATV use should be treated as a tool for forest management rather than recreation, that law enforcement capacity in Windsor was a concern, and that she believed affected residents should be fully notified before any approval. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So<00:11:07.760> I<00:11:08.079> think<00:11:08.160> we<00:11:08.320> all
• <00:11:08.480> know<00:11:08.640> this<00:11:09.120> the<00:11:09.360> the
• c><00:11:11.560> that<00:11:12.560> set<00:11:12.800> at<00:11:12.959> this
• <00:11:32.560> owe<00:11:33.200> and<00:11:33.440> if<00:11:33.600> we<00
• <00:11:36.720> Not<00:11:36.959> what<00:11:37.200> we<00:11:37.360> want

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :04.040> to<01:11:04.200> find<01:11:04.480> a<01:11:04.560> common<01:11
• And<01:11:06.920> uh,<01:11:07.120> I'm<01:11:07.320> proud<01:11:07.560> of<
• :11:18.040> comments<01:11:18.560> for<01:11:18.760> the<01:11:18.960> city,<
• > to<01:11:22.320> value<01:11:22.840> patience<01:11:23.440> that<01:11:
• There is<01:11:25.400> a<01:11:25.480> process<01:11:26.000> to<01:11:26.160>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:11:02.240> be<00:11:02.320> in<00:11:03.040> in<00:11:03.279> a<00:11:
• 00:11:05.519> can<00:11:05.680> have<00:11:05.760> it<00:11:06.079> as<00
• And then<00:11:11.920> the<00:11:12.160> position<00:11:12.480> is<00:11:12.640>
• > of<00:11:14.959> the<00:11:15.120> work<00:11:15.279> that<00:11:15.440
• :11:16.959> in<00:11:17.120> in<00:11:17.440> solid<00:11:17.839> waste.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Environment and Agriculture Committee held a hearing on a non-germane amendment to SB 302, a Senate bill originally requiring background checks for solid waste and hazardous waste facility owners. Representative Patenza explained that the amendment was intended to preserve and separate out language developed for the governor’s budget proposal and HB 2 concerning a solid waste facility site evaluation committee, a moratorium, and related public-benefit/site-benefit provisions, so the policy would still have a vehicle if the budget language did not advance. He said the proposal reflects extensive work by the House, the governor’s office, and DES, and he was open to further changes to align with any budget conference committee outcome. Dr. Adam Finkele testified in support of the amendment and the underlying site evaluation concept, arguing that landfill siting decisions should be based on cost-benefit analysis that includes public harms, local impacts, and regional impacts rather than only private benefits. He praised the committee process and prior legislation requiring agencies to respond substantively to public comments, and said the new language improves on the governor’s version by moving the committee’s review earlier in the process and requiring more complete application information, including alternatives and impacts on nearby wells and aquifers. He also supported a three-year moratorium on new landfill applications, saying it would give the state time to address leachate, PFAS, waste reduction, and weak siting rules. Members asked about possible conference committee changes, the value of having a separate review body, and whether the new rules would invite litigation. Dr. Finkele said he would likely sue over the rules because he считает them too weak, but also said the legislature could fix the problems through other bills such as HB 77. He acknowledged that the site evaluation committee is not a perfect solution, but said it is a useful intermediate step between the agency and the courts and likely would meet only rarely if capacity need remains the main trigger for future landfill decisions. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• 03.160> had<00:11:03.320> at<00:11:03.480> the<00:11:03.720> time<00:11:04.240
• but I haven't<00:11:04.760> checked<00:11:05.079> into<00:11:05.720> any<00:11:
• :07.040> so<00:11:07.279> I'm<00:11:07.440> happy<00:11:07.680> to<00:11:
• 00:11:08.959> the<00:11:09.360> committee<00:11:10.240> I<00:11:10.440> I
• > how<01:11:30.360> much<01:11:30.640> you<01:11:30.800> guys<01:11:31.040><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered SB 1023, which would create a spay-neuter special fund to reduce pet overpopulation and free-roaming cats, with funding sources including an income tax checkoff. The Department of Taxation had no substantive comment, while the Hawaii Invasive Species Council supported the measure but opposed any trap-neuter-release or re-release approach, saying spay-neuter is important but release does not reduce cats on the landscape. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about creating another special fund and tax checkoff, saying the fund may not meet statutory criteria and could create administrative burdens. The Hawaiian Humane Society strongly supported the bill, arguing the state currently provides little funding for animal overpopulation control and that the measure would help nonprofits and align conservation and animal welfare goals. Several other supporters testified, including a cat sanctuary representative who described the need for a dedicated funding mechanism and a possible Oahu sanctuary to remove cats from sensitive areas. After questions about the effectiveness of trap-neuter-release and the need for alternative management tools, the committees voted to recommend passage with amendments, including blanking appropriation amounts, moving them into the committee report, setting the effective date to July 1, 2050, and noting Budget and Finance concerns; the recommendations were adopted in both committees, with some members voting with reservations. The hearing then moved to SB 1120, relating to transportation and a clean fuel standard. The Department of Transportation said it supported the intent but wanted more information on economic impacts. Electrify America and Neste supported the bill, saying a clean fuel standard would help finance EV charging, encourage investment, and expand lower-carbon fuel options such as renewable diesel. In response to questions from senators about rural and agricultural transportation needs, witnesses said the standard could support both electrification where feasible and cleaner liquid fuels in the interim for equipment that cannot yet be electrified. DOT also described county transit efforts and said it was working with Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island on assessments for zero-emission bus replacement and charging infrastructure. The committees also heard testimony on SB 586, relating to climate change and zero-emission buses by 2045, with the State Procurement Office supporting the intent but suggesting the language be moved to a different statute; DOT said it was providing pass-through funding to counties and had some zero-emission bus purchases and charging stations on order. The discussion emphasized infrastructure costs and implementation challenges, but no final vote on SB 1120 or SB 586 was described in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> And<00:11:00.160> as<00:11:00.399> in<00:11:00.640> the<00:11:00.800>
• > last<00:11:01.120> case<00:11:01.839> uh<00:11:02.800> when<00:11:03.040><
• 04.320> up,<00:11:04.480> will<00:11:04.720> you<00:11:04.800> let<00:11:
• The<00:11:12.800> next<00:11:13.040> item<00:11:13.440> is<00:11:14.160>
• <00:11:38.240> Um<00:11:39.120> so<00:11:39.440> I<00:11:39.760> will

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its October 3 meeting unanimously. It then reviewed follow-up status on prior performance audits, beginning with the Department of Corrections’ sex offender treatment program. DOC said all audit items from the 2016 review were resolved except one related to tracking benchmarks, progress, and recidivism. Officials explained that a new offender management system, Chorus, was recently implemented but has had rollout problems affecting operations, including restitution checks, and that they hope the system will be stable enough within about six months to begin tracking the needed metrics. Members asked about treatment inside prison and after release; DOC described in-prison treatment, parole aftercare, probation and parole oversight, administrative restrictions, and reassessment if conditions are not met. The committee next heard from OPLC on the Real Estate Commission audit. OPLC reported that all but one finding is substantially or fully resolved, with the remaining issue involving review of applicants’ adverse financial history and liabilities. The delay is tied to ongoing rulemaking, and OPLC said the commission is amending its criteria and integrating universal application procedures into board rules. The office estimated substantive completion by March 2027, with rule filing expected sooner. The committee then took up the Board of Pharmacy audit, where OPLC said most findings remain partially resolved because the board is in the middle of a major rule overhaul and a new licensing software project. Officials described a shift toward a compliance bureau and more routine, risk-informed inspections, rather than inspections driven only by complaints, and said updated manuals and forms will follow the new rules and technology. Finally, the Legislative Budget Assistant reported on ongoing audits. For special education, staff said they are writing the report, have 25 completed observations, and have expanded to 70 identified observations, with a full draft expected in the first quarter of 2026 and a final report by summer 2026. For education freedom accounts, 40 observations have been identified, 15 finalized, and a draft is expected by midspring with a fiscal committee presentation in summer. For the Doorway program, the audit plan was finalized with DHHS help, financial activity was isolated, fieldwork is expected to finish by Thanksgiving, and a draft report is planned for January or February 2026, with a final report by March or April 2026. The committee discussed scheduling its next meeting for February 6 at 10 a.m. and emphasized the value of follow-up on older audits; the meeting adjourned after members agreed the follow-up process should continue.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.040> step<00:11:00.320> up<00:11:00.440> to<00:11:00.600> the<00:11:00.800
• > U<01:11:18.080> you<01:11:18.199> know<01:11:18.280> I<01:11:18.360>
• 01:11:20.760> on<01:11:20.960> when<01:11:21.080> it's<01:11:21.280> time
• c><01:11:22.440> can<01:11:22.640> see<01:11:22.880> you<01:11:23.159> thank<
• c> to<02:11:05.599> bring<02:11:05.760> a<02:11:06.000> vital<02:11:06.400><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Ways and Means and Finance informational briefing on grants and aids was held February 14 and was organized as a high-volume public testimony session with strict procedures: no Q&A, one representative per applicant, one minute per testimony, in-person testimony first, and then Zoom participants. The chairs also announced a recess at 11:00 a.m. for floor sessions and a reconvening at 1:00 p.m. Testimony was heard first from neighbor island applicants, then Oʻahu applicants, with members repeatedly directing speakers to line up and keep remarks brief. Neighbor island testimony focused on a wide range of capital and operating requests. Health and community projects included Hawaii Island Community Health Center’s workforce housing in Kau, Wuli Hawaiian Homestead Association’s learning center and predevelopment work, Rescue Tube Foundation’s beach rescue tube expansion, Puna Community Medical Center’s planned hospital/ER campus, Maui Humane Society’s free veterinary care after the wildfires, Hawaiʻi Care Choices’ palliative care readiness, and the Lyman Museum’s HVAC replacement. Other requests included the Maui Advanced Manufacturing Alliance’s Pāʻia Mill redevelopment, Laua 2020’s preschool and learning lab, Mālama Aina’s USDA-compliant meat processing facility, the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association’s water safety programs, Kaha P Organization’s agriculture education support, Ohana Arts’ youth performance project, Friends of the Children’s Justice Center’s emergency closet, EOA Pacific’s Marshall Islands teacher training, and the Central Pacific Youth Athletic Club’s new facility. Oʻahu testimony included the YWCA Oʻahu/Pythink Center’s renovation of Juliet M. Atherton Hall and its community kitchen, West Oʻahu Community Health Center’s wildfire protection and security needs, the Early School’s playground improvements, Surfing the Nations’ food distribution center expansion, and Sounding Joy Music Therapy’s weekly services for people with disabilities. Speakers generally emphasized community benefit, workforce development, health access, food security, disaster recovery, and support for children, seniors, and underserved populations. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• 11:06.400> to<01:11:06.560> search<01:11:06.800> this<01:11:07.040> place.
• The<01:11:07.920> court<01:11:08.080> has<01:11:08.239> issued<01:11:08.480>
• :11:09.920> but<01:11:10.640> uh<01:11:11.040> and<01:11:11.440> you<01:11
• I<01:11:32.480> I<01:11:32.880> think<01:11:33.120> I<01:11:33.440> look<
• > if<01:11:35.600> you<01:11:35.760> can<01:11:36.080> offer<01:11:36.400

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um I did<00:11:10.959> my<00:11:11.120> homework<00:11:11.519> on<00:11:11.680><
• c> good<00:11:13.279> model<00:11:13.519> to<00:11:13.760> follow<00:11:14.720
• follow because uh as<00:11:16.079> we<00:11:16.240> all<00:11:16.399> know<00:11
• <00:11:25.040> good<00:11:25.200> way<00:11:25.279> to<00:11:25.519> overcome
• > needs<00:11:31.040> to<00:11:31.279> happen<00:11:31.760> so<00:11:32.000

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > away<00:11:02.280> local<00:11:02.720> control<00:11:03.880> because<00
• no ordinance<00:11:05.960> or<00:11:06.200> regulation<00:11:07.120> of<00:11:07.320
• Oh,<00:11:50.480> I<00:11:50.520> thought<00:11:50.720> you<00:11:50.800> wanted
• wanted to say something.<00:11:51.760> No,<00:11:52.000> I<00:11:52.360> I<00:11
• No, I I think the local control<00:11:53.360> issue<00:11:53.600> will<00:11:53.720>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:11:04.800> Uh<02:11:05.599> so<02:11:05.840> that<02:11:06.719> is
• :11:34.639> use<02:11:34.719> the<02:11:34.880> city<02:11:35.040> of are
• :11:35.679> an<02:11:35.760> example<02:11:36.079> because<02:11:36.320> I
• So,<02:11:42.639> and<02:11:42.880> the<02:11:43.040> example<02:11:43.360> I
• session<02:11:45.360> was<02:11:46.239> in<02:11:46.480> the<02:11:46.560>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.560> last<00:11:00.760> time<00:11:00.920> we<00:11:01.040> were<00:11
• c> Sutton<00:11:10.959> would<00:11:11.160> be<00:11:11.399> the<00:11:11.519
• <00:11:14.320> between<00:11:14.800> all<00:11:15.040> 12<00:11:16.040> um
• areas<00:11:17.959> we<00:11:18.120> did<00:11:18.320> provide<00:11:18.560
• 01:11:07.239> if<01:11:07.320> you<01:11:07.400> want<01:11:07.480> to<01

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a work session on the Department of Business and Economic Affairs budget, with testimony from Chase Hegman and Kathy Frederickson. Early discussion focused on staffing and vacancies, including a senior planner position tied to FEMA requirements, a program assistant funded by federal ORID dollars, a program specialist being considered for reclassification, two Housing Champions positions to be funded in the next biennium, and temporary welcome center positions. Members also reviewed the commissioner’s office, indirect cost recoveries tied to federal program administration, and the structure and staffing of rest areas and welcome centers, including the Turnpike-funded locations and seasonal staffing patterns. Members then moved through economic development and federal grant-related accounts. Hegman explained that a large share of the agency’s funding is federal, with some programs requiring state match, including the Apex Accelerator, which supports government contracting assistance for businesses. He described Apex as a small team that helps businesses with DOD and other contracting opportunities through webinars, matchmaking, and one-on-one support. The Office of Workforce Opportunity was described as largely federally funded through Commerce-related workforce programs and subrecipients, with some general fund support for agency-wide needs. The Northern Borders Regional Commission dues and capacity grant were also discussed, with officials explaining the state’s required contribution and the federal funds used to administer the program. A major point of discussion was the proposed reduction to the Small Business Development Center, which officials said provides one-on-one technical assistance to new and small businesses and has a strong return on investment. Members questioned the cut, the federal funding sources, and whether there was a waiting list for services; officials said they would provide more detail on matching requirements and funding. The committee also reviewed travel and tourism accounts, including the joint promotional grant program and tourism advertising funds, both of which are proposed to increase. Officials said the tourism marketing formula is based on a percentage of meals and rooms tax revenue and argued that the spending generates significant visitor spending and tax revenue, citing an outside ROI study and examples of advertising in test markets. No votes were taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um<00:11:01.839> and<00:11:02.079> so<00:11:02.399> the<00:11:02.640> initiative
• <00:11:03.360> has<00:11:03.680> a<00:11:04.000> couple<00:11:04.160> of<
• <00:11:05.760> One<00:11:06.000> is<00:11:06.240> to<00:11:06.720> add
• <01:11:19.840> Uh<01:11:20.080> but<01:11:20.320> I'm<01:11:20.480> sure<
• 11:38.640> sure<01:11:38.960> I<01:11:39.120> I<01:11:39.199> I<01:11:39.600

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:11:00.239> Uh,<01:11:00.880> as<01:11:01.360> the<01:11:01.760> good<
• I live 30<01:11:09.120> miles<01:11:09.520> from<01:11:09.760> the<01:11:09.920>
• Utah is number<01:11:12.239> one<01:11:12.800> in<01:11:13.120> the<01:11:13.280
• <01:11:24.640> It's<01:11:24.960> actually<01:11:25.679> fun<01:11:26.320>
• :11:27.440> Utah<01:11:27.920> because<01:11:28.239> the<01:11:28.480> roads<

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, approved the February 13, 2026 journal, and then took up several resolutions and bills. Senate Joint Resolution 12, designating February 20, 2026 as Colorado FFA Day, was laid over until that date. On the consent calendar, Senate Bill 74, concerning the penalty for claiming an excessive amount in a public construction performance bond dispute, passed third reading unanimously, 30-0. The chamber then passed Senate Bill 16, which prohibits the discharge of pre-production plastic materials, on third reading and final passage by a vote of 19-11. Senate Bill 34, expanding participation by members of the AARIA Board of Directors advisory committees, also passed 19-11. On second reading, the Committee of the Whole considered Senate Bill 11, dealing with search warrant requirements for operators of certain electronic platforms, and Senate Bill 76, concerning the practice of certified public accountants; the committee adopted the report, with SB 11 amended and SB 76 passed and ordered engrossed. The general order calendar was then laid over until February 18, 2026. A major portion of the meeting focused on Senate Resolution 001, which urges CDOT to prioritize road improvement projects in Morgan County. Supporters argued that Morgan County’s state highways are in poor condition, citing assessments showing 70% of the county’s highway miles have low drivability life and stressing the importance of safe roads for agriculture and commerce. Opponents said the resolution resembled a district-specific funding request and argued transportation dollars should be allocated through existing statewide and regional processes rather than by legislative resolution. Despite the debate, the discussion centered on the broader need to improve road maintenance and transportation safety across rural Colorado.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, Um, Um, and<00:11:18.160> this<00:11:18.399> is<00:11:18.560> if<00:11:18.800
• So,<00:11:30.399> do<00:11:30.640> we<00:11:30.800> have<00:11:30.959> any
• <00:11:39.040> I<00:11:39.279> think<00:11:39.360> it<00:11:39.519> makes
• <00:11:43.279> statute,<00:11:43.839> but<00:11:44.160> uh<00:11:44.240> I
• ><00:11:44.480> think<00:11:44.560> it<00:11:44.800> to<00:11:44.959> me

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 958, all

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Keywords: House Agenda:, 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

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• 00:11:43.360> I'm<00:11:43.519> opposed<00:11:43.880> to<00:11:44.000> the

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee held its first hearing of the 2025 session and began with housekeeping on testimony deadlines, hybrid participation rules, time management, and expectations for civility. The chair said testimony posted at least 24 hours in advance would be available to members and the public at the same time, late testimony would still be processed, and decision-making would generally be deferred to later in the day so morning hearings could adjourn before the noon floor session. The first bill heard was HB 673 on emergency management. Hawaii Emergency Management Agency administrator James Barros testified in opposition, saying the bill could undermine the executive’s unity of command during emergencies and objecting to provisions allowing the legislature to terminate a state of emergency by a two-thirds vote. Members asked about the difference between an emergency order and a state of emergency, whether other states use legislative checks and balances, and whether long-running emergencies such as COVID-19 or homelessness should have clearer end conditions. Barros said the agency, along with the Attorney General’s office and the governor’s office, would review the language and that the issue is setting conditions for when an emergency ends. The committee then heard HB 596, also on emergency management, which would clarify types of events that count as dangers and emergencies. Barros opposed the bill, saying the current list covers known hazards but should remain open-ended for future threats; he cited COVID-19 as an example of an unforeseen event and said the bill could limit flexibility. Members asked whether the list could be expanded, and Barros said the agency would look at that possibility. Testimony included support from the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii and concerns from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii about the bill’s special fund provisions; the committee also corrected testimony that had been submitted for the wrong bill. The final measure discussed was HB 1060 on emergency preparedness and the Community Readiness Center Program. Barros explained the proposal as part of HEMA’s effort to build local readiness centers and community hubs, with an initial target of 10 communities through a federal grant and a longer-term concept of roughly 100 statewide. The Climate Advisory Team supported the bill’s intent but urged that centers be developed with strong community and nonprofit involvement through the HARRP program. The Department of Taxation offered comments on the special fund, and members raised questions about cost, size, use of existing school facilities, public messaging, and equity across communities. Barros said the centers would provide backup communications, power, water, and food for a community group, would not function as general shelters, and would be designed to help communities hunker down and recover after a disaster.