Transcript Highlights:

• :48.839> a<00:11:49.000> great<00:11:49.279> idea<00:11:49.680> and<00:11
• the<00:11:56.240> C<00:11:56.920> Department<00:11:57.920> how<00:11:58.040>
• <01:11:02.640> would<01:11:02.840> provide<01:11:03.040> a<01:11:03.159>
• <01:11:24.840> Charities<01:11:25.360> of<01:11:25.480> Hawaii<01:11:26.040>
• > this<02:11:34.400> is<02:11:34.559> amending<02:11:35.000> chapter<02:11

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: At the joint hearing on SB 951 SD2, the committees heard testimony on a child protection measure requiring mandatory child abuse and neglect reports to include military status and to improve communication between DHS and the Department of Defense. The U.S. Department of Defense testified in support and described its coordinated community response process for abuse reports, saying the bill would help ensure child safety and better coordination with DHS. DHS was initially absent, later appeared, and said it supported the measure but was still working with DOD on implementation details and staff training. Members asked about how DHS becomes involved and whether there were gaps in the current process. The chair recommended passage with technical amendments, including changing the effective date to 7/1/25 and conforming related language, and both committees adopted the recommendation by vote. The Public Safety committee then heard SB 1377 SD2, which would create a Veterans Cemeteries Board within the Office of Veterans Services in the Department of Defense to provide guidance, education, and technical assistance to state veteran cemeteries. DOD supported the bill and explained that county-run cemeteries must meet National Cemetery Administration standards to remain eligible for federal reimbursements and grants; witnesses described past compliance problems at several cemeteries, including one still not compliant in Hilo, and said the board would help counties prepare for future site visits and improve oversight without taking over operations. Members asked about costs, reimbursement amounts, and whether the state would assume cemetery operations; DOD said the current reimbursement process runs through the state to the counties and that direct takeover would be costly. The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the bill with amendments. The committee also heard SB 1382, which would make intentionally or knowingly causing bodily injury to a National Guard member performing duty a class C felony. The Hawaii National Guard and HPD supported the bill, citing incidents during the Maui response where Guard members encountered noncompliant and sometimes physically confrontational individuals while assisting police and protecting impacted areas. Testimony emphasized that Guard members are often unarmed and should receive protections similar to first responders. One witness opposed the bill, but the committee moved forward and adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments. Finally, the committee took up SB 1379 SD2 on emergency preparedness and Community Readiness Centers. Hawaii Emergency Management supported the bill, and supporters said it would create a statewide framework for resilience hubs that can provide supplies, action plans, and refuge during disasters. Testimony highlighted recent hurricanes, wildfires, and other hazards, and argued the measure would complement existing county efforts rather than replace them. County of Hawaii testimony opposed the bill, raising concerns about overlap and cost, while members asked about estimated expenses and implementation. The discussion ended with questions about planning and whether the bill would enhance existing programs; no final vote was captured in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• who manag agents registered in Minnesota who manag more<00:03:58.799> than<00:03:58.959> 11
• <00:03:59.319> billion<00:04:00.159> in<00:04:00.519> investment more than 11
• billion in investment more than 11 billion in investment Assets<00:04:01.439> in<00:04:01.560
• There is reference to this in the current chapter on medical cannabis in 152.
• Some sections amending chapter 152 are changes that align with the comparable section in chapter 342

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 66 of the General Laws, hereinafter it refers... ...to extend application of Chapter 66 of the General
• ...for its records under Part 2, Chapter 1, Section 2, Article 7, of the Constitution of the Commonwealth
• And whereas the petition purports to amend certain provisions of Chapter 3 of the General Laws, which
• Order that when the Senate adjourns today, it adjourn to meet again on Monday next at 11 o'clock a.m.
• The Senator moves that the Senate now adjourn until Monday at 11 a.m.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate began with ceremonial items, including the Pledge of Allegiance and a welcome to Tri-County High School’s championship football and boys’ cross-country teams. The chamber then adopted a resolution commending the town of Auburn and the Robert and Esther Goddard Centennial Committee for recognizing the 100th anniversary of the first liquid-fueled rocket launch. Several local bills were taken up and passed to be enacted, including measures authorizing payment by the City of Revere, adjusting the senior property tax deferral income threshold in Wellesley, amending the Hopedinton charter regarding library trustee appointment powers, and later engrossing bills affecting the Cotuit Fire District, the Salem licensing board, and validating Bourne’s May 20, 2025 annual election. The Senate also suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer House petitions to committees and, on committee recommendation, advanced two Cotuit Fire District bills to third reading and engrossment. A major portion of the session focused on two Senate orders seeking advisory opinions from the Supreme Judicial Court on pending initiative petitions. One order concerned a public records initiative that would extend public records law to the General Court and the Governor’s office; the other concerned a legislative stipends initiative that would alter internal legislative procedures and compensation rules. Senator Feeney spoke in support of both orders, saying they were meant to inform the committee’s work and were not votes on the merits of the ballot questions. Both orders were adopted without objection. The Senate also received a Ways and Means report on a bill banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and pet sharks, with a new draft and amendment pending, and adopted an order placing the bill on the Orders of the Day for second reading on March 19, 2026. The session concluded with an order to adjourn to Monday at 11 a.m., which was adopted, and the Senate adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.720> housing<00:11:01.839> uh<00:11:02.040> which<00:11:02.240> they<
• not<00:11:02.760> able<00:11:03.000> to<00:11:03.160> do<00:11:03.480> before
• <00:11:04.680> Uh<00:11:04.960> sections<00:11:05.520> 5A Not able to do before
• Pediatrics Vermont Chapter. Pediatrics Vermont Chapter.
• We ask for your you was 11-0-0.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House first took up S. 298, the Vermont Voting Rights Act. Members explained the Senate’s further proposal of amendment, including changes to language about how the State Ethics Commission may respond to ethics inquiries, a directive for the Secretary of State and Ethics Commission to work out a shared process for the candidate financial disclosure form by January 30, and a technical PAC-related wording change. The committee reported an 11-0-0 vote in favor, and the House concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment. The chamber then suspended rules to take up S. 328, the omnibus housing bill, and heard detailed committee reports from General and Housing, Ways and Means, and Appropriations. The bill addresses common interest community resources, a service-supported housing advisory council, expansion of the 10% for Vermont program to 12.5%, an off-site construction accelerator pilot, VHFA’s rental housing revolving loan program, special assessment districts, municipal housing planning requirements, and several reports on housing-related issues. Ways and Means described revenue impacts from the cash-balance expansion and revised the off-site construction pilot and loan program language; Appropriations removed a section already included in the budget and adjusted advisory council per diem funding. The House adopted the amendments, ordered third reading, suspended rules to place the bill in all remaining stages, passed it in concurrence with proposal of amendment, and messaged the action to the Senate forthwith. The House then suspended rules to take up S. 197, relating to payment reform for primary care. The House Health Care Committee recommended a strike-all amendment, saying the health care system is in crisis, premiums are rising, access to primary care is limited, and clinicians are burdened by documentation and administrative work. The committee vote on its amendment was 10-0-1, and the bill was also referred to Ways and Means and Appropriations because of fiscal implications. The transcript cuts off as the House was beginning consideration of the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's do the first bill and only bill: House Bill 2096, an act amending sections 11-671, 49-202, 49-203
• House Bill 2749, an act amending title 13, chapter 6, Arizona Revised Statutes, by amending section 13
• House Bill 2749: An act amending title 13, chapter 6, Arizona Revised Statutes, by amending section 13
• House Bill 2049: An act amending title 30, chapter 4, article 3, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding
• House Bill 2049: An act amending title 30, chapter 4, article 3, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding

Keywords: 1182, all

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.
• I don't know if you've started to dig into the numbers yet, but the Chapter 70 numbers are shocking in
• Chapter 70 is not adequate for a majority Of the communities that struggle.

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:

• :04.240> anyone<00:11:04.560> on Zoom<00:11:08.519> okay<00:11:08.680> c<
• 00:11:09.040> n<00:11:09.279> members<00:11:09.600> any questions<00:11:13.200><
• c> we'll<00:11:13.360> move<00:11:13.519> on<00:11:13.600> to<00:11:13.760><
• Bill 1571 Senate Bill 1571 st2<00:11:18.040> relating<00:11:18.440> to<00:11:18.600>
• /c><00:11:57.240> Kaka<00:11:58.240> um<00:11:58.760> Council<00:11:59.000> for

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 01:11:38.800> actually<01:11:39.160> begging<01:11:39.480> you<01:11:39.600>
• > these<01:11:40.760> parents<01:11:41.640> both<01:11:41.880> here<01:11
• <01:11:46.640> you<01:11:46.720> to<01:11:46.800> pass<01:11:47.080> this
• Uh<01:11:50.560> Senator<01:11:51.280> Mann<01:11:51.880> moves<01:11:52.400>
• 11:55.840> be<01:11:56.000> recommended<01:11:56.480> to<01:11:56.560> pass

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.040> folks<01:11:01.040> recommended<01:11:01.760> that<01:11:01.960> we<
• > ensuring<02:11:02.239> they<02:11:02.559> remain<02:11:02.800> in<02:11
• for<02:11:04.599> generations<02:11:05.599> and<02:11:05.760> even local
• <02:11:12.800> um<02:11:13.000> I<02:11:13.079> don't<02:11:13.239> believe
• here<02:11:13.840> today<02:11:14.119> to<02:11:14.320> testify<02:11:15.280>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Housing held a public hearing on January 31 and heard testimony on a series of housing and building-code bills. The first major item, HB 1 relating to building codes, drew sharply divided testimony. Supporters, including BIA Hawaii, Grassroot Institute, Dr. Horton, and several builders and trade groups, argued the current code-adoption process is slow, fragmented, and costly, and that reform would help housing production. Opponents, including Sierra Club Hawaii, AIA Hawaii, ICC, and labor representative Kiko Bosi, said the bill would weaken public safety, reduce statewide consistency, and could leave tenants and first responders at greater risk. No vote was taken during the hearing, and members asked questions about the effect of a governor’s emergency proclamation suspending the Building Code Council and about county authority over code amendments. The committee then heard HB 745 and HB 1321, both also relating to building codes. Grassroot Institute supported both measures, saying the system is broken and needs streamlining, while BIA Hawaii and others emphasized the cost burden of repeated code updates. Opponents, especially Bosi and ICC, argued that the bills would undermine the State Building Code Council’s role, create confusion, and prioritize cost over safety; Bosi also said labor should be included in any code discussions. Members questioned whether counties can remove state code provisions and whether the state code already supersedes county codes, and one member noted the need for clarity and consistent enforcement rather than a wholesale overhaul. Later, the committee heard HB 284 on housing, HB 761 on county permitting and inspection, and HB 738 on historic preservation. HB 284 drew support from several housing and real estate groups, while DLNR opposed it. On HB 761, HHFDC supported the bill, DLNR warned that the proposed changes could jeopardize Hawaii’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program, DAGS said it would likely need to duplicate county permitting staff, and the Department of Planning and Permitting opposed it; Grassroot Institute and NAIOP supported it. For HB 738, HHFDC, DLNR, Grassroot Institute, Hawaii YIMBY, NAIOP, and others supported the measure, with Grassroot and NAIOP suggesting clarifications so expedited review would also cover mixed-use projects and better define the scope of work. The transcript does not show any final votes or committee action on these bills during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2720, an act amending Title 12, Chapter 1, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by section
• And the testimony from the Arizona chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics did highlight the serious
• Senate Bill 1566, an act amending title 9, chapter 4, article 8; section 41-54; amending title 11, chapter
• 2, article 4; section 11-260; section 11-310; amending title 12, chapter 8, article 2.1; and section
• Senate Bill 1172, an act amending Title 41, Chapter 14, and section 41-1971, relating to the Department

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, attendance, and routine journal and communication actions, including a temporary committee replacement appointment and confirmation of Todd D. Haney to the State Board of Education. The chamber then moved into the Committee of the Whole to consider House Bill 4001, which concerns vaping/nicotine product regulation. Members debated a committee amendment and a floor amendment offered by Senator Bolick; supporters described the bill as a first step toward regulating harmful products and keeping them away from children, while opponents argued it was too weak, lacked retail licensing and enforcement, and did not adequately protect public health. The Committee of the Whole adopted the amendments and recommended the bill do pass, and the full Senate later passed HB 4001 on a 24-0-1 vote after additional debate on the same public health and enforcement concerns. The Senate then took up several other measures on final reading. House Bills 2720, 2078, 2501, 2686, and 2574 all passed, with votes ranging from 17-7 to 26-0. The chamber also concurred in House amendments to several Senate bills, including SB 1067, SB 1172, SB 1232, SB 1214, and SB 1478. During debate on HB 2078 and other bills, members used points of personal privilege to recognize staff and explain votes, but no additional amendments were adopted on those measures. On final readings, SB 1566, dealing with residential construction and delay enforcement, passed 17-9 despite concerns that its definition of malicious delay was too broad and could invite litigation. SB 1067, SB 1172, SB 1232, SB 1426, and SB 1478 also passed, with some members speaking in support of homeowner protections, administrative changes, or liquor policy updates, while others opposed the liquor bill and raised public health concerns about alcohol access in border communities. The Senate concluded by announcing party caucuses and adjourning until June 1, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• > us<02:11:38.480> all<02:11:38.840> kinds<02:11:39.079> of<02:11:39.280>
• 11:40.920> it<02:11:41.159> really<02:11:41.440> simple<02:11:41.760> for
• here<02:11:42.719> today<02:11:43.719> so<02:11:44.400> that's<02:11:44.599
• <02:11:53.520> citizen<02:11:53.880> of<02:11:54.040> the<02:11:54.119> United
• 03:11:46.319> um okay<03:11:50.760> thank<03:11:50.920> you<03:11:51.080> all

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Completed its labors today, Tuesday, May 5, 2026, until Monday, May 11, 2026.
• Senate Bill 1171 amends Title 36, Chapter 1, Article 1A, relating to health care institutions.
• Senate Bill 1171 amends Title 36, Chapter 1, Article 1A, relating to health care institutions.
• Senate Bill 1452 amends Title 41, Chapter 1, Article 5, A.R.S., by adding Section 41-191.101.
• 11-669, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section 12-1139, relating to residential construction.

Summary: The House met, opened with prayer and the Pledge, approved the prior journal, and first took up a motion to request Senate consent for an extended adjournment. Representative Volk opposed the motion, arguing members should keep working on unfinished business, while Speaker Montenegro said the House had completed its current budget work and was waiting on the governor to return to negotiations. The motion passed 31-20, and the House also agreed to a related Senate adjournment request and to return HB 2415 to the Senate for reconsideration. The chamber then went into Committee of the Whole and considered several Senate bills. SB 1199, concerning the Salt River wild horse herd, was amended to pause removals for a genetic diversity study and received a do-pass recommendation. SB 1399 on Medicaid spending transparency, SB 1496, SB 1497, SB 1582, SB 1713, and SB 1798 were also amended and advanced. SB 1713 drew the most debate, with supporters saying it would expand pharmacist access to basic care and improve rural and veteran access, while opponents warned it expanded scope of practice beyond pharmacists’ training. The House later adopted the Committee of the Whole report, ordered several bills engrossed, and sent SB 1399 to third reading. In a second Committee of the Whole, SB 1214 and SB 1670 were further amended and advanced. The House then moved to third reading and voted on multiple bills. SB 1006, SB 1037, SB 1171, SB 1242, SB 1270, SB 1419, SB 1429, SB 1445, SB 1452, SB 1478, and SB 1566 passed, while SB 1099 and SB 1635 failed on the initial vote. Members then used reconsideration motions to place SB 1006 and SB 1635 back on the third-reading calendar. The session ended with personal privilege remarks recognizing correctional officers, Cinco de Mayo guests, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Awareness Day, and other tributes, followed by adjournment until June 1, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes. 11 members answering yay. Four members 11 members answering yay.
• Uh so that accordance with this chapter. Uh so that accordance with this chapter.
• This chapter shall with the following. This chapter shall with the following.
• Replace line 293 on page 11 with the Replace line 293 on page 11 with the Replace line 293 on page 11
• An accordance with this chapter. An accordance with this chapter.

Bills: SB199, HB142, SB86, HB152, HB297, SB1, SB1

Keywords: parental leave, state employees, local education agencies, adoption, work-life balance, family support, portable benefits, portable benefit account, independent contractor, gig worker, 1099 worker, freelancer, app-based worker, rideshare, delivery driver, worker benefits, health insurance, retirement benefits, life insurance, income replacement insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• Chapter 71 as written in stone.
• and Chapter 70 as a percent of actual net school spending was 44 percent.
• The difference in Chapter 70 aid in the 17 years between 2008 and 2025 is $55,401.
• , shall we say, a Chapter 70 formula that just doesn't work.
• We know Chapter 70 is going to be a heavy lift to change it.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused primarily on H. 517/S. 314, a bill to provide a sustainable future for rural schools, and H. 697, a bill to require full funding of regional school transportation. Witnesses from rural districts, school committees, superintendents, students, and local officials described chronic underfunding, declining enrollment, high fixed costs, special education and transportation burdens, and the loss of programs, staff, and extracurriculars. Several speakers argued that rural aid should be funded at $60 million annually and made non-discretionary, while others emphasized that transportation reimbursement for regional districts has repeatedly fallen short of the state’s promise and is driving budget crises and overrides. A number of students testified in support of rural aid, describing cuts to classes, counselors, and activities, and the impact on their schools and communities. Committee members also discussed whether transportation policy should be revisited to address underlying cost drivers, including bus bidding practices and whether regional districts should have more flexibility in transportation requirements. The committee also heard H. 515, concerning Hancock Elementary School and a school choice-related exemption from a state requirement that has created a large financial burden for the district. Hancock’s superintendent and Rep. John Barrett explained that a decades-old regulation, recently enforced by DESE, would require Hancock to pay tuition for choice-in students through high school graduation even though the district only serves pre-K through grade 6 and sends its own students elsewhere for middle and high school. They said the rule creates a significant per-student shortfall and has forced Hancock to opt out of school choice. Committee members asked for clarification about how the arrangement works and how the costs fall on Hancock. Additional testimony supported related transportation bills for non-regional districts, especially Plymouth/Carver and North Middlesex, describing high and rising bus costs, special education and McKinney-Vento transportation expenses, and the strain on local budgets. Speakers repeatedly said that state reimbursement has not matched actual costs and that communities are being forced to choose between transportation and classroom services. No votes or final actions were taken in the hearing; the committee simply received testimony and closed the hearing on the bills discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, this is a chapter amendment on a bill that was passed last year, Senate 1069. 1069 did not
• It is a chapter amendment.
• This bill establishes, even before the chapter amendments that we’re discussing, a very clear set of
• >> MOVE TO ADJOURN UNTIL TOMORROW, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5 AT 11:00 A.M.
• >> ON MOTIONNATE STANDS ADJOURNED UNTIL THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, AT 11:00 A.M.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, received messages and substitutions from the Assembly, and welcomed two new members, Senators Erik Bottcher and Jeremy Zellner. The chamber then adopted the resolution calendar and took up a privileged resolution sponsored by Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins memorializing Governor Hochul to proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month in New York. Senators Bailey, Baskin, Sanders, Scarcella-Spanton, Brisport, Parker, Cleare, Comrie, and others spoke in support, emphasizing Black history as American history, the importance of education and remembrance, and the contributions of Black New Yorkers and historical figures. The resolution was adopted, and the leader opened it for co-sponsorship. The Senate then moved to the bill calendar and passed several measures, including bills on civil procedure, urban development, labor, and public service law. One labor bill was substituted from the Assembly and passed. Several energy and utility-related bills drew debate, with supporters arguing they would improve affordability, utility rate-setting, and consumer protections, while opponents said they would not meaningfully lower costs and instead reflected broader policy choices. Senator Walczyk voted no on one utility bill, and Senators Tedisco and others criticized the package; Senators Mayer and Harckham defended the measures as needed reforms to utility regulation and return-on-equity standards. Most bills were approved by wide margins, including one public service bill that passed 53-9 and another that passed 61-1.

Transcript Highlights:

• uh can you just<01:11:01.600> help<01:11:01.840> me<01:11:02.080> so<01:11:02.320
• <01:11:06.159> I<01:11:06.320> have<01:11:06.480> in<01:11:06.640> my kind
• <01:11:07.040> this<01:11:07.199> very<01:11:07.440> sensitive<01:11:07.920>
• <01:11:13.120> I'm<01:11:13.360> just<01:11:13.520> going<01:11:13.600> to
• ><02:11:02.159> out<02:11:02.400> for<02:11:03.360> one<02:11:03.599> more.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:11:25.760> Um,<01:11:26.000> it<01:11:26.159> was<01:11:26.239> a
• <01:11:26.400> large<01:11:26.719> reason<01:11:26.880> why<01:11:27.120> we<
• <01:11:34.000> and<01:11:34.239> so<01:11:34.480> we<01:11:34.800> really
• > other<01:11:54.719> testifiers<01:11:55.280> in<01:11:55.440> the<01:11
• Any<01:11:56.719> other<01:11:56.960> testifiers<01:11:57.440> via<01:11:57.760>

Bills: HB1769

Keywords: criminal justice reform, rehabilitation, private prisons, racial equity, Native Hawaiians, community well-being, mass incarceration, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1769, which would require the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to incrementally reduce the number of people incarcerated in private out-of-state correctional institutions. The DCR director opposed the bill, saying the department does not control overall prison population levels because courts determine admissions, and arguing that Hawaiʻi’s in-state facilities are already over capacity, especially Halawa, which he said is 165% over design capacity. He said only a small portion of the population is under departmental control through furlough programs and argued that bringing people home would require building a new medium-security prison. Supporters, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, the Public Defender’s office, and several individuals, argued the bill creates a phased, accountable path to reduce reliance on mainland prisons and bring people home. Supporters emphasized the harms of separating incarcerated people from ʻohana and culture, the disproportionate impact on Native Hawaiians, and the need for diversion, treatment, re-entry support, and fair sentencing. Several testifiers also said the department has more control than it claimed, pointing to underused furlough options, reclassification, and empty beds at some in-state facilities, while others urged clearer statutory language and guardrails. Members questioned the director about whether people could be reclassified or moved to available beds at facilities such as Kulani and Waiawa, and about whether the department could do more through staffing and contract changes. The director said some proposals had been sent to the Department of Human Resource Development, but that major facility changes would be costly and that minimum-security facilities would need substantial upgrades to house medium-security inmates. After discussion, the chair said the committee would defer HB 1769 to Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. for decision-making and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> advise<00:11:06.320> me<00:11:06.560> of<00:11:07.040> what<00:11:07.360>
• /c><00:11:13.440> mailing<00:11:13.760> that<00:11:13.920> was<00:11:14.000>
• was supposed to go<00:11:14.399> out<00:11:14.480> ahead<00:11:14.800> of<00:11
• In fact,<00:11:21.360> you<00:11:21.519> know,<00:11:21.680> posting<00:11:22.160
• <00:11:24.000> know,<00:11:24.079> if<00:11:24.240> you<00:11:24.399> had

Keywords: 12:30pm HB 421 2:00pm HB 701 3:00pm HB 377 4:00pm HB 712, 928, house, all

Summary: The committee of conference first took up House Bill 421FN, concerning notice of tax-exempt status filing procedures by town officials. Members reviewed the Senate changes and focused on whether the amended language would require multiple mailings to charitable organizations. House conferees said the Senate wording appeared to create more than one mailing and asked for clarification; Senate members explained the intent was to reduce clerk workload by posting forms and sending a follow-up notice only to organizations that failed to file after the deadline. After a brief caucus, the House concluded there were too many unresolved changes to work out in conference and moved to non-concur with the Senate amendment. The House motion to non-concur passed unanimously, 4-0, and the committee agreed to place the conference report on the House consent calendar. The chair then closed the committee of conference on House Bill 421FN. The transcript then shifted to a separate committee of conference on another bill, where members discussed revisions involving direct supervision at an eligible facility, federalwide assurance requirements, and immunity language. Testimony focused on whether the bill should require supervision at a specific facility or allow broader supervision arrangements, whether rulemaking should define direct supervision, and whether the immunity provision should cover reckless as well as willful misconduct. No final vote or action on that second bill was reached in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• > we<00:11:03.920> have<00:11:04.079> a<00:11:04.320> lot<00:11:04.480>
• c><00:11:12.640> Hawaii<00:11:13.200> without<00:11:13.680> having<00:11:14.000>
• this, it doesn't<00:11:20.640> mean<00:11:20.800> that<00:11:21.120> our<00:11:
• <00:11:28.880> But<00:11:29.120> what<00:11:29.279> it<00:11:29.519> does
• :11:31.839> choice<00:11:32.560> and<00:11:32.800> it<00:11:33.040> allows

Bills: HB1853, HB1591, HB1961, HB1854, HB1965, HB1962, HB1959, HB2505, HB2576, HB1801, HB1804, HB1864, HB2319, HB2314, HB2115

Keywords: HB1853, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, cognitive impairment, memory care, memory clinic, Hanai Memory Network, Executive Office on Aging, aging services, kupuna, caregiver support, long-term care, elder care, geriatrics, public health, dementia screening, care coordination, referral network, neighbor islands, rural health

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2047, relating to pharmacy benefit managers. The Insurance Division said the bill would require new enforcement resources and estimated an appropriation of about $1.5 million and five positions. Kaiser Permanente asked for an amendment to exclude HMOs from the definition of third-party PBMs, saying the bill should not interfere with integrated care models. PCMA and the Hawaii Pharmacist Association supported narrowing amendments, with pharmacists objecting to section 3 and warning the bill as amended could create major operational burdens and a significant general fund cost. No vote was taken in the portion provided, and the chair moved on to the next measure after questions. The committee then took up SB 2080, which would allow Hawaii to join the psychology interjurisdictional compact. Supporters, including DCR, the Hawaii Association of Health Plans, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, the Grassroot Institute, and others, said the compact would expand access to psychology services, especially for people in rural areas or those needing continuity of care while traveling. Opponents, including the Board of Psychology and a Shamanad University psychology professor, raised concerns about client safety, crisis-response procedures, enforcement costs, FBI background checks, and possible loss of state control over training and specialization standards. The board said Hawaii’s current 1,900-hour internship/postdoc requirement is higher than the compact’s standard and that the state is still implementing a separate provisional licensing law that may address some access issues. The discussion focused on whether the compact would meaningfully reduce shortages and whether Hawaii should instead pursue changes within its existing licensing system. Finally, the committee heard SB 2277 on hospital price transparency. The Office of Consumer Protection initially noted the bill could require significant staffing, but later testimony from SHIP suggested the measure could be handled more simply by working with the Healthcare Association of Hawaii and publicly posting violations. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii opposed the bill, arguing hospitals already must comply with federal CMS transparency rules and that adding state requirements would increase costs and legal exposure, especially if violations were treated as unfair or deceptive trade practices. Steve Fenberg testified in support, saying the bill would simply codify existing federal requirements in state law and that he was open to amendments removing state enforcement and the unfair trade practice language. No final action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> [applause] >> Any<00:11:04.560> further<00:11:05.040> announcements?
• <00:11:06.079> If<00:11:06.320> not, >> Any further announcements?
• President, I move that the Senate stand adjourned until 11:30 a.m. tomorrow. >> Senator DeCorte. >> Mr
• If there are no objections from the members, the Senate will stand adjourned until 11:30 a.m. tomorrow

Bills: HB9, SB2069, SB2342, SB2861, SB3123, SB2623, SB585, SB2211, SB2446, SB2919, SB2125, SB2116, SB2999, SB2656, SB2001, SB3169

Keywords: HB9, Hawaii Purple Heart state, Purple Heart, Purple Heart recipients, veterans, military, armed forces, service members, combat wounded, war veterans, military honors, state designation, symbolic legislation, honorary designation, Chapter 5 HRS, Hawaii Revised Statutes, military appreciation, veteran recognition, SB2069, Hawaii housing