Transcript Highlights:

• </c> through section 8.31. Thank you. through section 8.31. Thank you.
• </c> violations of section 504b.171. violations of section 504b.171.
• : section 9, subdivision 5, section 10, subdivisions 6 and 7, and section 11. >> So, but uh the stuff
• 5, section 10, subdivisions 6 and 7, and section 11.
• > 5,</c> identified section 9 subdivision 5, identified section 9 subdivision 5, section<02:42:43.600

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The hearing will be divided into four sections.
• This blue section is all the funds that then that revenue is deposited in, and then the orange section
• in the green section...
• in the green section.
• boxes in the green section.

Bills: H5005

Keywords: environment, water conservation, natural resources, public funding, environmental justice

Summary: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a hearing on Initiative Petition 25-10 / House Bill 5002, “An act to restore a sensible marijuana policy,” which would repeal Massachusetts’ adult-use cannabis legalization framework. The chair explained the Article 48 initiative process and noted that, if the Legislature does not enact the measure as written, additional signatures would be needed for it to qualify for the 2026 ballot. The committee heard testimony from an expert, proponents of the petition, opponents, and members of the public, and accepted written testimony through March 27 at 5 p.m. Jessica Trow of MassBudget testified first, focusing on cannabis revenue and spending in Massachusetts. She said legalization has generated nearly $2 billion for the Commonwealth and municipalities since FY 2018, including excise tax, sales tax, local option taxes, fees, and community impact fees. She described how revenues are distributed to public health, the Cannabis Control Commission’s social equity efforts, the cannabis social equity fund, the MBTA, the School Building Authority, the general fund, and local budgets, and argued the industry has supported social equity and community investments. Opponents of the petition argued that repeal would harm public health, consumer safety, jobs, tax revenue, and social equity programs. Wendy Wakeman, speaking for the ballot committee, said legalization has increased potency, addiction, and mental health concerns, and that the state lacks sufficient data on harms. In contrast, business owners, clinicians, and advocates including Caroline Pino, Kristen Rogers, Drudus Ledbetter, Armani White, Lucas Thayer, and Jeff Rawson said the regulated market provides tested products, jobs, tax revenue, and pathways for people harmed by prohibition, while repeal would push consumers back to the illicit market and undermine equity goals. Committee members questioned witnesses about the evidence base, the role of out-of-state funding, the petition’s impact on existing businesses, and whether narrower regulatory fixes might address concerns instead of repeal. No vote was taken; the hearing was closed after testimony ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any rule created under the authority delegating the section is effective only if it complies, subject
• Yeah, just that entire second... ...section number five there.
• Section 2706 requires insurers to reimburse licensed providers equally for the same covered services.
• Section 2706 requires insurers to reimburse licensed providers equally for the same covered services
• Can you explain to us how you see page two, number five, dealing with Section 536?

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, just that entire section number five there. I'm sorry, I don't understand what you're saying.
• And then would you be able to speak on page two, section five, number five there, about the section Chapter
• And then would you be able to speak on page two, section five, number five there, about the section chapter
• And I've highlighted for you a section of the rule which has been omitted from this statute.
• And I've highlighted for you a section of the rule which has been omitted from this statute.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:15:50.159><c> three</c> bylaw on page seven section three bylaw on page seven section three modifies
• Section 9, on page 24, limits proxy voting.
• Section 10, which begins on page 25, and Section 11, which begins on page 28, make the same changes to
• </c> Amendment also adds a few new sections Amendment also adds a few new sections that<01:19:54.840>
• First, I would like to start with SF 1750, Section 3.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Section one, purpose. A.
• Section two.
• Section three, effective date.
• </c> Section three, effective date. Section three, effective date.
• > restating</c><00:30:26.480><c> the</c> This section starts by restating the This section starts by

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Amending Section 33-513, Idaho Code, to remove a provision regarding attendance at certain meetings of
• corrections, amending Section 33-1271, Idaho Code, to revise provisions regarding school districts,
• Amending Section 33-1275, Idaho Code, to prohibit taxpayer funding of local education organizations,
• ; amending Section 63-30-77G, Idaho Code, to provide a correct code reference; amending Section 63-30
• Article I, most of Article I, especially Section 8, is national. The rest of it is federal.

Summary: The Idaho House convened with a quorum, approved the House Journal, and received committee reports printing House Bills 593-599 and advancing several bills, including HB 544, HB 540, HB 541, HB 569, SB 1222, and SJM 108. The House also introduced and referred new bills HB 600-605, covering public records, collective bargaining and taxpayer funding of unions, foreign laws, Capitol Mall/camping and state property management, sex offender registration, and tax subtractions for tips and overtime. Several other measures were moved to second reading, and the chamber briefly went at ease while waiting on Appropriations. The main floor debate centered on House Concurrent Resolution 25, a call under Article V for a balanced budget amendment. Supporters argued the federal debt is unsustainable, that Idaho already balances its budget, and that a convention threat is needed to force Congress to act. Opponents warned a constitutional convention could become a runaway process, create opportunities for lobbying and corruption, and even alter the ratification rules; some also argued the real problem is the monetary system and federal spending incentives, not just the absence of a balanced budget amendment. Members cited historical precedent, Article V, and concerns about delegate selection and sideboards throughout the debate. After extensive debate, the House passed HCR 25 by a vote of 36 ayes to 34 nays, with the title approved and the resolution sent to the Senate. The House then held remaining third-reading bills in place until Monday, heard several personal privilege announcements and committee schedule notices, and adjourned until 11 a.m. Monday, February 9, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• section does.
• Section nine was removed with the DE. The new section nine was removed with my A4.
• Sections what were twelve and thirteen were removed with my DE.
• What is the new section eleven in the DE was removed with my A5.
• So moving on to section twelve, which remains the same as...

Bills: HF1367, HF2732, HF1897, HF1424, HF1383, HF2728, HF2863, HF1685, HF2929

Keywords: child maltreatment, child abuse, neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, sex trafficking, labor trafficking, human trafficking, child protection, local welfare agency, county social services, Minnesota Department of Human Services, judicial review, district court appeal, venue, out-of-state abuse, cross-border investigation, Minnesota child welfare, family assessment, maltreatment determination

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, section one.
• Sections 2, 3, 4, and 5? Section 2 is just a definition, right?
• So, um, and then let's just see under one... one second, and then the next new section is the section
• Chair—oh, maybe that's section one.
• Section one. Go ahead.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up a House Bill 2 amendment to remove a bail-related section that had already passed in another bill and was now considered duplicative. Members discussed the earlier change to how bail commissioners are reimbursed, concerns that the Judiciary was losing money collecting the fees, and whether the magistrate-related language would still be needed. They noted the bill had already crossed over to the Senate, that the section was obsolete, and that any remaining issue about magistrates’ five-year terms might need to be raised with the Criminal Justice Committee. Amendment 997H, deleting section one, was moved, seconded, and adopted unanimously. The committee then reviewed a package of HB 1 position transfers involving the Department of Environmental Services, Fish and Game, and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Staff explained that several positions were being shuffled to correct position numbers and align permitting functions, including one Fish and Game position moving back to Fish and Game, one DEES position remaining funded after ARPA money ends, and adjustments to hours for permitting and environmental services positions. Members discussed whether the Fish and Game position had been intended to be temporary, but ultimately agreed to accept the first four Environmental Services items and the last two Natural and Cultural Resources items as a package; that motion passed unanimously. They then also accepted sections 2 through 8 of HB 1 with the related amendments and footnote language. The committee next turned to dredge-and-fill fee changes in section 11, where one member objected to a 50% fee increase for seasonal docks, arguing it could discourage permitted work and might apply to repairs that only require notification. Staff said the increase was intended to help cover the cost of additional positions in future biennia, but members decided to hold that section for more information, including how many seasonal dock repair fees are actually collected. Finally, the committee began discussing HB 215 and a proposed tipping-fee/surcharge structure to make a solid waste accounting unit self-funded, with members saying the fee could offset about $2.9 million in general fund costs and support the grant program, but no final action was taken on that item in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that includes the delegation and oversight section.
• The asset allocation section maps directly to the asset allocation section of the previous policy statement
• And that includes the delegation and oversight section.
• The asset allocation section maps directly to the asset allocation section.
• The asset allocation section maps directly to the asset allocation section of the previous policy statement

Summary: The committee met to approve prior minutes and receive updates on the Legacy Fund transparency website and fund performance. Staff reported the website procurement was in contract negotiations, with a planned go-live around November 1, and that the site would provide downloadable, more transparent information on fund holdings, allocations, history, and legislative appropriations while protecting confidential data. The investment office then reviewed performance through January 2026, describing strong returns relative to benchmarks, noting real estate and fixed income as weaker areas, and explaining that the fund’s diversification and internal management had helped offset market volatility, including recent geopolitical impacts. Members also discussed the in-state investment program, especially the Bank of North Dakota’s CD-match allocation. Several members questioned whether the program had been static for years and whether the uncommitted balance should remain parked there if it was not being used. The committee voted to pause further transfers into the program until the Bank provides a report and the committee can consider possible statutory changes; the motion also requested a cost-benefit analysis from RVK, and it passed by roll call vote. In the afternoon, RVK presented its review of the investment policy statement as it relates to the in-state investment program. The consultant said it found no major policy impediments, and that implementers and stakeholders generally felt the program was proceeding as intended. RVK emphasized best practices such as third-party due diligence, competitive risk-adjusted returns, diversification, pacing, and exit strategies, while cautioning that required lower-return investments or spending commitments can create pressure on the fund’s long-term real value. The consultant also raised ancillary concerns about state-level concentration risk, the need to distinguish between public and commercial infrastructure, and the lack of a central repository for all state funding commitments to the same projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to pull out the section that is a problem or add the sections that are a problem.
• We need to pull out the section that is a problem or add the sections that are a problem.
• Section 34-601 to revise an election date; amending Section 34-606 to revise provisions regarding the
• to a general federal office, amends Section 39-1330 to make technical corrections, amends Section 40
• Senate Bill 1398 continues: amending Section 42-3211 to revise an election date; amending Section 54-

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and received messages from the Governor and Senate, including notice that the Governor signed House Bill 556 and that several enrolled House and Senate measures were transmitted for signatures or filing. The chamber also processed committee reports on a range of bills, including appropriations, agriculture, state affairs, and judiciary matters, and referred House Resolution 33 and later House Resolution 34 for printing. Several bills were returned to committee at the sponsors’ requests, including House Bills 649, 567, 627, 530, 903, 763, and 857. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on concurrence with Senate amendments to House Bills 629, 678, 522, 684, 561, and 860. Members described the amendments as mostly friendly or technical, covering issues such as requiring a paper copy of vehicle registration, narrowing drone-related language and penalties, changing wording on sheriff recapture funding, adding the Basque Autonomous Community flag to the flag bill, and adjusting health-related provisions involving emergency treatment, drug/alcohol exposure, and rape-kit language. The House unanimously concurred in each case. The most extended floor debate centered on House Bill 940, which revises the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance. Supporters said the bill would realign IDLA to its original purpose, curb duplicate use by districts and virtual schools, eliminate driver’s education and LaunchPad, and stop what they described as double-dipping or misuse of public funds. Opponents argued IDLA is an essential service for rural districts, homeschoolers, and students needing AP, dual credit, or courses unavailable locally, warning that the bill would cut access and harm small schools. After debate, the House suspended rules, considered the bill, and passed House Bill 940 by a vote of 48-22. The House also debated Senate Concurrent Resolution 123, recognizing the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. Supporters framed it as a tribute to Idaho ranching and rangeland heritage, while opponents objected to its connection to a United Nations initiative and raised sovereignty concerns. The resolution passed the House 39-28. Later, the House recessed and reconvened, received additional messages and committee reports, and began first reading of new bills including House Bills 944-951 and Senate Bills 1396-1398, with several measures referred to committees for further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:15:02.880><c> to</c> amendment amends various sections to amendment amends various sections to
• </c> uh section 31. uh section 31.
• </c> arguing is that if you go to section arguing is that if you go to section five,<01:21:45.840><c>
• The agency amendment amends section<02:10:03.119><c> 73C1</c> section 73C1 section 73C1 on<02:10:05.119
• </c> in section 73C1. in section 73C1.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then recognized a staff member’s birthday and a guest shadowing Senator Adams. It then moved into informational review of Education and Labor Cabinet, Department of Education regulation 702 KAR 3:30, which sets insurance coverage requirements for school district buildings and structures. Department of Education officials explained that districts are expected to carry coverage at replacement cost and said they understand some districts participate in self-insurance pools with backup policies, but they deferred detailed insurance questions to the Department of Insurance. Senators raised concerns that pooled coverage could leave districts exposed if claims exceed pool limits, and the chair asked KDE to follow up with DOI to confirm districts are adequately covered, especially for bondholders. No vote was taken on the informational review. The committee then reviewed emergency ABC regulations 804 KAR 130:01 through 130:04 implementing Senate Bill 100’s new licensing requirements for tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product businesses. ABC and Public Protection Cabinet representatives outlined the emergency rules governing enforcement, license applications, denial criteria, and transitional licenses. Retail industry witnesses Shannon Stiglet and Brian Clark said they support licensure in principle but argued the rules add duplicative requirements borrowed from alcohol licensing, create confusion about transitional licenses, and may be too burdensome for the roughly 7,000 affected businesses to meet by the January 1 deadline. They also said guidance has been inconsistent and requested the agency revise the regulations, remove requirements not grounded in law, and provide clearer, separate processes for new and existing businesses. Committee members asked whether the industry had worked directly with ABC and noted the public comment period was still open. Witnesses said they had communicated with ABC and the Public Protection Cabinet, but responses had been uneven and they wanted written guidance. Members expressed concern about the short timeline and the need to avoid disruption so businesses can operate legally on January 1. Representative Marzian asked for clarification that the discussion concerned emergency regulations already in effect while ordinary regulations remain in process. No formal action was taken beyond receiving the informational testimony and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• becomes, what about the rest of Article 3, Section 20?
• The Court has now held that compliance with Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act...
• It did not overturn Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. News flash.
• But the Supreme Court did not overturn Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.
• But the Supreme Court did not overturn Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Parents must be notified if there's any such thing taking place, only if triggered by Sections 5 and
• Are there amendments to Section 1? Yes.
• If there are no objections, the amendment to Section 1 will be considered read.
• The question is, shall the amendment to Section 1 be adopted? Those in favor, please stand.
• The motion is carried, and the amendment to Section 1 is adopted.

Summary: The House convened, completed roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the journal. It also received several communications, including gubernatorial notices of signed bills, Senate-enrolled bills for the Speaker’s signature, and committee reports enrolling or advancing various measures. House Bill 971, an appropriations bill for the Attorney General’s office, was introduced and later considered under suspension of the rules. The House also advanced several Senate bills and resolutions to second reading or enrollment, including bills on health and welfare, education, state affairs, and procurement-related matters. A major portion of the meeting focused on House Bill 822, as amended in the Senate, dealing with pediatric social transition and parental notification. Supporters said the bill clarified that state resources could not be used for social/sexual transition of children and emphasized parental rights and disclosure. Opponents argued it imposed overly punitive, potentially unconstitutional penalties, would chill teachers, health care workers, and child care providers, and would make Idaho more hostile to families and professionals. The House suspended the rules, debated the bill, and passed it 60-9; later, a motion to let one member change her vote failed after the Speaker ruled that House Rule 79 barred post-announcement vote changes without the required two-thirds support. The House also passed Senate Bill 1430 on firearms after debate over state preemption and local restrictions, and Senate Bill 1359, the virtual currency kiosk fraud prevention bill. Supporters of SB 1359 described widespread fraud involving crypto kiosks, especially targeting seniors, and said the bill would require operator registration, disclosures, fraud warnings, recordkeeping, and transaction limits for new users; opponents called it overbroad, intrusive, and a privacy concern. The bill passed 39-9. Senate Bill 1410, concerning Medicaid reimbursement updates for community health centers, also passed. Senate Concurrent Resolution 127, urging rejection of a proposed medical marijuana initiative, passed after debate over public safety, costs, and out-of-state influence versus arguments that patients with serious conditions should have access to medical cannabis. Senate Bill 1436, a procurement clarification bill, failed after concerns about broad administrative discretion and pending litigation. The House later recessed and returned to continue with additional Senate bills and appropriations measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section one, in particular.
• a new section 237D-2.
• So the ask of the AG was to delete the section of section SEC section two because unconstitutionality
• </c><00:27:25.120><c> of</c><00:27:25.440><c> section</c> AG was to deete the section of section AG was
• to deete the section of section SEC<00:27:26.960><c> section</c><00:27:27.360><c> two</c><00:27:28.200

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism and on Water and Land heard testimony on HB 504, a measure relating to environmental stewardship and funding for natural resource protection and restoration. Supporters included multiple state agencies and advocacy groups, such as DLNR, HTA, Hawaiʻi Ocean Legislative Task Force, Resources Legacy Fund, the Hawaiʻi Climate Action Coalition, and others, who said the bill would create dedicated funding for environmental, climate, and cultural resource needs and help address wildfire, flood, coastal storm, and tourism-related impacts. Several witnesses emphasized that Hawaiʻi’s environmental funding gap is large and that visitor contributions should be directed to stewardship and restoration. Some supporters also urged that the measure be applied equitably across all visitor accommodations and related uses, including cruise ship cabins and state rooms, while a few suggested amendments to broaden coverage or create a working group for implementation. Opposition and concerns focused largely on the bill’s tax structure and legal/administrative issues. The Department of Budget and Finance and the Tax Foundation questioned the reimbursable general obligation bond special fund in part two, suggesting it be converted to a regular special fund or deleted. The Attorney General’s office said part two may violate the single-subject rule in the state constitution and recommended deleting it. The Department of Taxation said the proposed points-and-miles language would be difficult to audit and enforce, and Expedia and others said the proposed tax treatment of loyalty points and certain payment forms would be operationally difficult. Industry witnesses also warned the bill could raise costs in a high-tax destination and asked for more marketing support if the tax is increased. The committee also heard concerns that a new tax on cruise ship cabins could raise federal preemption issues. The chair noted the testimony count as 23 in support, 179 in opposition, and one with comments. No vote was taken in the portion provided, and the hearing ended with questions from senators and agency responses about possible amendments, enforcement, and constitutional concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to just pick off several sections where all those sections do is deal with the term building
• ><c> the</c> Um, section 8 coordinates the Um, section 8 coordinates the requirement<01:54:31.920><c>
• 44.000><c> mechanism</c> section 9 moves enforcement mechanism section 9 moves enforcement mechanism
• </c> Do not issue a permit under section Do not issue a permit under section whatever<01:55:08.800><c
• ><c> we</c><01:56:26.080><c> don't</c> Section 37 clarified that we don't Section 37 clarified that we

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up House Bill 525, which would have transferred administration of the program for the deaf and hard of hearing and the related board to OPLC. The chair said the sponsor was no longer interested in moving forward, and Representative Schmidt moved ITL. The motion passed 14-0 with two members absent, and the bill was placed on the consent calendar. The committee then considered Senate Bill 182 on the maternal mortality review committee. The chair described a narrower amendment that would keep the name change, clarify operations so recommendations are returned to the appropriate entities, and expand contact with family members and close contacts, while dropping a proposed addition of a Department of Corrections member. The amendment was adopted unanimously, and the bill was then moved ITL and placed on the consent calendar. Senate Bill 185, dealing with OPLC investigations and backlog reduction, received an update from OPLC General Counsel Nicholas Fry. He described efforts to improve public communication, clear the complaint backlog, standardize intake and expert review, add automated responses and website updates, use weekly legal-viability reviews, create preliminary investigation protocols, and establish a process for law-enforcement referrals. Members asked about board involvement and criminal-conviction cases; Fry said boards are kept informed and that such matters can proceed either through complaints or application/background-check processes. Representative Groa requested a follow-up update in January, and the committee agreed to an oral report then if needed. The bill was then voted ITL unanimously and placed on the consent calendar. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 349 on optometrists performing ophthalmologic laser procedures. Dr. Angelique Sawyer testified in support, saying the amendment adds more specific proctoring and qualification requirements, based on language requested after earlier hearings, and that similar systems exist in other states. Representative Sers confirmed that the new sections were the key additions, while Representative Schmidt said he remained open to the concept but wanted a thorough review and asked about a subcommittee. The discussion was still ongoing when the transcript ended, with no vote recorded on HB 349.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 9, subdivision 2; section 10, subdivisions 1 and 2.
• Section 9, subdivision subdivision subdivision two,<01:10:40.159><c> section</c><01:10:40.679><c> 10,
• Moving on to section 10, Mr.
• One section I'll specifically call out is section one because I've had a lot of experience with this
• One section I'll specifically call out is section one because I've had a lot of experience with this

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I will walk through section by section detailing what each part is.
• Section one is just moving some definitions from section two.
• section.
• So section one is just moving some definitions from section two.
• section.

Summary: The committee first approved the December 16 minutes and then heard a presentation from Dr. Ramona Danielson on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their economic and public-system impacts. She explained that ACEs are population-level risk indicators, not individual diagnostic tools, and said higher ACE exposure is associated with more chronic illness, mental health challenges, child welfare and justice involvement, and lower workforce participation. She cautioned that precise dollar estimates are difficult because of the many interacting factors across the life course, but said the direction of the impact is clear and that evidence-based interventions and protective factors can reduce harm. Members asked about definitions of a “healthy family,” same-sex couples, divorce, substance abuse, trends in ACEs, and home visiting; she emphasized supportive relationships, protective factors, and the importance of positive childhood experiences. The committee then heard from Allison Mahoney and Missy Barranco, along with a recorded family story from Abby, about evidence-based home visiting programs in North Dakota. Abby described how Healthy Families North Dakota supported her family after a premature birth and NICU stay by providing weekly in-home coaching, developmental screenings, postpartum mental health check-ins, referrals, and parenting support. The presenters explained that home visiting is voluntary, relationship-based, and usually begins prenatally or shortly after birth, with referrals coming from hospitals, WIC, pregnancy navigators, human service zones, self-referrals, and other community partners. They said North Dakota currently has four main evidence-based models operating through 12 organizations, with Healthy Families available in all 53 counties, though only a fraction of eligible families are served. Funding was described as a patchwork of federal MIECHV/Title IV-E, Medicaid, state and tribal funds, philanthropy, charitable gaming, and other grants; members discussed whether the Legislature or agencies should expand support and how to improve outreach and sustainability. Finally, the committee received a memorandum on artificial intelligence and sexual exploitation, focusing on AI-generated child sexual abuse material, deepfakes, sextortion, and chatbot-related risks. The report summarized federal and state law, including North Dakota’s existing computer-generated image provisions, the federal PROTECT Act, the Take It Down Act, and recent federal executive orders on AI policy. Members discussed the need for child-safety protections, the limits of executive orders, and broader concerns about AI’s effect on critical thinking and misinformation. The committee then heard from BCI Special Agent Cassidy Halsef, who said AI is already driving a sharp rise in child exploitation cases in North Dakota, including AI-generated explicit images of real minors and school-based incidents involving mass-shared manipulated images. She said investigators are seeing more cyber tips, more difficult forensic work, and lasting harm to victims and families, and urged stronger legal penalties, specialized training, victim services, and prevention education in schools and communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's Section 6.5.
• So on Section 8, I was looking at the... Um, I was looking at Section 8, lines 31 through 33.
• And so I didn't see the section, but what section deals with the absentee ballot and how it is counted
• So that's really what Section 1 does.
• Has it changed on section 4.3 and section 4.7, where the fiscal notes are?

Bills: AB49, AB169, AB188, AB284, AB296, AB306, AB356, AB366, AB467, AB499, AB515, AB540, AB542, AB595

Keywords: educational personnel, teacher licensing, reciprocal licensure, provisional teaching, school counselors, school nurses, school social workers, state education standards, health insurance, speech-language pathology, stuttering, rehabilitative services, habilitative services, coverage requirements, health plans, retired public employees, subsidy, Medicare, health reimbursement arrangement, Public Employees' Benefits Program

Transcript Highlights:

• c> sections</c><01:29:13.000><c> are</c><01:29:13.719><c> um</c> example the different sections are um
• oppose but it doesn't say which section oppose but it doesn't say which section you<01:29:58.639><c>
• </c> amendments to it I would amend section amendments to it I would amend section two<01:38:21.960><
• </c> condemnation powers under this section condemnation powers under this section of<02:17:01.719><c
• </c> hda's responsibilities this section hda's responsibilities this section should<02:32:22.640><c>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee met on February 12 at 2 p.m. and heard several measures related to corrections, re-entry, law enforcement, retirement benefits, and gun violence prevention. On HB 10002, which would extend the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission coordinator’s term and clarify unannounced inspection authority, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said it had no objection to the term length or to 24/7 unannounced access. The commission’s chair, Commissioner Mark Patterson, asked for a longer term, saying the commission needs more time and stability to manage reform efforts after years without staff during COVID. Community Alliance on Prisons and Carolyn Eaton also supported a longer term, with both suggesting six years would better insulate the position from politics. The chair noted he had asked Chair Bot for background on the prior committee’s changes and said that could be discussed during decision-making. The committee then heard HB 67, which would require DCR to help inmates obtain civil identification documents such as IDs, birth certificates, and Social Security cards as soon as practicable, including for people in furlough or community placement programs. DCR said it supported the bill and described ongoing work with the city and county on ID machines and with agencies on certificates and Social Security cards. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Oversight Commission, Community Alliance on Prisons, and the Office of Public Defense all supported the measure, emphasizing that identification is essential for housing, employment, and successful re-entry and noting the disproportionate impact of incarceration on Native Hawaiians. On HB 1183, which would classify certain law enforcement administrators and Department of Law Enforcement employees as Class A members for retirement purposes, the Department of Human Resources Development, the Employees’ Retirement System, and the Department of Law Enforcement all supported the bill. DHRD said it would help recruitment and retention, ERS said it had technical amendments to suggest, and DLE said the change would help with succession planning and allow the governor to appoint the most qualified leader. The committee also heard HB 1045, an emergency appropriation bill to cover payroll fringe benefits for Department of Law Enforcement personnel after salary funding had been shifted to other departments; Budget and Finance and DLE explained the need for the supplemental funding, and no opposition was noted. Finally, the committee took up HB 664, which would create an Office of Gun Violence Prevention, a grant program, a resource bank, and a special fund. The Attorney General recommended adding standards for grant awards and warned of overlap with the existing Gun Violence and Violent Crimes Commission, suggesting consolidation and repeal of the older commission to avoid duplication. Supporters included the Brady Campaign, Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action Hawaii, a physician, and an Army veteran, who argued the office would centralize data, coordinate prevention efforts, and help secure outside funding. Testimony was mixed, with the chair noting 37 supporters, nine opponents, and three commenters, but no vote was taken during the hearing.