Transcript Highlights:

• Loyalty<00:16:30.640> programs. Loyalty programs. Loyalty programs. Good?
• <01:39:33.720> Uh degree murder. Uh degree murder.
• You were with second degree murder.
• charged with first degree rape. charged with first degree rape.
• program this session. program this session.

Keywords: House streaming session for Saturday, April 11, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House met in session, opened with a prayer, confirmed a quorum, and then moved through a long series of concurrence items and committee reports. Early on, the House rejected Senate amendments to House Bills 14 and 573 and sent messages asking the Senate to recede or appoint conference committees. It also entered conference on House Bill 907 (third degree assault) and on several other measures where the chambers disagreed, including Senate Bill 233 (cemeteries) and Senate Bill 626 (sex designation on birth certificates and IDs). House Bill 501, dealing with sexual offenses by a person in a position of authority, was concurred in and passed unanimously. The House then took up a large concurrence calendar and passed a number of bills with Senate amendments, including House Bill 613 on living shoreline waivers, House Bill 315 on income-based housing subsidies, House Bill 548 on development rights and the Maryland Housing Certainty Act, House Bill 571 on nonprofit housing corporation tax exemptions, House Bill 895 on predatory pricing and protected class data, House Bill 1430 on charter school facilities funding, House Bill 1076 on over-the-counter contraception access and reporting, House Bill 624 on hospital staffing committees and plans, House Bill 811 on aging-in-place and multi-generational third places, House Bill 939 on birth certificate filing time periods, House Bill 1151 on a Medicaid hospice reimbursement study, House Bill 1367 on the Commission on Reimagining Healthcare in Maryland, House Bill 828 on State Board of Education membership, House Bill 130 on deed fraud, House Bill 281 on child care provider background checks, House Bill 963 on appointment of personal representatives, House Bill 1326 on child abuse and neglect records, and House Bill 525 on phone-free schools. Several of these were briefly explained on the floor, including changes to shoreline waiver timing, housing and tax provisions, contraceptive access concerns, hospital staffing protections, and the school phone policy’s exemptions. The chamber also received committee reports that advanced additional bills for third reading, including House Bill 1020 and Senate Bill 654 on the State Police Retirement System mandatory retirement age, Senate Bill 877 on Baltimore City stop sign monitoring systems, Senate Bill 940 on water quality testing, House Bill 44 on plain-language ballot questions, Senate Bill 215 on the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund, Senate Bill 627 designating Korean American Day, and Senate Bill 634 on county discrimination complaints. No final votes were taken on those reported bills in the portion provided; the report simply adopted favorable reports and ordered the bills printed for third reading.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you aware that that program and also the South by Southwest program...
• And when should we expect schools to start working on a degree program?
• I don't think that's a concern because, for example, when I applied to my master's degree program at
• history of this program itself.
• Speaker, this amendment ensures degree and certificate programs post prerequisites and non-course requirements

Bills: SB15, SB35, SB290, SB1365, SB2568, SB18, SB427, SB1860, SB1864, SB2675, SB596, SB2858, SB3058, SB816, SB1163, SB1484, SB1898, SB1777, SB1802, SB2692, SB315, SB1585, SB1626, SB2058, SB2050, SB2105, SB2245, SB2764, SB2611, SB2497, SB2452, SB2243, SB1705, SB1244, SB1361, SB438, SB578, SB584, SB2690, SB2521, SB2487, SB2342, SB2063, SB125, SB2041, SB1962, SB1413, SB6, SB2878, SB13, SB30, SJR87, SB7, SB127, SB293, SB441, SB3059, SB57, SB512, SB1718, SB140, SB2055, SB2075, SB2018, SB1534, SB1567, SB785, SB1233, SB1580, SB1663, SB413, SB447, SB519, SB467, SB1579, SB1191, SB1021, SB1838, SB2807, SB2835, SB546, SB2121, SB2167, SB2024, SB1032, SB1049, SB1266, SB1400, SB1302, SB401, SB1596, SB1281, SB1242, SB1343, SB1346, SB2753, SB2221, SB1719, SB2177, SB552, SB646, SJR1, SB15, SB800, SB790, SB748, SB571, SB1957, SB1923, SB1896, SB1760, SB1335, SB2368, SB2477, SB2587, SB2972, SB2986, SB2965, SB1563, SB1467, SB1164, SB1137, SB614, SB705, SB961, SB918, SB955, SB869, SB850, SB863, SB1610, SB1055, SB2206, SB457, SB2337, SB1362, SB926, SB1494, SB251, SB456, SB500, SB1307, SB2615, SB2995, SB2321, SB973, SB974, SB865, SB506, SB781, SB1522, SB1558, SB510, SB667, SB763, SB2073, SB1858, SB1660, SB505, SB2900, SB1433, SB1540, SB1964, SB1300, SB1644, SB2217, SB2373, SB2431, SB1758, SB2480, SB3039, SB3047, SB3073, SB2920, SB2781, SB826, SB766, SB2460, SB527, SB1946, SB2885, SB1243, SB2610, SB2595, SB857, SB2501, SB66, SB268, SB331, SB618, SB414, SB1394, SB2425, SB898, SB993, SB442, SB735, SB784, SB2538, SB1919, SB1013, SB2215, SB2322, SB626, SB570, SB747, SB2183, SB673, SB1015, SB1447, SB1370, SB1784, SB1897, SB2873, SB2891, SB2933, SB2540, SB2681, SB2695, SB1965, SB2203, SB872, SB875, SB1030, SB1277, SB1730, SB1681, SB1152, SB2969, SB2747, SB2705, SB2541, SB1708, SB2080, SB2721, SB1986, SB2392, SB2539, SB2857, SB2799, SB2785, SB2782, SB1531, SB1927, SB1263, SB1098, SB35, SB290, SB1365, SB2568, SB18, SB427, SB1860, SB1864, SB2675, SB596, SB2858, SB3058, SB816, SB1163, SB1484, SB1898, SB1777, SB1802, SB2692, SB315, SB1585, SB1626, SB2058, SB2050, SB2105, SB2245, SB2764, SB2611, SB2497, SB2452, SB2243, SB1705, SB1244, SB1361, SB438, SB578, SB584, SB2690, SB2521, SB2487, SB2342, SB2063, SB125, SB2041, SB1962, SB1413, SCR9, SB21, SB1198, SB1405, SB2601, SB2778, HB5560, HB762, HB1584, HB 107, HB 114, HB138, HB4386, HB2495, HB581, HB3348, HB5323, HB4341, HB6, HB171, HB143, HB449, HB3486, HB4263, HB5246, HB2, HB2011, SB17

Keywords: SB 15, Texas Local Government Code, zoning preemption, housing affordability, small lots, lot size, lot density, single-family zoning, residential subdivision, municipal land use, local control, state preemption, parking requirements, setbacks, infill development, missing middle housing, lot width, lot depth, homebuilders, housing supply

Transcript Highlights:

• to our Florida traditional programs.
• These programs.
• Once a candidate completes one of those Florida traditional programs, these programs result in the issuance
• , which is our professional learning certification program.
• Maybe didn't go through what that additional preparation programs or you don't have the alternative program

Transcript Highlights:

• And what you'll see in this slide and the next slide are the rankings of those programs, or those requests
• This legislature passed a bill that made manipulating or tampering with a drone a third-degree felony
• institutions this legislature passed a bill that made manipulating or tampering with a drone a third degree
• that made manipulating or tampering with a drone a third degree felony.
• We had some people come with that program, but we've gone from having about a thousand sites cataloged

Summary: The committee heard two presentations on domestic security. Deputy Commissioner David Binder of FDLE described the state’s domestic security structure, including FDLE’s coordination role, the fusion center system, regional task forces, and private-sector infrastructure partnerships. He emphasized the Domestic Security Oversight Council’s grant-ranking process and warned that federal homeland security funding has dropped sharply over time, with possible future cuts threatening fusion center analysts and other capabilities. Binder also focused on emerging threats, especially drones and counter-UAS issues, noting current legal limits on mitigation authority, concerns about tethered drones and drone use near correctional facilities and military sites, and the need for a turnkey solution if state or federal authority expands. He also highlighted FDLE’s cataloging of critical infrastructure sites through Florida Kicker and the growth of trusted private partners. Director Dave Kerner of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles then outlined the Florida Highway Patrol’s role in domestic security. He paid tribute to a fallen sergeant and discussed FHP’s structure, criminal interdiction work, border integrity and trafficking enforcement, dispatch and communications, aviation and drone use, and immigration enforcement under 287(g). Kerner said troopers have seized large amounts of narcotics and currency this year and have arrested thousands of unlawful immigrants. He also described FHP’s involvement in operations such as Lone Star, Vigilant Sentry, and Faithful Service, and said the agency is working toward expanded counter-UAS authority through federal discussions and Sergeant Dooley’s testimony. Members expressed support for both agencies, discussed the dangers and potential benefits of drones, and the committee adjourned without objection after no public testimony was offered.

Transcript Highlights:

• of consanguinity and affinity rather than just the first degree of consanguinity.
• I'm the Director of the Gulf Coast Programs for the International Crane Foundation.
• I'm here to answer any questions about the composting program.
• Yes, our composting program was set up very similar to our solid waste. permitting.
• Remember, the permits are to a great degree stovepipe-based.

Bills: SB3074, HB49, HB2440, HB3556, HB3619, HB3866, HB4042, HB4112, HB4271, HB4413, HB4426, HB5033, HB49

Keywords: SB 3074, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Water Code, permit applications, environmental permitting, administrative record, ex parte communications, legislative communications, governor, lieutenant governor, state legislators, district projects, public records, recusal, conflict of interest, substantial interest, agency transparency, environmental regulation, permit renewal

Transcript Highlights:

• I went to college for four years, but I do not have a degree.
• That's whenever the Bracero program was in effect.
• The basic program is where the vast majority of program units are generated in the formula.
• So for example, row 88, out-of-school learning programs.
• years of funding for specific programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• . program. program.
• residency program. residency program.
• good program here. good program here.
• It's a It's an amazing program. program. program.
• prior going into a bachelor's degree prior going into a professional<02:43:49.400> program<02

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Arizona's got a comprehensive program.
• It's a six-year program. It's a Pharm.D. doctoral pharmacy degree. That's not what I have.
• It could be a two-year associate's degree program, or it could be a four-year BSN.
• I have both degrees.
• I graduated from the University of Arizona in 1995 with my pharmacy degree and in 2013 with my law degree

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 2433, which would require insurers offering Medicare supplement policies to people 65 and older to also offer them to Medicare beneficiaries under 65 with ALS or end-stage renal disease, with enrollment periods and premium protections tied to 65-year-old rates. Supporters, including dialysis and ALS advocates, said the bill would help a small population facing high out-of-pocket costs and could improve access to transplants and care; opponents argued it would shift costs onto older seniors and raise Medigap premiums. The committee recommended the bill do pass on a 12-0 vote. The committee also heard House Bill 2593, appropriating $1.5 million to the University of Arizona for the Arizona Perinatal Psychiatry Access Line. The sponsor and physicians testified that the line helps obstetric and pediatric providers quickly consult on perinatal depression, postpartum psychosis, suicidality, and other mental health crises, improving outcomes for mothers, children, and families and reducing costly emergency and crisis care. The bill received a do pass recommendation on a 10-1 vote. House Concurrent Resolution 2013, proclaiming June 2026 as Celebrate Life Month, drew emotional testimony from a young woman with spina bifida and another speaker supporting the sanctity of life. Some members objected that the state should focus on practical supports such as paid leave, child care, and health care access, while others supported the resolution as a statement of human dignity. The resolution passed the committee 7-5. The committee then approved House Bill 4010, creating a Board of Genetic Counselors and licensure standards, after testimony from genetic counselors and a patient advocate about the need for qualified counseling and better access; it passed 11-1. Later, the committee approved House Bill 2196, which would require pharmacy benefit managers to reimburse non-affiliated pharmacies at least their acquisition cost and pay a dispensing fee, and establish an appeals process. Independent pharmacists and their coalition said PBM practices are driving closures and unfairly favor affiliated pharmacies, while PBM and employer representatives warned of major cost increases and said the bill would interfere with private contracts; the bill passed 11-1. The committee also adopted a strike-everything amendment to House Bill 2182 requiring insurers and health plans to report claims denial and prior authorization data to DIFI, and then gave the amended bill a 12-0 do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 2189, directing the Board of Nursing to update rules for licensed health aides and collect annual data, with the sponsor and board staff saying it would help implement routine ventilator care in the home; it passed 12-0. The committee then began hearing House Bill 2404, a strike-everything amendment on inter-facility transports for behavioral health patients, but the transcript cuts off before action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• She's created a program at her high school that helps those young people.
• This bill establishes the Oklahoma Families Thriving Everywhere program.
• They have a text for baby program. Thank you for the question.
• The text for babies program. Thank you for the question.
• It's just a text program.

Bills: HB2059, HB3920, HB2992, HB3267, HB4457, HB3800, HB3818, HB4425, HB4427, HB4430, HB4431, HB4333, HB4340, HB4343, HB4344, HB4363, HB4229, HB4230, HB4236, HB4246, HB1979, HB3431, HB3052, HB3047, HB3048, HB4092, HB4302, HB3261, HB3704, HB3312, HB3546, HB3849, HCR1021, HB4105, HB4159, HB4304, HB3835, HB3619, HB4490, HB3710, HB4201, HB3907, HB3748

Keywords: health care, medication, inmates, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, reimbursement, county jails, medical expenses, sales tax exemption, nonprofit organizations, procurement, transplant research, Oklahoma Tax Code, HB2992, Data Center Customer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026, Corporation Commission, Oklahoma utilities, ratepayer protection, data centers, artificial intelligence computing, AI data centers

Transcript Highlights:

• place for individuals with two to four prior theft convictions and increases the penalty to a third degree
• chronic offenders, those with 10 or more prior convictions, it increases the penalty. to a second-degree
• capital murder of a peace officer and aggravated assault against a peace officer are considered first-degree
• 1871, which increases the penalty for the attempted capital murder of a peace officer to a first-degree
• There is a program that the Department of Homeland Security started in 2013.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I believe that with four staff, we could deliver on the promise of this program.
• So it is very important for all of us, but particularly our region to have this program so that we can
• They also have a wildland preparedness program.
• We have vegetation management programs and fire protection plans in place. Thank you.
• The 80 degrees below the horizon can get very confusing.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's this BA to MD program at UNM.
• And then once we're in, it's a four-year program.
• It works to a great degree. So I think we get something like this running.
• It works to a great degree. So I think we get something like this running.
• Incentive programs originally were begun to attract manufacturing jobs.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its fourth meeting, held October 27-28 in Santa Fe, with Representative Duncan moving approval and no opposition. The chair then introduced a panel on the cost of providing medical care in New Mexico, focusing on physician shortages, rising practice costs, and access problems, especially in southern New Mexico and Las Cruces. Panelists included family physicians, a pediatrician, a cardiologist/electrophysiologist, and a community health center medical director, who described their backgrounds and practices before turning to the policy discussion. The doctors argued that New Mexico is losing physicians because of three main pressures: medical malpractice exposure, gross receipts tax on medical services, and low Medicaid reimbursement. They said malpractice premiums are much higher than in neighboring states, punitive damages and venue shopping increase risk, and the patient compensation fund and attorney fee structure create additional costs. They also described administrative burdens from insurance billing and referrals, the high debt and long training period for physicians, and the effect of corporate medicine and private equity on practice decisions. One panelist emphasized the economic impact of each physician on jobs and local spending, while another noted that shortages force patients into emergency rooms and delay specialty care. The panel presented a list of proposed solutions: reform punitive damages, limit venue shopping and stacking, restore lifetime medical payments from the patient compensation fund, enact apology protections, cap attorney fees, continue Medicaid funding improvements, and eliminate gross receipts tax on medical and dental services. Committee members generally agreed the presentation was thorough and useful, but several noted that some proposals fall outside this committee’s jurisdiction and would likely need to move through other committees, especially judiciary and tax. Some members supported drafting legislation or working on separate bills, while others urged caution, requested more input from hospitals and economists, and raised concerns about local government revenue impacts from GRT changes. The chair concluded by encouraging members to continue discussions offline and noted that the tax-related issue would be taken up further in the next day’s work.

Transcript Highlights:

• Arizona welcomed its first new anesthesiology residency program in 25 years, bringing the state's total
• to three accredited programs.
• She earned her medical degree from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine.
• HB 2992, pilot program, sexual abuse prevention — Education and Appropriations.
• I want to point out that unborn children are mentioned in statute in first degree, second degree, and

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence honoring two Arizona Department of Public Safety personnel killed in a helicopter crash while responding to an active shooter incident in Flagstaff. Members also introduced numerous guests and Capitol Day visitors, including the Arizona Society of Anesthesiologists, the Arizona Dental Hygienists Association, and organizations serving deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind Arizonans. A proclamation was read designating September 4 as Taekwondo Day in Arizona. The chamber then processed a large number of bills through first reading, second reading, and Committee of the Whole. Measures receiving due-pass recommendations included HB 2075, HB 2120, HB 2155, HB 2328, HR 2004, HB 2051, HB 2072, HB 2178, HB 2203, HB 2395, HB 2010, HB 2043, HB 2108, HB 2135, and HB 2310. Several bills drew substantive debate, including HB 2051 and HB 2072 on lactation services and consultant certification for Medicaid reimbursement, HB 2203 on eliminating duplicative reporting requirements, HB 2395 on a voluntary mental health-related measure, and HB 2043, which sparked a sharp partisan exchange over whether it was a cleanup to felony-murder statutes or an anti-abortion/personhood measure. On third reading, HB 2008, dealing with school libraries and public funding for library associations, passed 33-25 after debate over whether it would help keep ideology out of schools or further weaken library support. House Resolution 2004, a nonbinding resolution expressing disapproval of Attorney General Chris Mays’ public statements, also passed 33-25 after extensive floor debate over her comments, her record on law enforcement and consumer protection, and whether the resolution was appropriate. The House then adopted the Committee of the Whole reports, referred the passed measures for engrossing, and adjourned until Monday, February 9, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have established in the MDVA, in the last three or four years, a very robust training program
• . training program staffed by former CVSOs working at the CVSO ranks to make sure that they understand
• The cornerstone of our National Veteran Service Program is under threat from predatory practices.
• Every attorney in this room has completed an undergraduate degree and a graduate degree in law.
• This committee last week just approved a program for funding for a technical assistance coordinator.

Transcript Highlights:

• This program wasn't developed in a vacuum.
• I hold a doctorate degree in nursing.
• I have a degree, a Bachelor's of Science degree from ULM, and have been a registered nurse in Louisiana
• There's various programs. You can do it by hand and then scan them.
• So we do at the department, and the programs, you know, redoubt.

Bills: SB57, SB405, HB62, HB193, HB203, HB222, HB246, HB420, HB475, HB486, HB574, HB584, HB815, HB949, HB1092, HB1214

Keywords: SB 57, Act 735, Act 463, nutrition, public health, food additives, artificial colors, banned chemicals, ingredient labeling, food labeling, FDA, food and beverage regulation, consumer disclosure, school nutrition, Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 40, Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 17, food manufacturers, food retailers, compliance, effective date delay

Transcript Highlights:

• with this program. with this program.
• programs. So this removes that loophole. programs. So this removes that loophole.
• standing order for uh certain programs standing order for uh certain programs to<01:11:45.199>
• <01:11:58.880> which makes it easier for these programs which makes it easier for these programs
• This program previously was referred to as the intensive treatment in foster care program.

Bills: HF3935, HF2216, HF4354, HF4210, HF4212

Keywords: assisted living, healthcare, training, unlicensed personnel, resident rights, safety regulations, nursing home, long-term care, guardian, conservator, arbitration, mandatory arbitration, consumer protection, fee increase, rate increase, price hike, private pay, public funds, Medicaid, waiver services

Transcript Highlights:

• Community custody and RAC programs.
• The programs that work, the programs that have worked for a decade should be implemented across the state
• A lot of programs aren't doing this.
• Appropriate for this program, and those sentenced to YDDC would also not be accepted into this program
• We want investments in treatment and diversion programs. like the Gun Violence Intervention Program,

Transcript Highlights:

• There's subsidy programs that the state offers, like ACD programs, the federal programs, as well as local
• There's a 9% program and the 4% program.
• and the 9% program.
• , the LIHTC program, which is a federal program.
• the My Access program.

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Housing Finance and Affordability held its first hearing of 2025 to examine California’s housing finance system, with opening remarks emphasizing the state’s severe housing shortage, high costs, and the need for practical recommendations to the Legislature and Governor. Co-chairs described the committee as an educational and problem-solving forum focused on financing housing production, first-time homeownership, mixed-income developments, and affordability across the income spectrum. Witnesses from state agencies and the development sector were invited to explain how housing is financed and where the system is breaking down. Panelists from the California Housing Partnership, the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, the Tax Credit Allocation Committee/State Treasurer’s Office, CalHFA, and Related outlined the “capital stack” used to finance affordable housing, stressing that projects typically rely on multiple public and private sources, including federal and state low-income housing tax credits, tax-exempt bonds, state subsidies, local funds, and rental income. Speakers noted that affordable housing rents generally cannot support full project costs without public subsidy, and that recent federal changes—especially the expansion of the 4% and 9% tax credit programs and the reduction of the bond financing threshold for 4% credits—should allow California to finance substantially more units. CalHFA also described its homeownership programs, including My Home, Dream For All, and disaster-related mortgage assistance, as well as its multifamily lending and bond issuance programs. Several witnesses and committee members emphasized that the system remains too complex, too slow, and underfunded. They pointed to the need for more state funding, a housing bond, a permanent funding source, and better coordination among agencies, while also citing recent streamlining efforts such as AB 434’s SuperNOFA, AB 519’s one-stop-shop working group, and the planned California Housing and Homeless Agency reorganization. Members raised concerns about equity, access, missing-middle housing, gender and racial disparities, and whether current programs adequately serve extremely low-income households and those at risk of homelessness. No formal votes or actions were taken during the hearing; the discussion ended with committee members and witnesses agreeing that both funding and administrative reform are needed to increase production and improve affordability.

Transcript Highlights:

• That being said, Budget and Finance itself would love a higher degree of visibility within departments
• That being said, Budget and Finance itself would love a higher degree of visibility within departments
• That being said, Budget and Finance itself would love a higher degree of visibility within departments
• That being said, Budget and Finance itself would love a higher degree of visibility within departments
• That being said, Budget and Finance itself would love a higher degree of visibility within departments

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee met on February 4, 2025, for decision making on previously heard measures, then later held hearings on additional bills. Early action focused on several measures that were amended and advanced, including SB 161 on state project exemptions from county permitting, which was heavily revised to allow programmatic or project-specific agreements with counties, require public reporting of exempted projects, and create a working group to study broader permitting and construction coordination issues. The committee also advanced SB 635 on energy efficiency with changes shifting survey leadership to the Hawaii State Energy Office, SB 700 on resilience hubs after narrowing it to focus on emergency-service-capable hubs and removing distributed energy language, SB 869 on community outreach boards with a technical amendment, SB 1081 on a legislative budget office by converting it to a feasibility study, SB 711 on gubernatorial appointments with a salary threshold change, SB 405 on neighborhood board agendas with a committee-report note about OIP concerns, SB 381 with privacy issues deferred to Judiciary, SB 2 as a two-year pilot for fruit tree planting in selected districts, SB 239 on disaster preparedness with sheltering revisions, and SB 998 as introduced with a cost estimate for site selection work. Several measures were deferred or not advanced, including SB 615, which was deferred indefinitely, SB 1132, which the chair said would be set aside in favor of another childcare bill, and SB 111, which was not taken up further because of confusion during an earlier hearing. During the later hearing portion, SB 1175 on procurement drew testimony from the State Procurement Office, which supported the bill but corrected its estimated database revision cost from $7,500 to $30,000; the Department of Transportation also appeared, while the General Contractors Association submitted opposition. Committee members questioned whether the past-performance database should include more detailed quality information and whether a one-year post-completion review would be useful, but no amendment was adopted at that time. SB 1587 on retainage received written support from the Subcontractors Association of Hawaii and no opposition in the room. SB 1543 on government accountability, which would require justification for outside consultants and cap consultant spending, drew opposition from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Hawaii, which argued it could slow procurement, reduce flexibility, and worsen delays given existing vacancies and limited in-house expertise. The Public First Law Center supported the related transparency bill discussed in the hearing, arguing it would close a loophole by making contractor-created records used in government functions subject to disclosure under UIPA, while the Attorney General’s office opposed it. The transcript ends with that testimony still underway, and no final vote is shown for the later hearing bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• <03:10:03.200> and York they canceled their program and York they canceled their program and
• level and also at the graduate degree level.
• 25 have a college a bachelor's degree 25 have a college a bachelor's degree and<04:23:18.199>
• > New at the graduate degree level so New at the graduate degree level so New Hampshire<04:23:
• The first bar, the blue bar, is percent with their bachelor’s degrees or more.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee meeting began with an overview from the Legislative Budget Assistant Office on how Ways and Means will work with agencies and leadership during the budget and revenue-estimating process. Staff explained that the governor’s budget is still being developed, agencies are cautious about going on record early, and the committee will use worksheets and updated fiscal reports to track estimates. The presentation emphasized that the fiscal year 2025 budget status is a point-in-time snapshot and remains fluid because the annual comprehensive financial report has been delayed, which could change the beginning balances for both the general fund and education trust fund. The budget update highlighted that the general fund is currently stronger than originally assumed, while the education trust fund is weaker. The speaker said the general fund began FY25 with a much larger balance than expected, while the education trust fund came in lower due to higher-than-budgeted adequacy spending and weaker business tax performance. Revenue trends showed the general fund slightly ahead year to date, but the education trust fund down significantly. The committee also discussed unbudgeted appropriations, including attorney general litigation, legal settlements, abandoned property claims, adequacy true-ups, and education freedom accounts, as well as the role of lapses and off-budget items in the final balance. Members asked about the delayed liquor commission audit and whether it could affect revenue forecasts. Staff said the delay was mainly caused by the commission’s switch in point-of-sale systems and staffing losses, but did not expect major ongoing reporting issues. They also noted that liquor fund variances are more likely tied to Medicaid expansion costs than to commission operations. The governor’s office was said to be working on possible budget reductions, but no January request to the fiscal committee was expected. Commissioner Lindsay Stepp of the Department of Revenue Administration then presented an overview of state revenue sources, focusing first on the meals and rentals tax. She explained that DRA administers 14 taxes that account for most state revenue, and that meals and rentals tax growth has slowed after strong post-pandemic gains. She described factors affecting the tax, including employment, inflation, fuel and food prices, wages, and weather, and noted that online platforms like Airbnb have improved compliance by collecting and remitting tax on behalf of hosts. Members asked about short-term rental compliance and how DRA identifies unlicensed rentals; Stepp said referrals, anonymous tips, and platform data help enforcement.