Transcript Highlights:

• I never thought about my burial, and that this was a benefit that I earned.
• We do about 80% of our burials as cremation burials.
• We offer full casket, in-ground cremation, and columbarium niche wall burials.
• > we</c><01:25:20.159><c> offer</c> burials are cremation burials we offer burials are cremation burials
• We're hoping that we will be breaking ground in the summer months.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are already seeing this on the ground.
• That means they're digging up our loved ones because they made errors in making their burial and their
• ground in a system that forces the County Board of Supervisors to either do nothing while dysfunction
• threatens the respectable burial of the dead or completely take over a district that might otherwise
• It's been more than a decade, and we're still not close to breaking ground.

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of local government and housing-related bills, with testimony often centered on regional coordination, permitting reform, and local control. SB 802 by Senator Ashby would require Sacramento-area jurisdictions to form a joint powers authority to coordinate homelessness and housing response; supporters argued the region has long lacked accountability and coordination, while Sacramento County, Folsom, and others opposed the mandate as an unprecedented state-imposed JPA. The bill drew extensive support from local officials, business groups, service providers, and advocates, and opposition from county, city, and nonprofit representatives who said a local process was already underway. Committee members expressed support for the concept, but the bill was held pending a quorum and later discussed again with strong encouragement for regional collaboration. The committee also heard SB 222, SB 677, SB 908, SB 226, SB 828, and SB 1193. SB 222 would streamline permitting for residential heat pump and water heater installations; supporters said it would lower costs and speed clean-energy adoption, while local government groups argued the main barrier is upfront cost, not permits. SB 677 would curb what the author described as abusive appeals and delays in affordable housing approvals, with developers testifying about frivolous subdivision map appeals and TEFRA hearing delays; the California Native Plant Society sought an amendment to preserve appeals on habitat lands. SB 908 would simplify permits for energy-code-compliant window replacements, and SB 226 would clarify financing authority for a West Sacramento baseball stadium proposal; both passed unanimously. SB 828, prompted by the Esparto fireworks warehouse explosion, would tighten fireworks storage and licensing rules, expand inspection and seizure authority, and increase fines; it also passed unanimously after testimony from fire officials and a pyrotechnic operator who opposed it unless amended. SB 1193, a county-specific Alameda County transparency bill, generated the sharpest debate. The author argued it would prevent waste, favoritism, and conflicts of interest in discretionary spending by requiring board approval, a public spending log, and clearer whistleblower procedures. Alameda County and county associations opposed it as overly broad and burdensome, saying existing processes already provide transparency and that the bill would reduce flexibility during fiscal stress. After committee questions about the bill’s purpose and the county’s current practices, the measure passed 7-0, with the author indicating willingness to accept an amendment restoring a four-fifths vote threshold. The committee then moved out of order to SB 1090, which would impose a temporary moratorium on state housing density laws in Altadena through 2030 in response to post-fire displacement concerns. The author said the bill is intended to protect long-term residents from investor-driven redevelopment after the Eaton Fire, while acknowledging amendments to align the moratorium with affordable housing development timelines. The transcript cuts off during the presentation of this bill, so no final action is shown for SB 1090 in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, that's the special ground unit veterans bill.
• Uh, that's the special ground unit veterans bill.
• Uh, that's the special ground unit veterans bill.
• Uh, that's the special ground unit veterans bill.
• medical assistance or such, but, uh, you know, they're just asking for very, very basic benefits like burial

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This measure transfers the appointment authority for island burial council members from the governor
• </c><00:44:31.200><c> This</c><00:44:31.440><c> measure</c> island burial councils.
• This measure island burial councils.
• </c><01:24:58.880><c> in</c> requires that those tools be grounded in requires that those tools be grounded
• Next bill, House Bill 2231 relating to island burial councils.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2592, which would clarify the powers of the Mauna Stewardship and Oversight Authority regarding land use on Mauna Akea and related property transfers. The Department of Land and Natural Resources supported the rural property transfer but objected to language transferring conservation district use permits, saying CDUPs normally run with the land rather than being assigned to specific telescopes or observatories. The University of Hawaiʻi and the observatories generally supported the bill but urged clearer language, especially on the transfer of real property assets, related obligations and liabilities, and the inclusion of milestones for the transition. Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill’s overall intent but warned that some language could be overbroad and might improperly waive future beneficiary claims. Several testifiers opposed the measure, arguing it ignored DHHL lands and beneficiary rights, while others supported it as a way to clarify the authority’s role. Members questioned DLNR about the practical effects of transferring CDUP responsibility, and the committee emphasized that the bill was narrowly focused on specific land. The committee then took up House Bill 2593, which would authorize the Mauna Stewardship and Oversight Authority to extend existing leases and subleases for up to 10 years. The authority explained that the bill does not itself extend any lease, but instead gives the authority discretion to initiate a transparent public process if extensions are needed. The University of Hawaiʻi supported the concept but said the timing of any extension matters and noted possible legal requirements under state law. The observatories also supported the bill, describing it as a flexible tool during a broader transition process and noting that the authority has held many public planning workshops. Opponents, including Native Hawaiian and community testifiers, argued that the conservation lands should receive the highest protection, that the community had not consented, and that the observatories have had decades to plan ahead. One testifier urged the bill be deferred or killed for lack of clarity. In response to questions, the committee clarified that the bill only authorizes a process and does not itself extend leases, and that any extension would require public participation. The final measure discussed in the excerpt was House Bill 2047, relating to the AHAPU advisory committee. The discussion focused on the committee’s administrative relationship to the Department of Land and Natural Resources and whether DLNR should oversee basic legal compliance issues such as Sunshine Law and legislative reporting. DLNR explained that the committee is administratively attached to the department, which provides support on human resources, procurement, and legal questions, but that the committee itself generally handles its own operations. The department said it would route compliance questions to its attorneys and implement their advice. The hearing then moved on to House Bill 2231, which would transfer appointment authority for island burial council members from the governor and Senate to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs board of trustees. OHA said it generally supported the change for geographic moku representatives, since it already nominates candidates for those seats, but expressed concern about taking on appointment authority for the large landowner seats because that role is less directly tied to its statutory duties.

Bills: SR119, SCR65, HCR47, HB196, HB218, HB256, HB325, HB352, HB434, HB448, HB476, HB608, HB624, HB626, HB632, HB749, HB818, HB1059, HB1112, HB1242, HB1249

Keywords: SR119, Senate Resolution 119, D-D Breaux, Sara Breaux, LSU gymnastics, LSU Gymnastics Training Center, LSU Board of Supervisors, facility naming, honorary resolution, public buildings and grounds, women's athletics, Title IX, college gymnastics, SEC gymnastics, Louisiana State University, Tiger Athletic Foundation, women in sports, coach recognition, sports legend, campus naming

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met with four members present and took up a long agenda of education-related bills. Early items included SCR 65, which would create a K-12 student success task force to study statewide career and academic pathway advising; the committee adopted a substantive amendment adding designees and then reported the resolution favorably. The committee also reported favorably on SCR 119, honoring Coach D.D. Breaux, after brief remarks about her LSU gymnastics legacy and the request that LSU study naming its gymnastics training facility in her honor. Several bills affecting school operations and student support were heard and reported favorably, including HB 434 on probationary school bus driver employment and superintendent authority over dismissal; HB 484 expanding scholarship benefits for children and spouses of fallen or disabled firefighters and police officers; HB 749 and HB 1059 on savings accounts and TOPS math eligibility alignment; HB 218 adding food insecurity questions to student questionnaires, which was amended and reported favorably; HB 325 expanding TOPS Tech eligibility through dual enrollment and part-time use; HB 476 requiring Safe Haven law postings in middle and high school restrooms; HB 1249 clarifying access to school-based health centers, with an amendment adopted; HB 1242 allowing more than one early learning center license at the same location under certain circumstances; HB 632 improving data protections and functionality for LA First; and HB 352 on behavioral health services for public school students, which was amended to address IEP and dispute-process concerns before being reported favorably. Two bills drew extended debate over transparency, privacy, and school autonomy. HB 608 would create confidentiality for intercollegiate athletics revenue-sharing documents; LSU representatives argued the bill was needed to protect student-athletes and competitive information, while PAR and the Louisiana Press Association opposed it as an improper secrecy carve-out for state-generated revenue. Despite the opposition, the committee reported HB 608 favorably. HB 1112, which would exempt BESE-approved non-public pre-K programs from certain licensure and safety requirements and adjust related definitions, was amended and then heard with testimony from the Pelican Institute in support, arguing it corrects overreach from prior law and protects private school autonomy and parental choice.

Bills: SJR 12, SCR 39, SB 27, SB 29, SB 241, SB 406, SB 414, SB 464, SB 568, SB 578, SB 609, SB 660, SB 689, SB 693, SB 785, SB 857, SB 879, SB 921, SB 922, SB 955, SB 985, SB 993, SB 996, SB 1008, SB 1035, SB 1036, SB 1059, SB 1098, SB 1120, SB 1122, SB 1147, SB 1188, SB 1197, SB 1209, SB 1227, SB 1245, SB 1267, SB 1307, SB 1321, SB 1332, SB 1386, SB 1396, SB 1453, SB 1484, SB 1494, SB 1536, SB 1537, SB 1596, SB 1610, SB 1664, SB 1741, SB 1814, SB 1822, SB 1841, SB 1948, SB 2065, SB 2155, SB 2188, SB 2230, SB 2406, SB 2407

Keywords: parental rights, education, constitutional amendment, school choice, child education, business organization, internal management, corporate governance, partnerships, liability reduction, public camping, homelessness, local governance, enforcement, state authority, local entity, complaints, housing, public safety, birth certificate

Transcript Highlights:

• So this year they will find some ground to make up for the last few years where the presidential election
• Even if the coroner department does not control the responsibility of the burial, the coroner will have
• Of course, I told the rabbi, the burial.
• ><c> implement</c><01:25:41.920><c> that</c><01:25:42.159><c> and</c> the ground that implement that
• and the ground that implement that and utilize<01:25:42.880><c> it.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:11 Discussion of County Clerks’ Land Records Update 00:02:42 Discussion of Area Development Districts 00:22:48 Discussion of Legislative Measures 00:50:09 Discussion of Local Taxing Sources 01:02:33 Adjournment 01:29:16, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up an update from the Kentucky County Clerks Association on the transition to electronic recording and land records modernization. Testimony explained that legislation from the 2021 task force created funding and deadlines for counties to provide online search portals and complete a 30-year property record search, with a later move to a 60-year standard. Speakers said the money has been awarded to counties, but much of the work is still in progress because records must be scanned, indexed, and manually verified. They said only a handful of counties are fully compliant with electronic recording so far, while many are still working through staffing and vendor issues. They also noted that the 60-year standard may ultimately be easier and more efficient to complete than the 30-year standard, and that compliance is expected to improve by next summer. The clerks’ representatives also raised related issues, including deed fraud, the county document storage fee, and KDLA digitization grants. They said online recording can make deed fraud easier to attempt, so they expect to seek legislation next session to address it. They described an existing notification service available in many counties that alerts property owners when a document is recorded, which can help detect suspicious activity quickly. They also said the storage fee and separate county account structure has generally worked well, but that two recent KDLA grant cycles have not released money for clerks, limiting support for digitization work. Another topic was whether, once records are fully digitized and verified, some permanent records should remain publicly accessible or be moved to a safer archive under KDLA control. Members asked about the balance in the KDLA fund, what the General Assembly could do to help lagging counties, and how much of the $25 million modernization funding had been spent. Witnesses said they did not have the current fund balance but would try to get it, that the main obstacle now appears to be staffing rather than additional money, and that the funds have been awarded but not fully expended because work is still ongoing. They emphasized that counties are helping one another and asked members to alert association leadership if any county is struggling. The committee then heard a presentation from Dan London, executive director of the Lincoln Trail Area Development District, who described area development districts as regional staff extensions and technical resources for cities and counties, and highlighted their role in coordinating regional services and partnerships across county lines.

Transcript Highlights:

• dental hygiene school, except that they are subject to Bodex jurisdiction for violations that are grounds
• therapy, or dental hygiene school, except they are subject to Bodex jurisdiction for violation that are grounds
• for disciplinary action and are required to comply with mandatory reporting of violation that are grounds

Bills: SB1176, SB1186, SB1235, SB1286, SB1446, SB1458, SB1515, SB1616, SB1641, SB1668, SB1670, SB1678, SB1747, SB1787

Keywords: stormwater, water storage, replenishment credits, groundwater, aquifer, Arizona Revised Statutes, disclosure, state contracts, procurement records, donations, transparency, EMS, reciprocity, interstate compact, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, licensure, public safety, military personnel, veterinary telemedicine

Transcript Highlights:

• health and guardianship reform, it is entirely. fitting that Judge Herman be granted eligibility for burial
• I think it would be a worthy distinction for him to someday be considered for burial in the Texas State
• Honoring Judge Herman with eligibility for burial in the Texas State Cemetery, we recognize a lifetime

Bills: HB1397, HB1886, HB3088, HB4187, HB4229, HB4230, HB5032, HCR6, HCR34, HCR50, HCR55, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR72, HCR74, HCR75, HCR80, HCR86, HCR93, HCR100, HCR107, HCR116, HCR117, HCR6

Keywords: Texas Constitution, Declaration of Independence, victory or death letter, display, historic preservation, lifeguard requirements, public beaches, municipalities, county regulations, exemptions, Parks and Wildlife, procurement, goods and services, revenue generation, Texas legislature, historical preservation, Texas Historical Commission, fees, nonprofit organizations, fundraising

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, as you know, the volunteer members of the five island burial counselors play an extremely important
• </c><00:09:49.600><c> counselors</c><00:09:50.080><c> play</c><00:09:50.320><c> an</c> island burial
• </c><00:10:15.040><c> Mahalo</c> the Native Burial Council sites.
• Mahalo the Native Burial Council sites.
• </c><00:10:46.560><c> So</c> Burial Council is outstanding. So Burial Council is outstanding.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, this is for Kayla Cruvello being appointed to the Burial Council, better known as law.
• The quality of youthful interest and knowledge for the Burial Councils is unprecedented.
• She's been working in the Burial Council for 5 years.
• for the Burial Councils is unprecedented. unprecedented. unprecedented.
• She's been working<00:04:41.160><c> in</c><00:04:41.240><c> the</c><00:04:41.280><c> Burial</c><00:04

Bills: HB1519, HB1541, HB1737, HB1782, HB1854, HB1860, HB2023, HB2104, HB2276, HB2335, HB2455, HB2468, HB2551, SB177, SB411, SB874, SB2053, SB2069, SB2108, SB2268, SB2360, SB2363, SB2405, SB2407, SB2530, SB2543, SB2568, SB2803, SB2818, SB2851, SB2907, SB2934, SB2969, SB2999, SB3097, SB3103, SB3233, SB3238, SB3245, SB3001, SB3138, HB1946, HB389, HB1510, HB469, HB1573, HB1705, HB1858, HB1875, HB1961, HB1962, HB2001, HB2093, HB2096, HB2097, SB888, SB2169, SB2367, SB2557, SB2575, SB2698, SB3082, HB344, HB939, HB1688, HB1853, HB2443, HCR103, HCR117, HCR180, HCR112, HCR18, HCR105, HCR173, HCR35, HCR98, HCR42, HCR53, HCR181, HCR101, HCR179

Keywords: campaign contributions, lobbyists, transparency, election funding, ethical regulations, HB1541, Act 057, Department of Health, Hawaii State Hospital, Developmental Disabilities Division, civil service, civil service exemption, HRS 76-16, HRS 334-4, mental health program, state hospital, secure psychiatric rehabilitation facility, associate administrator, project manager, security manager

Transcript Highlights:

• So, this Senate Bill 37 intends to amend KRS 72.450 when dealing with indigent burials.
• currently our fiscal Indigent burials currently our fiscal courts<00:13:42.920><c> or</c><00:13:43.160
• in our communities uh Indigent burials in our communities uh only<00:13:51.519><c> has</c><00:13:51.759
• :20:30.360><c> so</c><00:20:30.559><c> I'm</c><00:20:30.679><c> just</c><00:20:30.840><c> not</c> burial
• to visit and so I'm just not burial to visit and so I'm just not quite<00:20:31.240><c> comfortable<

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:00 Senate Bill 126 (Sen. McDaniel): 01:21 Senate Bill 37 (Sen. Elkins): 12:23 Adjournment: 21:06, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up two bills. Senate Bill 126, sponsored by Senator McDaniel, proposed a constitutional amendment to limit the governor’s pardon power during the final 60 days before a gubernatorial election and through the transition period, with the stated goal of giving voters more time to learn about executive clemency decisions. McDaniel said the measure was intended to increase accountability and noted it would need approval by both chambers and then placement on the 2026 ballot. Senator Haron raised concerns about whether the proposal could chill pardons and asked about the timing; McDaniel responded that 60 days was chosen because of early voting and the need for public notice. The committee adopted a substitute and then passed the bill with a favorable expression; several members voted aye, Senator Haron passed, and Senator Adams later asked to be recorded as voting aye before adjournment. The committee then considered Senate Bill 37, sponsored by Senator Elkins, which would amend Kentucky law on indigent burials to allow cremation as an option instead of requiring burial, and would require consultation with the county coroner before a decision is made. Elkins described it as a local control measure and said he was working with Rabbi Litman on a possible accommodation for Jewish indigent decedents, since the Jewish community strongly prefers burial and has offered to assume costs in those cases. Questions focused on how long officials must make a bona fide effort to notify a spouse or next of kin and whether the bill would affect current practices; Elkins said it would not change existing policy on that point and suggested a possible floor amendment for additional issues. Rabbi Litman testified in support, explaining the religious importance of burial and the community’s concern about cremation. The committee substitute was adopted, and the bill passed with a favorable expression, though Senator Herron and Senator Tichenor expressed reservations and voted no or passed, citing constituent concerns and the possibility that family members may later seek a burial place to visit.

Transcript Highlights:

• They must first consult with the coroner while making the decision for burial or cremation.
• They must first consult with the coroner while making the decision for burial or cremation.
• <00:02:59.920><c> the</c><00:03:00.160><c> decision</c><00:03:00.720><c> for</c><00:03:01.040><c> burial
• </c><00:03:01.440><c> or</c> while making the decision for burial or while making the decision for burial
• record, our only concern with the bill is that cremation is being presented as an alternative to burial

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:03 Attendance Roll Call: 00:08 SB 27 Discussion 01:36 SB 27 Vote 07:06 SB 40 Discussion 08:11 SB 40 Vote 12:38 Adjournment: 13:31, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But I held my ground. But I just want you to know the ground.
• From a strategic high ground. From a strategic high ground.
• So, all we're doing is just ground. So, all we're doing is just ground.
• We don't know who's in that ground. We don't know who's in that ground.
• You're you're not eligible for burial. You're you're not eligible for burial.

Bills: HB 10, HB 12, HB 147, HB 1522, HB 422, HB 675, HB 204, HB 748, HB 912

Keywords: regulatory reform, government efficiency, administrative law, rulemaking, agency deference, judicial review, de novo review, Texas Government Code, Administrative Procedure Act, state agencies, plain language, regulatory burden, regulatory reduction, cost-benefit analysis, fiscal note, public benefits and costs, contested case, rule challenge, Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, advisory panel

Transcript Highlights:

• Veterans Affairs recognizes veterans of the secret war in Laos, and they already receive federal burial
• Veterans Affairs recognizes veterans of the secret war in Laos, and they already receive federal burial
• in state cemeteries service, and burial in state cemeteries are<00:14:28.640><c> the</c><00:14:28.800
• </c><00:19:14.880><c> eligibility</c> they also deal with burial eligibility they also deal with burial
• </c> bill both talked about the burial bill both talked about the burial eligibility,<00:19:29.440><c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this year they will find some ground to make up for the last few years where the presidential election
• So, this year they will find um<00:19:48.960><c> some</c><00:19:49.280><c> ground</c><00:19:49.679><c
• to make up for the last um some ground to make up for the last few<00:19:51.760><c> years</c><00:19:
• coroner department does not control the responsibility or does not bear the responsibility of the burial
• Of course, I told the rabbi, the burial.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard an update from representatives of the Kentucky County Clerk’s Association on the transition to electronic recording and land records modernization. They reviewed the 2021 task force work, the legislation and budget funding that followed, and the requirements for county clerks to provide online search portals and complete 30-year property record searches, with a 60-year standard expected next summer. Speakers said most counties are still working through scanning and verification, with only a small number fully complete, and emphasized that verification of records is the main bottleneck because it requires staff time and careful matching of indexes to deeds. They also noted limited vendor availability, differences among counties in what records are already digitized, and that the association and land title attorneys are now working more closely on future “continuous improvement” legislation. The clerks also raised related issues, including concerns about deed fraud as more records become searchable online. They said some counties already offer notification services that alert property owners when a document is recorded, which can help owners respond quickly to suspicious filings. They also discussed the filing document storage fee and KDLA digitization grants, saying the funding structure has generally worked but that two grant cycles have been missed. Another topic was whether, once records are fully digitized and searchable, some permanent records should remain publicly accessible or be moved to a safer archive. In response to committee questions, the witnesses said the remaining delays are less about money than staffing shortages and the need for more manpower to complete verification, and they said they would follow up on the balance in the KDLA fund and other details. The committee then received a presentation from an Area Development District representative, who described the districts as regional, nonpartisan service organizations that help cities and counties pool resources, provide technical assistance, and leverage public and private partnerships. He highlighted examples of regional cooperation, including veterans-directed care and other shared programs, and argued that the districts create efficiencies and economies of scale for local governments and the state. No votes or formal actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the policy that we talked about was you're working with a group in Spokane on finding common ground
• of helping to try and find common... ...to this place, your way of helping to try and find common ground
• whether to be buried or cremated here in the state of Washington, allowing the establishment of family burial
• grounds.
• we do so today, Washington will join the vast majority of other states in permitting this type of burial

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, SB5816, SB5919, SB5831, SB6244, SB6044, SB5109, SB5877, SB6258

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives, best practices, community protection, voluntary measures, mortgage modification

Transcript Highlights:

• federal laws governing eligibility for burial in veteran cemeteries.
• Additionally, this proposal will not alter who is eligible for burial in our cemeteries.
• Provisions with the changes the burial Provisions with the changes the state<00:26:12.520><c> law</c
• </c><00:26:16.799><c> in</c> laws governing eligibility for burial in laws governing eligibility for
• burial in veteran<00:26:17.399><c> cemeteries</c><00:26:18.279><c> and</c><00:26:18.399><c> I</c><00:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It also clarifies that burial transit permits cannot be used to bypass the medical examiner process,
• So, in a circumstance where a funeral director is able to obtain a burial transit permit from a county
• It's called a, I'm sorry, it is called a burial transit permit. Okay, you answered my questions.
• What we're finding is that the burial transit permit that is issued by the county clerks is being done
• I support the Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground because they're about preserving your life and your

Bills: HB 1194, HB 1221, HB1738, HB1913, HB2177, HB2178, HB2180, HB2229, HB2282, HB2448, HB2492, HB2777, HB2984, HB3357, HB3553, HB3602

Keywords: emergency protection order, protective order, magistrate, criminal procedure, victim safety, family violence, domestic violence, stalking, assault, magistrate's order, temporary protection, court order duration, defendant restrictions, Article 17.292, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, emergency restraining order, victim protection, firearm restriction, pretrial intervention, reimbursement fee

Transcript Highlights:

• sites in the state properties and burial sites in the state collect<00:51:24.760><c> data</c><00:51:
• > collect data on burial site locations collect data on burial site locations and<00:51:27.480><c> conduct
• Okay, going once, twice, and then we'll proceed with SB 1266, and this is relating to burial sites.
• </c> 1266 and this is relating to burial 1266 and this is relating to burial sites<00:55:27.760><c> it
• SB 1266 relating to burial sites.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees first heard SB 443, which would require agricultural-district lands with solar energy facilities to also be certified as being used for a farming operation. DLNR, the State Energy Office, and the Agri-Business Development Corporation all supported the bill but recommended changes, including shifting the certifying authority from DLNR/BLNR to the Department of Agriculture. The Attorney General also recommended replacing the certification requirement with a condition that the land be used for a farming operation, citing the lack of a clear statutory framework for certification. The Hawaiʻi Farmers Union supported the measure but suggested using existing county agricultural dedication processes and raised concerns about conversion of agricultural land. The committees adopted amendments reflecting the Department of Agriculture as the certifying body and the Attorney General’s proposed language, then passed SB 443 with amendments. The committees then took up SB 79, relating to historic preservation reviews for state affordable housing projects. DLNR State Historic Preservation and DHHL supported the bill with amendments, including striking a redundant section and conforming the language to existing law. The committees agreed to those changes, and after a brief recess and decision-making, Water and Land, Housing, and Hawaiian Affairs each voted to pass SB 79 with amendments. The record notes that some members were excused and that the committees adopted the chair’s recommendations. Later, the joint Housing and Water and Land hearing considered SB 26, SB 867, and SB 1170. SB 26 would create an affordable housing land inventory task force within HCDA; HHFDC supported it, while HCDA suggested an alternative approach involving county coordination. The committees amended the bill to incorporate OPSD’s proposed language, add legislative and county representatives to the task force, and include an appropriation for the Mayor Wright project, then passed it with amendments. SB 867, which creates a working group to inventory water resources and streamline well permit approvals for affordable housing, drew broad support and was amended to specify the Department of Health director rather than the Clean Water Branch chief; it also passed with amendments. SB 1170, which would exempt certain Maui affordable rental housing projects from chapter 205A, drew support from housing interests but concern from the Attorney General that it could be unconstitutional; the AG suggested narrowing the bill to disaster recovery and limiting its scope. Testifiers also discussed the Weinberg Court Apartments project and other redevelopment concerns, but the transcript ends before final action on SB 1170 is completed.