Bills: SB2386, SB2804, SB2852

Keywords: employment, wage transparency, job listings, salary disclosure, labor rights, monopoly, health care access, insurance rates, competition, stock acquisition, digital accessibility, web accessibility, website accessibility, app accessibility, ADA, disability rights, civil rights, public accommodations, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, HCRC

Summary: The committees met in decision-making sessions on several bills and generally advanced them without opposition. Early actions included SB 2386, which clarifies job-posting pay disclosure requirements and lowers the small-employer exemption threshold, and SB 2804, both recommended to pass unamended. SB 2852, addressing accessibility of information and communications technology for people with disabilities in public accommodations, was also recommended to pass unamended. SB 2975 on marine life conservation districts was advanced unamended despite a noted defective effective date. The CPN committee then acted on SB 3019, a consumer protection bill, recommending passage with amendments to require refunds of certain fees upon cancellation and to defect the effective date to July 1, 2050. SB 3231 on agricultural districts, SB 2378 on housing, and SB 3062 on liquor were all recommended to pass with amendments and a defective effective date set to July 1, 2050. SB 3255, concerning cash payments and rounding guidance, was reconsidered after discussion with small business stakeholders and was also advanced with amendments. In the later regular CPN agenda, SB 2607 on landscape architect licensure drew support from the board and professional groups and was recommended to pass with board-requested amendments and a July 1, 2050 effective date. SB 2623 SD1 on pharmacy technician registration was recommended to pass with clarifying amendments from the Board of Pharmacy. SB 2396, which would create a registry for agents managing property for absentee owners and require on-island contact information for certain condo owners, received mixed testimony: supporters emphasized accountability and enforcement, while opponents from community associations raised implementation concerns and asked for further work. The committee ultimately recommended SB 2396 with amendments from the Hawaii Council of Community Associations and a July 1, 2050 effective date.

Bills: HF4615, HF3532, HF4492, HF4171

Keywords: military, pay, officers, enlisted members, state active service, Minnesota Statutes, veterans, burial eligibility, honor guard, state cemeteries, military service, burial fees, veterans affairs, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, advisory task force, commanders task force, veterans service organizations, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW

Bills: HB353, HB354, HB357, HB396, SB83

Keywords: judicial compensation, salary adjustments, district attorneys, Judges, local officials, district attorney, compensation, constitutional amendment, job security, Alabama Constitution, tobacco tax, heated tobacco products, heated tobacco, cigarettes, nicotine, vape alternative, smokeless tobacco, snuff, cigars, excise tax

Bills: SB2088, SB2925, SB3263, SB2047, SB2087, SB2100, SB2268, SB2353, SB2781, SB2902

Keywords: coconut trees, tax credit, natural management, Hawaii, agriculture, biosecurity, environment, coconut rhinoceros beetle, student-athletes, name image likeness, NIL, compensation, transparency, University of Hawaii, Title IX, funding, protections, pharmacy benefit managers, maximum allowable cost, drug pricing

Summary: The joint committee on Ways and Means and Consumer Protection met for decision-making only on two agendas and took action on a large number of Senate bills, with no oral testimony heard. On the 1016 agenda, the committee recommended passage of measures including SB 2088, SB 2925, SB 2781, and several others, and passed a number of bills with amendments. Notable amendments included SB 3263, which adopted AG amendments related to the name, image, and likeness endowment trust fund; SB 2047 on pharmacy benefit managers, which incorporated Hawaii Pharmacist Association changes; SB 2087 on health insurance, which added Insurance Division clarifications; SB 2100 on pesticides, which added a blank appropriation; SB 2353 on outdoor signage, which removed provisions related to the Wiki special district; and SB 2902 on renewable energy, which clarified certification standards for portable solar devices and exempted them from certain disclosure requirements. Most recommendations were adopted without objection, though a few members noted reservations on selected bills. The committee also deferred one bill on the agenda, SB 3327. The committee then moved to the 1015 agenda and acted on additional measures. SB 2003 was passed with amendments tied to Act 255, including a repeal trigger if deadlines are missed; SB 2497 on utility-related transparency drew the most discussion, with one member warning about litigation and costs while another argued it was simply about electricity-rate transparency, and it ultimately passed with PUC-related amendments and an exemption for utility cooperatives. Other measures were passed unamended or with technical or fiscal amendments, including bills affecting land planning, tax credits, conveyance tax language, shoreline maintenance, and community improvement projects. Several bills had appropriations blanked or effective dates deferred to 2050, and many were adopted with members noting reservations rather than opposition. On the 1017 agenda, the committee continued approving measures, including SB 709 on crisis intervention officers and assisted community treatment, SB 2153 on defining bona fide farmer/agriculture activity, SB 2694 on water rate adjustments, SB 3025 on income eligibility limits, and SB 3085 on the Hawaii film studio, which included a five-year repeal provision if the studio has not relocated. The committee also passed numerous other bills unamended or with technical amendments, often deferring effective dates or blanking appropriations. Across both agendas, the committee’s actions were largely consistent: bills were advanced with amendments tailored to agency requests, technical corrections, or fiscal adjustments, and votes were generally unanimous or near-unanimous with occasional reservations recorded.

Bills: HB3126, HB3177, HB3311, HB3465, HB3786, HB3915, HB4333, HB4476, HB3403

Keywords: education funding, concurrent enrollment, school aid, Oklahoma State Regents, permanent school funds, higher education, revolving fund, court reporters, salaries, legislation, employment compensation, state administration, Oklahoma, community development, infrastructure, economic development, local government, financing, pooled finance, Oklahoma Emission Reduction

Bills: SB2232, SCR1, SCR6, SCR15, SCR27, SCR32

Keywords: Unplug Texas Day, digital detox, family activities, outdoor recreation, community engagement, crossing guard, school crossing guard, crosswalk safety, school safety, student pedestrian safety, traffic safety, elementary school, campus safety, pedestrian awareness, bicycle safety, traffic regulations, commemorative resolution, appreciation day, Texas Legislature, honorary designation

Transcript Highlights:

• The project includes the following essential upgrades: replacement of R-22 refrigeration plants, ADA

Bills: HF1016, HF2800, HF156, HF3051, HF526, HF2658, HF2062, HF2801

Keywords: local government aid, Baldwin, taxation, base year formula, municipal funding, population aid, aid penalty forgiveness, Minnesota, city funding, appropriations, HF156, lawful gambling, veterans organizations, licensed veterans organization, Minnesota gambling law, gross profits, lawful purpose, real property repair, facility maintenance, capital assets

Bills: HF110, HF111, HF263, HF105

Keywords: HF110, Adrian Independent School District, Independent School District No. 511, school construction, sales tax exemption, use tax refund, refundable exemption, construction materials, capital improvements, school roofing, playground remodel, retaining walls, plumbing, bathroom remodel, locker room remodel, window replacements, local tax relief, general fund appropriation, Minnesota chapter 297A, retroactive tax refund

Bills: SB1, SB83, SB159, SB160, SB1

Keywords: workers' compensation, public education, employee injury, insurance trust fund, on-the-job injury, administrative procedures, adult-size changing table, changing station, accessible restroom, public bathroom, public building, public entity, ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act, accessibility, restroom renovation, new construction, grant program, state grant, local government facilities

Transcript Highlights:

• very old, and we are actually adding two more faculty to that place, and the buildings are not even ADA
• buildings<00:05:05.199> are<00:05:05.440> not<00:05:05.600> even<00:05:05.919> ADA
• place and the buildings are not even ADA place and the buildings are not even ADA compliant<00:05

Bills: HB1952, HB1951, HB1929, HB2497, HB2208, HB2572, HB1737, HB1953, HB2551, HB2549

Keywords: HB1952, Hawaii agriculture, University of Hawaii, CTAHR, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience, Kauai, agricultural research station, extension station, capital improvements, general obligation bonds, GO bonds, appropriation, ADA compliance, Americans with Disabilities Act, certified kitchen, greenhouse, laboratory, field research, cesspool decommissioning, invasive species

Bills: HB1823, HB3031, HB3369, HB3378, HB3429, HB3624, HB3657, HB3880, HB4215, HB4476

Keywords: housing finance, Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, publication requirements, housing policy, state regulations, HB3369, food truck, food truck fire suppression, mobile food establishment, mobile food preparation vehicle, mobile food vendor, automatic fire extinguishing system, fire suppression, fire extinguisher, Class K extinguisher, NFPA 10, State Fire Marshal, Oklahoma Liquefied Petroleum Gas Administration, Oklahoma Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board, liquefied petroleum gas

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, these corridors are in very poor condition and are not ADA accessible for pedestrians.
• Uh, these corridors are in very poor condition and are not ADA accessible for pedestrians.
• Uh, these corridors are in very poor condition and are not ADA accessible for pedestrians.
• Uh, these corridors are in very poor condition and are not ADA accessible for pedestrians.
• are not ADA accessible for pedestrians. are not ADA accessible for pedestrians.

Bills: HF4710, HF4055, HF3848, HF3989, HF4599, HF3767, HF3592, HF3575, HF3574, HF3543, HF4606, HF4489, HF3891, HF3438, HF3811, HF3400

Keywords: capital investment, water infrastructure, sewer systems, public funding, municipal development, Eveleth, wastewater treatment, state bonds, environmental compliance, infrastructure, bonds, economic development, local government, transportation, intersection improvements, Lake Elmo, HF4599, St. Joseph, Minnesota bonding bill, bond proceeds fund

Transcript Highlights:

• The South Shop in particular is already beyond capacity and does not meet ADA compliance.
• <00:37:50.000> Half and does not meet ADA compliance.
• Half and does not meet ADA compliance.
• say this uh to to to really say that ADA say this uh to to to really say that ADA accessibility<
• ADA compliant or not? Yeah Mr. chair. ADA compliant or not? Yeah Mr. chair.

Bills: HF333, HF2712, HF1064, HF1069, HF1113, HF2207, HF204, HF2867, HF2924, HF746, HF1530, HF2587, HF1078

Keywords: HF333, Duluth, Lot D, redevelopment, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, bond proceeds, public infrastructure, seawall repair, utility connections, demolition, debris removal, transportation improvements, site preparation, soil correction, economic development, DEED, capital appropriation, general obligation bonds

Transcript Highlights:

• This proven and long-standing program was then codified in the ADA.

Bills: SB670, SB1388, SB627, SB912, SB269, SB528, HB2711, HB4819, HB5248, HB4175

Keywords: SB 670, investigational sun protection products, sun protection, sunscreen, FDA approval, clinical trial, phase one trial, patient access, informed consent, physician prescription, Texas Health and Safety Code, Texas Medical Board, compassionate use, experimental treatment, medical freedom, patient autonomy, healthcare regulation, dietitian, dietitians, licensed dietitian

Bills: HCR43, HCR154, HCR165, HCR186, HCR200, HCR202, HCR206

Keywords: pedestrian safety, raised crosswalks, Honolulu, traffic infrastructure, school zone, HCR154, Hele-On, Hele-On Shared Ride Program, County of Hawaii, Hawaii County, Mass Transit Agency, shared ride, paratransit, accessible transportation, ADA, mobility devices, wheelchair accessible, kupuna, seniors, elderly

Summary: The Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs reconvened on April 21 and took up a series of House Concurrent Resolutions, with no public testimony. Members first approved HCR 43, urging raised crosswalks near Ala Wai Elementary at University Avenue, Malkiki Street, and Kamoku Street to improve student safety, and HCR 154, asking Hawaii County to expand the Heleon shared ride program islandwide, including rural and underserved areas. They also passed HCR 165, calling for permanent pickleball nets and court lighting at Kamilo Iki Community Park, and HCR 186, urging the U.S. Department of Defense and Defense Health Agency to extend health care authorization renewals for people affected by the Red Hill water contamination crisis. The committee then approved HCR 200, which urges the Department of Defense to reassess prior CERCLA-related closure decisions in light of evolving PFAS science. Members said the measure was intended to help keep PFAS out of the water system. HCR 202, establishing a legislative task force on Hawaii’s future energy pathways, was amended before passage to expand the task force’s scope to include separation of generation from transmission and distribution, add Senate leadership representation, and include representatives from the Agricultural Development Corporation and the Farm Bureau. Several members supported the amended version with reservations, expressing concern about possible cost impacts from separating generation and distribution. Finally, the committee passed HCR 206 HD1, which requests the Hawaii State Energy Office to convene a working group to study the impacts of large data centers on utilities, ratepayers, natural resources, and climate goals. All measures were adopted by the committee, with HCR 202 passing with amendments and the others passing unamended. The meeting then adjourned.

Bills: SB500, SB719, SB912, SB1232, SB1467, SB1777, SB1864, SB2023, SB2119, SB2458

Keywords: SB 500, Texas adoption law, Family Code, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child-placing agency, prospective adoptive parents, adoption records, confidential information, nondisclosure agreement, child history report, health history, social history, educational history, genetic history, termination of parental rights, permanency plan, single source continuum contractor, privacy, redaction

Bills: SB500, SB719, SB912, SB1232, SB1467, SB1777, SB1864, SB2023, SB2119, SB2458

Keywords: SB 500, Texas adoption law, Family Code, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child-placing agency, prospective adoptive parents, adoption records, confidential information, nondisclosure agreement, child history report, health history, social history, educational history, genetic history, termination of parental rights, permanency plan, single source continuum contractor, privacy, redaction

Summary: The committee first took up several pending bills and reported them favorably: SB 968, SB 636 as substituted, SB 1137, and SB 1138 as substituted. Each was advanced by roll call vote, and the committee also recommended the approved bills for the local and uncontested calendar. The chair then moved to the posted agenda and heard SB 719, a mental health bed-capacity study bill by Senator Eckhart, with a committee substitute that refined the data collection to distinguish state and non-state beds, child and adult beds, include two point-in-time counts, and capture jail diversion data. Testimony on SB 719 was largely supportive from Integral Care, NAMI Texas, and the Children’s Hospital Association of Texas, all of whom said Texas needs better data on inpatient psychiatric capacity, workforce needs, and future demand. Several witnesses described long waits for beds, especially for forensic restoration, and argued the study would help target future investments. Senator Perry and others noted the state has already made major investments in new beds and urged the bill to account for beds already coming online; the committee ultimately withdrew the substitute and left SB 719 pending after public testimony closed. The committee then heard SB 1864, which would allow small egg producers to sell ungraded eggs more broadly, including to restaurants and retailers, with the substitute increasing the weekly sales threshold and addressing sanitation and labeling. Supporters said grading is about size, not safety, and that the bill would help small farms reach new markets; opponents from the Texas Poultry Federation argued grading and candling help identify cracks and defects that can affect safety and quality. The committee adopted the substitute and left the bill pending. It also heard SB 1467, requiring DSHS to share death record information with hospitals for record accuracy and quality review, and SB 912, which would modernize continuing education tracking for health licensing agencies; both bills drew supportive testimony and were left pending. Finally, the committee heard SB 2023, which would create an HHSC grant program to help counties pay for indigent burial costs, with county representatives testifying in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• reconstruction of sidewalks and trail crossings, wastewater and stormwater management systems, and adding ADA-compliant
• reconstruction of sidewalks and trail crossings, wastewater and stormwater management systems, and adding ADA-compliant
• Reconstruction of sidewalks and trail crossings, wastewater and stormwater management systems, and adding ADA-compliant

Bills: HF2080, HF356, HF1968, HF228, HF569, HF603, HF692, HF1455, HF2224, HF1361

Keywords: contamination, water supply, municipal bonds, environmental mitigation, city funding, Sauk Rapids, PFAS contamination, drinking water, pollution control, bond issuance, Cokato, capital investment, school infrastructure, state bonds, HF228, Lakes Area Police Commission, Lindstrom, Chisago City, regional training facility, public safety facility

Bills: SB 1036, SB 1566, SB 1664, SB 2268, SCR 5, SCR 8, SCR 9, SCR 32, SCR 46

Keywords: residential solar, solar retailer, solar salesperson, solar panel sales, solar lease, solar installation, renewable energy, clean energy, consumer protection, deceptive sales, door-to-door solicitation, occupational registration, TDLR, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation, Public Utility Commission, electrical contractor, interconnection, net metering, Truth in Lending Act

Bills: SB1036, SB1566, SB1664, SB2268, SCR5, SCR8, SCR9, SCR32, SCR46

Keywords: residential solar, solar retailer, solar salesperson, solar panel sales, solar lease, solar installation, renewable energy, clean energy, consumer protection, deceptive sales, door-to-door solicitation, occupational registration, TDLR, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation, Public Utility Commission, electrical contractor, interconnection, net metering, Truth in Lending Act