Transcript Highlights:

• prohibiting common interest community unit owners associations from entering into or amending a covenant
• the need for including as many pieces as we can in addressing the housing crisis, making things affordable
• position to reduce some of those costs, get some of this less attractive land into the hands of affordable
• the need for including as many pieces as we can in addressing the housing crisis, making things affordable
• position to reduce some of those costs, get some of this less attractive land into the hands of affordable

Bills: HB1974, HB2118, HB2236, HB2269

Keywords: land bank, land banking authority, affordable housing, housing crisis, housing supply, public corporation, public housing authority, nonprofit housing, tax-foreclosed property, blight remediation, redevelopment, anti-displacement, equity, redlining, racial segregation, deed restriction, affordability covenant, property tax exemption, excise tax exemption, predevelopment

Summary: The House Housing Committee met to executive several bills after a staff briefing on proposed substitutes and amendments. House Bill 1974, the land bank bill, was explained as being narrowed from the original version by removing several county oversight and grant-program provisions, while adding annual reporting and a real estate excise tax exemption. Members discussed land banking as a tool to support affordable housing, but some raised concerns about expanding tax exemptions and the effect on private developers and local tax bases. The committee voted 10-7 to report the substitute bill out with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 2236, dealing with Housing Finance Commission authority, was presented with a substitute clarifying that the commission may not make residential mortgage loans directly to individual homebuyers for owner-occupied housing, while allowing certain down-payment assistance and emphasizing that the commission is not intended to function as a retail mortgage lender. Discussion focused on whether removing language about using public funds could create concern about state-backed lending; supporters said the bill modernizes outdated law and clarifies intent, while opponents worried about taxpayer exposure and competition with private lenders. The committee voted 13-4 to advance the substitute. House Bill 2269, on middle housing and on-site sewage systems, was described as restoring current law so any county may allow middle housing in LAMIRDs, while limiting septic use to middle housing in LAMIRDs and requiring public sewer in non-rural counties. The sponsor said the substitute reflected collaboration with stakeholders and was a step toward expanding middle housing in rural areas. The committee unanimously approved the substitute 17-0. House Bill 2118 was discussed in staff briefing but was not moved during the executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• more expensive and less affordable.
• struggling to afford care.
• developments to deliver more affordable homes overall.
• to affordable housing developers.
• And a house that was affordable to someone who was a first-time home buyer was affordable in only one

Bills: HB2367, HB1974, HB2650, HB2626

Keywords: coal-fired plant, preferential treatment, energy policy, electric generation, regulatory reform, land bank, land banking authority, affordable housing, housing crisis, housing supply, public corporation, public housing authority, nonprofit housing, tax-foreclosed property, blight remediation, redevelopment, anti-displacement, equity, redlining, racial segregation

Summary: House Finance heard public testimony on several bills. HB 2367 would end certain exemptions for the Centralia coal plant by limiting its Climate Commitment Act exemption to pre-2026 emissions, removing restrictions on additional greenhouse gas requirements, and repealing coal sales and use tax exemptions. Staff and the sponsor said the bill would help keep the plant’s transition away from coal on track; business and utility-related witnesses asked for amendments to preserve allowance market stability, while climate advocates strongly supported the bill. The hearing was closed without a vote. HB 1974 would authorize public housing authorities, public corporations, and nonprofits to operate as land banks for affordable housing, give counties priority to land banks for tax-foreclosed property, and create property tax, leasehold excise tax, and REET exemptions tied to land bank activity, with a JLARC review required. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would help move underused and public land into affordable housing production, including starter homes and mixed-income projects. One question focused on whether public land should remain in public ownership longer-term; the sponsor said land banks and land trusts can work together, but financing can be difficult with very long covenants. The hearing was closed. HB 2650, an agency-request bill from the Department of Revenue, would standardize notice and effective-date rules for local REET and lodging tax changes and clarify documentation for affordable housing sales and use tax deferrals. DOR said the changes would improve administration with minimal fiscal impact, and the bill’s sponsor described it as a simple alignment measure. The only public testimony was from DOR in support, and the hearing was closed. HB 2626 would raise the premium tax on health maintenance organizations, health care service contractors, and self-funded multiple employer welfare arrangements from 2% to 3%, remove a dentistry-related exemption, and create a new 1% tax on certain disability and group stop-loss insurers. The sponsor said the bill is intended to help backfill expected health care funding gaps and support Apple Health and subsidies, and asked about a possible amendment to prevent pass-through to consumers. Insurers, business groups, and dental plans opposed the bill, warning it would raise premiums, reduce affordability, and potentially affect employer coverage decisions; patient and advocacy witnesses supported the revenue concept but urged that proceeds be directed to health care subsidies and protections against pass-through. No vote was taken, and the committee also announced amendment deadlines and a 4 p.m. meeting the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• The goal of those restrictions is generally to maintain long-term affordability.
• So the affordability qualifications are really going to be in there, locked in there by their bylaws,
• This keeps homes affordable for getting in there and also getting out.
• We need to make it easier for private developers and the market to provide affordable housing.
• We're and the market to provide affordable housing. We're worried a little bit about the model.

Bills: HB1983, HB1974, HB2334, HB2367, HB2650, HB2655

Keywords: timberland, real estate, excise tax, governmental entities, property taxation, land bank, land banking authority, affordable housing, housing crisis, housing supply, public corporation, public housing authority, nonprofit housing, tax-foreclosed property, blight remediation, redevelopment, anti-displacement, equity, redlining, racial segregation

Summary: House Finance held public hearings on several bills. HB 2451, a substitute bill on local tax increment financing, would add conditions on where increment areas can be designated, require more detailed project analyses and earlier notice/consultation with affected taxing districts, expand dispute resolution steps, and exempt preexisting TIF areas from some changes; cities, ports, and fire/public safety stakeholders testified in support, saying the bill reflects a negotiated compromise and improves protections for impacted districts. HB 2322 would change the alternative jet fuel incentive program from a production-capacity trigger to a date-certain start, add carbon-intensity scoring for fuels outside the Clean Fuels Program, and extend the credits through 2046; supporters said it gives certainty and helps develop sustainable aviation fuel, while an opponent argued the bill subsidizes continued fuel burning and urged reducing flights instead. HB 2590 would exempt limited equity cooperatives from WUCIOA unless they opt in, move and revise the statutory definition of LECs, and let cooperatives set certain resale and return terms in their governing documents; supporters said it removes mismatched legal barriers to affordable homeownership, while members raised concerns about unintended restrictive eligibility rules and asked about fair housing limits. HB 2655 would create a new sales and use tax exemption for certain new data centers in a specific eastern Washington county, conditioned on labor standards, job creation, and sustainability certifications; labor and economic development supporters said it would bring jobs and support related clean-energy projects, while opponents criticized the subsidy and the project labor/community workforce agreement requirements. The committee then took executive action and reported out HB 1983, HB 1974 as amended, HB 2334 as amended, HB 2367, and HB 2650, all with do-pass recommendations; HB 2367’s amendment to remove the emergency clause failed, and the committee adjourned after passing HB 2650 unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, you know, she can't afford rent otherwise, and she certainly can't afford rent in the Bellevue area
• Housing Program, or the Covenant Homeownership Program.
• Third, the bill updates the Affordable Housing Program.
• Our aim is to provide publicly owned, permanently affordable, mixed-income housing, affordable to households
• Housing Program, or the Covenant Home Ownership Program.

Bills: SB6069, SB6167, SB6201, SB6205, SB6001, SB6026, SB6054, SGA9278, SGA9279

Keywords: affordable housing, homelessness, homeless shelter, emergency shelter, emergency housing, supportive housing, permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, low-income housing, very low-income, extremely low-income, housing crisis, land use, zoning, local preemption, urban growth area, UGA, planning, development regulations, permitting

Summary: The committee heard Senate Bill 6201, which would create property tax and real estate excise tax exemptions for property used as affordable housing by social housing agencies, with a 50% occupancy threshold for households at or below 80% of area median income and a 15-year covenant requirement. Staff outlined the bill’s tax and fiscal impacts, and the prime sponsor, Senator Slatter, described it as a tool to expand permanently affordable workforce housing. Testimony from social housing advocates supported the measure, saying the exemptions would lower project costs and rents, while a committee member raised questions about how the occupancy requirement would be verified at the time of purchase. The public hearing on SB 6201 was later closed after testimony from Seattle Social Housing representatives. The committee also heard gubernatorial appointments to the Washington State Housing Finance Commission from Pedro Espinoza and Diana H. Perez, both of whom described their construction, public service, and housing-related backgrounds and their interest in expanding homeownership and housing access statewide. Members asked about their experience and local housing needs, and both nominees emphasized the importance of housing affordability and collaboration with local governments. Senate Bill 6205 was briefed and heard, proposing accountability changes for the Community Reinvestment Account, the Affordable Housing Program, and the Covenant Homeownership Program. The bill would bar officers and family members from benefiting from grants, require Commerce to prioritize grants based on need, broaden priority for organizations serving people disproportionately impacted by homelessness, and require biannual evaluations of grants and loans. Senator Braun said the bill was intended to address reported misuse and improve transparency and trust in state-funded housing programs. The committee then heard and later acted on several bills in executive session: it adopted a technical substitute and passed SB 6001 on scissor stairs; rejected Goehner amendments but passed SB 6026 on limiting commercial-ground-floor requirements in housing zones; adopted a substitute and passed SB 6054 on fire-hardened building materials in common interest communities; and later heard SB 6069 on step housing, where supporters said it would reduce local barriers to shelters and supportive housing while cities and counties argued for more flexibility and operational agreements. The committee also heard SB 6167, which would prohibit homebuyers from stacking multiple state-funded down payment assistance awards, with the sponsor saying it would spread limited funds to more households and opponents/testifiers raising concerns about access and fairness.

Transcript Highlights:

• These restrictive covenants do not enhance patient care or improve health care access; rather, they limit
• communities that we serve<00:24:35.120><c> these</c><00:24:35.360><c> restrictive</c><00:24:35.880><c> covenants
• </c><00:24:36.440><c> do</c><00:24:36.600><c> not</c> serve these restrictive covenants do not serve
• these restrictive covenants do not enhance<00:24:37.279><c> patient</c><00:24:37.640><c> care</c><00:

Bills: HF1355, HF1469, HF1768

Keywords: commercial diving, scuba diving safety, aquatic plant management, workplace safety, environmental regulations, HF1469, Minnesota, workforce development, job training, job skills training, reentry, reentry services, formerly incarcerated, ex-offenders, inmates, recently released inmates, felony conviction, felony-level offense, corrections, prison release

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1604, HB1798, HB1002, HB1065, HB1155, HB1269, HB1916, HB2120, HB2123, HB2158, HB2178, HB2264, HB2309, HB2411, HJM4004

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, a National Anthem performance, and a prayer offered by Washington Army National Guard Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Cole. The chamber then adopted House Resolution 4675, honoring the Washington National Guard for its service in emergencies, search and rescue, disaster response, and military readiness. Members spoke in support, highlighting the Guard’s history, its role in recent flood and landslide responses, and the sacrifices of service members and their families. The resolution passed by voice vote, and Guard leadership and members present in the galleries were recognized. The House also recognized Congressman Dan Newhouse in a point of personal privilege, with remarks praising his service in state and federal office and his ties to agriculture. The chamber then moved to the Fourth Order of Business and debated a motion to suspend House rules to send two initiatives to the Education Committee for prompt public hearings. Supporters argued the Constitution requires precedence for initiatives and that the House should hear them promptly; opponents argued the Constitution allows the Legislature to take no action and that the motion was unnecessary. The motion to suspend the rules failed on a recorded vote, 38 yeas and 57 nays, with three excused. Next, members debated the routine motion to refer the bills, memorials, measures, and resolutions on the introduction sheet to committee. Some members again argued the two initiatives should be given priority and public hearings before other business, while others supported normal referral of the day’s measures. The motion passed on a recorded vote, 57 yeas and 38 nays, with three excused. Committee reports were then accepted and referred as designated, and the House adjourned until Thursday, January 29 at 10:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• from today will serve in agencies that touch on every single aspect of our economy, from housing affordability
• I believe that safe, affordable housing is not just a government program.
• Affordable housing matters to Nevadans and HUD is a reliable resource in my state.
• I can tell you that housing affordability is a major problem in Georgia.
• Who are concerned about the affordability of housing.

Keywords: legislation, housing affordability, financial regulation, public testimony, accountability, oversight

Summary: The meeting involved significant discussions around key legislative proposals, primarily focusing on various bills such as HB2 and SB5. The committee examined the implications of these bills on issues like housing affordability and financial regulation. Notable members engaged in debates, providing differing perspectives on the potential economic impacts of the proposed bills. The meeting witnessed public testimony, which included a call for accountability in government actions and oversight of current financial policies. Members echoed concerns about following through on commitments to address critical issues affecting everyday Americans.

Transcript Highlights:

• So significant affordability challenges during that period.
• We have recently made higher education more affordable.
• We have recently had higher education more affordable.
• We were able to win permanent affordability for all 347 units.
• Half of them are being affordable. Go to other cities.

Bills: H5008

Keywords: rent control, housing stability, tenants rights, affordability crisis, consumer protection

Summary: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on Initiative Petition 25-21, House Bill 508, an act to protect tenants by limiting rent increases. The chair explained the ballot process under Article 48 and outlined the hearing structure. The first witness, a Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies researcher, described Massachusetts’ worsening rental affordability, explained how rent regulation policies are typically designed, and reviewed research suggesting rent regulation can slow rent growth and improve tenant stability, while also noting concerns about reduced supply, quality, and implementation details. She compared the proposal to other state and local rent-stabilization laws and said the measure would cap increases at the lower of CPI or 5%, exempt certain housing types, and apply to new tenants as well as current tenants because it would not allow vacancy decontrol. Supporters of the petition argued that rent stabilization is needed to address displacement and immediate affordability pressures while broader housing production continues. The proponent from Homes for All Massachusetts said the policy is a grassroots response to corporate rent hikes and cited examples of tenants facing steep increases. A tenant from Arlington described a long dispute after a building was purchased by an investment firm and rents were raised sharply, saying the experience showed how rent increases can function as eviction. A union leader said high rents are forcing workers out of the communities they serve, and two experts testified that rent stabilization can reduce displacement and provide broad, immediate benefits. Committee members asked about the proposal’s exemptions, the 10-year new-construction carveout, vacancy decontrol, and whether the policy could discourage development; supporters said the bill targets large landlords, preserves room for small owners, and should be viewed as a complement to new housing production. Opponents, including small property owners, a chamber of commerce representative, a union official, and a landlord, argued the measure would hurt small landlords, reduce investment, and slow housing production. They said operating costs such as taxes, insurance, and maintenance rise faster than the proposed cap, and warned that capping rents would lower property values and tax revenues. Several opponents emphasized that many housing providers are not large corporations but local “mom-and-pop” owners, and one said the proposal would discourage pension funds and other investors from financing new projects. Committee members pressed opponents on what alternatives they would support for affordability, and opponents pointed to increased housing production and other housing policies instead of rent control. No vote or final action was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So significant affordability challenges during that period.
• We have recently had higher education become more affordable.
• We have recently had higher education more affordable.
• Half of them are being affordable. Go to other cities.
• Half of them are being affordable. Go to other cities.

Bills: H5008

Keywords: rent control, housing stability, tenants rights, affordability crisis, consumer protection, 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But these treatments don't do any good if people cannot afford them.
• People go to the doctor, they get a prescription, they can't afford it. That's absurd.
• Its mission is to make medical products more effective, safer, and more affordable.
• More affordable.
• And today in America, tens of millions of people cannot afford those treatments.

Keywords: public health, nominations, NIH, FDA, drug affordability, transparency, pharmaceutical industry, healthcare accessibility

Summary: The meeting focused on vital health-related nominations, primarily emphasizing the roles of Dr. Jay Bhattacharya for NIH Director and Dr. Monty McCary for FDA Commissioner. During the discussion, various senators expressed their support and concerns regarding these nominations. Senator Sanders voiced opposition to both candidates, highlighting issues related to drug affordability and public trust in health agencies. He emphasized the need for leaders committed to transparency and addressing the epidemic of high prescription drug prices, advocating for action against pharmaceutical industry greed. Overall, the conversation underscored the critical crossroads in public health leadership amidst ongoing challenges such as trust restoration and healthcare accessibility.

Bills: SB1365, SB2139

Keywords: SB1365, Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act, procurement exemption, competitive bidding, state purchasing, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, tourism department, merchandise for resale, gift shops, lodges, golf pro shops, state parks, restaurant contracting, retail outlets, public procurement, purchasing flexibility, Title 74, emergency clause, restrictive covenants, discriminatory covenants

Bills: SB1365, SB2139

Keywords: SB1365, Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act, procurement exemption, competitive bidding, state purchasing, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, tourism department, merchandise for resale, gift shops, lodges, golf pro shops, state parks, restaurant contracting, retail outlets, public procurement, purchasing flexibility, Title 74, emergency clause, restrictive covenants, discriminatory covenants

Summary: The Government Oversight committee met briefly with a prayer and then heard two Senate bills. Senate Bill 1365, presented by Representative Townley, updates and modernizes statutory language for the tourism promotional fund, caps the fund at $75,000, and exempts tourism and recreation purchases from the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act so tourism venues such as golf courses and lodges can keep stock on hand without procurement delays. After a do pass motion and no debate, the committee approved the bill 7-4 and reported it out. Representative Kelly then presented Senate Bill 2139, which provides clarifying language to Senate Bill 1617 from 2024. Kelly said it resulted from a year of research and stakeholder discussion and had passed unanimously in the Senate. The committee moved the bill with no questions or debate and approved it 11-0. The chair then thanked members for their work and adjourned the meeting, noting it was likely the last meeting.

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1604, HB1798, HB1002, HB1065, HB1155, HB1269, HB1916, HB2120, HB2123, HB2158, HB2178, HB2264, HB2309, HB2411, HJM4004

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, the flags were presented by the Washington National Guard Color Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem were observed, and a prayer was offered by a Washington Army National Guard chaplain. The chamber then adopted House Resolution 4675, honoring the Washington National Guard for its service in disaster response, search and rescue, military readiness, and community support. Representatives Donaghy and Lee spoke in support, emphasizing the Guard’s role in floods, landslides, and other emergencies, and the resolution passed by voice vote. The Speaker also recognized visiting Guard members and guests from the Nespelem tribe, and a member used personal privilege to honor Congressman Dan Newhouse and his public service. The main legislative dispute centered on how to handle two certified initiatives, IL-26-638 and IL-26-001. Representative Couture moved to suspend House rules and refer the initiatives to the Education Committee for prompt public hearings, arguing the Constitution requires precedence for initiatives. Representative Fitzgibbon opposed, citing Amendment 7 and the legislature’s option to take no action. After debate from several members on both sides about constitutional duty, precedence, and the meaning of “no action,” the motion failed on a recorded vote, 38 yeas and 57 nays, with three excused. The House then considered the regular motion to send the bills, memorials, resolutions, and initiatives on the introduction sheet to their designated committees. Supporters said this was the normal referral process; opponents argued the two initiatives should be given priority and held at the desk. After further debate, the motion passed on a recorded vote, 57 yeas and 38 nays, with three excused. Committee reports were then accepted by consent, and the House adjourned until 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 29.

Transcript Highlights:

• The program covered a medical debt of mine for about 10 years." to afford to pay off.
• I could not afford to pay due to limited income and high rent.
• I could not afford to keep doctor's appointments nor my specialist appointment.
• Minnesotans who carry medical debt just cannot pay it back, and it eats away at their ability to afford
• adult patients of mine resorted to eating dog or cat food mixed with water because they could not afford

Bills: HF1646, HF2443

Keywords: medical debt, debt relief, healthcare financing, consumer protection, financial hardship, commerce, cannabis, insurance, housing, ombudsperson, affordability, property, task force, financial institutions

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> years ago that I was not able to afford years ago that I was not able to afford to<00:04:20.239>
• I could not afford income and high rent.
• But we can also agree that no one should ever have to choose between affording their lives and affording
• But we can also agree that no one should ever have to choose between affording their lives and affording
• This was house affordability task force.

Bills: HF1646, HF2443

Keywords: medical debt, debt relief, healthcare financing, consumer protection, financial hardship, commerce, cannabis, insurance, housing, ombudsperson, affordability, property, task force, financial institutions, 1183, house

Bills: HB188, HB52

Keywords: healthcare, insurance, patient rights, medical treatment, access, affordability, income tax, CHOOSE Act, education funding, ABLE account, tax credits, poverty threshold, legislative funding, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am grateful for the Early Achievers program that has afforded both my staff and I our bachelor's and
• I am grateful for the Early Achievers program that has afforded both my staff and I our bachelor's and
• As a working mom, I know firsthand we need to do much more to make quality child care affordable and
• It shifts the cost to providers and, essentially, to families who cannot afford more.
• It shifts the cost to providers and, essentially, to families who cannot afford more.

Bills: HB1347, HB2091, HB2264

Keywords: education, funding, student loans, affordability, higher education, public employers, employee information, bargaining representatives, labor relations, union representation, unemployment insurance, benefits, employment, layoffs, workforce reduction, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Affordability is super important.
• I have 21 years of experience in the affordable housing space.
• I'm currently the treasurer of the Pacific Northwest Women's Affordable Housing Network.
• I have 21 years of experience in the affordable housing space.
• I'm currently the treasurer of the Pacific Northwest Women's Affordable Housing Network.

Bills: SB6015, SB6069, SB6096, SB6200, SB6201, SB6214, SB6237, SGA9280, SGA9281

Keywords: residential building, construction permits, housing development, planning efficiency, state regulations, affordable housing, homelessness, homeless shelter, emergency shelter, emergency housing, supportive housing, permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, low-income housing, very low-income, extremely low-income, housing crisis, land use, zoning, local preemption

Summary: The Senate Housing Committee met on cutoff day and first considered two gubernatorial appointments to the Housing Finance Commission. Aaron T. McGrath and Ann T. Malone each testified about their backgrounds in affordable housing, finance, and related volunteer work, and both were warmly supported by committee members. No votes were taken on the appointments during the hearing portion described. The committee then heard and later advanced several housing-related bills. ESHB 1500 would expand and standardize condominium and HOA resale certificate requirements by adding reserve studies, audits, and governing documents, limiting certain fees, allowing rush charges, and creating enforcement rights; the bill drew support from Realtors and community association representatives, though they raised concerns about third-party processing and attorney fee provisions. EHB 1501 would require associations to respond to certified written inquiries from unit owners within 30 days, allow reasonable rules on frequency and manner of inquiries, and provide attorney fee recovery in enforcement actions; testimony supported the consumer-protection goal but asked for clearer limits and coordination with existing HOA law. EHB 1345 would allow detached accessory dwelling units outside urban growth areas under detailed local standards, water/septic requirements, and code enforcement rules; it received broad support from builders, counties, and housing advocates as a rural housing option. In executive session, the committee adopted amendments and passed several bills out of committee: SB 5470 on detached ADUs outside UGAs, SB 5729 on streamlining affordable housing permitting, SB 6015 on permit-ready residential building plans, SB 6069 on supportive, transitional, and emergency housing, SB 6096 on delayed utility connection fees, SB 6200 on portable cooling devices for tenants, SB 6201 on social housing tax exemptions, SB 6214 on land bank authorities, and SB 6237 on flood-risk disclosures in rental housing. Most were sent either to Rules or Ways and Means, and several members noted ongoing stakeholder negotiations and concerns about implementation, liability, local control, and fiscal impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under current law, there are regulations, restrictive covenants, and local ordinance, contract rental
• tremendous Respect for the concern I have is that there are many other groups who we might want to also afford

Bills: HF2185, HF1849, HF3719, HF3721, HF3845, HF3720

Keywords: flag display, residential property rights, homeowners association, HOA, covenants, restrictive covenant, deed restriction, subdivision regulation, local ordinance, rental agreement, property rights, patriotic display, United States flag, Minnesota flag, POW/MIA flag, military flags, armed forces flag, Blue Star flag, Gold Star flag, common interest community

Transcript Highlights:

• protect the state and its residents against the effects of climate change on the availability and affordability
• groundswell of support for this resolution that many people are interested in addressing issues of affordability

Bills: SCR118, SCR173

Keywords: climate change, insurance affordability, working group, disaster recovery, fossil fuel companies, insurance stability, Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund, ticket scalping, task force, consumer protection, event accessibility, local economy, 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Consumer Protection heard two resolutions. SCR 118 SD1 would urge the Insurance Division and the Attorney General to convene a working group on climate change impacts on insurance availability and affordability. The Insurance Division deferred to written testimony, while the Attorney General opposed the measure because of an ongoing lawsuit, asking that references to legal recovery and the AG’s role in convening the group be removed. Members questioned how the resolution might relate to the state’s climate damages litigation and whether it could inform damages calculations. The committee later recommended passage with amendments, including removing the Attorney General as co-convener and changing certain membership references to board chairs; the motion passed unanimously with one excused member. The committee also heard SCR 173 SD1, which would create a task force on event ticket scalping. The Office of Consumer Protection supported the concept but asked to be added as a task force member and said the draft left its role unclear. Supporters, including the National Independent Venue Association and D-BAT, described high resale prices, fraudulent or speculative tickets, and harm to consumers and local businesses. StubHub and the Ticket Policy Forum supported the task force but urged broader scope to include the primary ticket market and ticket sellers, and StubHub also sought inclusion on the task force. Members discussed whether the task force should focus on the secondary market or the broader ticketing ecosystem, and whether the Office of Consumer Protection should be part of the task force or only consulted. The vice chair recommended passage with amendments adding the Office of Consumer Protection as a member and clarifying the consultation language, and the committee adopted that recommendation unanimously with one excused member.