Transcript Highlights:

• We support tenants navigating habitability issues and displacement, and we push for stronger laws that
• sales prices of land acquired or transferred, and progress toward advancing equity, preventing displacement
• housing and lot-splitting bill, will help increase the number of affordable homes for sale, reduce displacement
• , and keep people in their communities rather than being displaced.
• I also strongly support the equity and anti-displacement components of this bill.

Bills: HB1974, HB2265, HB2452

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 Housing Committee held public hearings on three bills. HB 2265, sponsored by Rep. Mena, would add tenant protections during extreme heat by allowing portable cooling devices, requiring landlords in the RLTA to provide cooling as reasonably required, and barring physical evictions during declared extreme heat periods. Committee members and the sponsor raised questions about how “reasonably required” cooling would be defined, how the eviction pause would work with sheriffs and unlawful detainer timelines, and whether the bill could raise rents or create liability and operational problems for landlords. Public testimony was split: supporters cited the 2021 heat dome, climate projections, and deaths from overheating, while opponents from landlord and property manager groups warned about costs, safety, building capacity, and eviction delays. Several witnesses asked for amendments, and the sponsor said she was open to further work on implementation details. The committee then heard HB 1974, a proposed substitute authorizing land banks in county urban growth areas to acquire, hold, improve, and transfer property for affordable housing, with tax exemptions and affordability requirements. The bill sponsor described it as a scaled-back version developed through an interim work group, and supporters from land banks, housing authorities, developers, youth shelter providers, and housing advocates said it would help assemble land, reduce costs, and support affordable and starter-home production. A counties representative also testified in support but said the grant program removed from the substitute would be worth restoring. One member asked staff about the bill’s priority transfer of tax-foreclosed property to land banks and whether that could affect surplus proceeds, and staff said the language applies to properties that have already gone through the auction process, though the terminology may need further review. Finally, the committee heard HB 2452, which would change service requirements for rent increase notices by allowing personal delivery, regular mail, or posting on the dwelling unit, instead of the current certified-mail-style requirement tied to unlawful detainer notices. The sponsor said the current system has led to notices not reaching tenants and unnecessary costs, and supporters from landlord, property management, realtor, and business groups said certified mail is expensive, inefficient, and often ineffective. Tenant advocates opposed the bill, arguing that mail-only service weakens notice protections and can cause tenants to miss time-sensitive rent increases; they said any reform should preserve door posting or personal service. The committee took no votes on any of the bills and closed the public hearings after testimony.

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.

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.

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 then finally, displacement.
• </c> you're talking about AI displacing you're talking about AI displacing hundreds<01:04:59.039><c>
• </c> increasing the amount of displacement increasing the amount of displacement taking<01:05:38.000>
• </c><01:06:48.720><c> taking</c> amounts of of worker displacement taking amounts of of worker displacement
• /c><01:31:40.719><c> for</c> anti- retaliation protections for anti- retaliation protections for workers

Bills: HF1316, HF4369

Keywords: HF1316, child support, new hire reporting, centralized work reporting system, independent contractors, payors, employers, payor of funds, withholding orders, income withholding, child support enforcement, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, gig economy, rideshare drivers, delivery drivers, 1099, W-9, W-4, newly hired workers, rehired employees

Bills: SCR184, SCR169, SCR47, SCR57, SCR170, SCR163, SCR189

Keywords: SCR184, Senate Concurrent Resolution 184, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, HCRC, civil rights, anti-discrimination, algorithmic decision making, automated decision making, artificial intelligence, AI bias, machine learning, employment screening, tenant screening, housing discrimination, credit decisions, lending discrimination, public benefits eligibility, state services, equal opportunity, algorithmic discrimination

Summary: The committee met in Room 430 on April 17 at 8:30 a.m. and heard several resolutions focused on Hawaii’s sister-state and international relationships. Measures discussed included SCR 184, SCR 169 SD1, SCR 47, SCR 57 SD1, SCR 170 SD1, and SCR 163 SD1. Testimony generally supported expanding or formalizing ties with Japanese prefectures and other partners, including Yamaguchi, Okayama, and Aotearoa/New Zealand, as well as maintaining the Hawaii-Taiwan relationship. DBED’s Dennis Ling explained that sister-state agreements provide a framework for broader government, nonprofit, and private-sector relationships, and cited existing exchanges in transportation, health, education, culinary rice development, biosecurity, and food innovation. Catherine Stanway of the Division of Forestry and Wildlife supported the Aotearoa measure for predator control, biosecurity, and conservation cooperation. Jerry Chang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office testified in support of the Taiwan resolution, noting 33 years of sister-state ties and ongoing cooperation in education, culture, economy, and disaster management. One witness raised a concern about language in SCR 57 SD1 related to double taxation, saying that portion did not relate to the sister-state relationship, but the committee chose not to amend the measure to avoid possible delay or conference issues. A committee member also asked about how sister-state relationships work and whether other states have similar country-level arrangements; Ling said Hawaii has an MOU with Israel and mentioned Singapore as another possible partner, while noting that such arrangements often depend on the governor and are not standardized across states. After testimony, the committee voted to recommend passage of all measures as is. SCR 184, SCR 169 SD1, SCR 47, SCR 57 SD1, SCR 170 SD1, and SCR 163 SD1 were all adopted by the committee without amendments. Some members were excused during the hearing, and the meeting adjourned after the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're also considering the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act, clarifying the definition of anti-Semitism, giving
• Not anti-Semitic.
• Making that point is not anti-Semitic.
• The Anti-Semitism Act is focused on standardizing the definition of anti-semitism for the enforcement
• of federal anti-discrimination laws.

Bills: SB163, SB558

Keywords: civil rights, higher education, discrimination, complaints, awareness campaign, antisemitism, education, Civil Rights Act, IHRA definition, federal enforcement, Jewish community, anti-discrimination laws, Anti-Semitism Awareness Act, Protecting Students on Campus Act, First Amendment, Senator Tim Scott, free speech, college campuses, legislation, Trump administration

Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on reviewing two significant bills: S558, the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act of 2025, and S163, the Protecting Students on Campus Act. Senator Tim Scott introduced S558, emphasizing its importance in combatting anti-Jewish violence and harassment, and providing the Department of Education with necessary tools to investigate incidents of anti-Semitism on college campuses. The bill sparked a vigorous debate among members who expressed concerns over potential implications for free speech, particularly regarding its definitions of anti-Semitism, and whether it would infringe upon First Amendment rights.

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that campus-based anti-Semitism serves as a predictor for anti-Semitic incidents in surrounding
• Anti-Semitism is now a industry.
• And in terms of anti-semitism...
• . anti-Semitism as non-existent.
• that these anti-Israel, pro-Hamas, anti-Semitic protests that the tents all match?

Keywords: anti-Semitism, hate crimes, college campuses, civil rights, public safety, protests, intimidation

Summary: The committee meeting focused on addressing the rising tide of anti-Semitism across the nation. Among the discussions, members expressed concerns about the disturbing acts of hate witnessed on college campuses, with instances of harassment and intimidation targeting Jewish students being highlighted. High-profile incidents, including vandalism and the display of extremist symbols, prompted urgent calls for investigations and measures to protect civil rights. The importance of moral clarity in confronting such hate crimes was emphasized as well, outlining the responsibilities of leaders to ensure safety and uphold justice.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill provides relative to coverage for orally administered anti-cancer medications.
• House Bill 76 provides relative to coverage for orally administered anti-cancer medications.
• deductible, cost-sharing obligation, or annual out-of-pocket maximum under the health coverage plan for anti-cancer

Bills: HB591, HB766

Keywords: family leave, insurance, paid leave, employment benefits, caregiver support, cancer treatment, anti-cancer medications, health insurance, copayment, cost-sharing, health policy, 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> providing oversight for what displaced providing oversight for what displaced tenants<01:14:10.600
• So that could also displaced person.
• families</c> displaced families displaced families which<01:22:37.240><c> were</c><01:22:37.520><c>
• Um that they that they were displaced.
• </c> assurance for people who are displaced assurance for people who are displaced speaking<01:24:04.720

Bills: HB2614, HB1660, HB1704, HB1563, HB1573, HB1777, HB1749

Keywords: cosmetics, returns, refunds, consumer protection, high-pressure sales, transparency, accountability, HB1660, Hawaii, county labor standards, counties, contractors, building permits, permit denial, permit suspension, permit revocation, wage theft, wages, benefits, hours

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 2614, which would require merchants selling cosmetics to accept returns of newer unopened goods within specified time frames and expand signage requirements for return and refund policies. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection strongly supported the bill, citing updated figures of 180 cosmetic complaints from 2020 to 2025, 54 still under investigation, 148 referred to class action litigation, and more than $1.3 million in consumer losses. Members questioned whether the bill was needed given the pending lawsuit and whether bad actors would comply, while the office responded that clearer signage would improve consumer awareness and could reduce complaints without limiting other remedies. No vote was taken. The committee then heard HB 1660 HD1, which would allow counties to require contractors to disclose wage, benefit, hour, and employment-status information and to deny, revoke, or suspend permits for certain labor-law violations. DLIR, the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters, Operating Engineers Local 3, and Pacific Resource Partnership testified in support, arguing the measure would help deter cheating contractors, protect law-abiding employers, and keep bad actors from undercutting wages and taxes. One member raised concerns about possible delays to affordable housing projects and whether owners should be held responsible for contractors’ misconduct; supporters replied that compliance is a minimum standard, that county action would be discretionary rather than automatic, and that the bill would not bar counties from working with affordable housing developers. No action was reported. Finally, the committee took up HB 1704, adopting the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact to allow telepsychology and temporary in-person practice across state lines. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the State Health Planning and Development Agency, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans supported the measure, saying it would help fill major staffing gaps, especially for forensic evaluations and services in rural and neighbor-island communities. The Board of Psychology raised concerns about the compact’s scope, the need for a study focused specifically on psychologists, background-check requirements, possible loss of regulatory authority and revenue, and the need to update older statutory provisions. Hawaii Association for Justice opposed the immunity language in the compact, and Shawn Scanlon opposed the bill, arguing it could weaken cultural responsiveness and local control and suggesting the state instead improve temporary licensing and other in-state pathways. The committee also questioned the Department of Corrections about its vacancies and whether telehealth could be filled by local providers; no vote was taken in the excerpt.

Bills: HB0015, HB0017, HB0019

Keywords: right to repair, digital electronics, consumer protection, embedded software, manufacturers, repair providers, tools and documentation, anti-theft measures, blockchain, financial technology, digital innovation, economic development, select committee, trespass, hunting, land use, public access, wildlife, 916, all

Bills: HB0015, HB0017, HB0019

Keywords: right to repair, digital electronics, consumer protection, embedded software, manufacturers, repair providers, tools and documentation, anti-theft measures, blockchain, financial technology, digital innovation, economic development, select committee, trespass, hunting, land use, public access, wildlife, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's why we passed anti-fraud measures in '23 and '24 and again in 2025 as our understanding of the scope
• It's also why the House DFL is proposing a robust anti-fraud package this session to address the root
• </c><01:22:38.200><c> package</c><01:22:38.680><c> this</c><01:22:39.000><c> session</c> a robust anti-fraud
• package this session a robust anti-fraud package this session to<01:22:40.040><c> address</c><01:22:
• </c> If this office and our anti-fraud If this office and our anti-fraud package<01:26:30.520><c> becomes

Bills: HF1338

Keywords: Inspector General, Office of the Inspector General, state oversight, government accountability, fraud, waste, abuse, audit, investigation, subpoena, whistleblower, public integrity, transparency, state agencies, executive branch, public funds, taxpayer funds, law enforcement oversight, public safety programs, advisory council

Bills: HB162, HB376, HB425, SB96, HB426

Keywords: homelessness, homeless individuals, unsheltered, transient, shelter, encampment, street outreach, relocation, displacement, law enforcement, municipal government, county government, local government, interjurisdictional transport, Class A misdemeanor, criminal penalties, public safety, social services, Alabama Code 15-20A-4, environmental regulation

Bills: H5112, S2921, H4914

Keywords: genetic discrimination, genetic testing, genetic information, DNA, hereditary risk, insurance underwriting, life insurance, health insurance, long-term care insurance, disability insurance, medical privacy, consumer protection, anti-discrimination, insurer regulation, Commissioner of Insurance, chapter 176D, underwriting, hereditary disease, genomics, travel insurance

Bills: HB0066, HJ0005, HB0010

Keywords: administrative law, judicial review, agency deference, Chevron deference, de novo review, state agencies, regulatory interpretation, statutory interpretation, separation of powers, individual liberty, administrative procedure, agency action, Wyoming Supreme Court, district court review, oil and gas inspector, regulatory challenge, anti-deference, law enforcement, memorial, Patrolman Rosa

Bills: HB45, HB79, SB79

Keywords: Medicaid, colorectal cancer, screening tests, noninvasive tests, preventive care, off-label, pharmacists, medical treatment, state board of pharmacy, employment protection, sex-based terminology, gender identity, male, female, man, woman, boy, girl, single-sex spaces, women's rights

Bills: HB1011, SCR11, SB41, SB49, SB107, SB123, SB224, SB292, SB425, SB479

Keywords: tax credits, higher education, workforce development, brain drain, economic incentives, public meeting minutes, transparency, government accountability, publication deadlines, open meetings, SB49, Louisiana elections, party primary, primary elections, BESE, State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, school board elections, election law, candidate qualification, ballot access

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Leah Martino, and I work for the nonprofit Arizona Anti-Trafficking Network.
• I'm the Deputy Regional Director for the Anti-Defamation League here in Arizona.
• My name is Anna Oliver, here on behalf of the Anti-Defamation League.
• I'm getting real tired of hearing anti-abortion bills over and over again.
• Anti-abortion bills over and over again.

Bills: HB2076, HB2135, HB2175, HB2186, HB2223, HB2345, HB2364, HB2417, HB2440, HB2666, HB2763, HCR2043

Keywords: school safety, employee training, firearm certification, crisis response, school policies, reimbursement fund, local law enforcement, HB2135, Arizona, civil liability, private right of action, DEI, diversity equity and inclusion, critical race theory, anti-racism, race stereotyping, sex stereotyping, race scapegoating, sex scapegoating, gender identity

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here to support the anti-poverty work that Senator D. D. D. D.
• The ENOUGH Act at its core is an anti-poverty strategy.
• outlining the imperatives for anti-poverty action.
• When people hear anti-poverty legislation, they only... ...the goodwill to do it.
• When people hear anti-poverty legislation, they only think about direct services.

Bills: S3022, H5187

Keywords: ENOUGH Act, ENOUGH fund, anti-poverty, poverty reduction, community development, place-based grants, distressed neighborhoods, economic mobility, housing and livable communities, community schools, cradle-to-career, child poverty, intergenerational poverty, social services, workforce development, education equity, public health, behavioral health, mental health, affordable housing