Bills: HB2583, HB1591, HB1749, HB2423

Keywords: HB2583, Hawaii Micro-Lending Credit Enhancement Program, DBEDT, Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, micro-loan, microloan, small business lending, small business financing, loan loss reserve, first-loss reserve, credit enhancement, partial guarantee, risk-sharing, community development financial institution, CDFI, working capital, inventory financing, equipment financing, leasehold improvements, startup loans

Summary: The joint Ways and Means and Consumer Protection meeting was a decision-making session on a series of House bills, with no oral testimony taken. The committees first acted on HB 2583, recommending passage on amended, and HB 1591, recommending passage with amendments related to health care. They also recommended passage on amended for HB 1749 on cesspools and HB 2423 on biodiesel, with each recommendation adopted by the members present. The committees then considered a second agenda block that included HB 2080, HB 1520, HB 1576, HB 1711, HB 1785, HB 1802, HB 1838, HB 1842, HB 1853, HB 1976, HB 2104, HB 2218, HB 2246, HB 2270, HB 2289, HB 2361, HB 2551, and HB 2606. Most were recommended for passage unamended and adopted without objection. HB 1520 was deferred because the Senate bill had already crossed over. HB 1711 was amended to replace the option period established by the corporation with a period of up to 10 years. HB 2289 was amended to remove repeal of a ceiling and set a $1 million expenditure ceiling for the automated victim information and notification system special fund. Several members noted reservations on HB 1842, which involved transfer of the Westridge parcel near a rail station; concerns were raised about the property’s value, the long-term lease status, and whether the city would actually accept or pursue the transfer. HB 1853 was passed unamended, with the committee noting the Lions Association had suggestions that could be addressed later in conference. HB 2218 was passed unamended while adopting DLNR testimony to clarify collaboration with community groups in stewarding public lands and recreational areas. In each case, the stated recommendations were adopted, often with members voting no with reservation rather than in opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• your job to ensure that they're all aware of the impacts that are coming, what's going on, how to improve
• I served on the board of directors of Fort Bend County Levy Improvement District number 11, Fort Bend
• Uh, we are, our member districts include municipal utility districts, water control and improvement districts
• as local officials, we need adequate notification so that we can continue planning for capital improvements

Bills: HB23

Keywords: property tax exemption, ad valorem tax, Texas Tax Code, nonprofit corporation, charitable organization, educational nonprofit, scientific nonprofit, agriculture support, youth programs, community education, county population threshold, large county, local government revenue, leasehold interest, possessory interest, county property tax, nonprofit-owned property

Transcript Highlights:

• They have been waiting and waiting for these safety improvements.
• Improvements. Improvements. Very<00:41:09.640><c> exciting.</c> Very exciting. Very exciting.
• So, we ask for the improvements.
• . improvements. improvements.
• </c> improvement on our stretch of highway. improvement on our stretch of highway.

Bills: HF3599, HF3761, HF3523, HF3515, HF573

Keywords: water treatment, infrastructure, municipal funding, bond issuance, Becker, sewer improvements, sanitation, Hibbing, state bonds, infrastructure funding, capital investment, safety improvements, mobility, U.S. Highway 12, bonds, transportation funding, trails, Prior Lake, bond funding, recreational improvements

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, it's a leasehold, no matter whether it's 99 years, it's a leasehold.
• I don't think the primary issue is that leasehold versus uh leasehold versus uh I understand that part
• I don't think the primary issue is that leasehold versus uh leasehold versus uh I understand that part
• I don't think the primary issue is that leasehold versus uh leasehold versus uh I understand that part
• I don't think the primary issue is that leasehold versus uh leasehold versus uh I understand that part

Bills: SB3302, SB2061, SB2050, SB2102, SB2694, SB2089, SB847

Keywords: SB3302, homemade food products, farm kitchens, home kitchens, Department of Health, DOH, food safety, food labeling, value-added agriculture, small farms, agricultural land, commercial food establishment permit, cottage food, direct-to-consumer sales, local food systems, Hawaii Revised Statutes, chapter 91, farm-to-table, food processing, public health regulation

Summary: The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on April 9, 2026, and heard testimony on several measures. SB 3302 SD1 HD1, dealing with homemade food products, would require the Department of Health to adopt rules for farm kitchens producing homemade food products that are no more stringent than rules for home kitchens. The Department of Health said it supported the bill with technical amendments, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association and Grassroot Institute of Hawaii also supported it. No opposition was heard. A lengthy discussion focused on SB 2061 SD2 HD1, which concerns a 99-year leasehold residential condominium project and HCDA’s rules for sales, income restrictions, and buyback pricing. HCDA supported the bill and said the House draft clarified unclear provisions and would help move the project to pre-sales. Testimony and committee questions centered on whether the project should remain owner-occupied in perpetuity or allow investor purchases after an initial sales period. HCDA explained that the bill was revised to make the project feasible in the market, that 60% of units would be income-restricted for buyers at or below 140% of area median income, and that the remaining units could be sold without owner-occupancy restrictions. Some members and testifiers expressed concern that the bill had shifted away from the original owner-occupancy vision and could become an investment property model, while others argued the changes were necessary for the project to pencil out and compete with fee-simple developments. No vote was taken during the discussion shown. The committee also heard SB 2050 SD1 HD1, which would allow chiropractic students in accredited programs to engage in clinical practice beginning July 1, 2028. The Hawaii Board of Chiropractic and the Hawaii State Chiropractic Association supported the measure, and one testifier described personal experience with student chiropractic care in California. Members questioned why the board requested delaying implementation until 2030, and the board said it needed more time to develop rules because it meets only a few times a year and rulemaking is lengthy. Finally, SB 2102 SD2 HD1, on industrial hemp in commercial feed, was introduced; the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity offered comments, the Department of Health raised concerns about regulating pet food and possible jurisdictional conflict, and a farmer testifying in support suggested narrowing the bill to federally approved livestock feed rather than pet food.

Bills: HB17, HB23

Keywords: property tax, school funding, enrollment changes, inflation adjustment, tax rate notice, property tax exemption, ad valorem tax, Texas Tax Code, nonprofit corporation, charitable organization, educational nonprofit, scientific nonprofit, agriculture support, youth programs, community education, county population threshold, large county, local government revenue, leasehold interest, possessory interest

Bills: HB17, HB23

Keywords: property tax, school funding, enrollment changes, inflation adjustment, tax rate notice, property tax exemption, ad valorem tax, Texas Tax Code, nonprofit corporation, charitable organization, educational nonprofit, scientific nonprofit, agriculture support, youth programs, community education, county population threshold, large county, local government revenue, leasehold interest, possessory interest

Transcript Highlights:

• These companies require improved response from our emergency services district, where Brownsville serves
• I encourage you not to defund road infrastructure improvements, not to defund the police.

Bills: HB17, HB23, SB 10

Keywords: property tax, school funding, enrollment changes, inflation adjustment, tax rate notice, property tax exemption, ad valorem tax, Texas Tax Code, nonprofit corporation, charitable organization, educational nonprofit, scientific nonprofit, agriculture support, youth programs, community education, county population threshold, large county, local government revenue, leasehold interest, possessory interest

Transcript Highlights:

• continued eligibility for federal funding for rail power and other critical public infrastructure improvements
• continued eligibility for federal funding for rail power and other critical public infrastructure improvements

Bills: SB6132

Keywords: indebtedness limits, inland port districts, federal funding, infrastructure improvements, economic development, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For some background, public work is all work, construction, alteration, repair, or improvement other
• For some background, public work is all work, construction, alteration, repair, or improvement other
• The work of the council is intended to identify ways to improve the transportation system and identify
• And it is a commitment to improve traffic safety. Tribal governments strengthen safety initiatives.
• And it is a commitment to improve traffic safety. Tribal governments strengthen safety initiatives.

Bills: SB6132

Keywords: indebtedness limits, inland port districts, federal funding, infrastructure improvements, economic development, 904, all

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills focused on permitting, procurement, transit, ports, and tribal transportation coordination. Substitute Senate Bill 6309 would give regional transit authorities, such as Sound Transit, more flexibility to apply for permits before acquiring property, allow certain construction to proceed despite local height/setback limits when practical, and require local governments to accept complete applications; the sponsor and Sound Transit testified that the bill would speed delivery of light rail and bus rapid transit, and an amendment was described to clarify that permits may issue on property not yet owned if the transit authority remains responsible for obtaining the needed property rights. Substitute Senate Bill 6076 would streamline procurement rules for public utility districts for clean energy generation, storage, transmission, and distribution projects by raising self-performance and contract thresholds, allowing some alternative procurement methods, and expanding limited bidding waivers through 2045; the sponsor, utility representatives, and labor supported it as a response to rising costs, long lead times, and grid reliability needs, while committee members asked about the size of the threshold increases and the scope of the bidding waivers. Substitute Senate Bill 5729 would prohibit local governments from charging applicants for third-party peer review when a licensed staff professional has already reviewed the materials, while still allowing third-party review at the applicant’s cost in certain cases; the sponsor said the bill was narrowed from a broader prior version and was intended to avoid duplicative fees, and builders supported it as a permitting streamlining measure. Senate Bill 6132 would create a narrow debt-cap exception for a single inland port district meeting specified tax-base and tax increment financing criteria; the Port of Moses Lake and a local economic development representative testified in support, saying the measure would help complete a long-planned rail project and related infrastructure, and the sponsor clarified that the bill is intended to apply only to the Port of Moses Lake. Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5374 would require transportation planning and six-year transportation programs to include affected tribal governments and tribal-area impact assessments, and would create a tribal traffic safety coordinator grant program; Senator Kaufman said the bill responds to disproportionate pedestrian fatalities among American Indians and is meant to strengthen consultation and safety partnerships. County representatives supported the policy goal but asked for amendments to better align the bill with existing Growth Management Act tribal coordination and dispute-resolution processes and to add technical assistance references. The committee also heard briefings and testimony on these bills, asked several clarifying questions, and at the end of the hearing announced that bills would be executed the next day, with amendment requests needed as soon as possible.

Bills: HB590

Keywords: lodging tax, Winston County, road improvements, fire departments, local elections, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They watched the improvement at Dakota, which I will say has made a significant improvement with all
• </c> the state to help with the improvements. the state to help with the improvements.
• The $5 million planned improvements.
• Second, regional systems can improve bed utilization.
• And fourth, improve statewide needs.

Bills: HF3700, HF3982, HF3927, HF3933, HF3949, HF4238, HF4275, HF4476, HF4504

Keywords: Duluth, Lake Superior Zoo, capital improvements, funding, bonds, appropriations, capital investment, port development, grant caps, state assistance, navigation facilities, Dakota County, state bonds, park improvements, infrastructure, transportation, safety, congestion, water infrastructure, bond issuance

Bills: SB240

Keywords: capital outlay, capital projects, severance tax bonds, general fund appropriations, supplemental severance tax bonds, UNM School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, infrastructure, state buildings, courts, schools, higher education, road improvements, water and wastewater, tribal infrastructure, tribal projects, public safety, housing, emergency services, bonding

Transcript Highlights:

• And so this is intended to reduce project costs for qualifying affordable Multifamily Development, improving
• Increased housing supply is essential to stabilizing rents and improving access to safe, decent housing

Bills: SB240

Keywords: capital outlay, capital projects, severance tax bonds, general fund appropriations, supplemental severance tax bonds, UNM School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, infrastructure, state buildings, courts, schools, higher education, road improvements, water and wastewater, tribal infrastructure, tribal projects, public safety, housing, emergency services, bonding

Transcript Highlights:

• I spent much of the last six months over at the Environmental Improvement Board working to implement
• New Mexico Environment Department for the purpose of the planning, design, and construction of improvements
• were needed, as were engineering, planning, and design necessary for responsible system growth and improved
• The other aspect of this as we go forward, one of the issues as we've improved wastewater treatment plants
• The other aspect of this as we go forward, one of the issues as we've improved wastewater treatment plants

Bills: SB22, SB310

Keywords: motor vehicle manufacturers, licensing, dealers, franchise agreements, consumer protection, water supply, sewage improvements, environment, funding, Mora County, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um we have a lot of projects that are struggling and they need to have input on how could they improve
• on<00:05:33.960><c> how</c><00:05:34.160><c> could</c><00:05:34.280><c> they</c><00:05:34.360><c> improve
• </c> on how could they improve the process. on how could they improve the process.
• the restrictions that we felt affected the marketability<00:43:41.000><c> of</c><00:43:41.200><c> leasehold
• </c><00:43:41.840><c> units</c> marketability of leasehold units marketability of leasehold units as<

Bills: SB2069, SB2177, SB2342, SB2060, SB2544, SB3011, SB2061, SB2552

Keywords: SB2069, Hawaii housing, HHFDC, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund, equity pilot program, housing affordability, homeownership, first-time homebuyer, for-sale housing, transit-oriented development, TOD, transit-oriented development zone, bus route, bus stop, critical workforce housing, health care workers, educators, law enforcement, correctional officers

Summary: The House Housing Committee opened its Friday morning hearing by noting potentially catastrophic flooding on the island and acknowledging that some members were absent helping their communities, so quorum for voting was uncertain. The committee then heard testimony on several housing-related measures, with most bills drawing support from housing agencies and community organizations and little or no opposition in the room. On SB 2069 SD2, SB 2177 SD2, and SB 2342 SD2, witnesses largely supported the measures. HHFDC supported SB 2069 and SB 2177, and HPHA supported SB 2342. For SB 2342, HHFDC raised concerns that the bill would alter the Qualified Allocation Plan outside the normal open, public process required by federal law and could exclude stakeholders; Kathy Charities echoed those concerns and also objected to changing point allocations in ways that could raise rents and weaken long-term affordability. Members questioned HHFDC about how the QAP is normally updated, the meaning of the point system, and whether a legislative working group could mandate changes; HHFDC said recommendations would still need public hearing and board approval. The committee also heard SB 2060 SD2, which would create a mixed-income subaccount in the rental housing revolving fund. HHFDC said the subaccount would likely use tier-two funds, estimated at about $100 million total, to support mixed-income projects above 60% AMI, citing Front Street Apartments as a possible example. Members asked about project selection and funding needs. On SB 2544 SD2, OHA opposed the bill’s Chapter 6E-related exemptions and mandatory review timelines, arguing that burial review protections should not be weakened and that the SPEED Task Force process was a better venue for streamlining. The sponsor later clarified that the bill was not meant to eliminate the 60-day review process but to make the deadline clearer. For SB 3011 SD1, which concerns public housing and pet ownership, HPHA and several humane organizations supported the measure, saying it would help low-income residents and seniors keep pets and benefit from animal companionship. HPHA explained its existing pet policy, including deposits, monthly fees, and restrictions, and said the requested funding would support ADA-accessible pet areas and related administration. Finally, on SB 2061 SD2, HCDA supported the bill while OHA opposed it unless protections for Hawaiian Crown and Government lands were strengthened. Committee members questioned the project’s 60/40 split between income-restricted and market-rate units, the 10-year owner-occupancy restriction, and the procurement exemption; the sponsor said the exemption was tied to a real estate transaction and that the project would still use 103D-like solicitation procedures. No votes were taken during the hearing, and several items were left for later action because quorum was uncertain.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the last improve- major improvements it's a small amount.
• </c> carefully planned critical improvements carefully planned critical improvements to<00:03:45.400>
• ><c> improvements</c> The last major improvements were 20 years ago, so it's coming due.
• </c><00:21:47.880><c> Um</c> improvements. All right, thank you. Um improvements.
• Oh, and we are adjourned. newer, improved John Koznick. newer, improved John Koznick.

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:

• This change will align long-term leaseholders with life estate holders and ensure families using these
• How much infrastructure can we improve in our districts?
• I have 70 requests for infrastructure and improvements, but you want to know what happens?

Bills: S7040, S0110, S0434, S0856

Keywords: property assessment, wind damage, home improvements, real estate, tax exemption, Florida statutes, ad valorem taxes, property listings, tax estimation, disclosure, Florida, residential property

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and took up three property-tax related bills before turning to a broader discussion of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund. SB 434, which would prohibit counties from increasing a residential property’s assessed value because the owner installed wind mitigation measures, was presented by Senator Lee and reported favorably. CS for SB 110, which clarifies that holders of 98-year-or-longer residential leases remain eligible for the homestead exemption even if the lease ends at death, was also reported favorably. SB 856, requiring online residential listing platforms to display estimated property taxes using prescribed calculation methods and not the current owner’s tax bill, drew support from property appraisers, Zillow representatives, and others and was reported favorably after questions about transparency and realtor obligations. The committee then considered SPB 7040, which would recreate and extend the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund through December 31, 2027. Senator DiCeglie and Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie argued the fund is needed for hurricane response, other natural and man-made emergencies, and reimbursement-based spending; they said the extension preserves legislative oversight that would otherwise lapse. Several senators questioned the use of the fund for immigration-related operations, detention facilities, and other non-disaster activities, as well as the lack of additional guardrails, reimbursement timing, and transparency. Guthrie said the division has used the fund for hurricanes, flooding, civil unrest, security operations, and other incidents, and that some reimbursements are still pending from the federal government. Public testimony on SPB 7040 was largely opposed. Speakers from the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy, the Southern Poverty Law Center, Florida for All, and others argued the fund has been repurposed for immigration enforcement and detention-related spending rather than true emergencies, and raised concerns about deaths in detention and the absence of competitive bidding and oversight. Guthrie answered extensive questions about the South Florida and North Florida detention facilities, Operation Vigilant Sentry, State Guard support, reimbursement requests, equipment purchases, and legislative access to facilities. The committee did not take a final vote on SPB 7040 within the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• This change will align with long-term leaseholders with life estate holders and ensure families using
• This change will align with long-term leaseholders with life estate holders and ensure families using
• It adds clarity that leases contain a provision that terminate the leasehold interest upon the death
• limited to, improving the strength, Seeing no further debate on the bill is amended.
• limited to improving the strength, To increase the property's resistance to wind damage include, but

Bills: S0110, S0434, S0856

Keywords: property assessment, wind damage, home improvements, real estate, tax exemption, Florida statutes, ad valorem taxes, property listings, tax estimation, disclosure, Florida, residential property

Summary: The committee heard and passed three bills before moving to a staff presentation on the state revenue forecast and the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act. SB 856, by Senator DeSantis? [sic], would require online real estate listing platforms to display estimated property taxes for residential properties using prescribed methods and DOR-developed formulas rather than the current owner’s tax bill. Supporters from county, city, and property appraiser groups said the bill would improve transparency and help homebuyers avoid surprise tax and escrow increases. The bill was reported favorably after debate about making sure the estimate appears on realtor and platform sites for first-time buyers. SB 110, by Senator Arrington, was amended and then reported favorably. The bill clarifies that people holding 98-year-or-longer residential leases remain eligible for the homestead tax exemption even if the lease ends upon the tenant’s death, aligning those leaseholds with life estates for estate-planning purposes. The amendment, supported by the Florida Bar’s real property, probate and trust law section, clarified that lease provisions terminating at death are valid under current law. SB 434, by Senator Leak, was also reported favorably; it would prevent property tax assessments from reflecting increased just value attributable to wind-hardening improvements such as stronger roof attachments, shutters, and roof-to-wall reinforcements. The committee then received an update from staff director Azar Khan on the new general revenue forecast. He said collections had been running slightly above estimate overall, but the Revenue Estimating Conference reduced corporate income tax projections because of weaker recent collections and uncertainty around tariffs, while increasing some other revenue sources. Members then discussed the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which staff said would significantly reduce Florida corporate income tax revenue, with a large first-year impact driven by retroactive provisions such as bonus depreciation, research expensing, and business interest deductions. Senators and the appropriations chair said the forecast and federal changes would affect budget planning, and the committee adjourned after noting the bills had been favorably reported and the meeting was complete.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Street Improvement Project is a tangible next step in building a sustainable future that reflects
• HF 2267 is a road improvement fund infrastructure bill, and I'm in a matter of time.
• The Northwest Improvement Area contains the oldest homes and infrastructure within Barnesville.
• The city plans to replace the system while performing the urgent improvements described above.
• Funds would be for design, construction, furnishing, equipping improvements, and amenities.

Bills: HF568, HF433, HF1689, HF3135, HF3137, HF3145, HF2887, HF2819, HF2802, HF2664, HF2267, HF799, HF800, HF3049, HF296, HF580, HF1438, HF1237

Keywords: special education, education funding, construction, Minnesota, regional educational programs, HF433, Cloquet Area Fire District, fire station, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, general obligation bonds, public safety, emergency services, fire protection, local infrastructure, Minnesota capital budget, DEED grant, municipal facilities, station construction

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:26:07.200><c> our</c> we're always working to improve our we're always working to improve our
• These improvements are our residents.
• <00:46:27.920><c> described</c><00:46:28.400><c> above,</c> improvements described above, improvements
• </c><01:08:44.640><c> and</c> equipping, equipping improvements and equipping, equipping improvements
• </c> revenue for future park improvements. revenue for future park improvements.

Bills: HF568, HF433, HF1689, HF3135, HF3137, HF3145, HF2887, HF2819, HF2802, HF2664, HF2267, HF799, HF800, HF3049, HF296, HF580, HF1438, HF1237

Keywords: special education, education funding, construction, Minnesota, regional educational programs, HF433, Cloquet Area Fire District, fire station, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, general obligation bonds, public safety, emergency services, fire protection, local infrastructure, Minnesota capital budget, DEED grant, municipal facilities, station construction