Transcript Highlights:

• support to transit agencies.
• In order for a transit agency to be eligible for these funds, the agency must allow children under the
• age of 18 to ride public transit for free as part of the zero-fare policy.
• for free in order for a transit agency to be eligible to receive the grants under the transit support
• There are different barriers to implementation by each transit agency.

Bills: SB6252, SB6265, SB6081

Keywords: transit support grant, free transit, fare-free transit, zero-fare policy, community college students, technical college students, public transportation, youth transit, student transportation, Washington State, Department of Transportation, local sales tax, voter-approved sales tax, equity, environmental justice, low-barrier access, bus pass, rail transit, public transit agency, transit agency grants

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held public hearings on several measures. First, it heard Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1980, which would allow local authorities in King County, with transit agency approval, to let private employer transportation services use certain business access and transit lanes under a two-year pilot with fees, performance standards, reporting, and a 10-year sunset. Staff and the sponsor said the bill was revised from a prior version to add the pilot structure, labor input, vehicle markings, and annual reporting. Supporters, including Bellevue business and transit representatives, said the measure would improve mobility, reduce congestion, and help employers and transit work together; the bill was then held after public hearing. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6081, as a proposed substitute, which would exempt sex designation change records and related supporting documents from public disclosure in Department of Licensing and Department of Health records, restrict sharing of those records without consent, and keep updated credentials from showing that a change occurred. Staff said the bill would have about a $1 million fiscal impact over four years for DOL, mostly IT changes, with minimal or absorbable impacts for other agencies. The prime sponsor and many supporters described the bill as a privacy and safety measure for transgender Washingtonians, while one opponent argued it would undermine accurate records; the public hearing was closed. Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 6252, which would expand the transit support grant program’s zero-fare requirement so transit agencies receiving those grants must also allow students enrolled in degree- or certificate-seeking programs at community and technical colleges to ride free. Staff said the bill is broad and could reduce fare revenue for local transit agencies by an estimated $10.9 million to $12.2 million annually, with a revised fiscal note expected for King County Metro. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would improve access to education, especially for older and rural students, while transit advocates noted implementation and funding concerns; the public hearing was then closed. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 6265, which would modernize the transfer of ownership for totaled vehicles to insurers by allowing supporting documents and limited powers of attorney to be transmitted electronically with non-notarized signatures. Staff said the bill has no fiscal impact and is intended to simplify the process after total-loss claims. The sponsor and industry witnesses said the change would reduce paperwork and hardship for consumers, and the public hearing was closed. The committee also announced that amendment requests for 14 bills scheduled for executive session on Thursday were due by noon the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will close the public hearing and move to the public hearing on House Bill 2588.
• That concludes the public hearing on House Bill 2588, and we'll open the public hearing on House Bill
• funds to public transit agencies for pilot programs with local community or technical colleges.
• To be eligible to receive a grant, the transit agency must submit a written proposal to WSDOT that provides
• It establishes an educational transit access grant, which will allow agencies and community and technical

Bills: HB2588, HB2722, HB2727

Keywords: county ferry district, ferry district, passenger-only ferry, passenger ferry, Puget Sound, Vashon, Seattle, Southworth, county transportation, local taxing authority, property tax levy, general obligation bonds, municipal corporation, public transportation benefit area, WTSC, Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, ferry terminal, wharf, shuttle service, marine transportation

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on Substitute House Bill 2251, which would restructure Climate Commitment Act accounts and change how cap-and-invest auction revenue is distributed. Staff explained that the bill would create new operating and capital accounts, repeal several existing accounts, and shift revenue to a percentage-based formula that caps funding for the carbon emissions reduction account at $359 million while directing set percentages to the new accounts and the air quality and health disparities account. Members asked about the fiscal note, the effect on transportation funding, and whether the bill would change allowable uses of the CERA account; staff said it would not. Testimony was largely supportive, with proponents saying the bill adds clarity and stability, while tribal testimony urged clearer protection and accounting for the 10% tribal set-aside and carryover of unused funds. The hearing then moved to House Bill 2588, which would allow county ferry districts to operate and finance vehicle ferries, not just passenger-only ferries. County officials, ferry users, and advocates supported the bill as a local funding tool for aging ferry systems in Whatcom, Pierce, Skagit, and Wahkiakum counties, and said it would not itself raise taxes. The committee then heard House Bill 2722, which would raise the maximum vehicle weight subject to transportation benefit district vehicle fees from 6,000 pounds to 10,000 pounds; staff estimated the change could raise about 3% more revenue statewide, and the sponsor and supporters argued it would better reflect modern vehicle weights and road wear, while trucking interests said they could support a 9,000-pound compromise threshold. The final public hearing was on House Bill 2727, creating an Educational Transit Access Grant Program for transit agencies and community and technical colleges to pilot free or reduced fares for students; supporters said it would improve affordability and access to education, and the sponsor said an amendment may add inclusive post-secondary programs. After the hearings, the committee took executive action on a second substitute for House Bill 1923, which expands who can form passenger-only ferry service districts and where they can be formed, adds intent language about southern resident orcas, and changes the effective date to July 1, 2026. The substitute passed 23-4 with two excused, receiving a do pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• We had a bill heard last week on Senate Bill 2699, regarding public transit.
• With no further business, we are adjourned. free public transportation but the free public transportation
• And a public during AEN's time slot.
• Johnny Tamura from the Public Utilities Commission.
• Someone from the Public Utilities Commission.

Bills: SB2699

Keywords: fare-free transit, youth transportation, environmental tax, transit equity, public transit, Hawaii, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee reconvened and first addressed SB 2699 on public transit/free transportation for young people. Members noted that the Committee on Transportation had already deferred the measure, and this committee said it would defer it as well before adjourning that brief reconvened session. The hearing then moved to SB 2373, which would establish a state goal to strengthen nature-based carbon emissions reduction solutions and authorize the Hawaii State Energy Office to develop methods to quantify carbon reductions from marine ecosystem restoration. The Energy Office said marine carbon sequestration was outside its expertise and asked to be removed from that portion of the bill, while DLNR and OPSD offered comments and said the work fit better with their areas, with DLNR saying it could take it on if properly resourced. Testimony included support from environmental groups, and committee discussion focused on which agency should lead and whether existing methodologies could be used. Next was SB 21001 on organic waste reduction and diversion. The Department of Health supported the intent but raised implementation concerns. Hawaii Farmers Union strongly supported the bill, arguing it would help build compost supply, improve soil health, and give counties time to develop infrastructure; they cited Vermont as a model and said the bill could extend landfill life and reduce methane. Members asked about the Vermont approach and the need for infrastructure before household-level diversion. The committee also heard SB 2905, which would increase the environmental response, energy, and food security tax and direct more revenue to the electric vehicle charging system subaccount. The Energy Office, PUC, and Tax Department offered comments; youth and clean transportation advocates strongly supported the bill as a way to expand charging access and meet EV adoption goals. A member questioned whether the proposed increase would outpace the state’s ability to deploy chargers, and PUC staff said the current annual appropriation is about $750,000 and that they could provide more data on an appropriate funding level. Additional measures were briefly taken up: SB 3231 on condominium maps and county zoning certification in A districts drew support from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau; SB 2486 on climate change drew comments from the Energy Office, Climate Commission, and OPSD, who said it duplicated existing climate planning and should include adaptation language; and SB 2376 on the renewable fuels production tax credit drew support from industry and agricultural groups, while the Energy Office and Tax Department raised concerns about the rollover provision and the scale of the credit. No final votes were recorded in the excerpt beyond the earlier deferral of SB 2699.

Transcript Highlights:

• To the contrary, if we don't provide the full range of funding tools transit agencies need, system buildout
• will have a... ...provide the full range of funding tools transit agencies need, system buildout will
• As you've heard, rising operational and construction costs have really put pressure on transit agencies
• As the former Sound Transit CFO and participant in many of the TIFIA agreements that the agency has in
• by Sound Transit revenue.

Bills: SB6148

Keywords: regional transit authority, RTA, transit bonds, general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, bond maturity, debt limit, 25-year cap, regional mobility grant program, public transit financing, transportation funding, Washington RCW, bond issuance, municipal finance, infrastructure finance, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• agency, a regional transit authority, the Association of Washington Cities, the Washington State Association
• to transit agencies for pilot programs to provide free or reduced transit fares to students enrolled
• Representative Richards continued: And make good on what the public expects of us.
• , sometimes the most important transition of their lives, as they take on new endeavors.
• transit or reduced fares.

Bills: HB2092, HB2114, HB2172, HB2251, HB2374, HB2410, HB2552, HB2588, HB2718, HB2722, HB2727

Keywords: passenger rail, transportation, committee, advisory, infrastructure, defective license plates, vehicle registration, Department of Licensing, state regulations, route jurisdiction, abandonment, local governance, climate change, commitment act, emission reductions, sustainability, environmental policy, electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• They cited public polling showing that one-third of Minnesotans would be more likely to use public transit
• </c><00:44:47.680><c> And</c><00:44:48.000><c> as</c> likely uh to use public transit.
• And as likely uh to use public transit.
• </c> build and maintain a high-quality public build and maintain a high-quality public transit<00:45:
• transit agencies around the world.

Bills: HF3373, HF4449, HF3486, HF4180, HF4227, HF2505

Keywords: transportation, interchange, funding, bonds, St. Paul Park, transit, Metropolitan Council, Twin Cities, metro area, high-frequency transit, bus rapid transit, busway, guideway, transportation policy plan, transit performance measures, regional transit benchmarks, transit-oriented development, TOD, zoning, land use

Transcript Highlights:

• restrict everyone to a two-minute testifying time so that we can provide equal time for members of the public
• equal time for so that we can provide equal time for members<00:18:56.080><c> of</c><00:18:56.240><c> public
• down</c><00:18:56.880><c> the</c><00:18:57.120><c> road</c><00:18:57.360><c> instead</c> members of public
• down the road instead members of public down the road instead of<00:18:58.160><c> having</c><00:18:58.480

Bills: HB2240, HB2272, HB2273, HB2274, HB2275

Keywords: appropriations, legislative expenses, auditor, legislative reference bureau, state ethics commission, ombudsman, government transparency, HB2272, Act 026, public employment cost items, emergency appropriations, collective bargaining, bargaining unit 11, BU-11, state employees, excluded employees, salary increases, cost adjustments, health premium payments, benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• We have four items for public hearing today.
• That will close our public hearing. CON 1.
• Sound Transit certainly doesn't need the money today.
• We are Washington State's nonprofit transit advocate.
• Providing Sound Transit 75-year bonding authority will protect taxpayers by allowing Sound Transit to

Bills: SB5750, SB6148

Keywords: electric vehicles, charging fees, state facilities, sustainability, infrastructure, regional transit authority, RTA, transit bonds, general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, bond maturity, debt limit, 25-year cap, regional mobility grant program, public transit financing, transportation funding, Washington RCW, bond issuance, municipal finance, infrastructure finance

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held public hearings on several bills. On Substitute Senate Bill 5690, the committee heard staff explain that WSDOT would be required to give utility owners advance notice of planned fish barrier removal projects and Dig Once projects, seek federal funding for utility relocation costs when available, and report back to the Legislature by December 15, 2026. Supporters, including the prime sponsor, sewer and water districts, PUDs, and a remote testifier, said the bill would help utilities plan for costly relocations and potentially reduce impacts on ratepayers. WSDOT said it supported the intent but raised concerns about the bill’s fiscal impact and whether federal funding for these costs is still available. The public hearing closed with testimony recorded as 46 in favor and none opposed. The committee then heard Engrossed Senate Bill 5746, which would create or continue an advisory process within the state’s EV Coordinating Council to address property crime affecting EV charging infrastructure. Staff said the bill is substantively the same as a version previously passed by the Senate, with technical updates, and would require recommendations, reporting, and limited confidentiality protections for proprietary information. The prime sponsor argued that vandalism and theft at charging stations undermine public infrastructure and that the bill would bring together relevant stakeholders. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with one recorded opponent. Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 5750, which would authorize state facilities to charge privately owned electric vehicles a fee for electricity and deposit the revenue into the motor vehicle fund. The sponsor said the bill would make charging at state facilities fairer by recovering costs from private EV users, rather than providing free fuel. Staff noted the bill is permissive and that fiscal impacts and revenue would be indeterminate. The hearing closed with strong support and a small amount of opposition recorded. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 6148, which would increase the maximum term for regional transit authority bonds from 40 years to 75 years, affecting Sound Transit. Supporters, including Sound Transit and transit advocates, said the longer term would align with federal financing rules, help manage cash flow, and accelerate delivery of long-lived infrastructure such as tunnels and bridges without raising taxes. Opponents argued the bill would increase long-term debt costs and shift burdens to future generations, and questioned Sound Transit’s financial management. The hearing closed with substantial pro and con testimony recorded, and the committee adjourned after the public hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, state funding for transit would create matching funds to draw down more federal transit dollars
• Re-advocating reducing driving lanes and using public funds to build or encourage transit-oriented housing
• I would like the committee to recognize that the transit agencies and technical services have dedicated
• So, in short, I just would like the committee to recognize that transit agencies have rich, dedicated
• transit.

Bills: HJR58, HJR63, HB263, HB542, HB905, HB 1288, HB1402, HB2003, HB2262, HB2323, HB2429, HB2876, HB3019, HB263

Keywords: healthcare, insurance, elderly, retirement, benefits, transit-oriented projects, constitutional amendment, state highway fund, funding allocation, voter approval, highway fund, funding, public transportation, transit projects, transportation, local transit, fund allocation, voting rights, election integrity, ballot access

Transcript Highlights:

• A robust transit system is one that has a singular managed management agency.
• A robust transit system is one that has a singular managed management agency.
• transit."
• </c><01:35:31.920><c> Um,</c><01:35:32.320><c> but</c> and bridges or public transit."
• Um, but and bridges or public transit."

Bills: HF3694, HF3844, HF4006, HF3785, HF3849, HF4102, HF3441, HF3507, HF3562

Keywords: transportation, tow trucks, variable message signs, road safety, emergency service, optometrist, window glazing, motor vehicle regulations, medical prescriptions, transportation safety, infrastructure, construction, appropriation, state project, motorized bicycles, motorcycles, electric vehicles, transportation regulations, safety standards, dealer license

Transcript Highlights:

• There are 21 PTBAs serving 32 local transit agencies statewide.
• There are 21 PTBAs serving 32 local transit agencies statewide.
• As you know, these are challenging times for transit agencies.
• What it would do is reduce transit agency accountability.
• Transit agencies need more accountability to taxpayers, not less.

Bills: SB6253, SB6311, SB6262, SB6335

Keywords: public transportation, governing bodies, transit authorities, local government, community planning, pedestrian safety, construction, accessibility, public safety, urban planning, vehicle weight, transportation, fees, public infrastructure, funding, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, 904

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held public hearings on several transportation bills. Substitute Senate Bill 6066 would let counties, cities, towns, or WSDOT designate crash prevention zones on roads with repeated serious or fatal crashes, require public hearings and safety investigations, allow increased enforcement and a $73 added penalty in signed zones, and create a fund for zone-related costs. The prime sponsor and Pasco officials described severe crash patterns on U.S. 395 and U.S. 12, while supporters from counties and risk pools backed the concept; one public witness opposed it as an unnecessary revenue measure. Senate Bill 6253 would convert the existing nonvoting labor representative on public transportation benefit area boards into a voting seat, with limits on participation in executive sessions involving labor negotiations and personnel matters. Supporters, including transit labor representatives, said frontline workers need a real vote and more consistent influence on board decisions. Opponents, including the Washington State Transit Association and Washington Policy Center, raised conflict-of-interest and accountability concerns, arguing the change could let labor vote on contracts affecting their own interests. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6311, which would require continuous, accessible pedestrian passage during construction near hospitals, parks, and school zones, authorize inspections and stop-work orders, and direct WSDOT to adopt reroute standards. Cities, counties, and King County supported the safety goal but asked for more flexibility and less risk of cost or liability, while disability and transit advocates strongly supported the bill. Senate Bill 6262 would raise the transportation benefit district vehicle-fee weight threshold from 6,000 to 9,000 pounds for trucks, with supporters from Spokane, Spokane Valley, Port Orchard, and AWC calling it a fairness and road-preservation measure; opponents called it another tax increase. Finally, Senate Bill 6335 would narrow the State Transportation Commission’s statutory duties by removing most planning and outreach responsibilities while retaining tolls, ferry fares, studies, route transfers, and naming functions; local governments, ports, and commission members opposed the change, saying the commission provides an independent statewide planning forum, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• An electric bus and an electric van is just as much public transit as a light rail is.
• They’re all—are you saying that the Valley Metro bus system is not public transit?”
• Just need to clarify and say again and again the state doesn't fund public transit at all at cities..
• Just need to clarify and say again and again, the state doesn't fund public transit at all at cities
• Public transit serves the greater public.

Bills: SB1088, SB1156, SB1157, SB1169, SB1245, SB1273, SB1330, SB1332, SB1391, SB1498, SB1531, SB1550, SB1598, SB1677, SB1707, SB1811, SB1818

Keywords: cybersecurity, homeland security, artificial intelligence, state appropriation, VPN security, zero trust, appropriation, public safety, detention, unauthorized aliens, local government funding, border security, fencing, appropriations, southern border, local government, medical education, physician shortage, healthcare funding, Arizona health care

Transcript Highlights:

• I see it being used for an entire trip, but I also see it on the public transit system as well.
• Thank you. trip but I also see it on the public transit system as well it is a it is a component that
• We can educate the public, and then we can begin enforcing it.
• MAPC is the regional planning agency for Greater Boston.
• with the jurisdiction over a bike path or bikeway, after public notice and public hearing, may adopt

Bills: H5400, H5421, H5430, S3077, S3089

Keywords: Boston, easement, highway improvement, Woburn, Burlington, public safety, transportation, land transfer, vessel transportation, Marston Mills, Osterville, Barnstable, state highway, traffic safety, maritime regulation, local legislation, Hyannis Transportation Center, Thomas S. Cahir, Cape Cod, commemorative designation

Transcript Highlights:

• By way of background, WSDOT and Sound Transit are public owners of complex transportation systems, with
• Both entities use a mix of traditional public works contracting methods and alternative public works
• But it does allow WSDOT and transit agencies to be able to streamline so that as they are moving projects
• But it does allow WSDOT and transit agencies to be able to streamline so that as they are moving projects
• It's a model already used successfully by federal agencies, many states, and by our agency, Sound Transit

Bills: HB2467, HB2495, HB2552

Keywords: HB 2467, fifth-wheel travel trailer, fifth wheel trailer, travel trailer, RV, recreational vehicle, trailer length, vehicle length limits, oversize vehicle, truck and trailer, tractor-semitrailer, semi-trailer, kingpin, Washington RCW, Department of Transportation, WSDOT, highway safety, commercial trucking, towing, motor home

Summary: The committee heard public hearings on three transportation bills. HB 2467, sponsored by Rep. Timmons, would clarify how fifth-wheel RVs are measured for length by using the distance from the kingpin to the rear of the trailer, allowing fifth wheels up to 46 feet under that measurement without changing existing roadway length limits. The staff report noted no fiscal impact for most agencies and a small indeterminate impact for Labor and Industries. Timmons and multiple RV dealers, the Association of Washington Business, and the RV Industry Association testified in support, saying the bill would improve clarity, preserve safety, and help Washington dealers compete with neighboring states. A proposed substitute making technical measurement changes was also described. No opposition testimony was presented. HB 2495, sponsored by Rep. Thomas, would give the City of Seattle authority to immediately impound vehicles blocking streetcar rights-of-way when they obstruct streetcar operations or threaten public safety, without waiting for police to first issue the authorization. Staff said local governments anticipated no fiscal impact because impound fees would offset costs. Thomas and Seattle Streetcar Program Manager Alison Redenz supported the bill, saying it would reduce delays caused by illegally parked vehicles and help keep streetcar service moving, especially during major events. The public hearing on HB 2495 was then closed. The committee also heard HB 2552, sponsored by Rep. Zahn, which would authorize WSDOT and Sound Transit to use multiple award task order contracting (MATOC) for transportation construction projects. Staff explained that MATOC would let agencies pre-qualify contractors and compete task orders among them to speed procurement and manage large projects more flexibly. Sound Transit supported the bill, saying it would improve efficiency, competition, and opportunities for smaller firms. The Washington Aggregate and Concrete Association opposed it, arguing the method is not well tested in Washington, could reduce competition, and should be reviewed by the Capital Projects Advisory Review Board. After questions about competition safeguards, the committee closed the public hearing on HB 2552 and then adjourned after caucuses.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many agencies across our state are struggling.
• Okay, if not, we'll open public testimony. Right now, we'll open public testimony. Okay.
• If not, we'll open public testimony. Okay. If not, we will open public testimony.
• Anyone who wants to offer public testimony on Senate Bill 2065? Okay, we'll close public testimony.
• Anyone who wants to offer public testimony on Senate Bill 2065? Okay, we'll close public testimony.

Bills: SB868, SB1337, SB1371, SB1377, SB1426, SB1620, SB2064, SB2065, SJR4

Keywords: SB 868, rural volunteer fire department assistance program, volunteer fire department assistance fund, Texas Government Code, wildfire, wildland fire, high-risk wildfire area, fire suppression, rural fire departments, volunteer firefighters, emergency response, public safety, grant allocation, appropriations, disaster preparedness, tax penalties, interest calculation, overpayment, tax law, refund process

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard several bills focused on tax administration, transportation, emergency services, historic preservation, forensic training, pension funding, and the state’s rainy day fund. Senate Bill 1337, by Senator Creighton, would require the comptroller to assess penalty and interest only on the net tax due and allow sales and use tax overpayments to offset underpayments more automatically; it was left pending while the author, comptroller staff, and a private witness continued working on the language and fiscal note. Senate Bill 1371, by Senator Hinojosa, would address Corpus Christi transit authority operations, including emergency refueling coordination, fare-setting procedures, and board term limits; it received supportive testimony and was left pending. Senate Bill 1377, by Senator Perry, would create a grant program for rural counties to buy ambulances, with a committee substitute expanding eligible uses in some cases to equipment and setting a sunset date; numerous EMS officials, county representatives, and association witnesses testified in support, emphasizing rising ambulance costs, staffing shortages, and the need for rural emergency coverage, and the bill was left pending after testimony. Senate Bill 868, by Senator Sparks, would direct at least 10% of volunteer fire department assistance funding to high wildfire-risk areas; Texas A&M Forest Service explained the map and methodology, and the committee substitute was adopted. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1426, which would place the First Capitol State Historic Site in West Columbia under Texas Historical Commission stewardship, and Senate Bill 1620, which would create a Texas Forensic Analyst Apprenticeship Pilot Program through the Office of Court Administration to address forensic scientist shortages; both had no opposition in testimony and their committee substitutes were adopted. Senate Bill 2065 would change the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System funding structure to require an actuarially determined state contribution and address the system’s unfunded liability over 30 years; Pasadena fire department representatives testified that the pension is an important volunteer retention tool, and the bill was left pending after testimony. Senate Joint Resolution 4 would raise the Economic Stabilization Fund cap from 10% to 15% of biennial revenue deposits, with a committee substitute correcting the effective date to September 1, 2027; the committee discussed the fund’s current balance and purpose before adopting the substitute. After quorum was established, the committee voted out the measures. Senate Bill 1868, Senate Bill 1371, Senate Bill 264, Senate Joint Resolution 4, Senate Bill 1426, Senate Bill 1620, and Senate Bill 2065 were all reported favorably to the full Senate, with some bills also certified for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee substitute for Senate Bill 868 was adopted and the bill was reported favorably as well. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• being streamed live on YouTube, and if we have any kind of technical difficulties, we will post a public
• Department of Defense and Defense Health Agency to extend the renewal period for secretarial designee
• Department of Defense and Defense Health Agency to extend the renewal period for secretarial designee

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to get as much public testimony as possible, but I don't want any one person dominating public
• steps aside to public policy for the public benefit.
• steps aside to public policy for the public benefit.
• roads and public education.
• Thank you, members of the committee and the public.

Bills: HB4154, HB4155, HB4156, HB4157, HB4158, HB4159, HB4160, HB4161, HB4162, HB4163, HB4164, HB4165, HB4166, HB4167, HB4168, HB4169, SB1847, SB1848, SB1849, SB1850, SB1851, SB1852, SB1853, SB1854, SB1855, SB1856, SB1857, SB1858, SB1859, SB1860, SB1861, SB1862

Keywords: general appropriations act, budget, biennial budget, state spending, state finances, fiscal year 2026, fiscal year 2027, appropriations, operating budget, agency funding, public services, state agencies, capital budget, budget bill, must-pass legislation, HB4155, amusements, amusement industry, entertainment, recreation

Transcript Highlights:

• 4089, which addresses the complex regulatory landscape of electric bicycles in our state parks and public
• I greatly appreciate the opportunity to work with the Office of Public Finance, uh, and the Attorney
• Describing this bill to the general public via automotive dealerships throughout the state, um, as across
• Uh, this bill will ensure that Metropolitan Transit authorities and communities, uh, fewer than 320,000
• residents are kind of equivalent to larger metropolitan Transit Authorities having the same rights and

Bills: HB 535, HB 2120, HB 2822, HB 3243, HB 3457, HB 3544, HB 4089, HB 4192, HB 4669, HB 4868, HB 4955, HB 5253, HB 5669, SB 1371, SB 1919, SB 2001

Keywords: motor vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle, traffic safety, municipality, criminal offense, pedestrian safety, traffic regulations, municipal law, bicycle regulations, motor vehicle passing, traffic law, municipalities, bicycle operation, traffic laws, municipal regulations, port commission, Corpus Christi, Nueces County, San Patricio County

Transcript Highlights:

• Three allows class 1, 2, and 3. ...e-bikes in Texas state parks and public lands where traditional bicycles
• 4089, which addresses the complex regulatory landscape of electric bicycles in our state parks and public
• I greatly appreciate the opportunity to work with the Office of Public Safety.
• going to be passed—HB4955—which aims to codify the current directive from the Texas Department of Public
• are kind of equivalent to larger metropolitan transit authorities having the same rights and flexibility

Bills: HB535, HB2120, HB2822, HB3243, HB3457, HB3544, HB4089, HB4192, HB4669, HB4868, HB4955, HB5253, HB5669, SB1371, SB1919, SB2001

Keywords: motor vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle, traffic safety, municipality, criminal offense, pedestrian safety, traffic regulations, municipal law, bicycle regulations, motor vehicle passing, traffic law, municipalities, bicycle operation, traffic laws, municipal regulations, port commission, Corpus Christi, Nueces County, San Patricio County

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay.<00:49:10.720><c> Public</c><00:49:11.119><c> defender.</c> Okay. Public defender. Okay.
• </c> first deputy at the Office of the Public first deputy at the Office of the Public Defender.<01:26
• Um McKenna Public Health Institute.
• </c> comments to um office of um public comments to um office of um public on<01:47:05.440><c> SB</c>
• </c><02:01:39.520><c> Y</c> and UTV use on public streets. Y and UTV use on public streets.

Bills: HB1694, HB1695, HB1986, HB1797, HB1879, HB2034

Keywords: sustainable aviation fuel, tax credit, greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, Hawaii, economic development, carbon footprint, aviation sector, renewable fuels, local production, energy resilience, agricultural innovation, job creation, clean fuel standard, alternative fuels, carbon intensity, emission reduction, greenhouse gases, transportation, autonomous vehicles

Summary: The committee opened by explaining hearing procedures, including a two-minute oral testimony limit and that decision-making would follow after testimony. It then took up SB 20008, which would set 55 mph as the maximum speed limit on all parts of the DKI/Saddle Road highway. The bill’s introducer described it as a response to safety concerns and noted prior public opposition when the speed limit was lowered from 60 mph; the Hawaii Police Department was listed in opposition, while DOT and several individuals testified in support. No vote was taken during the portion provided. The committee next heard SB 20009, requiring new plates/tags or emblems for used motor vehicles transferred between private individuals, and SB 2026, which would require drivers approaching stationary vehicles on the shoulder or roadside to slow down and, if necessary, change lanes. The Attorney General supported SB 2026 but recommended narrowing and clarifying the language by removing references to shoulder/roadside, collision or mechanical problem, and other limiting definitions so the duty would apply more broadly and be easier to enforce; AAA and OMA also supported the measure. Members discussed the practical need for a mandatory move-over rule, especially for roadside workers and tow operators, and the committee heard concerns about enforceability on two-lane roads and in accident scenes. SB 2053 was then heard, authorizing electronic signatures on supporting documents used to transfer ownership of total-loss vehicles to insurers without notarization and requiring insurers to indemnify the finance director for claims arising from those electronic title issuances. The Hawaii Insurers Council, Copart, the City and County of Honolulu, and others supported the bill, with Copart describing it as a modernization that would reduce delays for total-loss settlements; technical amendments were requested. The committee also heard SB 2172, which would allow all-terrain vehicles to operate at night if equipped with lights and a slow-moving vehicle emblem, adjust helmet requirements, define utility terrain vehicles, and include ATVs in motor vehicle insurance law. DOT said it could support the bill only if limited to low-speed areas, and the insurance industry warned it could create a new insurance scheme; the City and County of Honolulu opposed while the Hawaii Farm Bureau and an individual supported. Finally, SB 2253 was introduced to expand first-degree negligent injury to include injuries negligently inflicted by intoxicated drivers, with DOT, county prosecutors, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office in support; Honolulu prosecutors said they would oppose a proposed amendment because they wanted the language to preserve the offense as a lesser included offense tied to negligent homicide.