Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we were looking at mental health professionals being needed to serve people in the line of wildfires
• , worst in the nation, occurred wildfire, worst in the nation, occurred in<00:26:01.640><c> Lahaina.
• When asked about the wildfires, the witness said they were in late August 2023.
• </c> with the line of wildfire. with the line of wildfire. &gt;&gt; Really? &gt;&gt; Really?
• ,</c><00:35:00.800><c> and</c> going beyond the knowing wildfires, and going beyond the knowing wildfires

Bills: SCR180

Keywords: wildfire, fire hazard, Lahaina, West Maui, Maui wildfire, vegetation management, fuel reduction, defensible space, fuel breaks, invasive grasses, emergency access, evacuation route, fire lane, state lands, public safety, Office of the State Fire Marshal, community risk reduction, hazard mitigation, brush clearance, wildland-urban interface

Summary: The committee opened by noting it was likely its last hearing of the 2026 session, then took up several resolutions. SCR 54, on appointing a hydrogen fire safety expert and training on hydrogen-related protocols, and SCR 59, on allowing certain health care professionals to practice without a license during a state of emergency, drew no testimony. Members discussed SCR 59 as a response to past emergencies and the need for pre-approved, updated registries of professionals who could be deployed quickly in emergencies. SCR 62 SD1, which asks the 911 Board to form a working group with the disability community to address access issues in emergency and 911 responses, received testimony from disability advocates and the 911 Board. Testifiers said the measure should ensure an integrated system with EMS infrastructure, real-time access for dispatchers and field personnel, and public education about the system; they also noted that Smart911 is no longer being used on Oahu and Maui and that a statewide, integrated approach is needed. Members agreed to work the suggested language into the resolution. SCR 179, urging Maui County to enforce fire code provisions on brush clearance, fuel breaks, roadside vegetation clearing, and emergency access, was noted as having no testimony but continuing to raise important issues. SCR 74, calling for an audit of no-bid contracts issued under emergency proclamations from 2020 through 2025, drew strong support from a late testifier who tied the measure to emergency procurement concerns after the Lahaina wildfire and COVID-era contracting. The witness argued that procurement rules should not be waived in ways that compromise safety, and described concerns about unlicensed contractors and construction problems in a state housing project. Members asked about the scope of the audit and whether it would interfere with criminal investigations; the witness said the audit should cover a broad range of contracts, including nonprofit contracts, and should not be limited to the wildfire period. The committee also heard SCR 28 SD1 on creating a Hawaii Vietnam Veterans Medal, with support from the Department of Defense and veterans advocates, who said the resolution is intended to do the groundwork for a future appropriation and to determine eligibility and distribution procedures. Finally, SCR 60 SD1, requesting updates on the “Breaking Cycles” rehabilitation and restorative justice study, received support from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Correctional System Oversight Commission, and reform advocates. The department asked that reporting be annual rather than quarterly because of the complexity of the OCCC project, and supporters said the measure would promote transparency and help ensure the study’s recommendations are implemented. No votes were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So before you is an act relating to appropriations for long-term forest health and wildfire reduction
• I'll refer to that as a wildfire resiliency account for short.
• The 2020 wildfires in California resulted in emissions close to double the reductions achieved over 16
• DNR has been a leader in quickly suppressing wildfires.
• work, community reduction work, and others.

Bills: SB5893, SB6229, HB1376, SGA9306

Keywords: forest health, wildfire reduction, appropriations, environmental policy, natural resource management, capital gains, taxation, small business, state revenue, investment, economic growth, tax prepayment, tax regulation, financial planning, economic policy, 904, all

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee began with a hearing on the governor’s appointment of Kristen L. Frazier to the Board of Tax Appeals. Frazier described her long career as House fiscal counsel, her teaching and writing on Washington constitutional law, and her recent service on the board. Members praised her experience and confirmed they would vote on the appointment at a later meeting. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5893, which would transfer $65 million from the Natural Climate Solutions Account to the Wildfire Response, Forest Restoration, and Community Resilience Account to help fully fund wildfire response and forest health work. Staff explained the bill’s relationship to prior Climate Commitment Act and wildfire-resilience funding, and testimony from forest landowners, industry groups, and the Department of Natural Resources strongly supported the measure as necessary for wildfire suppression, forest thinning, and community protection. DNR said the funding would support current strategies and avoid major cuts to firefighting, detection, and partner pass-throughs. Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 6229, which would remove the state capital gains tax exemption for gains from qualified small business stock beginning in 2026. Staff estimated the bill would affect about 260 taxpayers and raise about $1.2 million in fiscal year 2027. Startup founders, venture capital representatives, and tech industry groups opposed the bill, arguing it would discourage entrepreneurship, investment, and job creation; a policy advocate supported it as a way to make the tax code less regressive and raise revenue from wealthy taxpayers. The committee also heard House Bill 1376, which would allow taxpayers to prepay capital gains tax up to six months early without interest; testimony was brief and opposed the bill as an additional tax burden. In executive session, the committee received briefings on a proposed substitute for Senate Bill 5395 on prior authorization transparency and AI use in health care, and on Substitute Senate Bill 5860 regarding school board compensation. The committee adopted the proposed second substitute for SB 5395 and voted it do pass to the Rules Committee. It then moved SB 5860 without recommendation to the Rules Committee. The meeting adjourned after those actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• These wildfires don't just burn trees.
• Over the last decade, we have spent $6 billion on wildfires. $38 billion, six times that much, on wildfire
• As a result, thousands of communities will face greater wildfire risks as planned fuel reduction projects
• Wildfires, legal system abuse is compounding the disaster costs, and we're now seeing 87% of wildfires
• The Collaborative Wildfire Risk Reduction Program, funding two projects in the Superior National Forest

Bills: HB471

Keywords: forest management, wildfire prevention, public lands, Tribal jurisdiction, Fix Our Forests Act, wildfire, forest health, hazardous fuels reduction, fuels treatment, prescribed burning, mechanical thinning, mastication, fuel breaks, fire breaks, wildland-urban interface, WUI, fireshed, fireshed management area, fireshed registry, Fireshed Center

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on H.R. 471, the Fix Our Forests Act, which aims to address the ongoing crisis of wildfires exacerbated by climate change and the need for updated forest management practices. Various committee members voiced concerns about past federal management failures and emphasized the necessity for collaborative approaches involving local communities and stakeholders in forest management. As discussions unfolded, there were varying perspectives on the implications of certain provisions in the bill, particularly around regulatory changes and their likely impacts on public participation and environmental reviews.

Transcript Highlights:

• PM 2025-425 relating to the plantation camp district wildfire and wildland urban interface and other
• > district</c> relating to the plantation camp district relating to the plantation camp district wildfire
• and</c><00:28:38.880><c> wildland</c><00:28:39.480><c> urban</c><00:28:39.840><c> interface</c> wildfire
• and wildland urban interface wildfire and wildland urban interface and<00:28:41.000><c> other</c><00

Bills: SCR56, SCR25, SCR79, SCR179, SCR181, SCR182, SR54, SR22, SR81, SR174, SR176, SR177

Keywords: lifeguards, first responders, public safety, ocean safety, emergency response, community wellbeing, Pohakuloa, condemnation, federal government, land sovereignty, Hawaii, native Hawaiians, public trust land, invasive species, octocoral, Pearl Harbor, environment, Navy responsibility, marine ecosystem, ecosystem preservation

Summary: The committee first heard SCR 56 and SR 54, which recognize open water lifeguards as first responders and acknowledge their role in emergency response and public safety. Testifiers from the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, Hawaii Water Safety Coalition, Honolulu and Kauai Ocean Safety, and a junior guard all strongly supported the resolutions, describing lifeguards as often first on scene for drownings, cardiac arrest, spinal injuries, flooding rescues, and other emergencies. Several speakers said formal recognition would better reflect the work lifeguards already do and could improve training, support services, pay equity, and access to benefits such as retirement and trauma resources. Members asked about what legal or administrative changes would follow, and the discussion suggested the resolutions were a first step toward broader recognition and related policy changes. The committee then took up SCR 25 and SR 22, opposing federal condemnation or threats of condemnation to take control of Pohakuloa and other state land. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the resolutions, saying Pohakuloa has deep historical, cultural, genealogical, and ecological significance and that any future decisions should go through existing state legal processes with meaningful consultation with Native Hawaiians. Members discussed the role of the governor’s advisory process, the need to follow DLNR/BLNR procedures, and concerns about environmental and health violations at the site. The committee also noted 14 written testimonies in support. Next, the committee heard SCR 79 and SR 81, urging the U.S. Navy to take responsibility for eradicating octocoral and other invasive species in Pearl Harbor waters, including West, Middle, and East Loch. DLNR supported the resolutions, and testimony focused on the spread of invasive coral, the difficulty of eradication, and the limited access state agencies have inside Pearl Harbor. Members raised concerns about contamination, responsibility for the problem, and whether the Navy should fund or carry out the cleanup; DLNR said it could not speak to broader contamination issues but supported the resolution as a way to encourage action. The committee then began discussion of SCR 179 and SR 174, which urge Maui County to enforce fire code provisions on brush clearance, fuel breaks, roadside vegetation clearing, and emergency access, with written support noted from Aloha Independent Living Hawaii.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 34 by Senator Sparks is the wildfire response bill.
• This described Texas's increasing wildfire risk.
• as greater portions of the state become susceptible to wildfires.
• It addresses major lessons learned from the wildfires.
• You know, we know no one wants to prevent wildfires more than we do.

Bills: SB34, SB75, SB330, SB1535, SB18, SB 18, SB 34

Keywords: wildfire, wildfire mitigation, wildfire prevention, volunteer fire department, Texas A&M Forest Service, West Texas A&M University, prescribed burning, fuel loading, fuel reduction, firefighting equipment database, emergency communications, disaster preparedness, rural fire protection, asset hardening, natural resource management, emergency management, large wildfire risk, fire grant funding, fire suppression, Texas Legislature

Transcript Highlights:

• own or control land in West Maui to implement and enforce aggressive vegetation management, fuel reduction

Bills: SB2405, HCR19, HCR63, HCR85, HCR140, HCR166, HCR82, HCR98, HCR104, HCR106, HCR141, HCR165, HR20, HR57, HR77, HR132, HR156, HR74, HR90, HR96, HR98, HR133, HR155

Keywords: agricultural workforce, housing, Hawaii, working group, zoning, land use, financial incentives, tax credits, water conservation, infrastructure, public health, March4Water, water access, sustainable resources, Honopou Bridge, emergency access, wildfire risk, public safety, structural integrity, community outreach

Summary: The Water and Land Committee met on April 7 and heard testimony on several resolutions and one bill. SB 2405 SD1 HD2, relating to agricultural workforce housing, received support from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, HFTC, and the Hawaii Farmers Union, and the committee later recommended passage as is; one member voted with reservations citing department cost and staffing concerns. The committee also heard HCR 19/HR 20 designating March as March for Water Month, HCR 63/HR 57 urging DLNR and DOT to clarify jurisdiction over Honouliuli Bridge, HCR 85/HR 77 on transferring parcels for the East Kapolei TOD project, HCR 140/HR 132 on vegetation management and fuel reduction in West Maui, HCR 166/HR 156 on identifying East Oahu lands for native Hawaiian tree planting, HCR 82/HR 74 on basic shelter standards for rapid deployment housing, HCR 98/HR 90 on a Honolulu housing pattern book, HCR 104/HR 96 on North Shore coastal trails, HCR 106/HR 98 on endorsing Waikiki as a world surfing reserve, HCR 141/HR 133 on Maui fire code enforcement, and HCR 165/HR 155 on permanent pickleball nets and lighting at Kamiloiki Community Park. Testimony was generally supportive on most measures, with several agencies and organizations submitting written comments or appearing in support. HCR 82/HR 74 drew the most discussion: the State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the intent but asked that accessibility be considered on the front end, while another testifier opposed the resolution, arguing it could turn temporary emergency shelters into permanent substandard housing and should be deferred. Committee members discussed temporary versus permanent housing standards and accessibility, and the chair later said the measure would be amended to require permanent units to meet appropriate code standards and to note accessibility concerns in the committee report. On HCR 140/HR 132, DLNR testified that firebreak maintenance on its Waianae lands would be costly, and members noted funding and staffing implications. At the end of the meeting, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations on the measures it voted on. SB 2405 was passed with a reservation from one member; HCR 19/HR 20, HCR 63/HR 57, HCR 85/HR 77, HCR 98/HR 90, HCR 104/HR 96, HCR 106/HR 98, HCR 141/HR 133, and HCR 165/HR 155 were passed unamended, while HCR 140/HR 132 was passed with reservations and HCR 166/HR 156 and HCR 82/HR 74 were passed with amendments. The committee then adjourned.

Bills: SCR48, SCR28, SCR74, SCR62, SCR60, SCR89, SCR147, SCR179, SCR182, SCR59, SCR54, SCR180

Keywords: affordable housing, housing credits, perpetual credits, development, Hawaii Housing Finance, Vietnam veterans, commemorative medal, recognition, working group, Hawaii, no-bid contracts, emergency procurement, audit, state agencies, public funds, accountability, emergency response, disability access, 911 systems, life-saving measures

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's, you know, because of cost reduction.
• Um, there are three things that drive cost reduction: innovation, automation, and scale.
• And there's more cost reduction to come because every year we're continuing to see, you know, steady,
• </c><01:11:58.560><c> in</c><01:11:58.960><c> state</c> middle of the worst wildfires in state middle
• improvements you know along reduction improvements you know along the<01:32:04.159><c> way.

Bills: SCR48, SCR28, SCR74, SCR62, SCR60, SCR89, SCR147, SCR179, SCR182, SCR59, SCR54, SCR180

Keywords: affordable housing, housing credits, perpetual credits, development, Hawaii Housing Finance, Vietnam veterans, commemorative medal, recognition, working group, Hawaii, no-bid contracts, emergency procurement, audit, state agencies, public funds, accountability, emergency response, disability access, 911 systems, life-saving measures

Bills: SCR48, SCR28, SCR74, SCR62, SCR60, SCR89, SCR147, SCR179, SCR182, SCR59, SCR54, SCR180

Keywords: affordable housing, housing credits, perpetual credits, development, Hawaii Housing Finance, Vietnam veterans, commemorative medal, recognition, working group, Hawaii, no-bid contracts, emergency procurement, audit, state agencies, public funds, accountability, emergency response, disability access, 911 systems, life-saving measures

Bills: HB0036, HB0112, HB0106, HB0111, SF0001

Keywords: wildfire, fire management, funding, forestry, state investment, task force, capital construction, state funding, legislative services, budget appropriation, unexpended funds, sunset clause, conservation, employment, inmate crew program, Wyoming, major maintenance, community colleges, budget, education

Bills: HB0036, HB0112, HB0106, HB0111, SF0001

Keywords: wildfire, fire management, funding, forestry, state investment, task force, capital construction, state funding, legislative services, budget appropriation, unexpended funds, sunset clause, conservation, employment, inmate crew program, Wyoming, major maintenance, community colleges, budget, education

Bills: SB2339

Keywords: wildfire mitigation, utility liability, strict liability, electric utility, public service commission, PSC, rural electric cooperative, municipal utility, transmission provider, vegetation management, power lines, reclosers, electrical safety, wildfire prevention, grid reliability, public safety, first responders, ANSI A300, National Electrical Safety Code, community outreach

Summary: The Energy and Natural Resources Committee continued work on House Bill 1459, which concerns rare earth and critical mineral recovery from North Dakota lignite coal. Testimony from UND researcher Dan Ludo and industry representative David Straely focused on the urgency of developing the process quickly, the technical differences between extracting minerals from coal versus ash, and the potential value of elements such as terbium, dysprosium, gallium, germanium, and synthetic graphite. Straely argued the bill is constitutional, limited to minerals within the coal seam, and needed to avoid years of quiet title litigation and provide certainty for development and compensation to royalty owners. Committee members raised questions about landowner rights, compensation levels, possible amendments from the Department of Trust Lands, and whether the bill should be modified to address constitutional concerns or sunset provisions. No final action was taken on HB 1459; the chair said parties could work on language until Monday before the committee revisits it. The committee then returned to House Bill 1579, a high-load study bill with a possible energy infrastructure investment amendment. Jody Smith of the Retirement and Investment Office presented updated language adding guardrails for in-state infrastructure investing, including requiring approved projects to be underwritten and managed by a qualified investment manager or financial institution and to follow the Legacy Fund investment policy. Members discussed whether the amendment had been shared with the House sponsor and noted that the related bill 1330 was still pending, so HB 1579 was being held for the time being. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 1566, which had an amendment from the Agriculture Commissioner’s office. The committee adopted the amendment 7-0, then passed a due-pass motion on the amended bill and referred it to Appropriations, also by a 7-0 vote. Members discussed the bill’s fiscal impact, including an estimated $580,000 for two FTEs over two years, and clarified that the study component remains in the bill. Senator Gerhardt was assigned to carry the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• That included two key findings regarding our state's wildfire risks.
• First, our wildfire season will get longer.
• And second, greater portions of the state will be susceptible to wildfires.
• Equipment in the face of growing wildfire risks.
• And that's what makes our wildfires so devastating.

Bills: SB34, SB119, SB261, SB532, SB1035, SB1245, SB1247, SB1267, SB1442, SB1930, SB1948, SB2078, SB2112, SB2143, SB2155

Keywords: wildfire, wildfire mitigation, wildfire prevention, volunteer fire department, Texas A&M Forest Service, West Texas A&M University, prescribed burning, fuel loading, fuel reduction, firefighting equipment database, emergency communications, disaster preparedness, rural fire protection, asset hardening, natural resource management, emergency management, large wildfire risk, fire grant funding, fire suppression, Texas Legislature

Transcript Highlights:

• You'll see reductions to 2023 appropriations for the local climate action grants being reduced by $3
• So in total, there are $10 million of reductions to offset the $10 million in the target.
• Without this additional revenue, the DNR will be forced to make publicly visible reductions to state
• Maintaining our current levels of operation and forcing us to consider reductions in staffing, likely
• Lack of operating adjustments will result in layoffs and significant reductions. including delays in

Bills: HF2439

Keywords: environmental protection, pollution reduction, waste management, climate change, funding allocations

Transcript Highlights:

• Mitigation and Risk Reduction Authority and the Wildfire Mitigation and Risk Reduction Fund. ...changes
• the name of the authority to the Wildfire Mitigation and Risk Reduction Authority and the Wildfire Mitigation
• and Risk Reduction Fund.
• This bill seeks to create a similar program in Arizona, the Wildfire Mitigation and Risk Reduction Authority
• This bill seeks to create a similar program in Arizona, the Wildfire Mitigation and Risk Reduction Authority

Bills: HB2013, HB2292, HB2334, HB2349, HB2350, HB2845, HCM2011

Keywords: air pollution, wildfires, environmental standards, public health, Arizona Revised Statutes, wildfire, wildfire mitigation, wildfire prevention, forest fire, brush removal, defensible space, community hardening, vegetation management, fire-resistant construction, wildland urban interface, WUI, insurance premium tax, property insurance, homeowners insurance, commercial property insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• You'll see reductions to 2023 appropriations for the local climate action grants is being reduced by
• So in total, there's $10 million of reductions to offset the $10 million in the target.
• You'll see reductions to 2023 19.
• </c><00:03:45.920><c> to</c> there's 10 million of reductions to there's 10 million of reductions to
• </c> reductions to state park services. reductions to state park services.

Bills: HF2439

Keywords: environmental protection, pollution reduction, waste management, climate change, funding allocations, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think we had a very appropriate way to go forward, but we did achieve the reduction, the containment
• They're used much more in wildfire suppression. They're used much more in wildfire suppression.
• You know, we could not have reduced our wildfires in this state in the last 12 years without the increased

Bills: HB2347

Keywords: luxury aircraft tax, tax reduction, economic impact, business aviation, state revenue, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But again, much of AHRQ was gutted by the reduction in force at HHS last week, and the people that we

Keywords: artificial intelligence, waste reduction, fraud prevention, government efficiency, improper payments, data reliability, oversight

Summary: The meeting was chaired by Chairman Schweikert and involved a comprehensive discussion on how to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) for reducing waste, fraud, and improper payments within federal programs. Key witnesses, including Mr. Andrew Canarsa from the Council of the Inspectors General, provided insights on the potential of AI in enhancing government efficiency. The committee emphasized the importance of reliable data and thorough examination of AI application to avoid unintended consequences while addressing the estimated $162 billion in improper payments reported by the federal government. Concerns were raised regarding the recent firing of inspectors general and the impacts that could have on oversight and accountability processes.

Transcript Highlights:

• New tractors are equipped with emissions reduction exhausts and are significantly more fuel efficient
• You could do an across-the-board reduction in property taxes, but you'd never do that.

Bills: HB2376, HB2584, HB2610, HB2615, HB2089, HB2194, HB2257, HB2528, HB2175, HB2334

Keywords: property tax, reform, local government, taxpayer, funding, agriculture, tax exemption, farm machinery, equipment, sales tax, HB 2610, property tax exemption, nonprofit housing, affordable housing, low-income housing, community use, temporary use, charitable property, Washington property tax, Department of Revenue

Summary: House Finance held public hearings on several tax-related bills. HB 2584 would create a sales and use tax exemption for qualifying farm machinery and equipment purchased by eligible farmers, with the sponsor and supporters saying it would help struggling agricultural producers, encourage investment in more efficient and environmentally beneficial equipment, and support rural economies. County representatives opposed extending the exemption to local sales taxes, warning that counties rely heavily on sales tax revenue and cannot absorb additional exemptions. HB 2376 would consolidate the state’s two school property tax levies into one, expand and simplify property tax relief for seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans, and change how disposable income is calculated for eligibility. Supporters, including county officials and assessors, said it would help people age in place and make the program easier to use, while opponents argued it would raise taxes for some property owners and expand the state school levy. The committee also heard HB 2610, which would broaden a property tax exemption for nonprofit homeownership development so temporary nonprofit or community uses would not jeopardize the exemption; supporters said it would help nonprofits manage land during long predevelopment periods. HB 2615 would codify the Department of Revenue’s voluntary disclosure agreement program and create a temporary tax amnesty period for certain B&O, public utility, and sales/use tax liabilities. The sponsor and several tax and business witnesses said it would bring taxpayers into compliance, generate revenue, and help small businesses correct honest mistakes, while questions were raised about eligibility language for businesses involved in criminal tax prosecutions. After the hearings, the committee moved into executive action and reported HB 2194, HB 2257, HB 2528, and HB 2175 out of committee with due pass recommendations, with recorded votes showing support from most members and opposition from a minority on HB 2194 and HB 2528. The chair announced that HB 2584, HB 2610, and HB 2615 would be scheduled for executive session the following day, with no amendments allowed.

Bills: HB2115

Keywords: public assistance, Department of Human Services, federal funds, community services, energy conservation, poverty reduction

Summary: The committee considered House Bill 2115, which was described as a measure to move certain programs from one agency to another. Chairman Osborne presented the bill and moved adoption, then yielded for questions. No substantive questions or debate were recorded. A motion for a due pass recommendation was made and seconded, and the committee proceeded without further discussion. The chair then indicated the bill would be opened for signatures. With no additional business, the meeting adjourned. Before adjournment, the chair offered brief personal remarks thanking Mike and noting it was his first, last, and only opportunity to chair the committee.