Video & Transcript Research : 'children's code'
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KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education. (2-11-26)
Primary and Secondary Education
Transcript Highlights:
- In Tennessee, we just, as one provider, have a student enrolled in every single zip code in the state
- I am also Kentucky's chairman for the Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission, and I serve
- <01:30:15.199>
Compact Military Interstate Children's Compact Military Interstate Children's - <01:30:23.040>
And <01:30:23.360>since <01:30:23.600>the Children's Compact. - And since the Children's Compact.
Summary:
The committee heard presentations from the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America and the Governor Scholars Program. The FCCLA student speaker described how career and technical education helped her gain certifications, work in early childhood settings, and recognize a child who needed speech help, emphasizing support for CTE, FCCLA, and related student organizations. The Governor Scholars Program presentation, led by Dr. Jennifer Price with student speakers Max Corbett and Abigail Ziggler, focused on the program’s role in serving about 1,500 rising seniors each summer, its history since 1983, its statewide reach, and its impact on leadership development, college readiness, and keeping students connected to Kentucky. Members praised the students and program, and several shared personal stories about the program’s long-term benefits. Representative Camuel asked about funding, and Dr. Price said the program’s request was $2.1 million to maintain current enrollment levels of about 1,020 scholars for 2026; no vote was taken on that request during this segment.
The committee then took up House Bill 498, sponsored by Representative Duvall, with Aaron Looper of Graduation Alliance testifying in support. A committee substitute was adopted after explanation. The substitute broadened eligibility for accredited providers to include public and nonprofit entities, allowed each county an opportunity to provide services with a $200,000 aggregate maximum per county, reduced the dollars per credit to serve more students, and made date corrections. Representative Duvall said the bill was a workforce measure developed from the Workforce Attraction and Retention Task Force and aimed at adults who lack a high school diploma but have two years or less remaining to graduate.
Looper said the bill would create a pathway for adults to earn a regionally accredited high school diploma, paired with workforce and industry-recognized credentials, and stressed that it would not compete with GED programs, which are better suited for adults farther from graduation. He said the model is pay-for-performance, with providers paid only after milestones are completed, and that it would be available online, in person, or in hybrid form to improve rural access. In response to questions, he said students would not be charged fees, providers would handle transcript retrieval and remediation, and the program would include built-in accountability measures. He also said the budget request is $2 million per year, with the goal of maintaining the current level of service and eventually expanding if successful. Members asked about how the program differs from existing adult education options, access in all counties, and whether there are deserts in service availability; Looper said the online model and provider outreach are intended to address those gaps.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 02/11/25
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- I think over and over again we actually use people's ZIP codes to predict how their life is going to
- <00:56:42.319>
to actually use people's ZIP codes to actually use people's ZIP codes to predict - This program also offers voluntary case management and a children's program for the residents.
- This program also offers voluntary case management and a children's program for the residents.
- <01:27:19.639>
life in the first years of my children's life in the first years of my children's
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Yes, I'm Nicole Woo from Hawaii Children's Action Network.
- Mahalo, uh, Dor Shin, our children's trust.
- our children's trust. Aloha. our children's trust. Aloha. >> Aloha.
- My name is D Shin with Our Children's Trust, with Earth Justice.
- Nicole Woo from Hawaii Children's Action Network.
Bills:
HB2392, HB2462, HB2423, HB1771, HB2081, HB2334, HB2336, HB1666, HB2375, HB2415, HB2451, HB2373, HB1641, HB1694, HB1695, HB1986, HB1797, HB1879, HB2034
Keywords:
transportation, tax credit, employer incentives, commuting, environmental impact, flexible work arrangements, carpooling, bicycling, public transportation, consumer protection, subscription services, motor vehicles, ownership expectations, transparency, biodiesel, renewable diesel, diesel blend, B5, blending mandate, clean energy
Summary:
The committees heard testimony on several transportation-related measures. SB 2356, relating to parking, drew support from the Office of Planning, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Appleseed Center, Realtors, and the Hawaii Bicycling League. Members discussed the bill in the context of the planned stadium-area mixed-use development, with questions about whether parking would be built in structures rather than as large surface lots. Senators expressed support and noted the measure’s broader housing and parking-reduction goals, but no vote was taken during the hearing.
The bulk of the hearing focused on SB 2699, which would create a fare-free youth transit program, a special fund, annual evaluations, and appropriations tied to the environmental, energy, and food security tax. The Attorney General’s office raised technical concerns about whether the special fund met statutory requirements. The Department of Education and Department of Health supported the bill, as did the City and County of Honolulu DOT, Appleseed Center, Hawaii Youth Transportation Council, Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Hawaii Bicycling League, Our Children’s Trust, and numerous youth testifiers. Supporters emphasized reduced family transportation costs, better school attendance, improved health and mobility, and environmental benefits. One senator raised emergency-planning concerns about how children using free transit would be handled during events like tsunamis; DOT and DOE responded that emergency procedures are being developed. The chair said the committee would work on language changes, including a delayed effective date to July 2027, and defer decision-making until the 12th.
The final measure discussed was SB 2470, which would require leading pedestrian intervals, accessible pedestrian signals, and other safety improvements at state-controlled intersections, and create a process for community requests for accessible pedestrian signals. Appleseed Center, the Hawaii Association of the Blind, and the Disability Rights Center supported the bill, citing pedestrian safety, reduced collisions, and the need for audible cues for blind and low-vision pedestrians. Testifiers urged a phased-in approach that prioritizes high-traffic intersections. The hearing ended with the bill still under consideration and no final vote announced.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations - Room 216, 24 February, 2026; 1:30 PM
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- In many times, these code sections hadn't been touched in several decades.
- In many times, these code sections hadn't been touched in several decades.
- And so we are taking, I think it's 2.6 million lines of code, have to be refactored.
- <00:41:47.119>
have <00:41:47.359>to <00:41:47.520>be million lines of code - SACWIS is a term used by the federal government, the Children's Bureau, and as long as it's compliant
Summary:
Legislative leaders opened the hearing by focusing on statewide technology issues affecting agencies, including rising IT costs, cloud migration, cybersecurity risks, procurement delays, and the need for better coordination across government systems. They said the meeting was intended to hear from agency directors about current challenges and possible legislative solutions.
The ITS director described the state’s IT structure as decentralized but increasingly moving toward shared services. He highlighted recent legislative and executive actions on cloud computing, artificial intelligence, procurement modernization, and data sharing, including House Bill 1491, Senate Bill 2426, Senate Bill 2267, House Bill 958, and an executive order on AI. He said ITS has worked with large agencies on a cloud center of excellence, a procurement modernization advisory council, and a state data exchange, and noted plans for a master contract, potentially with OpenAI, that could be available to all public entities.
He also emphasized cybersecurity, saying the state is seeking a secure operations center and a broader “cyber maturity” approach after recent incidents. On procurement, he said the goal is to speed up purchasing while keeping it safe, and on optimization he pointed to potential savings from consolidating duplicate agreements, such as multiple Microsoft enterprise contracts. In response to questions, he said exceptions to centralization would be based on business and technical architecture and regulatory requirements such as HIPAA, CISA, or FERPA, rather than ad hoc decisions.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Children and Family Law (04/24/2025)
Children and Family Law
Transcript Highlights:
- staying with federal codes. staying with federal codes. see<01:58:16.800>
the <01:58:17.199 - Just wanting to make children's care.
- I was cut off by my children's from my I was cut off by my children's from my children's<02:07:13.599
- So, the law is made children's card.
- <03:06:25.120>
library request their children's library request their children's library records
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Jan 15th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- American Children's. American Children's, I'm sorry. Are you a physician?
- American Children's. American Children's, I'm sorry. Are you a physician?
- unaware that children are treated far differently by judicial circuits, counties, cities, and zip codes
- . ...differently by judicial circuits, counties, cities, and zip codes.
Summary:
The committee met to hear an overview of the Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice budget area and then received performance-measure presentations from the Department of Corrections, the Commission on Offender Review, and the Department of Juvenile Justice. Staff reviewed the roughly $7.4 billion criminal justice and judiciary budget, noting major funding areas such as corrections, law enforcement, victim services, courts, and due process, along with recent investments in prison health care, security equipment, fentanyl enforcement, court staffing, and juvenile justice salaries and education programs.
Secretary Dixon of the Department of Corrections described staffing and population pressures, including growth in inmate population, overtime-driven deficits, and the opening of additional housing units. He emphasized the department’s use of performance measures and highlighted reforms such as incentivized prisons, administrative management units, reentry planning, faith-based programs, and expanded education and vocational training. Members asked about teacher hiring, public defender pay parity, fentanyl funding, staffing capacity, and the role of the National Guard; Dixon said teacher vacancies had improved, public defenders had received comparable pay increases, fentanyl funding would be addressed further by FDLE, and the Guard had helped stabilize staffing.
The Commission on Offender Review reported on parole, conditional release, addiction recovery supervision, and revocations, saying its recidivism/success rates had improved over a three-year measurement period. Senator Rouson pressed the commission on clemency and pardons, saying that work was omitted from the presentation and asking for backlog and case data; the commission said it did not have those figures on hand and would follow up. The committee also discussed a conditional medical release pilot study, and members questioned the report’s conclusion that no suitable elderly inmate population could be identified, asking what criteria were used and whether stakeholders were consulted.
Secretary Hall of the Department of Juvenile Justice outlined the agency’s prevention-to-residential continuum and its emphasis on education, data-driven decision-making, and evidence-based programming. He said salary increases had reduced vacancies, juvenile arrests and residential commitments had fallen sharply over time, and tools such as civil citations, risk assessments, and quality-improvement reviews were being used to guide placements and services. Hall also described the department’s use of dashboards, monthly data check-ins, and the dispositional matrix to improve outcomes and reduce recidivism.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 24th, 2025
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- So, program support, the P code is 526.
- Now, moving to the last program code, let's go to page 11. This is Program Code 709.
- If you'd like, I can go P code by P code, but those are the big differences.
- I can go P code by P code, but it sounds like you're good.
- It's also been the focus of the economic domain of the Children's Cabinet, Governor Lujan Grisham's Children's
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (02/09/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- is either children's education is either maintained<00:39:05.680>
or <00:39:06.000>even <04:53:41.040>- If we're doing it electronically, each student gets a coded number, but there's nothing that attaches
- number, but there's nothing that coded number, but there's nothing that attaches<03:07:53.840>
it that also in in our criminal um code that also in in our criminal um code that - Um, does it could I may code of conduct.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- They had some code compliance issues, exterior repairs, and interior rehabilitation needs.
- We had some code compliance issues, exterior repairs, and interior rehabilitation needs.
- They had some code compliance issues, exterior repairs, and interior rehabilitation needs.
- They had some code compliance issues, exterior repairs, and interior rehabilitation needs.
- We had some code compliance issues, exterior repairs, and interior rehabilitation needs.
Keywords:
affordable housing, local control, revolving loan fund, community partnerships, Minnesota housing policy, housing, locally controlled housing, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, housing infrastructure bonds, state bonds, bonding bill, supportive housing, permanent supportive housing, homelessness, veterans housing, senior housing, manufactured home parks, community land trust, single-family housing, multifamily housing
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Watertown zip code 55388, correct? I have no idea why that’s in my head. I really don’t.
- Yes, good morning. thank you water Watertown zip code thank you water Watertown zip code 55388<00:10:
- parenthesis of the Internal Revenue code parenthesis of the Internal Revenue code period<00:20:57.360
- As a grandparent, I enjoy taking my grandchildren to the Minnesota Zoo and to the Children's Museum.
- <00:53:49.079>
so very basic idea uh in our tax code so very basic idea uh in our tax code
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, March 18, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Our loophole-riddled tax code has more holes than Swiss cheese.
- Our loophole tilled tax code overseas.
- We banned it from children's toys.
- And we banned lead from gasoline, from paint, from children's toys.
- And we banned lead from gasoline, from paint, from children's toys.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 35 (2-26-26) - Reupload
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , building code enforcement, electrical, plumbing,<00:40:06.720>
boiler, <00:40:07.359>HVAC - It is about ensuring that Kentuckians, no matter their zip code, can receive life-saving services close
- , can receive life-saving their zip code, can receive life-saving services<01:13:29.440>
close - serving families across the Children's serving families across the Commonwealth.
- for their dedication, their Children's for their dedication, their willingness<02:41:01.600>
to
Keywords:
Several minutes after the convene vote and before the introduction failed to properly steam.
This version was pulled from a local back up., 958, all
Summary:
The House convened with 97 members present, declared a quorum, approved excusing absent members, and suspended the rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. The journal for February 25, 2026 was approved. The clerk also reported that the Senate had passed Senate Bills 98 and 122 and requested concurrence. The House then received second-reading reports on a range of bills, including measures on prison educational programs, respiratory care, dietitians, wildlife depredation, temporary structures, military families, civil rights, local boards of education, light pollution, controlled-substance prescribing licenses, youth health services, class sizes for exceptional children, the athletic trainer compact, limited commercial driver’s licenses, and Senate Bill 145 relating to the Department of Agriculture and Alcohol Beverage Control.
Committee reports moved several bills forward, including the main budget bills House Bill 500 and House Bill 504, along with measures on workforce investment, data centers, domestic violence, guardians ad litem, domestic relations, health delivery and “food is medicine” initiatives, state personnel, open records, and fish and wildlife resources. House Bill 500 and House Bill 504 were taken from the Rules Committee and placed on the orders of the day. House Bill 500, the executive branch budget bill, was then taken up for third reading and explanation.
Members presented extensive floor explanations of House Bill 500 and House Committee Substitute 1, describing it as a “good first draft” of the executive budget. Supporters said the proposal emphasizes restrained spending growth, base reductions with exemptions for key areas, employee salary increments, and deposits to the Budget Reserve Trust Fund for future one-time investments. They highlighted funding for K-12 education, postsecondary aid and workforce training, Medicaid and behavioral health, public health infrastructure, pensions, veterans, public safety, economic development, tourism, and state technology and facility maintenance. The budget substitute was adopted by voice vote, and the discussion continued with detailed descriptions of the bill’s provisions; no final passage vote was shown in the excerpt.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EEP/TRN/AEN/TCA Joint Info Briefing - Wed Jun 25, 2025 @ 9:30 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, Isaac from Earth Justice, our Children's Trust, and the 13 plaintiffs felt that we weren't going
- Um, Isaac from Earth Justice, our Children's Trust, and the 13 plaintiffs felt that we weren't going
- Um, Isaac from Earth Justice, our Children's Trust, and the 13 plaintiffs felt that we weren't going
- Um, Isaac from Earth Justice, our Children's Trust, and the 13 plaintiffs felt that we weren't going
- Uh, our Children's Trust, are they still actively involved? Yes.
Summary:
The committees received an informational briefing from Hawaii DOT and related partners on the Navahine settlement and the department’s plan to meet its climate and transportation commitments. Speakers described the settlement as a first-of-its-kind agreement rooted in the state constitution, the public trust doctrine, and prior legislative findings and laws, including Act 131. They said the settlement is intended to formalize DOT’s work, establish milestones, and keep climate and transportation policy less dependent on changes in administration. The presentation emphasized that transportation is Hawaii’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and that the plan is aimed at meeting 2030 and 2045 clean energy goals.
DOT outlined several major implementation pieces: creation of a new Office of Energy Security and Community Outreach, formation of a youth council, and development of an emissions reduction plan that will be updated over time. The youth council reported on its membership, statewide representation, meetings, and work on charter, bylaws, and committees focused on policy and legislation, events and advocacy, and ground transportation. Youth members said they provided feedback on the energy security plan and discussed walk audits and safe routes to school. The department also described a new project-scoring tool to measure greenhouse gas impacts of every DOT project, which it said is intended to make Hawaii a national leader in evaluating transportation emissions.
A major topic was the settlement’s transportation network requirement, which speakers said compresses roughly 15 years of pedestrian, bicycle, and transit network work into five years and will require about $40 million to $50 million per year over the next five years. They said a GIS map is being developed to identify gaps and that the work will involve counties and other partners, with benefits for safety, connectivity, and emissions reduction. Other topics included clean fuel standards, electrification of ground transportation, sustainable aviation fuel, marine fuel transitions, cold ironing at ports, and the costs and availability challenges associated with those transitions. DOT also reported progress on EV charging infrastructure, including two completed sites and more planned, and said it is using a sustainability partner contract to maintain chargers and recover only electricity costs.
The briefing also highlighted carbon sequestration and fire mitigation work, including native tree planting. DOT said it has exceeded its minimum annual tree-planting commitment, with 3,000 trees planted in 2024 and 4,200 by mid-2025, and noted that the Legislature provided $15 million for fire mitigation that is being used for this work. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee Mar 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Modern AED units can be secured in protective code-accessible boxes that activate when 9-1-1 is called
- Modern AED units can be secured in protective code accessible boxes that activate when 9-1-1 is called
- 2027, say the funding hasn't been identified, so somebody's out of compliance with that part of the code
- AB 708 is a parental empowerment bill that will increase children's safety and uphold parental choice
Summary:
The Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee met as a subcommittee and heard three youth-sports safety bills. AB 310 would require youth sports organizations to have written emergency response plans for cardiac emergencies, maintain and test AEDs, and ensure coaches have training in AED use and CPR. The author and supporters, including the Eric Paredes Save a Life Foundation and the California chapter of the American College of Cardiology, argued the bill would save lives and build on last year’s AED requirement. Youth soccer organizations opposed the bill’s broader AED mandate on cost grounds, saying compliance could total millions statewide and could force higher dues, while asking for grants, liability protections, and public-field AED installation. The committee discussed costs and funding options, then passed AB 310 on a 9-0 vote.
The committee then considered AB 437, which would add sports-related injuries, including head injuries, to the health and safety information the CIF must report to the Legislature and Governor. Support came from the California chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians, and there was no opposition. Members said the measure would improve reporting on athlete safety and accepted technical amendments. AB 437 was approved 9-0 as amended.
Finally, AB 708 would allow parents to choose soft-shelled helmet add-ons for youth football to reduce concussion risk. The author described the bill as a parental-choice and safety measure, noting studies showing reduced concussion risk. Members praised the bill as a common-sense alternative to banning the sport and emphasized that it would let families choose additional protection. There was no opposition, and the committee passed AB 708 9-0. The committee also adopted a consent calendar item with amendments before adjourning.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Press Conference: American Society of Civil Engineers Feb 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Now is the time for the legislature to invest in our children's future.
- are the, um, Some of the improvements that we can make is policies, uh, with regards to resilience code
- that if you want to get more details of each topic, that is more there and I believe it's on the QR code
- QR code here as well. 1. So next question. So, Last call. OK.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Vehicle Code sections 22660 through 22672 provide a comprehensive framework for addressing abandoned
- To me, it seems like the code section becomes important.
- To me, it seems like the code section becomes important.
- To me, it seems like the code section becomes important.
- Restitution in California is governed by Penal Code section 1202.4.
Summary:
The committee first heard AB 647, a cleanup bill to AB 630 that would clarify that local agencies in Los Angeles and Alameda counties can use a pilot program to remove and dismantle certain abandoned, inoperable RVs valued at $4,000 or less. Supporters, including the author and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s representative, said the measure would help address public health and safety hazards tied to dilapidated RVs and homelessness. Opponents argued existing abandoned-vehicle laws already provide tools, and warned the bill could be used to remove vehicles occupied by unhoused residents without offering services. AB 647 was later approved on a due pass to Appropriations vote.
The committee then considered AB 1656, which would give courts discretion to consider a prosecutor’s scheduling conflict when deciding whether to continue a human trafficking case, with amendments making the continuance discretionary and limited. Supporters said the bill would help preserve vertical prosecution and continuity for traumatized survivors; opponents raised speedy-trial and due process concerns. After discussion about balancing victim support and constitutional rights, the committee voted AB 1656 out on a due pass as amended to the floor.
Members also heard AB 917, which would require prosecutors to file a motion to reinstate charges dismissed at a preliminary hearing rather than simply adding them back, with amendments clarifying procedures and violent felony refiling. Supporters said it would protect due process and respect judicial decisions; district attorneys opposed the bill as procedurally unnecessary and burdensome. The committee approved AB 917 on a due pass as amended to Appropriations. AB 2636, which would require courts to consider loaded-firearm possession when deciding whether a juvenile is eligible for deferred entry of judgment, also passed on a due pass to the floor after supporters emphasized public safety and opponents argued it would reduce rehabilitative opportunities for youth.
Finally, the committee heard AB 1632, which would replace the notarization requirement for 602 trespass authorization letters with a statement under penalty of perjury. Supporters said the change would reduce administrative burden and help property owners and police address trespassing more efficiently; opponents warned it could weaken safeguards and be misused against tenants or unhoused people. The bill passed on a due pass as amended to the floor. The hearing also began consideration of AB 1974, a voluntary firearm safe-storage bill inspired by Pierce’s Pledge, with the author and a survivor advocate presenting the measure, but the transcript cuts off before the committee completed action on that bill.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Feb 23rd, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- completed her predoctoral internship at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Arkansas Children's
Bills:
SB683, SB1579, SB1389, SB1387, SB1390, SB1391, SB2063, SB1829, SB2060, SB1842, SB1398, SB1212, SB2158, SB102, SB1772, SB1958, SB2010, SB1595, SB1687, SB1684, SB2049, SB1966, SB1989, SB1191, SB1258, SB1920, SB1936, SB2143, SB2122, SB330, SB2071, SB2169, SB2069, SB2095, SB2157, SB1806, SB1430, SB206, SB1547, SB1849, SB1428, SB1653, SB1984, SB1644, SB1561, SB1813, SB1570, SB1796
Keywords:
education, tax credit, student support, private school, Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit, financial assistance, homeschooling, qualified expenses, property tax, valuation increase, taxpayer rights, homestead, protest process, school choice, tuition assistance, income limits, parental choice, accreditation, sales tax, motor vehicles
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Human Services Mar 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- There must be a balanced and measured approach that keeps children's safety at the forefront.
- a Code 17400 gives DCSS the statutory authority to identify and suspend uncollectable government owed
- For our children's residential programs in particular, which include both foster family agency homes
- Kristen Power with the Alliance for Children's Rights.
- Good evening, Kristen Power with the Alliance for Children's Rights.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held an informational hearing on child welfare, foster care, child support, and related prevention efforts. The chair opened by emphasizing mandated reporting reform, foster care system improvements, and community-based prevention, and noted that no votes would be taken. Public testimony focused first on mandated reporting, where a lived-experience advocate and several organizations argued that the current system overreports families, especially Black, Native, and Latino families, causes trauma, and should be reformed through standardized training, clearer thresholds, and stronger community supports rather than more hotline referrals. Casey Family Programs cited data showing nearly 90% of reports are unsubstantiated, while CDSS said it is already forming a Mandated Reporting Advisory Committee, updating training, and exploring community pathways and possible changes to the list of mandated reporters. CWDA and SEIU supported training and alternative response concepts but stressed child safety, county capacity, funding, and the need for careful implementation and accountability.
The committee then discussed a proposal to create a foster care multi-agency office within the California Health and Human Services Agency, led by a chief foster youth advocate with authority to coordinate across departments. Advocates said foster youth often need services from education, health, housing, and behavioral health systems that do not coordinate well, and argued that a central office with real authority could improve placement stability and access to services. CDSS responded that existing structures already provide coordination, including AB 2083 interagency teams, the Child Welfare Council, complex care steering committees, and the foster care ombudsperson, but said it was open to technical assistance. Members raised concerns about whether the new office would have enough authority and funding to avoid becoming another layer of bureaucracy, and the chair emphasized the need for real “teeth” and better interagency action.
The final major topic was the continuation and expansion of Promise Neighborhoods. A community leader described strong early results from the state-funded neighborhoods, including improved kindergarten readiness, reduced chronic absenteeism, higher graduation rates, food access, housing supports, and mental health services, but warned that current funding sunsets in June 2025 and that a fiscal cliff could jeopardize staff and services. CDSS said the four funded neighborhoods have reported positive outcomes and valuable flexibility, but also noted challenges with one-time funding, student mental health, and long-term planning. Assemblymember Mia Bonta urged continued investment, saying the place-based model is difficult to rebuild once lost, and the chair asked LAO to help identify the minimum funding needed to preserve the existing infrastructure while evaluation results are still pending.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Thu Feb 12, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- Hawaii Children's Action Network speaks in support on Zoom.
- Hawaii Children's Action Network supports this bill.
- <00:49:12.880>
speaks Hawaii Children's Action Network speaks Hawaii Children's Action Network - Uh Hawaii Children's Action committee.
- The zip code level. We equip our counties and our communities with the data so they live there.
Keywords:
cosmetics, returns, refunds, consumer protection, high-pressure sales, transparency, accountability, HB1660, Hawaii, county labor standards, counties, contractors, building permits, permit denial, permit suspension, permit revocation, wage theft, wages, benefits, hours
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 2614, which would require merchants selling cosmetics to accept returns of newer unopened goods within specified time frames and expand signage requirements for return and refund policies. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection strongly supported the bill, citing updated figures of 180 cosmetic complaints from 2020 to 2025, 54 still under investigation, 148 referred to class action litigation, and more than $1.3 million in consumer losses. Members questioned whether the bill was needed given the pending lawsuit and whether bad actors would comply, while the office responded that clearer signage would improve consumer awareness and could reduce complaints without limiting other remedies. No vote was taken.
The committee then heard HB 1660 HD1, which would allow counties to require contractors to disclose wage, benefit, hour, and employment-status information and to deny, revoke, or suspend permits for certain labor-law violations. DLIR, the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters, Operating Engineers Local 3, and Pacific Resource Partnership testified in support, arguing the measure would help deter cheating contractors, protect law-abiding employers, and keep bad actors from undercutting wages and taxes. One member raised concerns about possible delays to affordable housing projects and whether owners should be held responsible for contractors’ misconduct; supporters replied that compliance is a minimum standard, that county action would be discretionary rather than automatic, and that the bill would not bar counties from working with affordable housing developers. No action was reported.
Finally, the committee took up HB 1704, adopting the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact to allow telepsychology and temporary in-person practice across state lines. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the State Health Planning and Development Agency, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans supported the measure, saying it would help fill major staffing gaps, especially for forensic evaluations and services in rural and neighbor-island communities. The Board of Psychology raised concerns about the compact’s scope, the need for a study focused specifically on psychologists, background-check requirements, possible loss of regulatory authority and revenue, and the need to update older statutory provisions. Hawaii Association for Justice opposed the immunity language in the compact, and Shawn Scanlon opposed the bill, arguing it could weaken cultural responsiveness and local control and suggesting the state instead improve temporary licensing and other in-state pathways. The committee also questioned the Department of Corrections about its vacancies and whether telehealth could be filled by local providers; no vote was taken in the excerpt.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And, you know, under the Civil Practices and Remedies Code Chapter 15, it's going to be where the events
- The reality is that if y'all care about women's safety or children's safety, why are we having… a hearing
- Heterosexuality, homosexuality, and transgenderism—no man should violate women's or children's privacy
- We have seen how radical gender ideology is creeping into our classrooms and our children's lives.
- She used code words at the beginning because it was so difficult and sensitive, and we get these types
Keywords:
gender designation, civil penalties, private civil rights, multiple-occupancy spaces, Texas Women's Privacy Act, law enforcement, confidentiality, personnel files, employee records, misconduct, abortion, civil liability, abortion-inducing drugs, qui tam actions, Texas Citizens Participation Act, Religious Freedom Restoration Act, healthcare regulations, impact fees, water conservation, reuse projects