Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair and members, House Concurrent Resolution 2003 requires, beginning January 1st, 2027, each
• I used to work in a state in Oklahoma where they have a 12-year lifetime legislative limit.
• After 12 years, you can never run again.
• I used to work in a state in Oklahoma where they have a 12-year lifetime legislative moment.
• After 12 years, you can never run again.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The meeting covered a large number of bills and resolutions across education, federalism, government, health, commerce, and judiciary-related topics. In education, members heard bills on moving the statewide testing window later, allowing paper-based testing in more cases, posting school administrator compensation data, expanding who may receive student directory information, reviewing duplicative ADE reporting requirements, requiring religious excusals, creating a school fitness recognition program, and a proposed ballot measure on sex-designated school sports and private spaces. In federalism, the committee discussed banning foreign nationals from funding ballot-measure committees and a proposal to eliminate voting centers and return to precinct-based voting. Other items included memorials urging the U.S. to withdraw from the United Nations and the IMF, and a government bill penalizing agencies that fail to submit financial reports on time. Health and human services bills focused on lactation care, a state certification program for lactation providers, prohibiting gender transition procedures for minors, requiring chief medical officers at state agencies to hold active licenses, clarifying air ambulance statutes, seeking a SNAP waiver to restrict non-eligible food purchases, and collecting hospital patient immigration-status data for reporting. Sponsors generally framed these as consumer protection, public health, or administrative cleanup measures, while some members raised concerns about cost, privacy, and possible legal conflicts. In commerce, the committee heard bills on digital goods disclosure, protections for child content creators, liability limits for river outfitters, landlord utility billing transparency, appraisal management company definitions, unemployment eligibility verification, and association-based health plans. Several measures were pulled from consent or flagged for amendments. The judiciary portion included bills creating a civil cause of action for violations of anti-DEI laws, expanding hate-crime-style penalties to include political affiliation and expression, adding reporting requirements for name changes by sex offenders, penalizing possession of falsified commercial driver’s licenses by unlawfully present individuals, adding penalties for mailing abortion-inducing drugs, allowing speed-limiting devices as an alternative to license suspension, extending inmate transition services, increasing penalties for sexual extortion involving older teens, requiring legislative approval to close state shooting ranges, and advancing an Article V convention resolution for congressional term limits. Several sponsors emphasized public safety, parental rights, election integrity, or government accountability, while some members raised constitutional or implementation concerns, particularly on liability, voting systems, and the term-limits resolution. Multiple bills were reported as being on consent calendars, with some pulled for amendments or further discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• :24.279> those<00:12:24.600> come<00:12:25.360> uh<00:12:25.920> uh<00:12
• :31.360> is<00:12:31.600> good<00:12:31.760> for<00:12:31.959> our<00:12:
• ><00:12:33.560> our<00:12:33.720> students<00:12:34.720> we're<00:12:34.959>
• > around<00:12:36.000> in<00:12:36.240> all<00:12:36.639> these<00:12:36.839
• c><00:12:42.639> of<00:12:42.760> our<00:12:42.959> public<00:12:43.240> tax<

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Education Policy Committee approved the minutes from January 21, 2025, and then heard testimony from several school superintendents about the financial and operational impact of recent education-related mandates. Chair Bennett framed the hearing as an opportunity to hear from districts about the effects of more than 65 new mandates and restrictions adopted in recent years. The first witnesses were Corey McIntyre of Anoka-Hennepin, Michael Thomas of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, and David Law of Minnetonka Public Schools. The superintendents said districts are facing rising costs, flat or declining enrollment, the end of federal pandemic aid, and mandates they described as unfunded or underfunded. McIntyre cited major budget cuts in Anoka-Hennepin, including reductions in central office staff, and said the district faces continuing shortfalls tied to special education, multilingual learner costs, unemployment claims, paid leave, transportation, literacy materials, and the K-3 discipline statute. Thomas said Prior Lake-Savage is balancing growing student needs against limited revenue, and argued that mandates such as REACT and other requirements should be delayed or better funded so districts can implement them with fidelity. Law said the concerns are statewide, not just metro-based, and criticized the accumulation of expectations around food service, mental health, sick and safe time, unemployment, and family leave without corresponding resources. Several witnesses emphasized that school budgets are heavily committed to staff costs and that new obligations create administrative burdens as well as direct expenses. They urged lawmakers to reduce, delay, or better fund mandates, adjust timelines, and provide more flexibility in local revenue tools and equalization aid. No votes were taken on legislation during this portion of the meeting beyond approval of the prior day’s minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:00.880> It<00:12:01.320> involves<00:12:02.320> so<00:12:02.800> many
• <00:12:06.399> Uh<00:12:06.639> and<00:12:06.880> it<00:12:06.959> is
• <00:12:07.200> very<00:12:07.600> real<00:12:07.920> time.
• > within<01:12:46.960> 60<01:12:47.280> days<01:12:47.600> will<01:12:47.840
• not be required<01:12:48.640> to<01:12:48.800> have<01:12:48.960> an<01:12:49.120

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :12:02.920> early<00:12:03.200> in<00:12:03.320> the<00:12:03.519> process
• right now<00:12:04.320> as<00:12:04.440> you<00:12:04.560> know<00:12:05.040>
• :12:13.880> way<02:12:14.079> we<02:12:14.280> do<02:12:14.880> that<02:12
• 12:30.559> of<02:12:30.840> the<02:12:31.440> out<02:12:31.559> of<02:12:
• :12:44.680> yes<03:12:44.920> inv<03:12:45.520> I<03:12:45.640> I<03:12:45.720

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee meeting began with an overview from the Legislative Budget Assistant Office on how Ways and Means will work with agencies and leadership during the budget and revenue-estimating process. Staff explained that the governor’s budget is still being developed, agencies are cautious about going on record early, and the committee will use worksheets and updated fiscal reports to track estimates. The presentation emphasized that the fiscal year 2025 budget status is a point-in-time snapshot and remains fluid because the annual comprehensive financial report has been delayed, which could change the beginning balances for both the general fund and education trust fund. The budget update highlighted that the general fund is currently stronger than originally assumed, while the education trust fund is weaker. The speaker said the general fund began FY25 with a much larger balance than expected, while the education trust fund came in lower due to higher-than-budgeted adequacy spending and weaker business tax performance. Revenue trends showed the general fund slightly ahead year to date, but the education trust fund down significantly. The committee also discussed unbudgeted appropriations, including attorney general litigation, legal settlements, abandoned property claims, adequacy true-ups, and education freedom accounts, as well as the role of lapses and off-budget items in the final balance. Members asked about the delayed liquor commission audit and whether it could affect revenue forecasts. Staff said the delay was mainly caused by the commission’s switch in point-of-sale systems and staffing losses, but did not expect major ongoing reporting issues. They also noted that liquor fund variances are more likely tied to Medicaid expansion costs than to commission operations. The governor’s office was said to be working on possible budget reductions, but no January request to the fiscal committee was expected. Commissioner Lindsay Stepp of the Department of Revenue Administration then presented an overview of state revenue sources, focusing first on the meals and rentals tax. She explained that DRA administers 14 taxes that account for most state revenue, and that meals and rentals tax growth has slowed after strong post-pandemic gains. She described factors affecting the tax, including employment, inflation, fuel and food prices, wages, and weather, and noted that online platforms like Airbnb have improved compliance by collecting and remitting tax on behalf of hosts. Members asked about short-term rental compliance and how DRA identifies unlicensed rentals; Stepp said referrals, anonymous tips, and platform data help enforcement.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> offering comments par Hawaii offering comments par Hawaii offering comments<00:35:04.839> 12
• <00:35:05.280> BC<00:35:05.920> in comments 12 BC in comments 12 BC in support<00:35
• <01:00:55.720> 1 Vehicles purchase on or after January 1 Vehicles purchase on or after January
• Broadband reversing alarms by January 1st, 2028.
• So we appreciate the recognition of an effective date of January 1st, 2027, as noted in our testimony

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation heard several bills on March 11, including measures on harbor vessel requirements, transportation funding, clean fuels, water carriers, parking enforcement, and electric mobility. For SB 1402 SD1 on vessels in state commercial harbors, testimony was split: the General Contractors Association of Hawaii and the Longline Association supported it, while Hol Holo Charters and one individual opposed it, saying the bill should be more specific about tourboat operators. For SB 1473 on central services assessments, SB 321 on privately owned roads, and SB 419 on insurance coverage for child passenger restraint systems, the committee heard brief testimony with no noted objections or actions beyond moving through the agenda. For SB 1009 SD2 on parking, the bill would create fines for misuse of disability and EV parking spaces and direct the revenue to the Safe Routes to School special fund. Support came from Ulupono Initiative, Climate Protectors Hawaii, the Disability Communication Access Board, and others, while the Retail Merchants of Hawaii supported the bill’s intent but questioned using the fines for Safe Routes to School, and Hawaiian Electric suggested directing EV-related fines to the EV charging system subaccount instead. Hawaii Appleseed supported the measure but raised concerns about the size of the fines and possible impacts on low-income residents. The committee asked questions about enforcement when EV chargers are inoperable; DAGS indicated the stalls could be used and would not be enforced in that situation. For SB 1120 on a clean fuel standard, the Department of Transportation supported the measure but asked for the implementation date to be delayed by one year and requested an independent Hawaii-specific economic impact study due before the next session. Support also came from several transportation, airline, and industry groups, while Tim Rhymer and Frank Schultz opposed it. The committee then heard SB 21 on water carriers, which would authorize a PUC inflationary cost index adjustment mechanism and exemptions; DOT, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Young Brothers, and the Hawaii Harbors Users Group supported it, while Frank Schultz opposed. Finally, the committee heard SB 117 on electric mobility, which would expand and rename the rebate program, set age limits and operating rules for e-bikes and electric motorcycles, require insurance for electric motorcycle operators, and make conforming changes. Testimony was largely supportive, including from DOT, the Hawaii Bicycling League, the Queen’s pediatric trauma center, and Ulupono Initiative, though one testifier warned that the bill’s wattage definition could unintentionally capture some pedal-assist e-bikes. No votes were taken on the individual bills in the portions shown, and the transcript ended with the committee continuing its hearing agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• :29.920> in<01:12:30.080> shaki<01:12:31.080> thank women in shaki thank women in
• shaki thank you<01:12:32.800> thank<01:12:32.960> you<01:12:33.199> next<01:12:
• 33.440> up<01:12:33.639> is<01:12:33.760> a<01:12:34.000> Lucy<01:12:34.400
• Lucy G and then<01:12:35.840> uh<01:12:36.080> on<01:12:36.360> Deck<01:12:36.639
• > will<01:12:36.840> be<01:12:37.239> Reverend<01:12:38.239> Dr then uh on

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• community members whose collective mission is to create a world-class academically rigorous K through 12
• We have Senator Kim, who is not only chairing Higher Education, but we decided to do K through 12 with
• <00:27:37.120> and it's through preK or K through 12 and it's through preK or K through 12
• Silver dated January 5, 2026 to<00:50:22.960> convene<00:50:23.280> an<00:50:23.520>
• So, uh, January 15, happy birthday. [Applause] Any further announcements?

Bills: HCR1, HCR2, SB2001, SB2002, SB2003, SB2004, SB2005, SB2006, SB2007, SB2008, SB2009, SB2010, SB2011, SB2012, SB2013, SB2014, SB2015, SB2016, SB2017, SB2018, SB2019, SB2020, SB2021, SB2022, SB2023, SB2024, SB2025, SB2026, SB2027, SB2028, SB2029, SB2030, SB2031, SB2032, SB2033, SB2034, SB2035, SB2036, SB2037, SB2038, SB2039, SB2040, SB2041, SB2042, SB2043, SB2044, SB2045, SB2046, SB2047, SB2048, SB2049, SB2050, SB2051, SB2052, SB2053, SB2054, SB2055, SB2056, SB2057, SB2058, SB2059, SB2060, SB2061, SB2062, SB2063, SB2064, SB2065, SB2066, SB2067, SB2068, SB2069, SB2070, SB2071, SB2072, SB2073, SB2074, SB2075, SB2076, SB2077, SB2078, SB2079, SB2080, SB2081, SB2082, SB2083, SB2084, SB2085, SB2086, SB2087, SB2088, SB2089, SB2090, SB2091, SB2092, SB2093, SB2094, SB2095, SB2096, SB2097, SB2098, SB2099, SB2100

Keywords: recess, legislative session, Hawaii State Legislature, 2026, Governor address, joint session, legislature, Hawaii, state of the state, Banyan Drive, Waiakea peninsula, Makaokū, Hilo, Hawaii Island, HCDA, Hawaii Community Development Authority, community development district, redevelopment, urban renewal, blight

Transcript Highlights:

• HHFDC to transfer the public roads of the Villages of Kapolei to the City and County of Honolulu by January
• HHFDC to transfer the public roads of the Villages of Kapolei to the City and County of Honolulu by January
• HHFDC to transfer the public roads of the Villages of Kapolei to the City and County of Honolulu by January
• on page 4, lines 7 to 13, to require a complete application being filed, and on page 5, lines 11 to 12
• On page five, lines 11 to 12, insert qualified professionals who meet State Historic Preservation Division

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Housing met on February 11, 2025, to hear Senate Bill 662 and Senate Bill 66. SB 662 would require HHFDC to transfer the public roads in the Villages of Kapolei to the City and County of Honolulu by January 1, 2026, and would authorize county police officers to enforce the statewide traffic code on all public streets and highways. Testimony on the measure was in support from H50, the City and County of Honolulu, and an individual testifier. HHFDC Executive Director D. Minomi said the agency had been negotiating with the city over a $60 million transfer of road and infrastructure maintenance responsibility, but no formal agreement had been drafted; negotiations were paused when related bills were introduced. He said that if the bills do not pass, HHFDC would continue negotiations because the amount is less than the estimated cost of rehabilitating the roads itself and would free up staff time. The committee recommended SB 662 be passed with amendments, including a deferred date and report language referencing the ongoing negotiations, and the recommendation was adopted with aye votes from the chair, vice chair, Senator Kino, and Senator Kuha. The committee then heard SB 66, which would require counties to issue building permits within 60 days when applications are stamped and certified by a licensed engineer and architect and other conditions are met. Testimony was mixed, with the Department of Planning and Permitting for the City and County of Honolulu in opposition, and several groups including the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, RMS Sales, Hawaii Realtors, NAHawaii Chapter, BIA Hawaii, and the Maui Chamber of Commerce in support; several individuals also testified both for and against. The State Historic Preservation Division testified with comments. In decision-making, the chair recommended SB 66 be passed with technical, non-substantive amendments and with additional amendments from the State Historic Preservation Division, including requiring a complete application and specifying qualified professionals under SHPD rules for architecture, archaeology, architectural history, and/or physical anthropology. The committee adopted the recommendation by a vote of the chair alone, with no objections noted. The hearing then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly chamber Sacramento Thursday, January 16th, 2025, the assembly met at 7 AM.
• Sadly, in January, Miguel made the difficult decision to close El Pastor Papi for the foreseeable future
• During his 12 years on the council and his time as an active Richmond resident.
• Jim supported me when I ran in 2018 in a 12-way contested primary, which was no easy feat.
• , his wife Cheryl, his two sons Eric and Adam, and the three grandchildren that he left behind on January

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today is Wednesday, January 28th. Welcome to Appropriations.
• The Livingston amendment, dated January 26, 2026, at 12:55 p.m., replaces the unspecified appropriation
• I move that the Livingston amendment dated January 26, 2026, at 12:55 p.m. be adopted. Thank you.
• I think the next Treasurer could say, 'You, these 12 people, I don't like.
• I move that the Livingston amendment dated January 22nd, 2026, at 4:09 p.m. be adopted.

Bills: HB2056, HB2202, HB2207, HB2224, HB2303, HB2344, HB2532, HB2759, HB2798

Keywords: brackish water, groundwater, desalination, water resources, feasibility study, environmental impact, dementia care, telementoring, healthcare education, rural communities, grant funding, braille, disability access, education funding, state corrections, inclusion, produce incentive, agriculture, economic support, funding

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met on January 28 and heard several bills, beginning with member and staff introductions and a reminder about amendment deadlines. HB 2056 would appropriate $100,000 to the Arizona Department of Water Resources for a feasibility study of brackish groundwater desalination sites; the sponsor said Arizona should explore potential water supplies amid Colorado River concerns. A witness opposed the bill, and members debated whether brackish groundwater should be treated as a resource or a threat to aquifers. The committee approved HB 2056 on an 11-6 vote, with one member not voting. The committee then considered HB 2798, as amended, which would provide $100,000 to the University of Arizona/Arizona Geological Survey to compile data on materials related to nuclear energy, including thorium and other non-uranium fuels. The sponsor framed the bill as an economic development and national security effort, while opponents questioned whether Arizona has enough of the material to justify public spending. The University of Arizona supported the work as within the Geological Survey’s mission. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill 11-5, with one member present and one not voting. HB 2303 would codify investment rules for the State Treasurer, requiring safety and principal preservation ahead of return and prohibiting speculative investments and insider-benefit conduct. The Treasurer’s Office said the bill reflects current policy and ethics rules already in place, and members asked about how “speculative” would be defined and whether the bill would affect other investment-related statutes. The committee passed the bill 15-0, with two members present and one not voting. HB 2344 would require the Treasurer to manage the local government investment pool and allow a third-party backup only in emergencies; the Treasurer’s Office argued this preserves a low-cost, high-liquidity service for local governments, while some members questioned whether it limited future Treasurers’ discretion. The committee passed HB 2344 12-2, with three present and one not voting. Later, the committee heard HB 2759, which would appropriate $500,000 to the Department of Veterans’ Services to partner with an educational institution in Yavapai County for veteran programs. A retired Navy SEAL and campus veterans coordinator described emergency housing, equipment, and professional-development needs for student veterans at Embry-Riddle, while several members supported the effort and others objected to using state funds for a private institution or a county-specific program. The bill passed 11-6, with one not voting. The committee also passed HB 2207, appropriating $300,000 for the prison Braille transcription program, after testimony that the program trains inmates in a skilled trade and has had no recidivism among released participants; it passed 17-0, with one not voting. Finally, HB 2224, as amended to reduce the appropriation from $2 million to $1 million, would fund the Double Up Food Bucks produce incentive program through SNAP. Supporters said it helps families, farmers, and local economies and can improve health outcomes, while members discussed budget constraints; the committee approved the amended bill after testimony from program advocates and farmers.

Transcript Highlights:

• We received a $12 million appropriation, thank you from the legislature for this fund.
• So approximately 1,700 with an annual cost of $7,300 is $12 million.
• Chair, Senator Trujillo, it's six to 12, and I think we have that outlined in the brief.
• It's down to, I think, maybe 11 or 12 who have met now twice.
• This is expected to come before you for potential committee-endorsed legislation in January.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• January 7th, Los Angeles County was hit with wildfires.
• It started out in the Palisades the morning of January 7th, and really by the end of it took out 24,000
• And for the members who were disenrolled in January 2025, we reinstated them so that they didn't have
• Since January 7th of 2025, we had about 18 people that have contacted our help center.
• County Health Officer Orders on January 10th.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee held an informational hearing on the health impacts of wildfires and the effects on health care systems and access to care. The first panel focused on public health consequences, with testimony from UCLA and UCSF physicians, a community organizer, and an Altadena recovery leader. Witnesses described acute and long-term physical harms from wildfire smoke and ash, including asthma and COPD exacerbations, cardiovascular and stroke risks, pregnancy impacts, infection risk, and possible added hazards from lithium-ion battery fires. They also emphasized mental health effects such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, “firebrain,” and the need for psychological first aid, trauma-informed community networks, and youth-focused resilience programs. Community advocates stressed that Latine, Indigenous, undocumented, and Black communities face disproportionate harm because of language barriers, unsafe work conditions, lack of insurance, and exclusion from disaster aid, and they called for stronger language access, worker protections, permanent disaster relief, and better outreach. Committee members asked about air monitoring, masks, wind events, lithium-ion batteries, and how to reach communities with translation and emergency information. Panelists said AQI is useful but incomplete, that N95s help for smoke but P100 masks are needed for ash/asbestos exposure, and that communities should be warned to stay indoors and avoid windy dust-ups after fires. They also discussed the importance of building relationships during non-emergency periods, using text alerts and trusted community organizations, and providing culturally and linguistically appropriate information. Several members and witnesses highlighted the need for more research on long-term health effects, especially for people with chronic lung disease, workers who cannot stay indoors, and residents exposed to repeated disasters. The second panel addressed health care system response and access to care. DHCS and DMHC described emergency flexibilities used during the Southern California fires, including federal waivers, extended Medi-Cal renewal deadlines, reinstated coverage for some disenrolled members, suspension of prior authorization and prescription refill barriers, out-of-network access at in-network cost-sharing, and communication through websites, toll-free numbers, and social media. Hospital and community health center leaders described major operational strain: emergency room surges, canceled surgeries, dialysis disruptions, staff displacement, temporary housing needs, and financial losses. Huntington Health and AltaMed reported using incident command systems, temporary care spaces, bilingual and culturally tailored services, mobile clinics, infection control measures, and community health workers to keep care going. Members and witnesses also discussed the need for better disaster staffing pools, more flexible facility rules, stronger mental health coverage, child care planning, and statewide coordination for future emergencies; no formal votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• The joint Chinese-Russian naval task force, quite big, a 12-ship naval task force last summer.
• Two things happened on January 31st that I... found very unusual.
• Trump, did what every president since Gerald Ford has done on January 31st.
• And on January 31st, the Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, put out a directive, Identity Months are
• So we have two events on January 31st.

Keywords: national security, China, Russia, cybersecurity, border security, military deployment, transnational crime, defense modernization, military strategy

Summary: In this meeting, key topics included national security concerns with an emphasis on threats from China, Russia, and transnational criminal organizations. Senior military officials provided testimony on the evolving risks posed by these adversaries, particularly focusing on cybersecurity and advancements in weaponry. The discussion highlighted the importance of a cohesive strategy among government departments to effectively respond to the challenges presented by these threats, emphasizing the need for modernization in defense capabilities. Committee members grilled the witnesses on border security and the implications of deploying military resources in domestic operations.

Transcript Highlights:

• > and<00:12:37.760> families<00:12:38.560> I'm<00:12:38.760> happy<00:12:
• c><00:12:48.040> been<00:12:48.279> or<00:12:48.480> will<00:12:48.639> be
• > over<00:12:49.720> to<00:12:50.079> the<00:12:50.240> department<00:12:
• figure<01:12:24.679> out<01:12:24.960> how<01:12:25.280> do<01:12:25.360
• :12:27.960> the<01:12:28.120> child<01:12:28.520> care<01:12:28.679> field

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I was a county supervisor for 12 years and very, very familiar with public notices.
• This limitation is removed on January 1, 2033. This limitation is removed on January 1, 2033.
• Chair, I move that the 12-page Tal Hamilton strike-everything amendment dated March... Mr.
• to the fourth Monday of January.
• That was signed March 20th at 9:12 a.m. Secretary, please call the roll. I got to do it.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1167, which would let municipalities and counties satisfy certain public notice requirements by posting notices on their official websites instead of only in newspapers. The sponsor argued the bill is permissive, meant to modernize notice practices, reduce costs, and help governments meet deadlines, while a Blackman amendment added a six-month transition period requiring continued newspaper publication and a notice to the public about the change. Media representatives, tribal advocates, and others opposed the bill, warning that moving away from print could reduce access for rural, tribal, and older residents and weaken transparency; county and local government representatives supported it as a flexible, efficient option. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed SB 1167 as amended on a 4-3 vote. The committee then heard SB 1021, which after a strike-everything amendment would require the Auditor General to refer possible criminal conduct involving health profession regulatory boards to the Attorney General and outline how such investigations should proceed. The sponsor and supporters said the measure would create a mechanism for accountability when audits uncover criminal activity and address conflicts of interest in enforcement. With no opposition testimony, the committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and passed SB 1021 as amended on a 4-3 vote. Next was SB 1011, a bill directing county medical examiners or forensic pathologists to review an infant’s immunization and vaccination history and any countermeasures given in the 90 days before a sudden unexplained infant death. The sponsor said the bill was intended to improve data collection, align Arizona with best practices, and help identify correlations without implying causation. Opponents, including vaccine advocacy groups and a disability advocate, argued the state already collects much of this information, that the bill could fuel misinformation about vaccines, and that it failed to address the main known risk factors for SIDS such as unsafe sleep. The committee passed SB 1011 on a 4-3 vote. The committee also considered SB 1013, an original merit-based public hiring bill that was not amended after a proposed strike-everything was defeated. The sponsor framed it as ensuring public employees are hired based on qualifications rather than identity-based preferences, while opponents from the ACLU and others argued existing law already prohibits discrimination and that the bill could create new liability and hinder outreach to diverse communities. Supporters said it would clarify merit hiring and prevent quota-based practices. The committee passed SB 1013 on a 4-3 vote. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1015, which the sponsor said would create accountability and data collection around detransition care for minors, while the proposed strike-everything would instead establish a family and medical leave insurance program through Medicaid beginning in 2029; testimony on that bill and the striker was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• :54.000> I<00:12:54.320> could<00:12:54.480> you<00:12:54.680> walk<00:12
• bit<00:12:55.800> of<00:12:55.959> what<00:12:56.079> the<00:12:56.480> current
• process is<00:12:57.480> for<00:12:57.600> the<00:12:57.760> background<00:12:58.120
• 12:21.800> I<01:12:22.000> don't<01:12:22.159> know<01:12:22.360> if as a
• 01:12:23.719> the<01:12:23.880> budget<01:12:24.199> forecasts<01:12:25.000>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:17.600> The<00:12:17.760> the<00:12:18.079> owner<00:12:18.480> must
• ><00:12:21.279> it<00:12:21.519> can<00:12:21.680> be<00:12:22.079> the<00
• Um, exemption does<00:12:26.240> not<00:12:26.399> apply<00:12:26.639> to<00:12:
• :51.040> or<00:12:51.279> average<00:12:51.600> that<00:12:51.839> I<00:12
• <00:12:53.120> It<00:12:53.360> was<00:12:53.440> like<00:12:54.040> 489,

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THIS NOTICE WOULD BE PUBLISHED THIS MONTH AND OUR GOAL IS EARLY JANUARY TO DO THE FINAL RULE HEARING
• THAT FIRST REPORTING PERIOD WILL BE JANUARY 01, 2027 TO JANUARY 31, 2027.
• THE SURVEY SUBMISSION AT JANUARY 1 TO JANUARY 31, 2027 AND THEN WE WILL BE POSTING THE RESULTS ON FLORIDA
• ON SLIDE 12 YOU MENTIONED RULE 50 98-115. >> Rep. Young: THANK YOU MR. CHAIR.
• ON SLIDE 12 YOU MENTIONED RULE 50 98-115.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, a little bit of background, it was January 13th. I happened to be up here.
• I haven't seen Do Griller, so he happened to be in the building as well, and again, this is January 13th
• Whereas, on January 13, 2026, Michael Patno and Joe McLaughlin, two Oklahoma state troopers, demonstrated
• And those have been non-ending, Jamie, since January 13th.
• So, second floor, 11:30 to about 12:30, I think. Well, lunch will be served. Thanks.

Bills: SB2026, SB1376, SB1355, SB2115, SB1533, SB1732, SB1217, SB1443, SB1455, SB1457, SB1459, SB1465, SB1944, SB1946, SB1218, SB1942, SB1352, SB2132, SB1920, SB1285, SB1304, SB1305, SB1326, SB1590, SB1767

Keywords: military discharge, veterans, DD Form 214, confidentiality, grandchildren access, Oklahoma National Guard, education assistance, military benefits, dependents, CareerTech Assistance Act, burial grant, memorial headstone, eligibility requirements, funding, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, fiscal management, state law, veteran burial, burial assistance, indigent veterans

Transcript Highlights:

• We need an office that can work with school districts, K-12.
• That needed to be released by January of this year in order to give enough time for the automation to
• The first meeting was at the end of January, and we'll be continuing through the end of this month to
• Joint home visits and child and family teams for family maintenance cases started January 1, 2025.
• Currently, we're hearing that it's taking providers 12 months or more just to get their applications

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.