Transcript Highlights:

• And there's not a statute of limitations, essentially, on sex abuse cases.
• There's not a statute of limitations, essentially, on sex abuse cases.
• The tort laws and the statutes of limitations and things like that.
• Part of it, I should mention, is that the change in the statutory statute of limitations, even before
• Another example we have is cooperative agreements between Ecology and the water users group to limit

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held a work session covering the state revenue outlook, caseload forecasts, wildfire costs, budget balance, tort liability, water supply, and pension policy. The Economic and Revenue Forecast Council reported modest near-term U.S. growth, no near-term Washington employment growth in 2026, continued personal income growth, and elevated inflation, with tariffs and federal policy cited as major risks. Revenue forecasts were slightly improved for the current biennium by about $105 million but down about $185 million for the next biennium. Members asked about income inequality and housing permits; staff said personal income is an aggregate measure and housing production remains below long-term needs. The Caseload Forecast Council then reported that most forecasts were unchanged or only slightly changed, but several programs increased, including Washington College Grant, Working Connections, aged/blind/disabled cash grants, nursing homes, home and community services, and developmental disabilities personal care. The largest policy-driven change was in Medicaid low-income adult caseloads, where federal H.R. 1 was projected to reduce coverage substantially through narrower eligibility, community engagement requirements, and shorter eligibility periods. The committee also heard a wildfire funding update and a 2025 fire season review. Staff explained that the state budgets $93 million annually for suppression and uses supplemental appropriations for costs above that level, with an estimated state supplemental need of about $139 million for the current year. Department of Natural Resources officials said 2025 fire activity remained below the 10-year average in acres burned, but fires were more complex and closer to communities, contributing to higher residence loss. They described expanded use of aircraft, firefighters from other states, corrections crews, and the Arcadia 20 hand crew, and said the state did not need National Guard ground support this year. A budget preview then showed that the near general fund outlook had worsened after vetoes, lapses, and forecast changes, and that maintenance-level costs alone would leave a projected negative balance by fiscal year 2027 and about $4.3 billion by fiscal year 2029, before any policy decisions. Jason Seams, the state risk manager, reported a sharp rise in tort claim costs, with indemnity expenses nearly doubling from fiscal year 2023 to 2025 and DCYF accounting for most of the increase. He said the state self-insurance liability account has run deficits for four straight biennia and is now facing nearly $600 million in deficits, driven largely by a surge in DCYF claims, especially juvenile rehabilitation and long-running sex abuse cases. Members asked about the role of old claims, comparisons with other states, excess insurance, and whether more Attorney General staff could reduce special assistant attorney general costs. The committee then shifted to water policy, hearing from tribal leaders, Ecology, and the Washington Water Trust. Tribal witnesses emphasized overappropriation, declining flows, climate impacts, and the need for legislative oversight and tribal participation in water policy. Ecology described major projects in the Odessa sub-area, Yakima Basin, and Dungeness, along with the need for storage, recharge, conservation, and policy changes to support water supply development. The Washington Water Trust argued that climate change is reducing summer flows and that the state needs more funding, enforcement, and long-term commitment to restore instream flows. The final item was a pension update on LEOFF 1 surplus assets; staff reviewed two 2025 bills that would have merged or restructured the plan and used surplus assets, but neither passed, and instead the budget directed the Select Committee on Pension Policy to study the issue and report back.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ensure that we honor our Latino community's contribution to our state by commemorating April 14th as
• Legacy when deliberating on policies that would limit school choice, limit parental involvement, and
• limit educational opportunities for future generations.
• Nothing is off-limits for this administration and we've all seen the hell that these tariffs have put
• Their contributions generate $150 billion to our economy, underscoring the need to protect their health

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Such regulations greatly contributed to reducing the Klan's influence and enhancing the ability of law
• Such regulations greatly contributed to reducing the clan's influence and enhancing the ability of law
• And I think that could be limiting.
• where there are other situations where that's provable without the officer asking, we don't want to limit
• I think in practical terms, it's limiting to the law and could potentially undermine it.

Bills: HCR3028

Keywords: human trafficking, victim services, re-entry programs, legislative study, public safety, mental health, law enforcement, 908, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard and acted on several measures related to human trafficking, criminal procedure, and child protection. It first took up House Concurrent Resolution 3028, which would direct a legislative study of human trafficking victim services and re-entry programs. The sponsor and supporters emphasized helping victims rebuild basic life and workforce skills and better understanding existing services; YouthWorks and the North Dakota Catholic Conference described current programs and the trauma victims face. The committee discussed overlap with other interim studies, then voted unanimously to give the resolution a due pass, with Senator Braunberger designated to carry it. The committee then considered House Bill 1263, concerning sealing criminal records, and moved it forward without changing the House version after members noted the House had removed presumption language and reduced the waiting period. That bill also received a due pass recommendation. Next, House Bill 1226, which revises the state’s mask law for public places, drew testimony from the sponsor and an expert witness who argued that masking to conceal identity during group criminal conduct undermines public safety and law enforcement. Members debated the House-added requirement that law enforcement request unmasking; the committee adopted an amendment to remove that language, then passed the bill as amended, with Senator Luick to carry it. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1410, a study resolution on criminal conduct against children, including child sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, and the use of artificial intelligence in exploitation crimes. Supporters from the Child Sexual Assault Prevention Task Force, YouthWorks, and the Children’s Advocacy Centers of North Dakota said the study would help update outdated terminology, review AI-related issues, and improve investigation and prosecution tools. The committee approved the resolution with a due pass recommendation, and Senator Cory was assigned to carry it. The committee also received a brief report that, in a quick review, there were 82 active studies introduced, including 10 shall studies and 35 shall-consider studies, with limited overlap identified beyond the trafficking-related measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• They devote the limited amount of time that they have to go to elderly care centers, for example. example
• pensions investments and financial services HB 202 by Metcalfe relating to the permanent to the limitation
• fuel facilities refer to the committee on environmental regulation HB 206 by Craddock relating to limitations
• HB 273 by Metcalfe relating to limitations on increases and appraised value of certain commercial real
• HB 283 by Guillen, relating to the actual wait limitations for certain vehicle transporting aggregates

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a ratepayer contribution and there's a customer contribution for sure, which can be sorted out
• producers in Wyoming that contribute producers in Wyoming that contribute hugely<01:32:02.560>
• or developers you know under limited or developers you know under limited circumstances<01:42:57.360
• <02:54:45.439> And What is what is the upper limit? And What is what is the upper limit?
• Yeah, we call it kayak contribution<04:01:55.840> of<04:01:56.080> construction contribution

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They went to war on California; it was not limited to just water.
• We know that the burning of fossil fuels contributes to climate change, the impacts of which Hawaii faces
• They're going to make a significant contribution. I just wanted to make a more general comment.
• challenge that we have to meet, and I just hope that we don't take too long out of our toolbox that can contribute

Transcript Highlights:

• Contractors don't need to contribute to an apprenticeship fund that does not exist.
• apprenticeship or training program would have a contribution of zero.
• Chairman, this is not mandatory contributions except in some certain situations.
• It's not mandatory contributions except in some certain situations.
• We've all contributed funds, and it, it, one of my concerns that I've had, and I've, contributed funds

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 322, which would create a transportation trust fund and transportation program fund. The sponsor offered and the committee adopted an amendment striking the section that would have imposed a 1% gross receipts tax on electricity sales. After a recap of the bill’s remaining provisions, including a $400 million seed amount and future transfers from motor vehicle excise tax revenue, the committee heard brief support from Associated Contractors of New Mexico and the Asphalt Pavement Association and no opposition. The amended bill then passed on a roll-call vote. The committee then heard HB 270, a public works/apprenticeship bill that would require contributions to approved apprenticeship and training programs or to the Public Works Apprentice and Training Fund for public works construction projects, while eliminating an exemption for certain road, highway, utility, and maintenance work. Supporters, including union carpenters, electrical workers, the building trades council, and apprenticeship advocates, argued the bill would expand training, help address labor shortages, and provide a return on public investment. Opponents from utility contractors, highway contractors, and Associated Contractors of New Mexico said they already operate federally approved in-house training programs, warned the bill would raise project costs, and argued some trades have no accessible approved programs. Members questioned how the bill would interact with existing in-house programs, whether rural contractors and nonunion firms would be affected, and whether the state-approved fund and federal highway training requirements could conflict. A proposed amendment to exempt projects of $50 million or less was introduced but tabled. After extensive debate, the committee voted 6-5 to pass HB 270. The meeting also included discussion of a prior procedural error in which HB 270 had been heard before being properly assigned, which the chair said rendered that earlier action void. At the end of the meeting, the committee received a brief New Mexico Department of Transportation District 3 presentation on district projects, budget, and construction status.

Transcript Highlights:

• seen many of these patients, unfortunately, way too late to intervene, and I think he's really contributing
• regulations, they're frequently sold without age restrictions, child-resistant packaging, or potency limits
• Any product over this limit is legally classified as marijuana.
• And arbitrarily limiting the number of hemp retailers just because some people think there are too many
• added that a store owner has a responsibility to understand the products they have, specifically limited

Bills: HB305, HB395, HB341

Keywords: hemp, marijuana, THC regulations, cannabis products, adult-use industry, public health, youth protection, child support, reunification, Department of Services for Children, family court, liability

Summary: The committee met in late June with Senators Hansen, Buckson, Siegfried, Townsend, and Huxable present, and first approved the meeting minutes by voice vote. The opening bill, HB 341, would limit DFS from filing child support in foster care cases unless doing so would not hinder reunification; Children’s Department staff said the department has already decided to stop filing in all such cases, with an estimated fiscal impact of about $140,000 annually. Public testimony from the League of Women Voters supported the bill as a compassionate measure to help families reunite. The committee then heard HB 446/related anaphylaxis legislation for colleges and universities, which would allow institutions to stock and use intranasal epinephrine alongside auto-injectors and update training and reporting requirements. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America supported the measure, emphasizing the need for needle-free options and faster treatment of anaphylaxis. The committee also took up HS1 for HB 356 on PFAS, which would ban firefighting foam containing PFAS beginning in 2028, require disclosure if PPE contains PFAS, and address recalls; DNREC and the fire service supported it, saying most departments have already transitioned away from PFAS foam. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 305, a diabetes wellness pilot program that would use continuous glucose monitoring, app-based care coordination, lab testing, and DHIN data analysis to shift care toward prevention and remission. Sponsor Senator Siegfried described the bill as a response to Delaware’s high diabetes costs and prevalence, and the Medical Society of Delaware supported it as a proactive model. The committee also discussed HB 395, which would regulate intoxicating hemp-derived products and synthetic cannabinoids by classifying products over a THC threshold as marijuana and creating penalties for unlicensed sales; the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner supported the bill, while hemp industry representatives and Senator Hoffner warned it could harm legitimate hemp retailers and access to hemp products. The final item, HS1 for HB 332, would ban sales and marketing of kratom products to those under 21 and direct the state to study testing and regulation of kratom and synthetic variants. Supporters, including the Delaware Healthcare Association and several recovery advocates, said age-gating is a reasonable first step and that synthetic products are the main concern; opponents and some senators argued the bill should go further and fully ban kratom or better distinguish synthetic products from natural leaf kratom. No formal roll-call votes were taken on the substantive bills during the transcript, and the meeting adjourned after public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• But certainly, graduate students and their efforts and their contributions to the university are ones
• So the best way that we felt we could really contribute... care.
• Jail Re-Entry Program, the limiting factor for that is the number of people who are in jail.
• The limiting factor is the number of spaces available in our ACT teams.
• But we can only accept a limited number because they need to move into treatment programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• to provide for enhanced contributions from the state for County and Prosecuting Attorneys.
• Chairman, your actions through the budget bill for the biennium increased the state contribution for
• county the state contribution for county and prosecuting attorneys and assistant county and prosecuting
• Right now in the budget, we have provided for $2.1 to $2.2 million to cover the retirees' contribution
• Congress could certainly reauthorize it, but we've planned for this to be time-limited.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, Senate Bill 145 prohibits the department from imposing arbitrary limits on the number of
• Additionally, Senate Bill 145 prohibits the department from imposing arbitrary limits on the number of
• The department from imposing arbitrary limits on the number of events a licensed caterer may serve or
• A lot of you were there, and we all know the monetary contribution that our equine partners make to this
• that our equin partners contribution that our equin partners make<00:50:54.319> to<00:50:54.640

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and a declared quorum. The chamber approved the journal, received committee reports, and heard the House message transmitting House Bills 44, 66, 305, 313, 432, and House Joint Resolution 25 for concurrence. New Senate measures were also introduced, including bills on virtual currency kiosks, chronic pain treatments, kindergarten readiness child care incentives, municipal financial reporting, and a highway designation. The floor then took up several bills. Senate Bill 172, relating to utility fuel adjustment, was explained as giving the Public Service Commission authority to spread fuel adjustment surcharges over time to reduce spikes in electric bills; the committee substitute was adopted and the bill passed 38-0. Senate Bill 160, relating to child care centers and an emergency clause, was described as limiting license revocation or suspension to serious violations and adding oversight for new centers; a floor amendment adding the cabinet’s designee to weekly support contacts was adopted, and the bill passed 38-0. Senate Bill 158, concerning vehicle financial protection products, was presented as codifying consumer protections and regulatory standards for gap-type products; it passed 37-0. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 155 on animal health emergencies, which would allow the agriculture commissioner, in consultation with the state veterinarian, to respond more quickly to livestock and poultry emergencies and suspend certain requirements to expedite feed and medicine delivery. Senate Bill 153, addressing harmful and fraudulent practices, was amended and passed 38-0; it codifies fraud-investigation practices, creates a post-disaster contractor registry, and restricts door-to-door solicitations during declared emergencies. Senate Bill 145, updating Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control rules for caterer licenses, passed 35-1, and Senate Bill 118, relating to credit personal property insurance, passed without dissent after a technical committee substitute clarified that gap waivers are excluded and aligned filing rules with existing law. The transcript ends as the chamber moves on to Senate Bill 45 on agritourism, with explanation beginning but no final action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you know, per our House rules, we are supposed to be limited.
• Per our House rules, we are supposed to be limited to 100 days.
• Unfortunately, my options have been limited or unavailable.
• It protects contributing structures. It protects scale.
• The problem is the preemption limits what the cities can do.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2079, which authorizes a memorial for Arizona journalist Don Bolles in Wesley Bolin Plaza. The sponsor described the memorial as a no-cost way to preserve Arizona history and honor Bolles, who was assassinated in 1976 while investigating corruption and drug cartels. The bill was moved and passed unanimously, 7-0, for a due pass recommendation. Members then considered HB 2080, a strike-everything amendment addressing deed and title fraud. The bill would require photo identification for certain county recorder filings, add identifying measures for deeds and real property documents when notarized, create an assessor alert system tied to property addresses, and increase penalties for knowingly filing false claims or forged real property documents from a misdemeanor to a class 4 felony. Testimony from county assessors, the Attorney General’s Office, and a fraud victim emphasized the scale of the problem and the need for layered protections. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill 7-0. HB 4064, concerning municipal improvement districts, drew more debate. The bill would move the petition requirement earlier in the process before a city or town adopts a resolution of intention for an improvement district. Supporters from Camp Verde, the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, a developer, and the Yavapai Apache Nation said the change would improve transparency, reduce wasted planning costs, and help finance sewer and infrastructure projects in rural areas. Opponents argued it could force property owners into infrastructure they do not want and infringe on property rights. The bill passed 5-2. The committee also approved HCR 2048, which would withhold pay for statewide elected officials and legislators if the general appropriations bill is not enacted by April 30 and send the measure to voters. Supporters said it would create a stronger incentive to finish the budget on time; opponents said more work was needed on session length and bill volume. The resolution passed 4-3. Later, HB 2324, allowing municipalities with their own fire codes to petition for county buildings inside city limits to be inspected under local code through an intergovernmental agreement, passed 7-0 after testimony from county and state fire officials who supported the concept but wanted technical amendments. The committee then passed HB 4087, authorizing a memorial plaque for former legislator Barbara Leff, with the family covering costs. Finally, HB 2239 created a child care grant program and infrastructure fund to expand child care in underserved and rural communities. Supporters described severe child care shortages, economic impacts, and safety concerns; the sponsor framed it as an investment in workforce participation and child well-being. The bill passed 5-0 with one present and one not voting. The committee then began hearing HB 2375 on historic districts and middle housing, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• And my concern was the limited amount of innovation zones that we have in the state.
• So the fund limit, so the cap on the fund, is 700,000, which is equal to Our Tort Claims Act.
• We used to be top in the nation when it came to our sexual assault statutes of limitations.
• This is the statute of limitations for addressing those very heinous crimes.
• But you're also limiting exposure to this state financially. Is that correct, Mr. Chair?

Bills: HB97, HB280, HB183, HB151, HB202

Keywords: Shaken Baby Syndrome, abusive head trauma, child safety, training and education, healthcare funding, youth internships, workforce development, education, grant funding, employment, drinking water, water quality, environment, public health, water filtration, private well testing, federal funding, childhood sexual abuse, time limitations, civil actions

Transcript Highlights:

• We appreciate their expertise and contributions to the people of the great state of California.
• The contributions of our immigrant communities enrich our state.
• The contributions of our immigrant communities enrich our state.
• But for too long, their contributions have been deliberately erased.
• It is a history that all of us... ...of transgender leadership and contributions.

Summary: The Assembly met on July 17, 2025, after a quorum call and prayer, then moved through a long ceremonial and floor session. The chamber recognized the 2025 Science and Technology Policy Fellows, the 2024-25 Jesse Marvin Unruh Assembly Fellows, and the 2025 Assembly Fellows, and also heard guest introductions honoring Brad Webb of Legislative Counsel, youth advocates supporting AB 1231, the Live Oak Lady Lions softball team, the new UC President J.B. Milliken, the Rohnert Park 11-and-under Cal Ripken All-Star team, and arts leaders from Auburn. The Assembly also took up several procedural motions, including removing some bills from the consent calendar and noting absences. On the floor, members adopted ACR 12 designating November 1 as Fernando Valenzuela Day, with broad support and 66 co-authors, and later adopted H.R. 56 recognizing August 2025 as Chicano Heritage Month, with 65 co-authors. The Assembly also adopted ACR 101 naming a portion of State Highway Route 46 the James Dean Memorial Highway, and H.R. 50 proclaiming November 25, 2025, as Elimination of Violence Against Women Day, with members emphasizing survivor support and prevention. In each case, authors and supporters highlighted the cultural, historical, or public-safety significance of the measures. The chamber also concurred in Senate amendments on several bills, including AB 359 on the Political Reform Act, AB 594 on student health insurance protections, AB 1085 banning license plate obstruction devices and penalizing sellers, AB 1286 on public employment transparency, and AB 1505, the Agriculture Committee omnibus bill. AJR 14, urging federal attention to the impact of tariffs on California ports, passed 44-1 after debate over trade policy and port jobs. AJR 17, calling for modernization of immigration law and a pathway to lawful status for long-term undocumented residents, passed 47-7 after extensive debate focused on immigrant families, the economy, and federal enforcement actions. The Assembly also adopted the resolutions by voice vote where required and recorded the roll-call results for the joint resolutions.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:40:41.200> And<00:40:41.400> so, statute limit of 10 million.
• And so, statute limit of 10 million.
• The federal<00:43:31.320> government<00:43:31.840> also<00:43:32.240> contributed
• ><00:43:32.960> to federal government also contributed to federal government also contributed
• of Red Wing, so within the city limits of Red Wing, so it's<00:58:08.000> our<00:58:08.120>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the state has limited knowledge or control over the amount of poll workers, machines, or resources
• Secretary of State reimbursement processes have contributed to inconsistent county payments.
• Um, as, uh, as the doctor mentioned, we have a, there's a very limited pool.
• Um, we've already talked about the limited nature of, of the market.
• We'll see if that applies to the upper payment limit.

Transcript Highlights:

• The provider would also be admissible, not the limits, but just the fact that there is coverage and that's
• I looked at Senator Burton's amendment, I read it in that could have been wrong, that it kind of limited
• This is not just limited damages. It eliminates the rights.
• Cs for SB 86 is reported favorably Tab. 3 SB 316, on limited liability companies by Senator Berman.
• So many of these Russell's, for instance, can also contribute to acid rain further exasperating any,

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and not the most recent limit of $130,000?
• Assembly Member Gonzalez: The older limit and not the most recent limit of $130,000.
• We know that reserves are very limited.
• The limitation of time is the out-of-state placement.
• Thank you. ...and the Medi-Cal asset limit reinstatement.

Summary: The hearing began with opening remarks on the Governor’s May Revision for child care and human services, with committee members and advocates stressing that the budget should not be balanced on the backs of low-income families, children, and providers. Legislative members and public witnesses strongly opposed the proposed suspension of the child care COLA, reductions to the Emergency Child Care Bridge Program, and the lack of codified rate reform tied to the alternative methodology. Several speakers also urged more support for providers affected by the Eaton fire and other disasters, and called for child care to be funded at the true cost of care and for additional slots to be restored. Administration, LAO, and Department of Education staff described the child care proposal as maintaining existing funding levels while adding administrative resources to prepare for federally required prospective payment changes and single-rate reform. The administration said the May Revision would suspend the 2025–26 COLA and reduce Bridge Program funding to align with utilization, while the LAO raised questions about the size and purpose of the proposed rate-reform and prospective-payment funding and recommended rejecting a Department of Technology exemption. CDE supported continued early education investments but said it would need additional resources if prospective pay were extended to state preschool, and it objected to a proposed reallocation of preschool funds for inclusive education grants. The committee then moved to the IHSS portion of the May Revision. DSS outlined five major proposals: capping provider work hours at 50 per week, eliminating IHSS for undocumented adults age 19 and older, shifting certain Community First Choice reassessment penalties to counties, reinstating the Medi-Cal asset test as a conforming IHSS reduction, and automating the termination of IHSS when Medi-Cal eligibility ends. DSS also discussed funding to implement a federal HCBS access rule and a separate reassessment of IHSS administrative methodology that found counties would need additional administrative funding. Finance said the proposals were intended to slow program growth and improve sustainability, while the LAO said it was still analyzing the package and raised concerns about implementation, county workload, and the potential loss of services. Committee members and public commenters criticized the IHSS cuts, especially the overtime cap and the elimination of services for undocumented adults and people affected by the asset test. Advocates argued that IHSS workers and recipients depend on these services, that county administration is already underfunded, and that the proposals could destabilize vulnerable consumers. The chair closed by saying the committee would continue to fight for child care and would not pause on child care, and the meeting recessed before moving on to the remaining May Revision items.

Transcript Highlights:

• We really have had to limit those exceptions to people who have extraordinary need, aligned with what
• We really have had to limit those exceptions to people who have extraordinary need, aligned with what
• extends The Limited exception to add<00:33:50.840> up<00:33:50.960> to<00:33:51.080>
• resources, limited beds.
• it there is not the local contribution it there is not the local contribution to<01:19:48.000>

Bills: HF2196, HF2586, HF2187, HF2037

Keywords: mental health, emotional disturbance, terminology update, statutory cleanup, conforming amendments, children's mental health, serious mental illness, severe emotional disturbance, case management, residential treatment, outpatient services, crisis services, health plan coverage, antipsychotic drugs, medical assistance, Medicaid, foster care, juvenile court, school discipline, county board

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:19:20.320> Uh<00:19:20.799> and they're at the $500 limit.
• Uh and they're at the $500 limit.
• It allows people with disabilities to work, contribute, and build stable futures without fear.
• Limit our income and our ambitions, or risk losing the healthcare that keeps us alive.
• charitable contributions. charitable contributions.

Bills: HB2488, HB2456

Keywords: disability, communication access, deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, healthcare, sign language interpreters, auxiliary aids, weight loss, GLP-1 drugs, obesity, Medicaid, healthcare costs, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HP 1972, which would create a nonrefundable family caregiver tax credit, and on a related tax measure to increase the existing dependent care tax credit. Supporters of HP 1972, including AARP, the Executive Office on Aging, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and others, said unpaid caregivers are essential to keeping kūpuna and other loved ones at home and described significant out-of-pocket costs. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation raised technical concerns, including the need to avoid overlap with existing credits and to prevent double-dipping. The department said taxpayers can claim credits to the extent allowed, but recommended explicit language barring the same costs from being claimed under more than one credit. No vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair moved the bill along after questions. The committee then heard HP 1975, which would repeal the sunset on the state rent supplement program for kūpuna. AARP, Catholic Charities Hawaii, the Executive Office on Aging, and others supported making the program permanent, saying it helps low-income older adults avoid eviction and homelessness and allows them to remain in affordable housing. Catholic Charities described clients who were paying unsustainable shares of income for rent before receiving the supplement. Members also shared a constituent example of an elderly retiree who needed the subsidy to stay housed. Written support was noted from additional organizations and individuals. Next, the committee took up HB 1706, which would expand Medicaid prospective payment reimbursement to include mental health services furnished in federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics by mental health professionals under supervision. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill, and DHS said it appreciated the intent to address workforce shortages and expand training, but cautioned that unlicensed professionals cannot currently bill Medicaid and that a state plan amendment would be needed, with limited precedent for approval. Members asked about the likelihood and timing of federal approval and whether the bill could help rural areas; DHS said approval is uncertain and the process can take time, though it saw possible alignment with the state’s rural health transformation efforts. The committee also discussed HB 546, a three-year health coverage continuity pilot program for people losing Medicaid coverage. DHS, the Attorney General’s office, DCCA, Catholic Charities, the University of Hawaii, and others testified, with DHS warning that federal changes could increase uninsured rates and that the state may need to act quickly. Catholic Charities and others emphasized the risk to Medicaid recipients, including homeless and near-elderly residents, while DHS explained the state’s existing premium assistance program for certain immigrants and compared it to the proposed pilot. The excerpt ends during discussion of that comparison, with no vote shown.