Transcript Highlights:

• of the school district.
• Is it all of the Arkansas schools? Is it a... Arkansas schools? Is it all of the Arkansas schools?
• And it's available to every school district in the state, charter schools as well? Yes.
• for school-based counseling.
• counselor or the school?

Summary: The PEER Review Subcommittee met to consider a large agenda of budget, appropriation, transfer, and contract items. Members approved temporary appropriation requests for several agencies, including the Auditor of State, Department of Education, and Labor and Licensing; ARPA return requests from Workforce Services; Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requests for State Police and Agriculture; restricted reserve transfers for teacher scholarships, school facilities, and economic stimulus; a Commerce reallocation of positions and spending authority; cash fund, budget classification, overtime, and pay plan requests; and 17 methods of finance items for universities and other agencies. Most items were approved without objection after brief explanations from staff and agencies. Several items drew questions and were held or discussed further. A Department of Human Services discretionary grant package for the RSVP program was held over after Senator Irvin raised concerns about whether the grants were an effective use of state general revenue and asked for more information on administration costs and program operations. In the contracts section, Representative Richardson questioned a DHS sole-source contract with EMS Link for document management software and a DHS contract with Presidio; the EMS Link item was held for additional answers, while the Presidio item was clarified as not sole-source and was allowed to proceed. Members also asked for more information on a Department of Education mental health referral contract with Care Solace, which officials said is a statewide concierge/referral service connecting students to Arkansas providers and telehealth options. The committee also reviewed monthly reports, including the Medicaid Trust Fund. DHS and DFA officials said the fund was currently sufficient to finish the fiscal year, though it was being drawn down and would likely require a $100 million transfer from restricted reserves in FY27, with another $100 million set aside in the governor’s budget as a backstop. Members discussed the need to define a minimum reserve level and to better account for ongoing Medicaid costs in the budget. The meeting ended with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• NDI programs take place during the school day as part of the public school curriculum and are taught
• He is a senior at Hagerman High School.
• He is a student at Manal School, and Manal is the school that the street is named after, for one thing
• Pecos School District has one. In Santa Fe, Capitol High School and Edgewood have one.
• Clarifying the definition of school premises.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I grew up in a small conservative town in California and went to a high school where I could count the
• As the only out trans person at my high school, I didn't have many friends.
• As the only outtrans person at my high school, I didn't have many friends.
• But I adapted to the situation the same way that I learned which parts of my school campus to avoid.
• Those needs in clinics, schools, or families.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This year, ODOT received an impressive 2,194 entries from 193 schools across 67 counties.
• Schools of students that are children of military members are designated as Purple Star schools.
• Many of them were either heading to law school or just come out of law school.
• The other is a school building fund, which are five mills spread throughout the school district.
• schools, would reach the school districts that were particularly more affected.

Bills: HR1051, HR1048, SB2074, SJR39, SJR47, SB1983, SB444, SB1503, SB1561, SB592, SB1501, SB1946, SB1567, SB1833, SB2026, SB904, SB2178, SB1651, SB1558, SB1565, SB1553, SB1257, SB65, SB1749, SB1242, SB1642, SB640, SB667, SB1436, SB1484, SB1562, SB1794, SB1644, SB1533, SB933, SB1555

Keywords: livestock, judging, Oklahoma State University, championship, agriculture, military children, recognition, community support, military families, April 15, pharmacy benefits managers, reimbursement, healthcare, prescription drugs, cost regulation, property valuation, tax limit, homestead, income threshold, elderly

Transcript Highlights:

• the trades back in the schools.
• And we should bring those to those school levels, in high school, middle school.
• In high school, middle school, that's where it started. And so I agree with you. Thank you, Mr.
• And then I ended up going to law school, which is a private school, and I did have to take out some..
• . ...law school, which is a private school, and I did have to take out some grants and different types

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact held an informational hearing in Paramount as part of its “Pocketbook Tour,” focused on affordability, cost pressures, and household impacts in Los Angeles County. The first panel centered on workers and learners, with testimony from the UCLA Labor Center and the Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board. Speakers described how rising living costs, tuition, and low wages force many students to work long hours, often in unrelated, low-wage jobs, while struggling with food, rent, bills, anxiety, and limited financial aid. Recommendations included expanding state-funded work study, creating a statewide internship tax credit for small businesses, improving financial aid formulas to reflect regional cost of living, increasing flexibility for students, and strengthening worker-rights education and career pathways. The second panel focused on microbusinesses and small business affordability. Testimony from microenterprise advocates, the Los Angeles Regional Small Business Development Center Network, and local business owners described rising commercial rents, labor costs, tariffs, supply chain disruptions, insurance, utilities, and disaster-related pressures as major threats to small businesses. Witnesses emphasized that small businesses are central to local economies and asked the state to expand technical assistance, low-interest financing, disaster support, supply-chain development, and community-based outreach. They also urged more intentional support for microbusinesses and home-based entrepreneurs, including networks that connect them to resources and help them build collective buying power. Committee members asked about possible state actions, including tax credits for hiring local workers or interns, support for trades and apprenticeships, and ways to partner more closely with SBDCs and chambers of commerce. Public comment echoed the hearing themes, with speakers highlighting student hardship, nonprofit mental health funding, renewable energy jobs and internships, and the need for state support for clean-energy incentives. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded with closing remarks and adjournment at 11:05 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• My son didn't finish mechanic school, but he did have two years under his belt.
• He said, 'Mom, I quit school. I already know how to fix a car.'
• My son didn't<01:21:49.600> finish<01:21:50.080> mechanic<01:21:50.640> school,<
• <01:21:55.679> I was he said, "Mom, I quit school. I was he said, "Mom, I quit school.
• we're going to also state unlawful entry we're going to also state unlawful entry includes<02:27

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1588, which would establish a Department of Transportation noise detection program using cameras to enforce noise control laws. DOT supported the measure and said it is already piloting the technology at eight locations, with about 10 sites costing roughly $2 million to $2.5 million to install and operate. The Department of Health said it was willing to work with DOT but noted its current regulations are not designed for vehicular noise sources and that the bill may need clearer standards to be enforceable. Members raised concerns about the lack of a specific decibel threshold and whether the system could accurately identify the source of noise; DOT said the pilot can pinpoint vehicles and that the program would align with existing health standards, but no final number was identified during the hearing. The committee then heard HB 1696, which lowers the minimum age for a commercial driver’s license from 19 to 18 and removes a restriction tied to vehicle category, while requiring DOT rule changes. DOT, the City and County of Honolulu, the Hawaii Transportation Association, Teamsters Local 996, and other stakeholders testified in support. The Hawaii Transportation Association suggested adding a training requirement for drivers ages 18 to 20, proposing at least 320 hours of employer training and recordkeeping. Members sought clarification that the bill would apply to intrastate, not interstate, licensing. For HB 233, the committee considered a measure authorizing DOT to designate airport special district zones statewide to prevent unauthorized access and improve security. DOT and the City and County of Honolulu supported the bill, explaining that defined boundaries would help law enforcement address trespassing, disruptions, fires, theft, harassment, and other incidents around airports and terminals; DOT said commercial airports are ready to implement the proposal, while some general aviation sites would need further work. Members asked about the scope of the boundaries, existing enforcement, and whether the measure would cover state-owned or non-state parcels near airports. The committee also heard HB 2332, which renames the Harbors Division as the Commercial Ports Division and distinguishes “harbor” from “port” in statute. DOT, the Maritime Group, and harbor users supported the bill, saying the change would reduce confusion between commercial cargo/cruise facilities and recreational small boat harbors, and could help with clarity and possibly federal grant competitiveness. Members asked about impacts on small boat harbors and cruise activity, and DOT explained that the bill is aimed at purpose-built commercial ports, not recreational facilities. The committee also took testimony on HB 2283, which clarifies DOT’s consultative role with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs in setting port pilotage standards and requirements. DOT, DCCA, Matson, the Hawaii Pilots Association, and others supported the measure, saying it would improve coordination and ensure pilot licensing standards reflect operational realities in the harbors. Finally, after a recess, the committee heard HB 2217, which would allow driver’s permits, licenses, and ID cards to include a notation for a non-apparent disability. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities opposed the bill as drafted, saying voluntary alternatives such as Smart 911 may be better and that the category is too broad. The Attorney General’s office supported the intent but recommended limiting the notation to medically recognized, specifically defined conditions so agencies can train personnel and avoid confusion or escalation.

Transcript Highlights:

• covers public schools but also collegiate schools in New Hampshire, right?
• covers public schools but also collegiate schools in New Hampshire, right?
• covers public schools but also collegiate schools in New Hampshire, right?
• covers public schools but also collegiate schools in New Hampshire, right?
• uh Public Schools but also Collegiate uh Public Schools but also Collegiate schools<04:42:32.560

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Committee’s Division 3 held a public work session on the Behavioral Health budget on February 27, 2025. The chair opened by explaining the schedule, materials, and deadlines for the budget process, and noted there would be no motions or votes in the division that day. Division of Behavioral Health Director Ktia Fox and DHHS CFO Nathan White then walked the committee through the division’s mission, structure, and budget materials, describing the division’s four bureaus: Mental Health Services, Children’s Behavioral Health, Drug and Alcohol Services, and Homeless Services, along with the policy unit. They emphasized the division’s role in oversight, technical assistance, quality assurance, contracting, and the continuum of care from prevention and early intervention through crisis and residential services. Much of the discussion focused on major programs and funding lines, including the 988 Lifeline contract with Headrest, a technical assistance contract with UNH, Medicaid pass-through payments to New Hampshire Hospital and Glencliff, crisis response services, cold-weather homeless responses, housing supports, and the children’s system of care. Members asked about the UNH contract, the 988 program, crisis stabilization centers, and the peer certification program; Fox explained that the peer certification is a training-and-credentialing pathway for people with lived experience to enter community-based behavioral health work, not a volunteer program. The committee also discussed the “Choose Love” program, which Fox said was created after the Sandy Hook tragedy to build resilience and strength-based emotional regulation in schools and communities. On the children’s side, Fox described the system of care account as the place where many contracted services are budgeted, including community mental health centers, care management entities, rapid response services, and residential programs. Members asked about temporary staffing, and Fox said roughly $500,000 in temporary staff costs shown in the current year would not be spent next year because the money came from a nonlapsing appropriation in HB 1573 for oversight of children’s residential services. She also said provider rate increases were a prioritized need but were not funded in the governor’s current budget, and that the Children’s Behavioral Health Resource Center was not funded, resulting in about a $1 million reduction. The session ended while the division was still moving through the children’s behavioral health slides, including questions about the Fast Forward high-fidelity wraparound program and medication management.

Transcript Highlights:

• My claim to fame when I was in law school, Madam Chair, is that I organized the 150th anniversary of
• We're doing a lot of work with the UNM School of Law and the UNM School of Architecture and Planning
• Now, we are beginning collaborations, as I mentioned, with the School of Architecture and Planning.
• This list of programs has 4 entries, and sometimes there's a misconception; it seems confusing.
• Some other changes put responsibility for advertising the program to students from HED to the UNM School

Transcript Highlights:

• This outdated cap can also become a barrier to entry to service.
• The data is overwhelming in terms of townhomes being in the sweet spot of affordable entry-level housing
• There's no question about this townhome being an entry-level, not for poverty level, but an entry-level
• School and jobs across the region. For many, transit isn't a choice.
• When transit works, people get to work on time, students stay in school, families stay connected, and

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This outdated cap can also become a barrier to entry to service.
• Before being elected to the Assembly, I was responsible for school safety and preparedness in Modoc County
• There's no question about this townhome being an entry-level, not for poverty level, but an entry-level
• School and jobs across the region. For many, transit isn't a choice.
• When transit works, people get to work on time, students stay in school, families stay connected, and

Summary: The committee hearing covered a long agenda of local government and housing-related bills, with the chair repeatedly noting the committee was operating without a quorum for much of the meeting. Several measures were heard with no opposition, including AB 2639 on Merced County flood control coordination, AB 1788 on allowing best-value contracting for general law cities and the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, AB 2058 on reducing duplicative permitting and inspection costs for factory-built housing, AB 2576 on clarifying historic resource protections in a housing law, AB 2568 on increasing the compensation cap for water district board members, AB 2224 on updating county recorder fees and requiring electronic recording, AB 2469 on water-supply review and cost responsibility for data centers, and AB 2397 on requiring local governments to justify denials of certain housing-finance decisions. Most of these bills were presented as targeted fixes to improve efficiency, reduce delays, or modernize outdated statutes, and the authors generally requested aye votes and noted committee amendments where applicable. The most extended debate centered on AB 1751, which would streamline approval of qualifying townhome projects while setting a $28 hourly minimum wage floor for construction workers on covered private projects. Supporters argued the bill would expand homeownership opportunities, raise wages for largely non-union residential workers, and preserve existing prevailing wage law while adding enforcement tools and developer liability. Opponents, including several building trades and labor organizations, argued it would undercut prevailing wage standards, create a race to the bottom, and potentially affect wage-setting more broadly. Committee members asked detailed questions about land-use barriers, the relationship to prevailing wage, and whether the bill would affect unionized work; the author and supporters responded that it applies narrowly to private for-sale townhome projects and does not alter prevailing wage requirements. AB 2469 also drew a substantive split. Supporters said data centers should be required to provide water-supply assessments before approval, pay for infrastructure they trigger, and account for impacts on overdrafted groundwater basins and local ratepayers. Opponents from the Chamber of Commerce, Data Center Coalition, counties, and tech groups argued existing law already covers water planning, that the bill imposes unique and burdensome requirements on one industry, and that some reporting provisions could raise security concerns. The author responded that the bill is about front-end planning and local accountability, not daily reporting, and emphasized the hyperlocal strain data centers can place on small water systems. No final votes were taken during the hearing because the committee lacked a quorum, though members repeatedly indicated support or intent to vote aye once a quorum was present.

Transcript Highlights:

• ARP in support, Leslie Door for the Hawaii Insurance Council in support, KA Dorte for commitment schools
• ARP in support, Leslie Door for the Hawaii Insurance Council in support, KA Dorte for commitment schools
• ARP in support, Leslie Door for the Hawaii Insurance Council in support, KA Dorte for commitment schools
• /c> Council and support KA dorte for Council and support KA dorte for commitment<00:04:18.600> schools
• speeding tickets, correct, and how much that would cost the Judiciary to have to fill in the data entry

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on House Bill 1064, which would implement recommendations from the Fire Safety Research Institute’s Maui wildfire report, clarify the role of the State Fire Marshal, and appropriate funds. Testimony was generally supportive from DLNR, the Climate Advisory Team, the State Fire Council, Hawaiʻi Electric, the Attorney General’s office, the Honu Fire Department, AARP, the Hawaiʻi Insurance Council, and others. Governor Green’s office said it supported the bill but wanted the office of the State Fire Marshal placed under the Department of Defense rather than the governor’s office, citing constitutional and administrative concerns. Members also questioned the State Fire Council about the selection process for the fire marshal and about defensible space and wildfire resilience in different communities. After discussion, the committees deferred decision-making on HB 1064 to Friday, March 14, at 3:00 p.m. in Room 225 for the Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs, with the same recommendation from the other committee. The hearing then moved to House Bill 697, which would expand who may review automated speed enforcement images. HDOT supported the bill but said it would prefer funding from the Highway Special Fund or the automated speed enforcement special fund rather than general revenues. Opposition testimony from the ACLU raised privacy concerns, argued the bill blurs the line between law enforcement and infrastructure management, and said DOT staff lack the mandate and expertise for the task. Judiciary said it would need additional capacity to process citations and hearings, and noted the program’s likely workload and costs were still uncertain. The committees then took up House Bill 277 on vehicular pursuit policy. The Attorney General and the Law Enforcement Standards Board urged the committees to defer the bill and let the board develop policy first, while Hawaii County Police opposed the measure as unnecessary, confusing, and too restrictive of officer discretion. Honolulu Police Department and the Policing Project supported the bill, arguing that clearer statewide standards and transparency are needed because pursuits can cause serious injuries or deaths and existing policies are inconsistent or not public. The Policing Project said the bill could be improved with amendments on serious crimes, but supported legislative action to set statewide standards while still involving the board. No final vote or action on HB 277 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• school.
• school, and tribally controlled school school, and tribally controlled school in<00:13:33.680>
• school days during summer school or school days during summer school or interession<00:45:45.440
• > or<00:58:01.280> high school, junior, high school, or high school, junior, high school,
• the<01:29:07.360> area middle school, high school to the area middle school, high school to

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Workforce Development Programs at Mass Higher at Hamden County, and Lisa Morris at UMass Chan Medical School
• , who is helping develop an active medical interpreter apprenticeship program at the medical school.
• It's called Uniquely Abled, and it's a modification of entry-level manufacturing for people with autism
• with MassAbility and Jake Hendel, who is the owner of Ahoy, an application for finding accessible entries

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities met virtually and in person for its June meeting. Members approved the March meeting minutes and heard a chair’s report on recent “Meeting the Moment” community conversations, including the successful Lowell event and plans for a July 14 Northampton event and an October National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebration at the State House. The October event will include a panel with MassAbility on artificial intelligence and its impacts on people with disabilities, with discussion of both accessibility benefits and risks such as bias and discrimination. A major presentation came from the Supplier Diversity Office on its Empowering Abilities in Contracting and Employment (EAC) program. Staff described the program’s evolution from a pilot launched after 2016 legislation to a statewide policy now included in new state contracts. The program aims to increase certification of disability-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, expand workforce participation by people with disabilities, and use vendor reporting to track progress toward a 3% workforce goal. The office reported about 292 active certified businesses, roughly 40 vendors currently on EAC contracts, and expectations that the number of participating vendors will grow to about 130 by November. Commissioners praised the program and asked about its reach, data, and potential replication in other states or institutions. The advisory council update highlighted broad engagement across topics including accessibility, employment, youth transition, housing, health equity, transportation, technology, AI, and supported decision-making. Members were asked to share fact sheets and resources for posting on the commission website, and two council members will help plan the October employment event. Subcommittee reports followed: the employment subcommittee reviewed transition-to-employment barriers, the disability employment tax credit, veteran services, and a SEED policy brief; the workforce supports subcommittee discussed apprenticeships and a May webinar on addressing workforce barriers through apprenticeships; and the long-term services and supports/health equity subcommittee heard about care coordination training resources and a presentation on post-COVID health care inequities for people with disabilities. The executive director also reported on ongoing work with state agencies, MassHealth-related conversations, caregiver and aging issues, and AI planning. The meeting ended with commissioner announcements on the Paul Spooner Generational Leadership Summit and a Medicaid summit, followed by adjournment by vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• congratulations to the Korean Society of Maryland in recognition of Korean-American Day, celebrating the first entry
• of Korean immigrants in 1903..." "...the first entry of Korean immigrants in 1903 and their tremendous
• All eight of our scouts are freshmen at Brunswick High School.
• Capitol in fourth grade with their classmates, but when COVID struck and while they were in elementary school

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened with a quorum present and began the session with an invocation by Rabbi Ari Goldstein of Temple Beth Shalom, who urged senators to listen carefully, act with humility and integrity, and keep policy focused on real people and practical justice. His remarks were journalized without objection. The chamber also welcomed several guests, including a senior Girl Scout troop from Jefferson, family members of a senator, and visiting teachers, educators, and students from the College Board Foundation. The main floor action was a resolution recognizing Korean-American Day and honoring the Korean Society of Maryland and the broader Korean American community for their contributions to Maryland and the nation. The sponsor highlighted the community’s history since the first Korean immigrants arrived in North America in 1903 and named several Korean American leaders present in the gallery. The resolution was read in full and adopted unanimously, with applause and thanks extended to the guests. The Senate then handled first-reader bill introductions: Senate Bill 280, relating to state parks terminology in the Natural Resources/Education/Energy/Environment committees, and Senate Bill 281, the Metro Funding Modification Act of 2026, referred to Budget and Taxation. Leadership noted that the early weeks of session would be committee-heavy, with most bills going to standing committees rather than the floor. Committee chairs then gave scheduling updates, including truncated hearing formats due to bill volume, upcoming hearings on longevity, the AHEAD model and emergency department wait times, election law bills, controller briefings, and departmental hearings. The Senate adjourned without objection until Wednesday, January 21, for a 10:00 a.m. pro forma session.

Transcript Highlights:

• vision care allotment under the Foundation School program.
• It is not, uh, in the Foundation school program.
• Uh, but I think all the school, school districts are obligated under the law to provide the help, uh,
• I'm a national certified school nurse, a member of the Texas School Nurses Organization and a practiced
• school nursing for more than 20 years.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have a school on site in that unit, so they don't miss any school time.
• We still have a lot of providers that are doing manual entry, and so we're trying to increase the number

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then heard an emergency rule from the Department of Human Services on hospital-based residential treatment for adolescents with substance use disorder. Paula Stone explained that the rule would allow Medicaid reimbursement for services in a general hospital unit for ages 12 and up, with Unity Hospital in CERC expected to open the first such unit. Members asked about length of stay, cost, and capacity; Stone said stays would be determined by ASAM criteria with no fixed cap, the proposed Medicaid rate is $850 per day pending CMS approval, and the unit would have 24 beds split between boys and girls with on-site schooling. The committee then considered a rule on electronic visit verification for in-home personal care, attendant care, respite care, and home health services. Elizabeth Pittman said the update is intended to keep the state compliant with federal EVV requirements under the 21st Century Cures Act, improve auditing and corrective action plans for providers with too many manual claims, and remove the W-9 submission requirement in favor of IRS verification. Members confirmed that federal law requires an EVV system, and Pittman noted Arkansas uses an open system that allows providers to use the state option or their own vendor. No objections were raised to the EVV rule, which was reported as reviewed. The meeting then concluded with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• This slide schools here in the state.
• <00:12:33.279> student FAFSA data when the school student FAFSA data when the school student
• > want<00:12:35.600> their selects which schools they want their selects which schools
• And um that and it and this is school.
• that would be something at the school that would be something at the school level<00:44:00.079><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And so again, that's all a lot of manual entry that you saw Kathleen was doing for that case.
• I can say the word duplicate entry, quicker assistance and more trust.
• We implemented time entry transformation, which we'll share about in the next slide.
• So last year we launched a statewide time entry transformation tool, and the new time entry tool addresses
• And so last year we launched a statewide time entry transformation tool and the new time entry tool addresses

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The House did not get it introduced in the Senate, but it was about school safety.
• And one but it was about school safety.
• <01:54:40.400> Obviously,<01:54:40.880> we're school buildings.
• Obviously, we're school buildings.
• restricting entry into these locations. restricting entry into these locations.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:17:44.239> School school to be homeschooled. School school to be homeschooled.
• to the schools yet. to the schools yet.
• > schools.
• engaged in schools. engaged in schools.
• schools, community schools we've had. schools, community schools we've had.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Education met on February 17 and announced it would limit public testimony to one minute because more than a thousand testimonies were expected on one measure. The first bill heard was HB 1934, relating to the Imagination Library of Hawaii. The state librarian and Friends of the Library supported the bill, saying the program is a proven, cost-effective way to improve early literacy and should be expanded statewide for children ages 0 to 5. Friends of the Library said the current 50/50 match requirement would be too difficult to meet immediately and asked for state funding for the first few years to help launch the expansion. Testimony included eight supporters and one opponent, and members asked whether the proposal was an expansion of an existing program; the state librarian said it would expand service beyond currently targeted communities. The committee then heard HB 20004, which would extend the floating librarian pilot program. The state librarian, Department of Education, HSTA, and several individuals testified in support. Supporters said the program helps address staffing needs and improves student readiness, especially for college and information literacy. One retired community college librarian said school librarians help students prepare for college and are increasingly important in teaching critical evaluation of misinformation and AI-generated content. Members asked about implementation of the existing pilot, including recruitment of certified librarians for neighbor island and Oahu complex areas; DOE said those positions had been identified and recruitment was underway, and existing funds remained intact. The final major discussion was HB 2398, which clarifies the library system’s role in RNMSP-related projects and public library construction on or near school land. The state librarian and public library system supported the bill, while the Department of Education and Attorney General’s office raised concerns about vague language, especially the phrase “land controlled by the board,” and suggested amendments. In questioning, the state librarian explained that the bill was prompted by conflicts on shared or adjacent school/public library sites, including traffic, pickup and drop-off access, and other operational issues. DOE described significant disruption from one project’s traffic changes and said planning for such projects should involve early coordination and formal agreements. The state librarian responded that the new bill would clarify oversight and help avoid delays and disputes over property control and future renovations.