Transcript Highlights:

• And you can see it's broken down to different age groups. Here is a head count of students.
• And you can see it's broken down to different age groups.
• And we're seeing more of an increase with behaviors at that lower-level age, of course.
• versus at a later age?
• Right now, we get reimbursed a certain percentage for our ag teacher and supplies.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• already passed unanimously through the Veterans Committee, merely to get the sort of imprimatur of the Ag
• That starts on page 63, and again, we discussed those with the Department of Ag, so I'm not going to
• That starts on page 63, and again, we discussed those with the Department of Ag, so I'm not going to
• That starts on page 63, and again, we discussed those with the Department of Ag, so I'm not going to
• That starts on page 63, and again, we discussed those with the Department of Ag, so I'm not going to

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the advanced compensation, it stops the AG from using the tactic that they use.
• , it stops the AG from using the<00:47:41.599> tactic<00:47:42.000> that<00:47:42.160><
• <01:00:10.720> is<01:00:10.960> not probably but I think if the AG is not probably
• but I think if the AG is not necessarily<01:00:11.520> being<01:00:11.680> proactive<01
• , right, to kind this back to the the AG, right, to kind of<01:02:53.200> figure<01:02:53.440>

Bills: SB2094

Keywords: toxic chemicals, environmental action levels, public notice, environmental safety, pollution control, Hawaii State Constitution, public participation, government transparency, environmental health, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 2094, which would require state agencies monitoring environmental toxins and pollutants to establish environmental action levels and limit changes to those levels without meeting procedural requirements. The chair recommended passing the bill with amendments, including inserting estimated costs for a secure portal website and webinars into the committee report and deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050. The motion passed unanimously among those voting, with excused members noted. The committee then considered several other measures and adopted recommendations to pass them with amendments, generally adding technical and clarifying changes and setting a defective date of 2525. SB 2862 was amended to broaden the preamble, make additional appointees confirmable, clarify reporting requirements for gubernatorial appointees, and was held for further discussion. SB 2781 on lei production created a working group to review existing studies and conduct a statewide study of Hawaii’s floriculture industry. SB 3015 adopted California’s definition of PII, applied it to government agencies and political subdivisions, created a private cause of action, and required a compliance report. SB 3230 removed a categorical prohibition on certain third-party project management procurements while preserving state oversight responsibility, in line with procurement office requests. The joint GVO Health and Human Services agenda then focused on two related bills requiring universal changing accommodations in public restrooms. SB 2932 would apply to new state building construction beginning July 1, 2026, and testimony from disability advocates, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others supported the measure while asking for language clarifying that the requirement applies only where technically feasible and, in some cases, only to state-managed buildings. SB 2268 was described as broader, extending beyond government buildings into the private sector and including a private right of action; witnesses supported the concept but raised implementation concerns, especially for smaller businesses, and requested the same technically infeasible language and other clarifications. Both bills were advanced with amendments, and the committee noted adoption of the recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that is primarily between those of peak working age, between 35 and 49 years old, where individuals
• And that is primarily between those of peak working age, between 35 and 49 years old, where individuals
• And that is primarily between those of peak working age, between 35 and 49 years old, where individuals
• <00:33:05.039> and<00:33:05.360> we've this day in this day and age and we've this
• day in this day and age and we've asked<00:33:06.080> them<00:33:06.880> without<00:33:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The number is so low because for many members of our communities, we don't make it to the age of 59.
• And so what we are trying to do is ensure that maybe more of us can make it to the age of 59.
• My risk of developing the disease doubles as my relatives were diagnosed before age 50.
• What data is being used to set that age discrimination in the bill?
• It's the fastest growing age group. A tsunami, and say it's already here.

Transcript Highlights:

• This would provide additional funding for the Minnesota Board on Aging.
• <00:38:33.599> and for the Minnesota Board on Aging and for the Minnesota Board on Aging and
• friendly uh Minnesota council um age friendly uh Minnesota council um would<00:38:57.440> put
• I previously mentioned the proposal under DHS to establish an age-friendly Minnesota council.
• a age friendly Minnesota<00:55:17.359> council.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yasmin Pellad with Justice in Aging. Good afternoon. Thank you, Madam Chair and members.
• Yasmin Pellad with Justice in Aging.
• Good afternoon, Yasmin Pellet, on behalf of Justice in Aging.
• The fee schedule program is a first-of-its-kind effort to make it easier for students under the age of
• Yes, I'm with Justice in Aging.

Summary: The committee heard a budget oversight hearing on the Department of Health Care Services, focusing first on the overall Medi-Cal budget and a March General Fund loan to cover a current-year shortfall. DHCS said the 2025-26 budget proposal totals $193.4 billion, with Medi-Cal projected at $188.1 billion total funds and $42.1 billion General Fund, driven by higher enrollment, pharmacy costs, managed care growth, and costs tied to eligibility expansions and the COVID-era redetermination unwinding. The department said the $3.44 billion loan was needed to manage cash flow and ensure timely payments to providers and plans, while the LAO noted Medi-Cal’s cash-basis budgeting creates volatility and that more detailed estimates would come with the May Revision. Members discussed federal Medicaid threats, the need for transparency on cost drivers, and the impact of pharmacy spending, long-term care, and immigration-related coverage expansions. The second major topic was family health programs, including California Children’s Services, the continuous coverage unwinding, and opioid settlement fund spending. DHCS described CCS funding methodology changes, ongoing county stakeholder work, and a delayed rollout of CCS monitoring and oversight until July 1, 2025, while county representatives and advocates argued the program is underfunded and asked for more technical assistance and a delay in implementation. On the unwinding, the department explained that federal redetermination flexibilities helped maintain coverage after the pandemic, but the Governor’s budget proposes ending them at the end of June 2025; advocates urged making the flexibilities permanent to avoid coverage losses. For opioid settlement funds, DHCS and Finance said the budget increases funding for naloxone distribution while reducing other harm-reduction spending based on updated settlement revenues, prompting criticism from members and public commenters who argued the change would weaken effective harm-reduction programs. The hearing also included an update on Proposition 35 implementation. DHCS said the voter-approved measure continuously appropriates MCO tax revenues beginning in 2025, with up to $4.6 billion annually available for specified Medi-Cal and provider investments in 2025 and 2026, but implementation depends on consultation with the required stakeholder advisory committee. The department and LAO noted uncertainty about future federal rules affecting the MCO tax after 2026. Public testimony largely supported maintaining Medi-Cal expansions, protecting immigrant coverage, preserving harm-reduction funding, and increasing support for community health workers, pediatric dental care, and CCS county administration. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:55:41.319> of expected due to the you know the age of expected due to the you know the
• age of chronic<00:55:41.799> disease<00:55:42.160> states<00:55:42.559> that<00
• That disparity, if you will, is directly related to the age of the population in those two counties.
• <01:03:34.680> of<01:03:34.799> the adjusting it for um the age of the adjusting it
• for um the age of the population<01:03:36.119> um<01:03:36.640> that<01:03:36.960>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services Oversight Committee met on February 2 and first approved the draft minutes from the prior meeting, with minor corrections to the meeting date and attendance notation. DHHS Associate Commissioner Patricia Tilly then gave a department update, describing the current uncertainty around federal priorities and funding, and provided two substantive reports: progress on the new Hampstead Youth Development Center and an update on the department’s review of an ALS registry proposal. She said the YDC project is underway with tree clearing, fencing, stormwater and site-prep work, and remains on track for completion by June 30, 2026 and operation by August 30, 2026. The center currently has 12 youth, and the new design is intended to provide flexibility for fluctuating census levels. On ALS, Tilly explained that HB 576 had prompted the department to examine whether a registry could be built, but the estimated cost of a HIPAA-compliant system was about $750,000. She said DHHS is reviewing whether existing data sources, such as hospital discharge data and CHIS claims data, could provide useful information, but noted both are incomplete for registry purposes. Committee members discussed whether the Rare Disease Advisory Council, Dartmouth, or existing cancer registry infrastructure could help reduce costs. DHHS said it is neutral and willing to continue exploring alternatives, while members emphasized the value of a registry and the need to consider shared infrastructure and funding. The committee also heard from Jenny Horan of the Alzheimer’s Association, who presented the subcommittee’s report on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. She said the subcommittee spent the past year gathering information on dementia care, abuse and exploitation issues, caregiver strain, and available services, and is now moving into a second phase focused on identifying gaps and developing a state plan. Members asked about geriatric psychiatric capacity and long-term care availability; Horan said the state has limited capacity and that the plan will help clarify where needs are greatest. She offered to return for follow-up questions at a later meeting. Finally, Olivia May of DHHS presented the quarterly report on the 12-month postpartum Medicaid coverage extension. She said New Hampshire implemented the extension after federal and state action, and the first claims data are still emerging because of reporting lags. In the initial cohort studied, 95% received some medical services during the extended period, 52.4% received mental health or substance use disorder treatment, 26.7% received preventive visits, and 3.2% received heart or hypertension services. Members asked about return on investment and whether higher federal matching rates are being used appropriately; DHHS said it claims the highest possible match based on eligibility group and will return with more data over time. The committee then heard the annual therapeutic cannabis program report from Michael Holt, who said the program had 1,475 registered patients as of June 30, 2024 and that growth has slowed, with New Hampshire having the lowest per-capita medical cannabis enrollment nationally.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's correct. before we could pay because the Ag before we could pay because the Ag Services<01:51:56.840
• , and this allows them to age in place and age in their own home.
• , and this allows them to age in place and age in their own home.
• , and this allows them to age in place and age in their own home.
• > age this allows them to age in place and age this allows them to age in place and age in<03:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I can give from age 18 down to 16.
• Adults are 18 years of age or older, and minors are under the age of 18.
• insert younger than age 18. insert younger than age 18.
• <01:35:53.360> Uh courses or coming of age books. Uh courses or coming of age books.
• they want and give them to whatever age they want and give them to whatever age child<01:41:01.199

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Aging fleets remain in service past their intended lifespan, maintenance costs are climbing, reserve
• They are best positioned to tell us what these delays look like in real life and how aging equipment
• I moved to Fresno at a very young age and represent that area now.
• I moved to Fresno at a very young age and represent that area now.
• And I think we should write a letter and try to push the AG to do that. So I'm all behind that.

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on the rising cost and long delivery times for fire apparatus and related equipment, with opening remarks stressing that aging fleets, supply chain problems, and delayed replacements are affecting emergency readiness across California. Cal OES and Cal Fire described statewide procurement challenges, including higher prices, multi-year delivery timelines, two-year encumbrance limits, and the strain on mutual aid when engines remain in service beyond their intended replacement cycles. Cal Fire said it operates 537 engines, with 300 meeting replacement criteria and 243 at least 16 years old, and explained the difference between mandatory contracts and one-time acquisitions. The Department of General Services said vendors have cited labor costs, chassis pricing, and the need for longer production timelines, while also noting that statewide contracts can include nominal price increases but not open-ended price hikes. Local fire chiefs from Santa Barbara County, Los Angeles County, Napa, and Fullerton testified that apparatus prices have risen sharply while delivery times have stretched from under a year to three to five years or more. They described specific examples of engines and ladder trucks costing far more than prior purchases and arriving years later, forcing departments to keep older reserve apparatus in service, spend more on maintenance, and defer other budget priorities. Several witnesses said industry consolidation has reduced competition and contributed to delays and price increases, with Los Angeles County and Fullerton noting they have pursued antitrust complaints and litigation against major manufacturers. Napa also described proprietary parts and software limiting in-house repairs, and Santa Barbara County said a vendor’s unfulfilled delivery promise caused the department to lose its place in line. Members asked about possible solutions, including whether the state should consider manufacturing apparatus itself, whether procurement rules or prototype requirements could be streamlined, whether DGS staffing or contract processes could be accelerated, and whether more stable long-term purchasing commitments would help manufacturers plan production. Witnesses said safety-driven specification changes are necessary but can add time, and that the main bottlenecks are industry capacity, consolidation, and vendor performance. The vice chair raised concerns about how grant funding windows and local matching requirements are affected by multi-year delays, especially for small and rural departments that rely on grants and on used apparatus passed down from larger agencies. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded with committee members indicating interest in possible legislative, regulatory, and antitrust follow-up.

Transcript Highlights:

• Aging fleets remain in service past their intended lifespan, maintenance costs are climbing, reserve
• They are best positioned to tell us what these delays look like in real life and how aging equipment
• I moved to Fresno at a very young age and represent that area now.
• I moved to Fresno at a very young age and represent that area now.
• And I think we should write a letter and try to push the AG to do that. So I'm all behind that.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• committed a loss of life offense, excluding those individuals who have committed their offense before the age
• committed a loss of life offense, excluding those individuals who have committed their offense before the age
• committed a loss of life offense, excluding those individuals who have committed their offense before the age
• we're reviewing an individual who is someone with a life sentence who committed their crime before the age
• of 21. ...is someone with a life sentence who committed their crime before the age of 21.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration met on January 12 to continue its review of DOC classification practices, with Senator Brownsberger and Representative Hunt co-chairing. After brief discussion of the prior hearing, members said there would likely be another opportunity for additional testimony, including possible video testimony from people inside facilities. The main presentation for the day was DOC’s classification system and a UMass Chan study of whether the system predicts institutional misconduct and whether overrides affect its accuracy or create racial/ethnic bias. DOC officials described the objective point-based classification system, its history, and the role of discretionary and non-discretionary overrides. They said the system is designed to balance public safety and reintegration, with initial classification emphasizing offense history and reclassification emphasizing institutional adjustment. DOC reported that, in the current population, about 16% are classified to maximum security, 74% to medium, and 10% to lower security. They also reviewed the non-discretionary restrictions that keep people out of minimum or medium security, and said discretionary overrides are used less often than the National Institute of Corrections’ suggested ceiling and are reviewed within six months. UMass Chan researchers said their analysis used historical DOC data from 2019 to 2022, focused mainly on about 7,600 male reclassification cases, and found that the scored custody level accurately predicted institutional misconduct. They said the tool performed well on standard statistical measures, but predictive accuracy declined after overrides were applied, with overlap appearing between minimum and medium groups. In a supplementary analysis, they said the loss of accuracy was driven primarily by non-discretionary restrictions rather than discretionary overrides. They also said the study did not find evidence of racial or ethnic bias in the tool itself, and that DOC’s current system is comparatively more lenient than many other states. Members and guests raised concerns about overclassification to medium security, the low share of people in minimum, the role of civil commitment restrictions, and whether the data captured historical bias or individual cases where overrides felt subjective. DOC and UMass Chan responded that the study was group-based, not case-specific, and that minimum-security rates are hard to compare across states because Massachusetts’ prison and county systems differ structurally. The commission did not take a vote or formal action, but asked members to send follow-up data questions by the end of the week for referral to DOC and the researchers.

Transcript Highlights:

• While it may include parents and siblings, it mostly includes children under the age of 21.
• agencies to certify, in an expedited fashion within 14 days, U visas if a family member is going to age
• While it may include parents and siblings, it mostly includes children under the age of 21.
• By adopting, Visas if a family member is going to age out.
• Our students already have enough to worry about in this day and age and in an increasingly uncertain

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House first handled several routine matters, including adoption of a birthday resolution honoring Caroline San Martino Moran and suspension of Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of a petition involving the City of Waltham and the Veterans Memorial Rink. It also advanced two local bills: one authorizing DCAMM to release a sewer line easement in West Roxbury, and another relative to the town administrator of Carlisle. Both bills were amended by Ways and Means and ordered to third reading or engrossed as amended. The chamber also passed a memorial-marker bill for fallen law enforcement officers in Milton and Canton. The main floor debate centered on House Bill 5305, the “Protect Act,” which was presented as a measure to limit state and local involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement, restrict ICE access in courthouses and other sensitive locations, strengthen notice and language-access protections for detainees and workers, and expedite U and T visa certifications. Supporters, including members of the Black and Latino Caucus and other legislators, argued the bill would protect due process, encourage victims and witnesses to come forward, preserve public trust, and keep local police focused on criminal matters. They cited courthouse arrests, fear in immigrant communities, and the need for clearer boundaries between state and federal authority. Several amendments were offered and voted on during consideration of H.5305. An amendment to strike Section 4 was rejected, as were amendments seeking to alter the courthouse enforcement provisions and to recognize immigration judge warrants. Other amendments were adopted, including one clarifying sheriff-related provisions, one expanding language around release dates, one adding protections related to school settings, and one expediting U visa certification for family members aging out. A roll call was taken on the bill and on multiple amendments, with the House ultimately adopting the amendments described and continuing consideration of the bill as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then it's been, you know, pretty much all Spanish until the age of eight.
• Have them explore and interact with science and incorporate that into mathematics at an early age.
• We're bringing children in at a younger age through transitional kindergarten, That are happening.
• We're bringing children in at a younger age through transitional kindergarten.
• go and get credentialed in that, because I think that having that expertise of teaching that early age

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And first up, we have the Department of Ag and Biosecurity. >> The Department of Ag and Biosecurity is
• Pickleball has brought together people of all ages, keiki, working adults, kupuna, in a shared environment
• Pickleball has brought together people of all ages, keiki, working adults, kupuna, in a shared environment
• together<00:41:12.480> people<00:41:12.800> of<00:41:12.920> all<00:41:13.240> ages
• ,<00:41:13.760> keiki, together people of all ages, keiki, together people of all ages, keiki

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

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• It's aging. Um it's and also we've discovered all these chemicals now that are polluting our water.
• It's aging. Um it's and also we've discovered all these chemicals now that are polluting our water.
• It's<00:05:10.880> aging.
• Um it's and also we've It's aging.
• >> Well, is there anything that we could have done to prevent this, or is it simply a fact of aging

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And in that capacity, she has not only been sponsoring so many ag events all over it, but she has had
• That program alternated each summer between women in ag and then AgraFuture, both to connect women to
• She's the host and has organized a very familiar lunch, perhaps the most popular here, in providing ag
• That program alternated each summer between women in ag and then AgraFuture, both to connect women to
• She's the host and has organized a very familiar lunch, perhaps the most popular here, in providing ag

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So when we say pediatric portion, that means age zero to age 21, which is more like 18.
• So when we say pediatric portion, that means zero, age 0 to age 21, which is more like 18.
• Age zero to age 21, which is more like 18, but that's the pediatric portion.
• time, what 18 years ago, appeared to be a very favorable reimbursement rate for dental Medicaid has aged

Summary: The Administrative Rules Subcommittee of the Arkansas Legislative Council reviewed several agency rules and requests. It approved without objection an Insurance Department amendment implementing Act 261’s holding company system requirements, two State Board of Election Commissioners rules on poll watchers/provisional voting and certified election monitors, and a Treasurer of State rule removing DEI-related membership requirements to comply with Act 938. The committee also held over for a month a Department of Education request related to excluding a rule from reporting requirements so it could be discussed further with the Department of Commerce. A major portion of the meeting focused on the Department of Human Services’ request to be excluded from rulemaking for Acts 567, 568, 967, and 1025. DHS said federal CMS guidance created comparability and other issues for the Medicaid-related dental and diagnostic lab provisions, making it difficult to implement the acts as written by their effective dates. DHS outlined possible paths, including broader adult dental coverage, waivers, or splitting the dental rate increase from the special-needs cap increase. The Arkansas State Dental Association disputed DHS’s approach, arguing Act 1025 is workable, that the pediatric rate increase should move forward separately, and that DHS should continue pursuing the law rather than stop rulemaking. Committee members questioned both sides extensively about CMS correspondence, waiver timelines, fiscal impact, and whether the acts could be severed. After testimony from DHS, the Dental Association, and a public commenter, the committee adopted a motion not to exclude DHS from reporting requirements for Acts 567, 568, 967, and 1025, meaning DHS must continue the normal rulemaking/reporting process. The committee then accepted the Division of Higher Education’s report, which recommended repealing three of its 32 rules and keeping the remaining 29 in effect. It also received routine written updates on older and newer rulemaking items and filed the monthly updates without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Think aging our students. >> Thank you, sir. And finally, we'll finish off with Mr.
• In addition to training of teachers, we're building our curriculum maps that are age appropriate.
• approve content, you know, we have to be very cautious about that because, you know, content that is age
• We've launched I age prediction that goes beyond verification of predicts the age of the user.
• And so we're actively working on the parent age that we have.