Transcript Highlights:

• When one enters into a preneed burial contract, they're paying today for a funeral in the future.
• The administrative fee would be collected once the final payment is made for this preneed contract.
• is uh paid for preneed burial contract is uh paid for in<00:26:00.240><c> full.
• President, the Government Contracts &gt;&gt; Mr.
• Government Contracts, please take<01:13:10.520><c> note.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is for contracted pharmacy and pharmaceuticals.
• Just a quick question on the contracted staffing.
• won't be able to fill out those contracts.
• won't be able to fill out those contracts. those providers won't be able to fill out those contracts
• I guess it's about 70, 72 or maybe 71 contracted providers.

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• reduces appropriation level, that contract we expect to continue through that four fiscal year period
• The contract that we're establishing, It's not a specific number, so we don't know.
• The conversation we've just been having is about the contract.
• The conversation we've just been having is about the contract.
• So we're adding a staff person there, hopefully to not rely on as much contracted services in the...

Summary: The committee heard a State Auditor’s Office performance audit on OSPI’s school apportionment system, which distributes K-12 funding to districts. Auditors said the system and its underlying 2008-era infrastructure are outdated, unstable, inefficient, and at high risk of errors or failure. They also found weak controls over data input, documentation, oversight, and monitoring, with heavy reliance on a small number of staff and vendor knowledge. In limited testing of three districts, the system calculated 2023–24 funding correctly, but auditors identified small discrepancies between state budget inputs and underlying statutory language and said broader system risks remain unresolved. JLARC members asked about the scope of the district testing, whether smaller districts face greater risk, the meaning of the funding discrepancies, and whether the system could support a future change to a simpler per-student funding formula. Auditors said the discrepancies were small but could compound into millions statewide, and that the audit did not evaluate broader policy questions or alternative system owners. They recommended OSPI modernize or replace the system and address current control weaknesses while the new platform is developed. OSPI officials largely agreed that the current platform needs replacement and said a feasibility study completed in 2024 found the system at catastrophic risk of failure. They clarified that the Legislature had approved up to $16 million in the state IT pool for the project, but that funding is released through gated oversight and not all of it had yet been appropriated for the current biennium. OSPI disputed the auditor’s characterization of some rounding and budget-law issues, saying the calculations were consistent with agency rules and legislative inputs, and explained that some manual workarounds are used to handle newer statutory requirements. One member of the public testified in support of modernizing the system and strengthening controls. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• finally, there is a Chair Robbins' bill related to the Department of Corrections and how they do their contracts
• finally, there is a Chair Robbins' bill related to the Department of Corrections and how they do their contracts
• 08:45.840><c> their</c> of Corrections and how they do their of Corrections and how they do their contracts
• ><c> through</c><00:08:47.600><c> a</c><00:08:47.640><c> process</c><00:08:48.120><c> called</c> contracts
• through a process called contracts through a process called MINNCOR,<00:08:49.000><c> and</c><00:08:

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• an emergency slide or something like that, and it's a new bridge on a new alignment, there's no contract
• They did, however, find the contract, which designated 5% for late payments.
• We'll move to a public hearing on Senate Bill 6170, adjusting monetary limits regarding contracting rules
• It also sets the value of work and procurement that may be contracted using rules that enable a larger
• using rules to enable a larger number of small... ...or operating services that can be contracted using

Bills: SB5987 , SB6170

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: SB 5987, SB5987, Fairfax Bridge, State Route 165, SR 165, Carbon River, WSDOT, Washington State Department of Transportation, emergency bridge replacement, infrastructure failure, transportation emergency, climate commitment account, climate investment account, clean energy, climate funding, greenhouse gas reduction, environmental justice, renewable energy, building electrification, industrial decarbonization

Transcript Highlights:

• an emergency slide or something like that, and it's a new bridge on a new alignment, there's no contract
• They did, however, find the contract, which designated 5% for late payments.
• We'll move to a public hearing on Senate Bill 6170, adjusting monetary limits regarding contracting rules
• It also sets the value of work and procurement that may be contracted using rules that enable a larger
• using rules to enable a larger number of small... ...or operating services that can be contracted using

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee began with a work session on the Fairfax Carbon River SR-165 Bridge closure and replacement. Wilkeson Mayor Jamie Pololi described the bridge as a long-neglected state asset whose closure cut off a gateway community from Mount Rainier access, hurt local businesses and municipal revenue, complicated emergency response, and severed access to public lands. Pierce County’s Melissa Littleton emphasized that the Fairfax closure, along with recent bridge closures from other causes, shows the need for stronger preservation and modernization funding. WSDOT’s Steve Rourke explained that the 105-year-old bridge was permanently closed after structural failure, that a detour route on private property is now the only access for some residents, and that the agency’s planning study considered seven alternatives; the current recommendation is to continue geotechnical work and NEPA review, with construction likely taking 24 months or more once a design is finalized. Committee members asked about detour distance, speeding up the project, emergency authority, historic-preservation issues, community mitigation, and funding needs; WSDOT said about $7 million in existing preservation funds has already been used and more will be needed. The committee then heard public testimony on proposed substitute Senate Bill 5987, which would declare the Fairfax Bridge closure an emergency, direct WSDOT to restore SR-165 access as soon as possible, and give the transportation secretary some emergency authorities. Supporters, including the mayor, residents, recreation advocates, and trail groups, said the bill is needed because the closure was foreseeable, has harmed local economies and recreation access, and lacks a current emergency response pathway. WSDOT testified in opposition, warning that the bill could create false expectations because most of the timeline is driven by federal environmental review and historic-preservation requirements that the secretary cannot waive. The bill drew strong support in testimony, with 606 pro, 1 con, and 2 other recorded on the sign-in tally. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6170, which would raise dollar thresholds for state highway work performed by state forces and for certain contracting rules that help small and disadvantaged businesses compete. Staff said the limits have not been updated since 2005 and the bill would increase the normal state-force threshold from $60,000 to $100,000 and the emergency threshold from $100,000 to $160,000. Senator King, the prime sponsor, said the change would better match inflation and help keep maintenance work in-house when appropriate. Washington Federation of State Employees and WSDOT supported the bill, saying it would help maintenance workers do more timely work without harming existing equity and small-business contracting programs; the committee noted 55 pro and no con on the sign-in tally. The chair then reminded members that amendment requests for the upcoming executive session were due the next day, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, a lot of times when I'm doing contracts, there'll be a reference in there to assignment for benefit
• Chair. >> Roberts, does this address at all emergency contracts because on contract review we are having
• , does this address at all &gt;&gt; Roberts, does this address at all emergency<00:12:22.079><c> contracts
• </c> emergency contracts emergency contracts because<00:12:24.240><c> on</c><00:12:25.040><c> contract
• review we are having because on contract review we are having a<00:12:27.040><c> lot</c><00:12:27.279

Bills: HB59 , SB15 , SB96 , SB104 , SB137

Committee: Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development

Keywords: public accountancy, CPA licensing, board regulations, educational prerequisites, electronic notifications, firm registration, assignment, creditors, insolvency, liquidation, assignee, secured transaction, bankruptcy, state law, voluntary process, distribution of assets, emergency rules, governor certification, state regulations, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• THE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED TO CLIENTS AT APD AND I BUDGET PROGRAM AND ARE CONTRACTED WITH APD.
• FOR EXAMPLE HOW WILL THIS TIE INTO CURRENT CBC LEAD AGENCY CONTRACTS.
• HOW WILL THE CONTRACTS BE ADJUSTED AS ACCOUNTS FLUCTUATE AND WHAT HAPPENS IF SPENDING PATTERNS EXCEED
• CONTRACT ALLOCATIONS?
• THAT IS THE EXECUTIVE A THAT GOES INTO THE CONTRACT JULY 1st.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have 57 counties and over 100 reservations and rancheries in our contract, which get allocations and
• And NCIDC also contracts directly with each tribal government or their designated...
• And NCIDC also contracts directly with each tribal government or their designated tribal entity for the
• We have over 100 tribes on our contract, and many of the smaller tribes receive under $1,500 a year.
• that was built with ARRA funds but never got off the ground, and the Feeding America contract.

Summary: The Senate and Assembly Human Services Committees held a special oversight hearing on California’s 2026-27 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) state plan, focusing on how the federal anti-poverty funds are administered and used by local community action agencies. Department of Community Services and Development Director Jason Wimbley explained that CSBG is a flexible funding stream used to address housing, employment, education, food insecurity, health, transportation, and disaster response needs, with 60 organizations serving all 58 counties. He noted California received $68.4 million in federal fiscal year 2025 CSBG funds and that the program served about 1.5 million low-income Californians in 2023. He also described how CSBG helped with wildfire response and emphasized the risk posed by proposed federal elimination of the program, though he said federal staffing and program operations were currently stable. Representatives from CalCAPA and several funded agencies described CSBG as essential “braid” funding that supports staffing, leverages other grants, and fills gaps for people who do not qualify for other safety net programs. CalCAPA leaders stressed local flexibility, workforce development, partnerships, and the ROMA performance system, while agency witnesses from Contra Costa County, Northern California Indian Development Council, Proteus, and Sacred Heart Community Service gave examples of housing assistance, food distribution, employment training, utility aid, rural service delivery, tribal services, and disaster or emergency support. Several witnesses warned that federal cuts or elimination of CSBG would force service reductions, layoffs, and loss of leverage for other funding sources. The hearing also included discussion of CalAIM coordination, contingency planning for possible funding losses, and the limits of county ability to backfill federal reductions. During public comment, one speaker raised concerns about compliance and transparency issues involving community action agencies and asked the committees to ensure agencies follow California law. The chair thanked the witnesses and public commenters, reiterated the importance of CSBG in addressing poverty and homelessness, and adjourned the hearing after noting the need to sustain the investment and adapt services to changing statewide needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• We hired a contracting service.
• , you are resolved of this issue, if you are split contracting, and you can answer that.
• obtain those services, as opposed to not being able to obtain services at all, would be through a contract
• school, if that wouldn't be possible and the alternative is no services, they would still be able to contract
• school, if that wouldn't be possible and the alternative is no services, they would still be able to contract

Committee: Assembly Education

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2024, Texas I set a record by awarding 2,198 highway improvement contracts valued at $13 million.
• We've also contracted with a logistics vendor so that the logistics vendor can deliver plates. directly
• Has a contract been signed with a logistic provider or providers as of yet? Yes, sir. Yes, okay.
• They're the only contractor for logistics that we have a contract with. Statewide?
• About 86% is generated by contracts and grants. Federal, state, and local government and private.

Committee: House Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• If they were experienced and they had the debris contracts in place that allowed them to not go to 24
• So if your blue sky debris contract, which each county independently...
• That is a contract that is set at the local county level.
• And as long as that contract is clearly outlined, then it should be vetted at the state.
• Make sure that whatever your contract is in Blue Sky, now is the time for that.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

Summary: The committee received a program review from the Florida Division of Emergency Management on the 2024 hurricane season and FEMA reimbursement process. Deputy Director Keith Pruitt described the impacts of Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, including major storm surge, flooding, tornadoes, debris removal, power restoration, flood-control deployments, sheltering, and logistics missions. He emphasized that Florida’s approach is “federally funded, state managed, locally executed,” and said the division has already obligated large amounts of public assistance funding and mitigation dollars while continuing to work on remaining missions and reimbursements. A major focus of the discussion was how local governments can better document and vet debris-removal and other disaster costs so they are eligible for FEMA reimbursement. Chair DiCeglie and other senators raised concerns about local planning, commercial debris collection, and whether counties and municipalities that spend money up front will be reimbursed. Pruitt explained that eligibility depends on documentation, scope of work, insurance, and FEMA rules, and that the state’s FROC process is intended to help counties identify eligible work before costs are incurred. He also said commercial debris may be eligible in some cases but is not guaranteed, and that counties should coordinate early with FDEM and FEMA. Senators also asked about possible FEMA reforms, the age of outstanding reimbursement claims, and a proposed state fund to advance money to fiscally constrained counties while they wait for FEMA payments. Pruitt said Florida’s system is a national best practice, but that more county-level training and clearer coordination would help reduce de-obligations and audit problems. He said the reimbursement-advance idea is still being developed, and that the state continues to look at ways to streamline mitigation through programs like Elevate Florida. The committee took no formal action beyond hearing the presentation, and the meeting adjourned after closing comments from senators praising FDEM’s work.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> many of these contracts off the books. many of these contracts off the books.
• </c> contracts. Never asked that question. contracts. Never asked that question.
• <00:51:18.400><c> standards</c> contract standards contract standards 548.<00:51:21.440><c> Let's</c>
• So that's your Cliff Notes refresher." current contract. And as they're going current contract.
• </c> 60-day period from when the contract 60-day period from when the contract terminates<00:59:05.920

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Summary: The subcommittee focused primarily on a bill concerning long-term care insurance rate increases and consumer notice. Members and staff discussed replacing or supplementing a proposed public hearing requirement with annual reporting, website updates, and consumer-facing disclosures about approved rate increases, carriers writing the products, and how the products work. Several participants emphasized that long-term care policies are long-term products, that rate increases can be spread over many years for actuarial reasons, and that consumers need better information about trends and the impact of increases. A major point of disagreement was whether the bill should try to cap premium increases. One member argued the real problem is unexpected increases of 15% to 20% and urged a statutory cap to protect consumers. Insurance department representatives and others responded that hard caps had been struck down in prior case law, that the department’s core responsibility is solvency, and that carriers need sufficient premium to pay future claims. They also said the market is struggling because many carriers stopped selling the product, leaving in-force policies to bear the cost, and that overly restrictive caps could cause insurers to withdraw from the state. The discussion then shifted toward a compromise requiring carriers to notify policyholders before a rate increase is approved and allowing a 60-day comment period. Participants debated whether the notice should come from the carrier, how confidentiality rules would apply before approval, and what the department should do with public comments. The department said it already reviews filings carefully and that submitted rates are often adjusted before approval; lawmakers noted that prior commissioners had pushed back on increases in some cases, including a seven-year moratorium. No final vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair repeatedly tried to move the subcommittee along to other bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• payments getting out faster because a lot of people don't know that government, when they sign a contract
• , they got 45 days to pay that contract when the bill comes in.
• And so, as we tell everyone we visit, we will do business with our friends that we have contracts with
• They are to be contracted individually with each of these projects. Yes, okay. Yeah, thank you.
• It's in-house contracts with private companies, contracts with local municipalities, sheriff's offices

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee first heard the House Fiscal Division’s FY 2027 budget presentations for the State Treasury, Public Service Commission, Department of Civil Service, and Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Treasury’s recommended budget was about $15 million with 74 positions, funded largely by self-generated revenue. Treasury staff highlighted strong investment returns, record unclaimed property recoveries, a new ACH option to speed and reduce the cost of payments, a School Transparency portal that helped uncover questionable school spending, and a new online portal that has sped up processing of cooperative endeavor agreements and related payments. Members praised the transparency work and faster payments, and asked about bond ratings, CEA oversight, and the public accessibility of the transparency site. The Public Service Commission’s FY 2027 budget was presented at $11.5 million, entirely self-generated, with most spending on personnel; commissioners said salary and market adjustments were needed to address heavy attorney and auditor turnover. Civil Service’s FY 2027 budget was presented at $28.7 million, with major funding from interagency transfers and general fund, and officials explained recent pay-plan and special entrance rate changes intended to improve recruitment and retention across state agencies. Members asked how those compensation changes were developed and whether market studies supported them. The Agriculture and Forestry budget was presented at $91.4 million, with major funding from statutory dedications, general fund, and federal dollars, and the commissioner described severe pressure on farmers from low commodity prices, drought, freezes, wildfires, storm damage, and labor shortages. The Agriculture and Forestry discussion was the longest and most detailed. The commissioner said the state is working to expand markets, reduce costs, and help farmers through federal assistance, while also seeking more equipment and fuel for wildfire response after a severe fire weekend and ongoing drought conditions. Members raised concerns about storm-damaged timber, soil and water conservation funding, and the loss of federal dollars that depend on local technicians. The commissioner explained the wildfire suppression subfund, the role of severance taxes, and the limits of current firefighting equipment and staffing. He also discussed the seafood sector, especially shrimp and crawfish, saying imported seafood, currency changes, tariffs, and H-2B worker shortages are hurting Louisiana producers and processors. He said the department is testing imported seafood for antibiotics, wants more authority to hold contaminated product, and is pursuing legislation to support seafood promotion and testing. Members also asked about wood chips, rail transport, timber severance reporting, and incentives for wood pellet use, and the commissioner said the department is exploring new markets, including overseas buyers for wood and agricultural products. No formal votes or bill actions were taken in the portion provided; the meeting consisted of budget presentations, agency testimony, and member questions and comments. The tone throughout was supportive of the agencies’ work, with repeated praise for Treasury’s transparency efforts, Civil Service’s compensation reforms, and Agriculture and Forestry’s advocacy for farmers, foresters, and seafood producers.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is done through a contract with the health care authority.
• HCA bears the cost of contracting with the TPA to calculate and administer the assessment.
• The bill allows the state to move that cost of contracting for the TPA from the general fund.
• I saw the union difference that came when workers had a signed contract.
• I saw the union difference that came when workers had a signed contract.

Summary: The committee opened with a public hearing on Senate Bill 5808, a proposal to require nonprofit health carriers with “excess surplus” to pay 10% of that surplus into the state health care affordability account for Cascade Care Savings. Committee staff said the bill could generate about $330 million one time in 2027, while the Office of Insurance Commissioner would have implementation costs. Supporters argued the bill would redirect consumer premium dollars to help people afford coverage, while opponents from health plans said reserves are needed for solvency, claims, and capital needs and warned the bill would destabilize nonprofit insurers. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 2254, which would let the Partnership Access Line assessment cover administrative costs; HCA and Seattle Children’s supported it as a technical fix that saves general fund dollars, and a child psychiatrist asked that savings be reinvested in behavioral health services. House Bill 2385, which extends deadlines for the Medicaid Access Program because of federal restrictions on new provider taxes, also drew support from provider groups seeking future Medicaid rate increases. The committee then heard Substitute Senate Bill 6286, which would increase fines on private detention facilities that deny Department of Health inspections and dedicate the fines to an account for community repair and assistance to harmed individuals and families. Supporters, including Tacoma’s mayor and family members affected by detention, framed the bill as an accountability measure; fiscal staff estimated Department of Health costs of about $395,000 in the 2025-27 biennium. Senate Bill 6006 would exempt food banks from sales tax on certain services enacted last session, with food bank and tribal representatives saying the savings would go directly to food and operations. Senate Bill 6351 would create exemptions from the new sales tax on live presentations for before- and after-school care, arts and cultural nonprofit classes, and K-12 school purchases; school districts, arts groups, and PTA representatives supported it, while asking for clarifying language and broader nonprofit exemptions. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1717 would let cities and counties create local sales tax remittance programs for affordable housing projects, and housing builders, Habitat affiliates, counties, and city officials supported it as a local tool to lower development costs. In executive session, the committee received briefings on several tax and spending bills and then voted to advance multiple measures. It adopted a substitute and passed Senate Bill 5949, which narrows a B&O tax exemption related to insurance premiums; a proposed retroactivity-removing amendment failed. It adopted a substitute and passed Senate Bill 6129 on cigarette, tobacco, and nicotine taxes after rejecting several amendments, including proposals to study the tax policy or replace the bill with illicit-market enforcement language. The committee also passed Senate Bill 6228 repealing a preferential B&O rate for prescription drug resellers, Senate Bill 6231 repealing data center sales tax exemptions, and Second Substitute Senate Bill 5965, which retained a bag-fee approach rather than a full ban after adopting an amendment. The committee then returned to public hearing and began testimony on Senate Bill 6353, a major Working Connections Child Care bill that would keep income eligibility at 60% of state median income, lower the provider rate target from the 85th to the 75th percentile, and make other program changes; the briefing was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's my understanding from our discussions, y'all have not yet entered into a contract." "Correct."
• "Y'all have not yet entered into a contract?" "Correct." "That is correct. Yes, sir."
• And because of that, and because y'all haven't yet entered into a contract, I would ask that we put a
• I think it would be prudent to have a contract in any real estate deal going forward.
• , contract, contract, I<00:40:16.640><c> would</c><00:40:17.200><c> ask</c><00:40:17.520><c> that</c>

Committee: Joint Public Property

Transcript Highlights:

• what the risk allows in the contract and what the rates are set up for.
• My next question would be on the CCWIS IT contract.
• We have been in contract with Red Main since February of 2024; that's when the contract started with
• This is the contract we are going to go live on this date. Mr.
• I'm also aware that Arkansas and Virginia have the same contract and have also cut ties. the same contract

Transcript Highlights:

• You have a contract, and that contract clearly defines the risk, such as wildfire-related force majeure
• Importantly, I think it's worth considering that these lease-type contracts are not untested.
• You have a contract, and that contract clearly...
• But one of the benefits of PPPs is that they do contract, and that contract is binding.
• Maybe the contracts aren't there. But the work needs to proceed.

Committee: House Utilities and Energy

Summary: The committee first heard AB 13, which would restructure the Public Utilities Commission by adding legislative liaisons, requiring more frequent and detailed reporting on rate decisions, and changing commissioner representation to increase geographic diversity and accountability. The author and supporters argued the CPUC is too insulated from public pressure and that Californians need more transparency and oversight on utility rate hikes. Support came from former CPUC Commissioner Loretta Lynch, Jeff Shields, wildfire survivor Will Abrams, TURN, and San Diego Gas & Electric in a support-if-amended position; there was no opposition testimony. Members generally praised the transparency goals, and the bill passed 10-0 to Appropriations, with the roll left open for absent members. The committee then adopted the 2025-2026 committee rules and approved three consent items: AB 61, AB 365, and AB 406. Those measures were moved on consent without substantive debate and passed unanimously. The committee also held AB 99, which would limit investor-owned utility rate increases above inflation except for specified costs such as safety, modernization, and fuel or commodity expenses. The author and supporters, including the California Senior Legislature, said the bill was needed to protect seniors and other ratepayers from repeated utility hikes, while opponents argued it was overly simplistic, could harm labor and reliability, and failed to account for major cost drivers like wildfire mitigation and mandated programs. Despite broad concerns from utilities, labor, business, and environmental groups, the bill advanced 11-0 to Appropriations, with several members noting they supported continued work on the measure. After the bill votes, the committee opened an informational hearing on strategies to reduce California transmission costs, the second part of its energy affordability series. Public Advocates Office staff presented data showing a large and growing backlog of approved-but-unbuilt transmission projects, rising transmission access charges, and long project timelines driven mostly by utility pre-application and construction phases. Panelists from D.H. Infrastructure, Net Zero California, IBank, and PG&E discussed alternative financing models, including public-private partnerships, public ownership, tax-exempt debt, loan guarantees, and grants, arguing these tools could lower capital costs and speed development. Members focused on whether the CPUC is the right venue, how to shorten permitting and pre-application delays, and how public financing could be structured to reduce costs without shifting burdens elsewhere.

Transcript Highlights:

• contracted contracted um<01:06:52.039><c> primarily</c><01:06:52.480><c> for</c><01:06:52.680><c> the
• The other one is a contract administrator position.
• The other one is a contract administrator position.
• The other one is a contract administrator position.
• is contract out for advocate for support is contract out for those<06:42:55.160><c> Services</c><06:42

Summary: The Committee on Finance received an informational briefing from the Department of Law Enforcement on its priorities following the January 1 transfer of law enforcement assets into the department, including the sheriff’s division, narcotics enforcement, criminal investigations, homeland security, and the inspector general’s office. DLE said its goals are to improve public safety, accountability, communications, training, and standards. The department outlined planned initiatives such as stronger federal partnerships, narcotics and gun-violence enforcement, an agricultural crime unit, traffic and commercial vehicle enforcement, an explosive/fireworks enforcement section, gun buybacks, new police facilities in the airport area, Aahu, and the leeward side, a state training center, upgraded law-enforcement IT, and efforts to narrow salary gaps with county departments to improve recruitment. A major portion of the discussion focused on illegal fireworks enforcement after the recent explosion tragedy. DLE said its current task force is small and relies on ad hoc support from HPD, the Attorney General’s office, criminal investigations, and sheriffs, which is not sustainable. The department requested eight FTEs for the effort—one administrator, two clerical staff, and six investigators—plus funding for a laboratory, equipment, storage, disposal, vehicles, safety gear, and a criminalist. DLE said the explosive enforcement section would use an existing facility and that the initial lab startup cost is about $2 million. Members asked for follow-up materials, and DLE said it would send the explosive enforcement forms and additional details to the Finance and Judiciary chairs. Members also questioned staffing vacancies, interagency coordination, and whether new specialized units could be filled. DLE said it has about 119 vacancies and that recruitment is hindered by a roughly $28,000 starting pay gap with county police departments; academy classes are down to about 12 to 14 recruits. The department said it is streamlining hiring, using QR-code recruitment, and hopes specialized units will attract applicants. On coordination, DLE said it works closely with HPD and other agencies on operations such as fireworks enforcement and public events, and that DOCARE remains a case-by-case partner but is not currently moving into DLE. The committee also received updates on the Silver Alert program, which is nearing rollout with county MOUs and a coordinator expected later in the month, the special duty officer program, which is being moved to a web-based vendor-managed system at no cost to the department, and the SaferWatch school safety system, which is being deployed statewide with annual software costs of $3,500 per school in the first year and $2,500 thereafter. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• also going to insert language that an independent third-party consultant or consultants may be contracted
• remove LRB as a technical assistance resource but further clarify that the Department of Labor may contract
• /c><00:03:00.560><c> of</c><00:03:00.720><c> labor</c><00:03:01.040><c> may</c><00:03:01.280><c> contract
• </c> that department of labor may contract that department of labor may contract for<00:03:01.840><c>

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Summary: The Committee on Labor and Technology met for decision making on Friday, March 28, 2025, and considered two related resolutions, STR 145 and SR 117, concerning the creation of a legislative working group to develop recommendations for establishing and implementing a paid family and medical leave program for Hawaii. The chair explained that the committee would move the measures as a Senate draft with several amendments to clarify that the Department of Labor would convene the working group and could contract with an independent third-party consultant for facilitation, legal and regulatory review, comparative analysis, compliance and eligibility analysis, staffing and operating requirements, drafting recommendations, and the final report. The committee also amended the resolutions to require review of relevant federal and state laws and existing programs, specifically including the Orisa prepaid healthcare act family leave reference as stated in the transcript, and to add an actuarial study or analysis of Hawaii’s workforce, employers, and potential beneficiaries. Another amendment removed LRB as a technical assistance resource because of budget concerns raised in testimony, while clarifying that the Department of Labor may contract for those services. The chair also noted that a representative would be added as a member of the working group, and that the chair of the working group could add other stakeholders as needed, along with any technical, non-substantive amendments for clarity and consistency. No questions or concerns were raised, and the committee voted to recommend passage of STR 145 and SR 117 with amendments. The votes were unanimous, and the recommendations were adopted, concluding the agenda.