Transcript Highlights:

• programs and treatment.
• programs and treatment.
• We started 45 years ago with a juvenile diversion program with the Family Court, and in the last 20 years
• corpse diversion program with the family corpse diversion program with the family corpse and<01:55
• <02:57:33.720> uh<02:57:33.880> and Programs uh and Programs uh and programs<02:57:35.800

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Public Safety Committee held a hearing on House Bill 433, which would appropriate $4 million for Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation re-entry services to connect offenders with community-based services. Director Tommy Johnson said the department supports the bill’s intent but noted the governor’s executive budget already includes $4 million for the same purpose and asked that the measure defer to that budget. Supporters, including the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, Community Alliance on Prisons, and the ACLU, backed the funding but urged that it be tied to a clear re-entry plan, performance measures, transparency, and regular reporting to the legislature. They emphasized that re-entry should begin at intake and involve community partnerships, housing, treatment, employment, and family reunification services. Committee members questioned the department about current re-entry services, pre-trial detainees, and how the new funds would be used. Johnson said the department’s current statewide re-entry budget is about $1.5 million to $1.7 million, separate from the larger Corrections Program Services Division budget for in-facility programs. He described the proposed $4 million as supporting a mix of services, including a pilot apprenticeship program, substance abuse treatment, navigator or warm-handoff services, and short-term transitional housing. He also said the department already tracks performance outcomes in its annual report and can provide a matrix showing the intake-to-discharge process, program contracts, and volunteer organizations. The discussion also covered pre-trial detainees, electronic monitoring, and mental health services. Johnson said the department has limited jurisdiction over pre-trial detainees but works with courts to seek supervised release when possible; he noted that many requests are denied, though electronic monitoring has improved release rates somewhat. On mental health, he said the jail is not an ideal therapeutic setting for people found unfit to proceed and suggested a secure community-based step-down facility run by the Department of Health for those needing care above what the jail can provide but below forensic-level treatment. No vote or final action on the bill was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Early learning also supports our working families, as 2/3 of families with young children have all available
• Just 14% of eligible families receive childcare assistance, and the state loses around $10 billion annually
• We work with families who are active military members, low income families, families who receive food
• program assistance, and yet we are being heavily penalized by surrounding school districts who are initiating
• We've been able to work with families to get them assistance with special needs.

Bills: HB117

Keywords: county regulation, impervious cover, land use, unincorporated areas, environmental management

Transcript Highlights:

• The Homes for Texas Heroes program provides down payment assistance to frontline professionals through
• This program assists with homeownership, which is one of the largest expenses faced by Texans.
• assistance program to help Texans in need.
• Representative Wally: So again, pilot programs are temporary.
• Family violence centers cite overwhelming demand for housing assistance and advocacy.

Bills: HB158

Keywords: public funds, lobbying activities, political subdivision, government spending, transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• Children and their families at St. Basil. >> Thank you.
• District where families are displaced.
• , especially a working-class family, to get back on their feet.
• So, we had the opportunity to go and meet with the family.
• SO, WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO AND MEET WITH THE FAMILY.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the prior journal and took up motions and resolutions. Senator Gianaris moved to reconsider and restore Senate Print 3179A, an Environmental Conservation Law bill, to the third reading calendar, and amendments were also received on Senate Print 8491. The chamber then considered and adopted Resolution 1716, designating March 2026 as Greek History Month in New York, with remarks from several senators about Greek heritage, Greek independence, immigration, and the contributions of Greek Americans. The Senate also adopted Resolution 1607, proclaiming March 2026 as American Red Cross Month, with extensive testimony praising Red Cross disaster relief, blood donation, preparedness work, and volunteers; several senators highlighted local volunteers and urged greater support for the organization, including budget resources. The Senate welcomed guests, including Red Cross representatives and students from Brooklyn, and later opened the resolutions for co-sponsorship. The chamber then moved through the calendar and passed multiple bills, including measures affecting mental hygiene, elder law, penal law, public authorities, labor, public service, correction, education, election law, alcoholic beverage control, and state administrative procedure. Most bills passed by wide margins, though some drew recorded opposition, including the public authorities bill and several election, public service, and correction measures. Senator Ramos explained her support for the labor bill as a workplace dignity and anti-bullying measure, and Senator Ryan explained his support for the small-business regulatory website bill as a way to simplify access to agency rules and guidance. Senator Skoufis’s Public Health Law bill was also recalled from the Assembly, restored to the third reading calendar, and amended. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, March 12 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then my small local public body assistance program coordinator, Mr. Manuel Luna.
• through this program.
• So this is kind of accelerated our program and our assistance. Good. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• There are two programs here: the elections program and then the administration and operations program
• There are two programs here: the elections program and then the administration and operations program

Bills: HB1

Keywords: feed bill, legislative appropriations, legislative branch, New Mexico Legislature, general fund, legislative council service, legislative finance committee, legislative education study committee, house chief clerk, senate chief clerk, per diem, mileage, session expenses, interim committees, district staff, capitol complex, capital outlay data system, legislative processing system, redistricting, census redistricting

Transcript Highlights:

• Klein's Fine Food and is still owned and operated by the Klein family today.
• graduate student in the MPA program.
• Relating to the establishment of the case of Assistance affiliate program to provide certain assistance
• As part of the Thriving Texas Families Program for the Committee on Public Health, HB 3990 by Hicklin
• HB 4093 by Alan Williams provision of information regarding certain public assistance programs by public

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of our programs support the needs of mothers, children, and families in Texas, and this includes
• That's a program for children whose families make too much to qualify for Medicaid, but not usually enough
• and CHIP, as Emily just went through, as well as our Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP
• , um, and our Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or TANFF program.
• Um, we use family-based safety services when there are safety concerns in a family and the family has

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of our programs support the needs of mothers, children, and families in Texas. programs like Medicaid
• So we do have people on both that program as well as our programs.
• Program or SNAP and our Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or TANF. program and we do this at 265
• We use family-based safety. services when there is safety concerns in a family and the family has needs
• . program.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They can provide for their families in that program. So I'm interested in that.
• Tuition-based ISD programs offer a partial solution to some families while creating a larger... program
• While these programs provide a lower cost option for families with three and four...
• She had finished a nine-month pharmaceutical assistant program.
• family choice program.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we have the Minnesota Supplemental Aid program that assists older adults, general assistance
• And there we have the Minnesota Supplemental Aid program that assists older adults, general assistance
• So you You can see in the red bar, the largest share of our Medical Assistance program is in the families
• programs.
• The H.R. 1 also changed the federal match for the Emergency Medical Assistance program.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here representing not only the Border Patrol, but also my family, and I want to introduce the family
• Unlike my family, who don't really know what it means.
• She's very supportive of this program.
• We'll see, but all the money still goes to the same program.
• These are fleets that independent contractors also work for.

Bills: SB215, SB1104, SB1351, SB1931, SB2245, SB2589, SB2707, SB2807, SB1423, SB1568

Keywords: education, funding, school districts, local control, equity, digital identification, identity verification, Department of Public Safety, Texas legislature, wireless communication, Texas, technology, identification program, fee structure, wireless devices, public safety, hunting license, handgun license, fingerprinting, dealer license

Transcript Highlights:

• employment relationships with family employment relationships with family members<00:49:14.559><
• businesses and family farms.
• family farm history where family worked the farm together and everybody did that work.
• So if I own and run one of these family farms, a small family farm, how would I have found out?
• I grew up on a family farm.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One family in Iowa, the Arwine family, is one of them.
• No family, no family should have to endure the pain that we have suffered.
• In our jails, we have created SUD step-down units and have a medication-assisted treatment program serving
• It's not a fully funded program.
• It's important to know that this was temporary; it was a temporary pause, and to the extent permitted

Transcript Highlights:

• hotel housing program, and now those families are facing the same looming deadline, which is running
• program uh to assist non-violent program uh to assist non-violent incarcerated<02:38:10.680>
• in Marriage and Family Therapy program, and APRN and RN nurse programs.
• family therapist program master marriage family therapist program master of<02:52:31.080> science
• of science and marriage and family of science and marriage and family therapy<02:52:33.279> program

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety met on January 31, 2025, and first heard House Bill 1062, a housekeeping measure relating to the Hawaii Air National Guard. Testimony in support came from representatives of the Adjutant General and other National Guard witnesses. A member raised a technical question about language allowing the Guard to hold the rank authorized by the Department of the Air Force, and the response was that the bill should not require additional HR language; no vote was taken. The committee then heard House Bill 674, which would authorize allowances for TRICARE dental and vision coverage for Hawaii National Guard personnel ordered to active duty for more than 30 days. The Department of Defense supported the bill through Brigadier General Ross, Director of Joint Staff, and Terry Heiti also testified in support. There were no questions or action taken on the measure. House Bill 652, relating to veterans’ rights and benefits and regulating compensation for advice or assistance on veterans’ benefits, drew the most discussion. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Hawaii supported the bill, arguing it would protect veterans from illegal or exploitative practices and noting its own service to more than 2,000 veterans in fiscal year 2024. Opposition came from the National Association for Veterans Rights and Veteran Benefits Guide, which argued the bill would restrict access to needed services and that some for-profit providers operate legally and should not be barred. Committee members questioned the scope of the bill, accreditation requirements, and whether nonprofit or pro bono services would be affected. A Department of Defense veteran services official said veterans can be vulnerable to exploitation and that some legal fee arrangements can be abusive, while also noting pro bono options exist. The committee did not reach a decision on the bill during the excerpt. The committee also began hearing House Bill 1058, which would create a veteran cemetery board within the Office of Veteran Services to help state veteran cemeteries comply with federal standards. The Office of Veteran Services and Terry Heiti testified in support. Members asked about the board’s membership, timeline, and consultant selection, and were told the working group was still in an organizational stage and no construction timeline had been set. The final measure discussed was House Bill 503, which would appropriate funds for a consultant to evaluate locations and designs for a Hawaii First Responders Memorial. The Department of Accounting and General Services supported the bill, and testimony in support was received from county and city officials, UPW Hawaii, and individuals. Members asked about the working group, timeline, and budget, and were told the project was still in early planning; no final action was taken in the portion provided.

Bills: SB210, SB292, HB360, HB233, HB66, HB356, HB164, HB238, HB209, SB223, HB307, SB210, SB292, HB360, HB233, HB66, HB356, HB164, HB238, HB209, SB223, HB307

Keywords: hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, education oversight, subpoena authority, investigation, State Superintendent, school misconduct, drug courts, accountability, veterans, mental health, substance abuse, rehabilitation, criminal justice, court intervention, terrorist threat, terroristic threat

Transcript Highlights:

• 586 establishing an employee assistance 586 establishing an employee assistance program<00:16:38.120
• The employee assistance program that was proposed here is a fast-acting process.
• I don’t think workers’ comp covers employee assistance programs.
• I don’t think workers’ comp covers employee assistance programs.
• The employee assistance program doesn't require proof of a connection. Workers' comp does.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , rent, and family food shortages.
• , rents, and family food shortages.
• If you have a family legal plan, you can contact your provider law firm for assistance with a personal
• Recently, a man was convicted of physically abusing their family dog.
• There can be a different ending for other families.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a lengthy public hearing on a wide range of civil actions, labor, consumer protection, and animal welfare bills. Chair Lydia Edwards and Representative Michael Day opened with strict testimony rules and time limits, then heard from legislators and advocates on measures including animal-abuser pet ownership bans (S. 1207/H. 1914), a name-change privacy bill (S. 1045/H. 1973), tort claims reform (H. 1724), law enforcement council coverage under the Tort Claims Act (S. 1199), civil rights and qualified immunity-related proposals (H. 1641), employee free speech/captive audience restrictions (S. 1078/H. 1653), consumer protection and civil rights jurisdiction expansion (S. 1041), private right of action for wage theft (H. 1916), gun-owner liability insurance (H. 1836), pseudoephedrine sales tracking (S. 1243/H. 1581), prepaid legal services plans (H. 1612), structured settlement protections (H. 1863), third-party litigation financing disclosure (H. 1861), antitrust reform for small businesses and workers (S. 1038/H. 1982), legal notices in online-only newspapers (S. 1279/H. 1632), and several animal cruelty and protection bills including H. 1938, H. 1949, S. 1277/H. 1934, and H. 1764. Testimony was largely supportive from bill sponsors and advocacy groups, with repeated themes of protecting vulnerable people and animals, improving access to justice, and updating outdated laws. Supporters of the animal bills argued for stronger possession bans, broader cruelty citations, and civil removal tools to prevent repeat abuse; opponents or conditional supporters raised due process and enforcement concerns, especially around warrantless seizures and requiring retail or shelter staff to check registries. On the labor and consumer side, supporters said the antitrust bill would curb monopoly power and help small businesses and workers, while opponents warned it could destabilize competition and burden successful firms. The employee free speech bill was backed as a response to captive audience meetings, and the wage-theft bill was presented as a way to let workers or organizations pursue claims when individual employees are afraid to come forward. Several public officials and association representatives testified on the law enforcement and civil rights bills. Chiefs of police supported adding law enforcement councils to the Tort Claims Act, saying it would close a liability gap for regional mutual-aid collaborations. But police representatives opposed changes to the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act and qualified immunity-related provisions, arguing the federal system already provides a workable forum and that expanding liability could increase costs, reduce morale, and worsen recruitment and retention. On the consumer/civil rights bill, Senator Collins and a veteran described an out-of-state assault case that they said showed the need for Massachusetts to let residents seek redress at home when rights are violated elsewhere. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing itself; the committee mainly received testimony and questions. Several witnesses indicated they had submitted written testimony or proposed amendments, and some bills drew requests for favorable reports while others were explicitly opposed unless amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• for medical and economic assistance programs.
• This includes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, the Temporary Assistance
• needs about eligibility programs such as Medicaid or other family assistance programs.
• 44:42.480> families<00:44:43.079> program assistance for needy families program assistance
• Medicaid or other family assistance Medicaid or other family assistance programs<00:46:44.359> where

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the increase to the program is very significant over the existence of the program.
• So the increase to the program is very significant over the existence of the program.
• With the creation of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, there have been transfers of programs
• With the creation of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, there have been transfers of programs
• > to that's a program that allows families to that's a program that allows families to access<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We were told on the floor of the Senate it was a temporary program that would be stopped for a better
• How many people are on the medical assistance program?
• <00:33:22.720> program<00:33:23.559> Deputy medical assistance program Deputy medical
• Please support this bill to help keep the stability in this vital program for individuals and families
• program for individuals and Families program for individuals and Families thank thank thank you<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard a reinsurance overview from Deputy Commissioner Julia Dryer of the Minnesota Department of Commerce on the Minnesota Premium Security Plan. She explained that reinsurance helps stabilize premiums in the individual market by reimbursing insurers for high-cost claims, and said Minnesota’s program has lowered premiums, preserved carrier participation, and helped maintain consumer choice. She warned that without continued funding, the program would be depleted and individual-market premiums could rise by about 25%, with potential losses in coverage and access to care. She also described the program’s structure under a federal 1332 waiver, the role of MCHA in administering the program, and the state’s receipt of more than $650 million in federal pass-through funds to date. Dryer said the current program is funded through the end of 2025, though the federal waiver authority runs through 2027. The governor’s proposal would create a new assessment on insurers, estimated at roughly 2% to 3%, to fund the state share of the program and avoid another full waiver submission. She noted that the proposal assumes MinnesotaCare funding would be held harmless and that the program would be reduced if federal basic health plan funding were negatively affected. She also said projected costs changed because individual-market enrollment has grown and enhanced federal subsidies were removed from the estimate. Members raised concerns about the proposal’s impact on premiums and the history of the fund. Senator Rasmusson argued the new assessment amounts to a large tax increase on health insurance and questioned who would be assessed and whether the surcharge would be capped. Dryer responded that the assessment would be based on annual claims experience and market conditions, with final amounts determined at the end of each year, not monthly. Senator Duckworth and Senator Frentz supported reinsurance as a way to keep premiums lower, while also questioning how the program should be financed. Senator Green asked about the mechanics of the assessment and the role of the department in setting it, and Senator H questioned why the fiscal note assumed 12% annual growth for program costs when general premium growth was lower. No vote or formal action was taken in the meeting.