Video & Transcript Research : 'graduation pathways'
Page 124 of 387
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/26
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- So, I went on with life, went to school, graduated from college, and then I realized and became aware
- It would be an alternative pathway other than the infrastructure grant program for a station that may
- 01:34:57.120>
be <01:34:57.280>an <01:34:57.600>alternative <01:34:58.159>pathway - <01:34:58.719>
other It would be an alternative pathway other It would be an alternative pathway
Keywords:
pesticides, wild rice, environmental protection, agriculture, water quality, pollinators, training, management plan, fertilizer research, education grants, Minnesota Agricultural Council, technology transfer, agricultural productivity, HF4372, Minnesota agriculture, meat processing, meat processing training, retention incentive grants, grant extension, project deadline extension
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 3/11/26
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a graduate student at the University of Minnesota, and I live in Minnetonka.
- get us from our home to our work and to the grocery store and wherever that may be, and finding pathways
- and wherever that may be.<01:23:13.679>
and <01:23:13.920>finding <01:23:14.320>pathways - in<01:23:15.120>
order <01:23:15.360>to <01:23:16.159>uh be. and finding pathways - in order to uh be. and finding pathways in order to uh in<01:23:16.800>
order <01:23:16.960>
Keywords:
Safe at Home, address confidentiality, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, harassment, victim privacy, survivor protection, confidential address, protected address, secret address, identity protection, residential confidentiality, program participant, nondiscrimination, court disclosure, protective order, service of process, driver's license, state ID
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 2/18/26
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Sustained support for Medicaid, continued investment in rural training pathways, residency programs,
- 00:35:26.880>
in <00:35:27.200>rural <00:35:27.599>training <00:35:28.640>pathways - , investment in rural training pathways, investment in rural training pathways, residency<00:35:30.240
- I graduated in '28 with my nursing license here.
Bills:
HF1925
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EEP Info Briefing - Thu Apr 16, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , which is the higher oil-burning pathway, and then there was the higher renewable pathway, which did
- But for whatever reason, the higher oil pathway has been what HEO calls their preferred pathway.
- the the the higher renewable pathway the the the higher renewable pathway which<01:41:01.280>
did< - whatever reason the higher oil pathway whatever reason the higher oil pathway has<01:41:07.040><
- , challenges to to go down this pathway, challenges to to go down this pathway, but<02:00:12.159>
Keywords:
affordable housing, housing credits, perpetual credits, development, Hawaii Housing Finance, Vietnam veterans, commemorative medal, recognition, working group, Hawaii, no-bid contracts, emergency procurement, audit, state agencies, public funds, accountability, emergency response, disability access, 911 systems, life-saving measures
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (01/29/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- That is a pathway.
- The education freedom account program is a different pathway, and that pathway involves using taxpayer
- The education freedom is a pathway.
- account program is a different pathway account program is a different pathway and<05:06:13.040><
- Every other<05:06:19.600>
pathway other pathway other pathway requires<05:06:22.160>testing
Summary:
The committee held a hearing on House Bill 1571, which would direct the Department of Education to review and revise statewide academic standards and curriculum and make an appropriation. Representative Kristen Noble, the sponsor, said the bill is intended to update outdated standards, especially in math, and to have the department create a list of high-quality curriculum and materials aligned to the revised standards. She noted she would likely amend the bill to change a requirement that districts “shall” select from the list to “may,” and said a misplaced crossed-out section would need to be restored and moved by amendment. She also said assessments would need to be updated to match any new standards.
Testimony from Marie Banfield strongly supported the bill and the move away from a mandate, arguing that current standards are outdated and that Common Core and related standards have not improved student outcomes. She criticized the math standards for emphasizing multiple strategies and written explanations over computation, and said stronger standards would better support students, including those with learning or communication challenges. She also argued that New Hampshire should follow examples such as Massachusetts, which she said used rigorous standards successfully.
Nate Green of the Department of Education did not take a position on the bill but explained that the bill would affect statewide academic standards, state assessments, and potentially federal compliance. He distinguished academic standards from minimum standards in statute, said any standards revision would require work with content experts, State Board approval, and then a corresponding assessment update that could take about two years. He estimated assessment development costs could range from about $200,000 to $500,000 for minor revisions and $1 million to $2 million for a wholesale new set of standards. He also said the bill would apply to public and charter public schools, not private or homeschool students, and that the department does not currently provide a statewide list of curriculum materials because curriculum decisions have historically been local.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (02/24/2026)
Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- <04:07:42.000>
33% have not uh graduated high school. 33% have not uh graduated high school - Um, and in the mid-30s, when the pogroms began, AFSC organized pathways that saved the lives of many
- We are in our 11th cohort. 100% graduation completion and 98% of the students pass the state exam on
- Then we circle back and we look at career pathways.
- But to be a refugee in this country, if you screw up, you lose your pathway to citizenship.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
SPEED Task Force (STF) - Mon Dec 15, 2025 @ 9:30 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- tells me, and the group, that most projects are low risk, yet they move through the same review pathways
- And then also we looked into a self-certification pathway for low-sensitivity projects. mapping or the
- And then also we looked into a self-certification pathway for low-sensitivity projects.
- And then also we looked into a self-certification pathway for low-sensitivity projects. had a limited
- pathway for low sensitivity<01:06:58.000>
projects.
Summary:
The Speed Task Force met on December 15, 2025, with members participating in person and via Zoom. After roll call and introductions, the chair filed the previous meeting minutes without objection. The chair then gave a report on outreach presentations statewide about the task force’s permitting-simplification work, noting appearances before groups such as the Chinese Chamber, Small Business Regulatory Review Board, General Contractors Association of Hawaii, Hawaii Chamber, and the Land Use Commission. He also introduced the new task force coordinator, Reginald K. T. King, and outlined a January 6, 2026 process for member-submitted recommendations, including first-come consideration and structured debate. No public testimony or member questions were offered on these items.
The task force heard a presentation from the Building Permit PIG. The presenter said the group reviewed 79 SWAT recommendation forms over seven meetings, with participation from 15 disciplines and about 270 hours of work. The group’s findings emphasized workforce shortages, inconsistent plan quality, limited departmental resources, and a lack of centralized tools for applicants to self-resolve issues. Recommendations focused on building a workforce pipeline, expanding training on codes and technology, and developing a universal platform, including AI-assisted review tools. The presenter also raised offsite construction, including factory-built, modular, tiny homes, and ADUs, as an area needing clearer state and county alignment to speed permit review and support housing needs. No public testimony or Q&A followed, and discussion and voting were deferred to the January 6, 2026 meeting.
The task force then began the Chapter 6E Historic Preservation PIG presentation. The chair described historic preservation as a broad process covering research, protection, restoration, rehabilitation, and interpretation of significant properties, including burial sites and iwi kūpuna, and said Chapter 6E is intended to guide responsible development rather than stop it. The presentation explained SHPD’s role and the complexity of 6E review, including archaeological surveys, monitoring, and preservation plans. Early findings highlighted uncertainty in sensitivity determinations for iwi kūpuna and subsurface resources, repeated review of the same projects, and staffing and technical capacity shortages among SHPD and consultants. Public testimony was closed and no immediate Q&A was allowed; further discussion and voting on recommendations were scheduled for January 6, 2026.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations (3-5-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- The restaurant wanted to be able to purchase more and serve them, so the bill opens a pathway for them
- where they simply opened up a pathway where they can<00:45:23.000>
go <00:45:23.160>to - I'm voting yes because I believe it's exactly what it's doing: providing a pathway. Thank you.
- and provide a pathway in certain situations<00:57:24.559>
and <00:57:24.760>have <00:57 - <00:58:00.319>
thank <00:58:00.680>you providing a pathway thank you providing a pathway
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 90 / Senate Bill 17, a birth-related measure backed by the Kentucky Birth Coalition. Sponsors said the bill had been worked on for several years and described changes including a transfer agreement, insurance requirements, proximity to a hospital, informed consent, and accreditation/medical director standards that helped win neutral or non-opposition from the Hospital Association. The bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote with unanimous support.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 65, presented by Senator Steve West and Representative Derrick Lewis. They said the bill would make regulations found deficient through the committee review process null and void by statute, and would bar agencies from reissuing the same or similar language for up to a year. Supporters argued this was needed to hold agencies accountable because deficiency findings alone had not led to action. After questions about specific Medicaid behavioral health regulations and concerns about legislative overreach, the bill passed the committee on a roll call vote, with some members passing or explaining reservations.
Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 84, with a House committee substitute. Sponsors said the substitute was intended to strengthen the bill and reflect the U.S. Supreme Court’s Loper Bright decision by ending Chevron deference and requiring courts, not agencies, to interpret law. Opponents, including Audrey Ernsberger and Katherine Hargraves, argued the bill would intrude on the judiciary, violate separation of powers, and could harm public health, environmental, and workplace protections. Committee members also raised concerns about whether the bill told courts what standard to use; sponsors responded that agencies could still present persuasive arguments, but courts should not defer to them. The committee substitute was adopted, and the bill then passed the committee on a roll call vote, with several members passing or expressing constitutional concerns.
NY
Transcript Highlights:
- place, you know, because of our technical assistance through the Genius Act, there's a clear state pathway
- those come out, to make sure we've struck the right balance, really providing a lot of different pathways
- Really providing a lot of different pathways for companies to understand how they might want to do business
- So there is a pathway to understand if a particular carrier is using it for an underwriting decision.
Summary:
The Senate Banking Committee met for its first meeting of the session, with Chair James Sanders Jr. and Ranking Member George Borrello opening the hearing and noting a collaborative approach to committee work. The committee first considered and advanced several bills: S.114, which would prohibit state-chartered banks from investing in or financing private prisons; S.2040, which would require money transmitters to provide a consumer warning; S.5473, which would require disclosures in advertisements involving virtual tokens; and S.8406, Sanders’ bill to amend the community bank deposit program. Each bill was moved and approved by committee, with S.8406 passing unanimously.
The committee then heard from Caitlin Azar, Acting Superintendent of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), who outlined her background and DFS priorities. She emphasized affordability, consumer protection, stability, and innovation, and discussed DFS-led initiatives in the governor’s budget, including Banking Development Districts, non-bank mortgage CRA regulations, CDFI investment guidance, and consumer restitution. She also said DFS plans to issue buy-now-pay-later regulations in February, expand student lending protections and borrower education, and continue work on insurance affordability, including auto and homeowners insurance reforms, anti-fraud efforts, and discounts tied to telematics, dash cameras, and safe-driving courses.
Members questioned Azar about the balance between regulation and access, especially in crypto, buy-now-pay-later, and insurance markets. She said DFS aims to preserve competition while preventing discriminatory or excessive practices, and described existing oversight of virtual currency, including coordination with federal regulators. Another member asked about AI in auto insurance underwriting and pricing; Azar said DFS requires transparency, bias review, governance controls, and consumer recourse, and that credit scores cannot be used to deny or increase rates. The chair also raised concerns about foreclosure in Southeast Queens, improving BDD paperwork and data collection, and increasing the number of state-chartered credit unions. Azar said DFS is working on process improvements, community input, and maintaining open communication with the committee, but no additional votes or formal actions were taken during the DFS hearing.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Apr 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- directs APD alongside AHCA to seek the appropriate CMS federal approval for a newly created adult Pathways
- This new additional pathway will provide stabilizing, supports and a specific array of services that
- And this will provide that pathway.
- I'm excited about the don't pathways program.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (04/23/2025)
Health and Human Services
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 2/24/25
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- 20:48.120>
bill It does is it's going to allow us to propose a new coding method and a new pathway - As this continues to become shaped, we'll determine the best pathway forward.
- /c><00:21:23.799>
what <00:21:23.960>the <00:21:24.120>best <00:21:24.440>pathway - become shaped on what the best pathway become shaped on what the best pathway forward<00:21:25.480
- forward that gives us the best pathway forward that gives us the best chance<00:39:40.000>
for
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Existing law does allow for higher levels of intervention, but in practice, the pathway is difficult
- Our concern is that this is not simply creating a pathway into an existing LPS process.
- Would the pathway allow for involuntary commitment where the family members were not on board under the
- So we have multiple layers of our hands of preventing this other pathway if you live in an area where
- SB 1364 was providing an important pathway forward. I respectfully urge a yes vote on SB 1364.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HSH Public Hearing - Thu Feb 5, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST
Human Services & Homelessness
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, thank you for the comments, and I acknowledge we're trying to create all kinds of pathways, but you
- really good and exciting pathways really good and exciting pathways forward<00:28:23.440>
that - And so we very much appreciate the intent of this bill, trying to find pathways towards solutions as
- this bill trying to find pathways this bill trying to find pathways towards<00:38:36.720>
solutions - So, those two going in, yes, we're going down the right pathway. >> Really excited about it.
Keywords:
disability, communication access, deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, healthcare, sign language interpreters, auxiliary aids, weight loss, GLP-1 drugs, obesity, Medicaid, healthcare costs, 910, house, all
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HP 1972, which would create a nonrefundable family caregiver tax credit, and on a related tax measure to increase the existing dependent care tax credit. Supporters of HP 1972, including AARP, the Executive Office on Aging, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and others, said unpaid caregivers are essential to keeping kūpuna and other loved ones at home and described significant out-of-pocket costs. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation raised technical concerns, including the need to avoid overlap with existing credits and to prevent double-dipping. The department said taxpayers can claim credits to the extent allowed, but recommended explicit language barring the same costs from being claimed under more than one credit. No vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair moved the bill along after questions.
The committee then heard HP 1975, which would repeal the sunset on the state rent supplement program for kūpuna. AARP, Catholic Charities Hawaii, the Executive Office on Aging, and others supported making the program permanent, saying it helps low-income older adults avoid eviction and homelessness and allows them to remain in affordable housing. Catholic Charities described clients who were paying unsustainable shares of income for rent before receiving the supplement. Members also shared a constituent example of an elderly retiree who needed the subsidy to stay housed. Written support was noted from additional organizations and individuals.
Next, the committee took up HB 1706, which would expand Medicaid prospective payment reimbursement to include mental health services furnished in federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics by mental health professionals under supervision. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill, and DHS said it appreciated the intent to address workforce shortages and expand training, but cautioned that unlicensed professionals cannot currently bill Medicaid and that a state plan amendment would be needed, with limited precedent for approval. Members asked about the likelihood and timing of federal approval and whether the bill could help rural areas; DHS said approval is uncertain and the process can take time, though it saw possible alignment with the state’s rural health transformation efforts. The committee also discussed HB 546, a three-year health coverage continuity pilot program for people losing Medicaid coverage. DHS, the Attorney General’s office, DCCA, Catholic Charities, the University of Hawaii, and others testified, with DHS warning that federal changes could increase uninsured rates and that the state may need to act quickly. Catholic Charities and others emphasized the risk to Medicaid recipients, including homeless and near-elderly residents, while DHS explained the state’s existing premium assistance program for certain immigrants and compared it to the proposed pilot. The excerpt ends during discussion of that comparison, with no vote shown.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AGR/AEN Joint Info Briefing - Mon Nov 24, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- transportation pathway transportation pathway and<00:34:29.839>
he <00:34:30.399>provide - <00:38:22.480>
and <00:38:22.640>offshore analysis the pathway and offshore analysis - the pathway and offshore compliance<00:38:24.079>
the <00:38:24.160>the <00:38:24.320>< - again data assessment and pathway again data assessment and pathway profiling<00:43:17.119>
again - <01:14:58.400>
in you're doing so we can all be pathway in you're doing so we can all be pathway
Summary:
The joint informational briefing from the House Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems and the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment focused on the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity’s update on Hawaii’s biosecurity framework, especially implementation of Act 231 (2024) and Act 236 (2025). Chairs Corey Chun and Mike Gabbard opened the meeting by framing the briefing as an update on investments to fight invasive species and improve statewide evaluation and coordination. Department leaders Sharon Her and Richard Kim described historic legislative and executive investments that have allowed the department to rebuild and modernize biosecurity infrastructure to better prevent, detect, control, and eradicate invasive species.
The presentation emphasized the importance of biosecurity to Hawaii’s agriculture, economy, environment, and public well-being, citing threats such as rapid ohia death, little fire ant, coconut rhinoceros beetle, brown tree snake, and red imported fire ant. Staff explained the state’s layered approach—pre-border, border, and post-border—and compared it to New Zealand’s model, stressing that Hawaii must act as a “net, not a wall” and that prevention before entry is far more cost-effective than response after establishment. They also outlined agency roles across the system, including agriculture, natural resources, health, transportation, enforcement, and university partners, and noted that Act 231 strengthened authority over high-risk imports, offshore treatment, compliance agreements, and pest management plans, while Act 236 renamed the department and clarified statewide biosecurity coordination.
Jonathan Ho then walked through specific program areas and progress. He said pre-border risk analysis is being supported by Act 231 funding and a university contract, while offshore compliance and treatment efforts have improved substantially, including Christmas tree inspections from Oregon and Washington and airline declaration systems that provide advance passenger information. For border work, he highlighted inspections, surveillance, detector dogs, and port monitoring. For post-border response and readiness, he discussed the invasive pest hotline and dashboard, trace-forward/trace-back and diagnostics, preparedness for future threats, and the need to build stronger internal capacity. He also described a developing transitional facilities program authorized by Act 236, modeled on New Zealand’s certified facilities system, and said the department has already begun outreach to industry groups such as the Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was informational only.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Mar 19th, 2025
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Faith in the context of this bill is another pathway that people may feel more aligned to, that they
- So it's just an alternate option for people to have in the event that they feel that this is a pathway
- There are different pathways you can choose. You don't have to choose a faith-based path, right?
- long-held standards, amounting to clear religious discrimination and needlessly narrowing critical pathways
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum present and took up several bills. SB 894, relating to faith-based content in batterers’ intervention programs, was explained as allowing certified programs to offer voluntary faith-based components alongside existing models. Members raised questions about how faith would be defined, whether participation would be optional, and how all faiths would be included. An amendment was adopted clarifying that faith-based activities may be offered but not required and removing language directing DCF to repeal a rule. After supportive testimony from faith-based advocates and some debate, the committee reported the bill favorably, with Senators Harrell and Garcia later recording affirmative votes.
The committee then considered SB 1240 on substance abuse and mental health care, which would assign state oversight of the 988 Lifeline, remove the annual needs assessment barrier for medication-assisted treatment licensing, and require annual continuing education for forensic evaluators. An amendment with technical conforming changes and two substantive clarifications was adopted. Members expressed support for expanded access to behavioral health services, and the bill was reported favorably.
Later, the chair presented SB 1736, which would allow direct support professionals and relatives to administer insulin in group home settings for individuals with developmental disabilities. After an amendment clarifying sliding scale insulin and related medication administration, the committee heard testimony from family advocates describing how the bill would prevent unnecessary institutionalization and reduce costs. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 1286, which clarifies that allowing children to engage in unsupervised activities such as biking or playing outside does not by itself constitute neglect unless reckless or dangerous. After brief support testimony, that bill was also reported favorably, and the meeting adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/3/26
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- bipartisan basis, the legislature passed the Hardell Cheryl Act, which included the establishment of graduated
- This bill simply extends the graduated model to all DOC license facility types, creating consistency
- :04:08.239>
simply <00:04:08.640>extends <00:04:09.200>the <00:04:09.519>graduated - <00:04:10.159>
model bill simply extends the graduated model bill simply extends the graduated - > and<00:10:48.800>
the <00:10:49.040>legal The medical standards and the legal pathway
Keywords:
Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Use of Force Investigations Unit, federal agents, Department of Homeland Security, DHS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, Customs and Border Protection, CBP, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS, officer-involved death, use of force, law enforcement accountability, police oversight, independent investigation, criminal sexual conduct, sexual assault, peace officers
Summary:
The committee approved the minutes from February 25, 2026, and then took up several Department of Corrections-related bills. House File 3768, as amended by the A1 amendment, would extend the DOC’s graduated licensing and enforcement tools to juvenile detention facilities and state-licensed halfway houses, allowing corrective action plans and conditional licenses instead of only revocation. Commissioner Paul Schnell and Dakota County Juvenile Services Center Deputy Director Matt Bower testified in support, saying the bill would improve consistency, stability, and accountability without changing jail licensing. Members asked about costs and sheriff input; the commissioner said the bill is cost-neutral and that sheriffs were informed but did not provide input. The committee adopted the amendment and recommended the bill to the general register.
The committee then heard House File 3769, another DOC technical update bill, which would clarify tuberculosis screening procedures when incarcerated people refuse testing, allow mental health units at more than one facility and short-term stabilization at Oak Park Heights when clinically appropriate, and clarify the department’s substance use disorder treatment programs. Schnell said the changes were technical but important for effective operations. Members again asked about county costs and sheriff support, and the commissioner said the bill affects only DOC facilities and is cost-neutral. The committee approved the motion to re-refer the bill to the Health Finance and Policy Committee.
The final major item was House File 3405, the chair’s bill, as amended by the A3 amendment. The amendment broadened the definition of federal agents, made the effective date retroactive, and removed a sexual assault investigation section to eliminate the fiscal note. The bill would require the BCA’s use-of-force unit to investigate deaths caused by federal agents in Minnesota, not just Minnesota peace officers. Chair Mohler argued the bill closes a loophole and ensures state-level, independent investigations; Dr. B.B. Newman testified in support, saying it preserves Minnesota’s investigative authority and public confidence. Deputy Superintendent Scott Mueller said the BCA already investigates deadly-force cases and has handled some federal-related cases, but he did not think the bill was necessary and recommended a no vote. Members debated whether the bill was needed given existing practice, with supporters saying the statute should clearly require state investigation and opponents questioning whether it would change anything. The committee adopted the amendment and continued discussion of the bill as amended.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection Committee Apr 20th, 2026
Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill creates multiple overlapping enforcement pathways, including private rights of action, which
- It is also impacting hiring, especially for young college graduates.
- A second is legislation I carried last year that automatically admits every graduating high school senior
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Commission to Study Costs of Special Education (06/02/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- M: graduation rates for students with disabilities by type of diploma and age and attendance and adult
- "For graduation rates, and that's graduation, not completion, right?
- Um, we track graduation, we track dropout, um, we track certificate of completion, and within dropout
- So they'll be inadvertently in our numbers for graduation and dropout. >> Okay. >> So you said you could
- Yeah, those are just add-ons to M. our numbers for um graduation and our numbers for um graduation and
Summary:
The commission met to approve the May 18, 2026 minutes and then focused on how SB 57’s special education cost study should inform HB 1099, which creates a separate study committee on residential placements and related education costs. Members discussed sending the commission’s minutes and findings to that new committee, noting the short timeline for its work and the need to be specific about unresolved issues so the new group does not duplicate the same questions.
A major topic was the cost and responsibility for students placed at Spalding and similar residential programs, especially transportation and whether costs are paid through the Department of Education’s episode-of-treatment (EOT) fund, local districts, DHS, or Medicaid. Staff explained that for students with disabilities, EOT funds cover special education and transportation costs tied to the placement, while students without disabilities are handled through DHS care-management and best-interest meetings. Members raised concerns about whether some students at Spalding are receiving no schooling, whether transportation costs are substantial, and whether Medicaid reimbursement could offset some expenses.
The commission also discussed confusion over district responsibility when students placed in residential programs attend school in another district, using Winnisquam as an example. Several members said the receiving district was not notified that DHHS-approved programs could bring in additional students and costs, and they suggested DHHS or its care-management entity should notify both the district of residence and the receiving district when a program is approved. The group agreed this notification issue, along with transportation funding, privacy concerns in Medicaid-to-schools billing, and the distinction between special education placements, EOT placements, and other voluntary residential placements, should be passed to the HB 1099 study committee for further work.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Let's move on to the next measure, SB 237 relating to adaptation pathways planning, which expands the
- <00:08:19.919>
planning relating to adaptation pathways planning relating to adaptation pathways - Moving on to the next measure, SB 237, relating to adaptation pathways planning.
- <01:47:57.440>
Um, <01:47:57.840>appreciate pathways planning. - Um, appreciate pathways planning. Um, appreciate everyone's<01:47:58.639>
discussion.
Bills:
SB2606, SB3253, SB237, SB3252, SB1178, SB2322, SB2019, SB3043, SB3014, SB2972, SB1190, SB2488
Keywords:
wildlife sanctuary, environmental conservation, Hawaii, nonprofit corporation, freshwater preservation, community stewardship, biodiversity, ecological heritage, conservation, endangered species, wildlife preservation, native birds, sanctuary, nonprofit, DLNR, agricultural district, land use, chapter 195D, chapter 205, chapter 42F
Summary:
The committees heard testimony on several measures related to wildlife, conservation, shoreline adaptation, and climate governance. On SB 2606, which would establish the Freshwater State Recreational Area Wildlife Sanctuary Corporation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources said it had concerns about employee eligibility and was not yet prepared to comment further on the bill’s ramifications. After testimony ended, a senator asked DLNR to follow up with more detail, and the department said it would relay the questions to leadership and respond later. No vote was taken on the measure during the excerpt.
On SB 3253, which would create the Hawaii Conservation Sanctuary as a nonprofit entity to work with DLNR, the department said it supported the bill. In discussion, DLNR said Hawaii has not done anything like this before, described a similar model in New Zealand, and estimated that developing such a sanctuary could cost millions of dollars. Members also discussed whether the concept would fit with existing efforts such as Hakalau, and DLNR said the bill could apply to private or state lands depending on the site. No action was taken.
The most extensive discussion was on SB 237, which would expand state and county authority to develop adaptation pathways for relocating infrastructure away from sea level rise and coastal flooding areas. DLNR supported the bill, saying it prioritizes public trust resources over economic development or private property. The Kahana Bay Steering Committee and the Shoreline Preservation Coalition opposed the measure, arguing it was too focused on managed retreat and should include a broader range of shoreline responses, such as erosion mitigation, groins, sand nourishment, and other interim protections. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development said it appreciated the bill’s intent but wanted broader language that would allow more tools in the toolbox. Members debated whether retreat is inevitable, whether different shorelines require different approaches, and whether the bill should be more flexible. No vote was taken.
The final measure discussed was SB 3252, which would amend the powers and duties of the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, create a coordinator position, and appropriate funds. The commission’s coordinator testified in support, while OPSD opposed the bill, saying it would remove the two cabinet-level co-chair positions, raise accountability concerns, and duplicate some of OPSD’s functions. In questioning, members debated whether the current commission structure has been effective, who would appoint or confirm the coordinator, and whether the bill would improve transparency and implementation. OPSD said it supported more statewide interdepartmental funding for climate planning and staffing, but had concerns about the proposed governance changes. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt.