Transcript Highlights:

• . district. district.
• I seventh out of nearly 30 districts.
• , many districts, including Marian, many districts, including Marian,<00:37:28.640><c> may</c><00:37:
• </c><00:46:28.880><c> um</c> districts across the Commonwealth. um districts across the Commonwealth.
• ,</c> If you look specifically at my district, If you look specifically at my district, Lawrence<00:48

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education and Workforce Development met for an information-gathering session and opened by clarifying that the subcommittee would not be voting on budget requests. Because there was no quorum at first, the committee did not take up approval amendments. The first presentation focused on a budget request to incentivize national certification for school social workers and school psychologists. Rep. Vanessa Gracal, along with Amy Oats and Leslie Gilpin, argued for a $500,000 annual appropriation to provide $2,000 salary supplements to nationally certified school social workers and school psychologists working primarily in their certification areas. They said the stipend would help recruit and retain professionals amid shortages, noted that current Kentucky certification numbers are low, and explained the rigorous certification and renewal requirements. In response to questions, they said there is currently no appropriation for this purpose in HB 500 and none they were aware of in HB 6 in 2024. The next topic was school facility funding needs, led by Rep. Bob McCool, Johnson County Superintendent Tom Cochran, Commissioner of Education Robert Fletcher, and other district representatives. They described the “gap funding” issue for school construction projects that had already started before COVID-era inflation sharply increased costs. Johnson County and Harrison County were highlighted as examples of districts that had already committed local funds, passed nickel taxes, and begun construction but now need additional state support to finish projects. Speakers emphasized that many projects were audited and approved, that the state has already funded about half of the gap, and that roughly $130 million more is being sought in HB 500 to complete the remaining work. They stressed that unfinished projects would leave districts with half-built schools and that completing them would bring long-term savings and better facilities for students. The committee then turned to testimony from KASA representatives on the impacts of HB 500 as introduced. The witnesses discussed the importance of school psychology and school social work certification, the benefits of advanced training for student services, and the need to recognize and support highly qualified staff. A member asked whether HB 500 or HB 6 included an appropriation for the certification stipend, and the witnesses answered no. The meeting also included a motion to approve the minutes from the prior meeting once a quorum was present, and the minutes were approved by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been incredibly fortunate to represent a vibrant LGBTQ+ community in Senate District 13.
• Recently, several transgender young people in my district have tragically taken their own lives after
• Recently, several transgender young people in my district have tragically taken their own lives after
• Please join me in honoring and welcoming my honorary from my Senate district, Lauren Casillas.
• My honorary from my Senate district, Lauren Casillas. Senator Perez. Thank you, Mr. President.

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent District 62, which is Cass and Bates County.
• I represent District One, the Great Northwest, and I'm here to introduce House Bill 3015.
• Representative Murphy, I'm from District 94, South St. Louis County.
• I'm Representative Terry of the 66th District, North County, St.
• Representative for District 2. Thank you, Representative, for that question.

Committee: House Children and Families

Transcript Highlights:

• Denise and I know the importance of supporting and protecting survivors as they navigate the legal process
• Deans and I know the importance of supporting and protecting survivors as they navigate the legal process
• Rochelle Beardsley, California District Attorney's Association, strong support.
• Last summer in Huntington Park, in my district, Border Patrol agents used a high-power explosive, as
• I'm here on behalf of the California District Attorney's Association.

Summary: The committee met first as a subcommittee because a quorum was not initially present, and it heard several bill presentations. SB 1056 by Senator Grayson would require courts to issue protective orders for sexually explicit material involving adult victims in criminal cases, limiting copying and dissemination while preserving discovery and trial rights. Supporters, including Aaron and Denise Heskins-Quinn and the California District Attorneys Association, said the bill would prevent retraumatization and close a privacy gap; opponents, including public defenders and criminal defense groups, argued it was overbroad, vague, and could interfere with defense preparation. The committee adopted amendments narrowing the bill’s scope and sent it to Appropriations on a due pass as amended vote, with the bill held on call. SB 937 by Senator Gonzalez would restrict law enforcement use of flashbang devices for crowd control and ban their use in immigration enforcement. Supporters described injuries and fear caused by flashbangs and explosive breaching charges, including incidents involving protests and a home entry in Huntington Park; opponents from sheriffs’ and police groups argued the bill’s definitions were vague, could limit tactical discretion, and might conflict with existing law and task force operations. Members expressed both support and concern about definitions and exigent circumstances, and the bill was moved due pass to Appropriations on a vote, with the final roll held on call. SB 1070 by Senator Grove would make intentional disruptions of worship services a wobbler offense, allowing felony charges in more serious cases. Faith leaders and supporters said the bill was needed to deter coordinated disruptions and protect religious exercise, while opponents including the Friends Committee on Legislation, ACLU California Action, and public defenders argued it would criminalize speech, rely on a content-based statute, and impose disproportionate felony penalties. Several committee members raised constitutional and restorative-justice concerns, and the bill failed on the roll call, though reconsideration was granted. SB 1130 by Senator Reyes would update privacy law for wearable recording devices such as smart glasses, limiting surreptitious recording in places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy and restricting technologies that disable recording indicators. Supporters said the bill responds to emerging surveillance risks; opponents from TechNet and industry groups warned it could create liability for manufacturers and businesses beyond the actual wrongdoers. The committee accepted amendments reducing penalties, removing manufacturer provisions from the bill’s core criminal section, and creating civil penalties in the Business and Professions Code; the bill was moved due pass as amended to Rules, with the vote held on call. The committee also heard SCA 2 by Senator Troy, which would bar governors from pardoning themselves or immediate family members; there was no public opposition, but some members questioned the need for a constitutional amendment given the lack of evidence of abuse, and discussion was ongoing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any automatic provision by which that complaint is referred to a district attorney's office
• It is referred to our county district attorney's office. In every instance? Yes.
• So, for example, if it's getting referred to the Madera County District Attorney's Office for criminal
• And how is it decided when an internal investigation is turned over to the district attorney through
• We gather statements, and cases that meet the criminal elements are referred to the district attorney

Summary: The hearing focused first on sexual abuse, harassment, and retaliation in California’s women’s prisons, with testimony from CDCR wardens, the Office of Inspector General, advocacy groups, and formerly incarcerated survivors. Legislators and witnesses described a pattern of staff misconduct, fear of retaliation, gaps in reporting, and the need for stronger accountability, better investigations, and more outside access for survivor support organizations. CDCR said it has expanded training, body-worn and stationary cameras, outside partnerships, and PREA-related response procedures, while the Inspector General requested additional funding and staff to monitor more grievances and staff sexual misconduct cases under SB 1069. Members pressed CDCR on why accused staff are not always placed on leave, how cases are referred to prosecutors, and whether current protections are enough; several members argued the state should aim to investigate all complaints and do more to prevent retaliation and repeat abuse. The second issue was rehabilitative and reentry programming in women’s prisons. CDCR’s Division of Rehabilitative Programs and the wardens highlighted education, vocational training, substance use treatment, peer support, and community reentry programs, citing increased enrollment and recent graduates earning diplomas, degrees, and certifications. They said these programs are intended to reduce recidivism and improve public safety. Formerly incarcerated advocates and community providers argued that current offerings are still too limited, outdated, and not aligned with today’s job market, especially around digital literacy and transferable credentials, and they urged more funding for community-based, trauma-informed, gender-responsive programming. A coalition representative asked for a $20 million continuation and expansion of the Wright Grant program, and members discussed additional budget requests for reentry and related women’s services.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because I've also heard from a therapist in my district who talks about getting called multiple times
• And really, there is no excuse for why people across the state are spending countless hours navigating
• And really, there is no excuse for why people across the state are spending countless hours navigating
• but it's a process that has become increasingly burdensome, timely, and confusing for providers to navigate
• It should not be on the consumer to call through all these providers to navigate the provider directory

Committee: House Health

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard and advanced a series of health-related bills. Early items included AB 583, which would allow nurse practitioners to sign death certificates; AB 492, requiring DHCS to notify local governments when new alcohol or drug recovery treatment facilities are licensed; and AB 280, which would require health plans to improve the accuracy of provider directories through annual verification, enforceable benchmarks, and penalties. Supporters for AB 280 described serious access problems caused by inaccurate “ghost networks,” while health plans and insurers opposed the bill as placing too much responsibility on plans without enough provider participation. AB 636, expanding Medi-Cal coverage for medically necessary diapers for children, also moved forward with support from food banks and anti-poverty advocates. AB 1041, streamlining physician credentialing with a uniform form and deadlines, and AB 787, requiring health plans to help members find in-network providers more quickly, likewise passed out of committee. The committee also approved AB 4, which would allow income-eligible Californians regardless of immigration status to buy coverage through Covered California, and AB 29, which would authorize community health workers and doulas to receive Medi-Cal reimbursement for ACEs screenings. Both bills drew broad support from immigrant-rights, health access, and community-based organizations. AB 416, allowing emergency physicians to place 5150 holds in certain circumstances, passed after supporters argued it would reduce emergency department bottlenecks and opponents warned it could increase unnecessary involuntary hospitalization and transfers to locked psychiatric facilities. Members raised questions about county oversight and training, but the bill advanced on a unanimous vote. Finally, AB 460, modernizing radiology supervision rules to allow real-time remote physician supervision for contrast administration with on-site staff available for emergencies, was approved with no opposition. Across the hearing, committee members repeatedly emphasized access to care, administrative simplification, and consumer transparency, while opponents generally raised concerns about implementation, provider participation, oversight, and unintended consequences. Most measures were reported out on party-line or near-unanimous votes and sent to Appropriations or Judiciary as noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> navigating difficult situations. navigating difficult situations.
• </c> in out ofstate litigation must navigate in out ofstate litigation must navigate a<01:38:27.840><
• Um, I want Barton, Grafton, District 1.
• I represent Hillsborough County District 37, the towns of Milford and Amherst.
• navigating changes in family<04:49:10.878><c> living</c><04:49:11.200><c> dynamics.

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• esteemed colleague, friend, and co-chair, Senator Dylan Fernandes, of the Plymouth and Barnstable District
• I was very proud to be able to share some amazing farms in my district, and I'm very grateful to the
• I have a district that's replete with farms, beautiful, family-generation-owned farms.
• Young farmers already face daunting barriers to entry, navigating a changing climate, accessing land,
• Research to improve the state's provided health safety net programs would help farmers navigate the cliff

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries

Summary: The Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries held a public hearing on 19 legislative proposals, with testimony limited to three minutes per speaker and seven minutes per panel. The hearing opened with testimony on bills promoting urban agriculture and vacant-lot conversion, including H.121/S.61, which Green Roots staff and community members supported as a way to turn vacant lots in environmental justice communities into urban farms and gardens that improve food access, health, community cohesion, and climate resilience. Rep. James Arena-DeRosa also spoke in support of H.109/S.56, the PFAS bill, describing it as a measure to protect soil and farms from contamination and to create relief for affected farmers. A major portion of the hearing focused on H.109/S.56, which would ban land application of sewage sludge/biosolids, provide liability protection and relief funds for farmers, and address PFAS contamination in soil, water, crops, and animals. Testimony came from environmental groups, farm organizations, and individual farmers, including the Mass Food System Collaborative, Conservation Law Foundation, Clean Water Action, CEMAP, NOFA, Sierra Club, and several farmers who described contamination in Maine and Massachusetts and urged the committee to act. Witnesses emphasized that PFAS poses serious health risks, that farmers should not bear responsibility for legacy contamination, and that the bill should be paired with funding for testing, remediation, and assistance. Committee members asked questions about farm liability, the scope of the bill, contamination in different ownership situations, and the costs and timelines of remediation, with Senator Comerford and others clarifying that the bill is intended to protect farms and farmers rather than non-agricultural landholders. The committee also heard strong support for H.416, a farm-to-institution pilot program, from Rep. Lee Davis, Berkshire Agricultural Ventures, and Berkshire Bounty. They said the pilot would connect Massachusetts farms to schools, hospitals, correctional facilities, and other institutions, creating new markets, strengthening local supply chains, and supporting food-is-medicine efforts. Members discussed whether the model could be statewide and referenced existing programs such as Island Grown Initiative and local hospital and insurance partnerships. Another agricultural bill, H.1058, was supported by Rep. Mark Sylvia and the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association as a way to allow unused cranberry water rights to be transferred within the same watershed for municipal mitigation while helping growers retire or consolidate bogs. The hearing also included testimony on the broader farm omnibus bill H.112/S.55 and related measures, with the Massachusetts Farm Bureau and others praising the committee’s work on agricultural resilience, food security, agritourism, workforce development, and farmland access, while suggesting additional transportation-related fixes for farmers. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So crucial housing beds and services are not lost before Minnesota can navigate the path forward.
• </c><00:14:59.680><c> this</c> are left in limbo while navigating this are left in limbo while navigating
• </c> Minnesota can navigate the path forward. Minnesota can navigate the path forward.
• And as we reach out to landlords to navigate payment, all have been so kind and willing to work with
• </c> reach out to landlords to navigate reach out to landlords to navigate payment,<01:29:03.440><c>

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you want the amounts for each district or just the district names?
• district names?
• In our district.
• In my district, I have nine school districts, seven of which...
• know the district, who care for the district, who carry the pulse of the district in their hearts, minds

Committee: House Public Education

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent House District 67, Colfax, Terry, Harding, Quay, San Miguel, and Munich Counties.
• I represent House District 8 in Valencia County. Great. Let's start with Senator Campos.
• Steve Lanier, Senate District 2. Welcome back. I'm excited to get started again.
• Liz Stefanik, Senate District 39.
• Just kind of try to navigate through.

Transcript Highlights:

• through a difficult time, experiencing hate crimes, or themselves or their family members might be navigating
• through a difficult time experiencing hate crimes or themselves or their family members might be navigating
• For the record, my name is Charlotte Mena, proudly representing the 29th District.
• For the record, my name is Charlotte Mena, proudly representing the 29th District, which rests on the

Bills: HB2205 , HB2309 , HB2206 , HB2123 , HB2120 , HB2411

Committee: House State Government & Tribal Relations

Keywords: sports wagering, gambling regulation, state control, licensing, consumer protection, state employment, classified service, civil service, job qualifications, degree requirements, postgraduate degree, master's degree, doctorate, higher education, Office of Financial Management, OFM, classification plan, salary survey, market rate pay, compensation

Transcript Highlights:

• In my district, I'm going to be home to the Olympics.
• The historic Coliseum is in my district right now.
• Hello, Keeley Morris, on behalf of the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, in support.
• Hello, Keeley Morris on behalf of the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts and support.
• Keeley Morris on behalf of the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts in support. Thank you.

Committee: House Business and Professions

Transcript Highlights:

• This is especially true in my district.
• This is real relief for all the farmers that provide all of the jobs in our districts.
• If you'd like to visit a place in my district or actually just outside of my district, we have many small
• Water District, Linda County Water District, and the Natomas Central Mutual Water Company.
• Californians currently must navigate different federal and state rules for the same income.

Committee: House Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• to almost every single district.
• to almost every single district.
• The bill requires districts to provide board members with free and timely access to all district documents
• There are other districts with NDAs, and we consulted those districts as well that also have NDAs for
• Instead of mandating a statewide district policy to place cameras in classrooms, it requires a district

Bills: S0824 , S1170 , S1620 , S1738 , S7036

Committee: Senate Education Pre-K - 12

Summary: The Education Pre-K-12 Committee considered several K-12 bills and resolutions. SJR 1104, by Senator Massullo, would place on the ballot a proposed constitutional amendment protecting voluntary religious expression in public schools; supporters said it simply codifies existing law and protects student and employee rights, while opponents warned it could entrench religious pressure and exclusion. The resolution was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 1738, by Senator Yarborough, on educational facilities; an amendment removed crime-prevention-through-environmental-design language and adjusted transparency/safe-space provisions, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. SB 824, by Senator Truenow, was amended into a transparency measure requiring districts to submit annual reports on unimproved land holdings to DOE, and it was reported favorably. Appointments in tabs 7 and 8 were recommended for confirmation. The committee then took up SPB 7036, a comprehensive education package by Chair Simon. The bill would expand educational emergency triggers, adjust Title I withholding uses, align charter school rules with school improvement processes, update safety and early learning provisions, expand literacy and math interventions, and revise educator pipeline policies. Members raised concerns about a provision that could allow the state to develop instructional materials; Simon said that section was still being considered and would need guardrails. The committee adopted a motion to submit the bill as a committee bill, and it was reported favorably. SB 1620, by Senator Leak, proposed a “school board members’ bill of rights” giving board members direct access to district documents and staff, limiting district attorneys’ dual representation, strengthening nepotism rules, and prohibiting nondisclosure agreements. Volusia County school board members and others testified both for and against the bill, with supporters citing transparency and accountability and opponents warning about confidentiality, staff pressure, and undermining the superintendent’s authority. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1170, by Senator Calatayud, as amended, would allow parents of students in self-contained ESE classrooms to request cameras, with district policies governing review, notice, timelines, and appeals. Parents, advocates, and educators testified strongly in support, while one witness opposed it as an unfunded mandate. The committee reported the bill favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was a superintendent in my district that brought to my It was a superintendent in my district that
• Without turning this committee into the Education Committee, I do know from districts in my district
• Like, for example, we have a small school district and at small school districts, you know, you have
• And I realize that the districts and others, the school districts and others are getting many requests
• district, it's not there yet.

Summary: The House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee heard testimony on House Bill 2514, which would create a work group to plan a Global War on Terror Memorial on the Capitol campus. The prime sponsor and supporters, including veterans, Gold Star family members, and military advocates, said the memorial would honor Washingtonians who died in Iraq and Afghanistan and those who later died by suicide, while helping secure private fundraising and a concrete plan for the project. No opposition was recorded during the hearing, and the bill was later closed without a vote in the transcript excerpt. The committee also heard House Bill 2661, which would create a temporary task force to study public records request abuse, including frivolous, retaliatory, or harassing requests, and consider possible reforms. Supporters from cities and school-related organizations said some agencies face heavy costs, legal review burdens, and repeated or overly broad requests, especially in schools. Opponents from open-government and media groups argued the bill misdiagnoses the problem, could restrict access, and should instead focus on better staffing, training, technology, and compliance. The hearing ended without a vote in the excerpt. In executive session, the committee voted to advance several bills. It reported out proposed substitute House Bill 2637, which expands Public Records Act exemptions for certain personal information, on a 4-3 vote; House Bill 2632, which updates terminology for noncitizens, on a 4-3 vote; proposed substitute House Bill 2499, on conservation district governance and disclosure rules, on a 4-3 vote after rejecting two amendments; House Bill 2198, concerning the statewide credential catalog and online repository, on a 6-1 vote; and House Bill 2520, allowing emergency meetings outside a county seat and clarifying Open Public Meetings Act procedures, on a 7-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• It has seen a lot of traffic over time, and it's become very dangerous for people to navigate there.
• It has seen a lot of traffic over time, and it's become very dangerous for people to navigate there.
• With that, I'd like to navigate there.
• </c><01:09:53.440><c> Thank</c><01:09:53.679><c> you</c> within the historic district.
• Thank you within the historic district.

Bills: HF474 , HF218 , HF210 , HF441 , HF691 , HF720 , HF1068 , HF1314 , HF1465 , HF1860 , HF2046 , HF1389 , HF2404 , HF2854 , HF2985 , HF3128 , HF3103 , HF778 , HF3125

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• So next up, we submitted an updated Navigational Impact Report to the Coast Guard during early October
• next year is a decision on the preliminary to early next year is a decision on the preliminary navigational
• The Navigation Impact Report was submitted in early October, as Administrator Johnson mentioned, and
• Whereas the Coast Guard is singularly focused on river navigation, and we understand and respect that
• Having the shutdown happen and delay the review of that navigation impact report was a schedule issue

Committee: Joint Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee

Summary: The committee met for a work session and public hearing on the Interstate 5 bridge replacement program. Program staff provided updates on permitting and environmental milestones, including the biological opinion, the Coast Guard navigation review, the final supplemental environmental impact statement, and the amended record of decision expected in 2026. They also discussed the Bridge Investment Program grant deadline, the need for an initial finance plan, and the transition from Greg Johnson to interim administrator Carly Francis. Johnson thanked the committee for its support as he prepared to step down, and members praised his leadership and the program’s outreach and transparency. A major focus was the bridge configuration and cost-estimating process. Staff said the Coast Guard is reviewing the Navigation Impact Report and will decide whether a fixed 116-foot span or a movable span is permissible. They said the final environmental document will also resolve open questions such as one versus two auxiliary lanes and single- versus double-deck configurations. Members pressed staff on why a cost estimate was not yet available, whether the federal decision could delay funding deadlines, and what cost drivers were most significant. Francis said the estimate is still being developed, that a movable span would cost more and affect schedule, and that the program is also considering value engineering and other efficiencies. The committee also reviewed transit-related costs and operations. Staff explained that light rail remains part of the modified locally preferred alternative, and that ridership and operations estimates are based on federal modeling methods. They said updated annual operations and maintenance costs are about $10.3 million, down from a prior estimate of $21.8 million because the current service plan assumes 15-minute train frequency rather than a more intensive schedule. Oregon’s share is estimated at about $5.15 million and Washington’s at $4.12 million, with TriMet said to have committed its portion while Washington-side funding sources are still being identified. Members asked for more detail on TriMet’s fiscal stability and on how the transit operating costs will be covered. In public testimony, economist Joe Cortright criticized the program for not providing an updated cost estimate and argued that the project is behind schedule and has been inconsistent about the Coast Guard process. He said the committee needed the most critical information—total project cost—before moving forward. The hearing then continued with additional public testimony not included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So next up, we submitted an updated Navigational Impact Report to the Coast Guard during early October
• next year is a decision on the preliminary To early next year is a decision on the preliminary navigational
• The Navigation Impact Report was submitted in early October, as Administrator Johnson mentioned, and
• Whereas the Coast Guard is singularly focused on river navigation, and we understand and respect that
• Having the shutdown happen and delay the review of that navigation impact report was a schedule issue

Committee: Joint Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee

Summary: The Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee met for a work session and public hearing on the Interstate 5 bridge replacement program. Program staff outlined major milestones, including the recent biological opinion, the Coast Guard’s opening of a public comment period on the Navigation Impact Report, expected decisions in early 2026 on navigational clearance and the final supplemental environmental impact statement, and a possible amended record of decision in 2026. They also discussed the Bridge Investment Program grant amendment deadline, the need for an initial finance plan, and ongoing community outreach and contractor engagement. Greg Johnson announced he was stepping down as program administrator, and Carly Francis introduced herself as interim administrator. A large portion of the meeting focused on design and cost questions. Staff said the program is studying fixed and movable spans, single- and double-deck configurations, and one versus two auxiliary lanes, with final recommendations to be made through the federal environmental process. They said the Coast Guard’s decision is central to what bridge configuration is permittable and to the timing of the updated cost estimate, which has not yet been released. Members pressed for more detail on cost drivers, potential impacts to businesses upriver, and whether the states would need to seek additional funding. Staff said they had reached agreements with four impacted river users, but the underlying evaluation materials are protected and not publicly releasable. The committee also reviewed transit-related questions. Staff explained that light rail remains part of the modified locally preferred alternative and that ridership and operations estimates are being updated using federal modeling methods. They said projected opening-day transit operations and maintenance costs have dropped from an earlier estimate of $21.8 million to about $10.3 million annually because the current model assumes lower frequency, with Oregon and Washington shares split by geography and fare recovery. Members raised concerns about TriMet’s financial stability and the need for a funding plan by fall 2027, ahead of a planned federal transit funding application in fall 2028. During public testimony, several speakers criticized the delay in releasing a new cost estimate and argued the project scope should be reduced if costs continue to rise. Testifiers from City Observatory and the Just Crossing Alliance said the project appears to be avoiding bad news, urged the committee to consider scope reductions, and questioned whether the active transportation and freeway components align with the project’s core purpose. The meeting ended with thanks to Johnson for his service and a transition to public hearing testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Circuit District Court, also in support. Circuit District Court, also in support.
• </c> District Court bench. District Court bench.
• as a District Court Judge.
• ><c> panel</c><01:13:54.720><c> district</c> District Court CJA panel district District Court CJA panel
• </c> I'd like to be a District Court Judge. I'd like to be a District Court Judge.

Summary: The Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the confirmation of Kursha Kauahi Kani Mililani Durrant to the District Court of the First Circuit, but announced it would not vote until April 2. The chair also noted a backup plan if Zoom failed. Testimony was limited to two minutes per speaker. The hearing focused on Durrant’s qualifications, judicial temperament, and readiness for the bench, with no opposition presented. Support came from the Office of the Public Defender, Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, Native Hawaiian Bar Association, Hawaii State Bar Association, Hawaii Women’s Lawyers, and numerous individuals. Witnesses described Durrant as highly experienced in both criminal and civil practice, including district, family, circuit, appellate, ICA, and Supreme Court work. Several speakers emphasized her legal reasoning, mentorship, civility, cultural grounding, and ability to listen and treat litigants with dignity. Personal supporters also highlighted her public service, hula background, and character. Committee members questioned Durrant about how she would approach district court cases involving repeat offenders, mental illness, substance abuse, houselessness, and diversion. Durrant said she would follow the law, consider the full range of sentencing factors, and use available probation, diversion, and treatment options where appropriate. She said she would be committed to using legislative tools such as Act 26 and other diversion powers, and to looking beyond advocacy toward practical justice and reducing recidivism. She also said her clerkship with Judge Marsha Waldorf, including exposure to drug court and mental health court, shaped her approach to problem-solving on the bench.