Video & Transcript Research : 'Chapter 2001'

Page 137 of 339
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education Mar 27th, 2025

S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • 21 establishes a new framework for virtual and hybrid education in Texas, replacing the existing Chapter
  • 30A with a new Chapter 30B.
  • So this would establish Texas Education Code Chapter 30B.
  • They are enrolled in private schools, and so they're separate chapters of the education code.
Bills: HB117
TX

Texas 89th Regular

S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education Mar 27th, 2025

S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • 2196 establishes a new framework for virtual and hybrid education in Texas, replacing the existing Chapter
  • 30A with a new chapter.
  • So this would establish Texas Education Code Chapter 30B.
  • They're separate chapters of the education code.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 3/5/26

Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's worth noting that the definition of trade secret information in chapter 13 involves a multi-part
  • <01:08:24.719> 13 secret information in chapter 13 secret information in chapter 13 involves
  • So they wouldn't be subject to any penalties under chapter 13. >> Um, the A5 amendment provides that
  • So they wouldn't be subject to any penalties under chapter 13.
  • provision of chapter 13 at some point. provision of chapter 13 at some point.
Bills: HF3874, HF3875, HF3378
Summary: The committee approved the March 3 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Minnesota Judicial Branch on House File 3874, which was laid over for possible inclusion in a finance bill. State Court Administrator Jeff Shorba and Chief Judge Michael Fritz testified in support of a supplemental funding request focused on judicial branch safety and security, along with funding to cover the employer share of Minnesota Paid Leave costs. Shorba said the branch is seeking help because it did not receive funding for paid leave in the last session and is having to hold positions open to absorb the cost. The safety and security request included five parts: personal data protection for judges and court administrators, home security, two additional staff positions for threat assessment and coordination, security for the chief justice at public events, and a revived courthouse security grant program for counties. Testimony emphasized rising threats and incidents involving judges and court staff, including examples of doxing, home surveillance, and threats involving litigants, and cited increases in reported incidents, threats, and disturbances. Fritz said the branch’s current response system is stretched and that more law-enforcement-trained staff would improve coordination and response. Members questioned why the judicial branch should receive state funding for paid leave when private employers must absorb the cost, and Shorba responded that the branch was excluded from end-of-session funding decisions and that the mandate should be funded for all branches of government. Members also asked about the threat-response process and whether local law enforcement should be used more directly. Another concern raised was whether State Patrol troopers assigned to judicial security would have the training needed for criminal-code enforcement, and Shorba said the branch is discussing that issue with the State Patrol. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.
MA
Transcript Highlights:
  • follows the same trend as the investments the Commonwealth has made in these programs, particularly in Chapter
  • follows the same trend as the investments the Commonwealth has made in these programs, particularly in Chapter
  • same trend as the investments the Commonwealth has made in these programs, you know, particularly in Chapter
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Workforce Support Subcommittee of the Status of Persons with Disabilities met, approved the prior November minutes, and heard a presentation from the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP) on its 2025 workforce metrics survey. ADDP described its membership and the survey’s scope, noting 102 of 132 members responded. The report showed continued improvement in staffing: overall vacancy rates fell from 19% in 2024 to 15% in 2025, with declines across programs such as adult long-term residential, community-based day supports, supported employment, and day rehabilitation. However, vacancies remain high, especially for licensed practical nurses and clinicians, and nearly 4,000 positions were still unfilled. Providers also reported that almost 1,800 people remain waiting for day services. A major new focus in the survey was health insurance costs. Nearly 90% of respondents reported premium increases averaging 11%, and providers said those increases make it harder to offer competitive wages and benefits and hurt recruitment and retention. ADDP said the survey will be repeated in the fall and emphasized that while Chapter 257 investments appear to have helped reduce vacancies, rising insurance costs, immigration-related workforce pressures, and other affordability issues could threaten progress. Commissioners and presenters discussed the need to maintain gains, the importance of keeping the survey manageable while preserving historical comparisons, and the role of immigration and workforce policy in staffing stability. The subcommittee then elected new co-chairs, unanimously approving Rachel Caprillion and Leo Sarkisian. Members discussed possible topics and speakers for the next meeting, including training and turnover, direct support professional pipelines, apprenticeships, PCA training, and workforce models from other states. Several names and organizations were suggested for outreach, including Josh Cutler, Juan Vega, JVS, HSRI, and NASDDDS. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which was seconded and approved.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Formal House Session 14 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Massachusetts House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Sweezy of Duxbury moves to amend the bill by adding the following section: Section 28 of Chapter 53 of
  • Essentially, what we have going on here is H-0-5093 is the equivalent of Chapter 135, ...the equivalent
  • of Chapter 135, Acts of 2024, gun law.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The House first suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of a petition to designate the Dorchester Division of the Boston Municipal Court as the Judge Leslie E. Harris Courthouse. It then took up two election-related bills reported out of Ways and Means: House 5093, to protect against election misinformation, and House 5094, to enhance disclosure requirements for synthetic media and political advertising. Supporters described both measures as targeted responses to AI-generated deepfakes and deceptive election content, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and protecting voter trust rather than banning speech outright. House 5094 was debated first. An amendment was adopted to exempt certain broadcasters, cable/satellite operators, program producers, and streaming services when paid to broadcast deceptive election-related material. The bill then passed to be engrossed on a roll call of 156-0. House 5093 was then debated, with supporters saying it would prohibit deceptive AI use within 90 days of an election and address materially deceptive audio, visual, and election-related communications. Two amendments were offered and defeated: one to move the state primary earlier, and another to narrow the bill’s scope by striking part of the definition of materially deceptive media. The bill passed to be engrossed on a roll call of 153-3. Earlier in the session, the House also passed to be enacted several local bills, including measures affecting Rockland’s charter, Williamstown’s senior property tax exemption eligibility, and Rochester’s fire chief employment. Later, the House rejected concurrence with Senate amendments on a bill related to teacher preparation and student literacy and instead appointed a committee of conference. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for former Quincy public servant Arthur Tobin before adjourning to meet the next day at 11 a.m.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Issue number one: Civil Rights Department, chapter legislation. Welcome to our panelists.
  • We will be implementing four pieces of chaptered legislation this year, SB 464, which updates the pay
  • All of the BCPs related to chaptered legislation are consistent with the fiscal analysis during the legislative
Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on State Administration met to hear the Civil Rights Department’s budget items, with the chair opening by emphasizing that agency directors should appear in person if they want their items heard. Go-Biz was not heard because its director was absent. The department outlined four chaptered-legislation implementation items: SB 464 on updated pay data reporting categories, AB 822 extending the Commission on the State of Hate, AB 935 expanding data collection and reporting, and SB 518 creating the Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery. The Department of Finance and Legislative Analyst’s Office had no concerns with these proposals. Members then asked about the department’s broader workload and role in responding to discrimination, hate incidents, and immigration-related fears in communities. CRD explained that it handles complaints in areas such as housing, employment, public accommodations, hate crimes, and human trafficking, but does not have jurisdiction over the federal government or landlord-tenant law generally. Officials said filings and open matters have risen sharply, with the department nearing 12,000 open matters, and described outreach in multiple languages, immigrant-serving work, and support for victims through T and U visa-related assistance. They also discussed the Commission on the State of Hate, the California vs. Hate hotline, and coordination with Stop the Hate grantees and community organizations. The committee also heard items on ongoing workload for AB 2188, AB 1041, and AB 1949, which would convert limited-term resources to permanent positions because workload has met or exceeded initial estimates. The LAO had no concerns. A final item requested $502,000 for ongoing security guard services at CRD public counters after more than a dozen threats to staff since July 2024; the LAO again had no concerns. Members expressed support for the security request and discussed the need for safe public-facing offices. No votes were taken, and each item was closed after discussion and public comment.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Chair, members, Tim Madden representing the California chapter of the American College of Cardiology.
  • Tim Madden, representing the California Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians, in strong
  • Chair, Tim Madden, representing the California Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians
Summary: The Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee met as a subcommittee and heard three youth-sports safety bills. AB 310 would require youth sports organizations to have written emergency response plans for cardiac emergencies, maintain and test AEDs, and ensure coaches have training in AED use and CPR. The author and supporters, including the Eric Paredes Save a Life Foundation and the California chapter of the American College of Cardiology, argued the bill would save lives and build on last year’s AED requirement. Youth soccer organizations opposed the bill’s broader AED mandate on cost grounds, saying compliance could total millions statewide and could force higher dues, while asking for grants, liability protections, and public-field AED installation. The committee discussed costs and funding options, then passed AB 310 on a 9-0 vote. The committee then considered AB 437, which would add sports-related injuries, including head injuries, to the health and safety information the CIF must report to the Legislature and Governor. Support came from the California chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians, and there was no opposition. Members said the measure would improve reporting on athlete safety and accepted technical amendments. AB 437 was approved 9-0 as amended. Finally, AB 708 would allow parents to choose soft-shelled helmet add-ons for youth football to reduce concussion risk. The author described the bill as a parental-choice and safety measure, noting studies showing reduced concussion risk. Members praised the bill as a common-sense alternative to banning the sport and emphasized that it would let families choose additional protection. There was no opposition, and the committee passed AB 708 9-0. The committee also adopted a consent calendar item with amendments before adjourning.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Health Policy Feb 18th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • AND DOCTOR ALAN ACKERMAN FLORIDA CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGISTS.
  • MY NAME IS DOCTOR ALAN ACKERMAN, CHAIRMAN OF THE ADVOCACY COMMITTEE FOR THE FLORIDA CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN
  • THE CHAPTER REPRESENTS THOUSANDS OF FLORIDA CARDIOLOGISTS AND I'M HERE TO STRONGLY SUPPORT SENATOR HARRELL'S
Keywords: 999, senate, all
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • This chapter referring to traffic code may be cited as the traffic code of the City and County of Honolulu
  • and anyone online or in person wishing to testify on the matter before us. accepted by City this chapter
  • referring accepted by City this chapter referring to<00:24:10.840> traffic<00:24:11.200> code
  • <01:13:52.360> of part three repeals the chapter of part three repeals the chapter of regulating
  • DOT is still working to find language and determine the chapter.
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 1484 on transit-oriented development and HB 157 on transportation. For HB 1484, testimony included a request from the Hoi Community Development Authority to be removed from the measure while offering to assist if the transit-oriented development law is implemented, along with testimony in opposition and support from several individuals. The committees later recommended HB 1484 be passed with amendments, including an HD1, a defective date, deletion of a reference to section 225 on page 11, adoption of H-CDA’s proposed amendment, and related committee report changes. The vote was adopted in both committees, with Representatives Cochran and Lee excused and Representative Mora voting with reservations. HB 157 concerned the transfer and acceptance of roads in the Villages of Kapolei. HHFDC supported the bill’s intent and explained that the roads were originally self-permitted, the city had not accepted dedication, and HHFDC has been maintaining and upgrading the roads under an MOA that requires improvements to city standards before transfer. Testimony from the Villages of Kapolei Association and others described ongoing problems with non-emergency police services, illegal parking, abandoned vehicles, and the need for city enforcement on roads that are open to the public. Committee members asked about the current holdup, the possibility of transferring roads in segments, and whether a cash settlement could resolve the issue; HHFDC said it was working in segments and that the city had mentioned a $60 million figure. The committees then recommended HB 157 pass with amendments, noting they were awaiting an Attorney General opinion on authority to compel the transfer and that the matter would continue to the Committee on Water and Land. The Transportation Committee also heard several additional bills. HB 1083, concerning vessels in state commercial harbors, drew support from the Department of Transportation and some industry groups and opposition from charter operators; HB 1159, which would require compliance with harbor master evacuation orders and increase penalties, drew DOT support and opposition from multiple vessel operators, who argued the bill was too broad and should define emergencies more clearly and use tiered penalties. HB 58, limiting civil liability for firefighting at commercial harbors, received DOT and Maritime Group support. HB 1165, on county disposal of ocean-bordering property and state highway acquisition, received DOT support. HB 938, a broad motor vehicle franchise and EV-related bill, drew support from the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association and the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, but strong opposition from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Tesla, Rivian, Scout Motors, and others; opponents argued it would restrict direct-to-consumer EV sales and innovation, while dealers said the bill was too broad and needed further stakeholder work. No final votes were taken on the Transportation Committee’s remaining measures in the portion provided, and the joint hearing was adjourned after decision-making on HB 1484 and HB 157.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/26

Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Article 2 is a chapter cleanup of 144D.
  • assisted living license framework under chapter 144G.
  • Article 2 is a chapter cleanup of 144D.
  • assisted living license framework under chapter 144G.
  • Article 2 is a chapter cleanup of 144D.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
  • Okay, the first question we address in Chapter 1 of the audit report is whether fund monies were spent
  • Our third audit question, which we discuss in chapter three, the audit report addresses how the systems
  • Accordingly, much of the information we report in chapter 3 of the report, and what I'll cover in the
  • Our fourth audit question, which we discuss in chapter four of the report, addresses the various factors
  • To address these issues, we identified in Chapter 4 three recommendations to law enforcement agencies
Keywords: 1182, all
Summary: The committee opened with remarks about moving JLAC to a more frequent monthly schedule and spending more time on each audit. Members also recognized Melanie Chesney of the Auditor General’s office for 32 years of service, with several members praising her work and her role in school safety and other audits. The meeting then turned to the JLAC-directed Arizona School Safety Special Audit on interoperable communication systems, with the Auditor General’s office presenting the December 2025 report. The audit found that the state had allocated nearly $26 million to interoperable communication efforts, but implementation varied widely. Auditors said all 14 law enforcement agencies used the money for interoperable systems, yet four agencies allowed private or tribal schools to participate contrary to statute, and several agencies failed to submit required expenditure reports. The report also found procurement problems: nine of 14 agencies did not follow procurement requirements or lacked documentation, many contracts lacked accountability provisions, and some agencies had not planned for ongoing costs. The audit estimated ongoing annual costs for an average rural county could range from about $16,000 to $382,000, and recommended that agencies document costs, follow procurement rules, monitor vendors, and plan for future funding. It also recommended the legislature clarify whether non-public schools may participate and revisit statutory system requirements that were vague or inconsistently interpreted. Members questioned the Auditor General about vendor licensing, whether systems could be built in-house, why some functions were not configured, and whether the systems were truly usable in emergencies. The presentation explained that some systems met requirements only in part, that Mutualink had a per-user licensing model affecting access to secure text and file sharing, and that some schools were unwilling or unable to install apps or keep devices logged in. The committee also discussed the difference between the separate school safety grant program administered by ADE and this interoperability fund, and several members expressed frustration with sole-source contracting and weak documentation. In the final portion of the presentation, auditors said only two of eight observed systems demonstrated all five critical emergency functions, while four agency systems could not be tested because they were reportedly not functioning. The committee then began hearing responses from county sheriffs, starting with the Arizona Sheriffs’ Association president, who emphasized county commitment to school safety and noted that some counties had implemented systems across multiple districts, including tribal and rural schools. No votes or formal actions were taken during the portion provided.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Committee on Taxes - 05/07/25

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • , the Sustainable Forest Incentive Act chapter. section 12.
  • controlled sub substances tax chapter. controlled sub substances tax chapter.
  • Madam Chair, members, Article 9 is the taxation of gas products chapter.
  • Um, Article 9 is the taxation of gas products chapter.
  • Um, Article 9 is the taxation of gas products chapter.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

House - Commerce and Economic Development Feb 3rd, 2025

House Commerce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • SkillsUSA, Hobbs High School, CTECH, Chapter President. Welcome to the House. She is...
  • Speaker, I have Joseph Alvarez, who is our SkillsUSA, Hobbs High School, CTECH, Chapter Vice President
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama House Mar 3rd, 2026

Alabama House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • forming a powerful global network committed to excellence and brotherhood. alumni chapter Polemarch
  • alumni chapter Polemarch will<00:22:01.240> make<00:22:01.560> remarks<00:22:02.240>
  • , after which we will listen to chapter, after which we will listen to Mr.
  • and 25 undergraduate chapters, each of which are in one of your various jurisdictions.
  • , chapters and 25 undergraduate chapters, chapters and 25 undergraduate chapters, each<00:27:18.280
Keywords: 1136, house, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2025-03-12 (3:00PM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The fraternity has over 250,000 members, with 700 undergraduate and 11,000 alumni chapters.
  • The fraternity has over 250,000 members, with 700 undergraduate and alumni chapters in nearly every state
  • in the United States, and 13 international chapters.
Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, and several introductions recognizing visitors and groups in the gallery, including Moffitt Cancer Center for “Moffitt Day,” students from Lakeland Christian School, representatives from the space industry for Space Day, Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity members, licensed investigators, and local delegations from Groveland, Polk County, Auburndale, and the College of the Florida Keys. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar with Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 112, relating to children with developmental disabilities. Senator Harrell presented the bill as a major autism-focused measure aimed at earlier diagnosis and expanded services. The bill would expand autism screening and referral grants, extend Early Steps services to age four with a federal waiver, designate the University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment as a coordinating research hub, create grants for autism-focused charter schools and summer programs, and establish a microcredential for teachers, health workers, and daycare workers serving children with autism. Senators Davis, Jones, Osgood, Duma, and Wright spoke in support while raising concerns about provider recruitment, Medicaid managed care coverage, the need for technology and research, and the importance of early intervention and adult services. Harrell closed by saying the bill was only “step one,” addressed provider and funding questions, and emphasized research and statewide coordination. The Senate passed CS/CS/SB 112 by a vote of 38-0 and then adopted a motion to waive the rules and immediately certify the bill to the House. Senators also co-introduced Senate Resolution 1856 honoring the life and legacy of Senator Geraldine Thompson, with 38 co-introducers recorded. In addition, Senate Bill 1324 by Senator Simon was withdrawn from further consideration, and the Senate adjourned until the following Wednesday.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

Senate Chamber Jan 22nd, 2025

New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Jaramillo for the Land Grant Committee, an act related to land grants amending the section of Chapter
  • 1978 to include the Santa Cruz de la Cañada land grant merced as a land grant governed pursuant to Chapter
  • Amending sections of Chapter 7. Senate Bill 73.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Judiciary A May 12th, 2026

Judiciary A

Transcript Highlights:
  • Angel Bradford Rosenberg from something, something Delta chapter.
  • From something, something Delta chapter.
  • Angela Bradford Rosenberg, Sierra Club, Delta Chapter.
  • Angel Bradford Rosenberg, Sierra Club, Delta Chapter.
  • in that chapter does not apply to any contracts that would mandate arbitration.
Summary: The committee first approved the May 5 minutes and then heard House Bill 578, which would define sex in Louisiana law as biological sex, replace references to gender with sex in various statutes and forms, and direct the Law Institute to make conforming changes. Supporters from the governor’s office said the bill would bring clarity and consistency, while opponents argued it could create conflicts with existing law and weaken protections tied to gender identity. After debate, the committee reported HB 578 favorably. Members then considered House Bill 1250, a measure aimed at aerospace-related litigation. The bill would allow a special motion to strike certain claims against aerospace flight entities when the claims are preempted by federal law. Senators raised concerns that the language was broad enough to affect airports, airlines, contractors, and even unrelated incidents, and the author said he was willing to work on narrowing amendments. The committee nevertheless reported HB 1250 favorably. House Bill 718, dealing with liability protections for private airstrips used for recreation, was amended to narrow its scope and then reported favorably, while House Bill 163, a narrower related airstrip bill, was voluntarily deferred so the committee could work from the other measure. The committee also approved House Concurrent Resolution 61, which asks the Louisiana Law Institute to review possible conflicts between the constitution and statutes on expropriation. House Bill 180, defining foreign adversaries and agents of foreign adversaries for a proposed constitutional amendment, and House Bill 192, a constitutional amendment barring foreign adversaries from expropriating land in Louisiana, were both reported favorably. House Bill 1008, which sets out academic freedom and whistleblower protections for higher education, was rejected on a roll-call vote after concerns about its scope and limits on university discipline. House Bill 638, a prompt-payment bill for contractors, was set aside while amendments were being located. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 71, which would extend existing liability protections for justified use of force to properly trained armed security guards. The author and the Board of Private Security Examiners said security officers receive training and often face dangerous situations, but opponents argued the bill would give too much protection to personnel with far less training than law enforcement and could shield bad shootings. After debate, the committee voted to defer HB 71. The last measure discussed was House Bill 1082, which would change venue rules for lawsuits involving the Municipal Police Employees’ Retirement System so actions by the system would be filed where the employer is located; the author said the bill was meant to help small municipalities, and members indicated they were open to narrowing amendments.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Higher Education - 03/17/26

Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, and then uh there's also additional changes for the 529 plan, which is chapter 136G, college savings
  • Um, and then uh there's also additional changes for the 529 plan, which is chapter 136G, college savings
  • Um, and then uh there's also additional changes for the 529 plan, which is chapter 136G, college savings
  • Um, and then uh there's also additional changes for the 529 plan, which is chapter 136G, college savings
  • Um, and then uh there's also additional changes for the 529 plan, which is chapter 136G, college savings
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Rules Apr 8th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • Lodging establishments today are exempt from chapter 83 evictions chapter. 83 evictions are relate to
  • So public lodging establishments today under chapter 509, have the ability to do everything that were
  • 83 CE eviction process, which is lengthy and expensive or the chapter 509, public operator, public lodging
  • You are recognized regrettably I have to bring up chapter 83 again. >> This bill amends.
  • Notice is required under chapter 83 through other legal means. >> That is the bill.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

EDU-PSM, EDU-HHS, EDU Public Hearings 02-07-2025

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:18:38.559> 453<00:18:39.559> who providers pursuant to chapter 453 who providers
  • pursuant to chapter 453 who can<00:18:39.919> prescribe<00:18:40.400> medications<00:18
  • chapter chapter 60<00:49:26.040> special<00:49:26.359> educ<00:49:27.119> is<00
  • Chapter 60 is our law, but it's based on IDEA, which is the federal law.
  • one thing chapter 60 is our<00:50:39.880> our<00:50:40.079> our<00:50:40.400> law
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The joint Committee on Education and Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs heard Senate Bill 422, which would authorize the Department of Education to award a high school diploma to qualified people whose schooling was interrupted by military service or wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. The Department of Education testified in support, noting a prior law that created the Kono diploma program before it sunset in 2020. Several members of the public also testified in support. Both committees later recommended passage of SB 422 without amendments, and the recommendation was adopted by voice votes. The committees then heard Senate Bill 530 on Braille literacy. The bill would establish Braille literacy as state policy, require Braille-related literacy assessments for eligible blind and low-vision students, authorize DOE rulemaking, create a Braille Literacy Resource Center, and appropriate funds. DOE and the Department of Human Services supported the measure, as did the National Federation of the Blind, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, and a blind testifier who described the importance of early Braille instruction. The Attorney General’s office raised concerns about statutory language requiring yearly assessments and suggested revisions so annual decisions remain with IEP teams. The committees voted to pass SB 530 with amendments, including the Attorney General’s suggested changes, and adopted the recommendation. The next measure was Senate Bill 532, which would allow school staff and agents trained by a licensed clinician to volunteer to administer medication to students in public schools under certain conditions and clarify who may prescribe such medication. DOE and Department of Health testimony supported the bill. The Attorney General recommended replacing the term “licensed clinician” with the defined term “health care professional.” The Hawaii Academy of Physician Assistants supported the bill but asked that physician assistants be included among providers who may prescribe medications for school administration. After questions about current school health aide duties and field-trip medication procedures, the committees voted to pass SB 532 with amendments, including the Attorney General’s terminology change, and adopted the recommendation.