Transcript Highlights:

• Vivek Murthy, who made a point of highlighting these benefits in his 2023 advisory on social media and
• Vivek Murthy, who made a point of highlighting these benefits in his 2023 advisory on social media and
• the hate and, you know, jumping in on Drag Queen Story Hour, right, is well organized by extremist forces
• This is something that is built up from the users themselves, from our youth advisory communities.
• I think there are some economic forces that are causing choices that are bad, but it's not the space

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee held an informational hearing on the impact of social media on LGBTQ-plus youth, focusing on benefits, risks, and possible safeguards. Chair Bauer-Kahan and Assembly Member Ward opened by noting that social media can be a lifeline for LGBTQ-plus youth seeking identity, community, and support, but also exposes them to cyberbullying, hate speech, exploitation, misinformation, and addictive design. They framed the hearing as a way to inform future policy without relitigating prior bills, and emphasized the need for a balanced approach that reduces harm while preserving access to affirming resources. The first panel featured lived-experience testimony from Madi Roby of the Alliance for Trans Youth Rights, Shea Gardner of LGBT Tech, and Casey Pick of the Trevor Project. Roby described how social media helped her understand her trans identity, find community, learn safety information, and access crisis support through the Trevor Project, while also exposing her to harassment and threats. Gardner argued that lawmakers should regulate harms more precisely rather than impose broad access restrictions, warning that age-gating and account bans could exclude vulnerable youth and adults who rely on pseudonymity, while supporting privacy-preserving protections, targeted platform accountability, and digital literacy. Pick testified that LGBTQ-plus youth are more than three times as likely to attempt suicide as peers, cited Trevor Project research showing social media is both positive and negative for most youth, and said supportive online spaces can lower suicide risk and anxiety; she also described Trevor Space as a moderated, non-addictive platform with forums, direct messaging, and strong community norms. Committee members then questioned the panel about algorithmic feeds, addictive design, age verification, and whether platforms should be required to provide safer defaults and better moderation. Several members distinguished between personalized feeds and addictive or incendiary engagement loops, and discussed the risk that age-verification systems could require sensitive data or restrict access to helpful content. Witnesses repeatedly said the problem is not online community itself but platform design choices and weak enforcement, and they urged more precise regulation of harmful features rather than exclusionary bans. The committee then moved on to panel two, which was introduced as a discussion of LGBTQ-plus-specific online resources and research on LGBTQ-plus youth and social media.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, I served as chair for the, uh, electrical, Texas Electrical Safety and Licensing Advisory Board
• However, due to a lack of market for Texas grapes, our payroll has dropped, forcing some of our children
• This bill does not force current cosmetologists to join the compact.
• When you look at BRAC, let's look at the Air Force.
• The Department of the Air Force produces a scorecard every 2 years titled, Air Force Support, a Military

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, I serve as chair for the Texas Electrical Safety and Licensing Advisory Board at the Texas Department
• However, due to a lack of market for Texas grapes, our payroll... ...has dropped, forcing some of our
• But I want to make sure that we're very clear here that this bill does not force current cosmetologists
• when you look at BRAC, because I don't want you to just take my word for it, let's look at the Air Force
• The Department of the Air Force produces... ...a scorecard every two years titled "Air Force Support

Bills: HB589, HB705, HB1842, HB1874, HB2349, HB2614, HB2827, HB3012, HB3214, HB3308, HB3385, HB3529

Keywords: cosmetology, licensure, interstate compact, state regulations, public safety, workforce mobility, charitable raffles, nonprofit, wildlife conservation, ticket sales, fundraising, master electrician, electrical work, occupational licensing, work scope, Texas law, Texas Real Estate Commission, TREC, real estate broker, sales agent

Transcript Highlights:

• For the 22 crop year, Texas farmers were forced to abandon roughly 49% of their crops.
• I serve on the Bureau Board, and last year I was the Vice Chair of the Young Farmer and Rancher Advisory
• It's Sid Miller, and it's not an easy task, but you are here.
• I am concerned that veterinarians who participate in these platforms are going to be forced or exploited
• This lack of care forces people from all.

Bills: HB 43, HB 3364, HB 3469, HB 3479, HB 43, HB 3364, HB 3469, HB 3479

Keywords: agriculture, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, veterinarian, veterinary medicine, veterinary telemedicine, telehealth, telemedicine, veterinarian-client-patient relationship, VCPR, animal health, livestock, pets, remote care, electronic means, telephone consultation, controlled substances, prescription drugs

Summary: The second bill, House Bill 3469, was introduced to address pest control regulations concerning nuisance birds. Representative Campos explained how the bill proposes non-lethal methods to deter these birds, such as the use of laser lights and sounds, which avoids conflict with both state and federal regulations. The committee heard impassioned testimonies from members of the public who shared firsthand experiences regarding the adverse effects of these birds on property and public health. The meeting concluded with both bills being left pending, reflecting a desire for further deliberation among the committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• socially and economically disadvantaged business owners can receive legal, accounting, and financial advisory
• socially and economically disadvantaged business owners can receive legal, accounting, and financial advisory
• work for a new C-130 consolidated maintenance facility for the 189th Airlift Wing at Little Rock Air Force
• work for a new C-130 consolidated maintenance facility for the 189th airlift wing at the Lurrock Air Force

Summary: The committee reviewed a large slate of appropriation, transfer, and continuation requests across multiple sections. In Section B, members considered temporary FY27 appropriations for agencies including Health, DHS, Education, Treasury, Public Safety, State Police, Emergency Management, Aeronautics, Military, Economic Development, Game and Fish, and others, covering items such as maternal health outreach, LIHEAP overpayment returns, Wynne High School tornado rebuilding, senior food services, cybersecurity, crime victim claims, airport grants, conservation incentives, and emergency tower maintenance. Questions focused on the DHS senior services carry-forward and Treasury custodial banking fees tied to lower balances after COVID funds were spent down. All Section B items were approved. The committee then approved continuation requests, ARPA reallocations, and federal grant-related items in Sections B2, C1A, D1, D2, D3, E1, E2, E3, F1A, G1, H1A, I1A, J1/J2, K1/K2/K3, L1/L2, M1/M2, N1/N2, O1A, and P1A. These included university nursing and workforce programs, environmental and recycling grants, highway safety and emergency management grants, a transfer to the Merit Teacher Incentive Program, restricted reserve transfers for military, agriculture, UAPB, Game and Fish, and AETN, and various cash-fund and budget classification transfers. Several members asked for more detail on the State Police highway safety grant, VOCA victim compensation funding, the NSGP nonprofit security grant, and the Office of State Technology’s E-Rate-related transfer; agency officials explained the uses and noted that some funding levels depend on federal awards and collections. A notable discussion occurred on the Department of Commerce reallocation, which shifts 68 positions and $3 million among divisions to support an organizational realignment and avoid shortfalls. The committee also reviewed a state central services deduction request to keep the rate at 2%, a DHS overtime request for child protection caseloads, and a year-end adjustments request authorizing up to $1 million in temporary actions to close FY26 books without disrupting payroll or vendor payments. Most items were approved or, in some sections, simply reviewed without objection. The meeting adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• The report that DNR advisory council.
• council here uh members for the advisory council here uh next<00:35:53.359> week.
• for the advisory council next week<00:36:25.440> and<00:36:25.599> then<00:36:25.760><
• that advisory council in accordance with the membership structure, terms, and duties and experience
• We're going to force this very stringently, make sure that there is no fraud in the program.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I'm just excited to be a part of the advisory board and I want to thank you guys for the opportunity
• So, you've got a tremendous task ahead of you.
• So, you've got a tremendous task ahead of you.
• So, you've got a tremendous task ahead of you.

Keywords: Technology - Room 216, 18 March, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first considered the reappointment of Thomas Allen Wicker to the IT Board. Members praised his long service, industry knowledge, and the importance of the state’s information technology operations. After a brief question about his past as editor of the Daily Mississippian, the committee voted to advise and consent, and the nomination was reported out. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to confirming the initial members of the new Mississippi Emergency Communications Authority board created under the next generation 911 law. The chair reviewed the board’s duties under Section 6 of the act, including budgeting, grant administration, setting and revising technology standards, improving interoperability and consolidation of 911 systems, recommending standards for public safety answering points, collecting performance data, coordinating technical assistance, addressing GIS mapping and standards, and developing a CMRS grant program for NG 911 implementation. The chair and Senator Deleno emphasized that the board will be responsible for statewide planning, sustainable funding, and helping local governments understand the costs and benefits of NG 911 and shared GIS infrastructure. The committee then heard brief statements from the nominees, who described backgrounds in emergency communications, law enforcement, GIS, EMS, county administration, and local government. Nominees included Danna Diaz, Chief Chad Norman Dorne, Eric Hollingsworth, Paul Sheffield, Scott Trapalino, Terresa Windham, Paul Mosley, Matt Haley, Brian Roberts, W. Willis Willard Johnson, Beatatric Prior, and Sheri Hoampamp. One nominee, Paul Sheffield, had a self-reported bankruptcy from 2002 that had been resolved in 2004, but the committee still moved forward. Each nominee was asked if there were questions, and the committee repeatedly voted to advise and consent, with no opposition recorded. Senator Deleno closed by stressing that the board’s work is critical to the future of first responders in Mississippi, especially the development of a statewide GIS standard and a grant framework for using NG 911 funds responsibly. He said the legislature wanted to avoid piecemeal purchases and instead ensure accountability, efficiency, and a sustainable funding source. The chair thanked the nominees and Senator Deleno, and the meeting concluded after the confirmations were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• And section three of the bill establishes a PAS advisory commission.
• And finally, section 3 speaks to terms of the PAS advisory commission.
• commission established in PAS advisory commission established in section<00:03:01.440> three.
• bill establishes a PAS advisory bill establishes a PAS advisory commission.<00:03:07.200> The
• terms of the PAS advisory commission. terms of the PAS advisory commission.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Students at these sites are often forced to travel for hours, sometimes across entire counties or even
• Students at these sites are often forced to travel for hours, sometimes across entire counties or even
• With me to testify and support are Emily Mitchell, chair of the LGBTQ Advisory Council for the California
• With me to testify and support are Emily Mitchell, chair of the LGBTQ Advisory Council for the California
• and it is the honor of my life to serve as the chair of the California Community College's LGBTQ+ Advisory

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The lottery drafted the rules that the Lottery Advisory Commission approved on February 13, 2026.
• Copies of the proposed rules were provided to each member of the Lottery Advisory Commission and the
• The Lottery Advisory Commission met a second time on April 10, 2026, and approved the rules after the
• believes they have the authority, and they have promulgated rules, and the rules as of now have the force
• So at this time, the rules that are adopted by the Ethics Commission do have the force and effect of

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The lottery drafted the rules, and the Lottery Advisory Commission approved them on February 13, 2026
• Copies of the proposed rules were provided to each member of the Lottery Advisory Commission and the
• The Lottery Advisory Commission met a second time on April 10, 2026, and approved the rules after the
• believes they have the authority, and they have promulgated rules, and the rules as of now have the force
• So at this time, the rules that are adopted by the Ethics Commission do have the force and effect of

Summary: The committee approved the March 12, 2026 minutes and granted the Board of Medicine an extension of time to implement rule changes tied to House Bill 1620/1622, which concern North Dakota’s entry into the physician assistant licensure compact. The Board said it is waiting on compact rules, especially fee structures, before finalizing its own rules. The committee then took up extensive Office of Management and Budget personnel rule revisions, covering salary administration, recruitment, leave policies, funeral leave, service awards, appeals, and shared leave. OMB said the changes modernize HR practices and implement recent legislation, including new hire leave and enhanced annual leave for hard-to-fill positions; the committee raised concerns about the subjectivity and fairness of the hard-to-fill leave provisions, but no action was taken against the rules. The North Dakota Lottery presented emergency and regular rule changes, including updates tied to the Millionaire for Life game and miscellaneous clarifications. The Board of Examiners for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology described rule updates that add speech-language pathology assistants to the rules, ease continuing education requirements for out-of-state applicants, expand temporary licensure, and clarify supervision standards. The State Electrical Board reviewed numerous code updates, including changes to electrical and fire alarm standards, receptacle labeling, countertop receptacles, and a major new conveyance/elevator inspection program added by the Legislature; the board said it is preparing to begin inspections by August 1. The Industrial Commission’s Geological Survey Division presented new rules implementing House Bill 1459 on critical minerals in coal-bearing formations, including permit, reporting, confidentiality, and royalty-related provisions. The committee asked about confidentiality of exploration data and drilling depth. The Public Employees Retirement System outlined rule changes implementing several bills affecting defined benefit, public safety, defined contribution, insurance, deferred compensation, and retiree health credit programs, and noted possible future proposals to add state EMS or create a LOSAP-style plan. The Department of Health and Human Services presented substance use disorder voucher rules implementing House Bill 1012, including allowing individuals to apply directly and setting reimbursement procedures; the rules were expected to have a $250,000 general fund impact already included in the budget. The longest discussion involved the Gaming Commission rules. Members questioned whether the commission had authority to raise poker tournament buy-ins from $300 to $1,500, viewing it as an expansion of gaming rather than a mere clarification. After debate, the committee voted to void that specific rule section for lack of statutory authority. The rest of the gaming rules covered higher raffle limits from House Bill 1192, the change from “bar” to “alcoholic beverage establishment,” veterans’ organization proceeds, credit ticket voucher kiosks, online raffles, and advertising restrictions; the presenter said several public comments led to revisions or withdrawals of proposed language. The meeting ended with discussion of upcoming Ethics Commission travel-reporting rules and scheduling the next committee meeting in September.

Transcript Highlights:

• The lottery drafted the rules, and the Lottery Advisory Commission approved them on February 13, 2026
• Copies of the proposed rules were provided to each member of the Lottery Advisory Commission and the
• The Lottery Advisory Commission met a second time on April 10, 2026, and approved the rules after the
• believes they have the authority, and they have promulgated rules, and the rules as of now have the force
• So at this time, the rules that are adopted by the Ethics Commission do have the force and effect of

Summary: The Administrative Rules Committee met on June 11 and first approved the March 12, 2026 minutes by voice vote. It then granted the Board of Medicine an extension of time to implement rules tied to recent legislation, including North Dakota’s participation in the physician assistant licensure compact and a new physician nutrition continuing education requirement. The Board said it was waiting on compact rules and fee information before finalizing its own changes. The committee heard a lengthy presentation from the Office of Management and Budget on broad personnel rule revisions, including salary administration, recruitment, leave, sick leave, funeral leave, service awards, appeals, and shared leave. OMB said the changes modernize HR language and implement recent legislation such as enhanced annual leave for hard-to-fill positions and new hire leave. Members questioned the hard-to-fill leave provisions, but OMB and counsel said those standards come from statute, not the rules. The committee also heard and accepted rule packages from the Lottery, the Board of Examiners for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, the State Electrical Board, the Industrial Commission, PERS, and Health and Human Services, with each agency describing mostly technical, clarifying, or statutory-conforming changes and noting the public notice and comment process. The most significant action came during the Gaming Commission rules presentation. After questioning whether the commission had authority to raise the poker tournament buy-in limit from $300 to $1,500, members moved to void Section 99-01.3-09-01 on the ground that the agency lacked statutory authority for that change. The motion passed on a roll call vote. The committee also discussed several gaming-related issues, including online raffles, kiosk use, advertising restrictions, and the broader policy question of whether charities should be allowed to own bars, but took no further formal action on those topics.

Transcript Highlights:

• Over in our Center for Healthy Communities, we have a proposal for the Governor's Advisory Council on
• Yes, so specifically on the proposal to reappropriate the funding for the Governor's Advisory Council
• I have a couple of other questions, but a couple of questions about the Governor's Advisory Council,
• This funding allows us to care for one another despite all the forces that do not want us to exist.
• Forced particularly to fill staffing gaps that were identified during the COVID-19 pandemic and to increase

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > technical very closely with the dental technical very closely with the dental technical advisory
• committee within uh the advisory committee within uh the Medicaid<00:53:43.440> program<00:53
• We as a society have to take on the task of transforming to a universal publicly funded improved Medicare
• to<01:42:57.440> take<01:42:57.760> on<01:42:58.080> the<01:42:58.400> task
• <01:42:59.199> of society have to take on the task of society have to take on the task of

Keywords: During the committee meeting live stream, portion of the video was lost due to network issues. There were also some technical difficulties with content and the incorrect background image being used. The lost footage was recovered from backup, and the other issues corrected in post production editing. 1. 00:00:41 Call to Order 2. 00:01:02 Roll Call 3. 00:02:54 Approval of Minutes 4. 00:05:06 Statutory Reports and Data Requests 5. 00:35:14 2025 and 2026 Session Update 6. 01:03:10 Board Structure Updates and Subcommittees 7. 01:05:20 Public Comment 8. 02:23:14 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight Board meeting opened with quorum, approval of the March 9 and March 16, 2026 minutes, and a welcome to new member Representative Willner. The board then heard a presentation from the Department of Medicaid Services on several statutory reports: the quarterly budget analysis (LRC) report, the quarterly MCO report, the provider tax and assessment report, the enrollee demographic report, the annual behavioral health/substance use disorder utilization report, and the Medicaid pharmaceutical rebate fund. Commissioner Lisa Lee and CFO Steve Bechal explained the reports and answered questions. On spending, DMS said the quarterly budget analysis report should be read using the summary tabs because the first tab reflects only traditional Medicaid and does not include all populations. Lee said the first three quarters of fiscal year 2026 showed about $191 million more in waiver spending than the same period last year, about $250 million more in other categories such as nursing facilities, CCBHCs, and FQHCs, and roughly $450 million more in total fee-for-service spending. She also noted that Medicare Part D premiums are 100% state funds and estimated the state-fund increase at about $140 million. For managed care, DMS said pharmacy, inpatient hospital, and outpatient hospital spending made up about 66% of MCO payments so far this fiscal year. Members asked about administrative costs, provider tax impacts, citizenship-status categories, medical loss ratio, and whether the reports could be expanded to show recoupments and citizenship-based spending. DMS clarified that the spending figures discussed were benefit costs only, not administrative costs, and said administrative match rates vary. On the provider tax and directed payments report, Lee said the new CMS proposed rule would allow separate payment terms to continue through the grandfathering period, but that the impact would be substantial for providers even if the administrative effect was minimal. She also said DMS was still reviewing unusual citizenship categories such as “other” and “unspecified,” and would provide more information on medical loss ratio and recoupments if available. Auditor Ball raised concerns about alleged waste, duplicate Social Security numbers, ineligible enrollees, and high error rates in other programs. Lee responded that Medicaid focuses on fraud, waste, and abuse, but said the cited $800 million figure was not factual because it did not account for people enrolled in more than one Medicaid program at the same time. She said DMS is reviewing eligibility systems, including changes tied to community engagement requirements, and is working with the cabinet’s eligibility staff and ombudsman division on error rates. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• You have the Army, the Armed Forces Reserve Act. You have the Insurrection Act.
• You have the Army, the Armed Forces Reserve Act. You have the Insurrection Act.
• You have the Army, the Armed Forces Reserve Act. You have the Insurrection Act.
• You have the Army, the Armed Forces Reserve Act. You have the Insurrection Act.
• You have the Army, the Armed Forces Reserve Act. You have the Insurrection Act.

Bills: SB3240

Keywords: defense, workforce development, local business, manufacturing, federal funding, economic resilience, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several public safety-related measures and indicated at the outset that, because of short notice, the bills would likely be deferred to the later decision-making agenda. On SB 2645 relating to fire prevention, the bill would restructure the process for selecting the State Fire Marshal and make related changes to the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The Governor’s office, the State Fire Marshal’s office, the Hawaii State Fire Council, DLNR, Maui Fire Department, AIA Hawaii State Council, and others testified, with DLNR supporting most of the bill but opposing the provision changing the marshal’s nomination process to a governor appointee. In questions, members reviewed the relationship between the State Fire Council, the commission, and the marshal, and the Governor’s office clarified that it supported the overall intent but wanted the commission to remain the sole appointing entity. The bill was not voted on in the hearing. The committee then heard SB 3083 relating to protective orders, with support from the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the judiciary, the Hawaii National Guard, the Military and Community Relations Office, DBED, and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Members focused on whether the draft reflected language worked out with the judiciary and whether the bill addressed a previously identified gap in implementation. The Military and Community Relations Office said it had worked with the judiciary on amendments and wanted to ensure the statute created a collaborative process with installation partners and law enforcement. The witness also said the draft appeared to reflect the agreed language, though he noted there were multiple bills moving and that technical amendments might still be needed. No action was taken during the hearing. SB 608 relating to veterans’ rights and benefits drew both support and opposition. Support came from the Hawaii Office of Veterans Services, Veterans Benefits Guide, Aloha Independent Living Hawaii, and individual veterans and service members, who argued the bill would improve access to claims assistance and provide choice and faster help for veterans. Opposition came from the VFW Department of Hawaii and the Veterans Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, which argued the bill should be amended to align with federal law, especially on accreditation and fee caps. Testimony and questioning centered on whether third-party claims assistance should be regulated, whether fee caps are preempted by federal law, and whether there was evidence of fraud tied to non-accredited representatives. Supporters said the bill would help veterans navigate a slow system, while opponents said accredited representatives are accountable and that the bill should be narrowed. The committee also heard SB 2054 relating to public safety, which would prohibit the Hawaii National Guard from deploying to assist federal troops, federal law enforcement, or other states’ National Guard units in Hawaii when the governor objects. The Hawaii National Guard opposed the bill, while the ACLU of Hawaii, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and numerous other organizations and individuals supported it, arguing it would protect civil liberties and prevent federal overreach. The hearing ended without a vote or final action on these measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Council and the Hydrogen Advisory Council to the Office of Energy Innovation after President Trump's
• Council and the modernization advisory Council and the hydrogen<00:46:26.000> advisory<00:46:
• Council to the office hydrogen advisory Council to the office of<00:46:28.400> energy of energy
• <01:36:10.679> majority you the motion we force majority you the motion we force majority
• <04:14:51.359> majority you the motion before Force majority you the motion before Force majority

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Because of my diagnosis, I was forced to retire earlier than I expected.
• more tillage or termination forcing more tillage or termination using<00:26:06.440> other<00:
• This was a work in maybe over the last 3 years by the Noxious Weed Advisory Committee.
• <01:32:38.360> As Minnesota Grown's Advisory Committee.
• As Minnesota Grown's Advisory Committee.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so they're forced to go through that, uh, spend-down process, you know, in order to do that.
• And so they're<00:41:16.240> they're<00:41:16.720> forced<00:41:17.040> to<00:41
• :17.200> go<00:41:17.359> through they're they're forced to go through they're they're
• At the beginning of January, a seizure left me in a coma and forced me to miss a month of work.
• me to miss a month in a coma and forced me to miss a month of<01:19:59.040> work.

Bills: HF2400, HF1724, HF3437, HF4333, HF2874, HF4052

Keywords: real estate, appraisers, disciplinary actions, sanction matrix, Minnesota Statutes, direct primary care, healthcare agreements, medical services, patient care, health insurance, mortgage fees, residential loans, commercial loans, finance regulations, investment properties, insurance, supplemental health insurance, short-term care, home health care, nursing care

Transcript Highlights:

• Guard members as they advance their education goals as well as we continue to professionalize our force
• Guard members as they advance their education goals, as well as we continue to professionalize our force
• And so they have to professionalize our force. I'm here to professionalize our force.
• Hawaii Self-Advocacy Advisory Council, in support. Mr.
• Hawaii Self-Advocacy Advisory Council, in support. Mr.

Bills: HB1751, HB1752, HB1531, HB1577

Keywords: Hawaii National Guard, tuition assistance, graduate degrees, education, military personnel, funding, school districts, state budget, performance metrics, emergency announcements, American Sign Language, accessibility, public safety, broadcast media, Smart911, 911, 911 Board, emergency response, public safety answering point, PSAP

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety held its first hearing and began with House Bill 1531, which would require the governor or county mayor to provide an ASL interpreter during official emergency announcements broadcast on television or the internet, ensure the interpreter is visible, and require news outlets to show the interpreter in a picture-in-picture window. Testimony was strongly supportive from disability advocates, who said live captions can be inaccurate and that ASL access is critical during emergencies, but broadcasters raised practical concerns that the bill as drafted could require extra camera crews and reduce coverage. Members discussed possible alternatives such as government-provided pool feeds and interpreter placement, and the chair recommended deferring decision-making on the bill to the following Wednesday to allow time for amendment language. The committee then heard House Bill 1751, which would expand the Hawaii National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program to include graduate degrees at the University of Hawaii for qualified enlisted personnel. The Hawaii Army National Guard, the Department of Defense, and University of Hawaii representatives supported the measure as a recruiting, retention, and professionalization tool. A member asked about funding, and the response was that the program is funded through a state appropriation currently set at $250,000 and was described as sufficient at present. The bill drew no opposition in the hearing. Next, House Bill 1752 was taken up. This measure would remove the Adjutant General as a nonvoting ex officio member of the HAIMA advisory committee and add the HAIMA administrator as a nonvoting ex officio member of the MSAC. The Department of Defense and Department of Health supported the bill, with the Department of Health asking that it be aligned with other EMS modernization provisions in the governor’s package so the related measures remain consistent. No objections were raised. The committee also heard House Bill 1577 on 911 services, which would require the 911 Board to establish a statewide emergency safety profile system for residents to voluntarily store emergency-relevant personal information. The Department of Health, disability advocates, the 911 Board, and others supported the concept, saying it could improve emergency response for people with disabilities, kūpuna, families, and others with functional needs. Testimony also raised concerns about funding, system integration, confidentiality, advanced directives, and liability protections if information does not reach responders in time. Members discussed statewide coordination and existing county systems, and the hearing continued with those issues unresolved.

Transcript Highlights:

• Have you ever been forced to have sexual intercourse when you did not want to?
• > have<02:30:31.760> sexual ever been forced to have sexual ever been forced to have sexual
• They opted their children out and they were still forced to take it.
• Um, we thought that the advisory committee should be involved in those things.
• <02:52:23.920> should<02:52:24.160> be uh um advisory committee should be uh um advisory

Keywords: 1191, senate, all