Transcript Highlights:

• . - Yeah, I do believe it does do a service.
• She's been in the ag industry. Her father was also a farmer prior to her.
• We're asking for all of the ag park leases. There are about 31 of them.
• On Oahu, we have three ag parks, and I would need to go back and do a count.
• On HB 1707, relating to AG and the Local Ag Transportation Cost Reimbursement Program, the Chair's recommendation

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first considered three gubernatorial nominations. GM510, Faith Tui Pulotu to the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board, received strong support from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, though the nominee was not present online. GM614, Mark Gordon to the Environmental Advisory Council, also drew unanimous support from state and private testifiers; Gordon described his environmental health and safety background and said he could commit the time needed. GM696, James Falconer to the Advisory Board on Pesticides, was supported by the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau; Falconer discussed his long experience in coffee and sugar, including work responding to coffee leaf rust and the need for timely pesticide tools. All three nominations were recommended for advise and consent and were adopted by four-member votes. The committee then heard several agriculture bills. HB 1603 HD1 would allow the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to extend agricultural park leases without the current county-population restriction; supporters called it an equity measure and asked that it apply to all ag park leases, while the department gave standard testimony. HB 1707 HD1 would create a local agricultural transportation cost reimbursement program; supporters said transportation is a major production cost and suggested amendments to define “necessary supplies” and explicitly include honey. HB 2155 HD1 would establish an agricultural statistics program, with supporters emphasizing the need for better data to guide planning. HB 2594 HD1 would direct a study on insurance coverage for small producers, which supporters linked to recent storm damage and the lack of tailored insurance products. HB 2595 HD1 would create a regional agricultural feasibility and food systems production working group; supporters said it should consider markets as well as crop suitability and regional conditions. Members asked questions about lease competition, transportation reimbursement amounts and anti-double-dipping safeguards, the usefulness of agricultural data, and whether state or federal insurance models could be used as templates. Testifiers generally said the bills would help reduce costs, improve planning, and support small and neighbor-island producers, while noting that implementation details and funding levels would need further work. The committee then voted to pass all five bills with amendments, generally including a deferred effective date of July 1, 2050, and in the case of HB 1707, the committee adopted the suggested amendments to define necessary supplies and add honey to the covered commodities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Age range and gun category we are discussing today. Is that unusual? No.
• We want to have a serious conversation about lowering the age back to 18.
• When you're 18 years of age, you can sign into a contract. You can get married.
• What if those victims were over the age of 25 and unmarried?
• North Shore services a minority community. A low income one.

Transcript Highlights:

• to, recognizing the additional cost of extended services.
• Yes, this is an ag enclave.
• Senators, ag enclaves currently exist in law.
• Senators, ag enclaves currently exist in law.
• His family continues that tradition of service.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions recognizing guests, students, advocates, and a resolution honoring the late USF men’s basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim. Senators also observed moments of silence for victims of recent campus violence and for former FSU President John Thrasher. The chamber then moved to special order bills, with several members explaining measures and, in some cases, substituting House companions before final passage. Among the bills passed were measures updating child care and early learning provider regulation; strengthening penalties and cost recovery for false reporting and swatting; extending protections against extraordinary medical debt collection; expanding hazardous walking condition criteria for schoolchildren; creating young adult housing support for foster and homeless students; and requiring private schools participating in the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program to disclose which accommodations they will provide. The Senate also passed a bill adjusting interest rules for trust accounts funding legal aid, after extended debate over the impact on legal aid funding and banking practices, and a transportation package that was heavily amended to address issues such as school bus camera hearings, beach vehicle use for equipment removal, flooded-street wake restrictions, expectant mother parking permits, micromobility regulation, and traffic signal modernization. The chamber also approved public-records exemptions for Agency for Health Care Administration investigators, Judicial Qualifications Commission employees, and appellate court clerks; a municipal water and sewer rate bill affecting Miami-Dade residents near a plant; motor vehicle offenses involving impersonating law enforcement and obscured license plates; trespass penalties at law-enforcement-controlled locations and large ticketed venues; refund requirements for patient overpayments; stem cell therapy authorization with source and consent limits; and insulin administration authority for direct support professionals and relatives in group homes. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including cardiac emergencies, chemicals and consumer products, and motor vehicle manufacturer/franchise dealer legislation. Most measures passed with strong bipartisan support, though the trust fund interest bill drew notable opposition and passed 28-10, and the Family Empowerment Scholarship bill passed 37-1.

Transcript Highlights:

• and Human Services.
• Uh, the response to the under age 12 and the over age 12 is important because those that are over age
• And be getting the services and the education and those wraparound services that they need.
• care in terms of the services care in terms of the services individuals<00:25:34.760> receive
• <00:30:55.760> Administration Resources and services Administration Resources and services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• an insurer's responsibility to review and audit a third-party administrator, to Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill 1184 by Creighton, relating to the age of wine authorized to be sold by a wine collection
• to a patient of an itemized bill for health care services and supplies, to Health and Human Services
• and Human Services.
• procedural matters related to that age, to Criminal Justice.

Summary: The Senate met briefly to receive first-reading referrals of a large number of bills, resolutions, and joint resolutions. The measures covered a wide range of topics, including public education, health care, criminal justice, business regulation, transportation, water and natural resources, local government, taxation, elections, and public information. Many of the filings were by Senators Hughes, Perry, Alvarado, Creighton, Hancock, Parker, Zaffirini, Blanco, and others, and included proposals on school safety, health records and billing, election procedures, water planning, housing and rent issues, energy and environmental regulation, and criminal penalties. The chamber also read several concurrent and joint resolutions, including measures designating state symbols and local honors, a proposed constitutional amendment related to gaming by the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, a proposal concerning special-session subjects, and resolutions on fiscal restraints and retirement obligations. No debate, testimony, or substantive action on the merits of the measures occurred in this portion of the transcript; the items were simply read and referred to committees. At the close of the proceedings, the Senate adjourned pursuant to a previously adopted motion and announced it would reconvene at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 4.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:25:09.200> they here in in in legislative service, they here in in in legislative service
• Thank you for your time. services to ensure that the drug services to ensure that the drug endangered
• it's whether a child at 14 years of age it's whether a child at 14 years of age or<02:14:41.119>
• So any book at any age.
• can get their own account after the age can get their own account after the age of<02:42:34.640>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• as with reproductive services.
• So doula services are covered. There's increased prenatal services.
• You know, the all services is not.
• And the last thing we want is to have a duplication of services and pay for the same service twice.
• Under the age of 3.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:05:09.280> or could make sense for those aging or could make sense for those aging or
• <01:15:07.840> to need for substance use uh services to need for substance use uh services
• At the same time, as these facilities age, just like the prison facilities age, it does become harder
• facilities age, just like the prison system<01:21:30.880> facilities<01:21:31.440> age,
• appropriate uh and responsive services appropriate uh and responsive services uh<01:32:09.920>

Bills: HF3700, HF3982, HF3927, HF3933, HF3949, HF4238, HF4275, HF4476, HF4504

Keywords: Duluth, Lake Superior Zoo, capital improvements, funding, bonds, appropriations, capital investment, port development, grant caps, state assistance, navigation facilities, Dakota County, state bonds, park improvements, infrastructure, transportation, safety, congestion, water infrastructure, bond issuance

Transcript Highlights:

• I began my ski racing career at the age I began my ski racing career at the age of<00:05:11.400>
• support access to Primary Care Services support access to Primary Care Services especially<01:46
• into our doors so that we have services into our doors so that we have services to<02:14:10.239>
• <02:32:29.880> a Hampshire State Commission on Aging a Hampshire State Commission on Aging
• Services in New Hampshire good afternoon Services in New Hampshire good afternoon Mr<04:07:32.760>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2177, access waivers, American Indian services. HB 2179, air influence services.
• To behavioral health services.
• Carter, age 24; Henry Iker, age 50; Meno Iker, age 25; Paul Eicher, age 19; Simon Gerard, age 23; Kerry
• Smith, age 31; Clarence Nelson, age 76; Lisa Nelson, age 69; Herbie DeFrain, age 30; Finola Joseph,
• age 27; Rodriguez Dore, age 53; and Delilah Coleman, age 5.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• community services block grant. Yeah. community services block grant. Yeah.
• services in our outreach.
• landlords across our service area. landlords across our service area.
• our services. our services.
• These services services for children.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its July 30, 2025 meeting. Members then heard a presentation from Roger McCann of the Department for Community Based Services on Kentucky’s 2026-2027 Community Services Block Grant state plan. He explained that the federally funded grant, now about $12 million annually, is distributed through 23 local community action agencies that use flexible funds for locally identified needs such as housing, nutrition, transportation, Head Start, and domestic violence services. McCann said the plan is submitted every two years and that the agencies served about 264,000 Kentuckians and 130,000 families in 2024. Senator Meredith asked whether there was a central place to review local projects, and McCann said regular reports exist and could be shared with members. The committee then approved the CSBG state plan by roll call vote. After that, members received an update on Kentucky’s state-designated domestic violence shelter programs from Angela Yanelli of ZeroV, Mary Foley of Maryman House Domestic Crisis Center, and Elizabeth Martin of the Center for Women and Families. The presenters described ZeroV’s role as the statewide domestic violence coalition, its 15 member programs across all area development districts, and its contract with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to provide emergency shelter, supportive services, housing assistance, and batterers intervention programming. They emphasized that services are available 24/7 and are trauma-informed, with a strong focus on children and family support. The domestic violence providers reported high demand and rising costs. ZeroV said its network served more than 14,000 adults and children in fiscal year 2025, including nearly 900 children in shelter and more than 500 in outreach, while Maryman House reported operating at 90-92% capacity, with 53 households waiting for emergency shelter and 63 more waiting for intake. Maryman House also described an 8-unit transitional housing complex and plans for a 48-unit apartment complex if tax credit funding is approved. The Center for Women and Families highlighted school-readiness support for children, tutoring, counseling, and family services, including back-to-school supplies and rights information for homeless students. No additional votes or formal actions were taken during the domestic violence presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Subscription services and other features of these predatory mobile sports betting apps are designed to
• Subscription services<00:04:26.760> and<00:04:26.840> other<00:04:27.080> features
• c><00:04:27.520> of<00:04:27.600> these services and other features of these services and
• <00:10:05.360> restrictions getting around those age restrictions getting around those age
• Um and that's extremely of age.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Human Services.
• Um I'm joined here this Services.
• and social services. and social services.
• military service members of all states. military service members of all states.
• There are active service members.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services held an informational briefing on the federal shutdown’s impact on state benefits, with the main focus on SNAP. DHS Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division Administrator Scott Morish explained that SNAP serves about 86,229 households statewide, or 168,947 individuals, and averages roughly $58–60 million in monthly federal benefits. He said USDA directed states to suspend November SNAP benefits effective November 1 if the shutdown continues, while existing October balances on EBT cards remain usable and cash benefits such as TANF, General Assistance, and AABD are not affected. DHS said it has continued processing applications, recertifications, interviews, and required reporting, and has posted public guidance on its website. Morish also reviewed other SNAP-related changes taking effect November 1 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including expanded able-bodied adult work requirements and tighter non-citizen eligibility rules. He said the work requirements now extend from ages 18–54 to 18–64 and apply to additional groups previously exempt, while only lawful permanent residents, COFA residents, and Cuban or Haitian entrants will remain eligible among non-citizens. He also noted Hawaii’s ongoing SNAP benefit reduction tied to a federal calculation error in the thrifty food plan, which has lowered benefits by about $8 per person per month for the past three years. On the state response, DHS said it is working with the Hawaii Food Bank and seeking $2 million in state funding to support it, and is also developing a Hawaii Relief Program using TANF reserve funds. The program is intended as a short-term housing and utility assistance program for families with dependent children under 300% of the federal poverty level, with up to four months of assistance. Senators questioned why rainy day funds were not being used and whether the state could directly fund EBT cards; DHS responded that the TANF approach was the fastest available option, that EBT delivery involves significant technical and administrative mechanics, and that the department is still in discussions with the vendor and other stakeholders about additional options.

Transcript Highlights:

• New Tech Ag.
• But it should be used with ag and how we do new tech ag in order for surveillance, data collection, monitoring
• This is a subcommittee of the Ag Committee. Maybe the full Ag Committee could come.
• This is a subcommittee of the Ag Committee. Maybe the full Ag Committee could come. That's up.
• Maybe the full committee—this is a subcommittee of the Ag Committee—maybe the full Ag Committee could

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from its October 27 meeting and then heard testimony on the economic and regulatory effects of Arkansas’s raw milk law, Act 698. Clinton Ballard of Milk and Honey Hill Farm said the law helped his family farm expand from 8 to 12 cows and from serving about 75 families to about 150, increasing sales by roughly $50,000 and allowing about $10,000 in raw cheese sales through retail outlets. He argued the law supports small-farm income, food security, and local processing, but said state health agencies still do not inspect raw milk producers unless they sell to a commercial buyer, which he said limits access to USDA grants and other opportunities. He and members discussed safety practices, including rapid chilling, sick-animal removal, sanitation, customer education, and whether any optional state certification or inspection program should be created without adding burdensome regulation. Members asked about herd management, bee production, market channels, and whether raw milk producers should receive training or certification. Ballard said his farm uses Jerseys, removes sick cows from production, sells on-farm and through retail locations, and relies on best-practice guidance from groups such as the Weston A. Price Foundation and the Raw Milk Institute. Several members expressed support for consumer choice but also raised concerns about food safety, especially for children and pregnant women, and about possible “mission creep” if the state creates a voluntary inspection or training system. The discussion ended without any vote or formal action on the raw milk issue. The committee then heard a lengthy presentation from Terrence Bolden of TLB Enterprises on hydroponic and container-based farming as a response to food insecurity, food deserts, and workforce needs. Bolden described a three-year career and technical education model using retrofitted shipping containers to grow food year-round with low water and energy use, paired with training in drones, robotics, agribusiness, and entrepreneurship. He said pilot projects are underway or planned with UAPB, the Little Rock School District, and other partners, and projected that five regional hubs could create significant economic impact and multiple jobs per container. Members asked about costs, target communities, school partnerships, food desert locations, and whether the model could include aquaponics or protein production; Bolden said the program is intended as a public-private partnership and that the committee could tour a container site once it is operational. The meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:06:28.720> in Services in Services in support. support. support.
• will ask the office of youth services. will ask the office of youth services.
• <00:07:45.280> servicing<00:07:46.000> homeless shelter service servicing homeless
• the age of unaccompanied minors under the age of 18?
• Services Network in support. Services Network in support.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee opened its Health and Human Services calendar, noted quorum, and first took up HB 194. The chair explained amendments to add an exemption for a person invited by a patient to attend a birth outside an accredited birth facility when no compensation is involved, remove a date reference in section 9, and accept Department of Health amendments. Members raised no objections, and the committee voted to pass HB 194 with amendments. The committee then heard HB 139 on insurance, with the Attorney General flagging possible unlawful delegation issues and suggesting clarifying language, while the Insurance Division stood on written testimony. A number of health organizations and advocates, including HMSA, Hawaii Association of Health Plans, oncology and fertility groups, testified in support. HB 613 on homeless youth drew broad support from state agencies, counties, youth advocates, and community groups; testimony emphasized the need for permanent safe spaces and more attention to unaccompanied minors, with one witness asking for clarity on funding and shelter capacity. HB 71 on a tax credit for family caregivers drew support from AARP, Alzheimer’s and children’s advocates, and several individuals, while the Tax Foundation raised concerns about blank provisions and the cost-effectiveness of administering a small credit. The Department of Taxation said a prior version with a $5,000 nonrefundable credit would have cost the general fund about $397.4 million. HB 716 on health care technology support received strong support from SHPDA, OHIN, and many provider groups, who described it as a one-time investment of roughly $20–25 million to connect rural and neighbor island providers to electronic health records; members questioned how the grant program would be allocated. HB 799 on physician hospital privileges also drew mixed testimony: supporters said it would align Hawaii with updated CMS rules and improve access, especially on Maui, while Maui Health and some members worried it could reduce on-call coverage and hospital safety, leading to discussion of a possible report and sunset date.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:27:04.320> areas we focus on three distinct service areas we focus on three distinct service
• goal is to increase the working age goal is to increase the working age population<00:37:00.960>
• So um they were those working age.
• And then we also age population.
• Uh Scott service that we support.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:58 Putting Young Kentuckians to Work: First Year Update 00:04:06 Kentucky Talent Attraction Initiative 00:21:59 Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership 00:57:15, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the October minutes, and heard first a progress report on the state-funded “Putting Young Kentuckians to Work” initiative. Workforce leaders from Cumberland Workforce Development Board and Kentucky Works said the HB 1 funding has allowed them to contract with all 10 workforce boards and build new pipelines with high schools, area technology centers, school districts, and community and technical colleges. They reported an end-of-year goal of 3,600 job placements, with 218 placements reported as of October 2025 and enrollment numbers continuing to rise. Testimony emphasized that the program is aimed at disconnected youth and high school seniors, that federal WIOA funds are too limited to support this work alone, and that the flexible state funding has enabled short-term training and placements in fields such as welding, CDL, and CNA. Members asked about barriers to implementation, wage levels, and services for students with disabilities; presenters said the main challenge was building school relationships and that wage growth should improve as students gain more skills and credentials. The committee then received an update on the Kentucky Talent Attraction Initiative. Representatives from Greater Louisville Inc. and Commerce Lexington explained that the General Assembly previously provided $250,000 for a consultant to develop a statewide talent attraction and retention strategy, and that more than 13 organizations across the state support the effort. Development Counsellors International described its research process, including statewide stakeholder engagement, and said the goal is to create a Kentucky talent value proposition that combines job opportunities with quality-of-place messaging. They reported that Kentucky faces a shrinking labor force and a projected national worker shortfall, while internal research found 47% of working-age respondents could consider leaving the state within two years because they are not confident in career opportunities. At the same time, they said 96% of surveyed higher education students would stay if offered a full-time job, and 72% of employers expect to expand staffing in the next two years. The presenters said they are moving from research into messaging and an action plan, and that the strategy should be customized and measurable rather than one-size-fits-all.

Transcript Highlights:

• committee on Health and Human Services committee on Health and Human Services to<02:08:43.559>
• <02:13:29.159> and deliver the high quality services and deliver the high quality services
• 14:05.400> be also outpatient services will be also outpatient services will be affected<02:14
• I serve on the commission for aging.
• I serve on the commission for aging.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• OF ADULTHOOD AT AGE 18.
• I HAVE HAD A WIDE RANGING CAREER CARING FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES.
• THERE'S NO AGE RESTRICTION ON IT.
• THE SERVICE OF FULFILLING THE JOB SHOULD NOT BE AN OPTIONAL PAY.
• ALL OF THEM WHO ARE WORKING AGE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Insects are important to me because, even at the young age of 10, I understand that they play a big part
• Why do we not have representation from the Ag? Are they wanting to have this?
• Madam Chair, we do have somebody from the Ag, and if you wanted to come, you can.
• So, they could apply for any of these services that they already provide to the state.
• So does this mean that those reports will be made to the Department of Ag in the future? Mr.

Bills: HM26, HB243, HB109

Keywords: insects, ecosystem, education, public awareness, wildlife conservation, state agency involvement, New Mexico, equine welfare, animal rescue, shelter funding, trust fund, veterinary care, water project fund, water project finance act, New Mexico Finance Authority, water infrastructure, water grants, water loans, regional water planning, water rights adjudication

Transcript Highlights:

• I work with the Department of Rehabilitation Services as a vocational rehabilitation services administrator
• Services.
• I am the division director for developmental disability services at Oklahoma Human Services.
• under the Rehabilitation Services Administration.
• Deborah, there were some changes to the ABLE account, so the age limit, the age of onset of disability

Keywords: 914, all