Transcript Highlights:

• There's the federal program, there's state programs, and there were new programs that were delivered
• This is a new program.
• different components of the program.
• different components of the program.
• We are in active conversation with each of those other states that are administering programs, both programs

Keywords: Commission on Unemployment Compensation, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , also known as the EIDBI program.
• Are we able to recover those funds for taxpayers and maybe for program participants who really need them
• Chair and Representative, I think generally increases in participation of programs may be a red flag,
• participants.
• Do they have other programs?

Transcript Highlights:

• Our program manager interviews the child and the family and whether or not they would be able to participate
• c><00:08:10.560> then<00:08:10.720> they participate in the program and then they participate
• treatment program? treatment program?
• Um, currently we have six young people who are participating in our program.
• their psychiatry residency programs. their psychiatry residency programs.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the May 12 minutes, then deferred item 285 on the routine personal service contract green list for Western Kentucky University to the July 2026 meeting. It also noted that several deferred university contracts had been withdrawn by the institutions, and then approved the remaining agenda items without objection, including personal service contracts, amendments, memoranda of agreement, Kentucky Entertainment incentive agreements, deferred items, and corrections, except for items pulled for further review. The main pulled item was a Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts contract supporting Fayette District Court’s juvenile treatment court through Fayette County Public Schools. Court officials explained that the program, created under Supreme Court rules in 2022, serves court-connected juveniles with mental health and related needs, operates at the courthouse, and uses a school-employed program manager funded through a pass-through arrangement with Fayette County Public Schools and the Urban County Government. They said the program has had over 100 referrals, accepted about half, and had at least 25 successful graduates, with 11 high school graduates among participants. Members asked about who pays for drug screens, family involvement, and what counts as successful completion; the officials said the Urban County Government’s Division of Youth Services pays for drug screens and services, and that parents must participate in classes and support services. The committee then approved the contract review, with some members explaining their votes in support and one member emphasizing the committee’s role in reviewing contracts in the public interest. The committee also reviewed two Auditor of Public Accounts contracts. The auditor’s representative said contract 11, with Vantage Point Solutions, will examine the Kentucky Communications Network Authority/Kentucky Wired network for $700,000, well below the $1.5 million appropriated, and that a report is expected before the 2027 regular session. Contract 12 funds a special examination of investment managers used by Kentucky’s retirement systems, prompted by a Legislative Oversight and Investigations request to assess whether investments tied to ESG factors are consistent with fiduciary duties; the representative said the retirement systems have been cooperative and that findings are expected on a similar timeline, with some flexibility built into the deadline. After questions about the Texas litigation referenced in the explanation, the committee approved both auditor contracts without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Athletic programs and art programs are really being hollowed out.
• Athletic programs and art programs are really being hollowed out.
• of programs.
• About 70% of all licensed programs are now participating in child care financial assistance, and the
• We have an amazing program with 19 CTE programs that are state of the art.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing was a Joint Committee on Ways and Means budget session held in Lawrence focused on the governor’s proposed FY27 education and local aid budget, with remarks from legislative co-chairs, local officials, and education agency leaders. Acting Mayor Giovanni Rodriguez and Superintendent Ralph Carrero emphasized Lawrence’s high-need student population, the importance of Chapter 70 and Student Opportunity Act funding, and the impact of state aid on schools serving many English learners and low-income families. Carrero highlighted Lawrence High School programs such as early college, dual degrees, career pathways, and early childhood classrooms embedded in the high school, while lawmakers introduced themselves and noted the importance of the hearing to their districts. Acting Secretary of Education Amy Kershaw, Commissioner of Higher Education Noi Ortega, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Pedro Martinez, and Commissioner of Early Education and Care Amy Kershaw outlined the administration’s FY27 priorities. They described investments in literacy initiatives, universal school meals, student mental health, early college and career pathways, higher education affordability, community college and university student-success supports, preschool expansion, child care subsidies, and workforce supports for early educators. The commissioners also discussed federal funding threats, equity gaps, and the administration’s efforts to improve outcomes for Black and brown students, multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and low-income students. Members questioned the panel about the local contribution formula study, the final year of Student Opportunity Act implementation, and the need to revisit Chapter 70 funding to better address rising costs such as special education, transportation, and health care. Officials said the local contribution study report is expected by the end of June, with a draft to be shared after data analysis and public comment. Commissioner Martinez said the Student Opportunity Act narrowed funding gaps but more work is needed, and he pointed to a proposed Accelerating Achievement Initiative to support the highest-need schools. Senator Oliveira also raised concerns about Chapter 70 disparities and asked about partnerships with libraries to support literacy, prompting discussion of broader early literacy collaboration.

Transcript Highlights:

• an overview of that program.
• We've go through the program.
• So what is the program doing to mitigate?
• the program prior to July.
• So currently there are 138 companies participant participating in the Cat Fund in 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we've expanded our case manager program.
• This program apparently is a self-funded program. They make enough money to fund themselves.
• Anyone who's participating in that program...
• RISE is a program under Courts and Corrections.
• Is it under you, the RISE program? Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would be better spent on homeless programs and underserved communities.
• programs and underserved communities<00:04:17.799> please<00:04:18.199> exercise<00:04
• Expanding to a year-round model would not only allow greater public participation, but it would also
• Expanding to a year-round model would not only allow greater public participation, but it would also
• So we are part of many clinical programs in the law school where we help.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 114, which would create a presidential preference primary for the 2028 election. The Office of Elections said the bill would cost about $4.1 million. Supporters, including the Hawaii Democratic Party and the League of Women Voters, favored moving the process to a state-run primary, while several opponents, including the Hawaiian Islands Republican Women and multiple individual testifiers, argued it would be too expensive, would shift control away from the parties, and would replace volunteer-run caucuses with a mail-in system. Committee members questioned the chief election officer about election timing, certification, and how a primary might be scheduled with other elections. Testimony was recorded as 11 in support, 41 opposed, and 3 comments, and no vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then took up SB 725, which would require judges to make findings about a defendant’s ability to afford bail. Judiciary and Attorney General witnesses asked that the bill be deferred or amended, saying the Judicial Council is already reviewing pretrial bail reform and that the bill’s language could create practical problems for police, sheriffs, and courts. Supporters, including the Correctional System Oversight Commission, the public defender, the Community Alliance on Prisons, the ACLU of Hawaii, and disability rights advocates, said cash bail disproportionately harms low-income defendants, increases pretrial detention costs, and should require clearer findings and records. Opponents included the Hawaii County prosecuting attorney. Members questioned how bail is initially set, what records exist, and whether the bill would change current practice; Judiciary witnesses said initial bail decisions are often made by police or judges and later reviewed on the record, while supporters argued the bill would strengthen front-end due process. The ACLU said it supported the bill with amendments, including clearer standards for ability to pay and written findings. The committee also began hearing SB 733, a proposed constitutional amendment to establish a continuous legislative session. Early testimony was strongly supportive, with advocates arguing that the current 60-day session limits public participation, makes it hard for working people to testify, and prevents lawmakers from collaborating effectively. Supporters said a year-round model could improve transparency, reduce duplicate bills, and better accommodate neighbor island legislators. The excerpt ends during the opening testimony on SB 733, before any committee action or vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• programs across the state.
• It's a fantastic program.
• We've added 17 new programs. These programs are highly competitive.
• Programs.
• Dual credit participation encourages enrollment in post-secondary programs and improves retention, persistence

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the program that you run.
• :11.839> allowing 2480 expands participation by allowing 2480 expands participation by allowing
• > and participation strengthens legitimacy and participation strengthens legitimacy and legitimacy
• And when participation grows.
• <01:48:56.560> grows participation grows, public trust grows participation grows, public trust

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2246, which would expand public financial disclosure requirements. The State Ethics Commission strongly supported the bill, saying broader disclosure could help restore public trust and potentially deter corruption, and it offered a clarifying amendment to make clear the requirement applies to board and commission members rather than all employees of listed agencies. Several organizations and individuals also testified in support. A committee member asked about the amendment, and the commission explained it was intended as a clarification rather than a substantive change. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2250, which would add homeless facilities to the locations covered by the drug-free-zone offense for promoting controlled substances. The Public Defender opposed the measure, arguing that many homeless facilities are unmarked and not easily identifiable, creating notice, fairness, and due process concerns and risking arbitrary enforcement. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying it targets distributors rather than users, that notice can be proven through evidence, and that the law is aimed at protecting vulnerable people in shelters and similar facilities. In questioning, senators asked how homeless facilities would be identified and whether the bill would cover all shelter models; the prosecutor said the definition is cross-referenced in statute and must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii and other groups testified in opposition, while several service and advocacy groups testified in support. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2325, which would allow courts to review and potentially reduce sentences for certain juvenile offenders after 15 years if the person is not a danger to the community. Judiciary staff said the court supports the bill’s intent but noted Hawaii’s indeterminate sentencing structure leaves no alternative sentence for a court to reduce to, suggesting the measure may need structural sentencing changes or could instead be directed to the Hawaii Paroling Authority. Public defender representatives and youth-justice advocates supported the bill, emphasizing rehabilitation, adolescent brain development, trauma, and the need for a meaningful opportunity for release. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• participants.
• And this is improving the OIG's access to program participant records, and enhancing the sanctions MDE
• nutrition program participants. nutrition program participants.
• <01:02:37.200> participant OIG's access to program participant OIG's access to program participant
• Programs.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• well as the other states participating. well as the other states participating.
• participate in. participate in. So,<00:20:38.840> next<00:20:39.240> slide.
• And the ambassador program is something And the ambassador program is something we've,<00:44:16.280><
• , >> plan your project ambassador program, >> plan your project ambassador program, as
• , have participation, have participation, there's<01:35:51.840> some<01:35:52.000> basic

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• As a farmer myself, we got into it with a similar program.
• Obviously, this is an important program.
• operations who have been able to participate in these programs.
• Last year, some researchers from Cal Poly SLO did an independent program evaluation of CDFA's programs
• and found that almost 50% of participants in the Healthy Soils and SWEEP programs have utilized technical

Summary: The Assembly Agriculture Committee met as a subcommittee at first because a quorum was not yet present, then adopted its committee rules for the 2025-2026 legislative session by a 5-0 vote. The committee heard a series of agriculture-related bills, with most measures receiving broad support and moving forward. AB 1142 by Assemblymember Hoover would raise the fee thresholds for small public horse events that are exempt from equine medication monitoring rules; supporters said the current limits are outdated and hurt small riding clubs, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 411 by Assemblymember Papin would allow ranchers to compost livestock carcasses on-farm; supporters cited cost, environmental, and predator-control benefits, while rendering industry representatives asked for amendments to protect existing services and limit the bill’s scope. The bill passed to Natural Resources. AB 482 by Assemblymember Solache would modernize the California Table Grape Commission law and raise assessment caps without increasing assessments themselves; it passed to Appropriations. AB 312 by Vice Chair Alanis would shorten the holding period for ag theft property from six months to three months; it also passed to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 937 and AB 947 by Assemblymember Connolly. AB 937 would make technical changes to the Organic Transition Pilot Program to improve access to organic transition support, with testimony from a farmer who said the program helped him pursue organic certification; the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 947 would expand and refine technical assistance under the Healthy Soils/Climate Smart Agriculture programs, including training, grant writing, matching funds coordination, equipment sharing, and outcome monitoring; supporters said the changes would help small and organic producers access state climate programs, and it also passed to Appropriations. AB 1486, presented by the chair, would use Proposition 4 funding to start grants for public postsecondary agricultural research farms focused on climate resiliency; members praised the role of CSU and UC research farms, and the bill passed to Natural Resources as amended. The most extensive discussion centered on AB 928 by Assemblymember Rogers, the California Cockfighting Cruelty Act. Supporters argued the bill would help law enforcement target cockfighting and rooster trafficking, reduce avian disease risks, and protect public health and animal welfare; opponents, including poultry hobbyists, breeders, and 4-H-related participants, said it would overreach into lawful poultry keeping and harm heritage-breed and youth programs, urging instead that cockfighting penalties be increased to a felony. Committee members echoed concerns about unintended impacts on legitimate poultry owners and requested continued work on exemptions and language. The bill passed to Judiciary on a 5-2-1 vote, with one no vote and one abstention, and the chair noted that further committee review would continue as the bill advances.

Transcript Highlights:

• or non-participation in those programs, whether they completed it or not, whether it's ordered or not
• or non-participation in those programs, whether they completed it or not, whether it's ordered or not
• those programs non-participation in those programs whether<02:29:02.960> they<02:29:03.080>
• right now for an associate degree program as well for the offenders to participate in.
• right now for an associate degree program as well for the offenders to participate in.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety met on January 31, 2025, and first heard House Bill 1062, a housekeeping measure relating to the Hawaii Air National Guard. Testimony in support came from representatives of the Adjutant General and other National Guard witnesses. A member raised a technical question about language allowing the Guard to hold the rank authorized by the Department of the Air Force, and the response was that the bill should not require additional HR language; no vote was taken. The committee then heard House Bill 674, which would authorize allowances for TRICARE dental and vision coverage for Hawaii National Guard personnel ordered to active duty for more than 30 days. The Department of Defense supported the bill through Brigadier General Ross, Director of Joint Staff, and Terry Heiti also testified in support. There were no questions or action taken on the measure. House Bill 652, relating to veterans’ rights and benefits and regulating compensation for advice or assistance on veterans’ benefits, drew the most discussion. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Hawaii supported the bill, arguing it would protect veterans from illegal or exploitative practices and noting its own service to more than 2,000 veterans in fiscal year 2024. Opposition came from the National Association for Veterans Rights and Veteran Benefits Guide, which argued the bill would restrict access to needed services and that some for-profit providers operate legally and should not be barred. Committee members questioned the scope of the bill, accreditation requirements, and whether nonprofit or pro bono services would be affected. A Department of Defense veteran services official said veterans can be vulnerable to exploitation and that some legal fee arrangements can be abusive, while also noting pro bono options exist. The committee did not reach a decision on the bill during the excerpt. The committee also began hearing House Bill 1058, which would create a veteran cemetery board within the Office of Veteran Services to help state veteran cemeteries comply with federal standards. The Office of Veteran Services and Terry Heiti testified in support. Members asked about the board’s membership, timeline, and consultant selection, and were told the working group was still in an organizational stage and no construction timeline had been set. The final measure discussed was House Bill 503, which would appropriate funds for a consultant to evaluate locations and designs for a Hawaii First Responders Memorial. The Department of Accounting and General Services supported the bill, and testimony in support was received from county and city officials, UPW Hawaii, and individuals. Members asked about the working group, timeline, and budget, and were told the project was still in early planning; no final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The CBYX program is a great opportunity for participants to gain a new perspective on global affairs,
• The CBYX program is a great opportunity for participants to gain a new perspective on global affairs,
• program.
• program elderly parole program elderly parole program that<03:48:49.199> grants<03:48:50.319
• participate in the workforce. participate in the workforce.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Creating a Minnesota SNAP program that would be a bridge program to try to catch folks that would be
• Seeing no audience participation, we will move to member discussion and questions.
• to people who aren't participating in our society.
• <00:04:17.840> We<00:04:18.000> need participating in in our society.
• We need participating in in our society.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The dislocated workers program was introduced to us in 2024, The dislocated workers program was introduced
• Rule and Family Lands Protection program. John, you are recognized to Lands Protection program.
• in the program.
• So their land that they're applying for participating in the program must promote and improve wildlife
• We are participating in our Sentinel Landscape program.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a hybrid hearing, which means in-person participation and virtual participation.
• Participation, virtual participation.
• And as this program, Waltham youth hockey program, at one point I had five children in it, although I
• programs struggled.
• other programs struggled.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight held a public hybrid hearing with several late-file bills and a large turnout. The main topics were symbolic designations and local property/lease matters: bills to designate the American lobster as the official crustacean of the Commonwealth, asparagus as the official state vegetable, and a Waltham bill concerning the Veterans Memorial Ice Rink lease and right of first refusal. Senator Howard also testified on a Lowell bill making a limited language change to facilitate redevelopment of the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor (LINK) at UMass Lowell. Testimony on the lobster bill emphasized the industry’s cultural and economic importance to coastal Massachusetts, its sustainability efforts, and its role in working waterfronts and the seafood economy. The asparagus bill drew especially enthusiastic support from Hadley Elementary students, teachers, local farmers, and legislators, who described asparagus as central to western Massachusetts agriculture, identity, and civic education. The Waltham rink bill was presented as necessary to protect a heavily used community and youth hockey facility after major city investment, while committee members noted concerns about privatization and affordability of ice time. The Lowell bill was described as a narrow technical fix to remove a reversionary clause that could impede a major redevelopment project. Committee members generally expressed support or favorable reactions to the proposals, with several lighthearted comments about lobster and asparagus. The hearing concluded after testimony ended, and a motion was made and seconded to close the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• But specifically, Florida law already directs patriotic programs in schools.
• We allow school districts to adopt rules to require programs of patriotic nature to encourage greater
• But specifically, Florida law already directs patriotic programs in schools.
• We allow school districts to adopt rules to require programs of patriotic nature to encourage greater
• It creates the Autism Education Loan Forgiveness Program, and I'm so excited about this.

Summary: The Senate Education Pre-K-12 Committee met with a quorum and took up several bills. SB 420, by Senator Burgess, would require George Washington and Abraham Lincoln portraits to be prominently displayed in social studies classrooms and K-5 classrooms, with the Department of Education selecting the portraits. Supporters framed the bill as a patriotic and educational measure tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary, while senators raised concerns about exclusivity, precedent, local control, and whether the measure could be expanded politically. Burgess said the bill was intended to be nonpartisan, historically rooted, and not to affect curriculum, and he committed to seeking funding so it would not be an unfunded mandate. The committee reported SB 420 favorably. The committee then considered CS for SB 206, by Senator Harrell, which revises teacher preparation and training related to autism spectrum disorder. The strike-all amendment requires teacher preparation programs to include autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities, requires ESE-certified teachers to complete an autism microcredential by August 1, 2027, creates an Autism Education Loan Forgiveness Program, authorizes salary supplements and stipends, and requires district professional development to include autism-specific training with local CARD centers. Senators asked about implementation timelines, grandfathering current teachers, and whether the endorsement requirement should include a grace period; Harrell said she was open to further discussion and wanted to make the bill workable. Public testimony was largely supportive, including from an Orange County Public Schools representative and a parent of a child with autism. The committee adopted the amendments and reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee considered CS for SB 556, by Senator Berman, which allows students with disabilities to satisfy the high school physical education requirement by participating in Special Olympics for one year if included in the student’s IEP. An amendment also clarified that two years of marching band participation satisfies both PE and fine/performing arts credit requirements. Testimony supported the bill as an inclusive option that could reduce administrative burdens and give students more flexibility. The committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also voted to recommend confirmation of appointees in tabs 4 through 7, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Placement Services Program, which is a very helpful program for people that get jobs when they might
• This program we needed to...
• Which is the IPS program.
• No one is forced to participate. No organization is forced to participate.
• People can choose to participate. Businesses can choose to participate. So, inevitably, your...

Transcript Highlights:

• in these important programs.
• IN THESE IMPORTANT PROGRAMS.
• The big one is to cut the Medicaid program, a program which provides health care for 70 million Americans
• SBA Small Business Investment Company program is a multibillion-dollar investment program designed to
• program that was canceled, the X-33 program.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 24, 2025, 1012, house, all