Video & Transcript Research : 'supportive services'

Page 147 of 500
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:06:01.360> and<00:06:01.600> support model for long-term services and support model
  • mixed support services have shown mixed support services have shown mixed results,<00:06:10.960><
  • and support or long-terms services and support or behavioral<00:06:59.199> health.
  • care services and long-term managed care services and support<00:07:17.199> should<00:07:17.440
  • > support<00:07:19.759> rather<00:07:21.039> uh long-term services and support rather
Keywords: 1189, house, all
Summary: The Committee to Study Long-Term Managed Care met to approve the prior minutes and then focused on its final report. The chair reviewed the committee’s earlier options—maintaining the status quo, adopting DNIP, adopting an HCBS carveout model, or moving fully to managed care for the aging population—and noted that ABD and developmental disabilities had already been excluded from consideration. He proposed a final recommendation that New Hampshire consider adopting DNIP as a voluntary option to better coordinate Medicare and Medicaid for dual eligibles, reduce duplication, and create a possible pathway toward future managed care, while acknowledging that a majority and minority report could be issued if needed. Members generally supported the draft recommendation and asked questions about whether federal budget changes would incentivize states to move in that direction, how the proposal would align with current department efforts, and whether the program would remain voluntary. Director Henry Litman said he did not see a specific federal mandate in OB3, but noted incentives in rural health transformation funding and said the proposal aligned with existing managed care contract direction. He and others emphasized that DNIP should be voluntary and that implementation timing would need to account for federal deadlines and broader changes facing the department. Members also discussed PACE, with one member saying it appeared feasible mainly in more populous areas and expressing neutrality, while another raised concerns about county risk and the need to preserve patient choice and maintain three MCOs. After discussion, members indicated agreement with the majority report approach and no further changes were proposed. The committee then moved to accept the draft language as presented and issue it as its report; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The meeting then adjourned.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • CalVet supports veterans with programs that are there at the moments that matter, from leaving service
  • So when veterans leave service, we support them in particular with our unique California Transition Assistance
  • The county veterans service officers, or CVSOs, support CalVet.
  • We support a legal, well-regulated marketplace.
  • , and services.
Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee 5 on State Administration held an informational hearing on budget issues for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Cannabis Control, the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, and the California Arts Council. The chair noted there would be no votes. CalVet gave an overview of its programs serving veterans and families, including transition assistance, county veterans service officers, education approvals, housing and homelessness programs, home loans, long-term care homes, and state veterans cemeteries. Members asked about future long-term care needs for aging veterans, staffing and recruitment challenges at veterans homes, and the Yountville steam infrastructure replacement project, for which CalVet sought a $38.8 million reappropriation and said federal reimbursement was expected. CalVet also discussed the role of county veterans service officers in helping veterans file claims and avoid predatory unaccredited representatives. The Department of Cannabis Control described its regulatory role from seed to sale and requested one position to implement SB 1064’s combined activities license. Members and public witnesses focused heavily on the illicit cannabis market, enforcement staffing, and the impact of taxes and fees on the legal market. DCC said it had roughly 87 enforcement positions with about a 15% vacancy rate and more than 200 compliance staff. Its economist presented the 2024 cannabis market report, which found licensed production and retail quantity were up, but retail value and prices were down, with an estimated 11.4 million pounds of illicit production and about 60% of California consumption still coming from the illicit market. Industry witnesses argued the legal market is in crisis, urged repeal of the scheduled excise tax increase, stronger enforcement against illicit cannabis and hemp-derived intoxicants, and expanded retail access. The Department of Consumer Affairs briefly presented nine budget proposals, including a $2.6 million ongoing request to maintain a business modernization system for several boards and bureaus. The Commission on the Status of Women and Girls described its work on economic and educational equity, health care, violence prevention, student rights, and archival and outreach projects, and said its budget request would convert limited-term positions to permanent. A member urged the commission to narrow its priorities toward current issues such as affordability, child care, and women’s health. The California Arts Council outlined its role as the state’s only statewide arts funder and requested restoration of $5 million in local assistance; supporters testified that the funding would leverage additional local investment and help sustain arts access, especially in rural communities. The hearing ended after the non-presentation items were noted and no further public comment was offered.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, June 25, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • service and sacrifice. service and sacrifice.
  • It is critical that our service members and their families have the infrastructure and support they need
  • > it<02:20:28.000> supports supports their families and it supports supports their families
  • It'll ensure the Trump administration follows through on its promise to expand services to support a
  • It'll ensure the Trump administration follows through on its promise to expand services to support a
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Jun 1st, 2026

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • services.
  • Several essential services that residents rely upon—veteran services, libraries, health and human services
  • But our services still have to run, and we have had to reduce our services.
  • These services complement county human services and school services and include things like early childhood
  • I cannot support this.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

November 19, 2025 - 04:00 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • CARE SERVICES AND ADULT COMPANION SERVICES AND SELECTED NURSING SERVICES.
  • WE CAN PROVIDE MEDICAL SERVICES, WE CAN PROVIDE LONG-TERM CARE SERVICES ANYWHERE IN THE STATE.
  • SO WE SELECTED SOME SERVICES.
  • , DEEPENED SERVICES INCLUDING MEDICAL SERVICES THE FIRST GROUP.
  • WE'VE BEEN SAYING ABOUT 27 HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES, BUT, I KNOW THAT MANY SUPPORT COORDINATORS
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • with family support. ...the criminal justice system, staying in treatment services longer, or reconnecting
  • services.
  • And so some of the top services that are used are mental health treatment, housing services, and supported
  • services.
  • Yeah, the goal is a year to get folks transitioned, and they're getting all these supported services
Keywords: 1185, senate, all
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Nov 6th, 2025

Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, we have a lot of people that are connected to different services and supports, and it's been taking
  • Support and SNAP support worked really cohesively in that community.
  • Are not in support of this? Well, they haven't said they weren't in support of it.
  • Deferred from formal services.
  • Services. CARE is unique.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • I support this bill.
  • services.
  • Services we know can reach and support people who have resisted engagement in the traditional mental
  • Some opposed... ...walls with peer support and family support.
  • I urge you to support Senate 115 and House 1801 and help mental health services capability that needs
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a lengthy hearing on several juvenile justice and parole-related bills, with much of the testimony focused on H. 2051/S. 1087 to end lifetime parole for juveniles and emerging adults, and H. 1923 to raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction to include 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds. Chairs Brandy Fluker-Reid and Lydia Edwards opened the hearing by noting the large number of bills and witnesses, the need to keep testimony moving, and special procedures for incarcerated witnesses and sensitive testimony. They also acknowledged the historic nature of the hearing being chaired by two Black women attorneys. No votes were taken during the hearing itself. Many incarcerated speakers and advocates supported ending lifetime parole, arguing that young people can change, that lifetime supervision creates constant fear of technical violations, and that it undermines rehabilitation, family stability, employment, and reintegration. Several testified about their own trauma, youth, and growth in prison programs, while others emphasized the costs of decades of supervision and the racial disparities in the system. Support also came from elected officials, UTEC, the Transformational Prison Project, United Way, CPCS’s Youth Advocacy Division, the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, and others, who said juvenile systems are better suited to developmentally appropriate treatment and that the bills would improve public safety and reduce recidivism. There was also opposition, including testimony from family members of a murder victim who argued that lifetime parole should remain for serious violent crimes and that some offenders are not sufficiently rehabilitated. One virtual witness described a family tragedy involving the kidnapping and murder of her infant nephew and warned that ending lifetime parole could remove needed long-term supervision for dangerous offenders. In addition to the juvenile justice bills, the committee heard testimony on H. 1867, a bill related to continuing care for severe mental illness, and H. 2063, which would increase penalties for assaults on correction officers and other prison staff; the correction officers’ union supported H. 2063 and related safety bills. The hearing continued with many more witnesses and bill topics, but no final committee action was announced in the portion provided.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • I am encouraged, supported, and trusted.
  • We talked to program managers over programs that support 14c or who provides supports for individuals
  • But that should probably be when services start that we talk about benefits and how they can be supported
  • That other 60% went into other service areas.
  • their service system.
Keywords: 914, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee Jun 24th, 2026

Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm in support.
  • We're in support of the bill.
  • I'm sorry, in support. Are there any members of the public wishing to offer their support?
  • Chris Grong with Capital IFC on behalf of Republic Services, in support. Fantastic.
  • Service Center, Inc., Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network.
Keywords: 987, senate, all
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • services.
  • If you'll move on to slide 3, H2OC provides a central service. and supports to more than 7.5 million
  • We provide long-term services and supports for senior and people with disabilities.
  • . services.
  • It's modifying special provisions nine system support services to permit additional transfer flexibility
Bills: SB1, SB 1
FL

Florida 2026 4th Special Session

January 28, 2026 - 01:00 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • Have they weighed in in support or not in support of the particular bill based on the way that it affects
  • Have they weighed in in support or not in support of the particular bill based on the way that it affects
  • They are supportive of this.
  • We are in support of this bill.
  • We are in support of this bill.
Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee considered a full agenda of transportation, utility, aviation, and energy bills. HB 4045, amending the Jacksonville Aviation Authority charter, passed without questions or debate. HB 1075, which would require municipal utilities to allow outside property owners to connect when capacity exists and fees are paid, drew testimony from local government and municipal advocates who warned about conflicts with existing agreements, long infrastructure payback periods, and the risk of subsidizing nonresidents; despite concerns from Rep. Smith and others about municipal boundaries and cost, the bill passed, with Smith voting no. HB 519, as amended, authorizes golf cart crossings at signalized intersections on designated golf cart roads; it passed unanimously after lighthearted debate about golf carts and pedestrian crossings. The committee then took up HB 919, which creates a state definition for major commercial service airports and preempts airport naming authority, including renaming Palm Beach International Airport to Donald J. Trump International Airport subject to FAA, county, and trademark-related conditions. Palm Beach County supported the bill and an amendment clarifying implementation and trademark language, while Rep. Eskamani and others raised concerns about preemption and the timing of honoring a sitting president; the bill passed with several no votes, including Eskamani, Skidmore, and the ranking member. HB 1093, the Advanced Air Mobility and Infrastructure Act, would support eVTOL/vertiport development through tax exemptions, infrastructure funding flexibility, and statewide siting standards while preserving local zoning; supporters framed it as an economic-development and workforce bill, while Rep. Cheney raised taxpayer concerns. An amendment narrowing liability protections for vertiports co-located with public airports was adopted, and the bill passed with Cheney voting no. Finally, HB 1461 established a regulatory framework for advanced nuclear reactors, assigning oversight roles to the PSC, DOH, and DEP. Supporters argued the bill would improve energy reliability, affordability, and Florida’s leadership in clean, advanced energy, while an opponent from Deploy US urged strong consumer protections and cautioned against overbroad deregulation. Rep. Eskamani emphasized preserving PSC prudency review for ratepayer protection, and the sponsor said the bill was refined through committee discussion. After an amendment fixing technical issues and clarifying that one section applied to all nuclear, the bill passed favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Education (01/21/2025)

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • With the increasing costs and numbers of services, Medicaid support of our students is needed more than
  • With the increasing costs and numbers of services, Medicaid support of our students is needed more than
  • actually are so they could Services actually are so they could support<00:12:27.959> it<00:12
  • <00:31:12.880> the<00:31:13.039> services build are the services build are the services
  • > Services nutrition services medication Services nutrition services medication monitoring<00:43:33.040
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery

Transcript Highlights:
  • I extend my appreciation for his service.
  • So there needs to be a fee-for-service carve-out.
  • I offer three key points in support of H-224-2-24.
  • It supports organizations like ours looking for ways to introduce It supports organizations like ours
  • ...problems in the mental health system and service delivery systems by integrating behavioral services
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery held a public hearing on 14 bills focused on insurance, parity, opioids, behavioral health access, and mental health system reform. Chair Mindy Domb and Vice Chair Robyn Kennedy outlined hearing procedures and noted the committee would accept written testimony. The hearing featured testimony from legislators, providers, advocates, and behavioral health organizations, with most speakers urging favorable reports on the bills they addressed. A major topic was psychiatric collaborative care, including H. 222/S. 1390, which would raise reimbursement for collaborative care codes to at least Medicare levels and allow billing outside the MassHealth primary care subcapitation model. Supporters said the model improves access, outcomes, and cost savings by embedding behavioral health in primary care, and several witnesses described successful implementation in practices and schools. Committee members asked questions about how the model works, what specialties use it, barriers to adoption, and whether copays, deductibles, and subcapitation rules should be changed. Witnesses also supported related innovation legislation, including H. 2224, which would create a mental health innovation fund and support nontraditional trauma-healing approaches. Other bills discussed included H. 2212, which would require prescribers to discuss opioid and pain-medication risks, alternatives, and addiction/overdose concerns with patients or guardians; H. 2232 and H. 2233, which would address equitable payment and equitable access for behavioral health providers serving MassHealth patients; and S. 1406, which would add opioid maintenance treatment information to MassPAT and allow patient-authorized access to that information. Witnesses also strongly backed S. 1399, which would set targets to increase behavioral health spending within the overall health care cost benchmark, arguing that Massachusetts underinvests in behavioral health and that greater investment could reduce emergency, hospitalization, homelessness, and criminal justice costs. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded after testimony and committee questions.
MA
Transcript Highlights:
  • , particularly on human services and more access and quality around those services.
  • Medicaid plays a critical role in ensuring access to health care, long-term services and supports, and
  • Those HCBS services are optional. Home- and community-based services, waivered services.
  • And if we can now turn to both Carl Richardson and Charlie Carr on the Long-Term Services and Supports
  • And if we can now turn to both Carl Richardson and Charlie Carr on the Long-Term Services and Supports
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities held its quarterly meeting on September 10, with roll call, approval of the June minutes as amended, and welcoming remarks for newly appointed commissioner Rachel Caprilyan and reappointed commissioners. Chair Denise Garlick outlined plans for a statewide community hearing series, beginning with a November 4 hybrid hearing at Needham Town Hall focused on the Boston/Metro West region, and described the creation of a nonvoting advisory council to broaden the commission’s expertise across health care, transportation, housing, education, employment, business, and local disability commissions. Commissioners discussed the nomination process, the need for geographic diversity, and the goal of having the council in place by the December quarterly meeting. The main presentation addressed proposed federal Medicaid and SNAP changes in H.R. 1, with Jennifer Bertrand of the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council warning that the law could cut federal Medicaid spending by $1 trillion over 10 years, impose work requirements, require redeterminations every six months, restrict provider taxes, and reduce SNAP benefits. She said these changes could increase uninsurance, create administrative barriers, and threaten home- and community-based services, with a Massachusetts analysis projecting 141,000 to 203,000 MassHealth members could lose coverage over six months. Commissioners and attendees responded that the changes could harm people with disabilities, caregivers, and provider organizations, increase institutionalization risk, and intensify competition for limited state resources; several emphasized the need for disability groups and broader health care stakeholders to coordinate advocacy. Subcommittee reports highlighted recent and upcoming work. The Disability Employment Subcommittee reported on a June “Strength and Support” event, an August presentation by Run the Gamut, and an upcoming MAPC/Employment First workshop in Worcester, while the Long-Term Services and Supports and Health Equity Subcommittee discussed a presentation from the Lurie Institute for Policy Research on community living dashboards and disparities in Medicaid and LTSS. Commissioners also shared announcements about upcoming events, including the Paul Spooner Generational Leisure Summit, the Disability Policy Consortium’s John Winsky Memorial Award ceremony, the Massachusetts Health Council’s annual celebration, and a September 17 hearing on insurance coverage for hearing aids. The meeting ended with congratulations to commissioner Carl Richardson for an accessibility award and a motion to adjourn, which passed.
NJ

New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

Assembly Appropriations Jun 23rd, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the deputy director of advocacy and peer services with Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey
  • We provide a variety of services, from supported housing, mobile crisis outreach, services on the grounds
  • non-public school security services to be used to support non-public school transportation services.
  • While we strongly support efforts to improve student access to mental health services, we believe this
  • services with no break in service to students for the upcoming school year.
Keywords: 1146, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Public Safety Committee Jul 15th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • That could be better spent on community-responsive services, behavioral health services, peer support
  • Trans Family Support Services works with over 3,500 households in California and across the country,
  • providing supportive services for trans youth and their families.
  • We should be investing in risk-based tools, support services, and survivor-centered practices to help
  • We should be investing in risk-based tools, support services, and survivor-centered practices to help
Summary: The committee heard several public safety measures, with extensive testimony on firearms regulation, disability and sexual assault, mental health diversion, emergency response, and law enforcement masking. SB 704 by Senator Arreguín would require firearm barrels to be purchased through licensed dealers with a background check, as a response to the rise in ghost guns and 3D-printed firearms; supporters said barrels are a key component of untraceable guns, while opponents argued the bill burdens lawful gun owners and does little to stop criminals. SB 258 by Senator Wahab would eliminate the remaining spousal rape exception for victims unable to consent because of disability; supporters called it a needed closure of an archaic loophole, while disability-rights advocates opposed it unless amended, warning it could worsen misunderstandings about capacity to consent and harm disabled people’s autonomy. After debate, SB 258 passed the committee on a due-pass motion to Appropriations, with several members voting aye and the bill held on call. Senator Umberg presented SB 398, which closes a loophole in the law prohibiting paying or offering money or other value to induce someone to vote or register to vote; there was little opposition, and the bill passed on a due-pass motion to Appropriations and was held on call. He also presented SB 27, a CARE Court cleanup measure that would allow certain misdemeanor defendants found incompetent to stand trial to be routed into CARE Court and would expand eligibility to some people with mood disorders with psychotic features. Supporters said it would improve access to treatment and reduce unnecessary incarceration, while county behavioral health directors and disability advocates warned it could blur the line between voluntary civil treatment and coercive criminal proceedings and expand CARE Court beyond its intended scope. SB 27 passed on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 36 from Senator Umberg, a price-gouging measure tied to wildfire-related emergency conditions that also expands search-warrant authority for certain misdemeanor investigations. Public defenders opposed the search-warrant expansion as unnecessary, while a late supporter from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office spoke in favor; the bill was moved on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations and held on call. SB 571 by Senator Arreguín would increase penalties for impersonating emergency personnel and related conduct during disasters; supporters cited post-fire looting and impersonation, while opponents argued longer sentences do not deter crime and that existing law is sufficient. The bill passed on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations and was held on call. Finally, Senator Wiener presented SB 627, which would prohibit law enforcement from wearing extreme masks except in limited circumstances, aimed largely at masked federal immigration enforcement operations. Supporters said masked, unidentified officers create fear and undermine trust, while law enforcement groups argued the bill wrongly sweeps in local officers, is too broad, and should instead target federal agents or impersonators. Testimony was still underway when the transcript ended, and no final committee action on SB 627 is shown here.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, May 14, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • of quality service. And I yield back. of quality service. And I yield back.
  • As we honor and remember service members we've lost, let's continue to support our commitment to law
  • our service to your people. our service to your people.
  • > to rhetorical support, but real support to rhetorical support, but real support to police<03:34
  • Gupta support it. Gupta support it.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

JHA Public Hearing - Fri Mar 14, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST

Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • So I fully support that.
  • So I fully support that.
  • So I fully support that.
  • So I fully support that.
  • fully support that I just don't support fully support that I just don't support striking<00:18:35.240
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee heard several measures, beginning with Senate Bill 869 on community outreach boards. The Office of Information Practices said the bill was now clear and raised no concerns after clarification that it applies to Hawaii County community development action plan committees under the Sunshine Law. Written support was received from several individuals, and one testifier initially opposed the bill but withdrew opposition after hearing OIP’s explanation. No vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard Senate Bill 405 on neighborhood board meetings, which would let boards receive and discuss reports from government officials that were not on a noticed agenda, with final action deferred to a later noticed meeting. OIP said the bill was a policy choice but warned it would give boards more flexibility at the cost of less public notice. Support came from the Wke neighborhood board and Jacob Weinek, while Natalie Iwasa and Greg Mian opposed it, arguing it could lead to unclear agenda items and deeper discussion without adequate public notice. No vote was taken. The committee also heard Senate Bill 903 on a claims review working group in the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands asking for the measure to be deferred because it believed a complete inventory and audit of the public lands trust should come first. Members asked about the status of related House Bill 1358. The committee then heard tax measures: Senate Bill 1469, which would suspend the collection statute of limitations while tax assessments are on appeal, and Senate Bill 1467, which would clarify that county tax appeals do not need to be served on the Director of Taxation. The Tax Department supported both bills, and the Tax Foundation’s witness generally agreed but suggested a possible amendment to SB 1469 regarding insurance premium tax language. The committee then moved to Senate Bill 544 on sentencing of minor defendants, which would require courts to consider youth-related factors and allow departures from mandatory minimums; OHA, the Public Defender, Human Rights for Kids, and others supported it, citing trauma, diminished culpability, and national trends, and no opposition was noted in the excerpt. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 691 on family courts, which would set a minimum age of 12 for adjudication of law violations. The Public Defender and Human Rights for Kids supported the bill, saying very young children should not be treated as law violators and can still receive services through other family court mechanisms. The Attorney General’s office and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office opposed the measure, arguing it could limit court jurisdiction and services for younger children and might have unintended consequences, including recruitment of children into criminal activity. Members asked whether amendments could preserve the bill’s intent while addressing those concerns; no final action is shown in the excerpt.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

HSH Public Hearing - Tue Feb 11, 2025 @ 9:45 AM HST

Human Services & Homelessness

Transcript Highlights:
  • And we have in support the director, Department of Human Services.
  • who provide paid support services or if they have past criminal convictions.
  • supporters who provide um<00:52:08.600> paid<00:52:08.920> supports<00:52:09.800> services
  • support services or have past criminal convictions, including those that were reasons for termination
  • past paid support services or have past paid support services or have past criminal<01:19:11.360
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 963, which would make crimes against elders age 60 and over strict liability offenses by removing the requirement that the perpetrator knew or should have known the victim’s age. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that removing the state-of-mind element would create unfair and subjective results and suggesting sentencing enhancements or broader vulnerability-based language instead. Supporters, including Sandy Wong and another testifier with elder-abuse experience, said the current knowledge requirement creates a loophole that lets offenders avoid the elder enhancement even when they target vulnerable older adults. No vote was taken on the measure in the portion provided. The committee also heard HB 384, which increases penalties for promoting minor-produced sexual images, extends probation terms for felony obscenity offenses, tolls the statute of limitations during a victim’s minority, and requires sex offender registration for certain felony obscenity offenses involving minors. The Public Defender opposed the bill as overly broad and warned of absurd results, while the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney supported it, saying the bill addresses sextortion and other exploitation cases where adults solicit images from minors and that the 3-year age-gap threshold preserves ordinary teen relationships. Committee members questioned whether the bill was aimed at adults only and whether the age-gap carveout was narrow enough; the prosecutor said it was intended to cover adult predators and not consensual peer conduct. No final action was reported. HB 1100, which renames the Neighbor Islands Blind and Visually Impaired Service Pilot Program to use “low vision” instead of “visually impaired,” was supported by the Department of Human Services and disability advocates, who said the current term is derogatory and that the change responds to the blind community. The department said it was beginning work on administrative rules and expected to seek an appropriation, with implementation hoped for in 2026. The committee then heard HB 1283, exempting paternity proceedings from mediation when domestic abuse is alleged; the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and others supported it as consistent with divorce law and important for survivor safety. HB 689, creating safe harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical or law enforcement help, drew support from HPD, Emua Alliance, the Judiciary, and others, who said it would prevent traffickers from using prostitution charges to silence victims. Finally, HB 383, reinstating mandatory minimum jail terms for successive violations of protective orders and removing the court’s ability to suspend those minimums, drew opposition from the Public Defender, who said some repeat violations stem from mental health or substance use issues, and support from the Prosecuting Attorney, who argued the bill treats protective orders like temporary restraining orders and preserves judicial discretion within a misdemeanor framework.