Transcript Highlights:

• Um terms of the the different sorts?
• What they're also, if you look at the third box down in terms of the services... terms of the population
• uh, nine terms in Laconia City Council. uh, nine terms in Laconia City Council.
• Um in terms of of that um we either.
• Um shorter is a shorter term lever.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first handled roll call and approved the prior meeting minutes. Members discussed attendance and substitutions, then moved to the DHS commissioner’s update, which focused on New Hampshire’s Medicaid 1115 waiver and the new community re-entry initiative for people leaving correctional facilities. The presenter explained that the waiver lets the state cover certain services not normally covered under Medicaid, including substance use disorder treatment, serious mental illness services, adult dental benefits, and the new community re-entry component. She also noted that a separate youth re-entry component is federally required, with youth defined up to age 21 and foster-care-related coverage extending to age 26. The update described how the adult re-entry program works for incarcerated individuals with behavioral health needs, providing up to 45 days of pre-release services, care coordination with managed care organizations and DOC staff, telemedicine assessments, discharge prescriptions, insurance cards, and connections to community mental health, primary care, and substance use providers. For youth, the program includes more intensive case management, 30 days of pre-release services, and 30 days of post-release care coordination, with a stronger emphasis on screening, diagnosis, and holistic assessment. The presenter said New Hampshire received the adult waiver in July 2024, has implemented the program in state correctional facilities, and is beginning work at the youth center. Members and the presenter discussed why the program is structured as a waiver rather than a standard Medicaid benefit, with the explanation that CMS is allowing this as a newer policy area and that states generally pursue waivers for certain services. The chair and others emphasized the need for real cost and outcome data, and the presenter said an independent evaluator and evaluation plan are required under the 1115 waiver. Early results cited included 30 adults enrolled so far, 10 released, five youth enrolled with one released, and anecdotal early successes such as housing, employment, and better continuity of medication and treatment. The committee did not take any additional votes or formal actions beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• public findings explaining why additional temporary protection is necessary, and any extension is limited
• First, it replaces the term mass shooter with the term violent offender.
• Rather than limiting those actions only to mass casualty shootings.
• First, it replaces the term mass shooter with the term violent offender.
• Thanks. rather than limiting those actions only to mass casualty shootings.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met with several members excused and first took up SB 350, which clarifies public records protections for crime victims and extends temporary confidentiality to law enforcement officers involved in use-of-force incidents for 72 hours, with a possible written extension up to 60 days. Senator Graal said the bill was intended to align with the Florida Constitution’s victim definition and to address privacy concerns without allowing indefinite withholding. Testimony from Marsy’s Law and the Florida PBA supported the measure, though there were questions about the 60-day period. The committee reported SB 350 favorably. The committee then considered two domestic violence-related bills by Senator Berman. CS/SB 296, after a delete-all amendment, directs a study of a secure web-based alert platform that would give domestic violence victims a unique phone number and code-based emergency alert system, and it expands Florida’s address confidentiality program to dating violence victims. Several speakers, including survivors and advocates, described the need for safer ways to seek help without alerting abusers. The bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 298 similarly expanded confidentiality protections for the Haven Coordinating Council records to cover dating violence victims, and it was also reported favorably. Later, the committee heard SB 398, which updates Florida statutes by replacing the term “child pornography” with “child sexual abuse material,” including conforming changes to the offense severity ranking chart. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 156, the Jason Raynor Act, which changes resisting-an-officer language, removes references to lawful or unlawful duty in favor of “any duties,” and adds manslaughter of a law enforcement officer to offenses requiring a life sentence. Law enforcement groups supported the bill, while the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers raised concerns about removing judicial discretion and eliminating a statutory protection against force when an officer knows an arrest is unlawful. Despite those objections, the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee approved SB 168 on public nuisances, which expands nuisance law to include gambling houses, increases penalties, allows attorney fees, and authorizes foreclosure for unpaid fees, and CS/SB 54, which after amendment focuses on medical examiner procedures and reporting related to violent offenders and toxicology/psychotropic drug review. Both bills were reported favorably. The meeting ended after members recorded additional affirmative votes and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Before the program, there were just a very limited number of those vehicles on the used market.
• There are other changes to the Medi-Cal program, such as the asset limit test—we removed that—and so
• There are different income limits for some populations.
• So we're talking about people with incredibly, incredibly limited incomes? Correct.
• And again, I appreciate the work happening here today to stabilize us in the short term.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee held an informational hearing on SB 100/AB 100, the early action budget bills, with a focus on Medi-Cal funding, wildfire recovery, and several smaller budget adjustments. The Department of Finance explained that the bill would add $2.8 billion General Fund and $8.3 billion federal funds for Medi-Cal, along with other items including wildfire-related local assistance for Los Angeles County, property tax backfills for fire-damaged local agencies, Cal OES wildfire monitoring authority, nonprofit security grants, the Property Tax Postponement Fund, FARMER and Clean Cars for All funding, foster family home insurance claims, Proposition 98 technical assistance for LA wildfire-impacted schools, teacher credentialing authority, and Proposition 4 climate bond appropriations for wildfire and forest resilience projects. Much of the member discussion centered on rising Medi-Cal costs, the recent $3.4 billion cash-flow loan, and whether the new appropriation would cover payments through June. Finance said the new funds were for program costs and cash flow, not repayment of the loan, and that no additional loan authority remained. Members also debated the causes of higher Medi-Cal spending, including expanded eligibility, higher enrollment, pharmacy costs, and federal policy changes. The LAO noted that forecasting errors are not unusual but that current revisions are somewhat higher than typical, though not unprecedented. Several members emphasized that Medi-Cal supports access to care and hospital stability, while others raised concerns about sustainability and future federal cuts. Public commenters largely supported the bill, especially the Medi-Cal funding and wildfire-related provisions. Health and labor advocates argued that the program is functioning as intended by covering more low-income Californians and preventing uncompensated care. Representatives of special districts and the Altadena Library District supported the property tax backfill provisions tied to the Eaton fire. The hearing ended without a vote, with the chair noting that the committee would adjourn for floor session and that the Assembly would vote on one of the early action bills later that morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that current efforts are incredibly limited.
• I think that current efforts are incredibly limited.
• I think that current efforts are incredibly limited.
• That will be world-class in terms of future research.
• That will be world-class in terms of future research.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• terms of the RPS might be also related terms of the RPS might be also related to<00:26:31.799> the
• up front are we going to start to limit up front are we going to start to limit ourselves<01:20:
• Um, are you thinking about using the energy and moving that energy to other islands long term?
• that energy to other Islands long term that energy to other Islands long term there's<01:22:07.960
• Um, so if it's possible, then why limit it in this bill?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee met on March 19, 2025, and first heard SB 137 SD2 HD1 relating to electric utilities. The Division of Consumer Advocacy and the Public Utilities Commission said they stood on their written comments, IBEW Local 1260 supported the bill, and Ulupono Initiative also supported it. Hawaiian Electric supported the intent but asked for an amendment, saying the bill’s definition of “acquiring entity” was too broad and could unintentionally cover purely local utility transactions. A later witness from Life of the Land supported the bill only if the merger/acquisition language were removed, arguing the PUC would not have a workable mechanism to let a cooperative intervene in a utility sale process. Committee members questioned whether the bill could still work without that section, and Ulupono said it was open to clarifying language but did not seek to remove the provision; the discussion ended without a vote in the excerpt provided. The committee then took up SB 1220 SD2 relating to a renewable gas tariff. The Division of Consumer Advocacy and the PUC again stood on written comments. HGas strongly supported the measure, saying it would create a faster, more cost-effective path for a voluntary renewable gas tariff without requiring a full rate case, while preserving PUC oversight and consumer protections. The Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas also supported the bill, emphasizing that it would expand consumer choice and help Hawaii’s clean energy goals while keeping the program voluntary and shielding non-participating customers from costs. Henry Curtis of Life of the Land opposed the bill, arguing that HGas already had an active rate case and could have raised the issue there, and that the proposal did not increase renewable gas supply or speed up acquisition; he called it a gimmick. In response, HGas said the bill was mainly a mechanism to speed filing and that the details would be worked out in a PUC docket. Committee members pressed HGas on whether the measure would actually add renewable gas, what source would be used, and whether customers would simply be paying more for the same gas; HGas said it had two projects in development, including banagrass and hydrogen-related work, and that the tariff would be a voluntary opt-in rate for customers seeking renewable natural gas to meet sustainability goals. No vote was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so as a contract, no state can unilaterally. act in conflict with the terms of that compact.
• Too often we see nutritional deficiencies in those who are food insecure. and have limited access to
• To be able to do that and see success long term.
• The term processed food is, it's not very widely defined.
• determining an in lieu of service, in terms of we have to get approval from the federal government.

Bills: HB26, HB140, HB141, HB142, HB215, HB26, HB140, HB141, HB142, HB215

Keywords: Medicaid, nutrition support, maternal health, chronic conditions, pilot program, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child protective services, child abuse investigations, child neglect, child exploitation, advisory committee, Family and Protective Services Council, council abolition, foster care, due process, investigative procedures, child welfare, parental rights, family preservation services

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that the agency has already taken steps in terms of the caps that are allowable and how we're
• As far as what that plan the income limitation looks like. So that's one side of it.
• In addition, this bill defines a key terms utilizing compliance with the FBI's instruction.
• However, the term territories has inadvertently created a loophole.
• The terms are simply defined in the bill.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The study will also estimate the number of patients who will require long-term long-term care and estimate
• These are a short-term stay. This is a Band-Aid. This is, did I get you quite?
• We gave every state hospital an employee to look at those longer term people.
• We are talking small farms, and this is also the upper limit.
• In terms of cost, we would have to I'll ask the resource witness. Okay.

Bills: SB500, SB719, SB912, SB1232, SB1467, SB1777, SB1864, SB2023, SB2119, SB2458

Keywords: SB 500, Texas adoption law, Family Code, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child-placing agency, prospective adoptive parents, adoption records, confidential information, nondisclosure agreement, child history report, health history, social history, educational history, genetic history, termination of parental rights, permanency plan, single source continuum contractor, privacy, redaction

Transcript Highlights:

• We're a small agency but in terms of our services we have a large impact on those.
• Third term, Governor Perry appointed me and Governor Abbott has reappointed me twice.
• Her term expired on February 1st, and she kind of all in total chaired Belemowitz.
• As far as I know, what's been reported is accurate in terms of the number of years.
• So we're a limit. We're hopefully.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:07.440> of we will see a cost to that in terms of we will see a cost to that in terms
• <00:13:11.959> of the red is the highest line in terms of the red is the highest line in terms
• said we may experience short-term said we may experience short-term blackouts<00:37:07.560> this
• <01:15:01.440> what rules that strictly limit what rules that strictly limit what Commissioners
• telecommunications utility long-term telecommunications utility long-term planning<01:18:29.239>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• COVERAGE FOR LONG-TERM ELECTROCARDIOGRAMS. NO FEDERAL AUTHORITY CHANGES ARE NEEDED.
• THEY ARE NOT WAITING ON ANYTHING IN TERMS OF DATA. THEY RECENTLY PUT OUT A PROCUREMENT.
• WE ARE STILL UNDER OUR UPPER PAYMENT LIMIT THAT IS NOT AN ISSUE OR CONCERN.
• AGAIN, LET'S FOCUS OUR LIMITED RESOURCES WHERE THEY CAN DO THE MOST GOOD. SO WE ARE DOING THAT.
• ALSO IN TERMS OF CHILD WELFARE I'VE BEEN INVESTIGATING CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT IN THE STATE.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:00.919> bride language um ch changes the terms bride language um ch changes the terms
• look at what this middle ground in terms look at what this middle ground in terms of<00:19:31.200
• <00:25:03.679> or ordinance or your height limitation or ordinance or your height limitation
• I'm sorry we're going to have it limited I'm sorry we're going to have it limited to<01:23:22.639>
• abortion does it Trump laws that limit abortion does it Trump laws that limit chemical<01:24:11.960

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But we don't have any limitations on what they're spending, right?
• Don't have any limitations on what they're spending, right?
• If you have a long-term commercial lease, I get that.
• You limit the amount of assessment increase to 15% every session.
• If you limit it to 15% over two years, you'll have my vote.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• no long-term no long-term impact<04:32:54.119> um<04:32:55.119> in<04:32:55.279>
• We have terms, for example, "scan" is undefined.
• The use of the term "government documents" is overly broad.
• We have terms, for example, "scan" is undefined.
• from f for future Generations limiting from f for future Generations limiting officers<05:15:32.440

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, very important: it is the practice of this committee to limit testimony to two minutes per person
• So really it's out of respect for everybody that we have to limit testimony.
• With all that is going on in terms of our I again appreciate the opportunity to testify virtually.
• And, you know, I've heard that the term redskin isn't as bad as the N-word, and sure.
• It sets a ban on telephones and is based on a basic limit on screen time.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee opened a public hearing on 41 bills related to school climate and safety, with chairs Jason Lewis and Ken Gordon outlining procedures and noting more than 125 witnesses. The first major topic was the “Study Act” on cell phones in schools and related social media restrictions (House 666/Senate 335). Secretary of Education Pat Tutwiler and Attorney General Andrea Campbell testified in strong support, arguing that bell-to-bell phone-free policies would improve student focus, reduce anxiety and distraction, and support mental health. Several legislators also supported the approach, though Representative Jeff Turco and Senator John Keenan emphasized narrower bills focused only on school-day phone restrictions rather than broader social media regulation. Senator John Velis likewise backed a comprehensive school-hours restriction, citing student distraction and mental health concerns. Representative Tarsky described successful implementation of a Yondr pouch system in a school where he served as principal, saying it improved engagement and reduced bullying and discipline issues. The committee then heard testimony on a bill to prohibit Native American mascots in public schools (Senate 312/House 575). Senator Joe Comerford, Brittany Wally, and Rhonda Anderson all urged passage, saying Native mascots are dehumanizing, harmful to Native youth, and inconsistent with civil rights and educational values. They described support from tribal nations and noted that many Massachusetts schools have already changed mascots, but some still resist. The hearing also included testimony on school start times (House 647/Senate 360), where middle school students Caroline Duffy and Emery Jarvis described exhaustion and survey data showing widespread sleep deprivation. Former educator Telia Jacobs, former principal Rep. Tarsky, and others argued that later start times would improve health, learning, and student well-being, while acknowledging transportation and scheduling challenges. Zoriana Petrosian, who helped write one of the bills as a student, said the state already has enough research to act now. Additional bills drew testimony on related school issues. Dr. Raul Fernandez supported a bill promoting racially integrated schools (Senate 324), citing a recent advisory council report showing large disparities in segregated schools and urging DESE to develop a statewide integration strategy. On safe firearm storage education (House 548/Senate 397), multiple witnesses from Grassroots for Gun Violence Prevention and school communities supported annual school-based education about secure storage, saying it would help prevent child access to unsecured firearms and build on local resolutions already adopted in some districts. The committee also heard testimony on bills to expand career and academic plans (House 533/Senate 438), with speakers saying more structured planning would help students make informed college and career choices. Later, testimony on child sexual abuse prevention and survivor support bills described the prevalence of abuse, the need for training in schools and youth-serving organizations, and the importance of extending compensation and prevention measures. Throughout the hearing, chairs repeatedly closed bills with no witnesses and moved the agenda forward, but no votes were taken in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's my second term in the House and second term in this committee. Thank you.
• This is my first term.
• <00:10:43.600> in term in the house and second term in term in the house and second term in
• long-term care.
• long-term care.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The new policy allows only new softcover books, limiting access to educational materials.”
• And in terms of the scale... this conversation.
• And in terms of the scale, ...is the construction zones and whatnot. Okay.
• That's simply what you're asking in terms of it. That's one thing you're asking for, right?
• Any surprises in terms of the implementation? Anything surprise you?

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In terms of subsidies for adoptions, I mean subsidies are negotiated individually.
• And then in terms of focusing on families and permanency when children come in.
• And then the third is a little bit of cleanup in terms of expedited licensure.
• of course the barriers that the patients are facing in terms of accessing this medication.
• Many of my patients live in rural areas with limited pharmacy options.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Partner languages use is limited and decreases over time, with the primary goal of enabling students
• Academic proficiency takes five to seven years, so that long-term data shows the long-term effects. of
• Chair, Representative, in terms of the science of reading.
• We have a requirement for, that it meet state law for limited education.
• And I think that's what you're looking for in terms of the subcomponents.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's not a limit for state leases.
• That's not a limit for state leases.
• term of a co-management<00:20:38.159> agreement.
• The recent U-Hiro long-term stewardship.
• <01:45:42.320> of rules are aiming for terms of rules are aiming for terms of um<01:45:45.280

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee took up Senate Bill 3019, which would cap ticket resale prices at face value for events in Hawaii and authorize DCCA to enforce violations. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection opposed the bill and said it preferred a ticket transparency approach focused on upfront disclosure of fees, while supporters argued the measure would curb scalping, bots, and extreme markups. Testimony from the National Independent Venue Association and a concert promoter emphasized that resale does not add inventory and said the bill would protect consumers; committee members questioned DCCA about enforcement and cited examples of very high resale prices for local concerts. No vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair said the measure would be moved along for further consideration. The committee then heard Senate Bill 3311, which would create the Strengthen Hawaii Homes Program within DLNR to fund fire-mitigation grants for residential property owners. DLNR supported the bill, saying the need is immediate and that the program is modeled on successful mainland efforts, though the department said it ultimately belongs under the State Fire Marshal once that office has capacity. DCCA’s Insurance Division submitted written comments only. The measure was received without further action in the excerpt. Senate Bill 2979, authorizing DLNR and community-based organizations to enter community co-management agreements for state lands, drew broad support from OHA, community groups, and several individuals, who said the bill would formalize partnerships, strengthen shared responsibility, and help community stewardship efforts. Testifiers clarified that the bill does not require 65-year agreements and said the term should be left to DLNR’s discretion. The committee then moved on without questions or a vote shown in the excerpt. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2351 on the state park special fund, which would allow DLNR to use fund monies for environmental protection programs. DLNR’s state parks administrator opposed the bill, saying the special fund is already fully committed to urgent maintenance and infrastructure needs across an aging park system, and warned that diverting money would weaken the fund’s ability to support parks. The Tax Foundation also submitted written testimony, and a community witness opposed the measure for similar reasons. The excerpt ends as the committee begins Senate Bill 2918, which would require HCDA to establish a community action center in Chinatown; HCDA’s executive director expressed concern about jurisdiction and said the city and county should continue leading that work.