Transcript Highlights:

• The first panel will focus on teen dating violence and issues surrounding it.
• I wasn't allowed to date, and we didn't talk about dating.
• According to the CDC, 2020 teen dating violence fact sheet, of teens who are dating in the last year,
• 12 to 18 in the context of a past or present dating or consensual relationship.
• So we all know dorm love is a little bit different than high school dating.

Summary: The committee met to discuss domestic violence with a focus on teen dating violence, healthy relationships, and the impact of technology on abuse. Chair Blanca Rubio opened by describing the urgency of the issue, including a recent teen murder in her district tied to domestic violence, and emphasized that restraining orders alone do not prevent abuse. The first panel featured Janica Morin Pasquale and Taylor Stone Mill, who described warning signs in teens such as constant monitoring through phones and social media, isolation from friends, jealousy normalized by online content, and control through gifts, food delivery, and access to passwords or tracking apps. They stressed that many teens do not tell parents, that parents often miss the signs, and that prevention should begin early and be reinforced in schools, homes, and youth activities. They also cited resources such as Love Is Respect, One Love, and Take It Down, and urged consistent funding and implementation of the California Healthy Youth Act rather than one-time lessons. The second panel shifted to the effects of domestic violence on children and the systems that respond to them. Joyce Blue of the Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center described the center’s wraparound services, including forensic interviews, legal help, housing support, child therapy, and high-risk response, and highlighted the prevalence and danger of strangulation, including cases with no visible injury. She explained that domestic violence is about power and control, that children often normalize abuse, and that safety planning must accompany restraining orders. Susie Flores of Inner Circle Children’s Advocacy Center explained the multidisciplinary forensic interview model used for child abuse cases, gave examples of severe abuse involving children exposed to domestic violence, and noted that many centers are overwhelmed by caseloads. She stressed the need for immediate trauma-informed services and more front-end intervention rather than waiting until long-term harm develops. Dr. Pamela Tate of Black Women Revolt Against Domestic Violence and other members discussed the need to support not only victims but also the systems and educators who are expected to respond. Several members shared personal experiences with domestic violence, sexual assault, and family trauma, and raised concerns about school implementation, immigrant families’ fear of reporting, and the need to address abusers’ behavior and trauma as well. The discussion also touched on statute of limitations issues, with panelists saying memory and trauma can delay disclosure for years and that rigid deadlines can prevent justice. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational and ended with members expressing support for continued collaboration, prevention funding, and stronger implementation of existing law.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today's date is the 13th of January.
• New Year to everyone in the audience New Year to everyone in the audience today's<00:09:57.519> date
• the<00:09:58.240> 13th<00:09:58.640> of<00:09:58.800> January today's date
• is the 13th of January today's date is the 13th of January uh<00:10:00.519> we<00:10:00.640><
• We also recognize that coaching in content areas is another very highly effective strategy.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Education held an informational/budget briefing with presentations from the State Library System, the School Facilities Authority, and the Department of Education. The chair opened the meeting by outlining the order of presentations and noting that members would hold questions until after all three agencies had testified. The discussion focused on each agency’s priorities for the upcoming biennium and their budget requests. State Librarian Stacy Aldridge described library usage and services, emphasizing strong demand for physical and digital materials, internet and Wi-Fi access, programs, Kanopy streaming, and PressReader. She highlighted digital literacy classes, RFID self-check and smart shelving improvements, and the role of libraries as community hubs. The library’s budget request included an additional $1.2 million for security guards, $48.484 million for FY 26-27 to support popup libraries during temporary closures and other needs, $500,000 for repair and maintenance, $2 million for Kap planning and design, and $25 million each year for lump-sum capital funding. Mallerie Fujitani said the lump-sum funding is needed to keep roughly 50 projects moving and to avoid delays in construction. School Facilities Authority Executive Director Ricky Fujitani explained the agency’s startup history and its programs for preschools, Central Maui schools, and workforce housing. He said the authority is using standardized, prefabricated, programmatic approaches to speed delivery and improve maintainability, citing prior preschool renovations as a successful model. He reported that of $389 million appropriated, $106 million was released, with $81 million for preschools, $20 million for Central Maui schools, and $5 million for workforce housing; he also noted the workforce housing program was reduced after Maui fire-related reallocations. He said the pilot workforce housing site at Mililani High School has been awarded and pointed to University of Hawaiʻi student housing projects as a model. Superintendent Hayashi then began the Department of Education presentation, introducing DOE leadership and outlining the department’s mission to support academic achievement, character development, and student well-being. He noted the department serves more than 152,000 students in 258 public schools and employs over 42,000 people, with nearly 54% of students facing significant challenges. He framed the budget request around the department’s strategic plan to prepare graduates for college, careers, or military service. The transcript ends during the DOE presentation, before any committee votes or formal actions are taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Even though we did not evaluate the effectiveness of the training topics or whether the time allotted
• I mean, to basically audit, you know, how effective they've been.
• We didn't look at it because it was during the field work and it hadn't gone into effect yet.
• And effectively connect Washingtonians to technology?
• For all new contracts effective July 1 this year. That is on track.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee subcommittee heard three State Auditor’s Office performance audits: implementation of the Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act, Washington’s digital equity planning, and the Department of Commerce’s Digital Navigator Program. In the law enforcement training audit, the State Auditor found the Criminal Justice Training Commission had developed most required training content but had not developed all required topics, lacked a systematic project management approach, and had weak tools to ensure participation and compliance. Auditors said most officers had not completed the required 40 hours, patrol tactics training was a major bottleneck, and the Commission’s reporting did not clearly show statewide compliance. The Commission said it generally agreed with the recommendations and had begun implementing some changes. Committee members raised concerns about staffing, liability, incentives, and whether the law had enough enforcement “teeth.” In the digital equity audit, auditors said Washington lacked a comprehensive, unified statewide plan, a designated leader, and reliable funding for digital equity efforts. They said existing plans were fragmented, with the NTIA-approved plan the most complete but no longer fully funded after federal changes. The State Auditor recommended the legislature establish oversight authority and require a lead organization to coordinate and evaluate statewide digital equity efforts and develop a unified plan. The Department of Commerce and Office of Equity agreed with the need for clearer leadership and coordination, and a public witness described ongoing coalition and local planning work. Committee members asked about best practices from other states and whether the auditor could provide additional research on coordination models. In the Digital Navigator Program audit, the State Auditor concluded Commerce did not consistently follow core grant-management practices, including competitive award processes, vetting of grantees, clear contracts, performance monitoring, and reimbursement controls. Auditors said Commerce expanded grants without a new competition, lacked adequate documentation and reporting, and paid out millions without sufficient support; they also cited management decisions that overrode staff concerns. Commerce said it had already begun major contract-management reforms, created a new contracts and compliance structure, and was working on risk assessments, documentation standards, and staff training. Members pressed Commerce on accountability, possible recoupment of improper payments, ethics issues, and whether the agency had clear performance metrics for the program. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended after public testimony and committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Effectively, I've already voted for it.
• Effectively, I've already voted for it. Effectively, I've already voted for it.
• dated February 27th, 2026. dated February 27th, 2026.
• President, dated February 27th, 2026. President, dated February 27th, 2026.
• . date. date.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill contains bills that were heard in this... ...committee on a previous date. Mr.
• This is designed to ensure that the market is able to launch effectively and have the kind of testing
• There were no side effects, just the calming of the storm in his brain.
• They must be able to operate in an efficient and cost-effective way.
• CBD has been shown to be very effective and safe at high doses.

Bills: HF1545, HF2426, HF1615, HF2403

Keywords: medical cannabis, cultivation, cannabinoid products, plant canopy, Minnesota statutes, cannabis, hemp, lower-potency, edibles, regulations, licensing, local control, consumer safety, age restrictions, commerce policy, financial institutions, insurance regulation, limited long-term care insurance, Medicare supplement, health insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1546 amends current law to extend the effective date for requiring a level two background screening
• SB 1546 extends the effective date for requiring a level two background screening for athletic coaches
• This bill, if not passed, will have an adverse effect on poor communities.
• Are there any questions on the amendment with the date change?
• This amendment changes the effective date to when this bill becomes law.

Summary: The committee considered a long agenda of bills, with most measures reported favorably after brief sponsor presentations, amendments, and roll calls. Early bills included SB 658 on lien waivers/releases, SB 736 on Brownfields redevelopment, SB 1002 on utility service restrictions, SB 1132 on right-to-repair for certain equipment, and SB 1378 on restitution for leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage. Each was amended or discussed as needed and then approved by the committee. The committee also advanced SB 768 on foreign control interests in health care licensing, SB 772 on school diabetes management and access to glucagon, SB 1400 on removal of altered sexual depictions posted without consent, SB 1696 on prearranged transportation services, and SB 1374 on school district reporting requirements for educator arrests and misconduct. Several bills drew notable public testimony and debate. SB 1132 prompted strong support from the sponsor and agriculture interests, but opposition from equipment dealers, technology groups, and wireless industry representatives who argued the market already provides repair options and that the bill could harm dealer networks and security. SB 1730, the Live Local/affordable housing bill, received extensive discussion about parking reductions, height and density preemption, attorney’s fees, local government authority, and impacts on Monroe County and other areas; the committee adopted an amendment and reported the bill favorably despite concerns from some members and advocates about parking, due process, and local control. SB 606 on public lodging and food service establishments also generated significant debate, with opponents warning it could displace long-term guests and vulnerable families, while the sponsor said it clarifies transient occupancy and removes ambiguity in the removal process; the bill passed after the committee rejected a related amendment. Other measures advanced with less controversy. SB 576 updated service-of-process rules, and SB 1164 authorized email delivery of landlord-tenant notices if the parties agree in writing, though tenant advocates urged clearer safeguards and the sponsor said he was not yet committed to the House version. SB 940 prohibited the resale of restaurant reservations without consent and was supported by restaurant interests. SB 1690, allowing infant safety devices or “baby boxes” as a legal surrender option, drew emotional support from several witnesses who said it would provide anonymous, life-saving alternatives for mothers in crisis; the committee continued discussion into the latter part of the meeting. Throughout, the committee adopted several amendments, heard both support and opposition from industry, advocacy, and local-government witnesses, and reported the discussed bills favorably by recorded vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Arlington Pond has had an issue with cyanobacteria, so we would, it would delay this transferring over
• Delay this transferring over to Arlington Pond because of the bacteria issue.
• That's effectively, I guess, the spoiler for your bill.
• <00:43:01.599> once the bill I guess that's effectively once the bill I guess that's effectively
• <01:55:42.960> certain shall be non-aps until a date certain shall be non-aps until a date

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Also investments and cost-effective as effective strategies to reduce preventable emergency department
• >> Sorry for the delay or ques. You're all good. It's a great question.
• policy areas with that affect the grant funds moving forward or are we static as of the application date
• primary preventive care, advancing access, especially care through technology investments and cost effective
• States had time to implement that for policy was enacted prior to the date of application. >> One more

Transcript Highlights:

• That went into effect on July 1st. Is that been of any benefit?
• That went into effect on July 1st. Is that been of any benefit?
• That went into effect on July 1st. Is that been of any benefit?
• That went into effect is reimbursible.
• We which has been in effect for a while.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs held an informational briefing on violent crime clearance rates and what resources law enforcement and prosecutors need to improve them. Chair and members noted there would be no public testimony. The briefing was led by Marshall Clement of the Council of State Governments’ Justice Center, with later participation expected from state and county law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies. Clement argued that solving violent crime is a systemwide issue, not just a local police function, and said clearance rates have declined nationally over decades for homicide, rape, aggravated assault, and robbery. He said Hawaii’s reported data, limited to Oʻahu and Kauaʻi, shows overall violent crime rates are lower than the national average and have been relatively flat with a pandemic-era spike followed by declines in 2023 and 2024. He reported that Hawaii’s overall violent crime solve rate fell from about 52% in 2014 to about 40% in 2024, with 2024 rates of 50% for homicides, 48% for aggravated assaults, and 26% each for rapes and robberies. He also estimated unsolved cases over the past three years at about 17 homicides, 3,300 aggravated assaults, 1,200 rapes, and 1,700 robberies. Members asked about victim and witness support, staffing shortages, the Denver example, whether clearance rates include cases not prosecuted, and whether HPD’s size or structure might affect solve rates. Clement said support can include victim-witness programs and coordinators that help maintain cooperation and trust, especially where clearance rates are low. He said resources, training, technology, and detective caseloads matter, citing Boston, Denver, and Omaha as cities that improved solve rates through relatively low-cost operational changes; he highlighted Denver’s increase in non-fatal shooting clearance from 39% to 65% in seven months after dedicating more resources. He said he had no research showing that breaking up a large department would improve solve rates, and noted that clearance data can include exceptional clearances such as victim noncooperation, prosecutorial declination, or a suspect’s death. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Veterans Affairs to better assist our veterans with connecting with other state benefits more effectively
• Stable Housing Initiative to identify those veterans not eligible for federal benefits and more effectively
• <00:04:38.919> connect benefits and more effectively connect benefits and more effectively
• <01:02:43.240> of<01:02:43.400> birth pharmacy patient name date of birth pharmacy
• patient name date of birth certain<01:02:44.160> things<01:02:44.480> like<01:02:44.680

Bills: HF1662, HF2115, HF2159, HF1095, HF2160

Keywords: veterans, veterans affairs, State Soldiers Assistance Program, Veterans Stable Housing Initiative, MAXIS, human services data, data sharing, eligibility verification, informed consent, private data, benefits coordination, veteran housing, veteran assistance, Department of Human Services, Children Youth and Families, state benefits, federal benefits, privacy, public assistance, human services

Transcript Highlights:

• And then finally, the implementation date is January 1st of 2028, which again is part of our vivid and
• Currently, mixed housing and multi-family housing is effectively illegal to build in vast parts of our
• Currently, mixed housing and multi-family housing is effectively illegal to build in vast parts of our
• The evidence for the effectiveness of these policies is quite strong.
• > create Delays and unknown timelines create Delays and unknown timelines create uncertainty,<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Or it's going to be delayed. But I do like the idea.
• Or it's going to be delayed. But I do like the idea.
• The reason for half the amount is because of the effective date, so therefore the first year will only
• this act becomes effective, since no clear effective date is listed.
• These amendments change the relevant dates for the convention and related elections.

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 105, which reinstates a sunset-expired TOPS Tech benefit for eligible veterans. Senator Kathy said the bill would use existing TOPS dollars, not new funding, and would help veterans stay in Louisiana and enter the workforce. After brief questions about eligibility and funding, Representative Marcelle moved the bill favorably, and it was reported favorably without objection. House Resolution 3, by Representative Newell, asked the Louisiana Housing Corporation to study whether vacant state-owned property could be repurposed for housing and rental assistance for cost-burdened state employees. Members discussed the high fiscal note and whether the work could be absorbed in existing budgets. Fiscal staff said LHC had requested a full-time position and four part-time positions for the study, but the committee also talked about narrowing the study’s scope. Representative Marcelle moved the resolution favorably, and it was reported favorably without objection. The committee then debated House Bill 189, which would extend supplemental pay to fire protection officers at the Lakefront Management Authority’s airport fire department. Representative Newell and airport representatives argued the firefighters perform specialized, hazardous ARFF duties and should receive the same supplemental pay as other qualifying public firefighters. Some members questioned whether the airport and its employees qualify under existing law and whether the supplement should be expanded further. After discussion, Representative Marcelle moved the bill favorably, but the motion failed on a roll call vote of 8 yeas to 10 nays. Later, Senate Bill 461, concerning Office of Group Benefits coverage for certain small employee groups, was reported favorably without objection. House Bill 623, creating a three-tier permitting system for vapor products, was amended to clarify direct-to-consumer shipment restrictions and then reported favorably as amended. House Bill 1222, creating a grocery initiative grants and financial support program through LED to address food deserts, drew extended debate over whether it would amount to government-run grocery stores; supporters framed it as an incentive and grant program for private grocers, while critics raised concerns about government involvement. After amendment, it was reported favorably as amended by a vote of 16 yeas to 2 nays. Finally, House Resolution 80, directing a comprehensive fiscal audit related to Board of Regents and university system spending on certain executive budget metrics, was amended into a substitute version. Members debated whether the resolution would require universities to do additional work and whether it belonged in Appropriations at all, especially since the fiscal note had been removed. The discussion also raised concerns about the listed schools and the resolution’s purpose in light of a federal civil rights investigation. The transcript ends while the committee is still discussing the resolution and related procedural motions.

Transcript Highlights:

• back even further to the 1870s dates back even further to the 1870s when<00:16:12.000> farmers
• Chair. real birth date, which means in order real birth date, which means in order for<01:23:47.280><
• <01:31:12.159> of period before it goes into effect of period before it goes into effect of
• that led to yet another delay, testing. that led to yet another delay, testing.
• The delay also had a real emotional cost. This was my childhood home.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , effectively leading to tax savings for employers across Minnesota.
• Experience rates are delayed by design.
• <00:14:21.279> by change experience rates are delayed by change experience rates are delayed
• But what I would note is that that would not have a net effect on the trust fund because it's effectively
• We are a program that has always been transparent and very highly effective.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Every new job has a ripple effect, improving the lives of students, families, and the state.
• Factoring the ripple effect or job multiplier averages five total jobs for each job created.
• This creates a functional delay of seven to nine years from when a student enrolls at TSEC. and when
• Is there any interest in a good faith provision or something to that effect?
• Bill 2314, which will be committee substitute Senate Bill 2314 at a later date. date.

Bills: SB530, SB757, SB769, SB1085, SB1241, SB1242, SB1409, SB1878, SB2138, SB2314, SB2231, SB2361, SB2431, SJR59

Keywords: accreditation, postsecondary education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, baccalaureate degrees, junior colleges, program delivery, faculty recruitment, higher education, performance standards, student loan debt, degree programs, funding, students with disabilities, accessibility, enrollment, report, SB 1085, Sul Ross State University, Rio Grande College, Del Rio

Transcript Highlights:

• I chose not to serve locally because I felt I'd be more effective as a citizen activist, and I have done
• <00:26:11.000> as because I felt I'd be more effective as because I felt I'd be more effective
• Sorry about the delay on the amendment that was just finished about an hour ago.
• about the delay on the amendment<03:38:47.600> that<03:38:47.720> was<03:38:47.920>
• yes the department head may go delayed yes the department head may go before<03:41:47.040> the

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So they can't apply after that date. When that date happens, then we'll have an account.
• So they can't apply after that date. When that date happens, then we'll have an account.
• When that date apply after that date.
• And although 3% is ripple effect.
• So effectively the CCD division 2043. So effectively two<01:59:40.679> buckets.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm very supportive of it and probably will sign off on it, so that's effectively. What it does.
• date to January 1, 2026, to give political subdivisions more time to implement the changes.
• Effectively, these management coordinators can go through different licensing processes.
• So would it be, you know, Director Kidd, your intention to upload that data effectively?
• Red tape causes delays; we know that, as a veteran at the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of the funding for the report on single stairways for apartment buildings through the report's due date
• of the funding for the report on single stairways for apartment buildings through the report's due date
• of the funding for the report on single stairways for apartment buildings through the report's due date
• delays increase and uncertainty<00:52:03.520> Rises<00:52:04.280> that's<00:52:04.599>
• <00:52:37.040> the this now it could lead to delays the this now it could lead to delays the

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a date difference and an effective date. I'm willing to accept the House bill. Right on.
• It's going to have a chilling effect on speech, on advocacy, and civic participation.
• I didn't know that there was a two-year delay in certain situations.
• If detected early, before age five, treatment can be highly effective.
• If detected early, before age five, treatment can be highly effective.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest introductions before moving into a long special-order calendar. The chamber first considered two claims bills: SB 6/HB 6507 for relief of L.E. through the Department of Children and Families, described as compensation for severe injuries after DCF returned the child to unsafe parents, and SB 26/HB 6509 for the estate of Mark Legata, involving catastrophic injuries tied to FDOT negligence. Both bills were substituted with their House companions and passed overwhelmingly. Members then approved several policy bills focused on child welfare, education, and professional regulation. CS/CS/SB 42/HB 47 required child protective investigators to consider certain medical diagnoses before proceeding in abuse cases; CS/SB 206/HB 851 expanded autism-related training and incentives for teacher preparation programs; SB 556/HB 453 allowed Special Olympics participation to satisfy PE requirements for students with disabilities and clarified marching band credit; SB 688 reestablished licensure and regulation for naturopathic doctors; SB 878/HB 1347 addressed clinical laboratory personnel shortages by aligning more closely with federal CLIA standards; and SB 914/HB 867 clarified that licensed occupational therapists may perform dry needling. Each of these measures passed, most by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The chamber also approved bills on court administration, public records, financial disclosure, and child welfare. SB 326/HB 131 modernized rules for curators of estates; SB 758/HB 625 updated the composition of the Justice Administrative Commission, with an amendment broadening the judicial member to a judge or senior judge; SB 830 created a public records exemption for certain local government executives and their families; SB 964/HB 6011 revised how gifts and honoraria are reported and, via amendment, restored a percentage-based reporting option for financial disclosures; and SB 1002 clarified that acute or chronic parental drug abuse can constitute harm or neglect and allow courts to order assessment and services. These bills all passed, with SB 830 drawing the most opposition among them. The most contentious debate centered on CS/CS/CS/SB 354, the Blue Ribbon Projects bill, which would create a framework for very large planned communities with substantial conservation set-asides. Supporters argued it would provide a new growth-management tool and economic opportunity, while opponents warned it was too broad, lacked specificity, weakened local control, and could be exploited by large developers. After extensive debate and an amendment limiting data centers in commercial areas, the bill was temporarily postponed rather than brought to a final vote. The Senate also passed SB 530 on lottery operations, SB 1632/HB 1471 on foreign law and domestic terrorist designations after a lengthy and divisive amendment debate over references to Sharia law, and SB 21/HB 218 on land-use regulations tied to hurricane recovery, which preserves SB 180 restrictions in storm-affected counties while lifting them later for unaffected counties.