Transcript Highlights:

• asking that these faculty positions be asking that these faculty positions be made<00:27:50.480> permanent
• are requesting few extension positions are requesting few extension positions uh<00:38:57.440>
• Yeah. >> To reiterate, this is an unpaid position on the board. >> Yeah.
• That's a little to hire these positions.
• Uh we will um blank out those positions.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met on February 4 and began with announcements about committee protocol, including posting hearing notices and testimony earlier than required and using written HD1 drafts for more complex amendments. The chair also noted the new AV system and asked speakers to be clear because the microphones are sensitive. The committee then took up several University of Hawaiʻi-related measures, with most testimony coming from UH officials, state agencies, and advocacy groups, and no votes were taken in the portion provided. HB 1596, relating to student basic needs support at the University of Hawaiʻi, drew support from UH, the Oʻahu Youth Action Board, and an individual. UH said it stood on its written testimony and could answer questions. HB 1597, relating to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias research, received support from UH/JABSOM, the Alzheimer’s Association, the Hawaii Medical Association, and others; the Attorney General’s Office offered a procedural reminder about statewide concern. HB 1970, funding the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center and the Hawaii Tumor Registry, was supported by UH, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the Hawaii Medical Association, and others, with testimony emphasizing the registry’s role in cancer surveillance, prevention, and federal funding. The committee also heard HB 1598, creating a Hawaii Climate Institute. UH testified in support, citing worsening drought, heat, sea level rise, and extreme weather, and said the institute would hire climate modelers and faculty across several schools. Members questioned funding, and UH said it would seek state startup money, possible green-fee support, and federal grants, noting recent federal cuts and the need for permanent positions. HB 1989, on water retention, was supported by UH as a study to slow runoff and improve aquifer recharge. HB 1951, on biosecurity, drew support from UH, DLNR, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, students, and other organizations; testimony stressed invasive species threats, the need for biocontrol research and containment capacity, and possible sites for a statewide facility. HB 1952, funding agricultural research station improvements on Kauaʻi, was supported by UH, the Farm Bureau, and others, with testimony noting aging facilities and the need to modernize stations across the islands. Finally, HB 2005, relating to language access, received UH support, with a UH representative noting that credit programs may fit best in a credit-bearing academic program and that Outreach College could be an option for noncredit programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I can say the same about what the position you're taking.
• But there's no challenge to our position. To our position.
• So, now put yourself in the position of a police officer having to enforce this.
• >> Senate position. Thank you. We talked...
• We talked >> Senate position. Thank you.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Summary: The meeting on SB 460 focused almost entirely on where the bill should be placed in statute and how it would be enforced. One side argued the proposal should be moved out of the loitering section and into the sex offender registration framework, saying loitering is already under constitutional challenge, is vague, and does not fit the conduct at issue. They said the bill is meant to create a clear, advance-notice restriction for registered sex offenders, especially around schools, day care facilities, and similar places, and that this would be easier for police to enforce. The opposing view was that the loitering placement is the better fit and that moving the bill would create broader drafting problems by opening the door to reorganizing many other sex-offender-related restrictions. There was also discussion of whether the bill’s references to schools should use the school-property statute, whether churches should be included, and whether the existing loitering statute’s alarm-based elements are too complicated and potentially unconstitutional. The committee also discussed a pending federal challenge to the loitering law, with one member saying there was no injunction yet but the case was being challenged. No agreement was reached. After a brief break and further debate, members concluded that the Senate and House positions remained unresolved, and the meeting ended without a compromise or vote on the substantive dispute.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've held that position for about 11 years.
• It is Enmar's position that we believe it would be a great use of time. Housing.
• We're not in the position to fix it. So that's not what we're debating, though.
• or ownership position in our public utility.
• That larger picture and whether we, in fact, can take a more equitable position or an equity position

Bills: HB303, SB96, HM6

Keywords: public utility, certificate of public convenience and necessity, certificate of need, Public Regulation Commission, PRC, utility regulation, ratemaking, energy storage, battery storage, grid reliability, renewable energy, transmission, distribution, generation plant, utility expansion, service territory, mutual domestic water consumer association, economic development department, clean energy, fossil fuel reduction

Transcript Highlights:

• , if I flatten my organization, I can do that, but to do that flattening I need to establish one position
• it's need to establish one position it's higher<00:02:56.720> level<00:02:58.080> and<
• Uh, I will expect an org chart and different things showing the added positions and the removed positions
• Um, there won't be a change in positions at the lower level. And what do I mean by the upper level?
• Um, there won't be a change in positions at the lower level. And what do I mean by the upper level?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hall, please state your name, who you represent, and your position on the bill for the record.
• Moore, please state your name, who you represent and, your position on the bill for the record.
• Hall, please state your name, who you represent, and your position on the bill for the record.
• Han, please state your name, who you represent, and your position on the bill for the record.
• Tony, please state your name, who you represent, and your position on the bill for the record.

Bills: HB 341, HB 469, HB 971, HB 1624, HB 2721, HB 2959, HB 3365, HB 3731, HB 3793, HB 3861, HB 3946, HB 3966, HB 4348, HB 4401, HB 4402, HB 4924, HB 4966, HB 5563

Keywords: affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, transportation study, commercial vehicle, safety standards, enforcement, Texas counties, transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. ...position on the bill for the record, as well as the Southwest Movers Association.
• Please state your position on the bill for the record. Thank you, Madam Chairman.
• Hall, please state your name, who you represent, and your position on the bill for the record.
• Hall, please state your name, who you represent, and your position.
• Thank you for representing your position on the bill for the record.

Bills: HB341, HB469, HB971, HB1624, HB2721, HB2959, HB3365, HB3731, HB3793, HB3861, HB3946, HB3966, HB4348, HB4401, HB4402, HB4924, HB4966, HB5563

Keywords: affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, transportation study, commercial vehicle, safety standards, enforcement, Texas counties, transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• in statute for I think at least 20 years now, but the position has never been funded.
• In terms of hiring the individual that would fill the position, it’s accurate.
• would fill the position, it's accurate. would fill the position, it's accurate.
• Chair: "So, the fiscal note says that the position was established in 2002.
• consistent with this position? consistent with this position?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 219, which would revise the renewable portfolio standard by changing several class definitions, eliminating Class 2, lowering the utility obligation for Class 1 thermal renewable energy certificates from 2.2% to 1.7%, and adjusting alternative compliance payments. Representative Vose said the bill would save ratepayers an estimated $5.7 million annually, arguing that Class 2 is already saturated and that the changes would not materially affect renewable energy development. Members questioned the fiscal impact, with an amended fiscal note cited as showing a $1.2 million reduction in general fund revenue, and some members raised concerns that the bill could weaken one of the remaining incentives for renewable investment. The committee also reviewed the bill’s history, including that it had been added to HB 2 and then removed in conference committee. No vote was taken in the work session. The committee then heard House Bill 164, concerning local records retention and the creation of a local records manager position. Secretary of State David Scanlan testified that the position has existed in statute for years but has never been funded, and said the need has grown as records management has become more digital and ADA accessibility has become more important. He described the bill as a way to help towns preserve and digitize records, especially for smaller communities with limited resources, while keeping records locally when possible. Members asked about the fiscal note, the potential cost of a public website and storage system, and whether the state could start by funding the position alone; the secretary said the staffing cost estimate remained accurate but that storage costs could rise over time. Several members expressed support and suggested further discussion with the Department of Information or other agencies. The work session was then closed without action. Finally, the committee opened House Bill 365, which would provide proof of U.S. citizenship assistance for indigent voters. Secretary Scanlan said the bill is intended to help voters comply with the new voter registration documentation requirements by allowing the state to verify eligibility through federal, private, and other state databases, and by providing vouchers to cover the cost of obtaining documents such as birth certificates. He compared the proposal to the earlier voter ID law, which he said was successfully implemented with accommodations for voters lacking acceptable ID. Members asked how “indigent” would be defined and how the process would work for out-of-state-born applicants; the secretary said indigency would likely be based on a voter’s statement of inability to pay and that the state would help identify where to obtain records and, if necessary, verify them through outside databases. The discussion continued as the transcript ended, with no vote recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are in the proverbial tweener position, have some concerns aligned with the opposition.
• And position. Sorry about that. I will give you the position, yes.
• We have support for a position. Thank you so much.
• We haven't opposed unless amended position on this.
• Please name, affiliation, and position, please. Good afternoon, Chair and members.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So you'll see some really positive results because of that.
• So you'll see<00:21:30.960> some<00:21:31.520> really<00:21:31.919> positive<00:
• really positive results because of<00:21:33.360> that.
• positive for this plan. positive for this plan.
• Uh, it then also shows there are positive amortization pieces, negative amortization pieces.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I unless position with all of those.
• where we can make some in a position where we can make some positive<00:05:26.880> changes<00
• Don't let another adult abuse their position of power.
• Vote in abuse their position of power.
• I expressed our association's position.

Bills: HB0008, HB0009, HB0028

Keywords: stalking, minors, felony, protection orders, criminal penalties, grooming, sexual offenses, child protection, sexual exploitation, law amendment, explicit conduct, sex crimes, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• JAC positions for your understanding. JAC positions for your understanding.
• During that discussion, positions.
• This is the one-page high-level summary comparison between the governor's position, the JAC position,
• Thank you. >> My pleasure. the governor's position. As you know, in the governor's position.
• million more than the JAC position. million more than the JAC position.

Bills: SF0032, SF0010, SF0001, HB0001

Keywords: 911 services, emergency response, grant funding, next generation technology, government accountability, public safety, mental health, detention, competency evaluation, treatment, contractual agreements, Wyoming, budget, funding, education, wildfire prevention, healthcare, community colleges, grants, economic development

Transcript Highlights:

• >> A<00:30:21.360> faculty<00:30:21.760> position. >> A faculty position.
• >> A faculty position.
• >> A<00:30:22.399> faculty<00:30:22.640> position >> A faculty position >
• Not taking a position some comments. Not taking a position either<01:25:11.520> way.
• but<01:30:30.719> um, position right now, but um, position right now, but um, >>

Bills: SB3263, SB3261

Keywords: student-athletes, name image likeness, NIL, compensation, transparency, University of Hawaii, Title IX, funding, protections, athlete agents, student athletes, endorsement contracts, professional representation, registration requirements, sports law, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate Committee on Education and Committee on Health and Human Services heard testimony on several bills related to student health and safety, University of Hawaii programs, and workforce development. For SB 2969, which would appropriate funds for the University of Hawaii to expand and sustain the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study and Maui Health Registry, testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Witnesses described the ongoing physical and mental health impacts of the August 2023 Maui fires, said the study has identified serious untreated conditions and connected participants to care, and emphasized its role in serving survivors and training students. The committee also heard support from the Department of Health, the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Lung Association, Maui residents, and study staff. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee then heard SB 2657, which would establish an Alzheimer disease and related dementia research center at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. University of Hawaii and Alzheimer’s Association representatives supported the bill, saying a local center would improve coordination of existing research, build state capacity, and help Hawaii compete for future NIH designation and federal funding. A family member affected by Alzheimer’s also testified in support, citing the disease’s impact in Hawaii. In response to questions, the university said the proposal would follow a five-year phased plan, with the first year funding used to recruit a senior neuroscientist and staff person, at an estimated cost of about $375,000, and that the effort would still strengthen Hawaii’s research infrastructure even if federal funding is not secured. For SB 2612, which clarifies immunity for Department of Education employees and agents who assist students with medication administration under certain conditions, the Department of Education said the bill is intended to protect volunteers and help ensure students can participate in school activities even when staffing is limited. The committee discussed how volunteers would be selected and whether every school would have someone available, and DOE said schools currently rely on health attendants, nurses, and trained volunteers. The committee also briefly discussed liability language and gross negligence exceptions. The hearing then moved to SB 2412, which would fund a bachelor’s degree program in sign language and sign language interpretation at UH Mānoa with a future master’s pathway. Testimony from interpreters, educators, and university officials emphasized the shortage of interpreters, the need to retain local talent, and the program’s role in building a pipeline; university representatives said the initial request would fund a faculty/staff position as a first step, with additional funding needed later. No final committee action or votes were announced in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• witnesses will be limited to stating their name, organization, if they represent one, and their position
• I also want to note that we are accepting written testimony through the position letter portal on the
• With critical positions unfilled, the care for youth is impacted.
• We were hiring for one of our urgently needed open positions.
• Our top candidate for the position is the spouse of someone serving on the naval base.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Human Services met, adopted its committee rules, and then considered four items, including two consent bills. The chair opened with remarks about protecting California’s safety net and set limits on testimony. The committee rules were adopted by roll call, and the consent calendar later passed 5-0, with the remaining member’s vote added afterward for a 6-0 final tally on the rules and consent items. AB 276 by Assemblymember Bennett addressed delays in out-of-state child abuse registry background checks for children’s residential agency staff. Supporters, including the California Alliance of Child and Family Services and Casa Pacifica, said long clearance times were worsening staffing shortages and causing qualified applicants to leave, while the bill would allow provisional hiring only after DOJ, FBI, and California Child Abuse Central Index clearance and without unsupervised contact with children. There was no opposition, and the committee approved the bill 5-0, sending it to the Assembly Public Safety Committee. AB 319 by Assemblymember Jackson sought to improve services for foster youth with severe trauma by requiring counties to submit and update detailed plans to the Joint Interagency Resolution Team for providing effective therapeutic interventions in the least restrictive settings. A former foster youth testified in support, and a committee member noted the ongoing shortage of therapists serving foster youth. The bill was approved 5-0 as amended and sent to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. After the consent calendar and remaining votes were completed, the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota is in a strong financial position.
• As a result, we're currently forecasting a $377 million positive balance in FY28 and 29.
• budget have helped drive a positive budget have helped drive a positive balance<00:04:41.280>
• bianium and the next with a positive bianium and the next with a positive balance.<00:33:03.279>
• So you heard that national things are positively affecting us right now.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , but also some positions in career and technical education.
• Um one is that are that are positive.
• I think it it speaks to positive to me.
• told you the people that are in position told you the people that are in position that<01:35:19.360
• <01:36:06.000> reach department. people in the position reach department. people in the position

Bills: SB2901, SB2902, SB2903, SB2904, SB2905, SB2906, SB2907, SB2908, SB2909, SB2910, SB2911, SB2912, SB2913, SB2914, SB2915, SB2916, SB2917, SB2918, SB2919, SB2920, SB2921, SB2922, SB2923, SB2924, SB2925, SB2926, SB2927, SB2928, SB2929, SB2930, SB2931, SB2932, SB2933, SB2934, SB2935, SB2936, SB2937, SB2938, SB2939, SB2940, SB2941, SB2942, SB2943, SB2944, SB2945, SB2946, SB2947, SB2948, SB2949, SB2950, SB2951, SB2952, SB2953, SB2954, SB2955, SB2956, SB2957, SB2958, SB2959, SB2960, SB2961, SB2962, SB2963, SB2964, SB2965, SB2966, SB2967, SB2968, SB2969, SB2970, SB2971, SB2972, SB2973, SB2974, SB2975, SB2976, SB2977, SB2978, SB2979, SB2980, SB2981, SB2982, SB2983, SB2984, SB2985, SB2986, SB2987, SB2988, SB2989, SB2990, SB2991, SB2992, SB2993, SB2994, SB2995, SB2996, SB2997, SB2998, SB2999, SB3000

Keywords: geological subsurface characterization, groundwater, geothermal resources, environmental review, Hawaii groundwater and geothermal resources center, scientific research, non-extractive, public trust doctrine, clean energy, greenhouse gas, carbon sequestration, climate change, energy policy, Hawaii state energy office, emissions reduction, sustainable development, fare-free transportation, greenhouse gas emissions, public transit, tax on petroleum

Transcript Highlights:

• We do support uh this position is.
• position on this pending legislation. position on this pending legislation.
• > would<01:14:48.960> probably my current position, it would probably my current position
• <01:18:18.080> as<01:18:18.239> the position uh in in my position as the position uh
• Representative in an awkward position.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, it's been mostly positive um from my constituents and homeowners in particular.
• Um, so it's been mostly positive. >> Right.
• Um, so it's been mostly positive. >> Yeah.
• Well, it's been mostly positive >> Right.
• <00:04:27.360> Okay, it's been mostly positive. Yeah. Okay, it's been mostly positive.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The discussion focused on Minnesota affordability pressures, especially rising property taxes, gas, and grocery costs. Senator Michael Kreun said property taxes rose by nearly $1 billion statewide in the last year, about 7%, and argued that many constituents are worried about being able to stay in their homes. He attributed much of the increase to unfunded state mandates on cities and counties and said mandate relief should be part of the solution. Kreun described a bill that would cap city and county property tax growth at the rate of inflation, with an additional allowance tied to population growth. Under his example, if inflation were 3% and a city grew, property taxes could rise 3.5%; anything above that would require voter approval through a referendum. He said the proposal would not apply to school districts, which already have a separate cap. He also mentioned other relief ideas, including increasing the disabled veterans property tax exemption and allowing seniors to defer property tax increases until they sell their homes. Kreun said the proposal has been mostly well received by constituents and homeowners, while local governments are concerned about losing revenue if state mandates continue. He said relief could begin as soon as the next property tax statement if the bill passes this year. He also noted broader affordability ideas in his caucus, including eliminating taxes on tips and overtime and reducing tab fees, but said he was not aware of current bipartisan efforts on property taxes specifically and remained open to working across the aisle on affordability measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• TO THANK EVERYONE AT THE COMMITTEE AND THE CHAIR AND I WANT TO THANK PRESIDENT ALBRITTON FOR THIS POSITION
• GOOD MORNING AND I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU TO BRING ABOUT SOME POSITIVE CHANGE FOR OUR
• COMMUNITY AND I AM POSITIVE I THINK WE CAN DO THAT WITH THIS COMMITTEE.
• WE ELEVATED THAT POSITION AND UNIFIED IT AND CREATED DEPUTY COMMISSIONER ROLE OF MARKET CONDUCT THEY
• I ASKED FOR NEW POSITIONS AND SHE AUTHORIZED 29 NEW POSITIONS THAT UNIT FOR WHAT WE HAD.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . positions. positions.
• should be oversight on these positions should be oversight on these positions being<01:23:11.360
• to fund these positions. to fund these positions.
• This um position quick question.
• , that they will remain in the position, that they will remain in the position, remain<02:20:27.000

Bills: HB1890, HB1888, HB1676

Keywords: teacher pay, teacher salaries, salary step increase, annual increment, longevity step, public school teachers, public charter school teachers, collective bargaining, Hawaii Department of Education, teacher retention, teacher recruitment, cost of living, educator compensation, public employee bargaining, appropriation, salary schedule, school staffing, teacher shortage, HB1888, Hawaii

Summary: The committees heard three measures, beginning with HB 1890 HD3, which would provide automatic step increases and a COVID-era retention bonus for teachers. Supporters included HSTA, the Democratic Party’s Education Caucus, and a student who said higher pay and predictable salary growth would help retain teachers in Hawaii. The Department of Education supported the intent but asked that the bill be expanded to cover all department employees. The Attorney General’s office said the draft needed clarification to avoid conflict with Chapter 89 and to make clear any funding was subject to legislative appropriation. The Office of the Public Defender and B&F testified in opposition, and committee members questioned whether the step increases were already in the current contract and whether the bill was needed. HSTA said the current contract includes automatic step increases subject to funding, but argued the bill was still needed because funding is not guaranteed and the measure would codify the policy. HSTA also said the COVID bonus would apply only to active teachers who worked during the pandemic and estimated the total cost at roughly $150 million to $200 million over four years. No vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 1888 HD3, which would require DOE and charter schools to report harassment incidents and strengthen penalties for harassment of educational workers from a petty misdemeanor to a misdemeanor. DOE supported the bill and suggested narrowing language about assisting workers with temporary restraining orders, saying that function would be better handled through the Attorney General’s pilot program. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing the harassment language was overly broad, vague, and potentially unconstitutional, and that existing assault and terroristic threatening statutes already protect educational workers. HSTA, the State Commission on the Status of Women, and several individual testifiers supported the measure, describing increased intimidation and harassment of teachers and other school staff, especially since COVID. The Special Education Advisory Council opposed the bill’s language on “disrupting and interfering” with school functions, saying it could chill parents of students with IEPs from advocating for their children. Testimony was split, with the chair noting 20 in support and 16 in opposition in the portion shown. A final witness, Michelle Pestana, testified in opposition based on her family’s experience with special education services, describing alleged seclusion and restraint of her daughter and expressing concern that DOE testimony in prior hearings had targeted special education parents. Her remarks were cut off as time expired. The transcript ends before any committee action or vote on HB 1888 was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• AWEC position number 9703. AWEC position number 9703. Okay. Okay. Okay.
• position supports that. Is that correct? position supports that. Is that correct?
• So, I would recommend that this position that you just took would be for part-time positions so that
• instead of a whack positions.
• be for part-time positions. be for part-time positions.

Keywords: 916, all