Transcript Highlights:

• People with backgrounds in psychology, criminal justice, and other fields can be skilled public servants
• People with backgrounds in psychology, criminal justice and other fields can be skilled public servants
• And so we're a little late to the game here.
• And our best Evidence-based therapies are not enough.
• We're addressing the mental health crisis with evidence-based approaches.

Bills: HF3454 , HF3917 , HF2906 , HF3832 , HF3769

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: social work, licensure, employment titles, health occupations, professional standards, medication repository, drug donation, healthcare, Minnesota Statutes, pharmacy, public health, controlled substances, psilocybin, psilocin, psychedelic, psychedelic medicine, hallucinogen, mushrooms, magic mushrooms, therapeutic use

Transcript Highlights:

• This is broad-based growth. This is how it happens.
• Wages do, but we can do what we can to make sure it's broad-based growth.
• We need to be ahead of the game here.
• So congratulations on your parenting skills. Thank you.
• And we have an Air Force base there.

Committee: Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2022, the legislature amended. statute to clarify PED's authority to issue certificates based on MOAs
• Phase three is building four modules based around the needs assessment.
• on proficiency. develop their own curriculum based on proficiency.
• I mean, we had to cut her off because she wanted to continue; it's a challenge game.
• It would also expand teacher competencies to include translanguaging skills.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But based on your, you know, fine detail.
• I believe, based on what we knew then, we acted reasonably, and Based on what we knew then, we acted
• So based on what we heard yesterday and based on your experience, tell us.
• So based on what we heard yesterday and based on your experience, tell us if I'm a first-year counselor
• based on the concerns.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• row 116, we have the Public Education Reform Fund, which you all have converted into an evaluation-based
• If you go to page 3, Row 87, we have $40 million for CTE, including the CTE pilot project, work-based
• But based on those conversations of staff and with PED, we're recommending that you all place community
• It seems easier to keep the formula where it's working and just backfill based off...
• so that they're then able to do those later skills.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:31:10.880><c> to</c> world alone when we have the skills to world alone when we have the skills
• </c> bu building a resilient and island based bu building a resilient and island based food<01:40:24.080
• They also creative and technical skills.
• </c><02:08:31.119><c> that</c> sport while developing life skills that sport while developing life skills
• /c><03:01:07.920><c> began</c> community-based organization that began community-based organization that

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: This joint informational briefing focused on Act 310 grants and aid, with committee members hearing one-minute testimony from organizations first in person and then by Zoom. At the outset, the chairs explained there would be no Q&A during the briefing and asked testifiers to focus on how federal cuts were affecting their work. The meeting was organized by registration number and included both neighbor island and Oʻahu applicants. Testimony centered on organizations seeking state support to offset federal funding losses or anticipated reductions. Health and social service providers described impacts from Medicaid, SNAP, ACA subsidy, Title X, and other federal changes, including Aloha Care, Community Clinic of Maui, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies, West Hawaiʻi Community Health Center, Hawaiʻi Disability Rights Center, Hawaiʻi Youth Services Network, Alcoholic Rehabilitation Services of Hawaiʻi, and Kokua Kalihi Valley. Other groups highlighted losses affecting food security, housing, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience, including the Kohala Center, Feeding Hawaiʻi Together, Hawaiian Lending and Investments, Dynamic Community Solutions, and the Pacific Tsunami Museum. Several arts, youth, and education organizations also testified, including Hawaiʻi Literacy, Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony, Honolulu Theatre for the Youth, Sounding Joy Music Therapy, Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaiʻi, Girl Scouts of Hawaiʻi, Kids Hurt Too Hawaiʻi, and US Vets, each requesting funding to preserve programs and staffing. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing. The only action was procedural: the chairs moved through the applicant list, limited testimony time, and then transitioned from neighbor island in-person testimony to Oʻahu and later Zoom participants.

Transcript Highlights:

• 27:27.279><c> and</c> This match will allow chambers to fundraise and organize and have skin in the game
• something like that and you calculate something like that and you calculate that<01:02:41.240><c> based
• on the number of delays in that based on the number of delays in each<01:02:43.160><c> County</c><01
• jobs and this is a very value High skill jobs and this is a very important<01:33:56.600><c> bill</c>
• </c><01:42:45.960><c> on</c><01:42:46.040><c> the</c> thank you represent matoto based on the thank you

Committee: House Economic Development & Technology

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Technology met on February 7, 2025, to hear testimony on several bills and later take up amendments and votes. HB 1405, HB 1406, and HB 1407 drew broad support from business, housing, utility, and development groups, with no opposition noted on those measures. Testifiers generally said the bills would streamline permitting, improve coordination, and expand support for chambers of commerce and small businesses. After recess, the chair recommended amendments to each bill, including changes to broaden eligibility, add reporting requirements, and include funding and staffing notes. HB 1405 was amended to allow certain projects with one state and one county permit to qualify, require annual DBEDT reports to the Legislature, and note one full-time position and $125,000 in funding; the committee voted to pass it with amendments. HB 1406 was amended to move the intergovernmental task force from DBEDT to the House Legislature, add a Speaker-appointed chair, and include a $125,000 appropriation note; it also passed with amendments. HB 1407 was amended to convert the chamber support from a grant process to an RFP process and require a 1-to-5 match on a $100,000 award; it too passed with amendments. In each case, the chair’s recommendation was adopted, with Representative Tam excused. The committee also heard HB 796, a tax-credit review bill, which drew no support and 12 opposition testimonies with three comments. Opponents, including SAG-AFTRA Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, argued that automatic sunset provisions or broad tax-credit cuts would burden working families and that existing review mechanisms already exist under state law. The Department of Taxation and DBEDT offered technical comments, and the Tax Foundation suggested the bill’s goals might be better addressed by cleaning up the existing review process. Later, the committee heard HB 303, which had 17 supporters and no opposition. Testifiers from the Department of Health, University of Hawaii, Hawaii State Center for Nursing, Queen’s Health System, and the Hawaii State Chiropractors Association supported the measure, with the chiropractors asking to be included in eligibility. The Hawaii State Center for Nursing said the program had been successful for five years and had room to expand. HB 577 also drew support, with the Department of Taxation offering comments and the Tax Foundation noting technical issues. HB 949 generated mixed testimony: Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce supported it, while Hawaii Children’s Action Network raised concerns about the bill’s effects and the lack of fiscal analysis; Sugar Creek Capital also supported the measure and clarified that the credit would not offset the GET. Finally, HB 933 and HB 959 were heard, with HB 933 receiving six support testimonies and comments focused on grocery tax relief and food insecurity, and HB 959 drawing strong support from labor and advocacy groups for its broad tax relief package, while the Tax Foundation and Hawaii Appleseed urged caution about the proposed 50% GET increase and asked for clearer fiscal analysis.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:13:39.200><c> level</c> work, we do think that some base level work, we do think that some base
• </c> make sure that there's skin in the game make sure that there's skin in the game and<01:09:20.640
• It could be just basic customer service skills, could be a lot of skills, could be a lot of things, and
• </c> we need a referee in a football game. we need a referee in a football game.
• Would you go to that game? right. Would you go to that game? Probably<03:36:09.080><c> not.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and community-based providers.
• ECCD also administers our pre-K programs in community-based and school-based settings, as well as our
• in school-based programs.
• Of our community-based pre-K teachers...
• But no, regarding the crisis for Head Start, it is income-based and not population-based.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• They employment skills and experience.
• We work with community- based programs.
• Uh mahalo for your time and consideration. work-based tech internships with local work-based tech internships
• </c><02:12:06.719><c> that</c> sport while developing life skills that sport while developing life skills
• </c><02:53:09.279><c> STEM</c> a accredited culturally based STEM a accredited culturally based STEM

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: This joint informational briefing on Act 310 grants and aid focused on organizations describing how federal funding cuts, Medicaid/SNAP changes, and related policy shifts are affecting their services and budgets. Committee members explained there would be no Q&A, testimony would be limited to one minute, and in-person participants would be heard before Zoom callers. Members repeatedly asked testifiers to identify the amount of federal funding lost or at risk. Testimony came from a wide range of nonprofits and community providers, including Aloha Care, Hawaii Bicycling League, Hawaii Literacy, Hawaii Youth Symphony, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawaii, the Tsunami Museum, The Kohala Center, West Hawaii Community Health Center, West Hawaii Region Hospital Foundation, Sounding Joy Music Therapy, Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii, Dynamic Community Solutions, Feeding Hawaii Together, Girl Scouts of Hawaii, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Hawaii Youth Services Network, Hawaiian Lending and Investments, Homana, Honolulu Theatre for the Youth, Kids Hurt Too Hawaii, and Kokua Kalihi Valley. Most described reduced or threatened federal support and requested state funding to maintain services such as health care access, food security, disaster preparedness, literacy and digital inclusion, youth mentoring, arts education, housing, and climate or agricultural resilience. Several speakers emphasized direct impacts on vulnerable populations, including kūpuna, low-income families, immigrants, homeless youth, and people with disabilities. Requests ranged from relatively small planning or program grants to multi-million-dollar stabilization asks, with some organizations citing specific losses such as reduced Medicaid or USDA funding, canceled EPA or FEMA support, or expiring federal grants. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• today to support the public safety need to transition from an outdated landline system to a fiber-based
• James May, on behalf of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, in support.
• I'm based in Calaveras County. This is hugely important to us. Strong opposition.
• I represent Communication Workers of America Local 9408, based out of Fresno, and we strongly oppose.
• Victoria Saeg, Bright, building resilience and inclusion through engagement, Ventura-based nonprofit,

Summary: The committee first heard AB 470, which would change California’s carrier-of-last-resort rules and allow a phased transition away from copper landlines in areas deemed well served by alternative phone options. The author and AT&T argued the bill would protect consumers, preserve 911 access, require public notice and CPUC review, and direct investment toward modern fiber and emergency communications. Supporters included a wide range of business, civic, tribal, and community groups, while opponents from TURN, rural counties, labor, digital equity organizations, and local governments warned the bill could let AT&T shed service obligations too quickly, weaken protections for rural and underserved households, and harm workers. After extensive member discussion about CPUC authority, rural carveouts, labor impacts, and reinvestment, AB 470 was passed do pass as amended to Appropriations, with one no vote and one not voting, and the roll left open. The committee then took up AB 1532, a committee omnibus bill extending funding and surcharge authority for the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program and the TNC Access for All program, while also adding CPUC accountability provisions. Chair Boerner Horvath explained the bill would not raise consumer costs and would require the CPUC to appear at hearings when requested and adopt rules for commissioner attendance. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill was moved do pass and re-refer to Utilities and Energy, though the roll was left open because it had not yet reached the threshold for immediate transmission. Finally, the committee heard AB 353, the Affordable Home Internet Act of 2025, which would establish an affordability floor for home broadband for low-income Californians after the expiration of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program. Supporters said broadband costs remain too high and that families, students, and vulnerable communities need a state solution now; opponents from the wireless industry and rural county representatives argued the bill would amount to an artificial price mandate and could complicate existing rural broadband buildouts. Members generally supported the goal but raised concerns about impacts on small ISPs and rural areas, and the bill was moved forward with a motion and second while discussion continued about possible exemptions and amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the bill that I have deals with exemptions based on assessed value of properties.
• So that's based on your disability determination from the Veterans Administration.
• We are behind the game on this one.
• That is based on vehicles or personal property tax.
• And that is based on from 70% or greater—70, 90, 100%.

Committee: House Veterans and Armed Forces

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are a water operations, plumbing, irrigation, and backflow outfit based in San Antonio.
• Control Manual, um, whereas they have their own standards which are similar but not exactly the same based
• Based upon these other standards, I guess it's similar if you mentioned electrical and plumbing.
• You said one of the fastest in the country and you've got these, so are these limitations, um, based
• Is that based upon a, a prior agreement before we knew that your, your county was going to grow as much

Bills: HB 5208 , SB 863 , SB 1243 , SB 1624 , SB 1965 , SB 2660 , SB 2702 , SB 2885

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: water filtration, public drinking water, health and safety, well maintenance, water quality, Edwards Aquifer, water conservation, reclaimed water, aquifer storage, environmental protection, public utility agency, dissolution, local government, regulatory framework, municipal authority, Texas Water Bank, Texas Water Trust, water rights, water banking, instream flow

Transcript Highlights:

• But I'm frustrated by the opposition based solely on the mentality that any new requirement, even as
• So based on your understanding, should the training make the justices... ...of the piece prepared as
• and they are very effective because when they hit the ground, TDEM knows who... they are, what their skill
• set is, and knows how to put them in the game.
• Based in Austin, its area of operations includes Travis County and 19 surrounding counties, each with

Bills: HB1 , HB 2 , HB 3 , HB 5 , HB20 , HB 22

Keywords: youth camps, emergency preparedness, safety standards, health regulations, camp licensing, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner, county judge, sheriff, mayor, emergency coordinator, emergency manager license

Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on the discussion and passage of several key bills, including SB5, which pertains to supplemental appropriations for disaster relief. This bill was passed unanimously, highlighting the committee's commitment to addressing disaster preparedness. HB20, aimed at reducing fraudulent charitable solicitations during disasters, also saw significant debate, with positive sentiments expressed by its sponsor, Mr. Darby. Additionally, HB22, which expands the authority of the comptroller to fund emergency communication systems, was passed with overwhelming support, indicating a consensus on improving emergency response capabilities within the state. The session concluded with discussions about future legislative measures aimed at strengthening infrastructure against disasters.

Transcript Highlights:

• brings professional artists to schools for concerts and live performances, pairing that with standards-based
• The Class Notes website offers teaching videos, virtual concerts, and over 160 music standards-based
• And techniques, music elements, composer history, composition, ensemble skills, and virtual concert opportunities
• Do we cut back on the number of high school games that we broadcast, or do we cut back on the parades
• couple of comments, and I want to kind of Kind of lay this out: although Three Hmong TV is locally based

Bills: HF1679 , HF1019 , HF2321 , HF1740 , HF2278

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Keywords: public television, funding, grants, arts and culture, Minnesota, Minnesota Public Radio, arts education, cultural heritage, community engagement, public radio, community radio, educational grants, community cable, public access, programming funding, civic engagement, ethnic media, public access television, Minnesota Humanities Center, funding appropriation

Transcript Highlights:

• Health care can play an instrumental role in changing the game of human trafficking and restoring the
• Health care can play an instrumental role in changing the game of human trafficking and restoring the
• We hope to develop, based on your feedback and based on the presentations we heard today, a draft protocol
• We have some programs that are community-based that are not hospital-based.
• It gives a response system with community-based services. It can go into 6,000 languages.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The first meeting of the Human Trafficking and Emergency Department Task Force focused on implementing Act 267 of 2025, which created the body to develop a statewide human trafficking protocol to be incorporated into regional sexual assault response plans. Chair Rep. Kelly Hennessy Dickerson and Office of Human Trafficking Prevention Director Mary Kate Andrepont outlined the task force’s goal of producing a practical, transferable protocol for hospitals and emergency departments across Louisiana, with help from Heal Trafficking. Members and presenters repeatedly emphasized that the protocol should be trauma-informed, survivor-centered, multidisciplinary, and adaptable to different regions and health systems. Hospital, SANE, and advocacy presenters described current practices and gaps. Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport’s Operation Rahab and FMOLHS’s policies highlighted staff education, badge buddies, private screening, reporting pathways, and coordination with the National Human Trafficking Hotline, law enforcement, DCFS, and local advocates. SANE nurses and forensic staff stressed that most trafficking victims pass through emergency departments and that subtle behavioral indicators, rapport-building, and broad staff education are critical. LaFASA described statewide sexual assault advocacy services, emphasizing 24-hour crisis response, legal support, and the role of advocates in helping survivors understand options and regain control. Child and youth trafficking specialists from DCFS-contracted programs, including Unbound Now and BCFS/Common Thread, explained Louisiana’s Act 662 response for minors, which routes reports into coordinated advocacy and care coordination. They said their teams respond statewide within 90 minutes, provide crisis support, and work with CACs, hospitals, and law enforcement. Members raised concerns about major service gaps, especially for adults, transportation, safe housing, and specialized placements for survivors with disabilities. Presenters also noted that male survivor housing remains limited, though Eden Centers now offers some beds. The task force also reviewed a needs assessment showing many hospitals lack mandatory trafficking training, screening practices, written protocols, and confidence in identifying victims. Members discussed expanding education beyond ED staff to residents, nursing schools, student health, mental health, housekeeping, maintenance, and law enforcement. No formal votes were taken, but the chair said the survey results and testimony would be used to draft a protocol before the next meeting, with a final draft to follow after further review and feedback.

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires meaningful public and stakeholder input, including from community-based organizations, and
• Community-based organizations play a key role in building trust, increasing participation, and ensuring
• Erin Lehane, on behalf of the hardworking, skilled and trained members of the California State Building
• And in doing so, create thousands of hours for our skilled and trained construction workers and apprentices
• It just amends one section of the Public Resources Code to up our game on reliability planning.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of energy, water, and utility bills. SB 952, SB 1417, SB 924, SB 925, SB 1011, SB 1168, SB 1196, and SB 1350 were all discussed, along with consent items SB 1008 and SB 1245. SB 952 would give the Department of Water Resources more flexibility in meeting clean energy procurement goals for the State Water Project; it drew support from the State Water Contractors and California Municipal Utilities Association and no opposition. SB 1417 would extend transparency and notice requirements to mutual water companies, especially in response to wildfire-related rate increases in Altadena; supporters described lack of notice, meeting access, and public accountability, while the California Association of Mutual Water Companies opposed the bill as overly prescriptive and potentially conflicting with existing law. SB 924 would modernize low-income energy assistance and weatherization programs to better measure affordability outcomes and tenant benefits, and it passed with broad support. SB 925 would direct the Energy Commission to develop a statewide roadmap for fusion energy; it was supported by industry and clean energy groups and passed without opposition. SB 1011 would require CPUC standards for human review of utility AI systems and labor consultation; supporters framed it as a safety and workforce protection measure, while utilities and business groups warned about cost, duplication, and overbroad regulation. SB 1168, now a study bill, would have the CPUC examine how data centers pay for load growth and rate impacts; it drew mixed reactions, with some industry opposition and some labor support after amendments. SB 1196 would speed utility hookups for ADUs and JADUs by allowing earlier applications and setting timelines; housing advocates supported it and it passed. SB 1350 would allow renewable portfolio standard credit for power plants using green hydrogen, with strong support from hydrogen, labor, and utility interests, but TURN opposed it unless amended, arguing it lacked safeguards against greenwashing and resource shuffling. The committee also approved the consent calendar and several bills were reported out on recorded votes, with most measures advancing on strong bipartisan support and a few no votes from Senators Strickland and Dahle on selected items.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Iser Pemantuan, Senior Policy Advocate at Alameda County Community Food Bank based in Oakland
• So depending on what it was, you know, if there's, and it's based on what the current fear or safety
• It was based on assumptions about the sufficiency of income from hours worked, which can be incorrect
• Community-based response is at the heart of our work.
• , independent living skills, and address the mental health challenges that followed being homeless.

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Iser Pamentuan, Senior Policy Advocate at Alameda County Community Food Bank based in Oakland
• My name is Iser Pemantuan, Senior Policy Advocate at Alameda County Community Food Bank based in Oakland
• It's extremely rare that we see fraud accusations that are based in that actual intent and not in these
• Community-based response.
• , independent living skills, and address the mental health challenges that followed being homeless.

Summary: The committee heard several child welfare, food assistance, child care, and developmental services bills. AB 308 would require a statewide evaluation of regional center safety training and crisis-response services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities; supporters said it would help reduce reliance on law enforcement and improve de-escalation and emergency preparedness. AB 1049 would remove sponsor deeming from the California Food Assistance Program, with supporters from food banks and legal aid arguing the rule creates confusion, chilling effects, and wrongful denials, while one member raised concerns about accountability and fraud. AB 1201 would narrow when a parent’s prior violent felony can bar reunification services, limiting the bypass to offenses involving a child or a child’s other parent/guardian; county and advocacy witnesses said the bill preserves judicial discretion and avoids automatic denials, though a member expressed concern about child safety in violent or criminal environments. AB 2379 would require family child care providers to be notified of constitutional rights and receive multilingual training regarding immigration enforcement; it drew broad support and no opposition. AB 2429 would make ACEs screening optional and reduce required classroom observations in the early childhood mental health consultation program, with supporters saying it would reduce administrative burdens and expand participation. AB 1755 would eliminate CalWORKs’ 100-hour monthly work penalty for two-parent families, and supporters said it would reduce poverty and administrative burden without changing income eligibility. AB 1981, presented later, would advance “true cost of care” child care rate reform, with providers describing the current reimbursement system as unsustainable. AB 2478 would create a streamlined kinship family approval pathway for foster care placements with relatives and other kin, and AB 1969 and AB 1996 would create statewide structures to coordinate cradle-to-career services and reduce child poverty, respectively; both were presented as data-driven, place-based efforts to align services and set measurable reduction goals. Most bills received strong support from county agencies, advocacy organizations, and service providers, with little or no opposition testimony. Members generally praised the goals of the measures but asked questions about implementation, accountability, and child safety in the reunification and benefits bills. The committee took roll calls on the bills it heard, and the votes shown in the transcript were largely unanimous or near-unanimous, with several measures held on call after passing committee votes. AB 1049 was voted out 2-1, AB 1201 and AB 2379 were each voted out 3-0, AB 2429 and AB 1755 were voted out 2-0, and AB 2478, AB 1969, and AB 1996 were each voted out 2-0; the chair repeatedly noted that some bills would remain on call pending absent members. AB 1981 drew extensive support testimony from child care providers and allies, but the committee did not take a final vote in the portion of the transcript provided because no motion was available at that moment.

Transcript Highlights:

• My math skills aren't great, so it's more like...
• And exactly what is community-based sanctions? Because...
• And exactly what is community-based sanctions?
• Because community-based, you're not talking about an individual juvenile.
• So that's sent out to the PSAPs based on that formula that's in legislation.

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Keywords: 1204, all