Transcript Highlights:

• overcome is the testing process itself. overcome is the testing process itself.
• The testing administrator rectified the issue the next day. Of course, he missed that test.
• Two weeks later, he was supposed to test, but the internet at the testing site was down.
• paper tests for high school equivalency. paper tests for high school equivalency.
• Well, not on state funding.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're the only state in the country that requires incumbent testing in this manner.
• We're the only state in the country that requires incumbent testing in this manner.
• , that test must be defined in the policy and it must clearly state exactly what would happen to the
• , that test must be defined in the policy and it must clearly state exactly what would happen to the
• , that test must be defined in the policy and it must clearly state exactly what would happen to the

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sometimes judges, you know, these multi-states will be in different states.
• <00:03:20.879> say be in different states when I say be in different states when I say multi-state
• <00:17:48.480> they<00:17:48.960> have tests thinking that's the test they have tests
• clear as to which test you have to take. clear as to which test you have to take.
• were admitted to our state hospitals. were admitted to our state hospitals.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee heard and advanced several bills. Senate Bill 198, relating to operations of the Office of the Attorney General, was described as a cleanup measure with seven changes, including allowing the AG’s office to handle child support employee background checks and fingerprinting, updating child support guideline commission references, clarifying control of constitutional officers’ records in multistate litigation, setting a 10-year statute of limitations for certain consumer protection matters, streamlining administrative hearing appeals, and changing representation of the professional geologist board. After questions about the administrative hearing appeal language, the committee passed the bill 9-0. The committee then passed Senate Bill 323, which would require subpoenas for medical records to be served at least 14 days before production. President Stivers said the bill is intended to give health care providers reasonable time to comply with HIPAA, redact records, and avoid motions to quash when subpoenas are served on short notice. A question about appeal deadlines was answered by noting the bill would not affect the common 10-day motion-to-reconsider rule. The bill passed 9-0. Senate Bill 66, as amended by committee substitute, was also passed 9-0. The substitute addressed DUI-related issues, including preserving certain driving records for 10 years, removing urine screens from the bill, adding fentanyl and other substances to the per se controlled-substances DUI list, and clarifying that a preliminary breath test may be refused and that officers should advise drivers of that right. The committee also passed Senate Bill 221, a model-law bill making the knowing purchase, sale, transfer, or offer to sell human remains for consideration a Class D felony; members asked about whether it could affect older medical specimens or fetal remains, and sponsors said the bill is aimed at remains authorized for final disposition through cremation or burial. That bill passed 8-0. Finally, Senate Bill 312, concerning court-ordered transports in mental health cases, was presented by court security and sheriff’s association representatives. They said the bill clarifies that sheriffs may use court security staff to monitor and transport individuals undergoing 202A mental health evaluations, addressing staffing shortages and existing practice. The committee passed the bill 8-0. The committee then began hearing Senate Bill 333 on body armor grants, with the Attorney General’s office testifying that the bill would transfer administration of the Law Enforcement Protection Program to the AG and align it with the office’s existing body armor grant program, but the transcript cuts off before any vote on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• prohibit the use of animal testing to comply with state or federal agency requirements.
• prohibit the use of animal testing to comply with state or federal agency requirements.
• The bill does not prohibit the use of animal tests to comply with specific requirements of state or federal
• The provision does not prohibit the use of animal tests to comply with specific requirements of state
• that have ended the sale of states that have ended the sale of animal<02:16:03.840> tested<02

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to test that.
• an easy way people can test test to see if there's content. sort of an easy way people can test to see
• Jala mentioned, we have one of our state and national experts in drug checking and testing with Dr.
• So everything we test goes out to additional testing that has GC-MS and LCQ-TOF-based testing.
• Some people test exclusively before they use. And then they test after they use.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on xylazine held its first meeting, with House Chair Mindy Domb and Senate Co-Chair John Keenan outlining the commission’s charge and a proposed work plan. The commission is tasked with studying the public health and safety impacts of xylazine in the illicit drug supply, including whether it should be scheduled as a controlled substance, how to regulate its production and distribution, and how to improve outreach and treatment for people exposed to it. Members were told the report deadline had been extended to March 30, 2026, and staff proposed a series of public hearings and working groups leading to a final report. The meeting also included attendance, packet materials, and procedural planning. The first major testimony came from BSAS Director Deirdre Calvert, who described xylazine’s appearance in Massachusetts drug supply data, the state’s public health alerts, and DPH’s partnership with Brandeis, CDC, and harm reduction organizations. She emphasized four priorities: reducing stigma and discrimination in health care, expanding self-directed wound care support and coverage for supplies, expanding access to drug checking and test strips, and supporting low-barrier services such as mobile vans and drop-in centers. Commission members asked about first responder awareness, medical education, and whether harm reduction services might face federal restrictions; Calvert said misinformation remains a problem and noted ongoing training efforts, including collaboration with public safety agencies. Several other speakers reinforced the need for low-barrier care and drug checking. Dr. Raghini Jala, an infectious disease and addiction medicine physician, said xylazine has become a common component of the unregulated opioid supply and urged support for rapid-response education teams, community-based drug checking, and better hospital and detox protocols for xylazine withdrawal and wounds. Recovery coach Alan Young testified from lived experience, describing severe wounds, fear of inadequate withdrawal treatment in emergency settings, and the value of mobile care vans that can provide methadone, buprenorphine, and wound care in the community. Dr. Sarah Wakeman echoed the need for naloxone, rescue breathing, low-threshold treatment, and non-stigmatizing health care settings, while Sarah Macon of the Boston Public Health Commission described Boston’s harm reduction and drug checking work, including on-site testing, wound care, and a decline in opioid mortality. Tracy Green of the Massachusetts Drug Supply Data Stream explained that xylazine has declined in recent samples while metatomidine is rising, said drug checking is increasingly used but still not enough, and argued for more funding, staffing, and statewide access to real-time drug checking and harm reduction services.

Transcript Highlights:

• But they're not going to send state resources in to do the test.
• It’s an ability test. It’s a nonverbal IQ test, basically.
• The IQ test is the same IQ test. There’s no difference.
• state.
• states.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Granite State test originally in 2019. Granite State test originally in 2019.
• the point of of the granite state test. the point of of the granite state test.
• Um, the current granite state test ago.
• The granite state test was offices.
• <01:05:49.839> test who uh support the Granite State test who uh support the Granite State

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• states surrounding us. states surrounding us.
• or cancer tests. or cancer tests.
• Currently, these top tests cost up to $5,000 and are sent out of state. adds higher costs, and it loses
• $5,000 and are sent out of state. Uh, we want to reduce the cat test down to about $500.
• So, right now the test that goes out of state is a comprehensive panel of over 600 genes.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee opened its sixth and final interim meeting with roll call, quorum confirmation, approval of the prior minutes, and a brief change in agenda order to preserve quorum and accommodate presenters’ schedules. Members then moved through several proposed health-related items with limited discussion, and the chair noted the committee would reconvene in January for further conversation. The first substantive item was a proposal relating to utilization controls for non-opioid analgesics in Medicaid. Senator Gerald Neal and Tara Hyde of People Advocating Recovery argued that pain parity is needed so patients can access non-opioid options without prior authorization or step therapy barriers, especially in acute pain situations and for people in recovery. Senator Berg supported the concept and suggested expanding the approach to other prescriptions by allowing physicians to explain why step therapy is inappropriate at the time of prescribing; another member cautioned against unintended cost increases if non-opioid drugs are used as add-ons to opioids. The committee then heard a proposal on physician assistants from Senator Scott and Andrew Rutherford of the Kentucky Academy of Physician Assistants. They described a shift from a supervisory to a collaborative practice model, with practice scope set at the practice level, limited Schedule II prescribing authority under guardrails, and permission for PAs to perform driver’s license vision testing. Supporters said the changes would improve rural access, reduce administrative burden, and align Kentucky with neighboring states; a question from Representative Bratcher focused on experience requirements and how the proposal compares with nurse practitioner rules. No vote was taken. Finally, Representative Nancy Tate, Adia Wuchner, and Representative Jason Nemes introduced a 2026 proposal aimed at “protecting vulnerable people.” They described a broad package focused on abortion pill trafficking, marketing to minors, commercial surrogacy, assisted suicide, and organ procurement safeguards, arguing that current law leaves gaps and that additional criminal and civil penalties are needed. The presentation was informational only, with no action taken before the meeting ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• It rotates from state to state, but it's really just a meeting to share ideas, see what they're doing
• It rotates from state to state, year.
• It rotates from state to state, but<00:03:46.319> it's<00:03:46.640> really<00:03:46.879
• opportunity to test. opportunity to test.
• recommendation as testing? recommendation as testing?

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 5 February, 2026; 8:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first heard from the Board of Registration for Foresters, which said it is self-funded through applications and renewals and receives no general fund support. The board requested a budget increase from $62,755 to $77,035, mainly for technology upgrades to its database and website, a social media presence, and about $3,000 more for board travel. Members asked about contractual expenses, staffing, renewals, reserves, and office location; the witness said most renewals are now online, the board has a reserve but he did not know the exact amount, and the board is leased space in the Robert E. Lee Building. No vote was taken, and the chair moved on to the next agency. The Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists then presented its budget and operational needs. The board described its 10-member structure, three employees, and oversight of about 4,450 social workers and 210 marriage and family therapists. It explained that a prior $50,000 deficit appropriation was approved too late to spend, and asked to include that amount in the current budget for technology upgrades and equipment. The board also requested salary increases, additional travel funds, money for out-of-state compact participation, more contractual funds for database enhancements and digitizing records, and one additional computer. Members questioned the board about its large cash balance, staffing, office location, and the social work compact; the board said it has about $1 million in cash, is in leased space at Old River Place, and needs database changes to support the compact. No action or vote was taken. Finally, the Cosmetology and Barbering Board discussed major licensing and regulatory changes and its budget request. The board said it had already adopted a passing score for the licensure exam, ended the practical exam, extended testing approval periods, removed barriers to temporary work permits, and opened a path for apprenticeships, mobile establishments, and online licensing software. It also described recommendations in SB 2566, including a low-income first-license fee waiver, sanitation warnings, reduced education and instructor-hour requirements, and removal of some display requirements. The board said these changes had already led to new applications and test signups. On the budget side, it said it was withdrawing a prior request for $6,340 for practical-exam contractors because that exam was eliminated, but still sought $120,000 for certified mail, $49,000 for recruitment and retention salaries, and continued flexibility for possible live-streaming requirements under pending legislation. Senators asked whether the practical exam had been eliminated and whether the board could still ensure competency and inspections; the board said skills are still assessed through program completion and theory testing, and it asked to retain inspector positions because it oversees roughly 6,000 to 6,500 licensed shops and salons with only two inspectors.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those are done through the state. It's through the state. So our state lab.
• So our state labs are responsible for sexual assault testing, among other criminal cases.
• They don't have the lab capacity to test every product. State agencies are overwhelmed.
• The idea that law enforcement cannot test potency of THC is unhinged from the reality in other states
• We followed every rule: food-grade standards, lab testing, licensing, because that's what the state required

Bills: SB 5, SB 11, SB 12

Keywords: disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, human trafficking, trafficking victim, compelling prostitution, affirmative defense, criminal defense, coercion, force fraud or coercion, sexual exploitation, victim protection, Penal Code, Texas criminal law, prosecution, party liability, affirmative defense statute, survivor rights

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs took up Senate Bill 5, which Senator Perry described as a ban on intoxicating THC consumer products while preserving legal CBD, CBG, hemp seed, hemp seed protein powder, and hemp seed oil products. Perry argued that most retail THC products are already illegal under federal law, that the industry has used loopholes and misleading labeling to sell high-potency products, and that regulation would be ineffective because chemists can quickly alter formulations. He also said the bill would steer people with medical needs toward the Texas Compassionate Use Program (T-Cup), which he and other supporters described as the proper physician-guided alternative. Committee members and witnesses repeatedly discussed the distinction between legal hemp-derived products and intoxicating THC products, and Perry said the bill would not touch non-consumable hemp uses such as fiber and clothing. Invited testimony came from law enforcement and medical witnesses who supported the bill. Texas Police Chiefs Association representative Steve Dye, Kaufman County District Attorney Early Wiley, and Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne all said regulation would be too costly, too complex, and ultimately unenforceable, while a ban would be clearer and easier to enforce. They cited overloaded DPS labs, the need for expensive private testing, limited police and prosecutor resources, and the difficulty of keeping up with constantly changing cannabinoids and out-of-state products. Hawthorne and Wiley described raids and investigations involving warehouses, retail stores, cash seizures, and products they said were marketed to young people and often mislabeled or imported from other states. They also said the bill would help law enforcement by creating a clearer legal line and protecting legitimate CBD/CBG businesses. Dr. Lindy McGee, speaking for the Texas Medical Association and Texas Pediatric Society, testified that retail THC products pose serious risks to children and adolescents, including addiction, impaired brain development, psychosis, suicide attempts, self-harm, accidental toddler ingestions, and possible long-term cognitive effects. She said there is no effective medication treatment for THC addiction comparable to nicotine cessation tools, and she supported restrictions such as child-resistant packaging, no marketing to minors, and age limits, while opposing criminal penalties for possession by minors. Senators asked follow-up questions about brain development, memory, dementia risk, pregnancy, and cardiovascular effects. No vote was taken during the portion provided, and the committee continued with invited testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• states.
• states.
• states.
• states.
• For example, the testing in 2023, the number of children tested, is very similar to the numbers tested

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• test for algebra for our students.
• And so the test will still be offered.
• , and our kids have testing anxiety.
• But when it comes to testing, she gets testing anxiety.
• But when it comes to testing, she gets testing anxiety.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met with a quorum present and observed a moment of silence for Senator Geraldine Thompson. The committee first took up CS/SB 102, a bill by Senator Gates directing the Department of Education to develop a workforce credential program for students with autism spectrum disorder or students on a modified curriculum, in coordination with the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and OSHA. Supporters said the bill would help autistic students gain job skills and workplace safety credentials, while an opponent argued the bill should clearly make participation voluntary, expand to other exceptional student groups, include funding, and add stronger accountability. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 166, the Administrative Efficiency in Public Schools bill by Senator Simon. The bill would reduce or remove several state mandates and give districts more flexibility on testing, teacher evaluations, contracts and certification, school board operations, instructional materials timelines, audits, facilities planning, emergency make-up days, federal fund use, and public VPK oversight. Senators asked about the impact on student proficiency, teacher evaluations, and the transfer of public VPK oversight to districts; Simon said the tests would remain but count as 30 percent of the grade, districts would retain flexibility in evaluation measures, and only public VPK would shift to districts. Public testimony was largely supportive, with some speakers praising reduced testing and local control, while one senator cautioned that Florida still has a math proficiency problem. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 296 by Senator Bradley, which would repeal the 2023 statewide mandate requiring later middle and high school start times and return the decision to local districts, while still requiring districts to inform the community about the health, safety, and academic impacts of sleep deprivation and consider later start times. Supporters argued the mandate created transportation, staffing, and scheduling problems and that local control was more practical, while opponents emphasized sleep science and the benefits of later start times for teens. Several senators discussed the tension between research and district resources, and the bill sponsor said the measure preserves the conversation about sleep while allowing local scheduling decisions. CS/SB 296 was reported favorably, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• about the lead testing we the state<01:11:03.520> has<01:11:03.679> been<01:11:03.880>
• of the state you know but for the state of the state you know but for the state run<02:50:57.359
• For our P, um, testing, and this does testing for PAS testing in drinking water for homeowners and for
• tested Ed shellfish um we've tested tested Ed shellfish um we've tested water<03:25:49.239> samples
• number of tests that we the covid tests number of tests that we the covid tests that<03:27:27.439

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division III work session focused on the Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Public Health Services budget. Department staff said Public Health has a relatively small budget compared with other DHHS divisions, is supported mostly by federal and other non-General funds, and contains nearly 100 accounting units and more than 50 federal grants. They emphasized that the governor’s budget did not include significant cuts, but that federal funding uncertainty and the winding down of pandemic-era resources were major factors affecting the division. The division also explained that some apparent budget growth reflects reorganizations, including moving the Bureau of Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery and some programs from other DHHS divisions into Public Health. The presentation described Public Health’s mission as serving the entire state through food and water safety, disease surveillance, emergency response, maternal and child health, chronic disease prevention, WIC, community health center support, and public health data collection. Members asked about bird flu, and staff explained that human-health response would involve Public Health’s lab, infectious disease, and emergency preparedness units, while animal-health issues are handled with the Department of Agriculture; they also noted ongoing milk testing requested by FDA and USDA. The division said its organizational structure includes bureaus for Family Health and Nutrition, Infectious Disease Control, Public Health Protection, Emergency Preparedness, Prevention and Wellness, Statistics and Informatics, and Public Health Laboratories, with about a 15% vacancy rate. Committee members questioned whether the division’s budget and staffing had really grown since pre-COVID, and staff responded that full-time authorized staffing is about the same as in 2018, with the increase largely due to federal pandemic funding that has since receded and to program transfers between divisions. They said Public Health’s General Fund share is about $24 million out of roughly $1.1 billion in DHHS General Fund spending, or about 2.2% of the department total. Members also asked about the 3,000-position cap and unfunded positions; staff explained that the cap remains in chapter law through June 30, 2025, that 394 positions were unfunded in the governor’s budget, and that the division expects flexibility to move money from personnel lines and fill unfunded positions to manage changing needs. No votes or formal actions were taken in this portion of the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we won't have people waiting a year, two years to take the test and then flunk the test.
• depending on the test.
• who passed the test.
• with other states' information.
• State Boards of Nursing.

Summary: The committee heard and approved several health care bills. Senate Bill 68, by Senator Harrell, would require all hospital emergency departments to be prepared to treat children by maintaining pediatric equipment, staff training, written policies, a pediatric care coordinator, and completion/public posting of the National Pediatric Readiness Assessment. Senator Harrell said the bill is intended to improve pediatric emergency care in general hospitals, and the bill was supported by the Florida College of Emergency Physicians and the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. It passed favorably. The committee also approved Senate Bill 154, which corrects the Mobile Act for dentists and dental hygienists by requiring graduates of out-of-state dental schools seeking licensure by endorsement to have attended a CODA-accredited school. The bill drew support from dental and dental hygienist groups and passed favorably. Senate Bill 40, by Senator Sharif, would require Medicaid managed care networks to ensure at least half of primary care providers offer appointments outside regular business hours, including evenings and weekends, to improve access and reduce emergency room use; it also passed favorably. A lengthy discussion centered on Senate Bill 254, also by Senator Harrell, which would tighten oversight of nursing education programs, create a temporary provisional license and preceptorship for new graduates awaiting NCLEX results, require remediation for low-performing programs, add standardized admission and exit-exam requirements, and allow the Department of Health to inspect programs unannounced. Supporters said the bill would improve quality and help students gain experience, while opponents warned it could reduce the number of nursing programs and worsen shortages, especially among private schools. After debate and testimony from nursing and school representatives, the bill passed favorably, with Senator Davis voting no. The committee then received an OPPAGA presentation on interstate health care licensure compacts. OPPAGA reviewed how Florida uses licensure by endorsement, telehealth registration, and compacts for nurses, psychologists, and physicians, and explained the potential benefits and drawbacks of joining additional compacts, including portability, data sharing, and emergency staffing versus costs, administrative burdens, and possible conflicts with Florida scope-of-practice laws. No action was taken on the presentation, and the meeting adjourned after Senator Davis requested to be recorded in support of SB 68 and SB 154.

Transcript Highlights:

• Resolution 186 urging the United States Resolution 186 urging the United States Department<00:00
• We support the idea of having the military go back and actually test, using the current analytical test
• A while to do broad testing just to see the occurrence of PFAS.
• I do know that we want to verify that it's present, and we do test.
• Uh Waiawa present, and we do test.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing of the Committees on Public Safety and Military Affairs and Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs considered two resolutions related to Red Hill and PFAS contamination. HCR 186 urged the U.S. Department of Defense and Defense Health Agency to extend the renewal period for secretarial designee health care authorization for people affected by the Red Hill water contamination crisis and to improve access to care. Testimony from Moira Flanary and Board of Water Supply’s Ernie Lau supported the measure, emphasizing lasting health impacts, the need for continuity of care, and National Academies recommendations for continued eligibility and access to treatment. The second measure, HCR 200, urged the U.S. Department of Defense to reassess prior determinations and closure decisions under CERCLA in light of evolving scientific understanding of PFAS and recent federal hazardous substance designations. Mr. Lau testified in support, arguing that military investigations should not rely only on old records or AFFF documentation and should instead use current testing methods to identify contamination. He said PFAS is persistent, mobile in groundwater, and likely to require long-term remediation, and he also answered questions about cleanup challenges and the Board of Water Supply’s ongoing litigation against the Navy over Red Hill-related costs. At the end of the hearing, the committees voted to pass both HCR 186 and HCR 200 unamended. The Public Safety and Military Affairs Committee adopted the chair’s recommendations on both measures. The Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee did not have quorum, so its votes were deferred until April 21 at 2:00 p.m. in Conference Room 225.

Transcript Highlights:

• "Gilbert failed his test. "Gilbert failed his test.
• The Mantoux testing test is about 10 bucks, and the QRC, the QRx test, is over 80 bucks.
• TB testing at intake for the most part. TB testing is a little bit different.
• on the state budget.
• billions in the state budget. billions in the state budget.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House File 3939, a bill to support a Helping Paws service-dog litter named in honor of Gilbert and the Hortman family. Testimony from Helping Paws and service-dog graduate Angie Foley described the organization’s work, the significance of the “Guided by Gilbert” litter, and how the funding would help train dogs that provide independence and support to people with disabilities, veterans, and others. Members from both parties spoke warmly about Speaker Hortman’s connection to the organization and Gilbert, and the bill was laid over for possible inclusion. The committee then considered House File 3769, the Department of Corrections’ technical omnibus bill, with an A1 amendment adopted to clarify tuberculosis testing language. The bill updates TB screening procedures in correctional facilities, including how refusals are handled, and adds Quantiferon Gold Plus testing as an option alongside existing methods. Members discussed whether the bill would create costs for counties and jails, with some noting added testing and segregation costs and others arguing the changes would improve accuracy and reduce time in restrictive housing. The bill, as amended, was recommended to the general register. House File 3978 was next, a technical cleanup bill for a provider wellness program created last year. The bill expands eligibility and confidentiality protections from physicians to all health care providers, while supporters said the program is meant to address burnout and mental health strain in the workforce and does not require new money. Some members questioned whether the change was redundant or would broaden the program without additional funding, but the Minnesota Medical Association testified that the program is separate from insurance and was intended to serve all providers. The bill was recommended to the general register. Finally, the committee began House File 3476, which Rep. Liebling described as a cleanup bill related to Minnesota’s Medicaid managed care system and public program oversight. She argued that the state spends billions through managed care organizations and that the system has never been proven better than direct payment, setting up a broader discussion of the bill’s purpose and the state’s oversight of public health care spending.

Transcript Highlights:

• How can we, as the lead state agency for that activity, implement technologies to support the testing
• It does have some economic impact, but the end goal is to come test in Oklahoma, see what our state is
• It's not just to be a pure testing and development state, but to be an in-manufacturing state for the
• National Guard UAS test site.
• Coming to the state of Oklahoma, whether it's Agile and their space engine test cell program or, in this

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:59:59.239> aren't states to regulate some states aren't states to regulate some states
• States in state after state with legal States in state after state with legal cannabis<03:44:20.239><
• fentanyl test strips or xylazine test fentanyl test strips or xylazine test strips<04:46:21.798>
• new test strip was available the tested new test strip was available the tested for<04:47:27.120
• then<04:52:31.240> do test with the test strips and then do test with the test strips

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, in your testimony you mentioned out-of-state teachers need to take a practice test.
• Each state and their board determines the passage of the test, and it’s a nationally normed test.
• Again, other states like California have the R test and other tests.
• We don’t do a crosswalk with other state tests or even international tests.
• > even crosswalk with other state test or even crosswalk with other state test or even International

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 627, which concerns Department of Education school safety funding and staffing. DOE said the bill would restore two positions and related funding that had been removed from the governor’s budget: a targeted violence prevention and threat assessment program manager and a security technology manager. DOE described ongoing work on school vulnerability assessments, fire suppression measures, security camera research, panic buttons, and active shooter prevention training. Testifiers from DOE, the Department of Law Enforcement, fire services, HSTA, and an individual witness all supported the bill, with the individual citing a past school shooting experience as a reason to increase school resource officers and safety measures. Members asked about the positions’ duties, how the request differed from existing security funding, and the status of active shooter training; DOE said it would provide more information on training statistics. The committee then took up HB 249, relating to Executive Office on Early Learning family child interaction learning programs. The Early Learning Board, EOEL, Commit to Kids, Early Childhood Action Strategies, Partners in Development Foundation, and others testified in support. EOEL said it currently spends about $800,000 annually on FCI program contracts and supports expanding state funding for FCIL programs, including infant and early childhood mental health, if the appropriation covers the broader scope. Testifiers emphasized that FCIL programs are trauma-informed, evidence-based, and help families and children, with one provider sharing a long-term example of a parent and child benefiting from the program. Members asked how many programs are supported, whether FCIL exists on all islands, and whether the request was in the governor’s budget; EOEL said the expansion was requested by the office but not included in the governor’s budget. HB 429, concerning pre-K expansion, drew broad support from the Lieutenant Governor, EOEL, HSTA, and community groups. Supporters said the Ready Keiki initiative has already opened more than 50 classrooms and would add another 50 over the next two years, including Hawaiian immersion classrooms. EOEL said it currently administers 72 public pre-K classrooms across 74 campuses and that the bill’s funding was included in the governor’s budget request. Testimony stressed kindergarten readiness, affordability for working families, equity across islands, and inclusion classrooms. Members asked about national quality benchmarks, with EOEL stating Hawaii meets 10 of 10 benchmarks and that only five states had done so at the time referenced. The Lieutenant Governor also described construction and delivery efforts, including refurbishing existing classrooms, modular options, possible use of state buildings, and even collaboration with libraries to expand child care access. Finally, the committee heard HB 439 on J-1 teacher licensure. DOE supported the bill, while the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board opposed it, arguing licensure standards are not place-based and should remain rigorous and uniform for all educators. The Attorney General’s office offered technical comments, including replacing “educators” with “teacher” and clarifying the bill’s language on issuance and renewal conditions. Several organizations and individuals testified in support, including school, cultural, business, and educator groups. One witness, a teacher from the Philippines, said J-1 educators are highly qualified and described the rigor of teacher preparation in the Philippines. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• , free testing, confidential testing.
• , free testing, confidential testing.
• , free testing, confidential testing.
• Give them options for testing, free testing, confidential testing. Um, uh, confidential testing.
• Give them options for testing, free testing, confidential testing. Um, uh, confidential testing.

Bills: HF601, HF271, HF1101, HF979

Keywords: agriculture, depredation compensation, livestock, crop damage, elk, wolves, wildlife management, skills path program, career and technical education, CTE, dual credit, postsecondary options enrollment, apprenticeship, apprenticeship readiness, dual training, work-based learning, career pathways, skilled trades, workforce development, high school to career