Transcript Highlights:

• Education, we have Energy and Natural Resources, we have General Government, we have Health, and we have Judicial

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Reports of committees will be deemed read and amendments adopted.
• It does not require blindly following psychology reports and the liberal governor's push to free up prison
• beds, regardless of public... ...reports and the liberal governor's push to free up prison beds, regardless
• This is not how the state judicial and parole system is supposed to work. Thankfully, Mr.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We picked seven based on the United States Postal Service's 2024 report after the election, where they're
• ability for cities to decline should they not have the capability or technical assistance to even report
• Section 12 on page 12 looks like a more substantive change, but what this effectively does is require judicial
• , it requires an email address or attestation of not having an email address for campaign finance reports

Transcript Highlights:

• United States and 79% of them reported United States and 79% of them reported that<03:12:49.800>
• The clerk will report the title: H.R. 144, a bill to provide that the Federal Reports Elimination and
• The clerk will report the resolution. The clerk will report the resolution.
• United States code I hereby report that United States code I hereby report that I<06:55:46.920> have
• International judicial International judicial body<07:51:14.878> this<07:51:15.040> week

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• testimony from an investigative reporter testimony from an investigative reporter of<00:59:23.839
• And the reports of what is to eat.
• numbers of deaths and suicides, reports numbers of deaths and suicides, reports of<02:39:10.399>
• The clerk will report the resolution. The clerk will report the resolution.
• of the judici judiciary committee, Mr. of the judici judiciary committee, Mr. Rasin. Rasin.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've unfortunately read reports of AI-assisted suicide, of AI-induced psychosis, and our explanation
• We did pass Senate Bill 7 out of the Judicial Committee uh unanimously. My apologies, it's early.
• 7<01:16:03.280> out<01:16:03.440> of<01:16:03.520> the<01:16:03.679> Judicial
• pass Senate Bill 7 out of the Judicial pass Senate Bill 7 out of the Judicial Committee<01:16:04.640

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then heard testimony on the use of artificial intelligence in therapy and mental health settings. Representative Lisa Willner and Brenda Rosen of NASW Kentucky argued for “guard rails” on AI chatbots so they cannot present themselves as licensed therapists or replace school counselors, psychologists, or social workers. They said AI can support licensed professionals, but warned that chatbots cannot reliably recognize nonverbal cues, escalate crises, or provide accountable care, and they cited examples of harmful chatbot interactions, including a suicide case and a chatbot telling a user to “Please die.” The witnesses also raised concerns about data privacy, commercialization of sensitive mental health conversations, and the use of personal clinical content to train AI models. They said minors should require parental consent and suggested transparency about how a chatbot is trained and who created it. They distinguished between unvetted consumer chatbots and AI tools that have been scientifically validated or approved as digital therapeutics, noting that some evidence-based tools may be useful for specific conditions such as depression, anxiety, or eating disorders. Committee members asked whether regulation should be handled by the legislature or by professional boards, and whether a multi-state model would be preferable to 50 different state approaches. The witnesses generally favored expert-led standards and said a board or panel of experts could review and approve mental health chatbots, but members cautioned that boards can become too restrictive and that legislation should preserve flexibility and avoid discouraging children from seeking help. The discussion ended with a request for the witnesses to restate their proposed policy ideas, including privacy protections, bans on commercialization, limits on training AI with clinical content, transparency requirements, and informed consent.

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislative, judicial, and executive branch.
• The legislative, judicial, and executive branch.
• The legislative, judicial, and executive branch.
• Chair would like to recommend that we report this bill out unamended.
• We'll move it with amendments, blanking out the appropriations and noting on the committee report and

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several measures. SB 2723, which would designate April 27 as State Sheriff’s Day, was supported by the Department of Law Enforcement and a long-serving sheriff, who described the historical roots of Hawaii’s sheriffs in the Kingdom of Hawaii and said the bill would recognize that legacy. HGA submitted written comments, and there was no opposition or vote taken on the measure during the excerpt. The committees then heard SB 17 on wildfire mitigation. The Public Utilities Commission, DLNR, the State Fire Council, OPSD, the Attorney General’s office, and Kamehameha Schools all testified, mostly in support of the bill’s intent but with suggested amendments. Several witnesses said the bill should better define the working group’s structure, staffing, and funding, and the Attorney General noted constitutional concerns about placing the group outside a principal department and pointed out possible overlap with Acts 302 and 303 from the prior year. Committee members questioned whether SB 17 duplicated earlier wildfire legislation, and witnesses generally said it did not directly conflict but overlapped with existing efforts. On SB 2358, which would require reimbursement for search-and-rescue costs when people leave trails and enter closed areas, the State Fire Council and the Hawaii SAR Alliance testified in opposition or caution, arguing that reimbursement could deter people from calling for help and that Hawaii’s SAR system still has structural and administrative gaps. A committee member asked whether other jurisdictions had used similar measures without discouraging rescues; the Fire Council said Kauai has a similar law but it has not resulted in invoices being sent. No action was taken in the excerpt. The final measure discussed was SB 2475 on Red Hill remediation funding and reimbursement from the Department of Defense. The Board of Water Supply, DLNR, and other testifiers supported the bill, emphasizing the need for long-term research, monitoring, and cleanup, while also noting the unique groundwater conditions and the importance of keeping the funds focused on Red Hill contamination response. Committee members asked about existing federal and state funding, whether the state had received any direct federal money, and what would happen if reimbursement is not obtained. DLNR said it was still working through the reimbursement mechanism and that some federal funding had gone to the Red Hill registry, but not directly to the state for this purpose.

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee substitute, uh, I'm sorry, the chair moves that House Bill 1515 as substitute be reported
• Uh, Representative Vice Chair Jones moves that House Bill 5639 is substituted be reported favorably to
• Vice Chair Joan moves that House Bill 2854 is substituted be reported favorably to the full House with
• The chair moves that Senate Bill 1080 without amendments be reported favorably to the full House with
• And so, um, being able if they have to report to parole, you know, this would be helpful for them to

Transcript Highlights:

• I THINK THE BEST REPORT CARD YOU CAN POSSIBLY GET IS AN ELECTION.
• YES. >> Chair Trabulsy: YES. >> 17 YAYS, ONE NAY. >> Chair Trabulsy: BY YOUR VOTE THE BILL AS REPORTED
• LET ME READ TO YOU SOMETHING FROM A 2023 REPORT. THIS IS ON THE NIH.
• WE HAVE PARENTS THAT HAVE BEEN DOXXED FOR REPORTING THIS KIND OF MATERIAL.
• JUDICIAL RULINGS HAVE ALREADY DETERMINED STUDENTS HAVE RIGHTS TO ACCESS BOOKS.

Transcript Highlights:

• the obsolete provisional license for out of state speech language pathologists waiting to take the judicial
• Chair moves to reconsider the vote by which, uh, the vote of Senate Bill 331 was reported from committee
• Chair moves that Senate Bill 331 as substituted be reported favorably to the full House with the recommendation
• services within 48 hours, integrates housing and homelessness services, and requires biannual, uh, reporting
• Oh, well, I'm just reporting that the statistics on the higher rate of infectious disease markers in

Transcript Highlights:

• when we try to do something as simple as a fentanyl to try to put in place. bills to make that be reported
• We reviewed a report on that account and analyzed it through regular channels using regular procedures
• So it's been well reported that Chinese researchers have used the Lama model. both for AI weapons and
• I think it's been widely reported that the deep-seek model is in part based on Lama.
• Apart from the threats in a judicial setting, have there been others?

Keywords: Meta, Facebook, whistleblower, regulation, China, user data, artificial intelligence, testimony, Congress

Summary: The meeting of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism focused on oversight of Meta's foreign relations and representations to Congress. An essential witness, Sarah Wynne-Williams, a former executive at Facebook, provided testimony outlining significant concerns about the company's practices and its complicity in aiding oppressive regimes. The atmosphere was charged, with ongoing debates about the regulation of big tech companies and the ethical implications of their policies. The committee explored topics such as user data management, whistleblower retaliation, and the need for legislative measures to protect users and enhance accountability in the tech sector. A notable point of contention was Facebook's alleged cooperation with the Chinese government regarding the dissemination of user data and AI tools, leading to serious ethical implications.

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will report the amendment. The clerk will report the amendment.
• The clerk will report the desk. The clerk will report the amendment. amendment. amendment.
• law enforcement is required to report law enforcement is required to report them<01:20:21.040>
• immigrant communities from reporting immigrant communities from reporting crimes<01:40:30.880>
• > unduly reporting requirements would unduly reporting requirements would unduly burden<01:42:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• process that is fleshed out in judicial process that is fleshed out in HR6601.
• But I want to note in the committee report DOT is requesting a $10 per person assessment.
• c> testimony<03:27:39.840> of committee report the testimony of committee report the testimony
• I note the committee report.
• I note the committee report.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2021, a transportation measure creating a framework for electric bicycle and micromobility regulation. The bill would define electric bicycle and electric micromobility device, set age and helmet rules, restrict class 3 e-bikes from sidewalks, allow limited sidewalk use for class 1 and 2 bikes, prohibit high-speed electric devices and certain nonconforming devices in specified locations, update county tax definitions, and change related terminology. Testimony was largely supportive from DOT, police, Honolulu officials, Hawaii Bicycling League, AAA Hawaii, the Hawaii State Teachers Association, and several individuals, while DCCA’s Insurance Division asked for clarity on whether insurance would be required. Committee discussion focused on safety, enforcement, and the fact that no insurance market currently exists for these e-bike classes; members also discussed the need to target bad actors rather than ordinary riders. The chair then proposed and the committee adopted amendments to HB 2021, including clarifying that road-legal, permitted, classified electric bicycles are not subject to insurance requirements at this time; allowing properly classified electric bicycles on sidewalks at 10 mph or less subject to county restrictions; barring high-speed electric devices and other nonconforming devices from public roadways; authorizing impoundment of non-road-legal or improperly registered devices; and requiring direct parental supervision for riders under 16 on class 2 or 3 e-bikes. The committee also made technical and effective-date changes. The recommendation to pass HB 2021 with amendments was adopted unanimously by the members present. The committee next took up HB 1641, a related transportation bill addressing high-speed electric devices. The chair explained that the measure would prohibit the sale, lease, rental, distribution, possession, or operation of high-speed electric devices and establish penalties, but the committee’s version would narrow the focus to devices covered by HB 2021. The amended bill would prohibit offering high-speed electric devices for lease or rent, require sellers to comply with the new regulatory framework, ban operation on bicycle lanes, highways, roadways, and streets, and set a civil penalty of $250 to $1,000 per violation. After no further questions, the committee voted to pass HB 1641 with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted. The meeting then moved to HB 1709, which would transfer regulation of the Hawaii Water Carrier Act from the Public Utilities Commission to the Department of Transportation and make conforming changes with an appropriation. DOT testified in support, while the PUC and DCCA’s Consumer Advocacy Division raised concerns about preserving consumer protections and the complexity of moving the regulatory framework. Young Brothers supported the bill and said the current system is outdated, but the discussion remained ongoing; the transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 1709 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:56.040> someone with the two Actuarial reports someone with the two Actuarial reports
• If we were to discover on audit that they forgot entirely to even report or withheld from someone's report
• supposed to report to us.
• <00:50:11.880> information $250 a day for not reporting information $250 a day for not reporting
• excited about going to an annual report excited about going to an annual report yes<01:42:18.760

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 2 retirement provisions, focusing on Group Two/Tier B changes in pages 25-39. Jan Goodwin of the New Hampshire Retirement System and deputy chief counsel Mark Kavanaugh explained that the 2025 bill is largely similar to prior versions, but it restores certain pre-2011 benefit rules for Tier B members, including changes to average final compensation and earnable compensation, and it also addresses the annuity multiplier for years of service. Members discussed the tier structure, with Tier A referring to vested members, Tier B to those hired before 11/1/12 who were not vested, and Tier C to later hires. Several members expressed concern that the bill’s purpose was to restore Tier B benefits, not to change Tier A rules or create broader changes affecting newer hires. The retirement system flagged two likely drafting problems. First, it said a provision appears to omit a special-duty/earnable-compensation limitation in the Group Two section, which they believed was a scrivener’s error caused by moving language out of the Group One definition without adding it back for Group Two. Second, they noted the bill’s multiplier language overlaps with changes already enacted in HB 1647, which increased the multiplier for service beyond 15 years for Group Two and carried an estimated $26 million cost. The committee discussed that HB 1647 was originally broader in the House, but the Senate narrowed it to Tier B only. The actuary’s comparison of the 2023 and 2025 HB 2 versions showed the bills are close, but the 2025 version differs in funding and timing. Staff said the 2025 bill appropriates $2.5 million more per year for 10 years, and that, together with updated actuarial assumptions and a larger share of the affected tier having already retired or otherwise left service, results in a larger reduction in unfunded liability than the 2023 bill: about $98.2 million versus $68.5 million. Employer contribution impacts were described as small overall, though the 2025 bill was said to be somewhat more favorable than the 2023 version. Members also questioned why House Bill 1 only funds $5 million in the first year, and staff said that was tied to the governor’s revenue estimate and that the full funding does not begin immediately. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the committee mainly received testimony, asked clarifying questions, and noted that some issues would be addressed in the fiscal note worksheet.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:09:23.200> it<00:09:23.440> has judiciary which reports it has judiciary which
• Any misuse of force should be addressed through established legal and judicial processes.
• We have an appointment reported out of committee and to take up for confirmation.
• Senator from Franklin, for the confirmation report. Uh, thank you, Mr. President.
• confirmation report. Uh, thank you, Mr. confirmation report. Uh, thank you, Mr.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So students in the PBL, CBL courses reported increased social work knowledge and leadership, that I mean
• We have a number of these in development right now on multidisciplinary teams, judicial trauma training
• We are proud to report that the number of children in out-of-home care continues to decline.
• level of false reporting.
• A certain level of false reporting—how do you filter them, and how many has there been this year?

Summary: The committee heard three presentations focused on child welfare workforce development and the needs of children in Florida’s dependency system. First, the Florida Institute for Child Welfare described its Grow Center and related initiatives, including academic curriculum enhancements, simulations, virtual reality training, coaching, on-demand learning, advanced certifications, and the planned Tallahassee learning lab opening in January 2026. Members asked about conflict resolution, domestic violence, addiction, and microcredentials; the presenter said the institute is expanding training in those areas and is working with DCF to align advanced certifications with the department’s career ladder. The Department of Children and Families then presented on the Continue the Mission initiative, which recruits veterans, military spouses, and former law enforcement officers into CPI, API, and case management roles. DCF said it has held more than 240 hiring events and hired 372 such workers since launch, while also improving recruitment and retention through higher starting pay, streamlined hiring, rebranding, wellness supports, and enhanced pre-service training. Senators asked about PTSD concerns, staffing levels, caseloads, hotline vacancies, and salaries; DCF said it had not seen direct PTSD issues from the hiring effort and provided figures including a $50,000 starting salary for CPIs, $37,000 for APIs, and average caseloads of 12 to 15 investigations for CPIs and about 10 for APIs. Finally, DCF discussed the increased acuity of children in the dependency system, explaining that fewer children are entering care overall but those who do often have more complex behavioral, mental health, developmental, or medical needs. The department highlighted a new Behavioral Qualified Residential Treatment Program (BQRTP) designed for youth who need more intensive support than traditional foster or group home settings but do not require inpatient psychiatric treatment; one facility is licensed with 12 of 14 beds filled, and DCF said it is seeking funding for placement for 230 youth total. Members pressed for details on licensure timelines, standards, funding, and the handling of crossover youth and lockouts, and DCF said it uses braided funding and works with DJJ, APD, and lead agencies through local and state review teams. A representative of the Florida Coalition for Children also testified, saying the issue is complex and multi-year, and that the coalition is working on possible legislative and programmatic solutions. The committee took no formal votes and adjourned after the presentations and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• community groups, while introducing state oversight that risks patient privacy through mandatory reporting
• community groups, while introducing state oversight that risks patient privacy through mandatory reporting
• I really think we should preserve judicial discretion in order to reserve the severest penalties that
• I really think we should preserve judicial discretion in order to reserve the severest penalties that
• And note in the committee report the amount of $570,137 for fiscal year 2026 to 2027 and an implementation

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services opened its first hearing of the 2026 session and heard testimony on several bills, with the chair emphasizing one-minute testimony, written submissions, and live streaming. For SB 768, relating to an alternative water source income tax credit, the Department of Taxation said a drafting issue needed clarification on the $500 cap and estimated a revenue loss of $6.8 million per year beginning in fiscal year 2028. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Libertarian Party opposed the bill as an unnecessary subsidy and tax-code complication, while one supporter was noted. A member questioned the size of the projected loss and suggested future analysis of net fiscal impacts and methodology. The committee then heard SB 389, which expands a general excise tax exemption to additional health-related providers and purchases. The Department of Taxation said the change would be a minimal code adjustment but would require public education; the Tax Foundation said the bill should be framed in light of the original physician-shortage rationale for the exemption. The Hawaii National Guard and Aloha Care supported the measure, along with several other organizations and individuals, while the Libertarian Party opposed it as favoritism and tax-code complexity. A member asked about administrative burden and potential tax impact, and the department said it did not yet have a calculation but was working on one. The committee also heard SB 877, which would appropriate funds to increase Medicaid in-home services if federal matching funds are maximized, and SB 1139, which would direct DHS to expand Medicaid eligibility for children from birth to age five regardless of household income. DHS stood on written testimony for both bills, and Aloha Care, the Hawaii Medical Association, disability advocates, children’s advocates, and CARES testified in support, arguing the measures would improve access and family stability. The Libertarian Party opposed both bills, warning of higher long-term costs, entitlement growth, and reduced private-sector options. Members questioned the fiscal and programmatic differences between crisis and warm-line services during discussion of SB 787, a bill to fund a Department of Health warm line; the department said the warm line would serve noncrisis callers more cheaply than crisis staffing, and that about 34.7% of 2024 Hawaii CARES contacts were mild issues that could have been routed to a warm line. Supporters cited mental health needs after the Lahaina wildfire and the affordability crisis, while opponents argued the service duplicated existing resources and expanded government involvement.

Transcript Highlights:

• I see where the reporting is, but the reporting doesn't cover how that verification of who qualified
• where the reporting is, but the reporting<00:37:26.560> doesn't<00:37:27.440> cover reporting
• that pertains to uh, an officer report that pertains to uh, an officer report um,<01:33:05.920><
• change to the cleaning standards report change to the cleaning standards report due<01:47:26.719
• requiring reporting requirements for requiring reporting requirements for those<01:53:20.960>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• data<01:38:49.040> at the division, we usually report data at the division, we usually report
• South Central and Sea Coast report lower rates.
• while South Central and Sea Coast report while South Central and Sea Coast report lower<01:44:07.199
• <02:00:08.639> the and Greater Sullivan County report the and Greater Sullivan County report
• <02:05:44.400> on issue and present an annual report on issue and present an annual report

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the draft minutes from its May 29 meeting and then received an informational update from the Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing about the state’s ASL interpreter pipeline. Representative Woods and Associate Commissioner Ann Landry explained that the American Sign Language program at UNH Manchester, the nation’s first fully accredited program, is facing viability concerns because high tuition has left only two of a potential 20 students committed so far. They warned that if enrollment does not recover, the program could face a teachout and eventually be lost, which they said would be detrimental because many state services and legal proceedings require qualified interpreters. Members discussed possible alternatives, including whether community colleges could help, and asked for follow-up research and contact information for UNH officials. The committee also heard that interpreter demand across DHHS continues to rise and that the department must ensure compliance with civil rights and service-access requirements. The committee then turned to Medicaid policy changes tied to Senate Bill 134 and a new federal interim final rule on Medicaid community engagement, or work, requirements. DHHS officials Olivia May and Ann Landry explained that the state law and federal rule align in many areas, but the committee still needed to decide how to implement several remaining policy choices. The department recommended adopting all four short-term hardship exceptions because the federal rule requires states to take them all or none: inpatient or institutional care, federally declared emergencies, high-unemployment areas, and extensive out-of-state travel for serious medical care. Members generally supported the exceptions but raised concerns about how they would be defined and applied, especially the emergency and medical-travel categories. Several legislators asked for more clarity on terms like “extensively” and “serious or complex medical care,” and DHHS said the federal rule does not rigidly define them, though the state could refine implementation through rulemaking if authorized. The department also said the emergency exception would apply only to federally declared emergencies, not state declarations, and would be tied to the emergency event itself. No final vote on the Medicaid policy was recorded in the portion provided, but the discussion indicated the committee was reviewing the remaining decisions needed to implement Senate Bill 134 under the new federal framework.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's going to put an incredible burden on our judicial system.
• I move that Senate Bill 1362, Hughes-Hefner, be reported favorably to the...
• I'm so sorry, we can't do a report favorably. We need to say, I'm sorry, I didn't catch this.
• Is that the motion in writing or the motion to report to the board? What are we reconsidering?
• Report it favorably to the full committee.

Keywords: 1184, house, all