Transcript Highlights:

• was uh the Hathaway scholarship program. was uh the Hathaway scholarship program.
• adjust the Hathaway scholarship program adjust the Hathaway scholarship program and<00:03:44.480
• 1229, halfway scholarship program. 1229, halfway scholarship program.
• infrastructure and communities program. infrastructure and communities program.
• helps strengthen our programs. helps strengthen our programs.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have been for many years a proponent of this Teacup program.
• We need to do better for this program.
• The inequity of these two programs leaves the teacup in peril.
• It's when you set up a medical program or a recreational marijuana program, and make no mistake, what
• Program and sort of the lack of medical professionals participating in the program, talking to the patients

Transcript Highlights:

• law for Education Innovation programs law for Education Innovation programs just<00:34:39.399>
• Also, we need to preserve the program integrity.
• Also, we need to preserve the program integrity.
• Also, we need to preserve the program integrity.
• Also, we need to preserve the program integrity.

Bills: HF6, HF52, HF53

Keywords: education, literacy, science of reading, school performance, funding flexibility, innovation zones, equity and inclusion, HF52, New Germany, wastewater treatment, wastewater facility, sewer infrastructure, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, Public Facilities Authority, municipal infrastructure, water quality, sanitation, sewage treatment

Transcript Highlights:

• I have I have been, for many years, a proponent of this TEACUP program.
• I have always been for a fully regulated medical marijuana program and recreational marijuana program
• We need to do better for this program.
• marijuana program.
• The accessibility of the program today...

Transcript Highlights:

• issues with the program issues with the program um<00:57:35.359> I<00:57:35.960> I
• She said the bill supports HTC's three core programs: the MAP, SPR, and accelerator programs.
• local business Assistance programs local business Assistance programs especially<01:05:41.400>
• <01:36:14.679> that don't really have any programs that don't really have any programs that
• I think this is a really great program, one of our very positive and successful diversion courts.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• our traditional kapuna caregiver program our traditional kapuna caregiver program is<00:19:44.720
• Capa caregiver program for some reason I Capa caregiver program for some reason I thought<00:23:30.520
• 31:47.880> know within our program providers you know within our program providers you know and
• individual that had the WEA um program individual that had the WEA um program now<00:36:34.440><
• C-1 is our congregate program, and C-2 monies are the home-delivered meals program.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services held an informational briefing on Kupuna Care funding, distribution, utilization, and the status of program rules. The Office of Aging explained that state Kupuna Care funds are distributed using the same federally approved interstate funding formula used for Older Americans Act funds, with eight weighted factors tailored to Hawaii’s conditions: older adults, greatest economic need, low-income minority status, disability, language barriers, geographic isolation, inverse population density, and older adults living alone in poverty. The department said the formula is based on census and American Community Survey data, with current county shares listed as Kauai 7.45%, Honolulu 69.61%, Maui 11.7%, and Hawaii County 17.88%. Officials said the formula is being reviewed with current data and will need federal approval and then public hearing before final adoption. Members questioned how the program works in practice, noting that the statute and eligibility language can sound like direct individual benefits even though services are delivered through area agencies on aging, ADRCs, and contracted providers such as meal and adult day care programs. The Office of Aging said ADRCs determine eligibility and then refer clients to authorized providers, who must meet service standards in their contracts. The chair pressed repeatedly for long-delayed rules, saying the Legislature had expected them years earlier and that clear rules are needed to ensure funds are spent properly and to avoid conflicts of interest. The department acknowledged the delay, said draft rules were written in 2023 after earlier commitments to finish sooner, and said it paused while federal Older Americans Act rules were being updated; it now expects to send the rules to the Deputy Attorney General, then out for public hearing, with a goal of completion in 2025. The department also reported utilization data for the last two fiscal years. In 2023, it expended about 93% of its allocation and served 5,473 older adults at an average annual cost of $1,358; in 2024, it expended about 97% and served 5,520 older adults, with the average cost down by about $200, which officials said may indicate fewer services per person. Eligibility was described as age 60 or older, U.S. citizen or qualified alien, with cognitive impairment or disability and functional deficits, and the statewide profile showed many participants were homebound, living alone, or below poverty. The most-used services were transportation, case management, and home-delivered meals. The chair also asked about the former Kupuna caregiver program; officials said the programs are now combined under Kupuna Care, with most funding going to adult day care to provide respite for working caregivers. County representatives then described local conditions, especially on Hawaii Island. Hawaii County officials said the county covers about 5,000 square miles, has about 208,000 residents, and roughly 24% are age 65 or older. They identified three main challenges: staffing shortages and retention problems among providers, shortages within the county department itself, and the loss of adult day care capacity, with only one center remaining on the island and none on the west side. They said these constraints limit service delivery even as demand grows. At the same time, they highlighted successes such as serving people in the community before they need higher levels of care, providing caregiver counseling and training through adult day care, serving 467 individuals locally, and ensuring the Resource Center answers calls from caregivers seeking help.

Transcript Highlights:

• Opportunity Fund's venture capital program.
• It is a truly unique program that doesn't exist anywhere else.
• We have a record five-year work program.
• We definitely want to develop programs.
• Mitigation is where we do our long-term resiliency programs.

Summary: The Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee met to organize for the session, take roll, and hear introductory remarks from members and agency heads. Members briefly introduced themselves and their districts, with several noting transportation, economic development, emergency response, military, and hurricane recovery issues in their areas. Chair Shove then outlined the subcommittee’s jurisdiction and current-year budget, noting a total of about $20.3 billion, with most funding coming from trust funds and only a small share from general revenue. The committee also heard that upcoming meetings would include presentations from major agencies in the subcommittee’s purview. The first agency presentation was from the Department of Military Affairs and the Florida National Guard. Major General John Haas described the Guard’s three missions—supporting national security, responding to state emergencies, and adding value to the state—and highlighted deployments for hurricanes, border security support, and ongoing support to the Department of Corrections. He emphasized that the Guard is understrength relative to Florida’s size and demand, said recruiting is strong, and identified force structure growth as the main challenge. Members asked about aircraft, funding sources, and recruiting; Haas explained the Guard’s helicopter and fixed-wing fleet, said aircraft purchases are funded through legislative appropriations, and reported strong interest in the Florida State Guard’s recruiting pipeline. Executive Director Mark Thieme then described the Florida State Guard’s expansion into air, ground, and maritime capabilities, including Black Hawks, boats, drones, canine search-and-rescue teams, and ground support units. He said the agency supported immigration enforcement and hurricane response, and asked for continued legislative support to expand aviation, maritime, and medical capabilities. Members praised the Guard’s disaster response work and asked about aircraft, funding, and staffing. Secretary Cord Byrd of the Department of State followed, focusing on election administration, election security, the SunBiz and voter registration IT systems, arts and culture, corporations, libraries, and historical resources. He said Florida’s election system remains a national model, reported two prosecutions for non-citizen voting, and discussed modernization needs for legacy IT systems. The committee also asked about voter lookup tools, password privacy for SunBiz, and arts funding vetoes. Secretary Alex Kelly of the Department of Commerce described the agency’s broad portfolio, including workforce, economic, community, and international commerce functions, plus housing recovery, broadband, small business support, rural infrastructure, defense-community grants, and law enforcement recruitment bonuses. He said access to capital is the biggest barrier for small businesses and noted ongoing work with CareerSource, the Department of Corrections, and other partners on workforce and reentry. Secretary Jared Perdue of the Department of Transportation then outlined FDOT’s record budget and five-year work program, emphasizing emergency response, preservation and maintenance, safety, and major investments in roads, ports, airports, transit, and spaceport infrastructure. He said the department has removed millions of cubic yards of storm debris, is ahead of schedule on the Moving Florida Forward initiative, and faces a large unfunded project backlog. Members asked about supply chain issues, project priorities, and workforce needs, and Perdue said FDOT is open to collaboration on recruitment and retention.

Transcript Highlights:

• federal program that is 100% bipartisan federal program that is 100% federally<00:19:00.080> funded
• um, has a refugee resettlement program. um, has a refugee resettlement program.
• Now we're implementing the program.
• Now we're implementing the program.
• Um, so that is really page two, line 23 onward. program. It also suspends the existing program.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas, Santa Fe County is home to a diverse and vibrant population, encompassing rural and urban
• Santa Fe Wine and Chili Fiesta, which celebrate the county's creative excellence and cultural diversity
• education program for youth, housed at the University of New Mexico's law school.
• President: it doesn't change the law, and it does not create new programs.
• President, it doesn't change the law, and it does not create new programs.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It was a pretty diverse group, actually.
• It was a pretty<00:34:23.399> diverse<00:34:23.879> group,<00:34:24.200> actually.
• <00:34:25.200> Um<00:34:25.480> out pretty diverse group, actually.
• Um out pretty diverse group, actually.
• through the office of justice programs. through the office of justice programs.

Bills: SF1750, HF2700, HF1606, HF3356, HF3946, HF3970, HF3658, HF3875, HF2627, SF856, HF1268, HF1338

Keywords: common interest community, CIC, homeowners association, HOA, condominium, planned community, cooperative, unit owner, association board, declarant, declarant control, special declarant rights, assessment lien, foreclosure, late fees, fines, attorney fees, resale disclosure, annual report, maintenance plan

Transcript Highlights:

• This diverse mix of programs, socioeconomic backgrounds, and demographics makes for an amazingly rich
• <00:02:49.360> This<00:02:49.760> diverse<00:02:50.640> mix certification programs
• This diverse mix certification programs.
• This diverse mix of<00:02:51.920> uh<00:02:52.239> programs,<00:02:52.959> socioeconomic
• of uh programs, socioeconomic of uh programs, socioeconomic backgrounds,<00:02:54.319> and

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Our mobile equipment program is one of the programs under my purview, and it's responsible for the acquisition
• Again, the same spec, the same program that Cal Fire is running.
• We have a very diverse fleet.
• They pay through higher taxes, reduced services, and deferred investment in essential programs.
• They pay through higher taxes, reduced services, and deferred investment in essential programs.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• language and all of about diversity language and all of about diversity language and all of that, but
• Um, and you know, and so of course our foundation program money went course our foundation program money
• went course our foundation program money went up because we grew by almost 4,000 up because we grew
• going forward with And uh if they're going forward with And uh if they're going forward with their programs
• in a very uh magnificent their programs in a very uh magnificent their programs in a very uh magnificent

Bills: HB258, HB324, HB333, SB270, HB258, HB324, HB333, SB270

Keywords: primary election, election calendar, off-presidential year, May primary, second Tuesday in May, fourth Tuesday in May, runoff primary, special primary, presidential primary, election administration, candidate filing, ballot access, political parties, county election officials, state election law, Alabama elections, sheriffs, term of office, Alabama law, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• on things like hedging, implementing the Natural Gas Innovation Act that provides some more fuel diversity
• on things like hedging, implementing the Natural Gas Innovation Act that provides some more fuel diversity
• on things like hedging, implementing the Natural Gas Innovation Act that provides some more fuel diversity
• on things like hedging, implementing the Natural Gas Innovation Act that provides some more fuel diversity
• on things like hedging, implementing the Natural Gas Innovation Act that provides some more fuel diversity

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• federal program has tax credits and tax incentives as part of the program.
• And that federal program has tax credits and tax incentives as part of the program.
• (TAP) and the Capital Infusion Program (SIP).
• The Small Business Assistance Programs, which are one of the largest programs across the state, include
• that happens to be running a small business assistance program, ensuring that... ...or any other program

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• program to be coordinated to counties. program to be coordinated to counties.
• Requires bianual program special fund.
• to the fair youth transit program to the fair youth transit program special<00:55:46.400> fund
• So, this is just a universal program.
• So we're involved with this program.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1694, which would create a sustainable aviation fuel tax credit, and HB 1695, which would expand the state’s renewable fuels production tax credit. For HB 1694, supporters from the airlines, renewable fuels industry, business groups, and some environmental and youth representatives said sustainable aviation fuel is a practical near-term way to cut emissions in aviation, a hard-to-decarbonize sector, and argued the credit would send a market signal, support local production, and help meet state climate goals. Opponents, including Energy Justice Network and a taxpayer-focused testifier, argued the bill could subsidize expensive fuels that may not be truly clean, could duplicate benefits available under other tax provisions, and should not support transpacific aviation or technologies they said are unproven or harmful. The Department of Taxation stood on written testimony, and the chair later asked that all verbal testimony on remaining bills be limited to one minute because of time constraints. HB 1695 drew similar support and opposition, but focused more broadly on renewable fuels for transportation, trucking, shipping, and other sectors. Supporters, including the Hawaii State Energy Office, airlines, PAR Hawaii, the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, Pacific Biodiesel, and the RNG Coalition, said the bill would help scale local fuel production, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support jobs and agriculture, and advance the state’s climate and energy goals. Several supporters emphasized that the credit would help build a local industry and that life-cycle accounting should be used to measure emissions benefits. Opponents repeated concerns that some biofuels and waste-based fuels may not be climate-beneficial, may rely on flawed modeling, and could create costly infrastructure that would need to be replaced later. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• key program partners through those spaces.
• Some of you know about this program.
• The recommendation currently is the funded programs already exclude 20, The funded programs already exclude
• One is to fund the center-based programs, well, actually all the subsidized programs, for enrollment
• It's limited by the ability and the funding of that program to serve more.

Summary: The committee took up issue number seven, Child Care Rate Reform Transition Plan, and heard a presentation from the LAO on an eight-part transition plan for the period before implementation of the alternative methodology-based child care rate system. The plan would provide interim rate increases to existing regional market rates and standard reimbursement rates beginning January 1 of the budget year, keep the higher of SRR or ARMR as the single rate, annualize cost-of-care supplements, update hold-harmless language, eliminate the private market cap, authorize one-time systems transition funding with JLBC approval, and require annual reporting on parent co-pays. Members asked about the timeline and public/legislative feedback process, and administration staff said they were working toward the July 1, 2025 deadline while continuing stakeholder engagement through the rate and quality advisory process. Public comment was overwhelmingly focused on child care and early learning funding. Providers, county offices, advocacy groups, and education organizations urged the Legislature to move quickly on the alternative rate methodology, provide interim relief through a cost-of-living adjustment, reimburse based on enrollment rather than attendance, and preserve health and retirement benefits and workforce stability. Many speakers also pressed for funding to expand the promised 200,000 child care slots, warning that waitlists remain long and providers are under financial strain. Several commenters supported maintaining or extending grants and technical assistance for transitional kindergarten, inclusive early education, and mixed-delivery early learning programs. A separate set of comments addressed the Inclusive Early Education Expansion Program, with Sacramento County education officials and others urging a statewide plan that would extend support to the 20 counties not currently receiving grants, especially rural areas. Other speakers raised concerns about facilities and staffing impacts from TK expansion, the need for consistent eligibility rules across subsidized programs, and the importance of statewide systems-level funding. The chair thanked the LAO, administration, and public commenters, said the item would remain open until after the May Revision, and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do appreciate that there was focus on diversion programs and how the Department of Health shall periodically
• program, the Quest um division program program, the Quest um division program to<01:11:57.520>
• <01:12:40.000> programs<01:12:40.960> and focus on diversion programs and focus on
• diversion programs and um<01:12:43.360> how<01:12:43.600> the<01:12:43.840> department
• >> program. >> program. >> program.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard opening remarks and ground rules from Chair David Tarnas, including a request for two-minute testimony limits, clear speaking, Zoom etiquette, and respectful conduct. The first measure taken up was HB 2062, relating to gun violence prevention, which would appropriate funds for enforcement of gun violence protective orders and for public awareness campaigns. Judiciary submitted written testimony recommending technical changes to clarify that it does not enforce laws and instead should be funded for personnel to process temporary restraining orders and gun violence protective orders; the Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill and said it is well positioned to conduct public education. Support also came from county and advocacy witnesses, including Moms Demand Action, Giffords Gun Owners for Safety, HGEA, and a retired police officer, while opposition testimony argued the measure raises due process and Fifth Amendment concerns and that education, not enforcement, should be the focus. The chair noted 37 testimonies in support, 103 in opposition, and three comments; no vote was taken in the portion provided. Testimony on HB 2062 emphasized both public safety and constitutional concerns. Supporters described the bill as a way to increase awareness of an existing legal tool, prevent suicides and shootings, and help law enforcement and the public understand gun violence protective orders. Opponents, including gun owners and firearms groups, argued that red flag laws can be abused, lack due process, and should not be expanded through state funding. A county neighborhood safety witness suggested an amendment to allow public, private, and nonprofit consultants to assist with training and implementation. Members asked a few questions, but the agencies with written testimony were not present, so the chair referred members to their submissions. The committee then moved to HB 2061, relating to firearms, which appropriates money for the state gun buyback program and requires at least two buyback events in each county. Written support was noted from the Department of Law Enforcement, Hawaii County Council, the County of Kauai Prosecuting Attorney, and the Hawaii State Association of Counties, with the latter emphasizing that buybacks are voluntary prevention tools that can reduce risk before crises escalate. Opposition came from the Mid-Pacific Pistol League, SDM Training Group/Bows and Bullets, and others; one witness argued buybacks are ineffective, costly, and can be vulnerable to misuse or black-market diversion, and suggested a year-round surrender option instead. The committee heard additional support from a retired police officer and from a gun violence survivor with Students Demand Action, but no final action or vote was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will hear Senate Bill 241, the Healthcare Assistance Program Act, as amended. Mr.
• I mean, they keep wanting more after-school programming money.
• Right now, our student loan repayment program is not competitive.
• Right now, our student loan repayment program is not competitive.
• And then we have an existing program called the Economic Transition Program.

Bills: SB241, SB145

Keywords: child care, child care assistance, child care subsidy, early childhood education, early childhood care, daycare, preschool, pre-K, Head Start, Early Head Start, Children's Code, early childhood education and care department, ECECD, child care facilities, licensed child care, registered child care, copayments, waitlist, subsidy, federal poverty level

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:30:24.159> I programs, I don't hear budget talks.
• I programs, I don't hear budget talks.
• . diversion. diversion.
• This is where a lot of the diversion is happening.
• An emergency established the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive Program.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee met on October 14, approved the minutes, and then took up a large group of staff-suggested amendments to multiple regulations. Those staff amendments were approved without objection and were described as technical changes needed to comply with KRS Chapter 13A and other governing law. The committee then moved out of order to consider Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure regulation 2011 KAR 9:270, which governs buprenorphine prescribing and related standards. Board representatives said the regulation has been updated over time since 2015 and that the current amendments are intended to streamline the rule, remove outdated federal references such as the X-waiver, narrow education requirements to addiction-related topics, and create exceptions for settings like emergency rooms and certain pain treatment situations. The agency amendment would also allow buprenorphine monoproduct for up to 30 days when a patient is transitioning from a full opioid agonist, and would add physicians certified in addiction medicine as eligible specialty consultants. Board officials said the regulation was developed through a two-year process with a work group, informal outreach to medical organizations, and multiple comment periods, and they argued the rule is working because overdose deaths have declined and provider numbers have increased. Several witnesses and committee members raised concerns that the regulation remains too restrictive. Senator Rocky Adams noted that major medical organizations had said the proposed language could restrict access and worsen overdose risk, and he questioned whether the committee was being asked to choose between conflicting expert views. Opponents, including a medical student, a recovery advocate, and Dr. Colleen Ryan of the Kentucky Society of Addiction Medicine, argued the rule is outdated, creates unnecessary barriers to buprenorphine treatment, and should be repealed or substantially revised to align with federal guidance and evidence-based care. They said rigid requirements can discourage treatment and that addiction should be treated like other chronic illnesses. No final vote on the medical licensure regulation is reflected in the transcript excerpt, and the discussion ended with the chair preparing to hear from additional opponents.