Transcript Highlights:

• The city of Gainesville pays its director of equity and inclusion $189,000.
• This is the cornerstone statement of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• This is the cornerstone statement of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• You know, diversity, equity, and inclusion. When there's Diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• D, diversity, equity, inclusion efforts look like real organizations.

Summary: The subcommittee first took up HB 339, which would create liability for vaccine manufacturers that advertise in Florida and require them to stand behind their products if consumers are harmed. The sponsor argued the bill is meant to restore trust in vaccines, improve informed consent, and address inadequate federal vaccine-injury compensation systems; he said he was open to amendments and noted the bill was modeled on Texas law. Opponents, including a former vaccine-court official, a Florida Justice Reform Institute representative, and a physician, argued the bill is preempted by federal law, raises First Amendment concerns, is vague, and is unnecessary because existing federal compensation programs already provide a remedy. After an amendment delaying the effective date by three months was adopted, the committee heard extensive public testimony, mostly opposed, and then approved HB 339 as amended by a 12-4 vote. The committee then began HB 1001, a strike-all on official actions of local governments that would bar counties and municipalities from official DEI-related actions and spending, define DEI and related terms, add enforcement provisions, and include broad exceptions for holidays, observances, and certain content-neutral civic events. The sponsor said the measure is intended to curb what he described as divisive and wasteful DEI activity in local government while preserving compliance with anti-discrimination laws and other listed exceptions. Members questioned the lack of definitions for terms like “preferential treatment” and the bill’s possible effects on local festivals, language-access services, Pride events, memorials, and community programs; the sponsor said some concerns were addressed by exceptions and that he was open to further changes. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with speakers warning of overbreadth, preemption, frivolous lawsuits, harm to local autonomy, and impacts on marginalized communities, while supporters said the bill would restore neutrality, accountability, and merit-based governance. The amendment to HB 1001 was adopted, and the committee continued hearing testimony and debate on the bill as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise today to present SCR 164, which recognizes May 4th to May 8th as Black Health Equity Advocacy
• During Black Health Equity Advocacy Week... ...is still shaped by inequity.
• When we talk about equity, we're talking about fairness.
• Black Health Equity Advocacy Week is not just a moment of reflection. It is a call to action.
• The Jewish Caucus stands in strong solidarity recognizing Black Health Equity Advocacy Week.

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then spent much of the session on recognitions and resolutions honoring community groups and observances. Members welcomed the Far West region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Los Angeles South Bay alumni chapter, and later recognized the 2026 Latino Spirit Award honorees after adopting SR 86 on Cinco de Mayo Week. Senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support of the resolution, emphasizing Mexican history, Latino resilience, and shared struggles for justice. The Latino Spirit honorees included leaders in higher education, philanthropy, labor, health, advocacy, business, environmental justice, journalism, culinary arts, and music, along with a legacy award for Los Tigres del Norte. The Senate also adopted SCR 146 declaring May Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, SCR 154 establishing Green Star Veterans and Families Day, SCR 123 honoring California Peace Officers Memorial Day, SCR 164 recognizing Black Health Equity Advocacy Week, and SCR 103 designating Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. Testimony and floor remarks focused on health disparities, mental health, veteran suicide, and the sacrifices of peace officers, with several caucuses speaking in support of the health equity resolution. Each of these resolutions passed by unanimous or near-unanimous roll call votes. The chamber then took up several appointments from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, confirming Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, Jason Johnson, Madeline McLean, Brian Bishop, and Sarah Larson, despite some protest votes from Senator Grove over the lack of action on another appointment. In third reading, the Senate passed SB 1159 on AI and public participation, SB 1416 on faster refunds for duplicate medical payments, SB 1273 on winery video advertising at instructional events, SB 941 limiting commissary markups in private detention facilities, SB 990 on a highway information sign near Ridgecrest, SB 1099 clarifying local authority to provide public benefits, and SB 1195 expanding tied-house exemptions for certain venues. The session concluded with adjournment memories for labor leader Kent Wong and Navy veteran-artist Vittaliano Victor Villar, and the Senate adjourned until May 7, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And in addition, a member of a limited equity cooperative may not sell their ownership interests at a
• Unfortunately, that's a huge barrier for these limited equity cooperatives.
• out of it if that equity is built up.
• This gives them just... ...equity, so they don't have a whole lot of money to create these.
• Instead, they own an equity stake in the cooperative corporation that owns the property.

Summary: The Senate Housing Committee held public hearings on four bills and then took executive action on several measures and two gubernatorial appointments. At the start, the committee waived the five-day notice rule for Substitute House Bill 2354, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2266, and Second Substitute House Bill 2590. The committee also heard public testimony on House Bill 1859, which would expand affordable housing on property owned by religious organizations by lowering the affordability threshold needed to qualify for a density bonus. Supporters, including the sponsor, faith leaders, and local officials, said the current 100% affordability requirement has made projects difficult to finance and that the bill would better unlock underused church land for housing. The committee then heard Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2266, which would further standardize where and how permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, and shelters can be sited, while limiting local barriers and allowing some negotiated conditions near schools or when local governments provide significant support. The sponsor and supporters from King County, housing providers, the Attorney General’s office, disability advocates, medical professionals, and others argued the bill would reduce discriminatory or inconsistent local siting rules and expand needed housing. Some local government representatives supported the bill but asked for additional amendments to preserve local flexibility, require on-site contacts, and clarify how operating conditions and funding agreements would work. The committee also heard House Bill 2590, which would revise rules for limited equity cooperatives so they can better function as a long-term affordable homeownership model and remain exempt from certain Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act requirements. Supporters said the bill would help preserve manufactured housing communities and other cooperative housing while maintaining affordability and oversight. House Bill 2354, a trailer bill to WACOIA, would make technical changes affecting common interest communities, including EV charging and heat pump cost responsibility, reserve studies, and audit thresholds; the Washington State Community Association’s Institute testified in support. In executive session, the committee confirmed gubernatorial appointments Aaron T. McGrath and Ann T. Malone and voted do-pass recommendations for EHB 1687, SHB 2269, and HB 2304, all subject to signatures.

Transcript Highlights:

• It looks like the Office of Health Equity overall took a decline of 50%.
• of Health Equity.
• Health equity, including the complete elimination of the gender health equity section and the complete
• We are strongly opposed to the cuts to the Office of Health Equity, primarily the Gender Health Equity
• Justice Fund and the LGBTQ Health Equity Initiative.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• An equity committee meeting for the Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities.
• We also have the health equity piece, which is the racial, cultural, linguistic equity module and includes
• It reviews the equity work with families of children with medical complexity and illustrates how the
• And then we also have the health equity piece, which is like the racial, cultural, linguistic equity,
• And I wear another hat on the Health Equity Compact as a member.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities equity subcommittee met, approved the prior minutes, and heard a presentation from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Cater Center (Care Coordination Assistance, Training, Education, and Resources for Kids). Presenters Toria Haffey and Patty Loza explained that Cater provides training and technical assistance to MassHealth’s Cares for Kids providers serving children with medical complexity, with a focus on enhanced care coordination, family partnership, racial/cultural/linguistic equity, community resources, education systems, shared plans of care, and transition support. They described five e-learning modules, flexible one-on-one and group technical assistance, case review support, and informal virtual “cafes” for providers. They also noted the program has been operating for about two to three years and currently works with five hospital-based providers, including Boston Children’s, BMC, Tufts, NeighborHealth, and Baystate. Committee members asked about the number of families served, the relationship to MassHealth, and whether the model could be expanded beyond Boston-area providers. The presenters said Cater does not track enrollment numbers because that is handled by providers and MassHealth, and they agreed there is room to broaden reach and improve data collection. Members suggested connecting Cater with regional disability and case management networks, the Health Equity Compact, ACOs, and DDS-related contacts. Questions also focused on funding stability amid federal Medicaid cuts and workforce shortages in family engagement roles; Cater said the work remains a priority for MassHealth, though funding is a concern, and acknowledged staffing gaps, especially for family partners with lived experience. After the presentation, the committee discussed a NIH strategic plan for disability health research that had been circulated for future review. Because members had not yet read it, they agreed to place it on the agenda for the next meeting. The meeting then adjourned with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• We open with equity, how we Center this system in equity, supporting choices of people with developmental
• First, the recommendation to clearly define equity.
• the lens of equity.
• We can talk about it in equity of outcomes.
• So, there's lots of ways we could measure equity.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Up next is House Bill 757, which is an act relating to manufactured homes and limited equity cooperatives
• H. 757, an act relating to manufactured homes and limited equity cooperatives.
• H. 550, an act relating to gender equity within Vermont's correctional facilities.
• The high cost of care is the crisis, and that is where our energy belongs. member-facing materials raises
• that<01:48:44.800><c> is</c><01:48:44.920><c> where</c><01:48:45.280><c> our</c><01:48:45.600><c> energy

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> soon after that if we want true energy soon after that if we want true energy Independence<00:13
• We need to unlock our energy awesomeness. We need to continue our progress on energy.
• energy.
• sub</c><00:53:14.119><c> if</c><00:53:14.280><c> we</c> in energy and com's energy sub if we in energy
• </c> American Energy and put energy workers American Energy and put energy workers in<01:06:33.119><c

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, February 7, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• historical movements to contemporary issues, from labor rights in today's gig economy to ongoing racial equity
• ><c> racial</c> in today's gig economy to ongoing racial in today's gig economy to ongoing racial equity
• efforts</c><00:30:35.800><c> to</c><00:30:35.960><c> Kentucky's</c><00:30:36.720><c> changing</c> equity
• efforts to Kentucky's changing equity efforts to Kentucky's changing demographics. demographics. demographics
• It is amazing to see so much energy that you've been able to spread throughout the state with all of

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call: 00:01:12 America 250KY: Impact and Legacy: 00:03:15 America 250 Events in Lexington: 01:02:13, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for an interim update from the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, with presentations from the Kentucky Historical Society and the Kentucky Arts Council. Secretary Lindy Casebier reported that Kentucky tourism has posted record growth for four straight years, with $14.6 billion in economic impact, 97,000 tourism-related jobs, and 81 million travelers spending more than $10.4 billion in 2025. He said the Historical Society and Arts Council help create visitor experiences that support those tourism gains. The Kentucky Historical Society focused on America 250, the state’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Staff described a community-driven approach built around themes such as “Revolutionary Experiment,” “We the People,” “Power of Place,” “Crossroads in Kentucky,” and “Doing History,” organized under heritage tourism, education, signature events, and legacy projects. They said the effort has included Liberty Tree plantings in nearly every county, partnerships with local organizations and KET, grants to cabinet agencies and historic sites, and preservation projects in 19 counties. They highlighted Harrodsburg 250 as an early kickoff, along with grant-supported events, exhibits, and educational programs across the state. The Historical Society also described public engagement events tied to the commemoration, including Two Lights for Tomorrow, a food drive in Franklin County, a July 8 historic reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Old State Capitol, and planned participation at the Kentucky State Fair. They said the General Assembly’s support enabled a grant program that has funded 250 events and programs in 43 counties, totaling more than $720,000, and that the work is intended to build a lasting legacy beyond 2026. The Kentucky Arts Council said it received America 250 grant funds to support artists, arts organizations, communities, and nonprofits for public art, artwork creation, and related programs. The council reported 55 funded projects and $466,000 awarded statewide, with examples including a Burkesville summer arts and history camp and a Fayette County community singing project. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill requires that all state agencies and departments undertake an equity analysis prior to the
• All state agencies and departments would undertake an equity analysis prior to the implementation of
• This ensures that policies do not inadvertently disadvantage underrepresented groups and that equity
• Diversity enriches learning, equity ensures fairness, inclusion builds belonging, and access removes
• That's an example of the need for teaching diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that we need that.

Summary: The Governmental Organization Committee met as a subcommittee because it initially lacked a quorum, then later established quorum and heard several bills. AB 445 by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry would grant Colusa County 10 on-sale liquor licenses to address a long-standing shortage and support local economic development; the author said she would accept committee amendments. The bill was later approved on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations, with the roll held open for absent members before additional aye votes were added. AB 766 by Assemblymember Sharp-Collins would require state agencies and departments to conduct an equity analysis before implementing budgets or regulations, with the review performed by a DEIA coordinator or qualified equivalent. Supporters, including a college administrator and a nursing instructor, argued the bill would protect diversity, equity, inclusion, and access efforts and help address systemic barriers in education and health care. The committee voted 13-? on the measure after a due-pass motion to Appropriations, with the roll held open and later additional aye votes recorded. AB 971 by Assemblymember Alvarez would facilitate transfer of about 3.83 acres of city-owned land in San Diego to the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, contingent on affirmative action by the City of San Diego. The author and tribal witnesses described the bill as a step toward correcting historical injustices and reopening a currently closed park as a tribal-operated historical park and museum. The measure passed on a due-pass motion to Appropriations, again with the roll held open for absent members before additional votes were added.

Transcript Highlights:

• What they did say is call out a document that was created in 2020, an equity document, that really...
• We want to value that equity and people get the health care they need.
• Local health departments hired equity officers. They partnered with CBOs.
• It's about equity. It's about access.
• It's about equity. It's about access.

Summary: The subcommittee held an oversight hearing on federal actions affecting California’s public health and family planning systems, focusing first on the freeze to Title X family planning funds and then on broader CDC/public health grant terminations. Chair and members described the cuts as abrupt, harmful, and likely to create major gaps in disease surveillance, vaccination, contraception, STI testing, and other preventive services, while also criticizing the federal administration’s explanation that the actions were tied to DEI or civil-rights compliance. The chair thanked Attorney General Bonta for legal action and said the hearing was intended to document the real-world impacts and inform state budget responses. Witnesses from Essential Access Health, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, a Central Coast clinic, and other providers said California’s Title X network serves more than half a million low-income patients annually and relies on the funds for staffing, outreach, training, mobile and school-based clinics, and confidential care. They warned that the freeze has already forced reserve spending, delayed services, and could lead to layoffs, reduced hours, longer waits, and fewer appointments, especially for sexual and reproductive health care. Public comment included support for a proposed state backfill of Title X losses, with advocates emphasizing impacts on low-income, LGBTQ+, and communities of color. On the public health side, CDPH, county health officials, and local health officers testified that the CDC’s rescission of $11.4 billion in grants would affect California by an estimated $840 million and threaten lab capacity, immunization programs, health disparities work, and data systems such as CalConnect and vaccine registries. Sacramento County and others described how the grants supported outbreak response, sequencing, community vaccination clinics, and equity-focused partnerships, and said terminations had already led to canceled appointments, stopped contracts, and layoffs. Several speakers urged the Legislature to preserve and expand state “future of public health” funding and to backfill federal losses, while public commenters from HIV, immunization, labor, and county organizations echoed concerns about workforce losses and worsening health outcomes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Equity and inclusion policies.
• We'll fight for health equity.
• We want to value equity and ensure people get the health care they need.
• It’s not just about preparedness; it’s also about prevention, equity, and access.
• LGBT Center's ask for the LGBTQ Health Equity Initiative.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• uh will<00:16:17.680><c> do</c><00:16:17.839><c> it</c><00:16:18.000><c> with</c><00:16:18.160><c> equity
• c><00:16:18.959><c> and</c><00:16:19.279><c> honesty</c><00:16:19.680><c> and</c> will do it with equity
• and honesty and will do it with equity and honesty and transparency.<00:16:21.199><c> If</c><00:16:21.440
• need to have contingencies and look at what else is possible, but that's where we're putting our energy
• </c><01:36:40.320><c> right</c><01:36:40.480><c> now</c> where we're putting our energy right now where

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: A joint informational briefing of the House and Senate higher education committees focused on how the University of Hawaiʻi athletics department plans to remain competitive in the new NIL era, including the effects of the House v. NCAA settlement, direct institutional payments, and the need to balance competitiveness with the university’s educational mission. Senators and committee members introduced themselves, and the briefing featured remarks from women’s basketball coach Laura Beeman, football coach Timmy Chang, and Athletic Director Matt Elliott. Coach Beeman said NIL has already affected recruiting and retention in women’s basketball, estimating the program has lost six to 10 student-athletes because it lacks the funding to keep comparable talent. She emphasized that the issue is not greed but retention, culture, and keeping student-athletes who value the university and community, while also using NIL as a way to teach financial literacy, privacy, and adult responsibilities. Coach Chang described similar pressures in football, including transfer portal volatility and competing offers from other programs, and gave examples of players whose personal and family circumstances made NIL support important for staying at Hawaiʻi. Athletic Director Elliott said the department’s vision is to create an outstanding student-athlete experience, recruit and retain elite athletes, compete at the top of the Mountain West, and strengthen community ties. He said the department wants to preserve the educational focus while adapting to a system in which student-athletes can share in revenue. Elliott explained that UH is seeking a $5 million annual NIL fund, is fundraising through the community and the “Boost the Bose” account, and is also pursuing individual NIL deals, corporate sponsorship-related deals, and licensing opportunities. In response to Senator Kim’s question, he said NIL compensation can come through two tracks: institutional payments within the department’s discretion and outside deals that must be reviewed for market value under the new reporting system. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:13:28.800><c> port</c> exposure in our public Equity port exposure in our public Equity port
• We are an equity-heavy portfolio.
• We are an equity-heavy portfolio.
• We are an equity-heavy portfolio.
• </c><00:32:47.720><c> markets</c> we're asked if we think Equity markets we're asked if we think Equity

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Both the equity market and the fixed-income market sold off.
• Equity markets kind of look way out.
• Equities, that would be the Russell 1000, which is the large-cap domestic equities, and that would be
• And a typical manager in the equity portfolio might be 27 basis points.
• And then internal equity has our flagship enhanced large cap portfolio.

Summary: The Legacy Fund Committee received updates from the North Dakota Retirement Investment Office (RIO) on fund performance, liquidity, in-state investments, and internal management. Scott Anderson reported strong returns for the Legacy Fund across multiple time periods, with performance exceeding the policy benchmark and expectations, driven largely by strong equity markets and effective implementation. He also reviewed private market pacing, noting commitments were on plan but that unfunded obligations and distributions were lower than expected, and presented a new liquidity analysis showing the fund had substantial capacity to meet obligations even under stressed market scenarios. The committee also discussed RIO’s internal investment program and cost savings. Anderson explained how internal management of fixed income, equity, and cash overlay strategies has reduced fees and transaction costs, while improving flexibility and portfolio construction. Members asked about staffing needs, and RIO leadership said asset growth has outpaced current staffing, with a request for additional FTEs likely coming to support investment, operations, risk, and legal functions. The committee also reviewed the Legacy Fund’s in-state investment program, including 50 South Capital and infrastructure lending, and heard that one manager’s buildout is progressing more slowly because many opportunities are still early-stage. Adam Odison presented a preliminary estimate of the 2026 Legacy Fund earnings distribution, projecting about $894.8 million under current law, with roughly $237 million to the Highway Fund and $554 million to the Property Tax Relief Fund after the sinking and interest fund allocation. Jody Smith then gave a project update on a new standalone Legacy Fund website required by statute, intended to consolidate performance, holdings, governance, fees, and use-of-funds information for the public, with a planned launch around the October State Investment Board meeting. She also raised a possible future proposal to place the Legacy Earnings Fund back under State Investment Board management so the cash could remain invested longer before being transferred out, though members noted liquidity, accounting, and bank-deposit implications would need further review. Finally, Kelvin Holden of the Bank of North Dakota reviewed the match loan program, explaining how it supports large economic development projects by pairing Bank of North Dakota loans with State Investment Board CDs. He said the program currently has about $272 million outstanding and has supported projects such as Coal Creek Station and the MDU gas line to Gwinner. Members discussed whether the program’s return is appropriate and noted a prior moratorium on new investments so the committee can revisit the policy next session. The committee then elected Senator Klein as chair and Representative Hogan as vice chair, and the meeting ended with members thanking staff and partners for the fund’s progress.

Transcript Highlights:

• Increased rates will also advance health equity.
• Increased rates will also advance health equity.
• Increased rates will also advance health equity.
• Increased rates will also advance health equity.
• Increased rates will also advance health equity.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The next bill on the list is Second Substitute House Bill 2590, exempting limited equity cooperatives
• co-equity equity By way of reminder, the bill exempts limited equity cooperatives from the Washington
• Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act and updates what is considered a limited equity cooperative for
• And I'll just add, I would really love to see more opportunities for limited equity co-ops.
• Just add, I would really love to see more opportunities for limited equity co-ops.

Summary: The Senate Housing Committee met in executive session on several housing-related House bills. Staff briefed bills expanding affordable housing on religious-organization property (HB 1859), requiring cities and counties to allow various forms of supportive and emergency housing in certain zones (ESHB 2266), making changes to common interest community law and WUCIOA (SHB 2354), changing service requirements for rent-increase notices and unlawful detainer notices (SHB 2452 and HB 2664), and exempting limited equity cooperatives from WUCIOA (2SHB 2590). The committee also reviewed fiscal notes and noted that most bills had no state fiscal impact, while the limited equity cooperative bill had a small Department of Revenue cost that would be absorbed. The most extensive discussion centered on ESHB 2266. Senator Gildon offered amendments to require step housing to be near transit, allow local review of operational plans, require 24-hour on-site supervision unless otherwise justified, and limit new requirements for smaller cities; Senator Gaynor offered a population-based amendment for cities under 10,000. Supporters of the underlying bill argued it would reduce barriers and expand needed shelter and housing, while opponents raised concerns about local control, neighborhood impacts, and operational oversight. None of the amendments were adopted, and the committee advanced the striker and underlying bill. The committee then voted to send HB 1859, SHB 2354, SHB 2452, 2SHB 2590, and HB 2664 forward with due-pass recommendations, with HB 1859 and ESHB 2266 sent to the Rules Committee and 2SHB 2590 sent to Ways and Means. Members generally expressed support for expanding housing options, though some noted concerns about implementation, local impacts, and the need for further work on WUCIOA-related issues. The meeting concluded with the chair thanking members and staff and adjourning the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• skies, safeguard native wildlife, night skies, safeguard native wildlife, reduce<00:58:13.599><c> energy
• waste, and preserve the reduce energy waste, and preserve the cultural<00:58:15.440><c> and</c><00:58
• </c><01:00:59.920><c> New</c> renewable energy uh through LEDs.
• New renewable energy uh through LEDs.
• The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, PL 109-59,

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1790 HD1, which would require law enforcement and oversight agencies to collect and report data on stops, use of force, and complaints to the Hawaii Crime Lab, which would publish incident-level information and annual reports. Supporters, including the Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Justice Rising, and the Policing Project, said the bill would improve transparency, help identify disparities, and support better policy and accountability. OHA requested amendments to ensure Hawaiians are identified as a distinct category in the data, and the University of Hawaii’s Ashley Rubin said the Crime Lab would work with agencies to make implementation as seamless as possible. The Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill’s intent but asked for a longer timeline and culturally appropriate methodology, while HPD opposed the bill as written, saying it would require too many new data points, create a significant administrative burden, and rely on subjective perceptions of race and ethnicity; HPD also noted it is piloting an e-citation system that could help with data collection. Committee members questioned HPD about current manual processes and technology options. The chair reported 18 testimonies total: 15 in support, one in opposition, and two with comments, and no vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard HB 1611 HD1, which would phase down the general excise tax on groceries and nonprescription drugs until a full exemption takes effect in 2034. The Department of Taxation offered technical recommendations, including clearer definitions for groceries and nonprescription drugs and a technical change regarding the county surcharge exemption. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, argued the GET on groceries is regressive and worsens food insecurity, especially for low-income households, and said the bill would provide needed relief. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical concerns, including a possible wholesale-tax enforcement issue once the exemption is fully phased in. The excerpt ends during testimony on HB 1611, with no final committee action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise today to present SCR 164, which recognizes May 4th to May 8th as Black Health Equity Advocacy
• During Black Health Equity Advocacy Week, During Black Health Equity Advocacy Week, we are reminded that
• When we talk about equity, we're talking about fairness.
• Black Health Equity Advocacy Week is not just a moment of reflection. It is a call to action.
• The Jewish Caucus stands in strong solidarity recognizing Black Health Equity Advocacy Week.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:19.520><c> fund</c> For this reason, private equity fund For this reason, private equity fund
• ,</c> is currently owned by private equity, is currently owned by private equity, that<00:03:46.560><
• Lynch, and KKR, private equity giants, Lynch, and KKR, private equity giants, for<00:04:06.560><c> $33
• </c><00:07:52.639><c> demons</c> We will not let private equity demons We will not let private equity
• </c> private equity. private equity.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all