Transcript Highlights:

• One of the things I actually liked about when you come to the managed care aspect and the behavioral
• When you come to the managed care aspect and the behavioral health, it's so closely tied, in my opinion
• Some significant cost, I think, and I think the senator, the chair, has indicated a lack of support of
• Did you want to tag team a little bit, or is he just for moral support?
• I know there's concerns with behavioral health concerns on certain program aspects, or do you just go

Summary: The committee heard reports from the Senate and House Health and Welfare chairs on budget pressures, especially Medicaid and related programs. Senator Julie Van Orden said her committee supported closer legislative scrutiny of Health and Welfare spending, opposed moving 988 crisis services into the behavioral health managed care contract at this time, and favored more targeted reductions rather than broad across-the-board cuts. Representative John Van der Woude said the House committee was advancing a bill to hold back about $21 million in residential habilitation funding, paired with audits and oversight to ensure proper use of the money. He also raised concerns about rural health funding, provider rate reductions, and the need to consider restoring rates if revenues improve. Members questioned the chairs about whether changes to 988 or Medicaid expansion would be policy decisions, and about possible intent language, work requirements, and asset tests for Medicaid expansion. Van der Woude said he was drafting a bill to let Medicaid expansion expire and restart with work requirements, an enrollment cap, and possible asset-based verification, and said he hoped to bring it this session. Several members debated the balance between cost-cutting and maintaining services, including dental coverage and developmental disability services, with some warning that cuts could harm vulnerable people and others emphasizing personal responsibility and fiscal restraint. The committee then heard from House Agriculture Committee Chair Gerald Raymond, who reviewed the agriculture budget and emphasized the importance of dedicated funds, invasive species prevention, and water infrastructure funding. He described ongoing spending for quagga mussel prevention, Mormon cricket and Japanese beetle control, and cereal crop fungus response, and urged continued support for boat inspection check stations because prevention is cheaper than treatment. He also said the University of Idaho CAFÉ project was nearing completion and noted that his committee had not yet discussed the recent 2% cuts affecting check stations. No formal votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair announced the committee would move into daily budget-setting workgroups, with the next meeting scheduled for 7:15 a.m. the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• prohibits encouraging and assisting them to live in the state and providing them with housing, financial support
• that the realtors already do, which is basically if you have someone that gets three strikes of bad behavior
• that the realtors already do, which is basically if you have someone that gets three strikes of bad behavior
• Representative Wheeler: Do, which is basically if you have someone that gets three strikes of bad behavior

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met to consider a full docket of request statements, and all measures heard were introduced without substantive debate. Representative Hill presented RS 33521, the Foreign Adversary Investment Act, aimed at preventing Idaho public funds from being invested in adversary countries and limiting related risks. Representative Hawkins presented RS 33543, which would make it illegal to knowingly help hide, transport, house, financially support, or otherwise assist people in Idaho whose presence in the U.S. violates federal law; the motion passed with recorded nays from Representatives Rubel, Berch, and Church. Representative Sauter presented three special-district measures: RS 33530 on boundary adjustments and tax-code treatment for fire and library districts, RS 33531 allowing fire and ambulance service districts to adopt development impact fee ordinances, and RS 33532 allowing certain impact fee funds to be used for up to 50% of fire apparatus replacement costs under a capital improvement plan. Representative Wheeler presented RS 33414 to clarify contractor registration requirements and add a disciplinary tool modeled on realtor training requirements, RS 33452 to create a structured appraisal/dispute process for auto insurance valuation disputes, and RS 33453 to raise the minimum property damage liability limit from $15,000 to $25,000. Representative Shirts presented two hemp-related RSs: RS 33480 to create a licensing structure for retail hemp sellers and address products with excessive THC, and RS 33481 to clarify negligent violations for growers and align Idaho with federal hemp standards. Representative Ehlers presented code-cleanup measures RS 32913 and RS 33477, both described as agency-initiated cleanup items reviewed by DFM, LSO, and the DOGE task force. Representative Pickett presented RS 33437, which would clarify that one exempt motor vehicle in bankruptcy remains exempt regardless of operability, insurability, or registration status. All motions to introduce the RSs carried, and the committee adjourned after noting it would meet again later in the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now if you'll move with me to page 7 to the Behavioral Health Executive Council.
• Top of page 7, item 4B, expand kinship family support for children with behavioral health needs.
• health support and services to children.
• Item 22 at the top of the pay support ongoing Medicaid and CHIP operations.
• Out of 5, amend Section 9 system support services, that item was also adopted.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Transcript Highlights:

• the</c> droves to support this to support the droves to support this to support the ITL<00:53:11.599>
• And why do I support this?
• That’s why I support this. So join me. Support the committee’s recommendation to pass.
• That's why I'm support this. for women. That's why I'm support this.
• Support the committee's me.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Also they are building a juvenile services network. using the CalAME justice and the other behavioral
• Today I'm talking in support of the Yurok Diversion Funding and Resources.
• So I just wanted to today speak on behalf of support of the youth diversion programs.
• Maybe there's a fleeing that's occurring, that's mistaken for bad behavior.
• Sacramento oversees nine field divisions, plus five headquarters support divisions.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I strongly support Bills H. 1428 and S. 924. I'm 81 years old.
• We live on a combination of RSD, SSI, and some support from DTA.
• I'm here today to urge your support for the Super Act.
• Massachusetts is facing a behavioral health workforce crisis.
• I am testifying today to support H.1436, S.929, and H.1459.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Higher Education heard testimony on a broad set of bills focused on making public higher education more affordable and accessible, protecting student information, and changing social work licensure rules. Chair Rogers and Senator Comerford opened by emphasizing the committee’s focus on financial aid, tuition and fee waivers, scholarships, admissions, and institutional changes, and they reminded witnesses about the three-minute testimony limit. No votes were taken during the hearing. A large portion of the hearing centered on the “Super Act” (H. 1423/S. 218), which would eliminate the master’s-level social work licensing exam and create grant support for social work internships. Supporters—including students, practitioners, educators, and advocates—argued that unpaid internships and the exam create financial barriers, worsen workforce shortages, and disproportionately affect Black, brown, older, ESL, and other marginalized candidates. Opponents from the Association of Social Work Boards argued the exam is a necessary public-protection standard, helps maintain uniform licensure, and is important to the social work licensure compact; they said workforce shortages should be addressed through pay, working conditions, and caseloads instead. Committee members asked detailed questions about compact participation, exam accommodations, and how other states such as Rhode Island and Connecticut have handled similar changes. The committee also heard extensive testimony in favor of debt-free public higher education bills (H. 1436/S. 929). Witnesses, including students, faculty, advocates, and Senator Eldridge, said Massachusetts should expand on free community college by covering tuition and mandatory fees at public colleges and universities, with additional aid for living costs for lower-income students. Supporters said student debt delays homeownership, family formation, and career entry, and that the state should use Fair Share revenue to invest in public higher education. Some committee members voiced support but also raised concerns about prioritizing K-12 funding and the cost of expanding free college further. Several witnesses also supported bills to extend tuition and fee waivers to young adults raised by grandparents or other kinship guardians outside the DCF system, arguing that these students face the same trauma and financial barriers as foster youth but do not receive the same benefits. Representative Donato, Joseph O’Leary, Shauna Manning, Sandra Vecchio, Karen Gardner, Judy Walter, Elaine Arsenault, and others described the financial strain on grandparents raising grandchildren and urged parity with DCF-related waivers. In addition, Senator Jake Oliveira testified for a bill to protect public higher education student directory information from data mining and unauthorized sharing, and Deirdre Cummings testified for an open educational resources bill to reduce textbook costs. The hearing concluded with continued testimony on kinship care and college access, with committee members thanking witnesses and indicating follow-up on some bill language issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> residents with behavioral health needs. residents with behavioral health needs.
• </c><01:28:09.960><c> I</c> and I stand in strong support. I and I stand in strong support.
• It's not because I don't support firefighters. I have a record of supporting firefighters.
• I'm really excited to support it.
• ><c> supportive.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the Great Start compensation support payment program, which supports child care and early education
• support payment program which<00:04:22.720><c> supports</c><00:04:23.440><c> child</c><00:04:23.960>
• </c> examination this examines the behavior examination this examines the behavior in<00:10:37.120><c
• We very much appreciate your interest and support in this.
• </c> new federal rule but it also supports new federal rule but it also supports program<01:34:23.119

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Denise Ali is waiving in support. Lisa Torres is waiving in support.
• in support Asia.
• Scott weaving in support. Asia. Scott weaving in support. Olivia, rightly waiving in support.
• in support Valerie Churchman, waiving in support.
• Olivia, rightly waiving in support Valerie Churchman waiving in support Michael Woods waiving in support

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And although it's a great concept, and I totally support having kids have moments of silence, but it
• Well, at this time, this, I support the idea of a resolution, sure.
• Well, at this time, this, I support the idea of a resolution, sure. at this time this I support the idea
• It's a simple thing that I think everyone can adjust to, and it allows a calming behavior from a chaotic
• It allows a calming behavior from a chaotic world and all that's going on around us.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and swore in new pages. It then received messages from the governor and Senate, including the governor’s signing of House Bills 514 and 515 and Senate passage of several bills. Standing committee reports moved a number of measures forward, including bills on taxation, utilities, medical neglect, daycare licensing, public assistance, property tax exemptions, mental health detention, blindness reporting, insurer investments, the Petroleum Clean Water Trust Fund, and foster care placement. House Bill 692 was sent back to general orders, while House Joint Memorial 17 and House Concurrent Resolution 30 were referred to Judiciary, Rules and Administration. The House also advanced House Bill 751 and House Bill 591 to third reading. On third reading, the House passed several bills. House Bill 630, on aerial shooting of predators, was approved 60-8; House Bill 631, on certificates of free sale for Idaho exporters, passed 62-7; House Bill 548, requiring reasonable suspicion for stopping and boarding vessels on the water, passed 68-0 with two abstentions; House Bill 599, changing the public school digital content and curriculum grant process to a need-based model, passed 68-0 with two abstentions; House Bill 731, entering Idaho into a federal tax credit scholarship program, passed 68-0; House Bill 603, clarifying rules on camping and property handling on state facilities, passed 66-2; House Bill 689 and House Bill 690 also passed unanimously or near-unanimously; House Bill 698, closing a voting-law loophole involving out-of-state treason, passed 68-0; House Bill 642, creating a catastrophic benefit for public safety officers and their families, passed 68-0; and House Bill 563, easing CPA licensure pathways and updating practice privilege language, passed 67-0 with three absent. The most debated measure was House Bill 623, which requires a 60-second moment of silence at the start of each public school day. Supporters argued it would help students focus, reduce stress, and address behavioral and mental health concerns, while opponents raised local control and implementation concerns. After extended debate, it passed 51-17. House Bill 641 was held on the third reading calendar for one legislative day, and the remaining third-reading bills were also held one day. The House later filed a committee letter approving pending agriculture rules, heard announcements including the death of former Representative Bob Geddes Sr. and a welcome to Idaho firefighters, and adjourned until 11:00 a.m. on February 25, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Working in lawsuits with the federal government, this current administration and last time around, to support
• decline to participate in Medicaid, but doing so would result in the loss of federal funding that supports
• We're talking about legal behavior, illegal behavior... The situation has changed.
• When we're talking about legal behavior, illegal behavior, we have now seen a broad mass deportation
• And so we are both needing the support of resources through different agencies, but also the impact beyond

Summary: The Tribal Relations Committee held a work session on the Keep Washington Working Act, hearing first from the Office of the Attorney General, then the Office of the Governor, and finally advocates from the ACLU of Washington, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, and One America. The Attorney General’s office described the 2019 bipartisan law as limiting state and local involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement, emphasizing minimal data collection, privacy protections, definitions in the statute, model policies for agencies, and the role of court orders and federal funding exceptions. Committee members asked about consistency in legal guidance, possible federal challenges, and whether the law has been litigated in Washington or elsewhere; the office said it has not been challenged in Washington and cited similar laws in other states that have been upheld or dismissed in litigation. The governor’s office said the administration is implementing the law across agencies through case-by-case review of data-sharing requests, coordination with the Attorney General and privacy officials, and a new executive order creating an immigration sub-cabinet to improve agency coordination and community input. Officials said the state will continue to protect immigrant communities, avoid using state resources for civil immigration enforcement, and comply with federal funding requirements where necessary, citing Medicaid and other programs as examples. They also discussed recent court rulings in Washington that blocked federal grant conditions tied to immigration enforcement and said agencies are being trained to review data privacy and sharing practices. Advocates argued that Keep Washington Working is grounded in anti-commandeering principles and is meant to ensure state resources are used for state purposes, not federal immigration enforcement. They said the law helps immigrant communities trust police, schools, and public services, but warned that data sharing and aggressive federal enforcement are eroding that trust and harming families. The panelists described cases involving alleged unlawful local cooperation with federal immigration authorities, family separation, detention, and due process concerns, and suggested possible improvements such as stronger enforcement mechanisms, a private right of action, and broader limits on data sharing. No votes or formal actions were taken; the committee closed the hearing after members thanked the presenters and invited follow-up on implementation issues and potential legislative changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• After the primary support, I'll invite other supporters to state their name, their affiliation, and their
• I'm going to support it today.
• George Cruz, on behalf of the California Behavioral Health Association, in support. Thank you.
• I urge you to support it. Hi, I'm Alice Taylor Morgan... I urge you to support it.
• Please support this bill. Thank you. I am a California adoptee. Please support this bill.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills. SB 479 would let Berkeley, Long Beach, and Pasadena use multidisciplinary homeless response teams and share specified information across departments; the author and a Berkeley official said current state confidentiality rules prevent effective coordination, and the bill passed 9-0 to Senate Appropriations. SB 46 would bar a person who has served two terms as President from appearing on the California ballot for a third term; supporters argued California has authority to enforce constitutional qualifications, while Senator Niello questioned whether the bill was needed, and it passed 6-1 to Senate Appropriations. SB 99 would improve coordination between civilian and military authorities on military protective orders and restraining orders; the Department of Defense supported it, the ACLU raised due process concerns about MPOs, and the bill passed 6-0 as amended to Senate Appropriations. SB 719 would extend the sunset on Department of Technology reporting on state agency use of high-risk automated decision systems from 2029 to 2032; there was no opposition and it passed 6-0 to Senate Appropriations. The committee also took up SB 300, which would strengthen California’s new AI chatbot law by requiring operators to prevent minors from being exposed to sexually explicit material or facilitation of such content. Supporters said new evidence shows current protections are insufficient and that the bill is needed now to address harms to children; industry groups opposed the bill as premature, arguing SB 243 had just taken effect and that the new standard could create strict-liability-like exposure and uncertainty. After extensive questioning, the bill passed 9-0 to Senate Appropriations. SB 381 would give adult adoptees and descendants access to original birth certificates and create a nonbinding contact preference form for birth parents; many adoptees and birth parents testified in support, while some members raised privacy concerns for birth parents. The bill passed 13-0 to the Senate Health Committee, with the author noting amendments would be taken in Health rather than Judiciary. At the end of the hearing, the committee shifted chairs and began SB 33, which would eliminate the sunset on the existing public works contractor claim-resolution process so agencies must continue to respond to claims, pay undisputed amounts, and use early dispute resolution. The author and sponsor said the process has reduced litigation and helped contractors and workers, and the bill was just being introduced when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• After the primary support, I'll invite other supporters to state their name, their affiliation, and their
• I'm going to support it today.
• I'm going to support it today.
• George Cruz on behalf of the California Behavioral Health Association, in support. Thank you.
• So I support your bill. Thank you.

Summary: The committee heard and acted on several bills. SB 479 by Senator Arreguín would allow Berkeley, Long Beach, and Pasadena, as local health jurisdictions, to use multidisciplinary homeless response teams and share specified information across departments; supporters said it would improve coordination and services for unsheltered residents, and the bill passed 9-0 to Appropriations. SB 46 by Senator Umberg would direct the Secretary of State to keep constitutionally ineligible presidential candidates off the California ballot, including anyone who has already served two terms; supporters argued it was a constitutional enforcement measure, while Senator Niello questioned whether it was needed, and it passed 6-1 to Appropriations. SB 99 by Senator Blakespear would improve coordination between military and civilian systems by requiring courts and law enforcement to account for military protective orders and notify military authorities of possible violations; the Department of Defense supported it, while the ACLU raised due process concerns, and it passed 6-0 to Appropriations. SB 719 by Senator Cabaldon would extend the sunset on state reporting about high-risk automated decision systems from 2029 to 2032, and it passed 6-0 to Appropriations. SB 300 by Senator Padilla would strengthen California’s new AI chatbot law by requiring operators to prevent minors from being exposed to sexually explicit material; supporters said the existing law was insufficient, while industry groups warned against expanding a brand-new regime before it had been tested, and it passed 9-0 to Appropriations. SB 381 by Senator Wahab would allow adult adoptees, and descendants of adoptees, to obtain original birth certificates and create a nonbinding contact preference form for birth parents; supporters described health, identity, and dignity concerns, while some members raised privacy concerns, and it passed 13-0 to the Senate Health Committee. SB 33 by Senator Cortese would eliminate the sunset on the public works contractor claim-resolution process, with supporters saying it reduces litigation and speeds payment, and it passed 10-0 to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• After the primary support, I'll invite other supporters to state their name, their affiliation, and their
• I'm going to support it today.
• George Cruz on behalf of the California Behavioral Health Association, in support. Thank you.
• Please support this bill. Thank you. I am a California adoptee. Please support this bill.
• So I do plan on supporting the bill today. I do plan on supporting the bill today.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:18:06.919><c> me</c> families I hope you'll support me families I hope you'll support me support
• c><00:23:40.440><c> need</c><00:23:40.919><c> a</c> supports to support them we need a supports to support
• NAMI New Hampshire provides family peer support to parents of children experiencing behavioral health
• NAMI New Hampshire provides family peer support to parents of children experiencing behavioral health
• </c><02:41:49.800><c> of</c> support we also support treatment of support we also support treatment of

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> excuse to engage in unsafe ilal Behavior excuse to engage in unsafe ilal Behavior whether<03:35:
• </c><03:51:39.319><c> small</c> delivery with meals and support small delivery with meals and support
• </c><03:56:35.239><c> of</c> great um and and we're supportive of great um and and we're supportive of
• But, you know, that we would support, and as far as fees are concerned, we would support anything that
• /c> are concerned we would support anything are concerned we would support anything that<04:24:33.960

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee met in executive session and first discussed scheduling, noting that Town Meeting Day would cancel the next Tuesday meeting, that they would meet Wednesday instead, and that remaining bills would be handled through subcommittees and a likely final executive session on the 19th to meet the deadline for committee action on the 20th. The committee then took up several bills, with repeated roll calls and votes, often placing measures on the consent calendar after committee approval. House Bill 185 on ambulance reimbursement rates was described as a perennial issue and was voted inexpedient to legislate, with members noting concerns that an any-willing-provider approach would make premium impacts hard to evaluate. House Bill 186 on cannabis legalization was retained for further work, with members saying the bill addressed stopping marijuana arrests but that the sales and implementation details still needed more development. House Bill 241 on treatment alternatives to opioids was also retained because the sponsor could not attend and the committee wanted more time to continue work. The committee then considered House Bill 302 on state treasury investments in digital assets and precious metals. The amendment narrowed the proposal, removing more complicated provisions like stable tokens and staking, lowering the authorized allocation from 10% to 5%, and limiting eligible digital assets to those with very high market capitalization; members discussed volatility, the treasurer’s discretion, and oversight through bond-rating concerns. The amendment and the bill as amended both passed, and the bill was placed on the consent calendar. Other measures moved quickly: House Bill 451 on a paint product stewardship program was amended to remove direct funding and framed as manufacturer-run enabling legislation, then passed and was placed on consent; House Bill 499 made technical corrections to insurance laws and passed unanimously; House Bill 538 on relocating Liquor Commission positions passed unanimously; House Bill 552 on children covered under the state retirement insurance plan was cleaned up to remove a student requirement and passed unanimously; and a blockchain/digital currencies bill was amended to address noise and local regulation concerns for data mining operations, with supporters emphasizing energy-use issues, municipal authority, and a separate commission studying regulation. That bill also passed and was sent to consent.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1428, Bains, Kaiser behavioral health: hold in committee.
• AB 384, Connolly, impatient behavioral health treatment: hold in committee.
• AB 804, Wicks, Medi-Cal Housing Supports: holding committee. Thank you.
• AB 804, Wicks, Medi-Cal Housing Supports: holding committee.
• AB 804, Wicks, Medi-Cal Housing Supports: holding committee.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee held its May 23, 2025 suspense hearing and opened by emphasizing the difficult budget environment, rising costs for constituents, and the need to make tough choices. The chair said many bills would be held, amended to reduce costs, or made two-year bills because the state could not afford broad program expansions this year. The committee also noted the agenda was organized alphabetically by author and that results would be posted later that day. The committee then acted on a large suspense file, taking up hundreds of Assembly bills across topics including housing, health care, education, labor, public safety, climate, water, transportation, elections, and technology. Many bills were held in committee, while many others were approved with cost-saving, clarifying, or author’s amendments. Examples included measures on CalABLE, Covered California enrollment, wildfire and insurance issues, reproductive health, school and college programs, prison and juvenile justice matters, AI and data privacy, and local government and utility regulation. Several bills were converted to two-year bills to continue discussion. Throughout the hearing, the committee repeatedly voted on bills by A roll call or B roll call, often with Republicans not voting on amended measures. Some bills were advanced with notable amendments, such as narrowing scope, removing appropriations, delaying implementation, or striking costly provisions. The committee also approved a number of committee bills and omnibus measures, including emergency management, judiciary, insurance, and water-related bills. At the end of the hearing, the chair stated that the committee had moved 435 bills to the Assembly floor, either as do pass or do pass as amended, and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• After the support witnesses conclude their testimony, the committee will call additional supporters who
• We will not accept disruptive behavior or behavior that incites or threatens violence.
• But I'm going to support your bill today because last time I was not very supportive of it.
• So I want to support our restaurants.
• And so, as I shared with you, I cannot support it, though I really, really support the problem you're

Summary: The committee hearing covered several bills related to privacy, consumer protection, and online harms. SB 259 by Senator Wahab would prohibit surveillance pricing based on device data such as geolocation or battery level; supporters argued it would curb discriminatory and predatory pricing, while opponents raised concerns about geolocation definitions, legitimate location-based pricing, and impacts on discounts and loyalty programs. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to the Judiciary Committee and passed 8-1, with members noting amendments and ongoing discussions with stakeholders. SB 22 by Senator Laird would raise the amount of gift cards that can be redeemed for cash, with the author saying the goal is to update the long-standing $10 threshold for inflation and preserve consumer value. Consumer advocates supported the bill, while retailers, restaurants, grocers, and chambers of commerce opposed or opposed unless amended, citing fraud concerns, safety issues, and the need for clarification on donated or returned gift cards. The committee voted the bill out on a 6-1 vote and kept it on call. SB 576 by Senator Umberg would apply broadcast-style loudness rules to streaming advertisements. The author said the bill is intended to prevent ads from being much louder than programming, especially for children, while the opposition argued that streaming ad insertion is technically different and that existing industry standards and FCC oversight already address the issue. The bill passed 8-0. SB 683 by Senator Cortese would clarify that people can seek injunctive relief, including a TRO, for unauthorized use of name, image, or likeness; supporters said it strengthens privacy protections, while opponents warned about prior restraint and First Amendment concerns. The bill was moved out on a due pass motion and kept on call. The final bill discussed, SB 771 by Senator Stern, would clarify that existing civil rights and hate-related laws apply to social media platforms and their algorithms, with higher penalties for intentional or reckless violations. Supporters, including the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Islamic Networks Group, described online hate as fueling real-world violence and urged stronger accountability; opponents argued the bill could conflict with Section 230, chill lawful speech, and create vague standards. Members raised questions about constitutionality, definitions, and whether the bill would be workable, but several expressed support for the author’s goals.

Transcript Highlights:

• It includes addressing potential fraud and abuse and making SNAP supplemental support for disabled and
• for home visiting programs that support families who are expecting to have children under the age of
• We added funding to support drinking water needs statewide...
• I keep finding Medicaid, behavioral health.
• all the members because I saw so much support around the state.

Bills: HB97, HB280, HB183, HB151, HB202

Keywords: Shaken Baby Syndrome, abusive head trauma, child safety, training and education, healthcare funding, youth internships, workforce development, education, grant funding, employment, drinking water, water quality, environment, public health, water filtration, private well testing, federal funding, childhood sexual abuse, time limitations, civil actions

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 2, the General Appropriations Act, and reviewed the Senate Finance Committee substitute and amendments. Staff described the budget as balanced, with recurring growth of about 2.65% and reserves maintained at roughly 28% if the related disaster reform bill passes. Members discussed the bill’s major spending areas, including health care, child care, public safety, economic development, natural resources, and education, along with technical corrections, cleanup items, and where the public could find the revised bill online. There was also discussion of contingent appropriations that depend on other bills passing, and staff said a hot list of those items would be circulated. Several members asked about specific allocations, including university athletics and facilities funding for UNM and NMSU, tourism, the State Racing Commission, the Spaceport Authority, and school-related items. The committee also discussed reserve levels, oil and corporate income tax revenue assumptions, disaster and fire recovery funding, and concerns about fraud, waste, and abuse in emergency spending. Members raised questions about a Gallup DA funding issue, online school funding, and a personal care/health care item in the Health Care Authority budget. Staff clarified several line items and explained that some appropriations were tied to future legislation or temporary provisions. After debate, the committee adopted the Senate Finance Committee amendments and then voted on the committee report for House Bill 2. The motion to do pass House Bill 2 as amended passed 8-3. The chair noted that the committee would need to return later because of caucuses and the floor schedule, and staff thanked members for the process and preparation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please refrain from profanity or any uncivil behavior. All right, we'll get started.
• And then we have BIA Gina in support via Zoom.
• And then we have BIA Gina in support via Zoom. Also not here.
• </c> certainly support preparation of plans. certainly support preparation of plans.
• Uh, and we have one other individual testifying in support.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Housing heard two resolutions. STR 48 SD 1 called for a comprehensive strategy to adopt updated building codes, with testimony listed from several groups but no one appeared to testify. The committee later deferred the measure, noting it was very similar to House Concurrent Resolution 67 House Draft 1. The committee then took up STR 6D1, which urges the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to develop a plan to produce enough housing to meet state demand. HHFDC testified that the resolution misstated the scope of low-income housing tax credit units and emphasized that the state’s housing need is much larger than previously cited, with a recent study showing about 33,000 units needed for households at or below 60% AMI statewide. HHFDC supported planning but said any plan must be realistic and account for private land constraints. A member raised concerns about rising leasehold costs and affordability for homeowners, and HHFDC responded that rental affordability can be maintained more readily than for-sale housing. The committee adopted HHFDC’s proposed amendments to STR 6D1, including deleting a clause about overbuilding, revising the shortage figures, and adding language referencing Senate Bill 26 and the affordable housing land inventory task force. The committee also amended the resolution to focus on density and timing of development for projects identified by that task force. The measure passed with amendments, and the meeting adjourned.