Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, uh, depression, anxiety, uh, those types of issues, even uh things going on in the family home
• Speaker. speaker<00:10:49.760><c> uh</c><00:10:49.920><c> depression,</c><00:10:50.560><c> anxiety,</
• c><00:10:51.440><c> uh</c><00:10:51.680><c> those</c> speaker uh depression, anxiety, uh those speaker
• uh depression, anxiety, uh those types<00:10:52.240><c> of</c><00:10:52.399><c> those</c><00:10:52.720

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 04:18 Report of Committees 05:09 Orders of the Day 06:40 HB 169 06:50 HB 393 13:08 HB 194 15:43 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 24:38 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 35:23 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 38:09 ConC/Rules Report 40:57 Floor Amendments 42:04 Adjournment 42:20, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of this land grant here in TA, and the assignment was to speak to someone who survived the Great Depression
• every time I—and this is all in Spanish—every time I would Start reeling him back to the Great Depression
• And when I would try and point it back to the Great Depression, he'd kind of be like, "Oh yeah, I kind
• you make a lot of diagnoses and write a lot of prescriptions for SSRIs and other medications for depression

Transcript Highlights:

• Postpartum depression and psychosis are also significant contributors to maternal mortality.
• In California, one in three mothers experiences pregnancy-related depression or anxiety.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a series of gubernatorial appointments and floor items. The chamber confirmed Dina Eltawasi as Director of Caltrans, Allison Salt Install to the Court Reporters Board, and Olivia May Assumption to the California Commission on Disability Access, and later confirmed William Adams to the California Exposition and State Fair Board. Each appointment was presented by Senator Grove and approved on roll call, with final confirmation votes recorded after calls were lifted. Several measures were taken up on third reading. SCR 143, by Senator Umberg, honored Hmong and Laotian special guerrilla unit veterans who served with U.S. forces during the secret war in Laos; Senator Archuleta also spoke in support, and the resolution passed unanimously. SR 96, by Senator Cortese, proclaimed April as National County Government Month and highlighted the role of counties and CSAC; it also passed unanimously. SB 1347 clarified that stock albuterol authorization applies to all public schools, including preschools; SB 977 required chain restaurants offering children’s meals to provide at least one healthier option meeting nutrition standards; SB 1234 required fentanyl testing when juvenile dependency drug testing is already ordered; SCR 161 designated May 2026 as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month; SR 101 updated the Senate Rules Committee membership by replacing Senator Jones with Senator Ochoa Bogh; and SB 1111 addressed liability for unauthorized AI-generated digital replicas. All of these measures were approved, most by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The Senate also adopted SCR 128, by Senator Perez, declaring April 13–24, 2026, as High School Voter Education Weeks to encourage civic education and youth participation in elections. The consent calendar was then approved after Senator Cervantes removed SB 1381; the remaining consent items passed 35-0. Throughout the session, members introduced visiting groups, including Hmong and Laotian veterans, CSAC representatives, and students in the gallery. The day concluded with Senator Wiener’s adjournment in memory of disability rights activist Alice Wong, after which the Senate announced its next floor session and recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Postpartum depression and psychosis are also significant contributors to maternal mortality.
• In California, one in three mothers experiences pregnancy-related depression or anxiety.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have seen the heartbreak, the depression, the struggles of many youth who just want to be loved and
• I have seen the heartbreak, heartbreak, heartbreak, the<00:21:14.880><c> depression,</c> the depression
• , the depression, the<00:21:16.720><c> struggles</c><00:21:17.360><c> of</c><00:21:17.919><c> many</c
• Researchers have found that youth exposed to conversion therapy often develop anxiety, depression, substance

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up administrative regulations, found no concerns, and then passed House Bill 389 with a favorable expression by a 9-0 vote. HB 389 was described as a cleanup bill for the CASPER prescription monitoring program: it clarifies that practitioners must have active CASPER accounts, exempts charitable health care providers from e-prescribing requirements, allows sharing CASPER data with certain federal entities such as military-base providers, and updates references to hydrocodone’s Schedule II status. The sponsor said there was no expected fiscal impact. The committee then passed House Bill 392, also by a 9-0 favorable expression. HB 392 would streamline payment for non-elective medical care for patients in state mental facilities when the facility cannot provide the needed treatment, allowing care in community-based settings and payment to those providers. The sponsor said the bill was intended to improve efficiency and would not have a fiscal impact on the cabinet. House Bill 501 was next and likewise passed 9-0 with favorable expression. The bill would allow pharmacists, in their professional judgment, to refill certain prescriptions for up to 180 days when a physician has died, while excluding controlled substances and preserving pharmacist discretion to require follow-up care. Senators raised concerns that the bill does not require patients to seek a new provider during that period, but supporters said the longer window addresses rural provider shortages and access delays. The committee then heard House Bill 495, as amended by a committee substitute. The substitute would prohibit Medicaid services and managed care organizations from covering cross-sex hormones above normal levels and gender reassignment surgery. Testimony on the bill was overwhelmingly opposed, with speakers including a former senator, psychologists, advocates, and legal and social work representatives arguing that conversion therapy is harmful, that the substitute would deny medically necessary gender-affirming care, and that the measure could increase suicide risk and litigation. One witness from the Family Foundation of Kentucky spoke in favor, arguing the executive order on counseling limits free speech and that counseling should not be restricted by government. The transcript ends during testimony, with no final committee vote on HB 495 shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Stop trying to convince these kids they are sick, depressed, and suicidal.
• </c><00:42:55.000><c> and</c> kids they are sick depressed and kids they are sick depressed and suicidal
• </c> effects including anxiety depression effects including anxiety depression suicidal<03:26:08.920>
• These studies also show that these medications do not prevent or lessen depression or suicide.
• </c><05:50:13.878><c> anxiety</c> higher rates of depression anxiety higher rates of depression anxiety

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You can have hidden illnesses such as... anxiety, pain, and depression and smoke cannabis.
• It only increased my anger and depression and led me to losing my family more than once or twice during
• I experienced substance use disorder, depression, sleep apnea, just to name a few.
• Believing I would be living in this horror for a lifetime, I became seriously depressed once again and
• a daily basis, allowing me to move out of my mental health struggle. ...struggles with anxiety, depression

Bills: HB28, SB3, SB 3

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, state health, youth protection, licensing fees, criminal offenses, flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program

Transcript Highlights:

• Treatment-resistant depression is a devastating illness.
• Some estimates say that 30% of all people with depression experience treatment-resistant depression.
• :45.200><c> a</c> Treatment resistant depression is a Treatment resistant depression is a devastating
• with depression experience treatment resistant<02:21:33.680><c> depression.
• Some say it's as resistant depression.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• CBG may help patients with anxiety, ADHD, cancer, depression, pain, and insomnia.
• ,</c> with anxiety, ADHD, cancer, depression, with anxiety, ADHD, cancer, depression, pain,<01:36:11.600
• I don't have to be depressed. I don't have to be stuck in bed.
• I don't have to be depressed. I me. I don't have to be depressed.
• Yes, you would get the respiratory depression. taking my testimony. taking my testimony.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• screening, including periodic prenatal and postpartum depression screening of pregnant and postpartum
• Senate Bill 246FN also requires periodic maternal depression screening for the caregiver of a child at
• </c><03:48:42.239><c> screening</c> providing maternal depression screening providing maternal depression
• maternal depression screening, including periodic<03:49:18.640><c> prenatal</c><03:49:19.199><c> and
• screening of pregnant and depression screening of pregnant and postpartum<03:49:22.640><c> patients.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Victims often experience embarrassment, isolation from family and friends, depression, and in some tragic
• insufficient sleep can increase the risk of diabetes, stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, depression

Summary: The Senate convened with quorum, observed a moment of silence for Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, and heard a prayer and pledge. Senator Perez introduced representatives of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, highlighting the organization’s community role and estimated economic impact from the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl. The chamber then approved the Senate journals and confirmed three gubernatorial appointments: C.N.R. Lomeli to the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and C. Don Clay and Joshua Pertula to the University of California College of Law, San Francisco Board of Directors. All three confirmations passed by unanimous roll call votes. The Senate adopted several resolutions. SCR 120 by Senator Grayson designated the first week of March as National Consumer Protection Week and March 5 as Slam the Scam Day, with support from Senators Choi and Becker emphasizing scam awareness, senior fraud, data broker concerns, and consumer education; it passed 36-0. Grayson also introduced law enforcement and Secret Service representatives involved in recovering a Pleasant Hill resident’s $350,000 lost to a cryptocurrency scam. SCR 126 by Senator Grove proclaimed March 9, 2026, as Special Olympics Day in California and passed 35-0, with remarks from Grayson about the organization’s impact and personal connection. SR 79 by Senator Nilo designated the week of March 8 as Sleep Health Awareness Week, focusing on the health risks of sleep deprivation and daylight saving time; it passed by unanimous roll call. SCR 135 by Senator Laird declared the first week of March as Peace Corps Week, with support from Senator Choi reflecting on Peace Corps service and its global impact; it also passed unanimously. SR 83 by Senator McNerney recognized March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, stressing early screening and disparities in outcomes; it passed unanimously. After the resolutions, McNerney introduced colorectal cancer advocates and survivors who were present in the chamber. The Senate then moved to adjournment in memory, with Majority Leader Ashby honoring Paul McAley, father of lobbyist Chris McAley, and Senator Rubio honoring Robert Uyoha of Chino, a Navy veteran and longtime community servant. The session concluded with notice that the Senate would reconvene on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 9 a.m., with recess until 3:30 p.m. for the adjournment motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Victims often experience embarrassment, isolation from family and friends, depression, and in some tragic
• insufficient sleep can increase the risk of diabetes, stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, depression

Summary: The Senate opened with a roll call establishing a quorum, a moment of silence for Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, and a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Pérez then introduced representatives of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, highlighting the organization’s community role and economic impact. The body also approved the Senate journals and moved to confirmations and resolutions. Three gubernatorial appointments were confirmed unanimously or near-unanimously: C.N.R. Lomeli to the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and C. Don Clay and Joshua Pertula to the University of California College of Law and San Francisco Board of Directors. The Senate then adopted SCR 120, designating National Consumer Protection Week and Slam the Scam Day, after remarks on fraud, senior scams, data brokers, and a Pleasant Hill cryptocurrency scam case in which law enforcement recovered stolen funds. The resolution passed 36-0, and the floor recognized Pleasant Hill police and Secret Service personnel involved in the case. The Senate also adopted SCR 126 proclaiming March 9, 2026 as Special Olympics Day, with support emphasizing inclusion and the organization’s programs in California; SCR 79 designating Sleep Health Awareness Week, with discussion of sleep deprivation and support for permanent standard time; SCR 135 declaring Peace Corps Week, with remarks on volunteer service and returned Peace Corps members; and SR 83 recognizing Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, stressing early screening and disparities in outcomes. Each of these resolutions passed unanimously or by unanimous roll call. After adoption, the Senate welcomed guests tied to each measure, including Special Olympics athletes, returned Peace Corps volunteers, and colorectal cancer advocates. The session concluded with adjournment in memory of Paul McAley and Robert Uyoha, honoring their professional, civic, and family contributions. The Senate then recessed, with the next floor session announced for March 12, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're not talking about simple depression or suicide attempt; we're talking about children who are so
• She has struggled with feelings of depression, suicidal ideation, and self-harm for years.
• depression or suicide attempt<00:02:37.879><c> we're</c><00:02:38.040><c> talking</c><00:02:38.360><
• feelings of depression suicidal ideation and<00:05:15.240><c> self</c><00:05:15.600><c> harm</c><00:
• They know what depression and anxiety are, so let’s not shy away from using the correct term.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The crash did not become a depression.
• The crash did not become a depression.
• but ultrasound screenings for conditions such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, postpartum depression
• ultrasound screenings for conditions such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and postpartum depression
• ultrasound screenings for conditions such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and postpartum depression

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, April 20, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Another parent talked about the social harm and even the feelings of depression and despair that their
• only is excessive social media use linked directly to, and inextricably to, sky-high increases in depression
• We're going to assume you're depressed and sad.
• , when it comes to the education, the problems of social media and the problems of these, like, depression
• We're worried about the number of children that are dealing with depression and suicidal ideation and

Bills: HB186, HB201, HB229, HB796, HB1506, HB2702, HB2885, HB3225, HB3909, HB4285, HB5138

Keywords: social media, children, account verification, data privacy, parental control, financial crime, card fraud, motor fuel theft, law enforcement, criminal activity, skimmers, prevention, training, biological sex, government information, definitions, sex-based distinctions, public health, federal directives, state authority

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 186, which would require social media platforms to verify users are 18 or older before allowing account creation. Invited witnesses in support, including Mary Elizabeth Castle and David Dunmoyer, argued the bill would protect children from harmful algorithms, addictive design, bullying, sexual exploitation, and mental health harms, and emphasized parental rights and the idea that minors should not enter binding contracts with platforms. Committee members questioned them about how algorithms work, whether parents could realistically monitor content, and whether the bill would still allow educational use; the witnesses said the bill was narrowly aimed at harmful social media use and not educational content. Public testimony on HB 186 was largely in opposition, though several student witnesses said they supported the bill’s goals but wanted the age lowered to 16 or the bill amended to allow parental consent or joint accounts. Opponents argued the bill would be ineffective because teens could bypass age checks, would cut off access to educational tools, school communications, recruiting and NIL opportunities, and would burden free speech and privacy. Some witnesses also said social media helps teens with mental health, community, and creative or professional opportunities, while others warned the bill could disproportionately harm disabled and marginalized users. After public testimony closed, HB 186 was left pending. The committee then heard House Bill 5138, which Chairman Hughes said would respond to a court ruling limiting the Attorney General’s authority to prosecute election crimes unless invited by local prosecutors by changing the statute to require AG prosecution. Public testimony on HB 5138 was brief and opposed by at least one witness who argued it would further erode local control and expand state preemption. The bill was left pending after testimony. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3225, a library bill aimed at keeping sexually explicit books and materials out of children’s sections in municipal libraries and requiring age verification for checkout, including digital access, with parental consent and other revisions added in the House. Supporters said the bill would protect children from explicit material and keep such content in adult sections, while opponents argued it would amount to censorship, be costly and difficult to implement, and could be used to target LGBTQ+ or other marginalized content. Library workers, parents, students, and advocates testified that existing library sections already separate age-appropriate materials and that the bill could reduce access to books, burden libraries, and infringe on parental choice and free expression.

Transcript Highlights:

• data has shown positive impacts of the group-based peer support program, including decreases in depressive
• data has shown positive impacts of the group-based peer support program, including decreases in depressive
• Black women and Latinas also experience higher rates of postpartum depression and pregnancy-related complications
• Mental health clearly also emerged as a significant concern: more than half reported experiencing depression

Summary: The hearing focused on reproductive and maternal health inequities affecting Latina, Black, and Indigenous women in California, with opening remarks emphasizing that disparities are rooted in long histories of exclusion, coercion, and underinvestment. Members and witnesses discussed the need to address language access, immigration-related fear, continuity of care, and the role of community-based supports such as promotora programs, doulas, community health workers, and culturally responsive education. The first panel highlighted the history of forced sterilization and reproductive oppression in California, the work of California Latinas for Reproductive Justice, Planned Parenthood affiliates’ care and education programs, and Black Women for Wellness’s community-led maternal health advocacy and policy priorities. Witnesses described how current barriers include fear of ICE and public charge, loss of funding for community organizations, gaps in Medi-Cal access, and the erosion of trust caused by discrimination and inconsistent care. Legislators asked about measuring trust, the impact of immigration enforcement on care-seeking, and how to respond to federal funding cuts. Panelists said the state should invest in community-based organizations, maintain public coverage and safety-net programs, and support the ecosystems of care that connect health services with housing, legal aid, and education. The second part of the hearing turned to state maternal health efforts. Officials from the California Department of Public Health and the Department of Health Care Services described programs including Black Infant Health, the Perinatal Equity Initiative, the Pregnancy Associated Review Committee, the birthing care pathway, the postpartum pathway concept paper, and the Transforming Maternal Health model. They said California is updating policies to better support doulas, community health workers, lactation services, and postpartum transitions, and that Medi-Cal coverage is protected for 12 months postpartum. They also noted that most pregnancy-related deaths now occur after delivery and that the highest risks involve cardiovascular disease, mental health, infection, and birth complications. ACOG representatives closed by describing professional education efforts on racism, implicit bias, immigrant rights, and respectful care, and by recommending hospital-level quality improvement projects that use existing data to identify and close equity gaps. They stressed that effective change requires measurable, transparent outcomes, involvement of impacted patients and communities, and sustained institutional accountability. No formal votes or committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• generation facing rising levels of anxiety, The result is a generation facing rising levels of anxiety, depression
• Rates of depressive symptoms and suicidality in teens have been rising since 2009, both nationwide and
• It can be difficult to recognize anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions when no one has
• rhetoric have disrupted attendance and contributed to a climate of fear, including increased rates of depression

Summary: The Select Committee on Youth Mental Health and Treatment Access held its third hearing to review the state of youth mental health, progress under the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), and remaining implementation and funding challenges. The chair emphasized that schools are often the main point where education, health care, and social services intersect for students, and that the committee’s goal is to ensure public investments translate into better access and outcomes. The hearing featured testimony from researchers, a youth advocate, state officials, and local practitioners. PPIC researcher Shalini Mostala reported that teen mental health remains a serious concern, with high rates of chronic sadness, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts, though recent California data show some improvement since the pandemic. She noted persistent disparities by gender, race, and rural status, and said school-based health centers, wellness centers, and community schools are associated with lower suicidal thoughts. Youth advocate Ella Cruz, speaking for NAMI California, described her own mental health struggles and argued that youth voice, peer-to-peer support, and reducing stigma are essential; she also said technology and AI cannot replace trusted adults or trained professionals. Committee members asked about phone use, stigma, cultural barriers, and how to make supports more accessible and relatable to students. Dr. Sohill Sood of the California Health and Human Services Agency said statewide survey data show declining stigma, increased counseling use, and lower suicide ideation among students, and he highlighted CYBHI’s certified wellness coaches, digital tools, awareness campaigns, and the first-in-the-nation fee schedule that allows schools and colleges to bill health plans for behavioral health services. He said the program is growing quickly, with more than 230,000 claims and over $11 million in new revenue to date, while acknowledging that billing systems and coordination are still being built. Trina Frazier of Fresno County described a multi-tiered system of care supported by CYBHI, CalAIM, and other grants, serving thousands of students through school-based services, wellness centers, and mobile therapy units; she said ongoing funding and flexibility are critical. Rachel Kroberniski of El Segundo High School’s James Morehouse Project described a long-running wellness center and peer mentorship model that supports students in multiple languages, and said peer programs help students feel seen, connected, and more willing to seek help. Members broadly praised the flexibility, collaboration, and peer-based approaches described by the witnesses. Questions focused on sustaining funding after one-time grants expire, improving coordination among schools, counties, and providers, expanding the fee schedule to higher education, and ensuring continuity of care for students after high school. Officials said county offices of education, DHCS, and other partners are using communities of practice and technical assistance to spread best practices, and that CYBHI services can follow some young adults through age 25, with additional supports through community-based programs and digital platforms.

Transcript Highlights:

• our community, your auntie or your uncle, someone struggling with addiction but also living with depression
• with addiction but also<00:37:13.200><c> living</c><00:37:13.480><c> with</c><00:37:13.640><c> depression
• </c><00:37:14.240><c> or</c><00:37:14.520><c> perhaps</c> also living with depression or perhaps also
• living with depression or perhaps PTSD PTSD PTSD and<00:37:16.520><c> managing</c><00:37:17.000><c>

Bills: HCR18, HCR32, HCR35, HCR105, HCR173

Keywords: hospice, health care, aging population, regulations, Medicare, working group, fraud prevention, quality of care, mental health, recidivism, civil commitment, Hawaii State Hospital, justice system, shelter, treatment pathways, biomarker testing, health insurance, precision medicine, healthcare access, medical necessity

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SCR 21 SD1, which asks Hawaii Health Systems Corporation’s East Hawaii Regional Health Care System to study the feasibility of a rural health clinic or similar access point for the Volcano community. Testimony in strong support came from HHSC representatives, Volcano residents, the Volcano Health Collaborative, the Rotary Club of Volcano, and others, who said the area has a clear need and that local primary and urgent care would align with regional plans. HHSC said it had already looked at the area, found no suitable temporary buildings, and would need a longer-term, capital-intensive solution, but that the study could help accelerate next steps. The committee then took up SCR 50 SD1, proposing a Hawaii Health Plan Working Group to design a basic affordable health plan for residents. Dr. Jack Lewin of SHIPTA said the state faces a growing uninsured population and argued for a short-term, lower-cost plan focused on preventive and primary care, drawing on the old State Health Insurance Plan as a possible model. Members asked about whether that prior program still exists and whether the working group should include the Hawaii Medical Association and Hawaii Primary Care Association; Dr. Lewin said the statute still exists but is unfunded, and that the group should be inclusive. The Department of Labor and other organizations also provided comments. For SCR 75 SD1, which urges a coordinated interdepartmental effort to reduce fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, Dr. Lewin and others said prevention, prenatal screening, and early intervention are needed because FASD is often hidden until later problems appear. Amanda from Hawaii FASD Action Group said current implementation under Act 192 is still largely a landscape analysis and that Hawaii lacks the infrastructure and specialists for a full system. Darlene Chance Govor urged adding the judiciary as a partner so juvenile justice and probation staff can be trained and referral pathways improved, while the Department of Health said it supports prevention but prefers a broader, systems-based approach focused on child needs and upstream care. The Disability Rights Center supported the resolution and asked for an earlier reporting date. The committee also heard SCR 149 SD1, which seeks an informal working group to address complex patients with multiple diagnoses involving substance use, mental health, or chronic physical illness. The Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition and Ke Nui Malo strongly supported the measure, saying current siloed systems leave people bouncing between medical, mental health, and substance use providers without coordinated care, often ending up in crisis, emergency rooms, or the justice system. They said integrated residential care and a coordinated working group could improve outcomes and align with federal funding opportunities. The transcript ended before any final vote or action on the measures was announced, and SCR 109 was noted as withdrawn from the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• distribution of intimate imagery can cause devastating and often irreparable harm, including suicide, depression
• often irreparable harm, including and often irreparable harm, including suicide,<00:14:50.280><c> depression
• ,</c><00:14:50.839><c> stalking,</c> suicide, depression, stalking, suicide, depression, stalking, financial

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures. HB 2271 HD2, making emergency appropriations for public employment cost items, drew support from state agencies and other entities, including HPHA, the University of Hawaiʻi, DLNR, OYS, DAGS, DOH, DOA/Biosecurity, and the Behavioral Health Administration; no opposition was noted. HB 2324 HD2, relating to the Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Law, was supported by DLIR, which said the bill removes a duplicative Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board requirement and aligns whistleblower investigation timelines with federal standards. HB 2387 HD1, relating to workers’ compensation medical benefits, also received support from DLIR and the State Fire Council, with the chair noting 40 supporters and no opposition or comments. HB 2116 HD2, relating to grants, was presented as a response to federal SNAP-related eligibility changes. Supporters included the Office of Community Services, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and several other organizations. Testimony said the bill would help nonprofits provide volunteer opportunities that could count toward an 80-hour monthly work requirement and help vulnerable residents avoid losing benefits; witnesses cited potential impacts on older adults and households with dependent children. HB 1682 HD1, relating to the disclosure of intimate images, drew strong support from advocates, the Uniform Law Commission, the Commission to Promote Uniform Laws, the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, and others. Testifiers emphasized the harms of non-consensual image sharing, the need for civil remedies, confidentiality protections, and the bill’s alignment with a uniform act already enacted in other states. HB 2468 HD1, relating to internship programs, received support from the University of Hawaiʻi, DLIR, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others. Testimony focused on the Hālau Mua internship program, workforce development, and the need to clarify sponsor contracts, background checks, and onboarding; committee members asked about a former intern now working in an 89-day hire position and how to streamline hiring into civil service roles. HB 2091 HD2, relating to petitions to restrain and enjoin harassment of DOE employees, was supported by DOE, the Attorney General’s office, UPW, and others; the AG’s office requested a data-driven appropriation amount, and members discussed a $300,000 figure for the full two-year pilot. The chair also asked for confirmation of prior cost figures for HB 2116 before moving toward decision-making.

Transcript Highlights:

• and adults who want to seek comfort, guidance, and even advice when they are having anxiety and depression
• fingertips 24/7, mental health providers are rightly concerned that minors and adults experiencing depression
• worldwide, but studies have found that those who experience infertility report levels of anxiety and depression
• Studies have found that those who experience infertility report levels of anxiety and depression comparable

Keywords: 959, house, all