Transcript Highlights:

• allows our constituents—uh, I'm sorry, your constituents—at different life stages and abilities to contribute
• percentage of that they add on to the costs of, uh, buildings, um, as they design it, um, there is a monetary
• buildings um as they design it, um there<00:18:20.640> is<00:18:20.800> a<00:18:21.280> monetary
• <00:18:21.880> interest<00:18:22.320> on<00:18:22.480> their there is a monetary
• interest on their there is a monetary interest on their side<00:18:23.280> to<00:18:24.040>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the restrictions are monetary, not necessarily on the care that they need if it's a chronic disease
• But because it's a monetary restriction, there's a potential that it could lead to service restrictions
• can't point to a single cause for the declines in patient visits, but we know that these must be contributing
• can't point to a single cause for the declines in patient visits, but we know that these must be contributing
• There's a drain on resources that is not only monetary, but also in terms of taking people's time away

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the impacts of H.R. 1 on California’s Medi-Cal program and on community health effects from recent immigration enforcement actions. Committee leaders said H.R. 1 would sharply reduce federal funding, increase administrative burdens, and worsen access to care, especially for Medi-Cal enrollees, immigrant families, rural communities, and reproductive health patients. The second half of the hearing examined how ICE raids and related federal actions are creating fear, reducing clinic and emergency department use, and disrupting children’s access to schools and early childhood education. Department of Health Care Services Director Michelle Bass outlined the main H.R. 1 provisions affecting Medi-Cal: work requirements, semiannual eligibility redeterminations, shorter retroactive coverage, new cost-sharing, limits on provider taxes and state-directed payments, reduced federal support for emergency and lawful immigrant coverage, and a one-year ban on Medicaid funding for prohibited abortion providers. She estimated millions could lose coverage, with tens of billions of dollars in federal funding at risk. Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California warned the defunding provision could force clinic closures, service reductions, and loss of access to family planning, STI testing, and cancer screenings. The California Hospital Association said the financing changes could cut hospital revenue by tens of billions over 10 years and threaten access, especially for rural and safety-net hospitals. The Western Center on Law and Poverty argued the law would increase churn, paperwork, and uninsured rates, disproportionately harming working adults and people experiencing homelessness. Committee members asked about implementation timelines, notification systems, administrative costs, the effect on immigrant eligibility, and whether California could delay or mitigate some provisions. Bass said the state was still assessing federal guidance, planning county and provider outreach, and exploring a possible delay for work requirements and a transition period for provider-tax changes. Members also discussed how state budget actions may need to be revisited in light of H.R. 1, and how California might preserve access through state-only funding or other policy changes. In the second panel, CHIRLA, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, and the Children’s Partnership described the health consequences of immigration enforcement. Speakers said raids and data-sharing fears are causing anxiety, trauma, and avoidance of care, with Los Angeles County reporting declines in emergency, urgent care, and clinic visits after enforcement actions. The Children’s Partnership said school and early childhood absences are rising in some communities and that enforcement is undermining children’s emotional well-being and access to education. Members asked for more data and discussed possible state protections, telehealth, mobile care, and legal and policy responses to reduce fear and preserve access to health and education services.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:15:33.640> further corporation collections further corporation collections further contribute
• <00:15:36.200> And contribute to the forecast change.
• And contribute to the forecast change.
• Tariffs are mostly passed through to domestic buyers and so also contribute to higher prices and higher
• The assumed path of monetary policy depends on both inflation and labor market conditions.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Contributions were never submitted... Officers were never properly enrolled.
• Contributions were submitted. Emper's also operates under federal tax qualification requirements.
• The suits that are impacted here are delinquent contribution suits, municipalities that fail to pay.
• “The narrow issue contained in the cases is the delinquent contributions? The cases, yes.
• That monetary assistance you're trying to get is a grant. That is not guaranteed.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Across our state, Masonic lodges contribute countless volunteer hours, support local families in need
• The properties that I manage in NSHA contribute almost $100,000 in property taxes annually.
• almost $100,000 in property contribute almost $100,000 in property taxes<02:28:20.319> annually.
• to the community, but what the things that you talked about they contributed to the community?
• and contributions to the community<03:58:22.239> intact.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• While we all understand no amount of money can bring back a loved one, to solely argue from a monetary
• While we all understand no amount of money can bring back a loved one, to solely argue from a monetary
• identified contaminants such as silver iodide and elevated nitrate levels in water sources, factors that contribute
• Barium compounds are also found in this independent testing that also can contribute to gastrointestinal
• So many of these aerosols, for instance, can also contribute to acid rain, further exacerbating any issues

Summary: The Committee on Rules met with a quorum and heard extensive debate on SB 734, which would repeal Florida’s wrongful-death medical malpractice exception that bars certain adult children and parents from recovering noneconomic damages. Senator Yarborough presented the bill as a fairness and accountability measure, while many family members testified in support, describing deaths they believed were caused by medical negligence and arguing the current law denies equal justice. Opponents, including physician and insurer representatives, warned the bill could increase malpractice exposure, premiums, defensive medicine, and physician shortages. The committee also considered two late-filed amendments: Senator Burton’s amendment would make Department of Health investigative findings admissible in court, and Senator Martin’s amendment to that amendment would broaden admissibility/discoverability to additional disciplinary and prior-adverse-incident records and insurance coverage facts. After debate, the Martin amendment was adopted, but the Burton amendment as amended failed on a roll call vote. The committee then reported SB 734 favorably without the amendment. The committee next unanimously reported CS for SB 86 favorably. That bill, by Senator Burgess, expands peer support protections for first responders to include support personnel; there was little debate and several law-enforcement-related organizations indicated support. The committee also took up SB 316 on series limited liability companies. Senator Berman explained that the bill creates rules for series LLCs in Florida, and a late-filed amendment, requested by the Secretary of State, delayed implementation by one year. The amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee considered CS for CS for SB 384, which requires municipalities seeking to annex state-owned land to notify the relevant county legislative delegation when the first public hearing is advertised. Senator Burton presented the bill briefly, there was no opposition or debate, and the committee proceeded to vote on the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker and members, I would like to recognize Anne Manning of Lubbock for her outstanding contribution
• The Montgomery County Veterans Memorial World Commission has contributed greatly to the development of
• Let us remember the courageous and selfless contributions of all professional counselors.
• Tim Dunn has made me... contributions to our community and he serves as lead pastor of Millsap Church
• Goodwin, relating to campaign contribution limits set for certain offices or for the Committee on State

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Candidates likewise are prohibited from accepting foreign contributions, and additionally, any person
• If you are stealing that, at that level, at that monetary level, you are facing a much higher felony
• And the theft statute very clearly delineates a felony level depending on the monetary value.
• criminal code, there are various criminal offenses where the penalty classification is based on the monetary
• Arizona has 17 statutes in the criminal code that have different monetary thresholds.

Bills: SB1067, SB1234, SB1285, SB1295, SB1392, SB1413, SB1436, SB1470, SB1476, SB1489, SB1512, SB1535, SB1540, SB1556, SB1568, SB1569, SB1570, SB1573, SB1585, SB1609, SB1627, SB1634, SB1635, SB1644, SB1647, SB1648, SB1650, SB1653, SB1654, SB1655, SB1656, SB1657, SB1658, SB1661, SB1662, SB1664, SB1666, SB1667, SB1669, SB1709, SB1720, SB1723, SB1725, SB1743, SB1746, SB1748, SB1755, SB1786, SB1820, SB1822, SB1829, SCR1027, SCR1040, SCR1048

Keywords: tax lien, property tax lien, real property tax lien, foreclosure, right of redemption, redeem, excess proceeds, county abatement lien, abatement lien, lien priority, assessment lien, easement, county treasurer, certificate of purchase, tax delinquency, delinquent property taxes, property owner equity, judgment foreclosure, title report, Arizona Revised Statutes

Summary: The committee approved the minutes and then took up a long agenda of election, criminal justice, corrections, and county-government bills. Early election measures included SB 1436, requiring ballot language for certain school override and bond elections to estimate the secondary property tax impact; SB 1568, requiring election systems’ internal clocks to stay within 60 seconds of official time and making violations a misdemeanor; SB 1569, limiting special election board members from collecting or processing voter registration while assisting confined voters; and SB 1746, requiring voting centers to supplement rather than replace precinct polling places, requiring public offices and schools to provide polling space, and closing schools on primary and general election days for in-service training. SB 1436 and SB 1568 were eventually given do-pass recommendations, SB 1569 also passed committee, and SB 1746 passed despite concerns raised about school safety and access. Some bills were held earlier in the meeting and voted on later after testimony concluded. The committee also heard SB 1295, which would allow the Department of Corrections to release certain seriously ill inmates to contracted medical institutions if they qualify for ALTCS, with an amendment replacing disability language with illness-based criteria; the sponsor described it as a cost-saving measure that could shift care costs to federal programs. SB 1067, the so-called Gila County blight bill, would let counties place abatement costs for rubbish, debris, and dilapidated buildings on property tax bills and liens; county officials testified that it would help recover cleanup costs for blighted properties and heirs’ property, and it passed unanimously. SB 1413 would remove the $100,000 cap on restitution for serious injury or death caused by moving violations and passed after the sponsor said the cap had already been found unconstitutional. SB 1476 would make child neglect a class six felony when a custodian exposes a newborn to dangerous or narcotic drugs or causes fetal alcohol syndrome; supporters framed it as accountability and child protection, while opponents warned it could deter treatment and worsen family separation. The bill passed on a split vote. Later, the committee considered several criminal-justice and public-safety bills. SB 1512 would expand the definition of vulnerable adult and broaden “position of trust and confidence” for theft cases involving seniors and other vulnerable adults; testimony highlighted scams and exploitation of grieving or isolated elders, and the bill passed. SB 1585 would regulate sex-offender-specific evaluations, treatment, and polygraph services through the Sex Offender Management Board, add a surcharge fund and assessment on sexual-offense convictions, and appropriate funds to DPS; supporters said it would create uniform standards, while opponents questioned the need for additional fees, and it passed. SB 1662 would require probation conditions to be the least restrictive necessary and tailored to a defendant’s risk and needs; supporters from the Justice Action Network and criminal-defense advocates said it would improve rehabilitation and public safety, and it passed. The committee also began SB 1664, which would change constable petition-signature requirements in Maricopa and Pima counties, but the transcript cuts off before the full discussion and vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• is that the, and I know our President, Passidomo, stepped up and already said she's going to be contributing
• did not include the provision for releasing an arrestee on their own recognizance without a non-monetary
• an unauthorized alien can still be arrested and still enjoy, if they're able to overcome, a non-monetary
• Instead of punishing those who are contributing to our state, we should be investing in their success
• Maybe I contributed a little bit.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, and a moment of silence honoring former Senator and Judge Thomas Gallen. The chamber then moved to special order items focused on immigration and related enforcement measures. Senate Memorial 6C, urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide guidance and training for 287(g) agreements, passed by voice vote. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 4C, an immigration measure that would impose a mandatory death penalty for unauthorized aliens convicted of capital felonies and create state crimes for illegal entry and re-entry. Senators Pizzo, Polsky, and Sharief raised concerns about constitutional issues, plea bargaining, trial and penalty-phase procedures, prosecutorial discretion, and the effect on victims’ families. Supporters, including Senators Fine and Gruters, argued the bill was a strong deterrent and a response to serious crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. The bill passed 25-11. The chamber next debated Senate Bill 2C, a broader immigration enforcement package. The bill would create a State Board of Immigration Enforcement, expand local-federal cooperation, fund detention and enforcement efforts, strengthen pretrial detention rules for unauthorized aliens, and end in-state tuition waivers for undocumented students. Senators Davis and Pizzo questioned enforcement mechanics, jurisdiction, bond procedures, and whether local agencies were actually mandated to participate; supporters said the bill was designed to maximize cooperation with federal authorities and the Trump administration. A late-filed amendment by Senator Pizzo to preserve tuition waivers for current students failed 14-22, and a second amendment was withdrawn after discussion. Debate then continued on the bill, with opponents arguing it was costly, federal in nature, and harmful to Dreamers and other students, while supporters said it was necessary to crack down on illegal immigration and align state policy with federal enforcement priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• and all constitutional rights, with somebody suing the county, would get injunctive relief and not monetary
• It is not a way for people to get monetary damages.
• and plaintiffs pursuing actions under these provisions, if they were that there wouldn't be any monetary
• If we pass this constitutional amendment, have you seen monetary lawsuits go on in the courts and projects
• If this goes to someone placing a lawsuit in the courts, it's not for monetary reasons, but who's suing

Transcript Highlights:

• So essentially, the public benefit that TERP was designed to contribute to is that.
• So emissions and NOx emissions, you're talking about like how does it translate to monetary value?
• The NOx to monetary value?
• No, sir, I don't have any data that directly would tie a NOx reduction to a monetary value.
• have in our efforts as a state to combat things like wildfires and those point sources that can contribute

Bills: HB512, HB2248, HB2679, HB2832, HB3112, HB3368, HB3490, HB3512, HB3623, HB3666, HB3700, HB3711, HB3770, HB3963

Keywords: grievance procedures, state agency, employee rights, workplace regulations, employment law, employees, employment actions, appeal, state employees, workplace rights, disciplinary actions, employment conditions, employment disputes, job protections, public information, transparency, government accountability, information access, notification requirements, federal funding

Transcript Highlights:

• really important to think as clearly and as powerfully as you can state what are the physical or monetary
• can state what is what what what are the physical<00:49:59.920> or physical or physical or monetary
• > challenges<00:50:02.440> that<00:50:02.640> prevent<00:50:03.120> you monetary
• challenges that prevent you monetary challenges that prevent you from<00:50:03.440> doing<00:
• <00:57:09.040> to<00:57:09.200> the invaluable contribution to the invaluable contribution

Bills: SCR180

Keywords: wildfire, fire hazard, Lahaina, West Maui, Maui wildfire, vegetation management, fuel reduction, defensible space, fuel breaks, invasive grasses, emergency access, evacuation route, fire lane, state lands, public safety, Office of the State Fire Marshal, community risk reduction, hazard mitigation, brush clearance, wildland-urban interface

Summary: The committee opened by noting it was likely its last hearing of the 2026 session, then took up several resolutions. SCR 54, on appointing a hydrogen fire safety expert and training on hydrogen-related protocols, and SCR 59, on allowing certain health care professionals to practice without a license during a state of emergency, drew no testimony. Members discussed SCR 59 as a response to past emergencies and the need for pre-approved, updated registries of professionals who could be deployed quickly in emergencies. SCR 62 SD1, which asks the 911 Board to form a working group with the disability community to address access issues in emergency and 911 responses, received testimony from disability advocates and the 911 Board. Testifiers said the measure should ensure an integrated system with EMS infrastructure, real-time access for dispatchers and field personnel, and public education about the system; they also noted that Smart911 is no longer being used on Oahu and Maui and that a statewide, integrated approach is needed. Members agreed to work the suggested language into the resolution. SCR 179, urging Maui County to enforce fire code provisions on brush clearance, fuel breaks, roadside vegetation clearing, and emergency access, was noted as having no testimony but continuing to raise important issues. SCR 74, calling for an audit of no-bid contracts issued under emergency proclamations from 2020 through 2025, drew strong support from a late testifier who tied the measure to emergency procurement concerns after the Lahaina wildfire and COVID-era contracting. The witness argued that procurement rules should not be waived in ways that compromise safety, and described concerns about unlicensed contractors and construction problems in a state housing project. Members asked about the scope of the audit and whether it would interfere with criminal investigations; the witness said the audit should cover a broad range of contracts, including nonprofit contracts, and should not be limited to the wildfire period. The committee also heard SCR 28 SD1 on creating a Hawaii Vietnam Veterans Medal, with support from the Department of Defense and veterans advocates, who said the resolution is intended to do the groundwork for a future appropriation and to determine eligibility and distribution procedures. Finally, SCR 60 SD1, requesting updates on the “Breaking Cycles” rehabilitation and restorative justice study, received support from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Correctional System Oversight Commission, and reform advocates. The department asked that reporting be annual rather than quarterly because of the complexity of the OCCC project, and supporters said the measure would promote transparency and help ensure the study’s recommendations are implemented. No votes were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Intentional or not, $78 is the monetary value that the state currently places on thorough, detailed,
• populations of female veterans and an evolving demographic profile of race and ethnicity, which may all contribute
• The veteran is more than the monetary value.
• The veteran is more than the monetary value behind their claim.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the role of County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs), CalVet’s support for them, and the growing problem of for-profit, unaccredited claims companies. Committee leaders and witnesses emphasized that CVSOs are often the first point of contact for veterans and their families, helping with disability claims, education benefits, survivor benefits, housing, health care, and other wraparound services. Testimony highlighted the return on investment from CVSO work, with witnesses citing hundreds of millions in new federal benefits secured for California veterans and arguing that current state funding is too low relative to the workload and need. County representatives from Nevada, Los Angeles, and San Luis Obispo described local models of service. Los Angeles County highlighted a “no wrong door” approach, peer navigators, suicide review work, justice-involved veteran services, and homelessness coordination, while San Luis Obispo described rural outreach, mental health partnerships, and high suicide rates in its county. Nevada County stressed that smaller counties can be disadvantaged by workload-based formulas and that additional funding would expand access, especially in rural areas. Several witnesses said veterans often need more than claims help and should be connected to mental health, employment, food, and family supports. Much of the discussion centered on predatory claims consultants, which witnesses said charge veterans for services that accredited CVSOs provide free. Members and witnesses described cases involving requests for VA and banking logins, misleading advertising, and contracts that can take a percentage of veterans’ benefits. Committee members expressed support for legislation to curb these practices and for increased funding for CVSOs, including the Legislature’s intent to fund 50% of county veterans’ services operations. A CalVet deputy secretary also testified that California’s accreditation and training system improves claim quality and appeal outcomes, and that CalVet works with CVSOs through training, district offices, and appeals representation.

Transcript Highlights:

• state with training around cardiac care, by providing access to free mental health supports and monetary
• health providing access to free mental health supports<00:11:20.200> and<00:11:20.399> monetary
• <00:11:21.040> support<00:11:21.399> for<00:11:21.600> our supports and monetary
• support for our supports and monetary support for our firefighters<00:11:22.440> who<00:11:22.560
• > providing training of Cardiac Care and providing training of Cardiac Care and providing monetary

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The time, distance, and monetary burden demanded from finding SGB elsewhere frequently prove too much
• 23:10.000> time,<00:23:10.640> distance,<00:23:11.200> and<00:23:11.520> monetary
• The time, distance, and monetary time.
• The time, distance, and monetary burden<00:23:12.559> demands<00:23:13.120> burdens<00:
• business of contributing business of contributing to<02:38:23.439> those<02:38:23.920>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, May 15, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• was issuing another notice to comply letter instead of more severe enforcement action such as a monetary
• ...to comply letter instead of more severe enforcement action such as a monetary fine, temporary suspension
• even if a store is age-gated, if this is in somebody's home, it certainly, to me, seems that could contribute
• to, you know, It certainly, to me, seems that could contribute to youth ingestion, especially as Assemblymember

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee heard an audit on the Department of Cannabis Control’s oversight of cannabis packaging and labeling, focused on whether products attractive to children are being kept out of the legal market. The auditor said the department’s rules are often vague or subjective, leading to inconsistent enforcement, and that the state relies heavily on licensees to self-police because there is no upfront review before products reach the market. The audit cited examples involving cartoon-like images, bright colors, flavor references, candy-like imagery, strain names, and beverage packaging, and recommended clearer statutory standards, possible pre-approval of packaging, better enforcement tools, and stronger tracking of repeat violators. Assemblymembers and senators largely agreed that child safety is the priority, but differed on the best policy response. Some members argued for clearer legislative limits and even plain packaging, saying products like root beer, cherry pie, and cereal-like designs are plainly appealing to children. Department officials said they had already begun reforms, including a centralized label-review team, a rubric, improved databases, and more attention to repeat violations, while also emphasizing that the illicit and intoxicating hemp markets are major sources of youth exposure and that resource constraints limit inspections. They said they are open to working with the Legislature on more specific standards and additional funding. Public witnesses split between public health and industry perspectives. A pediatrician and public health advocate urged stronger restrictions, including plain packaging, limits on flavors and potency, and a pre-market review system, arguing that vague rules have failed children. Industry representatives said they support youth protections but want bright-line, objective standards so compliant businesses can know what is allowed; they argued that most youth-targeted packaging is in the illicit market and that the legal market needs clearer rules rather than broader bans. No formal vote or committee action was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So with these court cases, I mean, is the lawyer going to be like, yes, I was only trying to get monetary
• So how are you going to prove that they are doing it only for monetary reasons then?
• None of it goes to—there's no provisions in ADA law that allows these plaintiffs to have any monetary
• I thought you were talking about monetary, the primary purpose. Okay, that's...
• I thought you were talking about monetary, the primary purpose was to obtain a monetary settlement unrelated

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so that's really the hindrance to using gold and silver precious metals as as monetary instruments
• and forth. >> Well, Senator, the the answer is is that when you have inflation caused by excess monetary
• We want to do away with our standard to our monetary currency that we have today.
• On the head of operations for Kinesis monetary, which is a global precious metals company that offers
• We have a little bit of background and the precious metal monetary reform for decade and a half back

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• regulation industry and so in other words there's no general fund dollars in this uh and it provides the monetary
• It provides monetary relief to victims of fraud who are entitled to those dollars.
• 42.079> the dollars in this uh and it provides the dollars in this uh and it provides the monetary
• 43.040> the<00:11:43.200> victims<00:11:43.519> of<00:11:43.680> fraud monetary
• relief to the victims of fraud monetary relief to the victims of fraud who<00:11:44.560> are<

Bills: HB530, HB559, SB317, HB568, HB530, HB559, SB317, HB568

Keywords: tax exemption, Kidz Eatz, sales tax, non-profit, local government, loitering, mask mandate, public safety, school policy, college regulations, law enforcement, Alabama Innovation Corporation, board of directors, staggered terms, economic development, entrepreneurship, voting rights, restoration, pardons, Parole Board

Transcript Highlights:

• It replaces ineffective monetary punishment with community service and inā-based culturally grounded
• It replaces<00:56:41.839> ineffective<00:56:42.480> monetary<00:56:43.040> punishment
• replaces ineffective monetary punishment replaces ineffective monetary punishment with<00:56:43.760
• <01:10:19.440> to<01:10:19.600> the of stay uh and who's contributing to the of stay
• Uh, we thank you for your contribution in your testimony. and they drafted a bill.

Bills: SB3263, SB3261

Keywords: student-athletes, name image likeness, NIL, compensation, transparency, University of Hawaii, Title IX, funding, protections, athlete agents, student athletes, endorsement contracts, professional representation, registration requirements, sports law, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate Committee on Education and Committee on Health and Human Services heard testimony on several bills related to student health and safety, University of Hawaii programs, and workforce development. For SB 2969, which would appropriate funds for the University of Hawaii to expand and sustain the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study and Maui Health Registry, testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Witnesses described the ongoing physical and mental health impacts of the August 2023 Maui fires, said the study has identified serious untreated conditions and connected participants to care, and emphasized its role in serving survivors and training students. The committee also heard support from the Department of Health, the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Lung Association, Maui residents, and study staff. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee then heard SB 2657, which would establish an Alzheimer disease and related dementia research center at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. University of Hawaii and Alzheimer’s Association representatives supported the bill, saying a local center would improve coordination of existing research, build state capacity, and help Hawaii compete for future NIH designation and federal funding. A family member affected by Alzheimer’s also testified in support, citing the disease’s impact in Hawaii. In response to questions, the university said the proposal would follow a five-year phased plan, with the first year funding used to recruit a senior neuroscientist and staff person, at an estimated cost of about $375,000, and that the effort would still strengthen Hawaii’s research infrastructure even if federal funding is not secured. For SB 2612, which clarifies immunity for Department of Education employees and agents who assist students with medication administration under certain conditions, the Department of Education said the bill is intended to protect volunteers and help ensure students can participate in school activities even when staffing is limited. The committee discussed how volunteers would be selected and whether every school would have someone available, and DOE said schools currently rely on health attendants, nurses, and trained volunteers. The committee also briefly discussed liability language and gross negligence exceptions. The hearing then moved to SB 2412, which would fund a bachelor’s degree program in sign language and sign language interpretation at UH Mānoa with a future master’s pathway. Testimony from interpreters, educators, and university officials emphasized the shortage of interpreters, the need to retain local talent, and the program’s role in building a pipeline; university representatives said the initial request would fund a faculty/staff position as a first step, with additional funding needed later. No final committee action or votes were announced in the transcript.