Transcript Highlights:

• Give them at least Till January of next year. OK, um, yeah, we'll look into that.
• There were 49,430 suicides just in 2022, ages 1 and 12 and older.
• The substitute for HB 1481 gives us fun-free schools bell to bell K through 12.
• Um, education distractions in higher ed that we're finding in Uh, K through 12.
• So just brain research says, Says bell to bell K through 12 just for the adolescent brain.

Bills: HB6, HB27, HB123, HB210, HB213, HB222

Keywords: hemp, consumable hemp products, hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, cannabidiol, CBG, cannabigerol, Texas hemp law, hemp regulation, cannabinoid products, delta-9 THC, intoxicating hemp, hemp gummies, hemp vape, retail registration, product registration, QR code labeling, child-resistant packaging, youth access, minor sales

Transcript Highlights:

• Our regular meeting time will be from 12 to 2, like it is right now, on every Wednesday, and I'll try
• 168.021 35 years ago, and this is for individuals who have a doctoral degree in a secondary 9 through 12
• That's intended for K-12 schools.
• And it really... ...would start up right now with any new teachers starting in our January cohort.
• candidates, is that was not an applied class that made sense for those K-12 schools.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Page 12, the local government road fund. These are smaller amounts.
• This includes the $12 million dedicated to the rural areas.
• The communities, that $12 million is not the request; that $12 million as we talked about earlier was
• shoulders and 12-foot inside-outside lanes.
• The proposed design would leave 12-foot shoulders and medians.

Transcript Highlights:

• :06.959> 26<00:12:07.480> and<00:12:07.639> 27<00:12:08.200> and<00:12:08.360
• > 28<00:12:08.760> and<00:12:09.200> 29<00:12:10.200> uh<00:12:10.440>
• /c><00:12:50.279> 125<00:12:51.279> uh<00:12:51.360> we<00:12:51.519> start
• <00:12:52.440> education<00:12:53.480> section<00:12:54.480> um<00:12:54.680>
• may have<00:12:55.440> heard<00:12:55.920> during<00:12:56.279> the<00:12:56.440

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :40.800> into<00:12:41.200> depth<00:12:41.519> if<00:12:41.600> if<00:12
• was >> Yeah.<00:12:42.639> Why<00:12:42.800> don't<00:12:42.880> we<00:12
• :43.120> bring<00:12:43.360> him<00:12:43.519> up?
• [snorts] Afternoon,<00:12:54.800> ladies<00:12:54.959> and<00:12:55.120> gentlemen.
• <00:12:55.360> This<00:12:55.440> is >> You know, there was a lot that went on before

Bills: SB2363, SB2054, SB2057, SB2377, SB3322

Keywords: public lands, county authority, public health, safety regulations, cultural preservation, public safety, Hawaii National Guard, military deployment, governor authority, federal assistance, immigration enforcement, sanctuary policy, detainer, ICE, federal immigration authorities, 8 U.S.C. 1357(g), 8 U.S.C. 1373, 8 U.S.C. 1644, deportation, undocumented immigrants

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2033 on renewable energy, focused on rooftop solar and grid-ready homes. Members discussed amendments intended to clarify retrofit provisions for new homes, cost-sharing requirements for interconnecting customers, compliance with relevant safety standards or certifications, and a date change. The chair recommended passage with amendments, and the committee adopted the recommendation unanimously. The joint committees then heard Senate Bill 2363 on county authority over access to encumbered properties such as streams. The City and County of Honolulu, along with the Department of Transportation and the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, testified in support, saying the bill would help protect public safety, reduce flood risk, and prevent illicit activity. A Libertarian Party representative opposed the measure, arguing the problem stemmed from mismanagement and that the bill granted overly broad new powers. No action was taken during the hearing. The committees also heard Senate Bill 2054 and Senate Bill 2057, both relating to public safety and immigration-related state authority. Testimony on SB 2054 largely supported limiting state resources for federal or out-of-state deployments when the governor objects, with the Hawaii National Guard raising concerns about unclear obligations for service members and the distinction between Title 10 and Title 32 authority. On SB 2057, supporters including ACLU of Hawaii, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, and the Legal Clinic said the bill would curb cooperation with ICE, protect constitutional rights, and preserve trust in immigrant communities; one witness also noted the rapid growth of 287(g) agreements nationwide. The committee then moved on to SB 2377 on property damage to critical infrastructure, where Charter Communications and Hawaiian Telecom supported the bill and asked for clarification to include broadband and telecommunications, while the Public Defender questioned whether the higher penalty was justified. Finally, the committee began SB 3322 on law enforcement, with testimony emphasizing clearer separation between local police and federal agents, limits on immigration enforcement cooperation, and protections for community trust; the hearing continued with additional testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do that every year in January based on the calendar year before.
• In the year of 2021, it was as high as 12 percent. And it was 8 percent.
• So what FPNC does is that in December to January of every year, Funded in that manner.
• That's how we determine that 12-month spending.
• That's how we determine that 12-month spending.

Summary: The committee met for an informational hearing focused largely on the state capital outlay process and House Bill 2. Roger Husser and Matt Baker of the Division of Administration/Facility Planning and Control described how the office prepares and administers the capital outlay bill, said the bill has grown substantially over five years, and argued that recent changes in culture, staffing, project management, cash-flow analysis, and use of third-party support have more than doubled project expenditures and improved delivery. Members asked about the use and cost of third-party project managers, delegation of smaller projects to agencies, hiring difficulties, and whether the changes represented better interpretation of existing law versus statutory changes. Husser said some statutes were amended, some internal customs were removed, and the office would provide a list of those changes. He also explained that the office is trying to move away from overly rigid practices and toward faster project completion while still following public-bid and oversight rules. A major portion of the discussion centered on the size and structure of the capital outlay bill, especially the gap between Priority 1 cash capacity and the much larger Priority 5 backlog. Husser said the current annual Priority 1 limit is tied to construction inflation and is about $574 million, with additional surplus funds also available, but that the bill contains far more Priority 5 funding than can realistically move in a five-year plan. He and members discussed dormant projects, scope creep, legacy projects that have sat in the bill for years, and the problem of false expectations for non-state entities. Proposed solutions included limiting Priority 5 to five times Priority 1, requiring annual re-endorsement by members, setting district or project caps for non-state projects, requiring time limits and reporting for grant-like non-state projects, placing matches in escrow, requiring design readiness before submission, and consolidating the many existing reporting requirements into one clearer report. Members also discussed bundling multiple projects under one agency project, which the House had begun piloting for LSU, UL Lafayette, Southern, and DOTD, and which Husser said could improve flexibility, reduce overappropriation, and better reflect actual spending. Baker then explained cash-flow management and the commitment process, saying FPC now analyzes projects annually to estimate what can actually be spent in the next fiscal year and uses commitments to allow projects to proceed when future-year funding is expected. He said overappropriations can result from poor cash-flow estimates, delays, dormant projects, or projects coming in under budget, and that the office is already reworking cash-flow assumptions and reappropriating savings where possible. Members also raised concerns about change orders and low bids; staff said project managers review change orders closely, require concurrence on non-state projects, and sometimes reduce scope to keep projects within budget. After FPC’s presentation, the committee heard the beginning of Louisiana Economic Development’s capital outlay discussion, where LED explained that its projects generally fall into three categories, including the Economic Development Awards Program and Site Readiness Program, both used to support targeted economic development and job creation.

Transcript Highlights:

• being<00:12:08.160> that<00:12:08.399> there<00:12:08.600> still<00:12:08.760
• :09.079> be<00:12:09.200> more<00:12:09.440> time<00:12:09.600> to<00:12:
• > until<00:12:13.399> Friday<00:12:13.800> March<00:12:14.120> 14<00:12:14.600
• > room<00:12:16.120> 225<00:12:17.120> for<00:12:17.360> the<00:12:17.519>
• > same<00:12:26.040> place<00:12:26.399> as<00:12:26.600> the<00:12:26.880

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on House Bill 1064, which would implement recommendations from the Fire Safety Research Institute’s Maui wildfire report, clarify the role of the State Fire Marshal, and appropriate funds. Testimony was generally supportive from DLNR, the Climate Advisory Team, the State Fire Council, Hawaiʻi Electric, the Attorney General’s office, the Honu Fire Department, AARP, the Hawaiʻi Insurance Council, and others. Governor Green’s office said it supported the bill but wanted the office of the State Fire Marshal placed under the Department of Defense rather than the governor’s office, citing constitutional and administrative concerns. Members also questioned the State Fire Council about the selection process for the fire marshal and about defensible space and wildfire resilience in different communities. After discussion, the committees deferred decision-making on HB 1064 to Friday, March 14, at 3:00 p.m. in Room 225 for the Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs, with the same recommendation from the other committee. The hearing then moved to House Bill 697, which would expand who may review automated speed enforcement images. HDOT supported the bill but said it would prefer funding from the Highway Special Fund or the automated speed enforcement special fund rather than general revenues. Opposition testimony from the ACLU raised privacy concerns, argued the bill blurs the line between law enforcement and infrastructure management, and said DOT staff lack the mandate and expertise for the task. Judiciary said it would need additional capacity to process citations and hearings, and noted the program’s likely workload and costs were still uncertain. The committees then took up House Bill 277 on vehicular pursuit policy. The Attorney General and the Law Enforcement Standards Board urged the committees to defer the bill and let the board develop policy first, while Hawaii County Police opposed the measure as unnecessary, confusing, and too restrictive of officer discretion. Honolulu Police Department and the Policing Project supported the bill, arguing that clearer statewide standards and transparency are needed because pursuits can cause serious injuries or deaths and existing policies are inconsistent or not public. The Policing Project said the bill could be improved with amendments on serious crimes, but supported legislative action to set statewide standards while still involving the board. No final vote or action on HB 277 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Much of the agenda involves review of budget proposals brought to us by the administration back in January
• As you are hopefully aware, however, January.
• In the January budget, we recognize that there are many jurisdictions across the state who are still
• H.R. 1 augmented the 9% tax credit program by 12% in perpetuity.
• So a $4 fee, if we raise it 3%, that's 12 cents, right?

Summary: The subcommittee heard an extensive presentation on the administration’s housing reorganization proposal, which would centralize multifamily affordable housing finance under the new Housing Development and Finance Committee (HDFC) and align it with the Governor’s trailer bill language. Administration officials said the plan is intended to create a one-stop application and award process, reduce duplicative timelines and costs, and pair state subsidy with private activity bonds and federal tax credits more efficiently. They also described proposed changes to the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program, including shifting a larger share of funding toward housing-related awards while preserving a portion for sustainable communities investments. The Legislative Analyst’s Office generally supported the streamlining concept but recommended changes to the proposed bond set-aside timing and urged flexibility for integrated applications and future reporting on demand. Senators, especially Senator Cabaldon, raised concerns that the proposal could weaken the original climate-and-transportation purpose of the sustainable communities program and that the reorganization would be undercut by the lack of new housing production funding in the budget. The item was held open without a vote. The committee then received a report from the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee and the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee on federal and state housing tax credits. Staff explained that the federal H.R. 1 change lowering the bond-financing threshold from 50% to 25% greatly expanded the number of projects able to use the 4% federal tax credit, allowing California to fund many more projects and units. They also described the state low-income housing tax credit as an important gap-filling tool for projects that still need additional subsidy, and noted existing set-asides for rural, homeless, at-risk, and extremely low-income projects. Members discussed rehabilitation as well as new construction, and the item was informational only. Finally, the Civil Rights Department reported on the effects of federal civil rights policy changes and on three programs facing expiration: California vs. Hate, the Community Conflict Resolution Unit, and Investigations and Conciliation Enhancement. Director Kevin Kish said federal cuts and policy shifts have reduced support for fair housing and other civil rights functions, while CRD’s caseload has grown from about 8,700 open matters a year ago to more than 12,000, with a six-month wait for interviews despite overtime triage efforts. Senators expressed strong support for continuing the programs and concern about the broader federal rollback of civil rights enforcement. The department said it is using overtime, intake triage, and outreach partnerships to manage the workload and direct Californians to appropriate state, local, and nonprofit resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• Much of the agenda involves review of budget proposals brought to us by the administration back in January
• As you are hopefully aware, however, January.
• H.R. 1 augmented the 9% tax credit program by 12% in perpetuity.
• This limited-term funding allowed us to hire 12 limited-term investigators with the goal of reducing
• So a $4 fee, if we raise it 3%, that's 12 cents, right?

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• case<00:12:44.079> the<00:12:44.199> whole<00:12:44.399> lima<00:12:44.720
• :12:46.519> were<00:12:46.720> paying<00:12:47.000> 60<00:12:47.360> to ended
• <00:12:49.760> a<00:12:49.920> house<00:12:50.199> that<00:12:50.360> was
• <00:12:56.760> we're<00:12:56.920> not<00:12:57.160> subject<00:12:57.519>
• > I<01:12:07.360> to<01:12:07.719> it's<01:12:08.239> the<01:12:08.520>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 834, which would change restrictions on transfers of real property under chapter 201H, HRS, and was discussed in the context of Hawaiian homelands and HHFDC-funded projects. Supporters, including HHFDC, DHHL, and individual testifiers, said the bill would clarify that Hawaiian homelands should not be subject to the 201H buyback and appreciation restrictions, while preserving affordability requirements tied to federal mortgage and tax credit programs. HHFDC explained that the main concern was the buyback/share-appreciation provisions, especially for DHHL projects using LIHTC or similar financing, and said aligning the statute with DHHL’s program goals would not be a problem. Members questioned whether removing the restrictions could weaken affordability protections, and whether the state could still prioritize beneficiaries and workforce housing, but no vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up SB 759, which would add the DHHL chairperson or designee to the HHFDC board of directors and adjust quorum requirements. DHHL and several supporters argued the measure would give Hawaiian Homes a seat at the table, improve access to HHFDC funding sources such as tax credits, private activity bonds, and revolving funds, and help leverage limited resources to reduce the Hawaiian Homes waitlist. One testifier supported the bill but urged safeguards to prevent favoritism or abuse of power, and another raised concerns about whether a DHHL representative would need to recuse from voting on projects involving DHHL. HHFDC testified that DHHL projects still must compete under the same criteria and set-asides as other applicants, and that the board already includes multiple public and executive representatives. Members pressed on whether DHHL could achieve the same informational goals without a voting seat, and whether the added board role would create leverage or conflicts. The DHHL witness said a nonvoting role could provide information, but a voting seat would be more useful for decision-making and advocacy. The discussion also covered DHHL’s use of LIHTC, rent-to-own models, transitional housing, and other layered financing, as well as the broader need to coordinate state housing resources. The transcript ends during continued questioning, with no final committee action or vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:12:24.959> but<00:12:25.200> thank<00:12:25.360> you<00:12:25.440> for
• And<00:12:30.240> I<00:12:30.480> believe<00:12:30.959> we<00:12:31.200>
• > the<00:12:33.360> gallery<00:12:33.760> with<00:12:33.920> us<00:12:34.079
• <01:12:10.320> transplants<01:12:11.280> and<01:12:12.159> and<01:12:12.880>
• in January? in January?

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• At this council's meeting in January, a revision to the Code of Conduct was proposed and adopted relating
• After the revision in January, the Code of Conduct did not directly address running for office.
• Adopted by the council in January, however, it provided for a blanket prohibition for legislative staffers
• In January, the Council adopted revisions to the Code of Conduct instituting this blanket prohibition
• You all have been doing incredible work over the last 12 to 14 months or so.

Transcript Highlights:

• So they'll hold $5 million for albuterol for the school, for TK-12.
• And is it, it looks like 12 positions total then? Sorry, I think I skipped over that.
• It looks like 12 positions total then? Sorry, I skipped over that.
• LEO's points are well taken around doing policy within the budget, but adding 12 new positions.
• Points are well taken around doing policy within the budget, but adding 12 new positions.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held an informational hearing on the Governor’s May Revision, focusing first on the Commission on Behavioral Health, then EMSA, and then the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The Department of Finance said the state faces a third consecutive deficit and that the May Revision includes difficult trade-offs, including proposed eliminations or reversions of some behavioral health and public health funds. The LAO echoed concern about the structural deficit and said it was still awaiting some budget details before offering a full analysis. For the Commission on Behavioral Health, Finance proposed eliminating $20 million in Mental Health Wellness Act funds, arguing the money would help offset General Fund costs and noting future Proposition 1 innovation funding. The commission strongly opposed the cut, saying it would eliminate or delay launch-ready grants for early childhood supports, full-service partnerships, and peer respite, and would eventually end ongoing grant programming. Several advocates and commissioners testified that the funds support underserved communities and that Proposition 1 is not a substitute for the existing programs. The chair asked Finance to look for alternatives, but no vote was taken. EMSA presented mostly technical budget adjustments: increased authority for the California Poison Control System, a correction to EMSIS funding, and a reappropriation for enterprise services and data management. CDPH then reviewed a broader set of May Revision proposals, including reversions from the California Reducing Disparities Project, workforce development, STD prevention, hepatitis C prevention, hospice, and extreme heat funding, as well as a new generative AI pilot for health facility survey reporting. Members raised concerns about cuts to CRDP and gender health equity programs, especially because many grants are mid-contract and serve underserved communities; CDPH said the reversions were part of solving the deficit and that CRDP had been successful, while also clarifying that abortion.ca.gov would not be eliminated. Public comment was overwhelmingly opposed to the CRDP and related cuts, with many speakers describing the programs as life-saving and cost-effective. No formal votes or actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And yet, in the current budget, In the current budget proposal, which came out in January, that commitment
• It has been zeroed out in the Governor's January budget. Thank you for that clarification.
• We interviewed, gosh, it's years now, but 12, I believe, different development companies who had all
• In January of this year, we activated the first 423 miles of the network along Highway 395.
• Approximately 670 additional miles have been approved just since January.

Summary: The hearing began with a vote-only agenda and then focused first on San Mateo County’s request to restore in-lieu vehicle license fee (VLF) funding. County officials, city leaders, labor representatives, nonprofits, and public safety advocates argued that the loss of roughly $157 million would force major cuts to homelessness services, housing assistance, mental health programs, libraries, parks, fire and police staffing, and other local services. They described the current formula as outdated and unfair, tied to school funding and basic-aid dynamics that no longer work for San Mateo County, and urged both an immediate budget restoration and a permanent legislative fix. The Department of Finance said the payments are discretionary, not statutorily required, and noted the administration does not view the expenditure as sustainable in the current fiscal climate. Committee members expressed sympathy, questioned the formula, and said they would keep the issue under consideration; the committee later voted to move the two vote-only items on the agenda. The committee then received an update from the Department of General Services on state property redevelopment, including the Hillcrest DMV site in San Diego, the Fell Street DMV site in San Francisco, and other state-owned properties. DGS explained that Hillcrest is not currently an active project, while the Fell Street project shifted from an integrated DMV-housing plan to a more feasible relocation of the DMV into leased commercial space, with a budget change proposal pending. Members pressed DGS on the slow pace of redevelopment, the potential for housing on state sites, and the costs and feasibility of adaptive reuse. DGS said many state buildings are aging and that adaptive reuse depends heavily on building design, floorplate depth, light, and risk from unknown conditions behind walls. The Government Operations portion then turned to the California Education Learning Lab, which supports intersegmental higher education innovation grants. The Lab asked for permanent restoration of $4 million in ongoing funding and a move of its home agency from the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation to GovOps, along with technical trailer bill changes. Supporters said the program has funded more than 120 projects reaching thousands of faculty and hundreds of thousands of students, including work on generative AI in higher education. The Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended rejecting the restoration and continuing the wind-down, citing the state’s projected deficit and suggesting the California Education Interagency Council could pursue non-state-funded grant opportunities instead. The committee held the item open. Finally, GovOps presented the new California Education Interagency Council staffing request, seeking four ongoing positions to support the council, with funding already included in last year’s budget. The department said the governor has appointed Debbie Cochran as executive officer and that the remaining positions are being recruited. Finance and LAO had no objections, and the committee began questions about how the council will be staffed and organized.

Transcript Highlights:

• and<02:12:04.320> interact<02:12:04.719> with<02:12:04.960> us<02:12:05.199>
• > ensure<02:12:11.920> that<02:12:12.159> the<02:12:12.400> revenue<02:12:12.800
• <02:12:19.760> Revenue<02:12:20.159> is<02:12:20.400> also<02:12:20.719>
• <02:12:26.960> Thank<02:12:27.119> you<02:12:27.360> for<02:12:27.520> the
• budget.<02:12:30.239> We<02:12:30.480> look<02:12:30.560> forward<02:12:30.880>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um Um Um and<00:12:18.760> then<00:12:19.400> I<00:12:19.560> just<00:12:19.840>
• wanted<00:12:20.080> to<00:12:20.160> make<00:12:20.320> a<00:12:20.400>
• 12:40.800> lines<00:12:41.240> 2.23<00:12:42.080> and<00:12:42.240> 2.24
• force.<00:12:49.000> They<00:12:49.160> are<00:12:49.360> charging<00:12:49.839
• <00:12:51.400> So<00:12:51.720> I<00:12:51.839> would<00:12:52.080> ask

Bills: HF4810, HF4597, HF1082, HF3230

Keywords: public safety, radio communications, infrastructure funding, county funding, interoperability, ARMER network, local jurisdictions, HF4597, Minnesota public safety, 911, emergency dispatch, emergency communications, public safety appropriation, Metropolitan Emergency Services Board, PSAP, dispatch interoperability, real-time coordination, emergency response coordination, cross-jurisdictional response, 911 center awareness platform

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:37.240> Bond<00:12:37.839> and<00:12:38.079> we<00:12:38.279> urge
• > next<00:12:45.680> is<00:12:45.800> the<00:12:46.040> Pacific<00:12:46.399
• > a<00:12:52.760> number<00:12:53.000> of<00:12:53.199> individuals<00:12
• :54.680> I<00:12:54.760> don't<00:12:54.920> know<00:12:55.199> 10<00:12:
• about I don't know 10 or oh actually about<00:12:57.560> maybe<00:12:57.920> 12<00:12:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a series of transportation-related bills. SB 21 on water carriers would create an inflationary cost index mechanism; DOT, Agriculture, DCCA, the PUC, and several harbor and logistics interests supported it, while Pacific Transfer opposed. SB 1478 would require vessel masters to follow harbor master evacuation orders during emergencies; DOT clarified it applies only to commercial ports, with support from Hima and the Harbor Users Group and opposition from the Hailongm Association. SB 108 would authorize DOT to regulate vessel noise near commercial harbors; the White Harbor Users Group opposed, while DOT said it supported the intent but warned the bill may be preempted by federal law. SB 1475 would raise the bond ceiling for harbor improvement projects from $100 million to $600 million, and SB 1473 would cap central services assessments on DOT funds at $5 million and tie them to CPI; DOT supported both, and Budget and Finance explained the central services fee is generally a 5% deduction from special funds with some statutory exceptions. The committee also heard SB 1402 on securing mooring lines in state commercial harbors, which drew support from the General Contractors Association of Hawaii and the Hawaii Longline Association. SB 1522 on vehicle title transfers was supported by the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Customer Services. SB 599 would require DOT or counties to scan deceased cats and dogs for microchips before disposal; DOT said it would provide scanners, the Hawaiian Humane Society and a private witness strongly supported the bill, and the committee discussed that the measure would not charge pet owners and that Oʻahu microchip rates are about 80% for dogs and 70% for cats. SB 1025 would allow service and non-service animals on mass transit under certain conditions; DHS offered comments, Maui and Honolulu opposed, while the Hawaiian Humane Society, the Environmental Caucus, and others supported it, and an opponent raised concerns about large pets, service animals, and the need for size and off-peak restrictions. Later, the committee heard SB 1096 on license plate-flipping devices, with DOT and Honolulu police supporting it. SB 384 would expand victim restitution in DUI-related negligent homicide cases to include child support for surviving minor children; DOT, MADD, and the Kiki Injury Prevention Coalition supported it, while the Public Defender opposed, arguing the restitution amounts would be unverified and better handled through civil remedies. SB 597 would extend the deadline for the administrative driver license revocation office to issue decisions, and the Attorney General, police, and Maui prosecutors supported it because of drug-testing delays, especially on neighbor islands. Finally, SB 1285 would create a lower-level impaired driving offense and authorize administrative action; the Attorney General and Public Defender both raised concerns about charging discretion and resource impacts, while county, public health, alcohol policy, and victim advocates strongly supported the bill as a life-saving measure. The transcript ends partway through testimony on SB 1285, with no final committee votes or actions recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So<01:12:01.480> it<01:12:01.640> is<01:12:01.760> not<01:12:01.960> at<01
• :12:51.640> this<01:12:51.840> body<01:12:52.240> nor<01:12:52.440> will
• <01:12:56.640> to<01:12:56.720> pass<01:12:56.880> it<01:12:57.000> on?
• Are you going<01:12:57.480> to<01:12:57.520> vote<01:12:57.640> this<01:12:57.840
• >> Um,<01:12:58.840> this<01:12:59.080> goes<01:12:59.320> to<01:12:59.440

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The wrong answer is<00:12:01.680> to<00:12:01.920> do<00:12:02.079> nothing.
• I'm<00:12:04.240> not<00:12:04.480> expecting<00:12:04.880> that<00:12:05.279>
• not expecting that one bill will save<00:12:06.480> all<00:12:06.800> lives,<00:12:07.200
• > but<00:12:08.000> to<00:12:08.320> do<00:12:08.560> nothing<00:12:08.959
• <00:12:10.880> For<00:12:11.120> that<00:12:11.360> reason,<00:12:11.680>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh I bianial budget session in January.
• And so that's how we get to a 12.
• of 12 course work, 12 classes maximum of 12 course work, 12 classes for<00:23:06.159> dual<00:
• So if you look 9 through 12, that's a possible of 12 free classes paid by the state.
• And there's about 12% in funds.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Education met and approved the July 15, 2025 minutes before hearing a presentation from the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA/KIA) on student financial aid ahead of the January biennial budget session. KHEAA outlined its role administering 17 state-funded grant and scholarship programs, 529 plans, and outreach services, and emphasized that net lottery proceeds after a $3 million literacy appropriation are statutorily dedicated to student aid. The agency focused on the major need-based programs—College Access Program (CAP), Kentucky Tuition Grant (KTG), and KEES—along with dual credit, Work Ready Kentucky, teacher scholarship, and National Guard tuition assistance. Officials said the new federal FAFSA methodology created a major increase in eligible students, especially for CAP, and thanked lawmakers for adding substantial funding this biennium to meet the higher demand. Staff explained that CAP is for Pell-eligible, low-income students, while KTG is a need-based grant for students at private Kentucky colleges; both use FAFSA data, but schools verify final eligibility. They said CAP awards are first-come, first-served and that the higher funding level allowed the program to last the full 21-month application cycle in FY 2024-2025, compared with much shorter periods in earlier years. KHEAA reported about $232 million spent on CAP for roughly 72,000 students last year, with current applications running about 10% ahead of the prior year. Members asked about the difference between applicants and recipients, the effect of lower lottery revenues, and whether recent federal legislation would affect state aid; KHEAA said it does not expect major impacts on grants and scholarships, though student loan changes could affect graduate students. The committee also discussed KEES and dual credit. KHEAA said KEES has been fully funded since its creation and that its forecast was within $76,000 of actual need last year. For dual credit, staff said a recent bill consolidated work-ready dual credit and career/technical education under one scholarship program, and KHEAA will seek growth funding because participation and costs continue to rise. The agency said FY 2025 dual credit spending reached $26.4 million across dual credit and work-ready funding, requiring transfers from Work Ready Kentucky to keep dual credit fully funded. Members asked about transferability of dual credit hours and whether the program reduces later college costs; KHEAA said it does not have hard data on every credit transfer, but it does see higher bachelor’s completion rates and lower student debt, suggesting positive effects. No votes were taken beyond approving the minutes.