Transcript Highlights:

• the the person the B had not reported. the the person the B had not reported.
• you you you arguing that we're missing you you you arguing that we're missing the<00:30:59.120><
• Glenn of Hawaii in person in support.
• >> I I missed the uh hearing part of it. I >> I I missed the uh hearing part of it.
• form and shall not include personally form and shall not include personally identifying<01:15:27.199

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills related to bribery and public corruption. On SB 2249, which would increase penalties for bribery under certain circumstances, the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the measure, arguing that Hawaii’s current class B felony penalty is probationable and too weak to secure cooperation in corruption cases, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Snyder decision narrowed federal bribery prosecutions. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that elevating bribery to a class A felony and making it non-probationable was excessive, overbroad, and would remove judicial discretion. Multiple individuals also testified in support. Committee members questioned the prosecutor about removing deferred acceptance of plea provisions and asked HPD about the $20,000 threshold; the prosecutor said alternative charges could still be used in plea bargaining, and HPD said the threshold aligns with first-degree theft. The committee also discussed how current law tolls the bribery statute of limitations while an official remains in office, with the prosecutor explaining it can extend up to six years total. The committee then heard SB 2494, which would set a nine-year statute of limitations for bribery offenses. The Public Defender opposed the extension, saying the justification based on the length of federal investigations was too broad and that bribery already has a longer limitations period than most felonies. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill, saying bribery cases often involve coordination with federal investigators, that federal and state evidence-gathering methods may differ, and that a longer period would help ensure admissible evidence and allow state prosecution when federal law no longer applies. Members asked whether there were public examples of cases lost to the current limitations period; the prosecutor said he was not aware of any publicly available examples, but maintained nine years was a reasonable period. The committee also considered SB 2737, which would create a misdemeanor for failure by a state or county elected official to report bribery. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments and suggested changing the term to “public servant” for consistency with existing law. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the intent but warned the reporting requirement could create Fifth Amendment issues for witnesses who might otherwise be useful in grand jury proceedings. The bill drew broad public support, with 33 supporters and no opposition noted. Finally, the committee took up SB 3071, which revises sex trafficking and promoting prostitution statutes by redefining “profits from prostitution” and adding an affirmative defense for certain lawful transactions. The Public Defender opposed the measure, saying it still could reach people without the required criminal intent and that the affirmative defense language could be applied unevenly. The Attorney General and Honolulu Prosecutor supported the bill, saying it better addresses concerns raised by the State v. Ibarra decision while closing loopholes that allow traffickers to disguise profits as loans or gifts. The prosecutor emphasized that traffickers are sophisticated and can structure transactions to evade current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• Every single person in my house has a disability. Of whom I adopted.
• Every single person in my house has a disability.
• You're a person. Thank you so much.
• Person to do business at my regional center too, I shouldn't have to put that person through another
• They have professional and personal responsibilities.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held a hearing focused on the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), related safety-net programs, and several administration trailer bill proposals. Members and witnesses discussed the impacts of H.R. 1 on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including changes to Medi-Cal and CalFresh eligibility, the need for automatic exemption processes for people with disabilities and caregivers, and the risk that loss of health coverage could shift costs to regional centers or reduce access to services. DDS and the Department of Social Services said they are working on data matching and automation to identify exemptions, with implementation for CalFresh set to begin June 1, 2026. Public testimony from consumers and advocates emphasized that Medi-Cal, IHSS, CalFresh, and regional center services are essential to community living and that cuts or administrative barriers could destabilize households and force people back into more restrictive settings. The committee also reviewed the governor’s IHSS proposals. CDSS described three budget items: setting a baseline for average authorized hours and shifting costs above that baseline to counties, automating IHSS disenrollment and reinstatement tied to Medi-Cal eligibility, and eliminating the IHSS backup provider system. The LAO noted that if Medi-Cal or IHSS access is reduced, regional centers may have to fill gaps as payer of last resort, potentially at higher cost. Several members expressed strong concern about cost shifts to counties and warned that counties are already under severe fiscal pressure. The chair requested a harm-mitigation strategy before the May Revision and asked for more information on how the administration would prevent service reductions or instability for clients. The committee then heard a trailer bill proposal on DDS rate reform and the Quality Incentive Program. DDS asked to extend the contract exemption through December 31, 2030 and extend the deadline for finalizing rate reform regulations to December 31, 2030, saying the changes are budget-neutral and would give the department more time to complete implementation. DDS reported that about 81% of providers met the current Quality Incentive Program prerequisites, while providers and advocates said the 90-10 structure can function like a penalty and may destabilize providers that fail to qualify. Members asked for clearer guidance, more technical assistance, and redlined language before the May Revision, and indicated they may reject the proposal if concerns are not addressed. Finally, DDS presented a trailer bill to revise regional center governance and operations, including consolidating multiple contracts into one, giving DDS more flexibility to allocate funds through fiscal letters, strengthening board training and oversight, and removing barriers to provider capacity such as outdated office-location requirements and courtesy vendorization. The hearing ended without any votes, but members repeatedly emphasized protecting consumers, avoiding harmful cost shifts, and ensuring that any policy changes preserve services and community living for people with developmental disabilities.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I think, Chair, uh, you miss the whole point. You’re completely missing the point.
• >> The only person with that power is ADC.
• >> The only person with that power is ADC.
• Miss<00:31:38.960> Gaty.
• something that maybe um got missed something that maybe um got missed during<01:22:24.080> the

Bills: SB2350, SB2349, SB2407, SB3320

Keywords: agriculture, aquaculture, livestock, agribusiness, Department of Agriculture, regulatory functions, employee benefits, restorative practices, sustainability, environmental stewardship, local food systems, Native Hawaiian, workforce development, agricultural development, Hawaii Island, property manager, state employment, SB3320, Hawaii, Agribusiness Development Corporation

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SP 2350, which would transfer oversight of the Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Development Division and the aquaculture and livestock support services branch to the Agribusiness Development Corporation. The Department of Agriculture and ADC both testified, with ADC opposing the bill as written while supporting the goal of strengthening agriculture. ADC said the transfer could create federal operational and coordination risks, jeopardize federal funding and program continuity, and was unnecessary because ADC is a business development entity, not a regulatory agency. The Hawaii Farmers Union also expressed concern that moving the programs could weaken the department’s ability to access federal resources, while the Hawaii Farm Bureau submitted written testimony and the Hawaii Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association and H-Plan were noted as supporting the measure; the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council was noted as opposing it. Much of the discussion focused on aquaculture’s economic potential and the role of regulation, permitting, and funding. Committee members questioned why aquaculture had not grown faster, citing current gross revenues of about $66 million last year, a prior high of $82 million, and a possible long-term target of $500 million. Testimony identified permitting and feed costs as major barriers, along with market conditions and water quality issues affecting producers. ADC described ongoing efforts on feed development, permitting streamlining, coastal-state collaboration on seaweed and restorative aquaculture, and national advocacy for more parity in seafood import standards. Members also pressed the Department of Agriculture on its leadership and priorities, criticizing the lack of bills and resources dedicated to aquaculture and asking whether the department should have more authority to pursue land purchases and development opportunities. The department said it relies on divisions and industry feedback for bill ideas, noted it funds an annual aquaculture survey, and said it was pursuing congressional earmarks and other funding for aquaculture parks, research, and export/import issues. ADC said it would work with the department if the bill passed, but that its current statute does not give it regulatory authority and any such change would require a statutory amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Could you tell me how many missed it.
• section that was previously missed. section that was previously missed. 25.10,<01:41:06.520>
• Uh, the OMBbuds person reimbursement.
• The OMBbuds person for adjustment.
• <02:21:58.399> for ongoing on line 841 is the person for ongoing on line 841 is the person

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Once a quorum is present, I will announce that, but right now we're waiting for one other person in order
• I will announce that, but right now we're waiting for one other person in order to make sure that we
• time all right to uh uh Miss Dannon you time all right to uh uh Miss Dannon you want<00:23:43.840>
• I missed what you said there. Senate File 221? Is that the one we're starting with?
• what you said forward and I I missed what you said there<00:31:32.360> 221<00:31:33.200> is

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First up today, members, we have the state demographer, Miss Brower.
• First up today, members, we have the state demographer, Miss Brower.
• immigration Miss Brower on on<00:15:19.920> that<00:15:20.519> 22<00:15:21.519> uh<
• State um uh on page number five Miss State um uh on page number five Miss brow<00:42:46.040>
• And, to be honest, I'm not sure it was me that personally spoke to her, but I personally asked somebody

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The state's missing out on revenue.
• terms of the disclosure of personal terms of the disclosure of personal information information
• It's not for personal— >> Right?
• It's not for personal, the distinction. It's not for personal, >> right?
• might count missing. might count missing.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you feel like we've missed anything? You know, because this is new.
• Do you feel like we've missed anything?
• So for us personally, that's a big one.
• Am I missing this somewhere, Madam Chair?
• It's no longer Just a simple one-person shop where it made sense to put them in the county buildings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Broadband gave me the opportunity to become the first person in my family to earn a college degree and
• opportunity to become the first person opportunity to become the first person in<00:05:12.639>
• Miss Mackey, welcome.
• Miss Mackey, welcome.
• Miss Mackey: Thank you, Chair, and thank you, Representative.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• If not, I think we have the nominee online, Miss Miamoto.
• I personally am not involved or have seen that.
• I personally am not involved or have seen that.
• I personally am not involved harassed.
• Okay, Miss Timberman. Yeah. Sorry, the mic.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard and considered multiple gubernatorial nominations, beginning with several appointments to the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund board. Testimony on the Hurricane Relief Fund nominees was overwhelmingly in support from the DCCA Insurance Division, Hawaii Insurance Council, Hawaii Insurers Council, the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund, and various individuals and industry representatives. Nominees Michael Naka, Marie White, Raina Miamoto, Leslie Door, Edward Hike, and Gwen McDonald were discussed, with Miamoto and Hike offering brief remarks about the need to address hurricane insurance affordability, condo coverage, and the importance of attracting reinsurers. The committee spent substantial time questioning Hike about the fund’s strategy, including whether to keep eligibility broad in the first phase to move quickly into the reinsurance market, how much capital would be available, and whether later policy refinements such as owner-occupancy requirements could be added after an initial rollout. Hike said the fund intended to start with broad parameters to secure reinsurance and then consider more targeted changes later, and he indicated further responses to prior committee questions would be submitted later that day. No votes were taken during the excerpted discussion. The committee then moved to other nominations. Terresa Hernandez was considered for the Hawaii Board of Chiropractic, with support from the board, and she said chiropractic had been a passion for her for seven years. Terrence Aratani was considered for the Board of Nursing, with support from the Board of Nursing, Hawaii Primary Care Association, and others. During questioning, a senator raised concerns from constituents about a 2019 grant-related controversy involving a proposed resiliency hub project; Aratani responded that his organization had partnered on a grant-in-aid proposal, later withdrew when the project scope changed substantially, and said no money was transferred to the other group. Cheryl Schultz Hansen was also considered for the Board of Nursing and described her long nursing and teaching background, while a senator asked about alleged pressure on nurses to participate in employee give-back campaigns at Hawaii Pacific Health and the University of Hawaii; Hansen said the campaigns were voluntary and she was unaware of harassment, though she acknowledged managers may feel pressure to encourage participation. The excerpt ends before any final committee actions or votes on these nominations are announced.

Transcript Highlights:

• return for that, and it's a significant amount as you can imagine, not just for the student or the person
• return for that, and it's a significant amount as you can imagine, not just for the student or the person
• I had to miss last week's session.
• I'm the person that broke the chain in my family.
• I'm the person that broke the chain in my family.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: Aaron Thompson, president of the Council on Postsecondary Education, and Travis Pal briefed the committee on Kentucky higher education performance, affordability, workforce alignment, and budget needs. Thompson said the state has made progress toward its 60x30 attainment goal, reporting 56.2% of adults with a credential of value and a 6.4% one-year increase in credentials. He highlighted gains in completion, enrollment recovery after COVID, lower student borrowing and debt, and faster degree completion, saying Kentucky is now back to an average of 4.1 years for four-year degrees. He also emphasized that postsecondary education has a strong return on investment for both students and the state. A major theme was student success and access. Thompson described efforts to reduce barriers through test-optional admissions, the elimination of zero-credit developmental education, expanded wraparound supports, and Bridge programming for students not fully prepared for college. He also promoted Futurity, a student-facing information website, and said CPE wants modest ongoing funding to maintain it. He argued that higher education must work in a P-20 system with K-12, and that the state should better communicate the value of certificates, trade programs, and other credentials, especially for adult learners and men, who he said are underrepresented in college-going. The presentation also focused on performance funding, capital needs, and workforce initiatives. Thompson and Pal said performance funding has pushed institutions toward more need-based aid and lower costs for low-income students, but they want more base funding, more performance funding dollars, and relief from about $38 million in mandated tuition waivers. They also said asset preservation and deferred maintenance remain major needs, estimating roughly $7 billion in campus need overall. On workforce, they cited healthcare pipeline work supported by state funding and private partners, and said HB 200 continues that effort into aviation, aerospace, and defense. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the presentation, which ended with members indicating interest in further discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• No, no, no, I've got to have a fourth person to vote. I have to have four to vote. What's that?
• OK, I have to have a fourth person to vote. OK. All right. You do. OK. I have to have four. OK.
• I want you all to double-check all the numbers and make sure we're not missing something. Very.
• I want you all to double check all the numbers, make sure we're not missing something. Very.
• Now give us one minute; I will double-check and make sure we haven't missed anything.

Bills: HB103

Summary: The Senate Local Government Committee met to hear and act on a series of municipal utility district and municipal management district bills, most of them presented as template or cleanup measures. The committee first heard HB 5672, which redefined the boundaries of the Driftwood Conservation District in Hays County to match acreage added through landowner petitions; no one testified, and the bill was reported favorably and placed on the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then took up HB 5696 for the Reserve Municipal Management District in Mansfield, where Senator Birdwell explained a committee substitute that conformed the bill to the standard MMD template; the bill was left pending subject to call of the chair. Similar template or technical bills followed, including HB 5680 (Bayou Bell No. 1 MMD in Liberty County), HB 5654 (Montgomery County MUD No. 263), HB 5662 (Fort Bend County WCID No. 12 with road powers), HB 5658 (Craver Ranch MMD in Denton County), HB 5661 (Fort Bend County MUD No. 286), HB 5699 (an exclusion/contract provision for Harris County MUD No. 405), HB 5679 (Hills of Walnut Creek MUD in Parker County), HB 5437 (validation language for Austin County MUD No. 1), HB 5665 (Waller County MUD No. 70), HB 5656 (Fort Bend County MUD No. 263), HB 5670 (Montgomery County MUD No. 259), HB 5651 (Montgomery County WCID with drainage powers), HB 5682 (Comina Ranch MMD No. 1 in McKinney), HB 5320 (merging Starr County drainage-related districts), HB 5677 (Pura Vida MMD No. 1), and HB 5666 (Fencey Road MUD in Harris County). In each case, the sponsor described the district, acreage, location, and powers, and committee substitutes were often used to align the bills with the chamber’s standard template language or correct drafting errors. Public testimony was repeatedly opened and closed with no witnesses appearing for or against the bills. The committee consistently adopted committee substitutes when offered, then voted to report the measures favorably, usually with recommendations that they do pass and be printed, and to place them on the local and uncontested calendar. Most roll calls showed 4 or 5 ayes and 0 nays, with some members absent or not voting. HB 5680 and HB 5682 were reported with committee substitutes in lieu of the filed versions; HB 5658 was reported with a do-not-pass recommendation on the filed bill but do-pass on the substitute; HB 5677 was handled similarly as a companion/template cleanup measure. The committee also noted a few procedural issues, including quorum concerns early in the meeting and a mislabeled bill number that required clarification. At the end of the meeting, the committee adopted several motions in writing and then recessed to reconvene 15 minutes after adjournment of the floor, anticipating possible additional bills later in the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• nation's missing service members. Mr. nation's missing service members. Mr.
• veterans affairs subcommittee, Miss veterans affairs subcommittee, Miss Wasserman<00:38:21.280><
• The gentle lady California, Miss Kim.
• I yield Honorable Miss Accassiocortez.
• Continues to impose the a person needs.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, September 19, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• especially this my opinion, personal especially this my opinion, personal opinion,<01:53:32.400>
• <04:22:06.720> in and afford to have the second person in and afford to have the second person
• >> Can Do I really want to be the person >> Can Do I really want to be the person giving
• <04:38:33.039> for missed opportunities, less chances for missed opportunities, less chances
• partners for every person needing care. partners for every person needing care.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You have to sort of have malintent to write it so only one person can win it.
• And they're not going to want to intentionally write it so only one person can win it.
• But I just want to say personally to both of them, Nicole and Victor, you guys have been incredible.
• I just want to personally, again, thank you, Victor, for being a fair consultant and always preparing
• You guys will be missed, but we're excited that you guys will be able to enjoy your retirement.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And for persons providing in-person<00:10:54.240> testimony, in-person testimony, in-person testimony
• I kind of do miss that personal type approach that used to happen, where they're actually looking at
• I kind of do miss that personal type approach that used to happen, where they're actually looking at
• That person was eight. Now they're back to seven because that person doesn't vote.
• That person was eight. Now they're back to seven because that person doesn't vote.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Before I end, I do want to take a little personal privilege.
• Amendment by Rodriguez Ramos. recognize Miss Rodriguez Ramos to explain the amendment.
• King voting aye Show Miss Gonzales voting aye show Miss Garcia of Barry voting of voting nay Have all
• That's roughly 21,000. for a single person.
• Personal care attendance from 1060 to 1428, still not enough, but it's a lot better.

Bills: SB1, HB500, SB1, HB1400, HB 1094, HB365, HB 1109, HB647, HB500

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, state budget, mental health funding, education funding, infrastructure improvements, public safety, groundwater, water conservation, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, innovation fund, local conservation districts, transportation protection agreement, funeral services, insurance exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Miss Tiara Cooper. Where you at? And she is a...
• Miss Yvonne Davis of Dallas moves add all members names to the resolution.
• trafficking of persons.
• or a person with a disability or for the community of Houston.
• Lease to an elderly person for the subcommittee on property tax appraisals.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Up next, we have our in-person testimony.
• This work is personal for me.
• This work is personal for me.
• First we have, in person, Jeff Richards from CPCS.
• Is there anyone in person that I know? I think that's everybody.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities heard testimony on a wide range of bills affecting foster youth, child welfare oversight, homelessness services, juvenile justice, social work licensure, and human services workforce supports. Committee co-chairs Senator Robyn Kennedy and Representative Jay Livingstone opened the hybrid hearing by outlining testimony procedures and accessibility measures. Several members and legislators participated throughout the day, and many witnesses were invited to submit additional written testimony after speaking. A major portion of the hearing focused on House 227/Senate 105, which would protect federal benefits owed to children in foster care. Supporters, including advocates from Hopewell, the Disability Law Center, CPCS, the Children’s Law Center, More Than Words, Friends of Children, and youth witness Onyx Rosario, said DCF had already ended the practice of taking most Social Security and SSI benefits and now conserves them in accounts for youth, but argued the policy should be codified to prevent future reversals. Witnesses described how conserved benefits help with basic needs, housing, education, transportation, and transition to adulthood, and several noted the bill also adds financial literacy and transparency requirements. Senator Joan Comerford and others said the change would protect vulnerable youth, especially children of color, LGBTQ youth, and youth with disabilities. The committee also heard testimony on House 225, which would expand the grandparents-raising-grandchildren commission by adding appointments and helping with quorum and representation. The committee also took testimony on Senate 136, which would improve emergency housing assistance for families experiencing homelessness by easing documentation requirements, allowing use of existing state data to verify eligibility, requiring notice before benefit reductions, and creating an ombudsperson. Senator Adam Gomez and other supporters said the bill would reduce barriers for families in crisis. On House 262/Senate 148, an omnibus child welfare bill, witnesses supported provisions on data reporting, education coordination, and Office of the Child Advocate reforms, while CPCS raised concerns about expanded access to sensitive records and the OCA’s role in certain proceedings. The Office of the Child Advocate supported codifying current practices and also backed child fatality review changes in House 234/Senate 133. The committee additionally heard support for Senate 108, which would require attorneys and audio/video recording during juvenile custodial interrogations, and for House 247/Senate 116, which would update the Juvenile Justice Policy and Data Board to add supported lived-experience seats. Finally, the committee heard competing testimony on Senate 135, a bill to ensure parity in social work licensure. SEIU Local 509 and supporters argued the current exam requirement disproportionately harms Black, Latino, multilingual, and multicultural applicants and worsens workforce shortages, while the Association of Social Work Boards opposed the bill, saying the exam is a necessary public-protection measure and that removing it would conflict with interstate compact efforts. The hearing also included testimony in support of a loan repayment program for human service workers, with providers and workers describing low wages, high student debt, and the need to retain staff in essential services. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• :54:59.599> easier personally very excited for easier personally very excited for easier access
• And I rise today to thank the courageous<02:15:46.560> persons courageous persons courageous persons
• I rise to thank the 140<02:16:02.239> persons 140 persons 140 persons who<02:16:04.159> on<
• So, give me just a moment as I move to another podium. having a person who is having a person who is
• <03:00:42.560> toward from engaging in personalities toward from engaging in personalities

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, December 12, 2025, 1012, house, all