Transcript Highlights:

• incredible team of over 13,000 employees, Cal Fire is responsible for stewarding and protecting over 31
• Therefore, Cal Fire is requesting $6.1 million in General Fund and 31 positions in fiscal year 2026-27
• In a local responsibility area, Government Code 51182 only applies to the very high fire hazard severity
• every house in California had a defensible space inspection and I'd like to see cities incorporate codes
• So the 31 million acres across the state that we're charged to protect receives a defendant, would we

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard overviews and budget proposals from the California Conservation Corps (CCC) and Cal Fire, with no votes taken and all items held open for a future hearing. On the CCC side, Director J.P. Patton highlighted the program’s 50th anniversary, its role in conservation, disaster response, and workforce development, and described proposals for the Greenwood Residential Center, a seven-day wildfire readiness schedule for Cal Fire hand crews, deferred maintenance, vehicle replacement, and Proposition 4 funding for local corps and tribal workforce projects. Members praised the program and asked about funding sources, recruitment, retention, follow-up with alumni, and the use of fee-for-service reimbursements; the LAO suggested the Legislature consider lower-cost alternatives for some proposals, including fewer new corps members or delaying Greenwood’s opening. Discussion then focused on Cal Fire’s wildfire readiness and staffing. Cal Fire officials described the need to align CCC hand crews with Cal Fire’s year-round fire operations, noting staffing gaps in the current model and the decline in incarcerated hand crews, which they attributed to broader criminal justice reforms and eligibility changes. Members asked about the role of goats and other grazing animals in fuel reduction, and staff said grazing can help with prevention but cannot replace hand crews for suppression. Cal Fire also presented its department overview, emphasizing its expanded workforce, year-round operations, use of technology, partnerships with federal and local agencies, and concerns about federal reorganization and reimbursement for work on federal lands. The committee also heard proposals to make defensible space inspections permanent and to increase fixed-wing pilot and mechanic contracts. Cal Fire said permanent staffing is needed to maintain roughly 250,000 annual defensible space inspections and meet AB 38 and future Zone Zero-related workload, while the LAO suggested possible modifications such as more GGRF support, a reinstated SRA fee, or one-time funding. On aviation, Cal Fire said year-round fire conditions and a larger, more complex fleet require more pilots and mechanics, and the LAO supported the proposal as addressing near-term health and safety needs. Members questioned contract costs, the value of owning versus contracting aircraft services, and how effective aircraft are in extreme wind conditions; Cal Fire said aircraft are highly effective in initial attack but limited when winds and fire behavior are severe. No actions were taken on any item.

Transcript Highlights:

• 01:31:02.159> the<01:31:02.280> trouble<01:31:02.679> spot<01:31:03.080> or
• 01:31:09.400> assume<01:31:09.679> that<01:31:10.119> a<01:31:10.199> similar
• process but<01:31:10.920> I<01:31:11.000> don't<01:31:11.119> know<01:31:11.679
• 01:31:14.840> yeah<01:31:15.000> it<01:31:15.119> looks<01:31:15.280> like
• ><01:31:15.440> there<01:31:15.600> are<01:31:16.119> we<01:31:16.280> have

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up House Bill 702, which would change how extra or special duty pay for retired police officers is treated for retirement and work-limit purposes. Supporters argued the bill would let retirees work more special-duty hours, helping municipalities fill traffic-detail and similar assignments without added state cost, and said it would not prohibit retirees from working but would simply stop those hours from counting toward the return-to-work threshold. Opponents argued the change would be inconsistent with the retirement system’s 2011 reforms, could increase pension liabilities, and would treat the same compensation differently for active employees and retirees. Members also discussed whether the bill would affect current and future retirees, the role of municipalities, and whether the policy amounted to “policing for profit.” The subcommittee ultimately voted 3-2 to recommend inexpedient to legislate (ITL) on HB 702, sending it to the full committee with that recommendation. The committee then discussed House Bill 581, which would create a Group Three retirement plan for new state employees hired after the bill’s effective date. The chair outlined a housekeeping amendment to delay implementation, moving the effective date to January 1, 2026, and noted a sponsor amendment addressing health insurance group inclusion and medical and surgical benefits so those benefits would not be put at risk for the new group. Testimony and discussion focused on the shift from defined benefit to defined contribution, with supporters citing Michigan examples and arguing the bill would help recruit and retain employees while giving them more flexibility. Opponents said the change could weaken retirement security and increase unfunded liability, though supporters responded that the bill still requires employer contributions toward accrued liability and is intended to keep the state on track to pay off its unfunded liability by 2039. The transcript ends with continued discussion of the bill and no final vote shown on HB 581.

Transcript Highlights:

• to develop landlord tenant code to develop landlord tenant code improvements<00:05:10.400> to
• There is an issue with the title of this resolution.
• There is an issue with the title of this resolution.
• Other than that, we amending the title. Other than that, we support<00:14:09.040> it.
• <00:30:59.039> Okay,<00:30:59.760> moving<00:31:00.159> on. Zoom?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs held a resolutions hearing on April 1, 2025, and considered a series of measures largely focused on housing, domestic violence, corrections, Native Hawaiian issues, and public safety. Early items included HCR 158 HD1 and HR 153 HD1, which request a Judiciary-led working group to improve landlord-tenant code provisions to increase housing supply; Hawaii Realtors testified in strong support, and there was no opposition. The committee also heard HCR 55 and HR 51 on studying the effectiveness of domestic violence, restraining order, and stalking laws. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office said some requested data may exceed judicial authority but that useful Judiciary data exists, while the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the intent but urged broader, better-funded, survivor-inclusive analysis across all counties and islands. Members asked for clarification on the proposed draft, and the witness emphasized narrowing the scope, including stalking, and extending the timeline. The committee then took up HCR 23 HD1 on the new Oahu Community Correctional Center. The Public Defender supported adding a courtroom but objected to language about transporting released detainees away from residential communities or public spaces as unconstitutional; the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation supported the measure and said one multipurpose courtroom would be sufficient, and that most released inmates are picked up by family or programs, with others transported to a bus depot. HCR 174 HD1/HR 170 HD1, on in-school based learning programs for youth in the juvenile legal system, drew strong support from Debt Free Justice Hawaii, which said the resolution was youth-led and could help replace fees and fines with community service and rehabilitation opportunities. HCR 185, on an audit of proposed mandatory health insurance coverage for Native Hawaiian healing and cultural practices, received comments from Pāpa Lokahi supporting the concept but warning that reimbursement issues are complex, that the community should restart broader conversations, and that the measure should not be rushed or unfunded; members questioned whether the resolution was the right vehicle and whether it could affect ACA implementation. Several Native Hawaiian and community measures were also heard. HCR 147/HR 147, creating a legislative working group on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands funding, had support from DHHL and the Democratic Party of Hawaii. HCR 193 HD1/HR 186 HD1, on transferring Native Hawaiian burial site management to OHA, was strongly supported by OHA, which also proposed adding recognized lineal and cultural descendants to the working group membership; the committee noted multiple supporting testimonies and no opposition on the House draft. HCR 8/HR 8, urging DOJ inclusion of Hawaii in the missing and murdered indigenous persons outreach program, was supported by OHA, which cited a task force report showing Native Hawaiian women and girls make up over 40% of missing persons cases despite being about 10% of the population. HCR 124 HD1/HR 120 HD1 on Hawaiian language resources had no testimony. HCR 180 HD1 on collaborative homelessness response drew comments from the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions and three support testimonies. HCR 72/HR 65 on county ethics standards also drew support only. HCR 100/HR 96 on competency in LGBTQ+ and culturally specific gender identity training received support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, which stressed the need for training that reflects Native Hawaiian and other Polynesian understandings such as mahu and fa’afafine. The committee continued with additional measures that were mostly noncontroversial. HCR 30/AHR 29 on enforcement against out-of-state vehicles had support from the Department of Transportation. HCR 43 HD1, studying highway patrol and speed cameras, had one opposition testimony. HCR 119 HD1/HR 115 HD1, endorsing Taiwan’s international participation and a U.S.-Taiwan trade agreement, was supported by DBEDT. HCR 62 HD1 and HR 57, on flying the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia flag year-round at the Capitol, had no testimony, though DBEDT supported the related measure. Throughout the hearing, members generally asked few questions, and the transcript reflects testimony, comments, and stated positions rather than any final committee votes or deferred actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are going to start this morning with Representative Domain on HCR 31, and then we will let Ms.
• This is House Concurrent Resolution 31 by Representative Domain, which requests the Louisiana State Law
• Well, Representative Glorioso has moved to report HCR 31 favorably. Is there any objection?
• Seeing no objection, HCR 31 is reported favorably. Thank you, members.
• Is that your title? Chief Deputy with First Assistant. Chief Deputy.

Summary: The House Committee on Civil Law and Procedure met and reported a series of measures, many of them asking the Louisiana State Law Institute to study legal issues. HCR 31 was reported favorably to study the use of the term “foreign” as applied to juridical persons. HCR 61 was reported favorably after discussion about expropriation and carbon capture, with the author agreeing to broaden the study beyond carbon capture alone. HCR 96 was also reported favorably to study civil bench warrants and notice procedures in judgment debtor proceedings. The committee likewise advanced HCR 160, which asks the Law Institute to study property transfer issues and the public records doctrine in light of a recent case. Several bills dealing with court procedure and family law were heard and advanced. SB 68, a constitutional amendment to give the Louisiana Supreme Court authority to discipline out-of-state attorneys in certain circumstances, was amended and reported favorably. SB 76, concerning modification of child custody judgments, was reported with amendments after testimony that it would codify existing standards and add a five-year rule for applying the lower best-interest standard. HB 1198, which prohibits arbitration of child custody and visitation disputes and limits recognition of foreign custody laws contrary to Louisiana public policy, was reported favorably. SB 66, which prioritizes testimony from medical experts in child custody and child-in-need-of-care cases, was also reported favorably after testimony from advocates and medical groups. The committee also advanced measures involving civil litigation and state legal procedures. HCR 38, urging Congress to reform FISA and the FISA court to protect privacy rights, was reported favorably. SCR 19, asking the Law Institute to study long-duration trusts and possible revisions to the Trust Code, was reported favorably. SB 336, allowing civil investigative demands in Medicaid fraud/False Claims Act investigations, was reported favorably after explanation that it would let the Attorney General gather information without filing suit first. SB 139, adjusting interest on personal injury and wrongful death claims against the state or political subdivisions, was reported favorably. Finally, SB 475, dealing with fees for service of process, was reported favorably. HB 668 was voluntarily deferred.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, I just got an update for the title tomorrow.
• So I've got to learn How to code on the ArcGIS too.
• We have changed our We have changed our title to Planning and Zoning.
• It is actually in our tribal codes, Tribal Code 26.
• I I just have a basic question about your map with the color codes.

Transcript Highlights:

• you<00:31:00.399> may<00:31:00.559> say,<00:31:00.799> well,<00:31:00.960
• So,<00:31:34.399> so,<00:31:35.039> uh,<00:31:35.520> as<00:31:35.840> long
• to<00:31:44.320> train<00:31:44.720> somebody<00:31:45.519> to<00:31:45.679>
• > eligible,<00:31:50.960> the<00:31:51.200> USDA<00:31:51.600> will<00:31
• <00:31:53.440> Um,<00:31:53.760> we<00:31:54.000> have<00:31:54.240> been

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with roll call and housekeeping, including moving standing attendees to an overflow room and asking the audience to avoid interruptions. The task force then heard testimony from Allison Adams of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, who presented statewide health trend data showing Kentucky ranked 41st overall and 44th in health outcomes, with especially poor performance on premature death, chronic disease, diabetes, and vaccination rates. She emphasized that Kentucky has the highest rates of residents with multiple chronic conditions, that diabetes remains above the national average, and that childhood immunization rates have worsened. She also highlighted major provider shortages in rural areas, noting that 43 of 120 counties meet shortage criteria and that more than half of primary care providers are concentrated in Fayette and Jefferson counties. Adams urged the task force to focus on prevention, early intervention, access to care, physical activity, and healthier school and community environments, and said the foundation is prepared to share results from its demonstration projects. Task force members asked follow-up questions about the age range for chronic-condition data and whether the diabetes figure reflected type 1 or type 2 diabetes; Adams said the chronic-condition measure spans all ages and that the diabetes figure likely reflects type 2, though she offered to provide the full report. The task force then approved the minutes from the prior meeting. The committee next turned to SNAP benefits and heard from Lisa Dennis, commissioner of the Department for Community Based Services, and Roger McCann, director of the Division of Family Support. They explained that SNAP is not only a food assistance program but also a public health and family stability tool, arguing that poor diet contributes to chronic disease and that food insecurity is linked to family stress, child welfare involvement, and neglect-related CPS referrals. They cited research showing that more generous SNAP policies are associated with fewer CPS reports, fewer substantiated reports, and fewer foster care placements, and said SNAP helps reduce risk and promote stability across vulnerable populations including children, older adults, people with disabilities, and pregnant women. They also described SNAP-Ed as the nutrition education component that teaches healthy eating, cooking on a budget, and how to use fresh produce, but warned that recent federal legislation eliminates federal funding for SNAP-Ed beginning in federal fiscal year 2026. McCann outlined the remaining SNAP outreach and employment-and-training components, noting that outreach is typically run by nonprofits with a 50% match and that employment and training funds job-skills programs to help recipients move toward better jobs and self-sufficiency. The discussion emphasized that access to nutritious food, education, and job supports are all part of improving health outcomes and reducing food insecurity.

Transcript Highlights:

• > at<01:31:04.639> 2<01:31:04.760> o'clock<01:31:05.040> in<01:31:05.119>
• <01:31:06.320> a<01:31:06.440> lot<01:31:06.560> of<01:31:06.679> things<
• :13.000> rubric<01:31:13.480> on<01:31:13.760> how<01:31:14.040> to<01:31
• <01:31:22.360> hard<01:31:22.560> for<01:31:22.679> me<01:31:22.840> to
• 31:28.040> tried<01:31:28.280> to<01:31:28.440> compare<01:31:28.800> it<

Bills: HF957, HF877

Keywords: education, mandate relief, school funding, local control, state laws, fund transfers, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:25.279> You<00:31:25.440> heard<00:31:25.679> those<00:31:26.039>
• <00:31:29.520> provisions<00:31:29.919> that<00:31:30.159> I<00:31:30.399> will
• <00:31:32.240> Um<00:31:32.640> those<00:31:32.960> are<00:31:33.200> the
• <00:31:37.440> Article<00:31:38.000> five<00:31:38.240> is<00:31:38.559>
• as amended.<00:31:48.159> Article<00:31:48.799> six<00:31:49.279> is<00:31:49.519

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So even when you put West Virginia, Arkansas, Alabama, Kansas, Mississippi, the states that don't have
• We are in the process of doing our cost reporting for the past 12 months that ended on 12/31/25.
• We are in the process of doing our cost reporting for the past 12 months that ended on 12/31/25.

Summary: The subcommittee met to review Department of Human Services hospital payments in Arkansas Medicaid, with DHS Secretary Janet Mann and Deputy Secretary Misty Eubanks presenting first, followed by Arkansas Hospital Association Executive Vice President Jody Ann Tritt and a brief comment from Arkansas Children’s. DHS outlined the main hospital payment streams: fee-for-service per diem payments, upper payment limit (UPL) supplemental payments, cost settlements, and smaller payments such as graduate medical education and disproportionate share hospital funds. Members asked for plain-language explanations of cost settlements, why per diem rates vary by hospital type, and why UPL applies to private hospitals. DHS said cost settlements and UPL are mechanisms to help offset Medicaid underpayment, with SFY 2025 hospital payments totaling hundreds of millions of dollars and no general revenue used for supplemental payments beyond the state share funded through hospital assessments and related financing structures. Committee members focused heavily on whether Arkansas hospitals are adequately reimbursed and why rural hospitals struggle. Tritt explained that critical access hospitals, rural emergency hospitals, PPS hospitals, and specialty hospitals operate under different federal and state rules, and said lower per diem rates for some facilities help with cash flow and later cost settlement adjustments. She said Arkansas hospitals are under financial strain, citing a negative patient services margin statewide and noting that Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial payers all contribute to the problem. She also said the association had just authorized a statewide survey of hospital finances and costs, which she expected would take about a year to complete. A major theme was commercial insurance reimbursement. Tritt argued Arkansas hospitals are paid far less than hospitals in neighboring states even though premiums are similar, and said administrative burdens, prior authorizations, and denials add to the problem. She said hospitals receive about 52 to 53 cents on the dollar for Medicaid costs without UPL and about 78 cents with UPL, still below cost. Members also discussed Medicare wage index issues, Medicare Advantage, and whether hospitals could use technology or alternative arrangements to improve finances. No votes were taken on the hospital presentation. At the end of the meeting, DHS provided a brief update on Living Choices and assisted living reimbursement. Officials said one assisted living facility, Pillars of the Community in Crossett, had announced closure, with nine waiver clients being transitioned to other settings. DHS said the current cost reporting period was underway and that a new rate study could be ready for review before the end of the fiscal year if reports were submitted on time. Members also asked about the broader waiver plan, and DHS said the next waiver iteration would likely be brought back to the committee in the summer.

Transcript Highlights:

• sets minimum training standards for each student, for which training includes, among other things, 31
• Protection of the title Podiatric Surgeon added to BPC 2474.
• We also know from this committee that just title protection—if you look at what you've done with title
• Just title protection.
• If you look at what you've done with title protection, the cost of title protection is prohibitive.

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard a full agenda of bills focused on reproductive health, professional licensing and sunset reviews, consumer protection, and business regulation. Early testimony centered on AB 260, which would protect access to medication abortion, mifepristone, and telehealth reproductive care in California; supporters emphasized state protections against federal restrictions, while an opponent argued the bill removed safety safeguards. The committee also heard AB 714 on closing a loophole in regulation of low-cost commercial driving schools, AB 968 on allowing pharmacists to prescribe non-hormonal contraception, AB 671 on streamlining restaurant permitting, AB 1027 on strengthening cannabis product testing oversight, AB 1271 on broadband pricing and speed transparency, and AB 1332 on narrowly allowing medicinal cannabis shipments for seriously ill patients. Several sunset bills were also taken up, including AB 1482 on animal shelter and breeder transparency, AB 1501 on the Podiatric Medical Board and Physician Assistant Board, AB 1502 on the Veterinary Medical Board, AB 1503 on the Board of Pharmacy, and AB 1504 on the Massage Therapy Council. Testimony was largely in support of the measures, with many bills drawing co-sponsors or support from industry, consumer, or professional groups. AB 1503 generated the most sustained opposition, with nurses, physicians, and drug industry representatives objecting to expanded pharmacy technician ratios, standard-of-care language, and therapeutic interchange authority; supporters argued the bill would modernize pharmacy practice and expand access. AB 1504 also drew mixed testimony, with massage therapy groups supporting continuation of the council but raising concerns about proposed public records and governance provisions. AB 1271 drew a policy dispute over whether broadband reporting requirements duplicated federal FCC processes, while supporters argued California needed its own consumer-facing data and complaint system. After quorum was established later in the hearing, the committee began taking roll-call votes. AB 1271, AB 1332, AB 1482, AB 1501, and AB 1502 were all reported out on due-pass motions, with AB 1271 amended and the others generally amended or as introduced as noted. Earlier bills including AB 260, AB 671, AB 714, AB 968, and AB 1027 also received motions and were approved once the quorum was present. The chair repeatedly noted the lack of quorum during the hearing, but once one was secured, the committee completed votes on the agenda items and advanced the measures to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Clerk: Union Calendar Number 116, H.R. 2035, a bill to amend title 46, United States Code, to direct
• The Clerk: Union Calendar No. 114, H.R. 2390, a bill to amend title 46, United States Code, to clarify
• THE CLERK: UNION CALENDAR NUMBER 114, H.R. 2390, A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 46 UNITED STATES CODE TO The Speaker
• The Clerk: Union Calendar No. 117, H.R. 252, A bill to amend title 46, United States Code, to prohibit
• The Clerk: Union Calendar No. 116, H.R. 235, a bill to amend title 36, United States Code, to direct

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, June 9, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:45.080> so<00:31:45.360> on<00:31:45.520> occasion,<00:31:46.080>
• <00:31:48.080> Uh,<00:31:48.240> again,<00:31:48.520> I'm<00:31:48.640> not
• I think members<00:31:50.360> should<00:31:50.520> vote<00:31:50.640> their<00:31
• /c><00:31:53.200> am<00:31:53.360> saying<00:31:54.000> that<00:31:54.120> the
• :31:57.240> uh,<00:31:57.520> its<00:31:57.840> implications<00:31:58.520> for

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > are<00:31:29.840> 25<00:31:30.360> total<00:31:30.639> open<00:31:30.880><
• funding<00:31:34.519> um<00:31:34.760> so<00:31:35.559> I<00:31:36.000> I
• <00:31:36.080> don't<00:31:36.240> want<00:31:36.360> to<00:31:37.039> take
• <00:31:37.559> your<00:31:37.840> time<00:31:38.399> um<00:31:39.159> I
• 31:41.239> it<01:31:41.520> it<01:31:41.600> would<01:31:41.800> be<01:31

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing and work session on House Bill 25A, the capital improvements appropriations bill, which Representative David Mills said was based on Governor Ayotte’s budget and included appropriations for capital improvements and extensions of prior appropriation lapses. The hearing drew testimony on several requested additions to the bill, with the chair noting the unusually large turnout and moving quickly through speakers. No questions were taken on the initial bill presentation, and the public hearing on HB 25A was later closed. The Community College System of New Hampshire asked for an additional $2.6 million, including $800,000 for IT infrastructure, $1.3 million for critical maintenance, and $500,000 for energy management systems. The witness said the money would address cybersecurity and online learning needs, replace failing boilers and a roof at several campuses, and prevent costly damage such as frozen pipes. The New Hampshire Veterans Home requested $1.5 million for ADA compliance and safety improvements, including floor replacement and wider doors, citing an upcoming VA inspection and the importance of preserving federal funding. Testimony also focused on career and technical education and airport funding. Milford CTE sought to keep $9.9 million in the budget for renovations after a local vote fell short, explaining the project had been scaled down from an earlier $60 million concept and that the school board wanted another chance to seek voter approval. On aviation, Concord, the New Hampshire Municipal Association, and Department of Transportation representatives urged restoring state matching funds for FAA airport grants, saying roughly $3.6 million in state money would leverage about $62 million to $65 million in federal funds for safety and infrastructure projects at public airports. Committee members asked about project selection, matching requirements, and the airport priority process, and witnesses said the program is driven by FAA-approved capital improvement plans and safety needs rather than business-return rankings.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.960> 80%<00:31:01.600> of<00:31:01.840> that<00:31:02.480> than<00:31
• out<00:31:06.960> when<00:31:07.200> we<00:31:07.360> get<00:31:07.679><
• > year<00:31:09.200> we<00:31:09.440> had<00:31:09.760> 25<00:31:10.320><
• what<00:31:19.679> should<00:31:19.840> we<00:31:20.000> do<00:31:20.159
• 31:39.840> we<01:31:40.159> need<01:31:40.239> to<01:31:40.400> get<01:31

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened its second meeting on House Bill 742, which would require catastrophic special education aid to be drawn from the education trust fund, and discussed whether to also examine differentiated aid within the adequacy formula. The chair said the committee had previously heard from HHS/Medicaid officials and now wanted to hear from local special education directors about how the aid system works in practice, including billing, training, data collection, and whether districts handle claims consistently. Members also referenced Arkansas as a possible comparison state and said they hoped to develop ideas by November to address the current funding process. Committee members focused on the current special education aid thresholds and the impact of proration. The chair described the existing formula as requiring districts to absorb costs up to 3.5 times the state average per student, with the state paying 80% from 3.5 times through 10 times and paying above that, and said FY25 appropriated about $34 million while actual claims were about $50.1 million, leaving roughly a $16 million shortfall that caused proration. Members also raised the possibility of lowering the threshold to 2.5 times and asked how that would affect the number of eligible students and costs. Another member asked about how districts decide whether services are education-related or medical-related and how Medicaid or private insurance reimbursement affects later state aid claims. District representatives from Boothby Therapy Services, Bedford, and Guilford introduced themselves and described their roles. Guilford’s director said the district tracks students with paraprofessional support, nurses, transportation, or specialized programming, uses a data system to log every service touchpoint, and tries to maximize both Medicaid and special education aid; she said a lower threshold would likely capture all students with paras or nurses and that rising staffing and service costs would increase the number of students over the cap. Bedford’s assistant director said the district uses a different system, tracks roughly 60 to 80 students a year, and pursues Medicaid and special education aid simultaneously but does not pursue private insurance if it would affect FAPE; she said reducing the threshold to 2.5 times would likely double the number of qualifying students. Members asked follow-up questions about software, data entry, and how districts decide whether to bill Medicaid or seek state catastrophic aid, and the directors explained that their systems log services by staff type and student, with some districts using the same data for both Medicaid and state reimbursement claims.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, in<01:31:05.280> the<01:31:05.760> essence<01:31:06.000> of<01:31:06.159>
• <01:31:10.320> for<01:31:10.560> questions<01:31:10.880> if<01:31:11.120> you
• Um, have<01:31:12.239> a<01:31:12.400> lot<01:31:12.480> to<01:31:12.639> say
• <01:31:12.800> about<01:31:12.960> this,<01:31:13.199> but<01:31:13.600>
• Um, next up<01:31:18.800> we<01:31:18.960> have<01:31:19.040> the<01:31:19.199><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 281 SD1, which would define and prohibit torture as a Class A felony. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, HPD investigators, and other supporters said the bill is needed because existing laws do not adequately capture torture, especially cases involving children and vulnerable persons. Several testifiers emphasized that starvation is a common method of torture that often leaves little visible evidence, and they urged the committee to restore the original starvation language removed from the measure. The Office of the Public Defender said it did not oppose the bill’s purpose but raised concerns that the language was too broad and could create trial issues, particularly around minors and vulnerable people, and suggested narrowing amendments. The chair indicated the testimony had made a strong impression and said the committee would try to move the bill forward. The committee then heard SB 292 SD1, relating to sexual exploitation and safe harbor protections for survivors seeking medical or law enforcement help. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the measure, noting that a prior version raised equal protection concerns that were no longer present, and said survivors should be able to seek help without fear of prosecution. Written support was also noted from several advocacy and state groups. Testimony in support focused on retaliation fears, trafficking, and the need for manpower and resources to address exploitation and related crimes. Finally, the committee took up SB 295 SD1, which would increase penalties for violating temporary restraining orders and orders for protection and treat a violation of one as a second offense for the other. The Public Defender’s Office objected to the mandatory jail component, arguing judges should retain discretion and that there was no clear evidence mandatory jail deters violations. The transcript cuts off before any final committee action or vote on SB 295 was recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:31:02.399> to<00:31:02.519> come<00:31:02.679> forward<00:31:03.159> as
• and<00:31:04.120> we're<00:31:04.279> going<00:31:04.360> to<00:31:04.480>
• > any<00:31:07.279> uh<00:31:07.519> any<00:31:07.760> and<00:31:07.919><
• that<00:31:23.720> is<00:31:23.799> an<00:31:23.960> ongoing<00:31:24.880>
• ><00:31:31.679> in<00:31:31.840> the<00:31:32.039> past<00:31:32.360> this

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:08.960> Can<00:31:09.200> you<00:31:09.279> hear<00:31:09.440> me<
• > am<00:31:21.520> I<00:31:21.840> am<00:31:22.080> here<00:31:22.320>
• :31:31.039> me<00:31:31.279> to<00:31:31.520> come<00:31:31.840> and all
• > canned<00:31:34.559> um<00:31:35.120> and<00:31:35.440> tell<00:31:35.600>
• 31:20.639> me<01:31:21.360> um<01:31:21.600> at<01:31:21.840> the<01:31:22.080

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the minutes unanimously and then heard extended testimony from Senator Jimmy Higdon, who reflected on Kentucky’s 2011 childhood obesity task force and said the state’s childhood obesity problem has worsened since then. He described prior recommendations from that task force, including more physical education, nutrition education, classroom-based physical activity, complete streets, bike lanes, sidewalks, and safe routes to school. Higdon also argued that government programs have contributed to obesity and drug abuse, focusing especially on SNAP and Medicaid, and said he has long advocated for a waiver to distribute SNAP benefits twice a month rather than once a month. Higdon said SNAP fraud and abuse are significant, claiming some recipients sell benefits and some retailers bend the rules on eligible purchases. He also said spreading benefits through the month could help families keep fresh food in the home and stabilize grocery store business, especially in food deserts and rural areas. In response to questions, he said he would not support allowing hot prepared foods under SNAP, though he said a grocery-store produce incentive similar to the farmers market match could be beneficial if structured separately. He also said the WIC program is a model for how SNAP could be better administered. Members thanked Higdon for his service and discussed whether the issue is food insecurity or poor nutrition. Senator Douglas emphasized adding stronger guardrails to nutrition-related programs, and Representative Proctor asked about the challenges of operating grocery stores in rural areas and food deserts. Higdon said independent grocers face thin margins, competition, and cyclical market pressures, and that SNAP distribution patterns can worsen those challenges. After Higdon’s testimony, the committee heard from Ann Cressilious, a registered dietitian with the Kentucky Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, who began a presentation on the profession and on efforts to improve nutrition and access to nutrition information in Kentucky.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:31:03.440> being<00:31:03.600> able<00:31:03.760> to<00:31:03.919> review<
• any project<00:31:04.720> that<00:31:04.960> they<00:31:05.120> or<00:31:05.360
• <00:31:09.039> to<00:31:09.200> allow<00:31:09.440> shipd<00:31:09.919> to
• > a<00:31:12.480> third<00:31:12.720> party<00:31:12.960> reviewer<00:31:
• <00:31:42.480> bill<00:31:42.640> after<00:31:42.960> two<00:31:43.200> years

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee took up a long decision-making agenda on numerous House bills, largely in the tax, appropriations, public safety, agriculture, and land-use areas. Early action included HB 476, which passed with amendments after discussion of tax impacts and a committee report change; HB 796 also passed with amendments to protect several individual income tax credits from the bill’s effect. Other measures were advanced with amendments or without changes, including HB 1059, HB 1145, HB 1173, HB 1439, HB 800, HB 934, HB 990, HB 101, HB 106, and a series of bills in the 1026–1055 range, many of which were passed unamended or with technical/effective-date changes. Several bills were deferred, including HB 1147, HB 807, and later items on the agenda. The committee also approved a number of policy and agency-structure changes. HB 430 was amended to create or expand an internship/workforce development program with reporting requirements; HB 505 and HB 506 were amended to adjust appropriations and FTEs; HB 774 added an appropriation section for two FTEs; HB 1052 limited use of universal service fund money; HB 1296 shifted a reporting requirement from BNF to the Department of Defense; and HB 1064 moved the State Fire Council and Fire Marshal Selection Commission to the Department of Law Enforcement and set the fire marshal salary. HB 427 made major biosecurity-related changes, including moving the Hawaii Invasive Species Council to the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity in 2026 and adding new appropriations. HB 830 was amended to allow third-party historic preservation reviewers under ethics and conflict rules, with a two-year sunset and committee-report comments on vacancies. Public safety and regulatory bills also moved forward. HB 302 on cannabis drew opposition from Senator Awa, who said it would shut down a medical provider in his district; the bill nevertheless passed with amendments adding criminal penalties, enforcement authority, and a 2027 effective date for cultivator licenses. HB 306 on water code penalties passed unamended, HB 860 on liability for road resurfacing passed with amendments to limit liability to the work actually performed and eliminate joint and several liability, and HB 141 on public land leases passed with technical amendments. HB 1159 establishing a commercial harbor emergency evacuation working group passed as is, and HB 1482 on hemp passed with amendments exempting existing permit holders and certain retailers, aligning THC limits, and setting a far-future effective date. Most votes were adopted without recorded opposition, though several members noted reservations on specific measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank NDI for 31 years of amazing work across New Mexico, and I want to thank all the students
• Code Red Defense. Thank you, NDI, thank you, dancers, thank you.
• Types of transactions include titling new vehicles, used vehicles, registration, renewal, and issuance
• House Memorial 3, having been read twice by title, is ordered not printed and placed on the Speaker's
• House Bill 15 having been read twice, my title is order printed.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><01:31:10.600> it<01:31:10.679> were<01:31:10.880> up<01:31:11.040> to<
• :31:24.520> left<01:31:24.800> it<01:31:24.960> in<01:31:25.239> because
• 01:31:42.320> to<01:31:42.840> to<01:31:43.280> uh<01:31:43.400> go<01:31
• <01:31:46.760> I<01:31:46.920> I<01:31:47.040> think<01:31:47.239> that's
• <01:31:56.600> you<01:31:56.760> madam<01:31:57.000> chair<01:31:57.239>

Keywords: 1189, house, all