Transcript Highlights:

• The state has programs where they use loan loss reserves to leverage private capital to Has programs
• With having a consistent marketing program. Number two, what can the state do?
• Our next presentation is state finance budget analyst.
• Our next presentation is state finance budget analyst.
• of the current programs, do you have an idea, do you have, which ones do you feel, which state programs

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:53:11.160> and financing available for All State and financing available for All State
• <00:54:07.520> program<00:54:08.359> and the partial public financing program and the
• partial public financing program and provides<00:54:08.920> for<00:54:09.079> an<00:54
• program and not a comprehensive financing program.
• just to dispel this myth that program just to dispel this myth that public<01:08:44.839> financing

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs held its first hearing of the 33rd Legislature and heard several measures, beginning with HB 131, which would allow agencies to disclose government records to researchers for certain purposes and direct the Office of Information Practices to adopt uniform rules. OIP supported the bill, saying it would help researchers access government records, while DLNR questioned whether the bill was necessary, raised concerns about costs and exemptions, and suggested a definition change regarding media. The Public First Law Center and other supporters said the bill would not remove existing exemptions or create new disclosure requirements, but would simply authorize rulemaking to create a clearer process for research access. Common Cause Hawaiʻi raised concern about including news media in the measure. The chair emphasized that the rulemaking process would allow agencies and the public to work through details, and the committee moved on without a recorded vote in the transcript. The committee then heard HB 411, which would create uniform administrative penalty procedures under the state ethics code and lobbyist law, and HB 412, which would expand lobbying definitions to cover certain communications with high-level executive officials about procurement and make some contracts voidable if awarded through unethical lobbying. The Ethics Commission supported HB 411 as an efficiency measure that would streamline the charge process without changing substantive rights, while HB 412 was described as a narrow transparency measure modeled on other states. The State Procurement Office warned that voiding contracts could cause delays, warranty issues, third-party complications, and higher reprocurement costs. The Ethics Commission responded that any contract revocation would be at the Attorney General’s discretion and likely reserved for egregious cases, and that the threat of voiding a contract would help deter noncompliance. The committee also heard HB 413, which clarifies that lobbyist campaign contribution prohibitions apply during periods when both houses of the Legislature are in session; the Ethics Commission and Campaign Spending Commission both supported the bill and the Ethics Commission requested amendments to clarify jurisdiction between state and county lobbyist enforcement. Finally, the committee took up HB 149, which would require domestic and foreign corporations to report independent expenditures and political contributions to shareholders. The only testimony noted in the transcript was written comments from Matson, which said the requirement would be expensive and cumbersome and that the information is already publicly available through existing campaign finance reporting websites. No votes or final committee actions on the bills were recorded in the provided transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• re seller financing seller financing re seller financing contracts<00:52:54.799> renewal<00:52
• to a 3 or 4% finance charge?
• program and the grants program have Loan program and the grants program have been<01:04:51.760> excellent
• strategy for State overall State strategy for State Investments<01:29:53.119> uh<01:29:53.280>
• Investments across public those State Investments across public service<01:30:19.199> programs

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But that being said, my concern is taking on a state-by-state approach to this.
• They can't disclose the cost of things like the cap-and-tax program in New York State that's going to
• Motion is to report to finance. Thanks. Sanitary retail food store grant program.
• That's a different program.
• That bill moves to finance.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Agriculture Committee met for its first 2026 meeting and took up a full agenda of bills focused on food safety, agricultural programs, consumer transparency, and farm-related policy. Early measures included S.592 on a youth and agriculture entrepreneurship summer employment program, which was reported to finance without opposition, and S.1239E, the Food Safety and Technical Disclosure Act, which would require disclosure of certain food ingredients to the state and public and also ban three substances outright. Senator Kavanaugh described the bill as closing a loophole in federal food safety law; Senator Borrello opposed it as a state-by-state approach that could raise costs and disrupt the supply chain, while Senator O’Rourke supported it as a science-based measure with available substitutes. The bill was reported back to the board with one no vote and one without recommendation. The committee also advanced S.1783A on liquefied petroleum/propane fee disclosures, with supporters saying it would prevent consumers from being charged for improper or hidden fees and opponents arguing it should not single out state-related charges; the bill moved to the board. S.4041, creating a sanitary retail food store grant program, was reported to finance. S.4162, relating to the Fresh Connect program and local produce purchases, prompted discussion about whether state resources should instead be concentrated on the Double Up Food Bucks program; sponsors said both programs are needed and that Double Up has capacity limits, and the bill was moved to finance. Later, the committee advanced S.6286A, establishing an agricultural tax viability pilot program tied to agrivoltaics; supporters said it would address a need raised in recent hearings and work with farm groups, while Senator Borrello voted no. The final bill, S.7618 on food safety and quality date label requirements, drew debate over whether New York should act without a federal standard and whether the bill could create confusion or unintended costs, especially for dairy and other perishables. Supporters said the bill would reduce food waste and simplify the many existing date labels without forcing new labeling on those who do not already use it; members also discussed refrigeration references in the bill, and the sponsor said the language could be adjusted. The committee then adjourned and announced that future meetings will be held on the third floor in the new location.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, core programs were largely spared, and last year's budget helped position the state on a more
• Certainly, he will be doing in terms of other programs that the state wishes to have.
• I think $3.3 billion from the federal-state partnership and $260 million from the Christie program.
• , and ensuring that our state-subsidized child care programs will have ongoing funding.
• are Funded in the state budget, including the state low-income housing tax credit program.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They would see a response from the state-to-state system. ...of record was the state of California.
• And so we're only uploading what is required by the state-to-state agreement that all states have agreed
• Department of Finance. Neil Kishun, Department of Finance.
• The funds would be returned to Caltrans for the State Highway Operation and Protection Program, the SHOP
• So it would have gone into the State Highway Operation and Protection Program in the same way.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is important for projects where, on January 6 of each year, the state board of finance.
• And $60,000,000, of which the legislature will authorize the state board of finance to issue severance
• It's a great program.
• across the state.
• in our state.

Transcript Highlights:

• As noted, similar to other state Medicaid programs, California has experienced a notable increase in
• Other states are seeing increased costs in Medi-Cal programs.
• But, you know, I believe Medi-Cal is a necessity; it is a necessary program in this state.
• For the state-only components of the California Children's Services Genetically Handicapped Persons Program
• This program will allow the transition for county and state participants.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When it comes to financing options, a lot of states are moving forward with grant programs.
• You were talking about states doing pilot programs. We do pilot programs. We do pilot programs.
• You were talking about states doing pilot programs.
• The radiation control program... ...to the state of North Dakota.
• Well, Dave has been a tremendous asset to the state and run a phenomenal program for us.

Summary: The Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee met to review prior minutes and hear a series of presentations on advanced nuclear technology and state readiness. The committee approved the April 21, 2022 minutes. Nucleon’s William Bridge outlined the advanced nuclear landscape, distinguishing near-term light-water SMRs from more advanced Gen 4 reactors and microreactors, and emphasized that fuel supply, especially HALEU, remains a developing supply chain. He said light-water designs are the most deployable in the near term, while advanced reactors may be better suited for industrial heat applications and could face a 2- to 3-year delay from fuel availability. Representatives from NASEO described how other states are supporting advanced nuclear through task forces, roadmaps, pilot programs, financing tools, workforce and supply-chain efforts, and regional coordination. They highlighted the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative and stressed that states are focusing early on emergency preparedness, community engagement, waste management, affordability, and consumer protections. They also noted that some states are creating nuclear-ready community programs and cost-recovery guardrails, while public utility commissions are examining long-term lifecycle costs and rate impacts. North Dakota agencies then outlined their potential roles. The Public Service Commission said it would likely be involved in public-interest review, siting, and rate regulation, but noted current statutes may not fully address long-term nuclear projects, co-location, or decommissioning. The Department of Environmental Quality said it would continue to regulate radioactive materials and likely support emergency planning, while fission reactor oversight remains federal. The Department of Emergency Services said it would serve as the lead off-site preparedness agency, needing a radiological emergency program, training, exercises, equipment, and possibly industry funding. The Department of Water Resources said North Dakota has sufficient surface water, especially from the Missouri River, but that water planning would be important; it did not recommend statutory or budget changes at this time. The committee recessed for lunch after these presentations, with no additional votes or actions taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• programs.
• Uh, here, I applied for this program.
• <00:05:13.039> that's And thankfully for this program that's And thankfully for this program
• <00:05:22.800> community,<00:05:23.600> very program, uh, beautiful community, very program
• I've gone to a few across the state.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• These are difficult choices that counties prefer not to have to make for any new state policy or program
• Given the status of program spending and wind down across the state, program levels continue to decline
• These expenditures do not account for the tribal spending or state operations associated with program
• At this time, there is no state funding allocated for this critical and evidence-based program beyond
• We have got to deliver for families and children in the state of California. This program works.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held an informational hearing on child welfare, foster care, child support, and related prevention efforts. The chair opened by emphasizing mandated reporting reform, foster care system improvements, and community-based prevention, and noted that no votes would be taken. Public testimony focused first on mandated reporting, where a lived-experience advocate and several organizations argued that the current system overreports families, especially Black, Native, and Latino families, causes trauma, and should be reformed through standardized training, clearer thresholds, and stronger community supports rather than more hotline referrals. Casey Family Programs cited data showing nearly 90% of reports are unsubstantiated, while CDSS said it is already forming a Mandated Reporting Advisory Committee, updating training, and exploring community pathways and possible changes to the list of mandated reporters. CWDA and SEIU supported training and alternative response concepts but stressed child safety, county capacity, funding, and the need for careful implementation and accountability. The committee then discussed a proposal to create a foster care multi-agency office within the California Health and Human Services Agency, led by a chief foster youth advocate with authority to coordinate across departments. Advocates said foster youth often need services from education, health, housing, and behavioral health systems that do not coordinate well, and argued that a central office with real authority could improve placement stability and access to services. CDSS responded that existing structures already provide coordination, including AB 2083 interagency teams, the Child Welfare Council, complex care steering committees, and the foster care ombudsperson, but said it was open to technical assistance. Members raised concerns about whether the new office would have enough authority and funding to avoid becoming another layer of bureaucracy, and the chair emphasized the need for real “teeth” and better interagency action. The final major topic was the continuation and expansion of Promise Neighborhoods. A community leader described strong early results from the state-funded neighborhoods, including improved kindergarten readiness, reduced chronic absenteeism, higher graduation rates, food access, housing supports, and mental health services, but warned that current funding sunsets in June 2025 and that a fiscal cliff could jeopardize staff and services. CDSS said the four funded neighborhoods have reported positive outcomes and valuable flexibility, but also noted challenges with one-time funding, student mental health, and long-term planning. Assemblymember Mia Bonta urged continued investment, saying the place-based model is difficult to rebuild once lost, and the chair asked LAO to help identify the minimum funding needed to preserve the existing infrastructure while evaluation results are still pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• This measure restricts the use of restrictive housing in state-operated and state-contracted correctional
• use of restrictive housing in state use of restrictive housing in state operated<00:11:40.880>
• /c> about 5% of the states Pres population about 5% of the states Pres population are<00:13:59.959>
• , the special housing incentive program, it really is an incentive program.
• The Act 57 program was a unique program because of the moratorium.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard SB 104, which would restrict the use of restrictive housing or solitary confinement in state-operated and state-contracted correctional facilities, with specified exceptions. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation strongly opposed the bill, saying its existing policy already meets or exceeds ACA and National Institute of Corrections standards, and objecting to language they said would give the oversight commission operational decision-making authority. The Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission supported the bill, but also said it was not intended to run operations and described concerns about restrictive housing practices, including CoreCivic’s SHIP program at Saguaro. Supporters included the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Office of the Public Defender, the Disability Rights Center, ACLU Hawaii, Easter Seals Hawaii, and individual testifiers. They argued that Native Hawaiians are disproportionately impacted by incarceration, that solitary confinement is harmful and linked to depression, anxiety, suicidality, and poor reentry outcomes, and that confinement beyond 15 days is widely condemned under international standards. Several testifiers cited suicides and deaths in custody as reasons to codify limits in statute rather than rely on policy alone. The department responded that it already has 24/7 medical care, though not 24/7 mental health coverage at one facility, and explained that it uses four custody categories: disciplinary segregation, administrative segregation, protective custody, and placements for inmates seeking separation for safety reasons. Members questioned the department and commission about the SHIP program, whether the bill was based on other states’ laws, and how current policies compare with national standards. The director said the bill was too ambiguous in places and that the department was willing to work with the commission on policy changes, but still opposed the measure as written. The committee took testimony and questions; no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• State.
• Different programs have different levels, either set in statute or they are lending programs.
• There are limits for every program we have, and that varies based on the type of program.
• Programs.
• It was not a housing program; it was a Department of Human Services program.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The counties that we chose for this pilot program are the largest counties in the state, one in Greater
• The counties that we chose for this pilot program are the largest counties in the state, one in Greater
• The counties that we chose for this pilot program are the largest counties in the state, one in Greater
• It modifies various provisions relating to the Housing Finance Agency and its program section.
• It modifies various provisions relating to the Housing Finance Agency and its program section.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Most states, some states are moving away from allowing K-5 students to participate in virtual programs
• . virtual programs.
• Should a virtual program generate all the same funding as an in-person program?
• program.
• The whole program for the virtual instruction program would eliminate that $42 million in funding for

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to the Medicaid program. to the Medicaid program.
• >> is this going to finance? >> is this going to finance?
• This is going to finance. >> What's that? This is going to finance.
• Medicaid program.
• Medicaid program. Medicaid program.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or the state takes on do not create any liability or obligation to the state other than the monies in
• <00:14:06.040> at financing um or to obtain financing at financing um or to obtain financing
• the full faith in credit of the state the full faith in credit of the state backing<00:14:47.920
• So that's all under state...
• It establishes and appropriates funds for an assessable conversion bond financing program to be administered

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several energy and environmental bills. On HB 974, which would authorize state step-in agreements for certain power purchase agreements and create a trust fund/reserve mechanism, the Attorney General’s office raised concern that the state should not incur liability beyond the trust fund. The Division of Consumer Advocacy said it had comments but did not take a position, while the Public Utilities Commission, Ameresco, Hawaiian Electric, and other industry groups supported the measure, saying it would help developers secure financing for renewable projects and improve reliability. Hawaiian Electric said the bill would not use state funds and that its proposed reserve account would be held in trust and returned to customers if unused. Committee members questioned whether the reserve would raise customer costs; Hawaiian Electric said the amount would be small and would be offset by avoiding higher financing costs, while Consumer Advocacy suggested the language should be strengthened to ensure unused funds are fully returned. The committee then heard HB 338, which would clarify that premium interest-rate adjustments for non-fossil fuel generation are just and reasonable and allow the PUC to include them in rates. DCCA and the State Energy Office supported the bill, and the PUC also supported it. Hawaiian Electric opposed unless amended, arguing the PUC already has discretion and warning the bill could weaken competitive procurement by encouraging higher bids tied to the utility’s credit rating. DCCA said the concern was that developers might not seek the best financing if premium rates are recoverable, but said Hawaiian Electric’s suggested amendment requiring clear and convincing evidence of unavoidable financing-cost increases would help. Members also asked about refinancing and whether developers could later lower debt costs after locking in a premium rate; DCCA said that ability exists and suggested a time limit or review mechanism. For HB 337, which would direct the PUC to establish standards requiring utilities to remove certain fossil-fuel costs from the rate base when adding renewable resources, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Hawaii Clean Power Alliance, and the State Energy Office supported the measure. Hawaiian Electric opposed it, saying it misunderstood utility cost recovery and could threaten grid reliability because fossil plants provide ancillary services such as voltage regulation and balancing, not just energy. Hawaiian Electric pointed to its integrated grid plan and recent fossil-unit retirements as evidence of ongoing transition, and asked the committee to defer the bill and leave oversight to the PUC. The committee also heard HB 879 on cesspool conversions, which would raise the maximum grant from $20,000 to $30,000 and add DOH positions; DHHL, DOH, environmental groups, Hawaii Realtors, and others supported it, while DOH discussed staffing needs and the practical effect of the higher grant cap. The committee also began HB 379 on requiring denitrification capacity for certain wastewater systems near shorelines or groundwater, with DLNR testifying in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:24.040> Thank<00:42:24.240> you, in our state programs.
• Thank you, in our state programs. Thank you, Speaker. Speaker. Speaker.
• Representative Nash moves that House File 2105 be recalled from the Committee on State Government Finance
• House File 2105 was referred to State Government Finance.
• File 2105 was referred to State File 2105 was referred to State Government<01:13:43.200> Finance

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , which is basically a Section 8-style rental assistance program funded by New York State.
• It's going to be a requirement for the Medicaid program.
• program.
• 29% to the state.
• So some states were granted a longer lead time to prepare.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Social Services Committee met for its first meeting of the session, with Chair Senator Roxanne Persaud noting a quorum and reviewing the committee’s prior-year activity. She said the committee handled 87 referred bills in 2025, reported 31, passed 25 committee bills in the Senate, and saw five bills pass both houses, with two signed and three vetoed. She also highlighted stakeholder workshops and hearings on rental assistance, youth employment, and human trafficking in the transportation sector, and said the annual report would be posted soon. The committee then heard from Paul Brady of the New York Public Welfare Association and Dave Lucas of the New York State Association of Counties. They focused on federal and state budget pressures, including the HHS withholding letter, TANF, child care, Social Services Block Grant funding, and the implications of HR1 for SNAP and Medicaid work requirements. They warned about staffing shortages, county budget strain, and the need for more time, training, and technology to implement new requirements. Both also emphasized housing instability, supporting rental assistance and shelter-related programs, and Brady urged attention to shelter allowances and safety-net cost sharing. The committee reported several bills to Finance: S.180B to increase enhanced residential care eligibility amounts; S.182 to raise the federal poverty level threshold for a one-time income disregard after job entry; S.184 to establish a full-year youth and young adult employment immersion program, with members questioning how it would be funded; S.1465 to implement an electronic benefit transfer system, which members strongly supported as a fraud-prevention measure; S.3787 to eliminate rent for homeless shelters; and S.7730 to authorize reimbursement for shelters housing a single individual in a double-occupancy room. The committee also advanced S.8570, creating a Fiscal Cliff Task Force to study public assistance program funding shortfalls, despite discussion of prior gubernatorial vetoes of similar measures. All bills were reported, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill makes various changes to the CalFresh program to prepare the state for the impacts of COVID
• Finance, so this program still, we're learning more about the information of how it's going to operate
• program up and running.
• the funding programs.
• In the state of California.

Keywords: 988, house, all