Transcript Highlights:

• Nevertheless, as legislators, it is our responsibility to build systems that make support and care more
• where we had the opportunity to learn how to effectively share our stories and experiences with legislators
• How do you think as a parent and as policymakers and legislators, how do we go about doing that?
• Not only is this funding ethical and part of our moral duty to serve young people, it is also financially

Summary: The Select Committee on Youth Mental Health and Treatment Access held its third hearing to review the state of youth mental health, progress under the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), and remaining implementation and funding challenges. The chair emphasized that schools are often the main point where education, health care, and social services intersect for students, and that the committee’s goal is to ensure public investments translate into better access and outcomes. The hearing featured testimony from researchers, a youth advocate, state officials, and local practitioners. PPIC researcher Shalini Mostala reported that teen mental health remains a serious concern, with high rates of chronic sadness, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts, though recent California data show some improvement since the pandemic. She noted persistent disparities by gender, race, and rural status, and said school-based health centers, wellness centers, and community schools are associated with lower suicidal thoughts. Youth advocate Ella Cruz, speaking for NAMI California, described her own mental health struggles and argued that youth voice, peer-to-peer support, and reducing stigma are essential; she also said technology and AI cannot replace trusted adults or trained professionals. Committee members asked about phone use, stigma, cultural barriers, and how to make supports more accessible and relatable to students. Dr. Sohill Sood of the California Health and Human Services Agency said statewide survey data show declining stigma, increased counseling use, and lower suicide ideation among students, and he highlighted CYBHI’s certified wellness coaches, digital tools, awareness campaigns, and the first-in-the-nation fee schedule that allows schools and colleges to bill health plans for behavioral health services. He said the program is growing quickly, with more than 230,000 claims and over $11 million in new revenue to date, while acknowledging that billing systems and coordination are still being built. Trina Frazier of Fresno County described a multi-tiered system of care supported by CYBHI, CalAIM, and other grants, serving thousands of students through school-based services, wellness centers, and mobile therapy units; she said ongoing funding and flexibility are critical. Rachel Kroberniski of El Segundo High School’s James Morehouse Project described a long-running wellness center and peer mentorship model that supports students in multiple languages, and said peer programs help students feel seen, connected, and more willing to seek help. Members broadly praised the flexibility, collaboration, and peer-based approaches described by the witnesses. Questions focused on sustaining funding after one-time grants expire, improving coordination among schools, counties, and providers, expanding the fee schedule to higher education, and ensuring continuity of care for students after high school. Officials said county offices of education, DHCS, and other partners are using communities of practice and technical assistance to spread best practices, and that CYBHI services can follow some young adults through age 25, with additional supports through community-based programs and digital platforms.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> legislative session together. legislative session together.
• and not pedal legislation.
• and not pedal legislation.
• </c> legislation and not pedal legislation. legislation and not pedal legislation.
• Old lo legislators legislators, too. Old lo legislators never<04:24:36.000><c> die.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:26:25.160><c> So,</c> this issue, you know, legislatively.
• So, this issue, you know, legislatively.
• In addition, we do fulfill short legislative data requests.
• And we fulfilled 13 legislative data requests in 2025.
• The report last legislative session.

Keywords: 0:00:03 - Call to Order and Roll Call 0:00:43 - Approval of October 14, 2025 and November 4, 2025 Minutes 0:01:15 - Acceptance of Office of Education Accountability Report: Analysis Of Student Discipline Data in Kentucky Schools 0:02:10 - Implementation Update on 26 RS HB 257 0:49:38 - Career and Technical Education in the Assessment and Accountability System 1:13:50 - Office of Education Accountability Annual Report 1:47:27 – Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Education Assessment & Accountability Review Subcommittee approved the minutes from its October 14 and November 4 meetings and also approved the Office of Education Accountability report analyzing student discipline data in Kentucky schools. The main presentation came from KDE Commissioner Dr. Robby Fletcher on implementation of House Bill 257, which he said has two major parts: selection of a statewide college entrance exam through a new procurement process, and development of locally designed indicators of quality for accountability. On the college exam, Fletcher explained that the state had to reopen procurement after Senate Bill 197, with the RFP released May 21, vendor questions handled through the Finance and Administration Cabinet, proposals due June 22, and scoring and review expected in July and August, with a vendor decision not likely until October. He emphasized that the exam is a norm-referenced college-readiness measure, not a test of Kentucky academic standards, which are assessed by the KSA. Members asked about the science requirement in statute, the possibility of multiple vendors or district choice, and whether the CLT could participate; Fletcher said vendors must address science in the RFP, multiple vendors could be possible, and any vendor could submit a proposal if it meets the rubric. He also noted that ACT and SAT differ in structure, that either can meet college-readiness benchmarks, and that there were no major complaints about the SAT during its first year of use. The second major topic was the locally developed indicators of quality under House Bill 257. Fletcher said these are intended to let districts measure themselves against their own goals rather than compare districts statewide, while still aligning with Kentucky standards. He described examples such as achievement, growth, student well-being, safety, fiscal responsibility, civics, internships, apprenticeships, project-based learning, and defenses of learning. He said districts may use local assessments such as MAP, STAR, and I-Ready alongside state data, and that local models should be developed with families, community members, and workforce partners. He added that KDE is providing technical assistance, has applied for a federal CGSA grant, and will use a one-time $15,000 cost offset for districts implementing local accountability models, with a superintendent webcast planned for August.

Transcript Highlights:

• 45.839><c> report</c> Despite a legislative auditor's report Despite a legislative auditor's report which
• They deliberately excluded us from everything that has led to this proposed legislation.
• They deliberately excluded us from everything that has led to this proposed legislation.
• He has developed his skills and work ethic over these years.
• My name is Ethan Vogel, legislative director with AFSCME Council 5.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Alex Lton, the legislative chair of the Hawaii Psychological Association.
• I'm the current legislative chair for the Hawaii Association of School Psychologists.
• with addressing misinformation ethically with addressing misinformation and<00:49:28.160><c> just</c
• So, given the schedule of the legislative process, we would likely know the results, I think, in the
• </c><02:57:45.800><c> we're</c> supportive of this legislation we're supportive of this legislation we're

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And as we have heard in prior legislative discussions, LGBTQ youth themselves report both sides of this
• users and multiple LGBTQ youth advisory groups, all approved by an institutional review board for ethical
• Yeah, it's, I think, part of what we mean when we say being more precise in the legislating is figuring
• I think the challenge that we have as legislators is that I feel like we're kind of beyond encouragement
• I think the challenge that we have as legislators is that I feel like we're kind of beyond encouragement

Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee held an informational hearing on the impact of social media on LGBTQ+ youth, focusing on benefits, risks, and possible safeguards. Chair members framed the discussion around the tension between protecting young people from addictive design, harassment, hate speech, exploitation, and mental health harms while preserving access to affirming resources, community, and crisis support that many LGBTQ+ youth rely on online. Members emphasized that the hearing was meant to inform future policy rather than relitigate prior bills, and several members of the LGBTQ+ Caucus attended or participated. The first panel featured lived experience and advocacy testimony from Madi Roby of Alliance for Trans Youth Rights, Shea Gardner of LGBT Tech, and Casey Pick of the Trevor Project. Roby described social media as essential to exploring identity, finding trans language and safety information, and connecting to Trevor Project resources during a family crisis, while also acknowledging online hate and bullying. Gardner argued that lawmakers should regulate harms more precisely rather than impose broad age-based exclusions, warning that account bans and age-gating could cut off access to community, privacy-protective pseudonymity, and crisis resources. Pick testified that LGBTQ+ youth are more likely than peers to attempt suicide, that social media can be both a lifeline and a risk, and that Trevor Space and other moderated online spaces can improve mental health and reduce isolation; she also cautioned against policies that would push youth into less visible, less moderated spaces. Committee members questioned the witnesses about algorithmic feeds, addictive design, age verification, and whether platforms should be required to do more to protect youth. Several lawmakers distinguished between personalized feeds and addictive features such as infinite scroll and autoplay, and asked for more targeted prescriptions. Witnesses generally supported stronger privacy protections, limits on data collection and use, better reporting and moderation tools, digital literacy, and design changes that reduce harmful engagement patterns without eliminating access to community. The discussion also touched on the loss of LGBTQ-specific 988 services at the national level and the importance of maintaining alternative support pathways. The second panel presented research from Common Sense Media, UC Irvine, Hope Lab, and LGBTQ+ Health Australia. Researchers reported that LGBTQ+ youth often arrive online with higher depressive symptoms and limited in-person support, encounter homophobic and transphobic content at high rates, and may self-censor because of fear of harassment. At the same time, many said social media helps them feel less alone and find affirmation. Dr. Sean Young emphasized a harm-reduction approach, noting that online environments can be designed to support health and that policymakers should measure whether restrictions actually reduce harm or simply displace it. Dr. Amy Green echoed that social media is both harmful and supportive for LGBTQ+ youth, underscoring that the policy goal should be to make youth safer rather than less visible online.

Transcript Highlights:

• The issue is not talent or work ethic. The issue is access.
• :06.240><c> work</c> The issue is not talent or work e work The issue is not talent or work e work ethic
• Uh the last legislative<00:32:16.559><c> activity</c><00:32:16.880><c> I</c><00:32:17.120><c> could</
• c><00:32:17.279><c> find</c><00:32:17.440><c> for</c> legislative activity I could find for legislative

Bills: HF3707, HF3732, HF2581, HF3731

Keywords: unemployment insurance, judicial officials, paid leave, economic development, worker protections, workforce development, unemployment benefits, youth training, grants, job creation, grant funding, revolving loan, underserved communities, disadvantaged groups, electrical licensing, installation, Class A installer, regulations, labor and industry, 1183

Summary: The committee first adopted the minutes from February 26 and then heard House File 2581, authored by Representative Frazier, which sought $1 million for Fortis Capital, a nonprofit economic development lender. Frazier and Fortis CEO Brian Smith described Fortis as a gap-financing lender that helps underserved entrepreneurs who cannot meet traditional bank underwriting standards. They said the organization has made 37 loans totaling more than $4 million since 2021, leveraged another $29.5 million, and created 314 jobs. Smith said Fortis typically charges around 6.5% interest, has had two defaults, and uses a revolving loan fund model that recycles repayments; members discussed how the proposal fits with other state economic development programs and whether Fortis should instead be part of a competitive grant process. The chair laid HF 2581 over for possible inclusion in a budget bill. The committee then heard House File 3707, brought by Representative Berg, which would extend confidentiality protections to unemployment insurance and paid leave judges and related staff by adding them to the definition of judges for purposes of protecting personal information. Berg and testifiers from the Department of Economic Development and MAPE said the bill responds to harassment and safety concerns, including threats, doxxing, and an attack near an office, and is intended to protect people making sensitive determinations. MAPE supported the bill as an update to existing protections for similar workers. Members raised concerns that the bill’s language was too broad, especially the reference to the paid leave division, and questioned whether it should cover only judges or also call-center and other staff. Department and committee members agreed the language likely needed narrowing and discussed possible amendments and whether to move the bill to Judiciary and then revisit it. No final vote was taken on HF 3707 during the discussion, and the bill remained under consideration for further language work.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the legislative role at this have.
• . legislation. legislation.
• </c> opposing the legislation? opposing the legislation?
• </c> legislate on HP 1179. legislate on HP 1179.
• </c><06:28:48.320><c> and</c> tests the bounds of medical ethics and tests the bounds of medical ethics

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:06.760><c> with</c> legislation with legislation with um<00:35:09.800><c> line</c><00:35:10.200
• </c> that asked me to file this legislation that asked me to file this legislation and<01:38:15.639><
• This will identify prior legislation.
• </c> to optins because optin is the ethical to optins because optin is the ethical way<04:50:48.400><
• </c> are you aware of any other legislation are you aware of any other legislation all<04:57:33.878><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Education Policy and Administration Committee heard testimony on House Bill 71, which would bar public elementary and secondary schools and higher education facilities from being used as shelters for certain non-citizens, with a stated exception for short-term emergency sheltering of up to 72 hours and for community-wide emergency use. Prime sponsor Rep. Juliet Harvey-Bolia said the bill was modeled on federal and out-of-state proposals and was prompted by examples in New York and Massachusetts where schools or other facilities were used as shelters, causing disruption. She argued the bill does not truly “ban” anything, but instead places a condition on receipt of state funds, and said the fiscal note’s projected loss of federal funding was unsupported and should have been described as undeterminable. Committee members questioned the bill’s scope and practical effects, including whether it would apply to vacant school-owned buildings, schools used during summer, charter schools, and situations where other states send people without advance notice. Harvey-Bolia said vacant buildings not functioning as schools would not be covered, and that the bill would still allow short-term emergency sheltering and community-wide use during weather events. She also said the bill would not prevent remote learning, and that its purpose was to avoid displacing students. Several members pressed her on the fiscal note and whether any federal or state program would actually be at risk; she said she found no evidence that funding would be lost and that DHHS had not identified a real threat. A witness from the New Hampshire Association of School Administrators, Jerry FW, raised practical concerns about who would determine eligibility at a shelter site, how the 72-hour limit would be enforced, and whether the bill would apply to charter schools. He also noted that remote learning is no longer an option in New Hampshire, making one of the bill’s stated concerns less relevant. The discussion also included clarification of the terms “refugee” and “asylum seeker,” with members and the sponsor debating the distinction and whether refugees are vetted. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> for</c> legislation strengthens penalties for legislation strengthens penalties for individuals<
• Uh, so this legislation establishes a lawful and ethical process for law enforcement to possess portions
• </c> on this legislation and are in support. on this legislation and are in support.
• So we are opposed to the legislation. So, we are opposed to the legislation. >> Thank you.
• So we are opposed to the legislation. legislation. legislation. &gt;&gt; Thank<02:50:36.560><c> you.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of legislation that this body passed in 2017.
• We are legislating, and that is the job that we were sent here to do, is to legislate.
• And so I think this is a good piece of legislation.
• This piece of legislation is related to IT procurement.
• suggestions to legislative council. that you can submit additional suggestions to Legislative Council

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journal, received committee reports, and moved through messages from the House and first- and second-reading business before taking up a long series of third-reading bills. Early action included referral of Senate Bill 1449 on elections petitions and signature gatherers, and passage of several measures on cooperative purchasing, industrial hemp, community infrastructure districts, parental school choice tax credit clarifications, open meetings recording rights, an advisory question on an official state gun, water skiing rules, and data center water use. The chamber also returned House Bill 888 to committee after concerns were raised about procurement transparency and possible conflict with another procurement bill passed the prior day. Several bills drew extended debate. Senate Bill 1424, which would have expanded dealer protections against direct manufacturer vehicle sales and grandfathered existing operations, failed on a 11-24 vote after opponents called it protectionist and argued it would limit consumer choice. Senate Bill 1436, clarifying cooperative and group discount purchasing for state procurement, passed after supporters said it would allow agencies to use competitive bids more effectively and avoid litigation. House Bill 772 and House Bill 879, both relating to industrial hemp, passed with supporters stressing they were clarifications for grain/fiber hemp and consumable hemp products, while opponents worried about THC and regulatory scope. House Bill 926, allowing counties to form community infrastructure districts in unincorporated areas, passed despite objections that it would accelerate development and increase property tax burdens. House Bill 934, making technical changes to the parental school choice tax credit, passed after a lengthy debate over whether students using the credit should still participate in public school extracurriculars; supporters said the bill clarified original intent, while opponents called it a double dip. House Bill 894, protecting the public’s right to record open meetings, passed overwhelmingly. House Bill 932, placing an advisory question on the ballot for an official state gun, also passed after a spirited historical discussion of firearms. House Bill 887, creating a limited exception for early-morning water skiing outside designated courses, passed by unanimous-consent roll call. The final bill discussed in the excerpt, House Bill 895 on data center cooling and water use, was introduced with a warning that consumptive water use by large data centers could strain Idaho’s aquifer and should be limited to closed-loop systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is my fourth term in ... legislation um because while we might legislation um because while we might
• </c><01:56:26.440><c> to</c> bill to introduce this legislation to bill to introduce this legislation
• </c> some um concerns with this legislation some um concerns with this legislation as<03:28:10.640><c
• Representative Gr... it says by vote of the legislative body it says by vote of the legislative body
• </c> their their budget and the legislative their their budget and the legislative body<03:58:46.600>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I served with the Division of Legislative Services.
• legislation that you've put forward are a testament to the work ethic that you have.
• This fine was not touched in last year's legislation.
• I said we cannot keep legislating this way.
• This legislation wasn't solely based on that.

Summary: The House received a series of Senate communications and committee reports, then took up a long consent calendar and several individual measures. Early actions included passing consent calendar items, recognizing Freedom of Speech Week and Juneteenth, and hearing numerous introductions and tributes, including remarks honoring House fellows, Father’s Day, and Representative Mara Gorman. The chamber also adopted several procedural motions and recesses, with roll calls recorded throughout. Among the bills considered, the House passed House Bill 134 on animal cruelty, increasing penalties for repeat offenses; House Bill 131 with Senate Amendment 1 on pet stores and animal welfare; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 320 on technical corrections to the Delaware Constitution; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 407 on technical updates to the Hazardous Substance Control Act; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 425 on salary supplements for certain school employees; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 450, the Road Delaware Act, on land use and permitting reform; House Bill 459 on restricting energy drink sales in schools; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 439 on electric moped and motorcycle disclosures; and House Bill 444, the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act, after amendment delaying its effective date to July 1, 2027. House Amendment 1 to House Bill 459 was adopted, and House Amendment 1 to House Bill 444 was adopted before final passage. The House also rejected House Amendment 1 to House Substitute 1 for House Bill 425 after debate over salary supplement policy for school-related certifications, then passed the substitute bill itself. House Bill 407 prompted questions about the increase in civil penalties, which DENREC said was intended to update outdated fines and align the penalty structure with other laws. House Bill 444 drew floor speeches emphasizing voting rights protections and concerns about voter suppression and dilution. The session ended with the House moving to recess after continuing consideration of House Bill 355, the Speaker Truth Act, which had just adopted an amendment changing damages language to attorney’s fees and costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• to review the legislation and the language of the legislation before they vote on that language.
• And wasting that money on doing this type of legislation is unacceptable to me.
• But we discuss as legislators, right? We discuss concepts. We discuss ideas.
• But they're all controlled by the legislative leadership.
• legislative session.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> days prior to the 20 27 legislative days prior to the 20 27 legislative session<00:04:02.400><c>
• Energy Justice Network Center and our Hawaii-based member groups are opposed to this legislation.
• As you guys can see from legislation I think was two years ago, the increased fines bill had over 600
• I think was two years legislation I think was two years ago<01:15:21.000><c> uh</c><01:15:21.159><c>
• </c><01:17:17.719><c> and</c> I think that uh our legislators and I think that uh our legislators and

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on Senate Bill 103, relating to electric vehicle batteries, and then moved to Senate Bill 995, relating to renewable fuel. On SB 103, the Department of Health and the State Energy Office supported the measure, and Redwood Materials said it supported the bill’s intent but requested an amendment to add a battery recycler to the commission. Other testimony on SB 103 included support from several individuals and organizations, with one opponent noted. A committee member also raised a possible deadline change requested by the Alliance of Automobile Innovation for future work on the measure. The bulk of the hearing focused on SB 995, which would create tax incentives for sustainable aviation fuel and related renewable fuel production. Supporters included the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, Pono Pacific, Hawaiian Airlines/Alaska Airlines, the Tax Foundation, PAR Hawaii, Pacific Biodiesel, and others. Supporters said the bill would help build a local SAF industry, encourage camelina and other feedstocks, and advance decarbonization goals. Several supporters also said they had proposed amendments or technical comments and stood on their written testimony. Opposition testimony argued the bill could allow toxic waste feedstocks, such as construction and demolition waste, into fuel production, and questioned whether the incentives would truly benefit Hawaii farmers or consumers. One opponent said the bill’s benefits could flow to the producer and to imported feedstocks rather than to local agriculture, and another questioned the scale of local land and water available for camelina production. Committee members pressed witnesses on acreage, water use, expected yields, the role of PAR Hawaii’s refinery investment, and whether the state would be subsidizing a business decision that might not produce significant local fuel. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do have a ton of respect for the sponsor of the legislation.
• That's this legislation. That's not last year's legislation, Mr. President. That's this year's.
• I will be supporting this legislation.
• This legislation, Mr.
• President, we go to our business: introduction of legislation.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of Justice's perspective, we are fully committed to working with the agencies on any potential legislative
• wondering if our medications will continue to be available and whether the care of experienced and ethical
• You dare have an opinion like mine on a piece of legislation like this, and there are consequences of
• And I need to know that information to color my job as a legislator. Forward.
• And I need to know that information to color my job as a legislator.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are Already preparing for our 2026 legislative session.
• So I just want to let you as legislators know.
• , the Legislative Finance Committee and your committee today.
• I know we didn't get it through this last legislative session.
• legislative session, again, were two things.

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair calls David Pettit with the legislative. Thank you Mr. Chairman.
• I'm David Pettit with the Legislative Budget Board.
• Is that going to be through legislation? Legislation and rule. And rule. Okay.
• Legislative Budget Board. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• The Chair calls Blake Fahl with the Legislative Budget Board.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, concern, can you tell me a little bit about recent legislation, if that's even been?
• That we can then legislate, the legislation together with. Thank you. river. Thank you, Mr.
• One of the things that that legislative finance report, Mr.
• Um, human trafficking, uh, uh, uh, that is a legislative priority.
• You know, what are they seeing, and we can't legislate that unfortunately.