Transcript Highlights:

• We are a statewide nonprofit, and one of our mission areas is to support early learning programs such
• </c><01:28:20.159><c> prevent</c> and has helped people manage and prevent and has helped people manage
• :25.200><c> program,</c><02:22:25.840><c> and</c> family planning program, and family planning program
• </c> program and how it's coste effective and program and how it's coste effective and serves<03:18:07.279
• ,<03:44:58.880><c> and</c><03:44:59.120><c> homelessness</c> programs, and homelessness programs, and

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• loophole and prevent dangerous disease outbreaks in our schools and our communities.
• It is my hope that we can be proactive and not wait until preventable disease and an outbreak occurs
• And it is my hope that we can be proactive and not wait until preventable disease and outbreak occurs
• This program keeps her healthy and safe.
• This program keeps her healthy and safe and meets all of her academic and physical needs.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing on several vaccination-related bills, including proposals to eliminate non-medical or religious exemptions for school immunizations (notably H. 2554 and S. 1557), a bill to require or improve reporting and administration of immunization data and exemptions (described as the Community Immunity Act, S. 1618), and H. 2431, which would prohibit COVID-19, mRNA, or gene-altering vaccine requirements. The committee also heard testimony on H. 2463, which would classify funeral directors as public health workers for vaccine-priority purposes during emergencies. The chair reviewed testimony rules and repeatedly asked speakers to keep comments orderly and brief so the committee could hear as many people as possible. No votes were taken during the hearing. Testimony on H. 2554 and S. 1557 was sharply divided. Pediatricians, infectious disease specialists, public health advocates, and groups such as the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Massachusetts Medical Society, March of Dimes, Massachusetts Families for Vaccines, and several parents supported eliminating religious exemptions, arguing that vaccination protects medically vulnerable children and adults, improves herd immunity, and helps prevent outbreaks of measles, pertussis, and other diseases. They cited local school data showing pockets of lower coverage and incomplete reporting, and several speakers referenced outbreaks in other states and the need for stronger, more consistent reporting and exemption management. Opponents argued the bills would infringe on religious freedom and parental rights, force families to choose between faith and education, and unfairly target a small number of families; some also said Massachusetts already has high vaccination rates and that the real issue is incomplete data or the gap population rather than religious exemptions. H. 2431 drew testimony from supporters who said COVID-era mandates caused job losses, privacy concerns, and harm, and that the bill would prevent future requirements for COVID, mRNA, or gene-altering vaccines in schools, workplaces, and public settings. Supporters described personal experiences with alleged vaccine injury or mandate-related hardship. H. 2463 was supported by the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association, which argued funeral directors work in infection-facing settings and should be eligible for vaccine priority during public health emergencies. The hearing featured extensive public testimony but no committee action beyond hearing the bills and taking questions from members.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a requirement that MDE research and identify alternative programs and interventions known to
• programs that and identify alternative programs and<00:53:24.320><c> interventions</c><00:53:25.040>
• Despite this high level of training in both crisis prevention and intervention strategies, the reality
• Despite this high level of training in both crisis prevention and intervention strategies, the reality
• implement evidence-based crisis prevention and intervention approaches, and use tools that are good

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is wonderful to see the tennis courts always being used for tennis and pickleball from early morning
• Ready Act because this program can directly save lives and reduce millions in health care costs.
• , and H. 1013 and S. 553, establishing the municipal reforestation program.
• even more cities and towns through its cooling corridors program.
• We need to scale up the programs and to make them permanent.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing covered several environment and natural resources bills focused on natural and working lands, forest protection, municipal reforestation, trail accessibility, and a park naming bill. Representative Moschino and Senator Comerford described the natural and working lands bill as part of the state’s climate roadmap, arguing that protecting these lands supports carbon sequestration, resilience, biodiversity, and helps prevent development pressure on the least expensive land. Senator Comerford also testified on a separate bill to expand access to trails for people of all abilities, saying it would build on the administration’s Trails for All initiative and create a permanent advisory structure and trust fund. Representative Consolvo and family members testified in support of H. 4259 to name the tennis courts at Wether Park in Roslindale after Kim O’Connell, describing her long community service and activism. A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 952 and H. 953, bills to protect watershed and state forest lands as parks or reserves. Supporters, including environmental advocates, scientists, and organizations such as Standing Trees, Sierra Club, The Nature Conservancy, and the Massachusetts Forest Alliance’s opponents, debated whether state forests and watershed lands should be permanently reserved from logging and other active management. Supporters said the bills would improve carbon storage, water quality, biodiversity, flood and drought resilience, and would protect large acreages of public land at no cost. Opponents, including the Massachusetts Forest Alliance, argued that sustainable forest management and a mix of reserves and managed forests are needed for climate, water quality, wildfire prevention, rural jobs, and carbon outcomes, and urged the committee to allow the administration’s existing reserve process to continue. The committee also heard extensive testimony on the municipal reforestation bill, H. 1013/S. 553, which would create a statewide program, advisory council, and trust fund to support urban tree planting and maintenance. Municipal officials and advocates from Wellesley, Cambridge, Boston, the Mystic River watershed, and other communities said urban trees are critical for cooling, stormwater control, air quality, public health, and equity, especially in environmental justice neighborhoods with low canopy cover and high heat. Several witnesses emphasized that consistent funding is needed because trees take years to mature and many municipalities lack staff or watering capacity. Some witnesses asked that the bill be funded at $100 million and tied to the Mass Ready Act or environmental bond funding. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• all kinds of programs, including the ESA voucher program, and so with that I am a yes.
• is a proven tool for prevention, recognition, and reporting.
• We should also try to strengthen prevention, intervention, and parental involvement, not create a litigation
• But these AEDs are extremely simple to use, and they’re programmed to be foolproof.
• Would you, and were you familiar with the ADOA grant program? Yes, sir.

Summary: The committee began with brief announcements, including an invitation from Chad Heinrich of the University of Phoenix to an upcoming lunch-and-learn on artificial intelligence and education, and then members and staff exchanged end-of-session धन्यवाद and appreciation. The committee then took up several education-related bills, hearing sponsor presentations, public testimony, and member questions before voting on each measure. SB 1497 would require larger school districts that operate self-insurance programs to obtain quotes for coverage and services at least every four years and to receive certain information from providers in advance. Supporters said the bill would increase competition, transparency, and cost savings for school employee health benefits; it passed 10-0. SB 1711 would direct the State Board of Education and ADE to compile and post age-appropriate resources on preventing and recognizing inappropriate contact, and to make those resources available to schools and families. Supporters framed it as a voluntary, parent-facing safety tool, while opponents argued it should include stronger evidence-based and trauma-informed requirements; it passed 7-3. SB 1798 would create a FAFSA awareness program recognizing schools that designate a FAFSA point person and promote financial aid completion. Supporters said it would help students access postsecondary funding, especially given Arizona’s low FAFSA completion rate and unclaimed federal aid; it passed 8-2. SB 1143 would require schools and districts to submit federal civil rights data to ADE and would require ADE to publish an annual school safety report. Supporters said it would improve transparency for parents, while opponents called it duplicative and raised privacy and scope concerns; it passed 7-3. SB 1684, as amended, would create a private cause of action against public schools for serious physical injury caused by bullying after a prior report and school negligence, with an amendment limiting the claim to bullying on school property or at school events and requiring written reports. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill 6-3, after debate over litigation risk, school discipline, and whether the bill should also cover private schools. The committee also passed SB 1754, which would require ADE’s special education division to help complete incomplete complaints, post redacted complaint reports, and adopt related procedures; members emphasized transparency and privacy protections, and the bill passed 9-0 after an amendment extending the posting timeline and clarifying report contents. SB 1423, continuing the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education until 2036, passed 8-1, with one member objecting to the long sunset extension. Finally, SB 1763, dealing with school district “additional monies” funds and financial reporting, was discussed with an amendment to remove unemployment-compensation transfers and require board approval for expenditures, but the transcript cuts off before the final vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cost and Coverage Program at UT Health Science Center in Houston.
• on preventive care and making sure people are getting care early on to reduce costs.
• treat conditions early, where early intervention.
• Prevention is the most effective and expensive way to treat conditions.
• Let's look at the outcomes not just for preventive care but even interventions.

Bills: HB138, HB335, HB388, HB138

Keywords: health impact analysis, cost analysis, coverage mandates, health insurance, legislative analysis, health care data, education, funding, classroom resources, teacher support, student outcomes, health benefits, provider dentists, payment reimbursement, insurance code, noncontracting, dental care, reimbursement, health benefit plans, noncontracting providers

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1557 informed consent, medical interventions. Health and even services.
• SB 1557 informed consent, medical interventions. Health and even services.
• SB 1557 informed consent, medical interventions. Health and even services.
• SB 1427, E-Verify program, license penalty appointment. SB 1449, asbestos program rules and fees.
• SB 1568, early ballot registration signatures curing. Judiciary and elections.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we are focused on implementation and trying to make this program work.
• Care Court is an unproven, costly, and coercive program.
• Care court is an unproven, costly, and coercive program.
• And like I mentioned, I really appreciated hearing your story and just your focus on prevention of long-term
• We have had early and ongoing discussions with the author's office and have provided amendments to seek

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The agencies and programs under the subcommittee's jurisdiction are the Department of Children and Families
• Florida's child welfare program is dedicated to protecting and caring for abused and neglected children
• Florida's child welfare program is dedicated to protecting and caring for abused and neglected children
• We are incredibly proud as a department to support prevention and diversion services, and we will always
• This includes preventing conflicts of interest, promoting accountability and transparency, and protecting

Summary: The Human Services Subcommittee held its first meeting of the term and heard introductory remarks from the chair, vice chair, ranking member, and members, who broadly described their interest in child welfare, mental health, aging services, homelessness, and agency accountability. The chair then outlined the subcommittee’s jurisdiction, including child welfare, mental health and substance abuse safety net services, domestic violence, developmental disabilities, elder services, and child support, and introduced the Department of Children and Families (DCF) as the first agency panel for the term. DCF presented an implementation update on HB 7089, a 2024 law aimed at increasing accountability and transparency for community-based care (CBC) lead agencies that deliver most child welfare services under contract. The department said the bill was prompted by forensic examinations that found problems such as noncompetitive procurement, related-party transactions, excessive executive compensation, and weak financial oversight. DCF described new contract requirements and monitoring tools covering board governance and annual training, conflict-of-interest disclosures, financial penalties for noncompliance, fidelity bond requirements, limits on direct service provision by lead agencies, related-party procurement rules, procurement thresholds, real-property approvals, compensation caps, expanded public reporting, and a new Future of Child Protection and Funding Work Group. DCF reported that some lead agencies had completed required board training, others were still on schedule, and two agencies exceeding the direct-service threshold had been referred to the Auditor General. Members asked DCF about the reasons for the bill, the impact on children, the work group’s regional representation, aging-out youth, the Embrace Families transition, board training requirements, and whether enforcement actions had been taken. DCF said the bill was intended to protect funds for children and families and improve oversight, and clarified that the Central Florida lead agency contract was awarded through competitive procurement rather than an absorption. DCF also said the board training was designed to be meaningful but not overly burdensome, with timing left partly to lead agencies as they implement the new requirements. The committee then heard from two CBC leaders, who generally supported the accountability goals of HB 7089 and said their agencies had already addressed most of the new governance and disclosure requirements. They reported that board training had been completed or was being scheduled, but both agencies said the fidelity bond requirement has been difficult or impossible to obtain in the market as written, though they were able to secure the separate performance bond. The CBC witnesses also warned that recruiting providers is increasingly difficult, especially for higher-acuity children and group-home placements, due to limited provider supply, regulatory burden, insurance costs, and rising risk. They said these pressures are contributing to budget deficits in some areas and urged lawmakers to consider the funding model, insurance and indemnification issues, and the risk of overregulation reducing provider participation.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1708 seeks to improve the existing homeless housing assistance and prevention program, known as HAAP
• And we certainly have not focused enough on housing prevention.
• and how we need to shift our strategy to focus and emphasize prevention more.
• And they're leveraging data to understand who needs the interventions and who doesn't.
• And through programs like the Encampment Resolution Funding Program, it's working.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And thank you, Chair Robbins and Chair Wolgamott and Vice Chair Schwarz and Coulter and the members of
• </c><00:48:28.240><c> And</c> instructor just to prevent benefits.
• And instructor just to prevent benefits.
• And one of them, the only one who knew, who had the credentials to keep the program running, was about
• c> existing labor and b labor uh and existing labor and b labor uh and budgeting<01:00:46.319><c> and

Bills: HF4479, HF4368, HF4889

Keywords: higher education, public university, college campus, postsecondary institution, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, University of Minnesota, town hall, town hall meeting, elected official, legislator, public forum, constituent meeting, campus access, free meeting space, parking fees, civic engagement, public outreach, chapter 135A, HF4368, Minnesota State

Transcript Highlights:

• Amendments 2 and 6 add Haynesville Junior and Senior High School and Lincoln Preparatory High School
• , Louisiana chapter, and the R.
• dust for years and years.
• And I think we'll have a commissioner here Monday, and we'll have discussions about his...
• We opened up a competitive solicitation and did receive their responsive and a qualified bid.

Bills: HB129, HB130, HB854

Keywords: HB 129, Act 783, highway designation, memorial highway, Louisiana Highway 173, Louisiana Highway 3194, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Dr. Harry Blake Sr., Virginia Green Evans, DOTD, Department of Transportation and Development, road signage, honorary naming, commemorative sign, transportation, HB 130, Act 124, Louisiana highway memorial, road naming

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on March 17 and first took up House Bill 129, which would designate a portion of Louisiana Highway 173 as the Dr. Harry Blake Senior Memorial Highway. An amendment package was adopted that also added a separate designation for a portion of Louisiana Highway 3194 in Shreveport as the Virginia Green Evans Memorial Highway. Representative Walters described both honorees as important figures in civil rights and community service. HB 129 was then reported with amendments. The committee next considered House Bill 130, which redesignates the elevated portion of Interstate 220 in Caddo Parish as the American Legion Post No. 14 Memorial Bridge. Amendments were adopted to add “Memorial Bridge” to the name. Representative Walters spoke in support of honoring veterans, and HB 130 was reported with amendments. The committee then heard House Bill 854, a specialty license plate bill. Amendments added several schools, made technical changes, required OMV implementation when statutory and system requirements are met, removed a provision allowing OMV to retain $1 per annual fee, and redirected annual fees to the Louisiana chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association and the R. Tamney-Fleming Lupus Foundation. Members raised concerns about the growing number of specialty plates and OMV’s ability to produce them, but HB 854 was also reported with amendments. After the bills, the committee received an update on the proposed privatization of the Cameron Ferry Service. The Secretary said the process began with an unsolicited proposal from Laborde and a competitive solicitation that produced a qualified bid, and that negotiations would focus on service improvements rather than guaranteed cost savings. Members asked about costs, maintenance, fuel, staffing, and the impact on travel times if the ferry is out of service. The Secretary said the goal is to complete the process by the end of the fiscal year, around July 1. The committee then adopted the minutes from the listed 2025 regular session dates and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and Interstate 22 comes through and and Interstate 22 comes through and Interstate<00:06:50.319>
• And owns in Walker and Faget counties.
• /c> development for them and and we've got a development for them and and we've got a bunch<00:11:44.399
• </c><00:13:36.480><c> and</c><00:13:36.639><c> military</c> apprenticeship programs and military apprenticeship
• programs and military enlistments<00:13:37.839><c> and</c><00:13:38.079><c> to</c><00:13:38.240><c>

Bills: SB337, HB520, HB75, SB337, HB520, HB75

Keywords: SB337, Montgomery County, probate judge, judge of probate, county officer compensation, salary increase, circuit judge parity, local legislation, county commission, general fund, public official pay, judicial compensation, Montgomery County Legislation, discrimination, immunization, facial coverings, healthcare rights, religious convictions, civil rights, Attorney General

Transcript Highlights:

• However, I believe the purpose of this one is worthy, and we are trying to prevent more trouble in how
• The purpose of this one is worthy, and we are trying to prevent more trouble in how we handle indigent
• There are critics of the LLT program, and so it has its pros and its cons.
• There are critics of the LLT program, and so it has its pros and its cons. We're going to be...
• program... ...has not worked in its previous incarnations, and those concerns are fair.

Bills: HB2735, SB5868, SJM8006

Keywords: family law, constitutional floor, legal standards, child custody, divorce, SB 5868, superior court, judge, judgeship, judicial vacancy, court administration, Skagit County, Yakima County, RCW 2.08.061, Washington courts, county judges, caseload, docket backlog, judicial workload, elected judge

Transcript Highlights:

• Close the vote and declare the vote zero nay, chairman sey, and zero nay.
• OK, there is an amendment, and we Will adopt the amendment.
• So you and I had a conversation on the floor yesterday about this.
• And members, we had a couple more assigned to the Committee.
• And with that, there's no other business. We are adjourned.

Bills: HB3724, HB3392, HB3466, HB4060

Keywords: high-demand facilities, electric utilities, public infrastructure, water management, taxpayer-funded subsidies, decommissioning plans, local control, citizen initiative, referendum, electric utility, large load customers, infrastructure, utility planning, electricity rates, cost allocation, data centers, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, ratepayer protection, HB3466

Transcript Highlights:

• And this bill is 99.9%...
• And my question...
• And this would be ongoing.
• Hearing and do pass and second. Will there be discussion or debate? There will be debate.
• I would hate for someone to run for this office and start promising X, Y, and Z, and somehow... ...get

Bills: HJR1074, HB3501, HJR1070

Keywords: Oklahoma veterans lottery, veterans trust fund, constitutional amendment, lottery proceeds, veterans services, military families, veteran assistance, emergency relief, indigent veteran funerals, veterans outreach, service organizations, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America, National Guard, Air National Guard, Purple Heart, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, Oklahoma Veterans Council

Summary: The committee began with HJR 1074, a proposed Veterans Lottery Trust Fund measure. After adopting a scrivener’s-error amendment, the author explained it would create a veterans lottery game as a two-step process: first establishing the trust fund and board structure, then returning later to authorize the game itself. Members questioned how the money would be appropriated and whether the legislature could direct spending, as well as whether the lottery would compete with existing education lottery revenue. The author said the intent was for the funds to go to the Veterans Lottery Trust Fund and then be distributed by the board, and argued it would create recurring revenue for veterans without relying on annual appropriations. The committee approved the measure 7-1 and reported it do pass. Next, the committee considered HB 3501, which would allow the ABLE Commission to issue multiple manufacturing licenses for one premises. A PCS was adopted as the working draft without objection, and the bill passed 8-1 after brief discussion and no substantive debate. Finally, the committee took up HJR 1070, which would require the Attorney General to be a licensed attorney. An amendment was adopted to change the required practice threshold from 10 years to 5 years to align with requirements for district judges and Supreme Court justices. Members asked about residency, whether the requirement would apply to current candidates, and why the change was needed now. The author said it would not affect current candidates but was intended for future elections so the chief law enforcement officer would be an actual attorney. The resolution passed unanimously, 9-0, and was reported do pass.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you all have not met him yet and have any questions, welcome aboard.
• We have a due pass and a second. Any discussion or debate?
• So the goal is, and that's due to unnecessary rules and regulations around similar devices.
• Close the vote and declare the vote. Close the vote and declare the vote. Eight, yay, zero nay.
• And with that, there's no other business. We are adjourned.

Bills: HB3724, HB3392, HB3466, HB4060

Keywords: high-demand facilities, electric utilities, public infrastructure, water management, taxpayer-funded subsidies, decommissioning plans, local control, citizen initiative, referendum, electric utility, large load customers, infrastructure, utility planning, electricity rates, cost allocation, data centers, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, ratepayer protection, HB3466

Summary: The committee first announced that House Bill 3724 would be laid over at the author’s request and not heard. House Bill 3392, by Representative Clinton, passed 7-0 after brief discussion; it directs the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to study large-load electric customers, including defining them, assessing their grid impact, and evaluating cost allocation, while not interfering with any OCC rulemaking already underway. Chairman Bowles then presented House Bill 3466, a Corporation Commission request bill to remove an obsolete petty cash fund from statute. It passed 7-0 with no debate. House Bill 4060, by Representative Alonzo, was amended to remove a section dealing with homeownership regulations; the bill then advanced after discussion focused on small plug-in solar devices, their safety features, and the intent to clarify that such devices would not be treated as improper grid interconnections or subjected to burdensome utility or OCC requirements. Members raised questions about backfeeding and line-worker safety, and the sponsor said the devices would have anti-islanding protections and would not send power back into the grid. The committee approved HB 4060 8-0. The chair noted that several additional bills were assigned and expected next week, and the meeting adjourned with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is primarily to be used by our research and program evaluation division as they decide the economic
• </c><00:06:36.560><c> program</c><00:06:36.960><c> evaluation</c> uh research and program evaluation
• uh research and program evaluation division<00:06:38.800><c> as</c><00:06:39.199><c> they</c><00:06:40.000
• done and then, so then when the member asks for, do a 5% increase, and they get the number and they
• &gt;&gt; And &gt;&gt; And &gt;&gt; And &gt;&gt; I great<00:13:29.839><c> and</c><00:13:30.079><c> we'll

Bills: HB0105, HB0107, SF0002

Keywords: K-12 education, school facilities, security improvements, public funding, state appropriations, school construction, local government funding, sales tax distribution, municipal funding, economic equity, state revenue, Wyoming Legislature, legislative appropriations, Legislative Service Office, LSO budget, general fund, biennial budget, legislative branch, legislator travel, per diem

Transcript Highlights:

• buildings and leases shall revert to the school foundation program on June 30th, 2028."
• And we're trying to figure out how we can have a long-term sustainable way to fund that program.
• And we're trying to figure out how we can have a long-term sustainable way to fund that program.
• And we're trying to figure out how we can have a long-term sustainable way to fund that program.
• And we're trying to figure out how we can have a long-term sustainable way to fund that program.

Bills: HB0105, HB0107, SF0002

Keywords: K-12 education, school facilities, security improvements, public funding, state appropriations, school construction, local government funding, sales tax distribution, municipal funding, economic equity, state revenue, Wyoming Legislature, legislative appropriations, Legislative Service Office, LSO budget, general fund, biennial budget, legislative branch, legislator travel, per diem

Transcript Highlights:

• > USDA</c> programs and agreements within USDA programs and agreements within USDA partners<00:02:46.000
• </c> federal funding and program continuity. federal funding and program continuity.
• Um, and for that reason, I I programs.
• </c><00:36:43.280><c> prevent</c> improve coordination and prevent improve coordination and prevent conflicts
• </c><01:36:53.760><c> prevent</c> coconut renos be spetle uh and prevent coconut renos be spetle uh and

Bills: SB2350, SB2349, SB2407, SB3320

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

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