Transcript Highlights:

• </c> legislature and while supported legislature and while supported decision-making<00:02:37.360><c>
• For many families, a supported.
• I would ask for your support. good bill. I would ask for your support.
• And I'm here in strong support<00:23:38.640><c> of</c> support of support of HF1861<00:23:40.840><c>
• </c> committee support. Thank you very much. committee support. Thank you very much.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm asking you to not support this Bill. >> Thank you. Thank you.
• I am a behavioral and mental health worker in Orange County I am a behavioral and mental health worker
• Dei is in support of local communities which is so diverse. Thank you.
• Florida waives in support at Mt.
• action waives in support.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• DCCA DCCA DCCA in<00:14:13.760><c> support.</c> in support. in support.
• . support. support.
• . support. support.
• </c> Surf parking in support. Surf parking in support.
• . support. support.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee met on February 5 and heard testimony on a long agenda of transportation-related bills. Early measures included HB 2392, which would create an employer tax credit for transportation demand management benefits; HB 2462, which would bar auto manufacturers and dealers from charging post-sale fees for already-installed hardware; and HB 2423, which would require diesel sold for on-road use to contain at least 5% biodiesel. HB 2392 drew support from the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization and one individual, with the Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation offering comments. HB 2462 drew support from DCCA and one individual, while the Alliance for Automotive Innovation opposed it. HB 2423 drew comments from the Hawaii State Energy Office and Hawaii Farm Bureau, support from Pacific Biodiesel and the Hawaii Transportation Association, and a question from the chair about whether biodiesel is exported; the witness said production stays local. The committee also heard HB 1771 on voluntary carbon offsets for air travel, HB 2081 on requiring firefighters exempt from CDL rules to follow equivalent alcohol and substance abuse policies, HB 2334 on allowing the Department of Transportation to assume NEPA responsibilities for certain projects, and HB 2336 on DOT agreements with the Department of Defense for work at military installations using federal funds. HB 1771 drew comments from Life of the Land warning that carbon offsets are often unreliable and could create liability, while Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines offered comments. HB 2081 received support from DOT, county human resources offices, fire departments, and county officials, with the Hawaii Firefighters Association in opposition. HB 2334 was supported by DOT, and the director said other states using NEPA assignment can complete projects in about half the time. HB 2336 was supported by DOT, HIEMA, DBEDT’s military relations office, and the Hawaii Military Affairs Council; the committee discussed the administrative fee as a way to recover costs under an intergovernmental agreement. The most extensive testimony centered on HB 1666, which would limit new motor vehicle markups above 5% of MSRP and require recordkeeping. Multiple dealer groups and the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association opposed it, arguing it would threaten dealership operations, especially in Hawaii’s high-cost market and for vehicles without an MSRP. The committee also heard HB 2375 on uniform towing and parking enforcement standards on state and leased lands, including notice, disability protections, payment safeguards, and public reporting; DLNR, DAGS, and several advocacy groups testified, with strong public support and concerns about towing practices and ADA compliance. HB 2415, which would appropriate funds for crosswalks near school properties, drew support from DOT, DOE, and the Hawaii Bicycling League, and the committee discussed how counties would request projects and how funding would be allocated. Finally, HB 2451, which would move Hawaii toward fare-free public transit beginning in 2027 and create a dedicated funding source through a petroleum tax increase, received broad support from DOT, the Energy Office, public health and advocacy groups, and many individuals; DOE testified that it currently uses about $2.1 million for student bus passes and that the program is tied to savings from inactive school bus routes.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would ask you to some Foley support this bill.
• Thank you. >> And lastly, we have Lena Rojas waiving in support from FSU. Very good.
• It would also support colleges across our state.
• And I'm sure that we're supporting him and his endeavors, really?
• And before I had the privilege of supporting President Parker and the college.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate their collaboration and support.
• </c><00:32:48.399><c> but</c> maybe um I don't have their support but maybe um I don't have their support
• I've been a heartfelt supporter, and I understand the negatives of it as well.
• </c> know say you know have negative behavior know say you know have negative behavior say<01:18:43.360
• </c><01:18:51.360><c> Uh</c> of uh raise the level of um Behavior Uh of uh raise the level of um Behavior

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please refrain from profanity or uncivil behavior; such behavior may be grounds for removal from the
• We support this bill.
• We strongly support this bill, and we support the amendments proposed by HECO as well.
• We strongly support this bill, and we support the amendments proposed by HECO as well.
• And IBW Local 1260 in support.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard testimony on Senate Bill 897, which would create a Wildlife Liability Trust Fund within DCCA for administrative purposes. The chair opened by noting the hearing had to end by noon because of floor session, and that written testimony would be considered if not all witnesses could speak. Testimony included support from DCCA, the Attorney General’s office, the Public Utilities Commission, Charter Communications, Ulupono Initiative, AES Hawaii, Hawaiian Electric, Clearway Energy Group, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, Hawaiian Telcom, and IBW Local 1260, with opposition or concerns from the Hawaii Association for Justice and some others. Hawaiian Electric strongly supported the bill and asked for amendments, saying the fund would help address wildfire liability, protect customers and the economy, and support restoration of investment-grade credit; it also proposed a larger shareholder contribution and said the bill was part of a broader effort to raise settlement funds and improve grid safety and resiliency. Committee members focused heavily on whether the bill would actually lower costs for ratepayers and improve credit ratings. DCCA said there was a nexus between limiting liability, creating a sufficiently large wildfire fund, and transparent mitigation requirements, but acknowledged there was no guarantee of a credit-rating improvement or precise estimate of rate impacts. Members questioned Hawaiian Electric about the assumptions in its cost comparisons, the 30-year securitization structure, and whether funding could be shifted later to shareholders after credit was restored. Hawaiian Electric responded that the bill assumes the fund is paid through securitization, that removing that presumption could undermine the credit-rating benefit, and that its models suggest credit-spread savings could offset the customer charge over time; it also said it would follow up with additional analysis. The company and Ulupono both described the measure as a difficult but potentially necessary way to socialize wildfire risk and avoid a larger crisis later. The Hawaii Association for Justice opposed the bill’s liability caps and raised concerns about consumer rights, oversight discretion, statute-of-limitations changes, and evidence rules. Hawaiian Telcom suggested amendments to clarify compliance with FCC pole-attachment agreements. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided, and members indicated they wanted more analysis before being comfortable with the bill’s long-term ratepayer impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• One area that we really look to and get a lot of support on this, because.
• It also goes to the early childhood trust fund, and I think now the behavioral health trust fund.
• Now, if you had support, that hedge might protect you to the tune of $2 billion, right?
• And what do they support?
• Our main way we support economic development is through the tax code.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Number two, we need to to truly support Number two, we need to to truly support interoperability
• So we'll continue to support that.
• So we'll continue to support that.
• So we'll continue to support that.
• </c> to support that kind of work. to support that kind of work.

Keywords: 00:00:00 - Call to Order/Roll Call 00:02:17 - Approval of June 18, 2025 Minutes 00:02:33 - Introductions and Discussion on Priorities 00:07:27 - Health Data Discussion-KY Health Information Exchange (KHIE) 00:34:02 - Health Data Discussion-Public Health Data 01:19:24 - Health Data Discussion-Other Health Data Platforms 01:42:40 - Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations (Except 201 KAR 005:010) 01:44:48 - Discussion of Optometry Regulation 201 KAR 005:010 02:25:29 - Hearing on Unified Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant Application for FFY 2026 - 2027 Funds 02:33:40 - Administrative Regulation 201 KAR 005:010 Vote Clarification 02:34:03 - Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Health Services met to approve the June 18 minutes and hear introductory remarks from new Cabinet Secretary for Health and Family Services Dr. Steven Stack and new Department for Public Health Commissioner Dr. John Langfeld. Both described their backgrounds and emphasized a shared focus on using health data to improve quality, coordination, and outcomes across Kentucky. They highlighted the Kentucky Health Information Exchange (KHI) as a central tool for connecting hospitals, labs, providers, public health systems, Medicaid, and other state and federal data sources, and said the system supports notifications, immunization records, surveillance, and care coordination. They also outlined priorities such as continued investment in KHI, stronger interoperability, privacy protections, and expanded analytic capacity to turn data into action. Committee members then asked about COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and informed consent, particularly for pregnant women and children. Dr. Stack said informed consent should come through a licensed health care provider, that Kentucky did not mandate the COVID vaccine, and that the evidence still supports vaccination for high-risk groups, including pregnant women, citing professional medical guidance. A follow-up exchange focused on concerns about past vaccine policies and the need for patients to receive full information before making decisions. Senator Heron asked how KIPRC/KIPR could be used to address firearm injuries. Dr. Langfeld said the key opportunity is to make data more real-time and usable for day-to-day response, while Dr. Stack said the department would continue its long-standing partnership with KIPRC and noted his view that gun violence is a public health emergency. He added, however, that because firearms are a deeply divided issue, the Department for Public Health’s current role is mainly to make data available for authorized research rather than to take a broader policy role. No votes or formal actions beyond approving the minutes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> to support the A10. to support the A10. All<01:17:38.040><c> right.
• </c> that is obviously something I support. that is obviously something I support.
• I mean, I support the bill. I support the amendment.
• I mean, I support the bill. I support the amendment.
• . support. support.

Bills: HF4382, HF2929

Keywords: child care, day care, child care center, family child care, family day care, group family day care, licensed child care, licensing modernization, early childhood education, preschool, infant care, toddler care, school-age care, drop-in child care, night care, sick care, community-based child care, provider training, staff ratios, group size

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:02.560><c> Technet</c><00:10:03.120><c> supports</c> House House File 3893.
• Technet supports House House File 3893.
• Technet supports thoughtful<00:10:03.839><c> approaches</c><00:10:04.240><c> to</c><00:10:04.480><c>
• our clinicians to use supporting our clinicians to use technology<00:13:37.279><c> responsibly.
• Um we also know not lean into supports.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , and care coordination, frequently without formal recognition or support.
• </c><00:44:20.640><c> for</c> greater awareness and support for greater awareness and support for educators
• </c><01:15:45.600><c> of</c><01:15:45.760><c> the</c> uphold support the Constitution of the uphold support
• </c><01:23:24.639><c> And</c><01:23:24.880><c> I'm</c> I can't be able to support this.
• And I'm I can't be able to support this.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a single section, a single amendment that I think more people support.
• Not everybody supports different ones that were being presented.
• We saw this in the managed care aspect within behavioral health.
• From my understanding, when we don't fund behavioral health and mental health care services, which I
• You've got analysts that will support you, help you understand it, help you navigate it, and then if

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Uh, in support, we have AARP Hawaii in support in person.
• </c> testimony in support. Okay. testimony in support. Okay.
• </c> individuals in support. individuals in support.
• . present, in support. present, in support.
• </c> support of this bill. support of this bill.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 963, which would make crimes against elders age 60 and over strict liability offenses by removing the requirement that the perpetrator knew or should have known the victim’s age. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that removing the state-of-mind element would create unfair and subjective results and suggesting sentencing enhancements or broader vulnerability-based language instead. Supporters, including Sandy Wong and another testifier with elder-abuse experience, said the current knowledge requirement creates a loophole that lets offenders avoid the elder enhancement even when they target vulnerable older adults. No vote was taken on the measure in the portion provided. The committee also heard HB 384, which increases penalties for promoting minor-produced sexual images, extends probation terms for felony obscenity offenses, tolls the statute of limitations during a victim’s minority, and requires sex offender registration for certain felony obscenity offenses involving minors. The Public Defender opposed the bill as overly broad and warned of absurd results, while the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney supported it, saying the bill addresses sextortion and other exploitation cases where adults solicit images from minors and that the 3-year age-gap threshold preserves ordinary teen relationships. Committee members questioned whether the bill was aimed at adults only and whether the age-gap carveout was narrow enough; the prosecutor said it was intended to cover adult predators and not consensual peer conduct. No final action was reported. HB 1100, which renames the Neighbor Islands Blind and Visually Impaired Service Pilot Program to use “low vision” instead of “visually impaired,” was supported by the Department of Human Services and disability advocates, who said the current term is derogatory and that the change responds to the blind community. The department said it was beginning work on administrative rules and expected to seek an appropriation, with implementation hoped for in 2026. The committee then heard HB 1283, exempting paternity proceedings from mediation when domestic abuse is alleged; the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and others supported it as consistent with divorce law and important for survivor safety. HB 689, creating safe harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical or law enforcement help, drew support from HPD, Emua Alliance, the Judiciary, and others, who said it would prevent traffickers from using prostitution charges to silence victims. Finally, HB 383, reinstating mandatory minimum jail terms for successive violations of protective orders and removing the court’s ability to suspend those minimums, drew opposition from the Public Defender, who said some repeat violations stem from mental health or substance use issues, and support from the Prosecuting Attorney, who argued the bill treats protective orders like temporary restraining orders and preserves judicial discretion within a misdemeanor framework.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, it's an issue, and some of that is just member behavior.
• We've talked about the options with CCJ of having a joint meeting with LHHS regarding behavioral health
• Because if we're not allowing enough discussion on any controversial issue, whether it's supported by
• I fully support that idea. Support that idea. Hell yeah, let's do that. All right, I'm in.
• Behavior is going to be what it is, and folks are going to have to take responsibility for themselves

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill No. 165, introduced by Senators Wynn et al., establishes provisions relating to behavioral
• makes an appropriation to the Office of Economic Development and the Office of the Governor for the support
• makes an appropriation to the Office of Economic Development and the Office of the Governor for the support
• Finance, eliminates a requirement concerning rates of reimbursement under Medicaid for applied behavioral
• , introduced by the Committee on Finance, revises provisions relating to the extended young adult support

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Research shows that students of color are disciplined at higher rates for the same behaviors exhibited
• about how community mentorship, workforce development, and cultural connection all play a role in supporting
• behavioral health.
• focus on worker wellness and training contributes to Housing Works' 97 percent retention rate in support
• During that time, Rod successfully bolstered statewide support for a bond intended to fund California's

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a support support, and I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
• This is support support. Thank you respectfully ask for your aye vote.
• This is support, support. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
• AB 91, the MENA Inclusion Act, has a support, support recommendation.
• This is a support, support bill, so. we're supporting it we have supported it and oh by the way like

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I support it. and this amendment. So, I support it. Okay,<00:02:12.560><c> great.
• </c> bringing this bill forward and I support bringing this bill forward and I support moving<00:03:11.760
• She's supported of the she is teams.
• She's supported of the she is supportive<00:09:34.240><c> of</c><00:09:34.480><c> the</c><00:09:34.920
• ,</c><00:09:58.160><c> allowing</c> other concerning behaviors, allowing other concerning behaviors,

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• in support.
• in support.
• Ulyssas Arias is waving in support. Anthony Verdigo is waving in support.
• Sarah Inslee, waving in support. You indicated—did you mean that in support?
• Nancy Lothar, waving in support. Amanda Longworthy, waving in support.

Bills: S0212, S0218, S0442, S0460, S0532, S0554, S0644, S0686, S0692, S1054, S1106, S1128, S1134, S1138, S1338, S1434, S1506, S1620, S1748

Keywords: sexual offender, sexual predator, sex offender registry, child protection, residency restriction, loitering, proximity restriction, public swimming pool, school safety, child care facility, day care center, park, playground, conditional release, probation, community control, warrantless arrest, background check, registry screening, minor victims

Summary: The committee first considered SB 1434 on infill redevelopment. A late-filed strike-all amendment narrowed eligibility criteria, including environmental and adjacency requirements, density and intensity limits, and exclusions for certain lands and military areas. The amendment was adopted without opposition, and the bill then passed favorably on an 8-0 vote, with testimony both for and against from advocacy groups. Members then heard several bills related to criminal justice, land use, and local government operations. SB 212 on sexual offenders and sexual predators was amended to add public swimming pools and related restricted-location provisions; the committee heard extensive opposition testimony arguing the bill lacked empirical support and could worsen homelessness and burden families, while supporters said it would reduce temptation and improve safety. The amended bill passed 8-1. SB 686 on agricultural enclaves also received a strike-all amendment clarifying development allowances near interstates and protected-area non-preemption; after opposition from a county Republican committee and support from housing and business groups, it passed 10-0. SB 554 updating nonprofit corporation law, SB 1338 on charitable giving and endowment restrictions, SB 532 on court fee retention by clerks, and SB 218 on land use regulations after hurricanes all passed favorably, each with little or no opposition. The committee also approved SB 692 on cybersecurity standards and liability after debate over whether the bill created enough compliance incentives and whether its liability presumption should apply retroactively; supporters said it would encourage adoption of cybersecurity frameworks, while opponents warned it could weaken local standards and create litigation issues. The bill passed 9-2. SB 1138 on qualified contractors was amended to preserve local government authority while allowing licensed professionals to conduct limited pre-application reviews, and it passed 11-0. Finally, SJR 1104 on religious expression in public schools passed 8-3 after extensive public testimony and debate, with supporters saying it would enshrine existing protections in the Constitution and opponents warning it would favor majority religions and increase bullying and litigation. The committee then took up SB 1106 on requiring state agencies and instructional materials to use “Judea and Samaria” instead of “West Bank,” with the sponsor arguing it reflected historical truth and opponents saying it erased Palestinian identity and inserted the state into an international naming dispute; the transcript ends during public testimony on that bill before any vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:31:40.880><c> by</c> but it was overwhelmingly supported by but it was overwhelmingly supported
• Would you support that? Could you see bipartisan support on that bill specifically?
• Would you support that? Could you see bipartisan support on that bill specifically?
• Would you support that? Could you see bipartisan support on that bill specifically?
• Could you see vice support that?

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Senate Republican leaders held a press event to roll out a package of anti-fraud proposals focused on state welfare and human services programs. Mark Johnson opened by citing recent fraud scandals, including a shuttered housing program and reports of vulnerable adults being left without care while providers billed for full services, and said Republicans want top-down reform, stronger accountability, new technology, and tighter oversight of taxpayer dollars. Michael Kreun said Republicans support an independent Office of Inspector General and argued the Senate-passed bill should not be weakened in the House; he also said the Senate should restore its role in confirming agency commissioners, especially at DHS, which he described as central to the fraud problem. Jordan Rasmusson outlined a plan to stop “blank checks” for DHS and DCYF services by requiring legislative audit review when a program exceeds budget by 5 percent and legislative approval for additional spending at 10 percent over budget. He also said DHS should adopt basic integrity tools such as electronic visit verification and client sign-off. Steve Drazkowski described two bills: a statewide “do-not-pay” list to block payments to ineligible people or entities, and an “I’m Not a Robot” proposal for Medicaid managed care that would require enrollee verification forms, with a 2 percent payment withhold used to encourage compliance and potentially fund county system upgrades. Mark Krueger said the state should improve technology and data use for eligibility determinations, citing other states’ rapid fraud-fighting systems, and proposed penalties for false reporting to the Legislative Auditor after a DHS audit found falsified site-visit records. Steve Gruenhagen said his bill would require DHS and DCYF to resume annual fraud-prevention and oversight reports to the legislature, which he said had stopped after 2017 despite rising fraud cases. Michael Holmstrom proposed unannounced site visits for all DHS and DCYF providers before enrollment, reenrollment, and revalidation, funded through provider service fees, and cited a recent case involving a woman with autism who was billed for far more care than she received. In the Q&A, Kreun said House Democrats’ delete-everything amendment to the inspector general bill removed the law enforcement division and stripped the bill of its “teeth,” and he suggested the governor’s office may have been involved in efforts to replace the bill with a weaker coordination council model. No votes were taken in the press conference.