Transcript Highlights:

• Avar to your question about compliance Avar to your question about compliance that<00:30:41.919>
• Then it looked at an array of procedure codes, clusters of procedure codes relating to treatment components
• <01:04:45.440> because Harvard Pilgrim in compliance because Harvard Pilgrim in compliance
• We don't even have that 90% compliance.
• We don't even have that 90% compliance.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Last session, Act 219 was passed, which updated Hawaii's civil mental health code, improved upon and
• c> which updated Hawaii's civil mental which updated Hawaii's civil mental health<00:22:11.000> code
• , health code, health code, which<00:22:12.240> improved<00:22:12.640> upon<00:22:12.960
• from these people to turn um, compliance from these people to turn in<01:19:16.000> their<01:
• >> It'll help us get more compliance because the penalties are more severe. >> I mean, if someone who

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 3123, which would treat free tuition or school-conditioned enrollment at private educational institutions as a conditional gift rather than a contractual obligation unless otherwise agreed in writing. The Office of the Governor supported the bill, and Kamehameha Schools and the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools strongly backed it, saying it would protect donor intent, preserve school-ohana relationships, and help maintain tuition assistance and educational access for families. A committee member commented favorably on the unity among school organizations, and there were no objections raised before the committee moved on. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2438, which creates a civil cause of action for interference with constitutional and statutory rights through threats, intimidation, or coercion, with private and government enforcement options and protections for constitutionally protected speech. Testifiers from the Community Alliance on Prisons and a know-your-rights educator supported the measure as a civil rights protection grounded in the Hawaii Constitution. No opposition testimony was presented during the hearing, and the measure appeared to receive general support from those who testified. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 3142, which establishes offenses for dangerous and habitual dangerous intoxication and allows civil protective custody and emergency examination in lieu of arrest in certain cases. The Attorney General, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Department of Health, and Department of Human Services supported the bill as a treatment-oriented diversion tool for people who are dangerously intoxicated and at risk to themselves or the public. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the measure, warning it could expand police discretion, burden emergency rooms, and function as a loss of liberty without sufficient treatment resources, while committee members questioned whether the bill would simply cycle people through emergency rooms and back onto the street. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided; the chair said decision-making would occur at the end of the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the position for one compliance officer that's currently down in three, starting on line 23,
• <01:49:11.679> for<01:49:11.920> these ensuring proper compliance for these ensuring
• proper compliance for these benefits.<01:49:12.719> Obviously,<01:49:13.199> those<01:
• That's a code of federal regulation with regards to that list being followed. >> Absolutely.
• That's a code of federal regulation with regards<02:35:09.040> to<02:35:09.520> that<02

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session opened with routine announcements, including new and absent members, a tribute to former chair Rep. Jess Edwards, and an explanation that Division 3 is advisory and will make recommendations to full Finance. Chair Mooney also distributed a self-created index to the budget binder and reviewed the committee’s options under House Rule 45. Members discussed scheduling a future visit to the Veterans Home in Tilton, with several October dates unavailable, and the chair said she would circulate possible dates. The committee also reviewed the second-year budget context and sources of funding, including surplus monies, existing and new revenue streams, grants, reappropriations, and the rainy day fund. The committee then took up several retained bills and repeatedly heard that their substance had already been addressed in the budget. House Bill 519, funding the Waypoint Youth and Young Adult Shelter, was moved ITL and passed 10-0. House Bill 547, county reimbursement funds, was also moved ITL and passed 10-0 after members noted the reimbursement had been included in HB 2. House Bill 570, repealing the prescription drug affordability board, was moved ITL and passed 10-0, with minority members saying they still believed the board had value but acknowledging the repeal had already occurred in HB 2. House Bill 704, concerning caregiver respite and senior volunteer programs, received the most discussion. Mr. Ripple explained that most items were already funded or suspended in the budget, leaving only the senior volunteer grant program unfunded. Chair Mooney offered amendment 2963H to fund the RSVP program at $180,000 for one year, contingent on surplus funds, and DHHS witnesses explained that RSVP is a federally funded AmeriCorps program that would be added to existing state licensing structures. The amendment was adopted unanimously, and the bill was reported ought to pass as amended on a 10-0 vote. The committee then heard House Bill 751, which would require licensure of outpatient substance use disorder treatment facilities and create an ombudsman-related complaint process. DHHS witnesses said the bill had been narrowed substantially from an earlier certification model with multiple positions and IT costs to a licensing model using existing department infrastructure, reducing the fiscal note to $211,000 for one position. They also said the ombudsman section was no longer needed because licensed facilities would fall under existing oversight. Members questioned how many facilities exist and whether licensing fees would cover costs; DHHS said it did not know the full provider landscape and that licensing revenue across the board does not cover the department’s costs. Rep. Daniels then proposed amendment 2964H to form a study committee because of the remaining questions and lack of a clear revenue stream, and the committee was still discussing that amendment when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:37:24.639> or<01:37:24.880> their because of their zip code or their because of
• their zip code or their ability<01:37:25.360> to<01:37:25.600> pay.
• Demand transparency, unredacted spending, proof of compliance to the legislature.
• <05:19:27.840> to<05:19:28.080> the spending, proof of compliance to the spending,
• and Human Services to provide compliance and Human Services to provide compliance uh<05:23:29.760

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Anything touching the criminal code, Tom would handle.
• um issues that come motor vehicle code um issues that come up<00:34:23.679> with<00:34:24.560
• <00:35:54.079> Tom anything touching the criminal code Tom anything touching the criminal
• code Tom would<00:35:54.640> handle<00:35:55.240> anything<00:35:56.160> affecting
• The reason for that is we have a large population of individuals who have violated the criminal code

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:38:07.280> and such as the Uniform Commercial Code and such as the Uniform Commercial
• Code and relevant<01:38:07.920> today,<01:38:08.159> the<01:38:08.400> Uniform<01
• This bill would grant legal rights to fetuses at 20 weeks gestation under the criminal code, which is
• Instead, its legality would depend on strict compliance with a narrow statutory exception, as you’ve
• Instead, its legality would depend on strict compliance with a narrow statutory exception, as you’ve

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• from the House and will be covering workforce-related issues, as well as the Business and Commerce Code
• We need visibility as well as compliance on the part of these large loads that are critical for grid
• So we need visibility as well as compliance on the part of these large loads that would have, say, this
• How is the PUC positioning itself to adapt to these changes while ensuring regulatory compliance and
• How is the PUC positioning itself to adapt to these changes while ensuring regulatory compliance and

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Other areas include construction coordination and management, conservation compliance, stakeholder engagement
• We are in the final stages of drafting a report in compliance with Ryder 46, which outlines the current
• And to my knowledge, there's like 500 different codes that they have to go in and plug into the system

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One central consideration in this work is compliance with federal and state laws that govern data sharing
• clients who had historically not been established under an exemption, good cause, or demonstrate compliance
• DHCS around the data that they can use for exemptions on their side, particularly around diagnostic codes

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One central consideration in this work is compliance with federal and state laws that govern data sharing
• clients who had historically not been established under an exemption, good cause, or demonstrated compliance
• DHCS around the data that they can use for exemptions on their side, particularly around diagnostic codes

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held an informational hearing focused on the impacts of federal HR1 on CalFresh and Medi-Cal, along with related state mitigation efforts. CDSS, DHCS, DDS, county representatives, LAO, and Finance discussed automatic exemptions, data-sharing between departments, county workload, and the timing of implementation. CDSS said about two-thirds of adults ages 18 to 64 are already known to be exempt in CalFresh, and that administrative data matches could newly exempt about 200,000 of the roughly 955,000 adults potentially at risk. DHCS said Medi-Cal work requirements would begin in 2027 and the department is working to automate exemptions, including for IHSS recipients and some caregivers, while DDS said its population is expected to be covered by auto-exemptions. County welfare directors emphasized that individualized worker contact is critical, that counties need more staffing and stable funding, and that without it they expect delays, higher error rates, and reduced exemption screening capacity. Members pressed for written timelines, county-by-county impact data, and clearer guidance; the administration said it would provide follow-up materials and technical assistance. No votes were taken. The committee then heard a separate discussion on a proposed CFAP expansion or “CFAP Plus” concept to provide state-funded benefits to additional populations affected by HR1, including lawfully present non-citizens and ABODs. CDSS said implementation could not occur before October 1, 2027 because of policy and system-design constraints, and that adding unique eligibility rules would increase complexity and cost. Finance cautioned that any expansion would have General Fund impacts likely in the hundreds of millions to multiple billions. Members asked for cost estimates and technical feedback on trailer bill language, and CDSS said it would review the proposal and respond. The hearing also covered CDSS’s CalFresh strategic plan and mandated reporter training updates. CDSS said it is hiring a strategic plan lead to develop a long-term, data-informed CalFresh plan, and that the revised mandated reporter training is on track for launch in fall/winter 2026, ahead of the July 1, 2027 statutory deadline. The training will include updated content on structural racism, ICWA protections, implicit bias, and the distinction between reporting and supporting families. Members praised the work and asked for continued updates. Later panels focused on Promise Neighborhoods, Stop the Hate, and housing programs. Promise Neighborhood advocates and CDSS described the state’s prior $12 million investment, a positive evaluation showing roughly a 4-to-1 return, and a new proposal to support place-based partnerships and community schools through AB 1969. Stop the Hate grantees and CDSS reported that the program has provided direct services, prevention, and statewide coordination to millions of Californians, and urged reauthorization before funding expires; members asked for best-practice language and discussed focusing future funding on solidarity work, harm reduction, legal services, and education. Finally, CDSS presented on the CalWORKs Housing Support Program and Housing and Disability Advocacy Program, saying proposed General Fund investments of $105 million and $55 million would prevent funding cliffs and allow the programs to continue through 2026-27, while the absence of new funding would force reductions in housing assistance, subsidies, and enrollments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then ADA compliance measures were installed, and then also security.
• They've gone through all of the ADA compliance. They've gotten security.
• you know, ...a bill that is modest enough to have a realistic consideration to be taken into our tax code

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ultimately, we are, you know, ADA compliance is an ongoing issue, right? It's never done.
• There are very specific code issues for schools.
• This is the Dean of Students on Instructional Compliance at the School of Dreams Academy.

Transcript Highlights:

• allows the State Board to implement modifications to DA eligibility criteria for reference Education Code
• more deeply with districts, a need to be more proactive with universal supports, and shifting from compliance
• be able to identify... ...additional above and beyond what is already required by current Education Code
• I think that's an Education Code. Okay, thank you. We can... I think that's an Education Code.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• allows the State Board to implement modifications to DA eligibility criteria for reference Education Code
• more deeply with districts, a need to be more proactive with universal supports, and a shift from compliance
• seeking to be able to identify additional above and beyond what is already required by current education code
• I think that’s an education code. Okay. Thank you. We can...” “I think that’s an education code.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on three education budget items: the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP), differentiated assistance/statewide system of support, and universal school meals plus kitchen infrastructure grants. For ELOP, the Department of Finance described the Governor’s proposal to provide $4.7 billion ongoing Proposition 98 funding and $62.4 million to set a minimum Tier 2 rate of $1,800 per pupil. The LAO recommended instead fixing the Tier 2 rate at $1,579, and committee members questioned how the rate was determined, how much funding is actually spent, and whether overlapping funding from ELOP, ACEs, and 21st Century programs is being tracked. CDE said ELOP is showing positive attendance and math outcomes, but some requested data will not be available until mid-2027; members also raised concerns about double-funding, transparency, and whether middle and high school students are being equitably served. On differentiated assistance, CCEE outlined the statewide system of support and the various tiers of universal, targeted, supplemental, and intensive assistance. Finance explained the Governor’s proposal to replace the current DA structure with a more stable universal and targeted assistance model, funded at $131.9 million ongoing, with a three-year support cycle aligned to LCAP and ESSA timelines and broader State Board authority to revise eligibility criteria. The LAO objected to considering the proposal before the State Board finalizes the new performance criteria, and committee members expressed concern that moving to a three-year cycle could delay support for LEAs that newly fall into need mid-cycle. There was also discussion about whether the proposal would weaken subgroup-based equity guardrails or give the State Board too much discretion over who qualifies for support. For school meals and kitchen infrastructure, Finance proposed $1.8 billion ongoing for universal meals and an additional $100 million ongoing plus $100 million one-time for a fourth round of kitchen infrastructure and training grants. The LAO recommended rejecting the new kitchen grant round because prior rounds are still being spent and the unmet need is not yet clear. CDE said prior investments have improved meal participation, efficiency, and menu variety, but many schools still lack the facilities for scratch cooking and face construction, electrical, and procurement barriers. Members asked for more data on how prior grants were used, which schools are benefiting, and whether funds could also support lower-cost food access strategies such as pantries, while noting federal restrictions on some meal-service innovations.

Transcript Highlights:

• and make recommendations to revise the prioritization of our HRF, then that would likely be in compliance
• So, exemption you want from procurement codes. here we go, we're starting from scratch here we go, we're
• c> procurement So, exemption you want from procurement So, exemption you want from procurement codes
• . codes. codes.

Bills: SB2069, SB2177, SB2342, SB2060, SB2544, SB3011, SB2061, SB2552

Keywords: SB2069, Hawaii housing, HHFDC, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund, equity pilot program, housing affordability, homeownership, first-time homebuyer, for-sale housing, transit-oriented development, TOD, transit-oriented development zone, bus route, bus stop, critical workforce housing, health care workers, educators, law enforcement, correctional officers

Summary: The House Housing Committee opened its Friday morning hearing by noting potentially catastrophic flooding on the island and acknowledging that some members were absent helping their communities, so quorum for voting was uncertain. The committee then heard testimony on several housing-related measures, with most bills drawing support from housing agencies and community organizations and little or no opposition in the room. On SB 2069 SD2, SB 2177 SD2, and SB 2342 SD2, witnesses largely supported the measures. HHFDC supported SB 2069 and SB 2177, and HPHA supported SB 2342. For SB 2342, HHFDC raised concerns that the bill would alter the Qualified Allocation Plan outside the normal open, public process required by federal law and could exclude stakeholders; Kathy Charities echoed those concerns and also objected to changing point allocations in ways that could raise rents and weaken long-term affordability. Members questioned HHFDC about how the QAP is normally updated, the meaning of the point system, and whether a legislative working group could mandate changes; HHFDC said recommendations would still need public hearing and board approval. The committee also heard SB 2060 SD2, which would create a mixed-income subaccount in the rental housing revolving fund. HHFDC said the subaccount would likely use tier-two funds, estimated at about $100 million total, to support mixed-income projects above 60% AMI, citing Front Street Apartments as a possible example. Members asked about project selection and funding needs. On SB 2544 SD2, OHA opposed the bill’s Chapter 6E-related exemptions and mandatory review timelines, arguing that burial review protections should not be weakened and that the SPEED Task Force process was a better venue for streamlining. The sponsor later clarified that the bill was not meant to eliminate the 60-day review process but to make the deadline clearer. For SB 3011 SD1, which concerns public housing and pet ownership, HPHA and several humane organizations supported the measure, saying it would help low-income residents and seniors keep pets and benefit from animal companionship. HPHA explained its existing pet policy, including deposits, monthly fees, and restrictions, and said the requested funding would support ADA-accessible pet areas and related administration. Finally, on SB 2061 SD2, HCDA supported the bill while OHA opposed it unless protections for Hawaiian Crown and Government lands were strengthened. Committee members questioned the project’s 60/40 split between income-restricted and market-rate units, the 10-year owner-occupancy restriction, and the procurement exemption; the sponsor said the exemption was tied to a real estate transaction and that the project would still use 103D-like solicitation procedures. No votes were taken during the hearing, and several items were left for later action because quorum was uncertain.

Transcript Highlights:

• higher education to violate state law or from taking adverse action against an institution for its compliance
• very thorough in going through all this and making sure that we didn't miss anything in any of our codes
• anything in in any that we didn't miss anything in in any of<00:16:57.279> our<00:16:57.440> codes
• 16:58.560> a<00:16:58.720> lot<00:16:58.800> to<00:16:59.040> go of our codes
• . there was a lot to go of our codes. there was a lot to go through<00:17:00.079> and<00:17:00.639

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the source of this fund again is civil penalties, essentially for violations of the Labor Code brought
• Services and the Department of Human Resources proposed trailer bill language to update the Government Code
• My understanding is that Government Code Section 3519 indicates that unions should have been conferred
• My understanding is that government code section 3519 indicates that unions should have been conferred
• We review our spending every year, but we haven't reviewed or updated our tax code in decades.

Summary: The subcommittee heard an informational update on the state’s generative AI implementation and related oversight. Administration officials said several proof-of-concept projects have moved into minimum viable product phases, including work at CDTFA and Caltrans, and that CDPH has a May Revision request for up to $8 million to scale up its healthcare facilities inspections project. The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged the administration to publish a report on lessons learned from each POC and recommended limiting the new generative AI approval process to a pilot through the first two rounds of projects, with continued monthly meetings and stronger legislative oversight. Members pressed for more transparency and questioned why the CDPH request was not included in January; the administration said the cost estimate was not available then and that only one project is seeking additional resources beyond existing departmental budgets. The committee then reviewed a proposed $400 million loan from the Labor and Workforce Development Fund to the General Fund. Finance and the Labor Agency said the fund has grown because civil penalty revenues have risen sharply, and the loan would be repaid in 2029-30 with provisional language allowing earlier repayment if needed. The LAO agreed the fund could support the loan but warned that recent PAGA reforms may reduce future revenues. Public commenters, including labor and community groups, argued the money should instead support labor-law enforcement and outreach programs such as CWOP, and urged rejection of the loan. Members also heard a Department of Industrial Relations request for $19.1 million for phase two of Public Works Information Technology System Enhancements, which officials said will support labor-law enforcement and apprenticeship registration. The department said the project was delayed because a prior procurement did not result in a contract award and that completion is now expected in October 2026. The committee then took up an EDD Next reappropriation technical adjustment to extend UI fund spending authority through June 30, 2026; the LAO said the request was fine but again raised concerns about oversight of the larger modernization effort, which EDD said now totals more than $660 million and is expected to continue through 2029. Finally, the committee discussed DGS’s request for new parking facilities near the May Lee Building and a trailer bill shifting statewide telework policy language from DGS to CalHR while also expanding NDI eligibility for certain CEA employees. The LAO said the telework trailer bill should likely go through the policy committee process instead of budget, and union and employee witnesses strongly opposed it, arguing it would undermine bargaining rights and could be used to narrow telework. In a separate item on the governor’s return-to-office order, administration officials said departments are being directed to move to a four-day in-office expectation starting July 1, 2025, but they had no statewide cost estimate yet because departments are still assessing vacancies, exemptions, and space needs. Members criticized the lack of analysis and said the state should have clearer numbers before moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we want to make sure that we are in compliance with both the proposition as well as the requirements
• We will need to continue to refine, particularly for specialty, what are those codes, what does that
• working with the committee, as well as other stakeholders, on identifying what are those particular codes
• , others that provided those similar services, or provided those services, and then the particular codes
• that would fall into the categories and be included... ...the particular codes that would fall into

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held the first of several hearings on the Governor’s May Revision for health care, with opening remarks focused on the state’s projected $12 billion deficit, looming federal Medicaid changes, and the potential impact on Medi-Cal, public health, reproductive health, and safety-net providers. Several members criticized the proposal as balancing the budget on vulnerable Californians, while others defended the need for cost containment and questioned the administration’s assumptions. The chair set ground rules for respectful, focused questioning and outlined three topics: the Medi-Cal proposals, Proposition 35, and Proposition 56. DHCS Director Michelle Baas presented the May Revision’s Medi-Cal package, saying the department’s budget totals $200.6 billion overall, including $45.2 billion General Fund, and that the proposals are intended to address rising caseloads, pharmacy costs, and managed care spending. She described proposed changes for adults with unsatisfactory immigration status, including a freeze on new full-scope enrollment for those 19 and older, $100 monthly premiums beginning in 2027, elimination of adult dental and long-term care coverage, removal of PPS/RAP payments to FQHCs and rural health clinics for that population, and a pharmacy rebate aggregator. Other proposals included eliminating certain OTC drug classes, removing GLP-1 coverage for weight loss, prior authorization and step therapy changes, reinstating the Medi-Cal asset test, eliminating acupuncture as an optional benefit, allowing utilization management for hospice, raising the managed care minimum medical loss ratio to 90%, reducing PACE capitation rates toward the midpoint of the actuarial range, eliminating the skilled nursing facility workforce and quality incentive program, and suspending the SNF backup power requirement. The LAO said the revised Medi-Cal spending estimate is about $2.5 billion higher than the Governor’s Budget in the budget year, and that the increase appears driven more by higher per-enrollee costs than by caseload alone. The LAO said the budget solutions are concentrated in a few areas, are largely ongoing, and should be considered in light of federal uncertainty, but suggested the Legislature could explore alternatives such as more targeted income thresholds for the undocumented expansion and simpler asset-test rules. Department of Finance officials said the proposals are difficult but necessary to address a third consecutive deficit and rising Medi-Cal costs. Members then pressed the administration on the methodology and impacts of the proposals, especially the enrollment freeze, premiums, asset test, hospice controls, PACE reductions, and the elimination of benefits and provider payments. No votes or formal actions were taken at this hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• would really like the opportunity to meet all the mediation needs in every county and in every ZIP code
• would really like the opportunity to meet all the mediation needs in every county and in every ZIP code
• would really like the opportunity to meet all the mediation needs in every county and in every ZIP code
• It's the staff who manage the compliance and the relationships. It's the accounting staff.
• It's the staff who manage the compliance and the relationships. It's the accounting staff.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The city must assume full responsibility for operating and maintaining the dam and ensuring compliance
• The city must assume full responsibility for operating and maintaining the dam and ensuring compliance
• The city must assume full responsibility for operating and maintaining the dam and ensuring compliance
• H.R. 7618, a bill to amend Title 54, United States Code, to modify certain cost-sharing requirements
• inspections, and ensuring compliance inspections, and ensuring compliance with<03:42:48.160>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 1012, house, all