Transcript Highlights:

• This program, I want to say, is highly targeted, accountable, and transparent.
• This is a good program; this is probably... Well overdue, excuse me.
• I oversee the therapy program and our outreach program.
• This program will provide critical support, mental health care, job training, homeownership assistance
• For example, $700,000 for homeownership assistance.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assistant Majority Leader. Assemblymember Hadwick, you are recognized. Mr.
• It is now prohibited to discriminate against households with rental assistance.
• It is also prohibited to establish a preference that benefits households with rental assistance.
• Rental assistance programs does not constitute discrimination based on source of income.
• I also think it's a great program because it's zero dollars to the state.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to land protection technical assistance to land protection and<00:02:45.560> restation<00:02:
• The LCCMR is likewise assisted by its own nonpartisan staff, including Mr. Compana and me.
• <00:08:43.839> own Mar is likewise assisted by its own Mar is likewise assisted by its own
• grants program grants program that<00:10:00.839> is<00:10:01.000> completely<00:10
• <00:25:40.840> do scientific and natural areas programs do scientific and natural areas programs

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , which is a federal matching program, the manufacturing assistance program, which many of you're familiar
• , which is a federal matching program, the manufacturing assistance program, which many of you're familiar
• , which is a federal matching program, and the manufacturing assistance program.
• . manufacturing assistance program which manufacturing assistance program which many<00:34:15.800>
• uh good jobs Hawaii program the number of<00:59:40.680> production<00:59:41.160> assistants

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That actually will be our phase three of our LEE program, or home setting program.
• That actually will be our phase three of our LEE program, or home setting program.
• That actually will be our phase three of our LEE program, or home setting program.
• > students provided further that programs students provided further that programs shall<01:51:24.079>
• and services and putting programs and services and assisting<02:16:36.240> na<02:16:36.519>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Ways and Means and Hawaiian Affairs committee heard a budget presentation from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands on its biennium requests for critical projects, repairs and maintenance, and operations. DHHL described its role in administering the Hawaiian Home Lands Trust, noted the large beneficiary wait list, and said prior funding, including Act 279, has helped the department accelerate land development and reduce vacancies. Officials said they have about 47,219 applications involving 29,548 Native Hawaiians, roughly 28 projects underway, and that about $471 million of a $600 million appropriation has been encumbered, with the remaining lapse-fix funds expected to be resolved before the June 30, 2026 deadline. DHHL emphasized that its current request would support additional lot development and could help produce roughly 6,000 units from the existing project pipeline, with another phase of requests potentially adding about 2,000 more units. The department said it is prioritizing shovel-ready projects, accelerating lease awards and orientations, and using a mix of approaches including paper leases, rental-with-option-to-purchase, owner-builder, and loan programs. Officials also discussed a shift toward denser urban development, citing projects in West Oahu and Honolulu, and said the department is working to reduce its vacancy rate and move beneficiaries onto the land more quickly. Members questioned why Oahu, despite having the largest wait list, was receiving comparatively lower amounts, and DHHL responded that land availability and cost drive those decisions, with Oahu having limited developable land and very high acquisition costs. The department pointed to land acquisition on Kauai and other islands, and to urban high-rise projects that can yield far more units on small parcels. Members also raised long-term maintenance and wildfire risk, asking whether current acquisition and development choices account for future infrastructure costs; DHHL said maintenance is a growing concern, especially on large unused or isolated lands, and that it is pursuing Firewise planning, federal funds, and partnerships to reduce risk. The discussion also touched on mixed-use and community-led development, with DHHL explaining that it leases land to nonprofit homestead associations under general leases with milestones, business-plan requirements, and land-use restrictions to support local services and community goals.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Max, after entire assist after you got that? Okay.
• So, Max, after entire assist after you got that? Okay.
• So, Max, after entire assist after you got that? Okay.
• the record I'm the assistant the record I'm the assistant commissioner<01:09:44.880> at<01
• > budget<01:54:57.280> assistant<01:54:57.639> is sure the legislative budget assistant

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in the federal medical assistance in the federal medical assistance percentage<00:23:14.320>
• New Hampshire legal assistance and New Hampshire legal assistance and throughout<01:26:10.440> my<
• volunteer programs.
• <02:14:19.880> in programs at the friends program in programs at the friends program in conquered
• <02:15:32.520> some different for every program some different for every program some programs

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: Division 3 Finance held a work session to move through five bills before noon, noting one member’s early departure and adjusting the order of bills accordingly. The first item, HB 54, would allow some alternative treatment centers in the medical cannabis system to operate for profit. Members discussed a fiscal note showing a one-time $133,000 cost, which was described as a Division 1 budget item to be handled through HB 2 rather than directly in Division 3. After discussion about keeping Division 1 informed and the distinction between retaining a bill versus funding it, the committee voted unanimously to retain HB 54 for further finance work and conversion into HB 2. The committee then took up HB 547, concerning reimbursement to counties for enhanced FMAP funds during the COVID period. The chair summarized the issue as federal enhanced Medicaid matching funds that were received by the state before authority existed to pass them through to counties, creating a disputed amount owed to counties. County representatives said the money should have gone to counties and clarified the relevant time period, while the department did not take a position. The chair proposed retaining the bill and moving it into HB 2, with discussion of a possible four-year repayment structure in equal annual installments. The committee agreed to retain the bill for continued work in the budget process. During the HB 547 discussion, members also clarified the fiscal and accounting details, including that the fiscal note had not been widely available and that some figures in the note should be treated as county revenue rather than county expenditure. Testimony explained that the enhanced FMAP increased from 50 percent to 56.2 percent, and that the state’s and counties’ shares of claims were affected by the timing of the federal change and the later state authorization. The committee emphasized that the issue was complex and budget-dependent, and that retaining the bill would allow further negotiation and incorporation into HB 2 rather than immediate final action.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you require assistance in registering or testifying, please contact committee staff.
• These programs help communities, uh, across our state attract and support high profile.
• So this change under this bill updates the statute to match current practice, simplifies the program.
• So I'd like to, to assist in that effort, um. No, thank you.
• The program consists of three separate funds the Events Trust Fund, ETF, Major Events reimbursement Program

Transcript Highlights:

• Through a nonprofit home share program model that already exists.
• Nonprofit home share programs help to mitigate some of these challenges.
• I'm co-leading a study on home-sharing programs in California with Dr.
• We're trying to do more first-time homebuyer programs and programs like that, programs that I also don't
• We're trying to do more first-time home buyers and programs like that, programs that I also don't qualify

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with the most detailed discussion focused on AB 316, AB 251, AB 474, AB 1201, AB 464, and AB 614. AB 316 would prevent AI developers or deployers from arguing in civil cases that an AI system’s alleged autonomy absolves them of responsibility. Supporters framed it as a narrow guardrail to protect families, especially children, from harms like dangerous chatbots and deepfakes; opponents, including TechNet and the Chamber of Progress, raised concerns about possible strict-liability implications. The bill was moved out of committee to Privacy and Consumer Protection. AB 251 would let judges lower the burden of proof in elder abuse cases when a skilled nursing facility or RCFE intentionally destroys evidence. Supporters said the measure is needed because elder abuse victims are often unable to testify and records are vulnerable to spoliation, while opponents argued existing sanctions are sufficient and warned of more litigation. The bill passed, with committee members emphasizing the vulnerability of elder abuse victims. AB 474 sought to expand nonprofit home-sharing programs, including tax incentives for low-income homeowners and changes to housing law and lodger rules. Supporters said it would help older adults and low-income Californians avoid homelessness, but several members and the California Apartment Association raised concerns about removing lodger-law protections for homeowners; the author committed to keep working on the issue. The bill passed to Human Services. AB 1201 would give courts discretion to provide family reunification services to parents with certain violent felony convictions, rather than applying an automatic bypass. Supporters from Starting Over Inc. described personal experiences with permanent family separation and argued the bill would give parents a fair chance when the conviction is unrelated to child safety. Some members supported the measure but questioned whether domestic violence histories should be treated differently; the author said the bill still allows courts to deny services when reunification would endanger a child. The bill passed to Human Services. AB 464 addressed sexual abuse and retaliation in state prisons by extending reporting time after release, adding 90-day monitoring after reports, barring rehiring of confirmed abusers, and strengthening reporting and anti-retaliation rules. Survivors testified about abuse, retaliation, and failures in CDCR’s response; the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 614 would standardize the Government Claims Act filing deadline at one year for all claims. The author and supporters argued the current six-month deadline for injury and wrongful death claims is too short for victims to learn the process, find counsel, and gather evidence, while businesses often get a full year. A civil rights attorney and a family member of a deceased jail detainee testified in support, describing how the current deadline can block meritorious claims. The bill was presented for committee consideration as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we do not take issue with the program that is sought to be established by this bill.
• ><00:16:39.800> to<00:16:39.959> help<00:16:40.199> with lot of really good programs
• <00:36:20.000> devices incontinent supplies assisted devices incontinent supplies assisted
• <00:55:55.039> um<00:55:55.520> Pro<00:55:55.880> program expenses programing
• um Pro program expenses programing um Pro program expenses<00:55:57.359> uh<00:55:57.480>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Economic Development and Technology met on February 5, 2025, and heard testimony on several bills related to economic development, broadband, tax policy, and family support. HB 455 drew support for a startup-business loan program, with DBEDT, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, and Hmua Collective among those in favor; Tax Foundation Hawaii questioned the need for a special fund. HB 437, concerning Hawaii trade/investment offices, received support from DBEDT and Hawaii Friends for Civil Rights, and members asked DBEDT about how to measure return on investment from the overseas offices. HB 650, dealing with broadband-related administration, was supported by DBEDT, the Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, and others, while committee discussion focused on the role of the state’s trade and investment offices and broadband administration. HB 935, on digital navigator support, received testimony in favor from DBEDT, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the University of Hawaii system, and others, but also drew comments about consumer representation and the need for service on neighbor islands. The committee also heard strong testimony on tax and family-related measures. HB 572, which would remove the grocery tax, received overwhelming support from groups including the Hawaii Food Industry Association, AARP Hawaii, and others, with testimony emphasizing food insecurity and cost-of-living relief; Tax Foundation Hawaii offered technical comments. HB 701, a caregiver tax credit bill, was supported by AARP Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and others, with AARP stressing the burden on family caregivers and Tax Foundation Hawaii suggesting the credit percentage be reduced to preserve price-shopping incentives. HB 753, another child and dependent care tax credit measure, drew support from AARP Hawaii, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and others; Tax Foundation Hawaii again raised technical concerns, this time about the complexity of the formula. After testimony, the committee took up decision-making. HB 455 was passed with amendments, including transferring administrative responsibility from the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to the Community-Based Economic Development Program, blanking out the appropriation, adding one business loan officer FTE, and noting a $95,000 cost. HB 437, HB 650, HB 934, HB 442, and HB 572 were all advanced with amendments, generally involving blanking out appropriations, moving amounts into committee notes, technical cleanup, and setting effective dates to July 1, 3000. HB 935 was deferred because of overlap with public library programs and uncertainty about federal funding for digital navigator positions. The chair also indicated HB 7 would be amended to add a nonrefundable family caregiver tax credit and related technical changes, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• who need it to assistance to those who need it to replace<00:39:25.880> tanks<00:39:26.880>
• Safe Tank Program, which is the replacement of home heating oil tanks for low-income homeowners.
• including that four prevention program including that four mentioned<00:46:02.200> safe<00:46
• 00:46:03.599> the mentioned safe tank program which is the mentioned safe tank program which is
• <00:47:05.280> primarily year spill response program primarily year spill response program

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on HB 660, which would require historic horse racing facilities to pay 10% of HHR winnings to host communities as mitigation. Representative Om said the amendment was intended to leave charities and the state whole while funding local costs tied to large gaming facilities. Supporters argued the measure would address future municipal expenses, while opponents said host towns have not reported current problems and that the bill would single out one industry. Members questioned the 10% rate, whether the proposal was retroactive, and whether it would apply to existing facilities; the sponsor said it would apply to facilities already in place or later added. The hearing was then closed without any vote recorded in the transcript. The committee then opened a hearing on HB 658-FN, which raises reimbursement caps and adjusts fees for the Oil Discharge and Disposal Cleanup Fund and the Oil Pollution Control Fund. Representative Malloy introduced the bill, and Representative Aly explained the funds as a state-backed insurance mechanism for oil spill cleanup and prevention, including replacement of leaking home heating oil tanks for low-income homeowners. Bob Scully of the Energy Marketers Association supported the bill, saying the fee structure helps fund remediation and tank replacement, though costs are ultimately passed on to consumers. Department of Environmental Services officials Robert Bishop and Jennifer Marts described the bill as extending the fee collection for 10 years, changing reporting dates, increasing the cap for low-income tank replacement, and rebalancing fees based on an actuarial review. DES testified that the actuarial study found the fund needed to remain solvent and that home heating oil releases are the largest category of new releases, with the fuel oil fee otherwise needing to rise by more than 200% to cover projected costs. The board instead proposed a smaller increase and adjusted other fees accordingly, while maintaining a reserve to cover the first days of a major coastal spill before federal funds become available. Members asked about the basis for the fee changes, the role of the actuarial review, and the statutory language governing who pays the fees. The transcript ends during this hearing, with no final committee action or vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• dependent on Mutual Aid and assistance dependent on Mutual Aid and assistance across<00:46:07.160
• The grant program proposed provides much-needed financial assistance to local governments and tribal
• The grant program proposed provides much-needed financial assistance to local governments and tribal
• The grant program proposed provides much-needed financial assistance to local governments and tribal
• <00:52:50.280> proposed emergencies the grant program proposed emergencies the grant program

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Programs... Programs disappear and support for students become thinner.
• They heard our concerns about having bona fide programs being accessed.
• ... ...established for eligible programs between program providers and schools.
• and repair program.
• We appropriated $150,000 to the program.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Assistant Pastor Jonathan Treadway, would you stand please? Associate Pastor Dr. Timothy Holtzclaw.
• Several middle schools are participating in the Youth and Government program.
• Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 4793, creating the Barber Apprentice Program.
• Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 4793, creating the Barber Apprentice Program.
• Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 453, to establish the Blue Envelope Program.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this does so by tasking FDACS with launching a targeted program.
• We're not saying forever... ...by tasking FDACS with launching a targeted program.
• So when these programs— is it your understanding that right now these programs are having issues or they're
• Always volunteers are needed to make sure that a lot of these programs work.
• Always volunteers are needed to make sure that, you know, a lot of these programs work.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several gallery introductions, including family members, university guests, local officials, and student groups. The chamber then moved to special order bills, beginning with two Open Government Sunset Review measures: SB 7010, preserving a public records exemption for certain Department of Financial Services receiver information, and SB 7008, preserving confidentiality for financial technology sandbox application records. Both bills passed unanimously after brief explanations and no amendments. The Senate also passed SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings for terrorism victims, SB 910 on veterans benefits assistance, SB 832 on former phosphate mining lands, SB 796 on general permits for distributed wastewater treatment systems, and SB 700, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill. SB 832 drew debate over a possible lawsuit and created a narrow strict-liability defense for landowners who survey and record notice of former phosphate property. SB 700 generated the most extended debate, especially over a provision removing fluoride from public water systems and related amendments on public health, local control, and study requirements; several fluoride-related amendments failed, while a technical amendment passed. The bill also included provisions on agricultural regulation, labeling, drones, lending, charities, housing for agricultural workers, and youth programs. The Senate then approved several claims bills, including relief for Darlene Angerville and J.R., Eric Miles Jr. and Jennifer Miles, and Marcus Button, all involving catastrophic injuries and settlements paid by the relevant public entities. SB 994 on driver’s license education requirements passed after an amendment that increased penalties for texting while driving and added a distracted-driving education component. SB 1718, preserving a public records exemption for minors seeking an abortion without parental consent or notification, also passed unanimously. Several other bills were temporarily postponed. At the end of the session, the Rules Chair moved to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, retain postponed bills on the special order calendar, and move CS for SB 7016 back to second reading; all motions were adopted. The Senate then adjourned until Wednesday, April 16, at 2:00 p.m. or upon the call of the President.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's $15 million, I believe, for low-income energy assistance, or utility assistance, $3 million to
• That's $15 million, I believe, for low-income energy assistance, or utility assistance, $3 million to
• We haven't even launched our program.
• So this is just a new program we're launching.
• Would you have voted to authorize such a program?

Bills: SB1024, SB1032, SB1059, SB1062, SB1064, SB1097, SCM1001, SCR1004

Keywords: roadable aircraft, registration, vehicle title, license plates, aviation safety, corrections oversight, funding, state budget, criminal justice, reform, appropriation, Department of Transportation, right turn lane, traffic improvement, infrastructure funding, transportation funding, authorization, road improvements, intersection safety, transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• and transfers all program responsibilities from ADE to the School Safety Center.
• It also allows up to 10% of the money annually appropriated for the school safety program to be used
• by the School Safety Center for program administration.
• Thank you, Assistant Leader.
• It allows WIFA to award financial assistance using monies from the Clean Water Revolving Fund or the

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The caucus began with introductions from pages and interns, followed by a procedural reminder on consent calendars and how bills can be pulled for floor debate or amendment. Members were told that third-read consent bills bypass caucus debate, while caucus consent bills may have committee amendments adopted together unless pulled. The meeting then moved into Minority Caucus Calendar No. 2. A large number of bills were briefly presented, with several members pulling measures from consent or voicing opposition. Topics included appropriations and federal monies accounting (HB 2148), a Buffalo Soldiers memorial (HB 2062), school library funding restrictions (HB 2008), prayer at school governing body meetings (HB 2110), school safety center administration (HB 2142), parental rights and social transitioning disclosures (HB 2249), insurer assessments (HB 2091), agricultural property classification and inspection rules (HB 2104 and HB 2105), firefighter workers’ compensation definitions (HB 2138), truth-in-taxation bond notices (HB 2289), late tax filing penalties (HB 2016), engineering and professional licensing reciprocity (HB 2122), felony murder involving an unborn child (HB 2043), body concealment and mutilation penalties (HB 2044), domestic violence order-of-protection service rules (HB 2048), mandatory reporting of partial-birth abortions (HB 2074), unlawful flight sentencing enhancements (HB 2108), weapons trafficking and fentanyl sentencing changes (HB 2131 and HB 2132), drive-by shooting forfeiture rules (HB 2045), probation review notice changes (HB 2046), venue changes for cases involving court employees (HB 2126), and child support for pre-born children (HB 2144). Members repeatedly criticized several abortion-related bills, the library bill, and the tax and agriculture measures as harmful, unnecessary, or unfunded mandates. The latter part of the meeting focused on water and election legislation. Water bills included snowpack augmentation funding (HB 2024), water conservation grant disclosures (HB 2029), removal of education/research as an eligible water grant use (HB 2030), stormwater recharge mapping with an appropriation (HB 253), cesspool remediation assistance (HB 2096), groundwater pumping limits in INAs (HB 2097), Colorado River litigation funding (HB 2116), and natural resource conservation board changes (HB 2117). Election-related items included moving the primary date earlier and changing signature cure timelines and observer rules (HB 2022), a memorial urging designation of the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization (HCM 2001), a memorial urging review of CAIR for terrorist designation (HCM 2002), and a constitutional amendment on citizenship, voter ID, foreign contributions, and early voting limits (HCR 2001). Members raised concerns about voter access, anti-Muslim rhetoric, and the practical effects of the election changes. The caucus concluded with birthday acknowledgments and an announcement for Muslim Day at the Capitol before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So many Texas employees who qualify for the program. program are not aware that they do qualify.
• So that the employee is made aware that the program exists and so they can take advantage of the program
• Separate from this program, it's a good program.
• Studies Program, which we all know as PAs.
• There are loan forgiveness programs and so forth.

Bills: HB42, HB 125, HB 1233, HB2853, HB3148, HB3326, HB3701, HB4066, HB4361, HB4762, HB4909, HB4912, HB42, HB125

Keywords: higher education, funding, financial allocation, state budget, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, education funding, medical education, osteopathic medicine, healthcare workforce, Tarleton State University, industry-recognized credentials, workforce development, career opportunities, feasibility study, student fees, university funding, student union, education, UT El Paso

Transcript Highlights:

• And if you're having trouble, uh, registering, please see our assistant clerk, Benjamin Barnes, and he'll
• assist you with your registration.
• and decorum, decorum during the committee hearings, and the chair may ask the sergeant at Arms to assist
• So it's actually a really good program that saves the county a tremendous amount of money.
• But again, happy to answer any questions about the program. All members, any questions?

Transcript Highlights:

• Proactive, excuse me, is our pavement preservation program.
• To maintain a healthy pavement preservation program. Mr.
• preservation program.
• This is the money that we program with your $65 million.
• The overload program, a beam analysis program, is used for these overweight permits.