Transcript Highlights:

• All right.<00:02:06.079><c> Why</c><00:02:06.240><c> don't</c><00:02:06.399><c> you</c><00:02:06.560>
• </c><00:02:13.040><c> I</c><00:02:13.280><c> am</c><00:02:13.440><c> an</c><00:02:13.599><c> attorney
• And<00:02:20.800><c> hold</c><00:02:21.120><c> on.
• </c><00:02:21.680><c> Let's</c><00:02:22.000><c> see</c><00:02:22.080><c> if</c><00:02:22.319><c> we<
• /c><00:02:22.480><c> can</c><00:02:22.720><c> get</c> Is<00:02:30.879><c> that</c><00:02:31.200><c> bad

Committee: Senate Licensing & Occupations

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• name<00:02:06.680><c> is</c><00:02:06.799><c> Jared</c><00:02:07.079><c> rulla</c><00:02:07.479><c>
• </c><00:02:33.760><c> my</c><00:02:33.879><c> name</c><00:02:34.000><c> is</c><00:02:34.160><c> Haley
• :02:35.760><c> of</c><00:02:35.920><c> the</c><00:02:36.360><c> uh</c><00:02:36.680><c> Office</c><00
• of the<00:02:37.200><c> public</c><00:02:37.680><c> defender</c><00:02:38.680><c> um</c><00:02:39.480
• <00:02:45.480><c> see</c><00:02:45.720><c> it</c><00:02:46.720><c> um</c><00:02:47.480><c> you</c><00

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several fireworks-related bills. On HB 550, which would allow law enforcement to use drone recordings to establish probable cause for fireworks arrests in public areas and appropriate funds for drones, the Department of Law Enforcement and Honolulu Police Department supported the measure. The Public Defender and some public testifiers opposed it, arguing that a statute cannot mandate probable cause and that the bill raises constitutional concerns. A prosecutor later explained that the bill is intended to address Hawaiʻi case law, especially State v. Kit, which limits aerial surveillance over homes under the state constitution, and suggested that changing “shall” to “may” could reduce constitutional problems. Members also questioned whether current law already allows video evidence of fireworks violations and whether the bill was necessary. Testimony included both support and opposition from individuals and organizations, and no vote was taken during the hearing. The committees then heard HB 806, which would appropriate funds for the Department of Law Enforcement to conduct sting operations on Oʻahu to enforce fireworks laws. The department and police supported the bill, while the Libertarian Party of Hawaiʻi opposed it, arguing that fireworks are already illegal and that the measure adds unnecessary enforcement powers and constitutional risk. Committee members asked what “sting operation” means and whether the term should be defined more clearly; the department said it refers to police or criminal investigations involving deception and agreed a definition would help guide use of the funds. The department also said the funding would support training, storage, and other operational costs for undercover investigations. Finally, the committees heard HB 1483, a broader fireworks enforcement bill that would create an adjudication system for fireworks infractions, revise definitions and penalties, establish new offenses, and increase penalties when fireworks offenses cause injury or death. The Attorney General’s office strongly supported the bill, saying it would improve enforcement by clarifying definitions and allowing cases to be proven without particle testing or expert witnesses when fireworks leave no physical evidence. The Department of Law Enforcement also supported it. The Public Defender opposed the bill, focusing on the bill’s penalty enhancements for offenses that are rarely enforced and its concurrent trial provision, which it said raises problems because of the differences between civil and criminal proceedings. No final committee action or vote was reported in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• but families not spelled out in statute but families may<01:02:38.400><c> take</c><01:02:38.640><c>
• a</c><01:02:38.880><c> small</c><01:02:39.119><c> amount</c><01:02:39.520><c> home</c><01:02:39.920><
• ><c> result</c><01:02:43.839><c> because</c><01:02:44.079><c> you</c><01:02:44.319><c> add</c><01:02:
• Um, so<01:02:49.040><c> families</c><01:02:49.520><c> may</c><01:02:49.839><c> take</c><01:02:50.079>
• Um<02:16:56.160><c> so</c><02:16:56.399><c> we</c><02:16:56.639><c> have</c><02:16:56.800><c> a</c><02

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee began a work session on House Bill 1600, concerning access to the centralized voter registration database on election days. Secretary of State David Scanlan testified that the state already has a new statewide voter registration system connected to town clerks and supervisors of the checklist, and that the bill was probably unnecessary but acceptable if the legislature wanted it. He raised concern about language that could require direct electronic access in every polling place, noting that some polling locations lack reliable internet or cell service and that municipalities can change polling locations, which could make a rigid requirement expensive and impractical. Members discussed whether the bill should be clarified to allow direct or indirect access, including use of a phone-based workaround, and the secretary said that would address his concern. The committee then voted on HB 1600. Representative Maguire moved ought to pass with an amendment adding “direct or indirect access” on page one, line seven, and the motion was seconded. The amendment was adopted 9-0 by voice vote, and the committee then voted 9-0 to OTP the bill. The chair stated that HB 1600 would be placed on consent. The committee next took up House Bill 1197F FN, a technical correction to insurance laws. Members noted it had already passed the House with amendment and that the fiscal note was effectively indeterminate but would not affect the general fund because the insurance agency is self-funded. The committee voted 9-0 to OTP the bill; the chair said consent calendar placement would be decided by the full committee. Finally, the committee opened a work session on House Bill 11:30 FN regarding judicial performance evaluations. Representative Lynn, the bill’s sponsor, argued that the fiscal note overstated the immediate cost and said the judicial branch could likely manage through the current biennium while implementing the new system. He also supported making judges’ names public and said the bill’s anonymity provisions were aimed at protecting the identities of questionnaire respondents, not the judges being evaluated. Members asked about public disclosure, internal access to evaluation materials, and the removal of language allowing the governor and executive council to receive evaluations on request; discussion continued on those points, but no final vote on HB 11:30 FN was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><02:06:21.119><c> that</c><02:06:21.280><c> in</c><02:06:21.719><c> the</c><02:06:22.280><c> statute
• <c> statute</c><02:06:38.719><c> is</c><02:06:38.880><c> actually</c><02:06:39.079><c> about</c><02:06
• :39.280><c> the</c> the statute is actually about the the statute is actually about the members<02:06
• </c><02:38:44.640><c> with</c><02:38:44.800><c> statute</c><02:38:45.720><c> 467</c><02:38:46.720><c>
• e-7</c> statute compliance with statute 467 e-7 statute compliance with statute 467 e-7 as<02:38:47.800

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety met on January 31, 2025, and first heard House Bill 1062, a housekeeping measure relating to the Hawaii Air National Guard. Testimony in support came from representatives of the Adjutant General and other National Guard witnesses. A member raised a technical question about language allowing the Guard to hold the rank authorized by the Department of the Air Force, and the response was that the bill should not require additional HR language; no vote was taken. The committee then heard House Bill 674, which would authorize allowances for TRICARE dental and vision coverage for Hawaii National Guard personnel ordered to active duty for more than 30 days. The Department of Defense supported the bill through Brigadier General Ross, Director of Joint Staff, and Terry Heiti also testified in support. There were no questions or action taken on the measure. House Bill 652, relating to veterans’ rights and benefits and regulating compensation for advice or assistance on veterans’ benefits, drew the most discussion. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Hawaii supported the bill, arguing it would protect veterans from illegal or exploitative practices and noting its own service to more than 2,000 veterans in fiscal year 2024. Opposition came from the National Association for Veterans Rights and Veteran Benefits Guide, which argued the bill would restrict access to needed services and that some for-profit providers operate legally and should not be barred. Committee members questioned the scope of the bill, accreditation requirements, and whether nonprofit or pro bono services would be affected. A Department of Defense veteran services official said veterans can be vulnerable to exploitation and that some legal fee arrangements can be abusive, while also noting pro bono options exist. The committee did not reach a decision on the bill during the excerpt. The committee also began hearing House Bill 1058, which would create a veteran cemetery board within the Office of Veteran Services to help state veteran cemeteries comply with federal standards. The Office of Veteran Services and Terry Heiti testified in support. Members asked about the board’s membership, timeline, and consultant selection, and were told the working group was still in an organizational stage and no construction timeline had been set. The final measure discussed was House Bill 503, which would appropriate funds for a consultant to evaluate locations and designs for a Hawaii First Responders Memorial. The Department of Accounting and General Services supported the bill, and testimony in support was received from county and city officials, UPW Hawaii, and individuals. Members asked about the working group, timeline, and budget, and were told the project was still in early planning; no final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:25.200><c> That's</c><00:02:25.440><c> everybody</c><00:02:25.760><c> who</c><00:02:25.920
• </c><00:02:27.760><c> Is</c><00:02:27.920><c> anyone</c><00:02:28.239><c> else</c><00:02:28.400><c> wish
• Um, seeing none,<00:02:32.000><c> if</c><00:02:32.239><c> the</c><00:02:32.560><c> nominee</c><00:02:
• 32.959><c> would</c><00:02:33.200><c> like</c><00:02:33.280><c> to</c><00:02:33.440><c> come</c> none
• c><00:02:34.000><c> make</c><00:02:34.160><c> a</c><00:02:34.400><c> statement</c><00:02:35.120><c> after

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Governor’s Message 666, the nomination of Rose Kea to the Commission on the Status of Women for a term ending June 30, 2029. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from business and community members, and Kea described her background as a real estate broker, small business owner, and nonprofit volunteer leader, saying her experience with workplace equity and women-owned businesses would help the commission. Senators questioned her about the connection between her background and the commission’s work, and about how she would respond to current threats to women’s rights; she said the commission should serve as a unifying and leading force for gender equity. The committee later voted to advise and consent, with the chair’s recommendation adopted. The committee also considered SCR 128 and SR 107, which sought information on state lands leased to the federal government. The Department of the Attorney General opposed the resolutions as drafted, saying the AG does not maintain the lease inventory and that the request should instead go to the agencies that manage the land, such as DLNR, DOE, and DOT. The committee amended the measures to ask the AG to determine whether there are constitutional or other legal impediments to continued leasing or new leases, including whether nominal lease amounts violate law, and then passed both with amendments. Next, the committee took up STR 153 and SR 123, which request the County of Maui to complete the transfer of the Hoie roads, including Hoie Road F, to resolve jurisdictional ambiguities. The judiciary administrator testified in support, and the measures were passed, with the committee adopting the chair’s recommendation. Finally, the committee heard STR 179 and SR 149 on reviewing the Hawaii Revised Statutes for gender-neutral language. The LGBTQ+ Commission and the Commission on the Status of Women supported the effort, though the women’s commission asked for more time and a set date to dissolve the work group. The committee amended the resolutions to assign the review to the Legislative Reference Bureau, with consultation from the LGBTQ+ Commission, the Commission on the Status of Women, civil rights experts, and law-related organizations, and set interim and final reporting deadlines before passing the measures with amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do<00:02:04.479><c> just</c><00:02:04.640><c> a</c><00:02:04.880><c> couple</c><00:02:05.040><c> of
• </c><00:02:08.160><c> Um,</c><00:02:08.800><c> so</c><00:02:09.039><c> in</c><00:02:09.280><c> your</
• <00:02:11.920><c> kind</c><00:02:12.160><c> of</c><00:02:12.239><c> thick</c><00:02:12.640><c> this</
• :02:17.360><c> from</c><00:02:17.599><c> a</c><00:02:17.760><c> lot</c><00:02:17.920><c> of</c> there
• </c><00:02:18.720><c> that</c><00:02:19.040><c> were</c><00:02:19.280><c> asked</c><00:02:19.920><c>

Keywords: 00:00:22 - Call to Order and Roll Call 00:03:00 – Approval of June 25, 2025 Minutes 00:03:22 - Update on Federal Changes to the Medicaid Program 01:03:44 - State Directed Payments, Provider Taxes, and the Rural Health Transformation Fund: How Medicaid Changes Could Impact Kentucky Hospitals 01:29:42 – Public Comments 01:45:25 – Announcements 01:46:19 - Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board met on July 30, 2025, approved the June 25 minutes, and received a presentation from Katherine Castanza of the National Conference of State Legislatures on Medicaid provisions in H.R. 1. The presentation outlined more than 20 Medicaid-related provisions, emphasizing that the largest federal savings come from work/community engagement requirements, changes to provider taxes, limits on state-directed payments, more frequent eligibility redeterminations for expansion populations, and related eligibility/enrollment changes. She said the fiscal effects are backloaded, with most reductions occurring in the later years of the 10-year window, and noted potential significant impacts on hospital payments and state financing. She also described new funding opportunities, including a $50 billion rural health transformation fund and a new home and community-based services waiver with associated grants. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on Kentucky’s pending community engagement 1115 waiver and how it would interact with the new federal requirements. Board members asked whether the waiver had been approved, what the cabinet’s contingency plan would be if CMS does not approve it, and what the timeline is for compliance. Cabinet representatives said the waiver has not yet been approved by CMS, remains under public comment, and that the state will wait for CMS guidance before moving forward; if needed, the state would amend the waiver or submit a new one. They said the work requirement must be in place by January 1, 2027, with a possible extension to 2028. Castanza also explained that expansion adults with incomes between 100% and 138% of the federal poverty level would face new cost-sharing requirements beginning October 1, 2028, and that eligibility redeterminations would move from annual to every six months starting January 1, 2027. She then walked through provider tax changes, including a moratorium on new provider taxes beginning October 1, 2026, and a phased reduction in the hold-harmless threshold for existing taxes beginning January 1, 2028, with exemptions for nursing facilities and ICF/IID providers. Board members questioned the timing and likely impact on Kentucky, and Castanza responded that the effect would depend on each tax’s current rate and would phase in over time.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:00.120><c> rest</c><02:02:00.480><c> of</c><02:02:00.600><c> the</c><02:02:00.720><c> bill</c><02
• </c><02:02:10.360><c> Just</c><02:02:10.760><c> put</c><02:02:11.000><c> this</c><02:02:11.320><c> on
• have to<02:02:14.920><c> in</c><02:02:15.240><c> for,</c><02:02:15.640><c> that</c><02:02:15.880><c>
• you</c><02:02:16.000><c> have</c><02:02:16.240><c> to</c><02:02:16.360><c> sign</c><02:02:16.880><c>
• Instead<02:02:18.680><c> of</c><02:02:18.800><c> making</c><02:02:19.200><c> the</c><02:02:19.560><c>

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><02:02:02.639><c> uh</c><02:02:02.719><c> this</c><02:02:02.960><c> is</c><02:02:03.040><c> just</c>
• comment<02:02:03.840><c> and</c><02:02:04.159><c> thank</c><02:02:04.320><c> you</c><02:02:04.480><c
• I'm president<02:02:35.679><c> for</c><02:02:35.920><c> NA</c><02:02:36.320><c> New</c><02:02:36.400>
• and all forms<02:02:41.360><c> of</c><02:02:41.520><c> ESP,</c><02:02:42.080><c> education</c><02:02
• :02:43.840><c> I</c><02:02:44.080><c> will</c><02:02:44.239><c> make</c><02:02:44.400><c> this</c><02

Committee: House Education Funding

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If<00:02:19.280><c> you</c><00:02:19.320><c> don't</c><00:02:19.480><c> mind,</c><00:02:19.680><c> just
• </c><00:02:21.560><c> I</c><00:02:21.640><c> will</c><00:02:21.800><c> swear</c><00:02:22.120><c> you
• <00:02:23.560><c> over</c><00:02:23.760><c> the</c><00:02:23.880><c> floor</c><00:02:24.120><c> over<
• ><c> and</c><01:02:03.200><c> in</c><01:02:03.360><c> a</c><01:02:03.400><c> lot</c><01:02:03.640><c>
• the uh,<01:02:06.520><c> the</c><01:02:06.680><c> the</c><01:02:06.800><c> prices</c><01:02:07.880><

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board first approved the September 24 minutes and then heard a presentation from four certified community behavioral health clinic providers: Pathways, NorthKey, Seven Counties Services, and NewVista. The presenters explained the difference between traditional community mental health centers and CCBHCs, describing CCBHCs as an enhanced model that integrates behavioral health, primary care, wraparound services, and crisis response. They reviewed the federal history of the model, Kentucky’s entry into the Medicaid demonstration in 2022, and the scheduled end of the enhanced federal match on December 31, 2027. They also emphasized required services such as 24-hour mobile crisis, care coordination, and services for veterans, and described care coordination as a key feature that helps patients follow up after hospital or emergency discharge, manage medications, and connect to transportation and other supports. The presenters gave examples of improved outcomes, including a patient who was able to remain living independently because of coordinated home-based and telehealth support, and they argued that CCBHCs are helping Kentucky build a more responsive crisis system through 988, mobile crisis teams, and crisis stabilization units. They said the model is data-driven, uses performance metrics, and has led to stronger collaboration among community partners. One speaker said more than 100 agencies participated in a Jefferson County community health needs assessment and continued meeting afterward to reduce redundancies and barriers to care. They also said crisis call hub compliance and mobile crisis outreach compliance improved significantly over the past year. Members asked about how navigators and connectors fit into the model, how CCBHCs work with managed care organizations, and how the program could expand statewide. The presenters said navigators are not built into the CCBHC model but may be used through referrals, while the CCBHCs continue to bill MCOs the same way and receive a Medicaid wrap payment for the enhanced rate. They said the goal would be for all community mental health centers to become CCBHCs, but that a state plan amendment would be needed and could not be limited only to CMHCs if submitted to CMS. They estimated about $28 million would be needed statewide to continue the program in the next biennium, combining the loss of enhanced federal match and the state share of enhanced service costs. The board also discussed transportation, with one presenter explaining that their program arranges Medicaid transportation for eligible appointments, and members raised concerns about mental inquest warrant transport and whether sheriffs should remain involved. No votes were taken on the CCBHC or transportation items during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:33.239><c> to</c><02:02:33.440><c> be</c><02:02:33.599><c> able</c><02:02:33.800><c> to</c><02:02
• </c><02:13:10.960><c> statute</c><02:13:11.520><c> but</c><02:13:11.679><c> I</c><02:13:11.840><c> also
• </c> so I recognize the statute but I also so I recognize the statute but I also hope<02:13:12.280><c
• away duplication<02:53:23.760><c> in</c><02:53:24.080><c> statute</c><02:53:25.000><c> and</c><02:53
• in statute and working with the the the counties<02:53:27.399><c> this</c><02:53:27.520><c> is</c><02

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Education held an informational/budget briefing with presentations from the State Library System, the School Facilities Authority, and the Department of Education. The chair opened the meeting by outlining the order of presentations and noting that members would hold questions until after all three agencies had testified. The discussion focused on each agency’s priorities for the upcoming biennium and their budget requests. State Librarian Stacy Aldridge described library usage and services, emphasizing strong demand for physical and digital materials, internet and Wi-Fi access, programs, Kanopy streaming, and PressReader. She highlighted digital literacy classes, RFID self-check and smart shelving improvements, and the role of libraries as community hubs. The library’s budget request included an additional $1.2 million for security guards, $48.484 million for FY 26-27 to support popup libraries during temporary closures and other needs, $500,000 for repair and maintenance, $2 million for Kap planning and design, and $25 million each year for lump-sum capital funding. Mallerie Fujitani said the lump-sum funding is needed to keep roughly 50 projects moving and to avoid delays in construction. School Facilities Authority Executive Director Ricky Fujitani explained the agency’s startup history and its programs for preschools, Central Maui schools, and workforce housing. He said the authority is using standardized, prefabricated, programmatic approaches to speed delivery and improve maintainability, citing prior preschool renovations as a successful model. He reported that of $389 million appropriated, $106 million was released, with $81 million for preschools, $20 million for Central Maui schools, and $5 million for workforce housing; he also noted the workforce housing program was reduced after Maui fire-related reallocations. He said the pilot workforce housing site at Mililani High School has been awarded and pointed to University of Hawaiʻi student housing projects as a model. Superintendent Hayashi then began the Department of Education presentation, introducing DOE leadership and outlining the department’s mission to support academic achievement, character development, and student well-being. He noted the department serves more than 152,000 students in 258 public schools and employs over 42,000 people, with nearly 54% of students facing significant challenges. He framed the budget request around the department’s strategic plan to prepare graduates for college, careers, or military service. The transcript ends during the DOE presentation, before any committee votes or formal actions are taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• a fire<00:02:02.640><c> chief,</c><00:02:03.119><c> a</c><00:02:03.439><c> fire</c><00:02:03.759><c>
• </c><00:02:06.719><c> or</c><00:02:07.040><c> a</c><00:02:07.280><c> local</c><00:02:07.680><c> appeals
• c><00:02:28.000><c> for</c><00:02:28.480><c> enforcement</c><00:02:29.520><c> and</c><00:02:29.840><c
• It<00:02:34.160><c> will</c><00:02:34.560><c> streamline</c><00:02:35.200><c> the</c><00:02:35.519><c
• regulation<00:02:36.800><c> and</c><00:02:37.040><c> be</c><00:02:37.360><c> more</c><00:02:38.160><

Committee: House Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :08.360><c> vet</c><00:02:08.640><c> manager</c><00:02:09.119><c> to</c><00:02:09.280><c> no</c><00:02
• The<00:02:18.640><c> amended</c><00:02:19.000><c> after</c><00:02:19.280><c> comments</c><00:02:19.760
• </c><00:02:24.480><c> Amend</c><00:02:24.840><c> section</c><00:02:25.280><c> four</c><00:02:25.680><
• The agency<00:02:33.400><c> amendment</c><00:02:34.240><c> deletes</c><00:02:34.640><c> the</c><00:02
• c> of</c><00:02:38.200><c> no</c><00:02:38.400><c> more</c><00:02:38.720><c> than</c><00:02:38.920><c

Keywords: • 0:00 - Roll Call • 0:19 - Approval of June 2026 meeting minutes • 0:36 - Fish & Wildlife (301 KAR 1:201 and 301 KAR 2:178) • 1:35 - Board of Veterinary Examiners (201 KAR 16:767) • 4:10 - State Board of Elections (31 KAR 4:240 Emergency) • 4:50 - Office of the Attorney General, Regulatory Relief (40 KAR 12:300, 12:610, 12:400, 12:420 and 12:600) • 7:03 - Department of Revenue (103 KAR 43:341 Emergency) • 8:05 - Kentucky Public Pensions Authority (105 KAR 1:001 and 1:440) • 9:19 - Finance and Administration Cabinet, Office of the Controller (200 KAR 38:080) • 10:10 - Board of Physical Therapy (201 KAR 22:010 and 22:070) • 11:06 - Kentucky Department of Education (702 KAR 3:220 and 6:110) • 12:43 - Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Department for Public Health (902 KAR 1:400) • 13:47 - Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Department for Medicaid Services (907 KAR 2:720 and 2:725) • 28:11 - Next meeting and adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee met with a quorum present, approved the minutes without objection, and then reviewed a series of administrative regulations from multiple agencies. Most of the regulations received staff-suggested amendments and were approved without objection, including fish and wildlife rules on fishing limits and deer hunting on local government property, veterinary board changes to responsible party and veterinary manager requirements, election procedures for safe-at-home voters, attorney general regulatory relief rules, emergency gasoline tax pricing, public pensions updates, controller fraud-prevention policies, physical therapy licensure and English proficiency standards, school nutrition and fee-waiver rules, public health conference procedures, and Medicaid waiver regulations. Several agencies briefly identified themselves and answered procedural questions, but most items drew no substantive opposition. The Board of Veterinary Examiners regulation included an agency amendment that removed a proposed limit on the number of facilities a veterinary manager could oversee. The Department of Education regulations updated fee waiver and meal program procedures, while the Department of Public Health regulation clarified notification and conference-request procedures. The Department of Revenue and Kentucky Public Pensions Authority items were largely technical or conforming changes, including a special-needs trust definition added for consistency with Senate Bill 85. The most extensive discussion involved the Department for Medicaid Services’ 1915C child waiver regulations. Kentucky Protection and Advocacy testified in opposition to the waiver’s lack of participant-directed services, arguing that consumer-driven services such as respite and community living support are required and especially important in rural areas and for higher-acuity children. Cabinet representatives responded that the waiver is intended to provide wraparound services to keep children in homes and communities, that it has CMS approval, and that the program is limited to 100 slots with about 21 participants already enrolled. Members did not move a deficiency motion, and the chair indicated the regulations would continue through the process. The meeting adjourned after setting the next meeting for Tuesday, August 11 at 1:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• actually in statute<01:02:46.160><c> the</c><01:02:46.359><c> system</c><01:02:46.680><c> of</c><01:
• 02:46.880><c> care</c><01:02:47.760><c> but</c><01:02:48.240><c> just</c> statute the system of care
• but just statute the system of care but just realize<01:02:49.559><c> you</c><01:02:49.920><c> are</c
• > we</c><02:02:08.079><c> get</c><02:02:08.239><c> a</c><02:02:08.360><c> little</c><02:02:08.560><c>
• </c><02:02:35.520><c> the</c><02:02:35.679><c> appeal</c><02:02:36.199><c> process</c><02:02:36.760><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with committee process reminders from the chair, including rules for questioning witnesses, time limits for testimony, and how motions and committee reports are handled. The chair also discussed the committee’s history, emphasized a cooperative approach with agencies and the Judiciary, and noted that a special committee on the Family Division of Circuit Court had previously done useful work; he said a new subcommittee could be appointed later to continue looking at judicial-system issues. He also mentioned that the Speaker’s office was expected to name members to the DHHS oversight committee by Friday at 1. The substantive presentation was from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Bureau of Child Support Services. Attorney John Williams introduced the bureau team, and Bureau Chief Lisa Dekowski described the program’s mission: encouraging responsible parenting, family self-sufficiency, and child well-being by locating parents, establishing paternity, setting or modifying support orders, and enforcing court-ordered child and medical support. She said the bureau operates statewide under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act, works with courts, employers, and other partners, and serves both in-state and out-of-state cases, with some international and tribal coordination. She also cited program scale, saying the bureau dispersed about $76 million to families in New Hampshire in fiscal year 2023 and that most collections go directly to families. Members asked about enforcement tools, especially passport denial. In response to a question about a case involving a very small shortfall, the bureau said the federal passport-denial threshold is $2,500 in arrears, not a few cents, and that denial remains in place until the balance is resolved or an arrangement is made with the agency, with hardship factors potentially considered. The bureau also explained that either parent can apply for services when a child support order exists and that the bureau can help initiate income withholding orders. No votes or formal actions were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> I</c><00:02:05.439><c> might</c><00:02:05.600><c> be</c><00:02:05.759><c> out</c><00:02:05.840><
• 02:12.160><c> and</c><00:02:12.400><c> I</c><00:02:12.800><c> I</c><00:02:13.120><c> don't</c><00:02:
• &gt;&gt; So<00:02:16.640><c> he</c><00:02:16.879><c> is</c><00:02:17.200><c> So</c><00:02:17.440><c>
• &gt;&gt; Okay.<00:02:20.000><c> Well,</c><00:02:20.319><c> then</c><00:02:20.560><c> let's</c><00:02:
• Let's kind<00:02:21.680><c> of</c><00:02:21.760><c> hold</c><00:02:21.920><c> you</c><00:02:22.080><c

Bills: HB0086

Committee: House Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions

Keywords: county officials, election code, misconduct, removal, government accountability, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:37.440><c> So,</c><00:02:38.080><c> you'll</c><00:02:38.280><c> see</c><00:02:38.400><c> the
• original language in the stapled packet and<00:02:41.560><c> then</c><00:02:41.680><c> if</c><00:02:
• 41.840><c> you'll</c><00:02:42.040><c> flip</c><00:02:42.360><c> over</c><00:02:42.720><c> to</c><00:
• ,<00:02:44.400><c> there's</c><00:02:44.560><c> a</c><00:02:44.640><c> strike-all</c><00:02:45.640><c
• and what we<00:02:46.800><c> do,</c><00:02:47.120><c> you</c><00:02:47.200><c> remember</c><00:02:47.560

Committee: Joint Judiciary, Division B

Keywords: Judiciary, Division B - Room 409, 3 March, 2026; 9:00 A.M., 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to</c><02:02:24.080><c> the</c><02:02:24.239><c> extent</c><02:02:24.400><c> that</c><02:02:24.560><
• Um so<02:02:38.639><c> and</c><02:02:38.880><c> that</c><02:02:39.040><c> was</c><02:02:39.199><c> as
• </c><02:02:39.440><c> I</c><02:02:39.599><c> understood</c><02:02:39.840><c> it</c><02:02:40.159><c>
• ><c> a</c><02:02:40.639><c> reason</c><02:02:40.719><c> that</c><02:02:40.960><c> it</c><02:02:41.119
• </c><02:02:43.040><c> So</c><02:02:43.360><c> we</c><02:02:43.599><c> made</c><02:02:43.840><c> some<

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:06.160><c> Vice</c><00:02:06.360><c> Chair</c><00:02:06.600><c> also</c><00:02:06.920><c>
• &gt;&gt; Yes.<00:02:12.000><c> Senator</c><00:02:12.360><c> Awana?</c><00:02:12.920><c> Aye.
• Your<00:02:14.000><c> recommendation</c><00:02:14.760><c> is</c><00:02:14.920><c> adopted.
• </c><00:02:52.320><c> strategies</c><00:02:52.800><c> to</c><00:02:52.880><c> maximize</c><00:02:53.360
• :02:58.000><c> the</c><00:02:58.080><c> state's</c><00:02:58.440><c> energy</c><00:02:58.760><c> goals

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection took up House Concurrent Resolution 137, House Draft 1, and Senate Resolution 20, both proposing a Senate draft urging an immediate and permanent ceasefire and end to hostilities in Iran. Only written testimony was submitted, in support, from Barbara Polk, with comments from Kelsey Burien, Sage Colon, River Burien, and late testimony from Azale Guillermo Ramirez. The chair noted that resolutions are non-binding expressions and do not change Hawaii Revised Statutes, and said Senate rules allow substantive changes to the vehicles. Because the matter arose late in the session, the committee recommended passage of the proposed Senate draft for HCR 137 and SR 20. The motion was adopted by votes from the chair, vice chair, Senator McKelvey, and Senator Awana; Senator Lamasao was excused. The committee then reconvened to reconsider House Concurrent Resolution 202, House Draft 2, which would establish a legislative task force on Hawaii’s future energy pathways. The chair explained that additional testimony raised concerns about the Public Utilities Commission’s participation and possible ex parte issues, and that the resolution could be construed as creating a closed task force because it did not require open public membership. Since further amendment was not possible without restarting the process, and a similar House resolution already existed, the committee recommended deferral. No comments were offered, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Period.<02:02:10.719><c> End</c><02:02:10.960><c> quot</c><02:02:11.520><c> end</c><02:02:11.920><c>
• </c><02:02:15.440><c> The</c><02:02:15.679><c> citation</c><02:02:16.239><c> is</c><02:02:17.360><c>
• <02:02:21.119><c> 616</c><02:02:22.000><c> comma</c><02:02:22.480><c> 618</c><02:02:23.520><c> 7th</c
• </c><02:02:28.560><c> This</c><02:02:28.880><c> decision</c><02:02:29.360><c> has</c><02:02:29.599><c
• Formally<02:02:32.560><c> it</c><02:02:32.800><c> only</c><02:02:33.040><c> binds</c><02:02:34.080><c

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:00:09.599><c> name</c><02:00:09.840><c> of</c><02:00:10.000><c> the</c><02:00:10.400><c> agency,<
• date<02:00:11.440><c> of</c><02:00:11.599><c> the</c><02:00:11.760><c> seizure,</c><02:00:12.320><c>
• Um so I don't<02:00:33.599><c> think</c><02:00:34.800><c> I</c><02:00:34.960><c> I</c><02:00:35.280><
• :37.599><c> that</c><02:00:37.840><c> were</c><02:00:38.080><c> raised</c><02:00:39.040><c> at</c><02
• </c><02:20:17.600><c> Two</c><02:20:17.920><c> left</c><02:20:18.080><c> to</c><02:20:18.240><c> do.

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:54.640><c> this</c><00:02:54.879><c> bill</c><00:02:55.840><c> uh</c><00:02:56.000><c> in<
• /c><00:02:56.239><c> the</c><00:02:56.400><c> past</c><00:02:56.640><c> and</c><00:02:56.879><c> it</
• </c><00:02:58.400><c> this</c><00:02:58.640><c> bill</c><00:02:58.879><c> is</c><00:02:59.200><c> better
• </c><01:02:13.920><c> So,</c><01:02:14.079><c> I</c><01:02:14.319><c> would</c><01:02:15.119><c> uh</
• 02:40.480><c> call</c><01:02:40.640><c> it</c><01:02:40.880><c> in</c><01:02:41.200><c> my</c> won't

Bills: HB0103 , HB0070 , HB0091

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: First Amendment, free speech, lawsuits, immunity, public participation, strategic lawsuits, foreign censorship, digital innovation, constitutional rights, Wyoming GRANITE Act, extraterritorial laws, civil actions, speech protection, legal jurisdiction, joint liability, artificial intelligence, social scoring, biometric data, privacy rights, government regulation