Transcript Highlights:

• Also protects police agencies. Oops, I'm talking about a different bill. Let's back up here.
• Without evidence, a sign of a crime, agencies before he could have been taken away.
• SB 5974 includes several other... ...law enforcement agencies.
• And the definition of government law enforcement agency is broadened.
• Unintended consequences and result in legal challenges.

Summary: The House Community Safety Committee met on February 23, 2026, with a compressed schedule and limited testimony time. Members first heard Second Substitute Senate Bill 5974, which would set eligibility standards for sheriffs, police chiefs, and marshals, require background checks for sheriff candidates through the Washington State Patrol, regulate volunteers and youth cadets, and create a vacancy in office if an elected law enforcement official is finally decertified or fails statutory eligibility requirements. Supporters, including Senator Lovick and several advocacy groups, said the bill promotes accountability and professionalism. Opponents, including the sheriffs of Walla Walla and Spokane counties, argued it imposes unfunded mandates, conflicts with voter sovereignty and recall procedures, and could create problems for rural counties and volunteer use. The committee later took executive action and reported the bill out with a do pass as amended recommendation, 6-2 with one excused. In executive session, the committee also acted on Engrossed Senate Bill 5068, which expands law enforcement hiring eligibility to people legally authorized to work in the United States. A striking amendment clarified that agencies are not liable for employment discrimination claims if hiring is impracticable, allowed applicants who cannot yet possess weapons to apply if they can possess them when hired, and made technical changes. Representative Burnett raised concerns about background investigations, foreign-country vetting, oath of office, and firearm issues, but the committee adopted the striker and then reported the bill out as amended on a 6-2 vote with one excused. The committee also considered Substitute Senate Bill 5855, which prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings while interacting with the public except in specified circumstances and creates a civil cause of action. Amendments added an intent section, expanded exceptions for health and safety equipment under OSHA/WISHA, and proposed stronger prosecutorial language, though two amendments were rejected. The bill was then reported out as amended on a 6-2 vote with one excused. The committee then held public hearings on several bills. Engrossed Senate Bill 5890 would expand reckless driving to include driving more than 30 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, and 20 miles per hour over in active construction zones when workers are present; law enforcement, prosecutors, traffic safety officials, and construction industry representatives testified in support. Substitute Senate Bill 5936, a Uniform Law Commission proposal on human trafficking, would allow prosecution of businesses that knowingly engage in or profit from trafficking, strengthen victim confidentiality, and improve U and T visa certification procedures; testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with one witness urging caution about unintended consequences for businesses that report trafficking. Finally, Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 6070 would expand missing-person response tools by allowing certain surveillance devices to be used for community caretaking to locate missing endangered persons, create Ebony and Purple Alerts, transfer the missing persons website to the State Patrol, and add a public records exemption. Testimony strongly supported the alert provisions, especially for people with disabilities, while one privacy advocate objected to the surveillance provisions as an overreach.

Transcript Highlights:

• we face and Urgent economic challenges we face and ensure<00:45:24.640><c> more</c><00:45:24.920><c>
• um for us as an agency and I think<00:53:06.720><c> also</c><00:53:06.920><c> for</c><00:53:07.079><
• That comes with a slate of challenges that we need to consider as an agency, and so we're already doing
• </c> burden or an owner owner's challenge burden or an owner owner's challenge uh<01:14:26.080><c> counselors
• We currently face many challenges at CUHCC, including inadequate resources and financial strain.

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• UNIQUE AMONG THE STATES AND THAT IT'S INSURANCE REGULATORY STRUCTURE IS BIFURCATED BETWEEN THE TWO AGENCIES
• AND FINANCIAL SOLVENCY TO PAY ON THE OTHER HAND AT THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES REGULATES AGENCIES
• HAVE THE NATIONAL COMPARISON AND OTHER TOOL WE MENTIONED IS IN HOUSE PRODUCT THAT DFS AND ANOTHER AGENCY
• AND DESIGNATE THEMSELVES WHAT IS AND IS NOT A TRADE SECRET AND MY UNDERSTANDING IS TO BE ABLE TO CHALLENGE
• FROM AN INSURANCE COMPANY WHO HAS ADMITTED BY YOUR AGENCY TO DO BUSINESS IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA. >>

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But the wording was a little challenging in the way it was worded.
• But the wording was a little challenging in the way it was worded.
• But the wording was a little challenging in the way it was worded.
• It's a constant challenge.
• So, you know, they have a lot of challenges and whatnot.

Committee: House Budget

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Difficult cuts and a lot of our decision making was built around the challenges that we face with the
• This provides critical funding to sustain transit agencies across the state, many of which are nearing
• This provides critical funding to sustain transit agencies across the state, many of which are nearing
• It would not be challenging. I could make that up right now.
• Julia Hall with the Association of California Water Agencies.

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:47:40.640><c> that</c> funding because this is one agency that funding because this is one agency
• </c> federal agency." federal agency."
• agencies agencies to<03:40:40.400><c> work</c><03:40:40.600><c> collaboratively</c><03:40:41.840><c>
• </c><04:18:30.360><c> said,</c> Planning and Development Agency said, Planning and Development Agency
• </c> significant parking challenges. significant parking challenges.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Engrossed House Bill 2211 directs that our state agencies already providing these medically tailored
• This has been very well worked by the prime sponsor. ...their financial challenges.
• President, it has been a challenge... And as we know, Mr.
• President, it has been a challenge to figure out.
• And it's been a challenge of how do we do that in a state where we are the Evergreen State.

Bills: SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6176 , SB6335 , SB6047 , HB2235 , HB2464 , HB2619 , HB1376 , SB5808 , SB5949 , HB1347 , HB1759 , HB1983 , HB2120 , HB2264 , HB2338 , HB2385 , HB2495 , HB2521 , HB2604 , HB2610 , HB2675 , HB2426 , SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6176 , SB6335 , SB6047 , HB2235 , HB2464 , HB2619 , HB1376 , HB1796 , HB2091 , HB2249 , HB2353 , HB2431 , SB5808 , SB5949 , HB2124 , HB2104 , HB2624 , HB2510 , HB1347 , HB1759 , HB1983 , HB2120 , HB2264 , HB2338 , HB2385 , HB2436 , HB2495 , HB2521 , HB2604 , HB2610 , HB2675

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Transcript Highlights:

• Earlier agency into another culture war.
• </c><03:11:16.800><c> is</c> small business's greatest challenges is small business's greatest challenges
• </c> businesses who face this challenge businesses who face this challenge disproportionately<03:11:30.319
• ,</c> confronted with significant challenges, confronted with significant challenges, including<07:20
• </c> National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency if<08:00:44.478>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, June 5, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill does not mandate participation by a law enforcement agency or a firearm owner.
• My concerns are with the law enforcement agencies.
• I haven't heard of any agencies charging. I'll let the witnesses answer that too.
• It gives agencies the clarity that it needs.
• Under the RJA, an individual can challenge radio. to individuals previously convicted.

Summary: The committee heard a large public safety agenda and began by announcing several bills off calendar and limiting testimony to two witnesses per side. The first major item was AB 2698, which would authorize local governments to create youth court diversion programs for first-time juvenile offenders. The author and supporters, including Bakersfield Police Department representatives and a student participant, described the program as restorative, record-clearing, and successful in Bakersfield. Opponents argued it was not true diversion because it occurs after adjudication, could widen system involvement, and should instead be replaced by pre-arrest community-based diversion. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to Appropriations, but remained on call with some members not voting. The committee also adopted a consent calendar of ten bills without opposition. The committee then heard AB 1959, which would create a narrow exception allowing resentencing in adult court for certain violent juvenile offenders in a case arising from the Santana High School shooting. The author, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan, and a survivor/city councilmember argued the bill would close a loophole that could lead to resentencing and early release despite parole denials. Several organizations registered opposition or opposed unless amended, but many noted they were reviewing the amended version. The bill was moved due pass as amended to Appropriations and remained on call. AB 1628, extending California’s safe surrender window for newborns from 72 hours to 30 days, drew broad support from the author, firefighters, medical and child welfare groups, and no opposition; it was moved due pass to Human Services and remained on call. The committee also approved AB 1974, which authorizes law enforcement agencies to create voluntary temporary firearm storage programs. The author and supporters from San Francisco law enforcement, Giffords, and gun safety groups said the bill would expand safe storage options during crises and in custody disputes; there was no opposition, and it passed due pass as amended. AB 2297, requiring restitution in diversion cases, drew support from the author, district attorneys, and victims’ advocates, while opponents argued it was duplicative, could burden low-income participants, and might undermine diversion success. After discussion about restitution law and ability to pay, the bill passed due pass. Finally, AB 2438, which would require people sentenced to more than six years to serve in state prison rather than county jail, drew support from the author and Riverside County Sheriff Bianco, who said realignment had overcrowded county jails and strained resources. Opponents warned it could worsen state prison overcrowding and conflict with realignment’s purpose. The chair recommended no, and the bill was moved due pass and re-refer to Appropriations, remaining on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• So just informing you, Because sometimes law enforcement agencies do that.
• But, of course, we're a unique agency, and this is a new program.
• And so I approve the expansion of the authority of the agency.
• Because to the public, this could appear as if the agency is waging a campaign to challenge the sheriff
• ... ...because to the public, this could appear as if the agency is waging a campaign to challenge the

Summary: The House Community Safety Committee held public hearings on several bills. House Bill 2508, concerning the Office of Independent Investigations (OII), would expand OII’s jurisdiction over deadly-force and related use-of-force incidents, require broader notification and records access from law enforcement and emergency responders, and exempt certain OII investigative records from public disclosure. Rep. Deborah Entenman and OII staff supported the bill as a way to improve independent, transparent investigations, while committee members raised questions about when cases are considered “closed” and how to protect against repeated or harassing investigations. OII representatives said formal reviews are referred to prosecutors, administrative closures are not, and the bill would clarify existing public records protections. Law enforcement and public-interest witnesses were split, with some supporting the expansion and others objecting to added secrecy provisions and questioning safeguards and oversight. House Bill 2539, as amended by a proposed substitute, would raise the Department of Corrections inmate indigency cap from $25 to $100 so incarcerated people can retain more money for hygiene and basic necessities before deductions are taken. Rep. Chappala Street said the change would help people buy essential items and reduce conflict, while incarcerated witnesses and advocates testified that current deductions leave too little for basic needs and place burdens on families. A committee member questioned whether DOC already provides those items, and Street and supporters responded that provided items are often low quality or insufficient. No vote was taken. House Bill 2490 would expand extraordinary medical placement for incarcerated people with serious, chronic, or terminal conditions, extending the expected life-expectancy threshold from six months to approximately 18 months and adding clearer DOC review criteria and appeal rights. The prime sponsor and supporters argued the bill would improve humane care, reduce costs, and allow more people to receive treatment in the community when they no longer pose a public-safety risk. DOC said the revised language would reduce legal concerns and allow more time to develop safe placement plans, while opponents of the current system said EMP is underused and people die waiting for decisions. The committee also heard extensive testimony on House Bill 2387, which would tie certain sheriff decertification actions to recall procedures and preserve an elected sheriff’s office unless voters remove them. Supporters, including the sponsor and several sheriffs, said the bill protects voter control and local accountability; opponents, including civil rights and immigrant-rights groups, argued it weakens certification standards, creates unequal accountability for sheriffs, and improperly uses recall-like consequences through statute rather than constitutional process. The chair indicated the committee intended to act on House Bill 2508 the following Monday, February 2.

Transcript Highlights:

• In my litigation practice, oftentimes these types of things are redacted and we do not challenge them
• I can't imagine how challenging that must have been.
• AB 1071 responds to this feedback from the court... ...conviction RJA challenge.
• This man ran his own babysitting agency, specializing in a big brother program for boys.
• I can think of no one better suited to have these really challenging conversations.

Summary: The committee heard AB 82, which would expand privacy and safety protections for patients and providers of reproductive and gender-affirming care. The author and supporters said the bill is needed because of rising harassment, doxing, and threats, and because sensitive health data could be used by hostile actors; opponents argued it would create constitutional problems, enable abuse of safe-at-home protections, and improperly shield providers and records from scrutiny. Public testimony was heavily divided, with many advocates in support and many privacy, civil liberties, and anti-trafficking or sex-based policy groups in opposition. The bill was moved on a due pass recommendation and remained on call. The committee then heard AB 331, which would clarify that county election certification is a ministerial duty, prohibit misleading ballot return envelopes, and require voter information guides to be delivered to jails in an acceptable format. The Department of Justice and several good-government groups supported the measure, the Secretary of State had no position after amendments, and a committee member noted ongoing concerns but supported it after the changes. The bill passed on a do pass recommendation to Appropriations and was placed on call. AB 1178 followed, proposing to protect undercover peace officers’ names, images, and likenesses in public records while preserving disclosure of sustained misconduct records. Law enforcement and public safety groups supported the bill as a needed safety measure, while journalists, transparency advocates, and civil liberties groups opposed it, saying existing law already protects officers and the new language could lead to overbroad withholding. After discussion about the scope of undercover status and the need for judicial discretion, the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. The committee also adopted a consent calendar. Later, AB 981 was heard, creating a five-county pilot program requiring intelligent speed assistance devices for certain reckless driving convictions. Supporters, including traffic safety advocates and crash victims, said the bill could reduce repeat speeding and save lives; opponents raised concerns about cost, installer oversight, liability for automakers, and the breadth of the pilot. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 22, which would repeal Proposition 57 and restrict release of sexually violent predators and certain sex offenders, drew strong opposition from youth justice, public defender, and civil liberties groups who said it would be unconstitutional and harmful; the chair recommended no, no motion was made, and the bill was held. Finally, AB 897, a squatter-removal bill, was presented with the author arguing it would protect property owners through a faster due-process process; the transcript cuts off during early support testimony and does not show a final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Despite the challenges that division And how this was going to go.
• Despite the challenges that division brings, we've consistently advanced a conservative agenda.
• Arizona faces real challenges, but working together with integrity, focus, and competence, we can deliver
• Government agency. House Bill 14, insurance, gender surgery, documentation reports.
• House Bill 1044, agencies' payment for cryptocurrency. Finance.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So as I talked about earlier, this was the 2022 GAA proviso language that provided a challenge.
• Otherwise, the department uses the FTE and instructional time that is reported by the agency.
• We awarded every agency who wanted funding and worked with them to ensure their programs were compliant
• The formula will help to address many of these challenges, but it only works if additional funds are
• It is a challenge that we are experiencing.

Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met to review funding models for the Florida College System and district workforce education programs, with an emphasis on how new dollars are allocated in the program fund and how performance and targeted funding are incorporated. Chancellor Hebda explained the Florida College System model, including base program funding, student success and pipeline funds, performance incentives for industry certifications, and the 2022 president-developed formula that weights enrollment, workforce enrollment, completions, small-college factors, and regional cost differences, plus a targeted funding floor for colleges below a minimum per-FTE level. Vice Chancellor Goodman then outlined the district workforce model, which uses lagged enrollment, program cost weights, local revenue offsets, small-district adjustments, and unmet-need calculations to distribute lump-sum appropriations to school districts offering workforce education. The department also provided updates on several grant programs and funding delays. Goodman said the Workforce Development Incentive Grant, Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant, Graduation Alternative to Traditional Education Startup Grant, and teacher apprenticeship/mentor bonus programs all involve multi-year awards and often require reversions and reappropriations because projects are delayed, extended, or not fully obligated by year-end. She said the department is moving toward an electronic grants system and had already adjusted internal deadlines to speed awards, while acknowledging some reimbursement delays and explaining that mentor bonuses for teacher apprentices will not be paid until the first cohort reaches the statutory timing requirement. Members asked about tracking whether CTE students work in their trained fields, how Xello is used to inform students about career pathways, how FTE is calculated, whether the funding formulas could encourage growth over quality, and how students with disabilities are counted in workforce funding. Questions also focused on tuition, enrollment trends, and the gap between college and university funding. The committee heard that tuition has remained flat for more than a decade, enrollment has rebounded from COVID and is projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels, and the college system’s funding per FTE varies widely. Valencia College President Kathleen Plinsky testified in support of the proposed formula and an additional $200 million for the Florida College System, saying Valencia is the second-largest college in the state but ranks last in per-FTE funding, which has made it difficult to recruit and retain faculty and admit qualified students in high-demand programs like nursing. The committee took no vote and adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• December 2022, the Railroad Commission, at our section, applied for Class VI primacy to enable the state agency
• know, I don't have to tell members of this committee that we're already experiencing significant challenges
• this technology, especially when scaled to the volumes necessary, could exacerbate the current challenges
• data applications that the Commission owns, as well as working within an industry to recognize the challenges
• administrative law judges and technical examiners to adjudicate contested cases on matters that the agency

Bills: HB1647 , HB2612 , HB3125 , HB3158 , HB3240 , HB3506 , HB3516 , HB3707

Committee: House Energy Resources

Keywords: carbon sequestration, environmental policy, Texas, energy, climate change, regulatory council, geothermal energy, workforce development, education and training, energy industry, apprenticeship, energy production, energy policy, renewable energy, state council, administrative law, public information, transparency, government accountability, judicial process

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator, I can clarify: the bill itself authorizes investigating law enforcement officers or agencies
• law enforcement officers and agencies would be the parties that are responsible with enforcing it as
• I've been a licensed producer for 10 years, and I can say plainly that one of the biggest challenges
• I've been a licensed producer for 10 years, and I can say plainly that one of the biggest challenges
• We encourage adding language that recognizes and addresses these unique challenges.

Bills: SB6196 , SB6204 , SB6195 , SB5882 , SB6134

Committee: Senate Labor & Commerce

Keywords: kratom, taxation, regulated substances, health safety, state revenue, cannabis, marijuana, home grow, home cultivation, personal cultivation, adult use cannabis, recreational marijuana, 21 and older, controlled substances, RCW 69.50, Liquor and Cannabis Board, LCB, plant limits, cannabis possession, cannabis concentrates

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill has certainly been a challenge for me in terms of wrapping my arms around the ideas that AI
• The pilot program would recommend whether or not other agencies could effectively input provenance data
• where maybe inaccurate information is being put out, would that be something that our agency is able
• Is that the agency who would be reporting back? You recognize? Mr. Chair, yes. Okay. Followed, Mr.
• They don't know all the agencies necessarily.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Tourism

Summary: The committee first took up SB 702, as amended by a strike-all amendment on digital content provenance and authenticity. Senator Burgess said the bill would require generative AI providers to add provenance data to content wholly generated by AI, allow provenance tags on AI-modified images, require social media platforms to retain and display provenance data in an accessible format, and apply content credentials to online election advertisements. He also described a two-year pilot program for the Division of Emergency Management to test provenance data in emergency communications, and said the bill would be enforced only by the Attorney General with no private right of action. Supporters from Microsoft and Adobe waived in support, while TechNet and the James Madison Institute raised concerns about broad definitions, implementation burdens, and the possibility that the rules could be easily circumvented. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported CS for SB 702 favorably. The committee next considered CS for SB 282 on home and service warranty association financial requirements, which would allow extended warranty companies to use multiple insurance policies to back obligations and let companies with a $100 million net worth satisfy proof requirements through SEC filings or an audited financial statement. The Florida Service Agreement Association supported the bill, and the committee reported it favorably. The committee also passed CS for SB 678, which allows pawnbroker transaction forms to be printed or digital; the Florida Pawnbrokers Association and a business representative supported the change, the amendment was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard SB 1132, the Portable Wireless Device Repair Act, which would require manufacturers to provide diagnostic tools, repair information, and parts to owners and independent repair providers, and would also extend right-to-repair concepts to agricultural equipment through an amendment. Supporters argued the bill would expand consumer choice and repair access, while opponents including TechNet, the Repair Done Right Coalition, the James Madison Institute, and the Taxpayers Protection Alliance warned about privacy, cybersecurity, trade secret, safety, and compliance concerns. After debate, the committee reported CS for SB 1132 favorably. Finally, the committee took up SB 676, which would create a framework for employees to knowingly and voluntarily waive the Florida minimum wage in certain internship, apprenticeship, and work-study settings, with a parent or guardian sign-off for minors. The sponsor said the bill was intended to expand job training and first-job opportunities for young people and others seeking experience, but multiple speakers and senators argued it conflicted with the Florida Constitution and existing case law, could be exploited by employers, and would undermine the voter-approved minimum wage. The committee continued extensive debate on the bill, with strong opposition testimony and questions about constitutionality, definitions, and enforcement.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I know that many of you are parents yourselves and understand how challenging... ...challenges.
• We know all of our agencies.
• and is working with agencies.
• Agency they're set up with.
• Sometimes we're the agency that they start at, and then they move to another agency.

Committee: House Budget

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think she also recognizes the financial challenges. But I...
• I think she also recognizes the financial challenges.
• Many families face the same challenges with far fewer supports.
• Many families face the same challenges with far fewer supports.
• Although I spoke English, adjusting to the new culture was challenging.

Summary: The hearing focused on the future of the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children and the work of the special legislative commission studying whether and how the facility should continue. Senators and representatives said the Legislature has continued funding Pappas, that the hospital cannot be closed before the commission reports, and that they are seeking to extend the commission’s deadline. Multiple commissioners and witnesses described Pappas as a unique setting combining inpatient medical care, residential programming, special education, therapy, and campus-based activities for children with complex medical needs. Union leaders, staff, parents, and local officials argued that Pappas is being quietly depopulated through blocked admissions and continued discharges despite the formal pause on closure. They said the hospital’s integrated model cannot be replicated elsewhere, that families and staff are being left in limbo, and that the state should invest in repairs, modernization, and possibly temporary modular space to reopen admissions. Several witnesses emphasized the impact on children who have benefited from Pappas and on workers who fear losing a specialized workforce built over decades. Department of Public Health Commissioner Robert Goldstein said the state is committed to keeping Pappas open and stable while the commission works, but that admissions must meet hospital-level-of-care standards and the current infrastructure limits who can safely be served. He said the administration has been expanding outreach, hiring staff, and exploring ways to broaden services, including outpatient and therapy programs over time. Commissioners pressed him on why admissions remain so limited and whether the facility is being effectively depopulated, while Goldstein maintained that the restrictions reflect legal and safety requirements rather than an effort to close the hospital.

Transcript Highlights:

• appointed by the Board and runs the agency.
• Runs the agency, carries out its functions, and hires staff.
• Now, these are administratively attached agencies.
• Last year, we appropriated two of these agencies.
• LFC is keeping an eye on these agencies.

Committee: House Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we encourage that we continue this, the Aloha Challenge, to continue to support it and to continue
• </c><00:46:29.839><c> to</c> continue this um the Aloha challenge to continue this um the Aloha challenge
• Um, the Aloha Plus Challenge Council.
• On STR 183 and SR 153 endorsing and reaffirming support for the Aloha Plus Challenge.
• and an amendment include key agencies and an amendment also<00:56:16.319><c> to</c><00:56:16.559><c>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard House Bill 643, House Draft 2, which would create short-term management initiatives and appropriate funds for the coconut rhinoceros beetle response program. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Committee discussion focused on biocontrol efforts, including fungus and virus-based treatments, the need for a biosecure facility, and the timeline for testing and range studies. Department of Agriculture officials said initial testing is underway at the University of Hawaii, but full testing requires a higher-biosafety facility that is not yet available on island. Members also discussed funding levels, the possibility of a mobile facility, and whether the work could be accelerated. The committees later voted to pass HB 643 unamended. The committees also heard House Bill 736, House Draft 1, which would establish a three-year wastewater system and individual wastewater technology testing pilot program at the University of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center. Supporters said the bill could help certify new, lower-cost decentralized wastewater technologies and reduce the cost of cesspool upgrades while improving water quality. University of Hawaii witnesses explained that the center would test technologies, collect samples, analyze results, and provide reports to the Department of Health for certification. Members raised concerns about whether the program would help communities facing immediate wastewater issues, the length of the testing timeline, and whether technologies like the Genki ball could be included. The committee was told the pilot would likely test one technology at a time over about nine months each, though multiple tests could run in parallel later. The committees voted to pass HB 736 unamended. After those measures, the joint committee moved to an AEN-only agenda and began hearing STR 111 / SR 92, which declares a public health emergency relating to climate change and calls for statewide coordination on cross-sector solutions. Testimony in support came from the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Public Health Institute, and others. Supporters said climate change affects public health through heat, wildfire risk, invasive mosquitoes, and other impacts, and argued that the response should involve agriculture, planning, transportation, and emergency management, not just the Department of Health.