Transcript Highlights:

• :02:17.280><c> the</c><00:02:17.440><c> map.
• </c><00:02:35.840><c> each</c><00:02:36.160><c> RTC.
• The stars<00:02:38.239><c> on</c><00:02:38.400><c> the</c><00:02:38.560><c> map</c><00:02:39.200><c>
• </c><00:02:42.239><c> Each</c><00:02:42.480><c> center</c><00:02:42.879><c> has</c><00:02:43.200><c>
• EARS<00:02:49.200><c> requested</c><00:02:49.680><c> that</c><00:02:50.000><c> OEA</c><00:02:50.640><

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call: 00:22 Office of Education Accountability Report: Early Childhood Regional Training Centers (RTCs): 01:22 Approval of July 14, 2025 Minutes 31:21 Office of Education Accountability: 2025 Study Agenda 32:35 Adjournment: 39:12, 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard an Office of Education Accountability report on Kentucky’s early childhood regional training centers (RTCs). OEA said the centers provide valuable training, consultation, technical assistance, and materials for preschool personnel, especially for children with disabilities and at-risk students, and that the services align with state and federal requirements. However, the report found uneven student and teacher populations across regions, wide variation in per-student funding, some staffing data inaccuracies, and several fiscal oversight concerns, including inconsistent indirect cost rates, a building rental charge that may have been duplicative, and host districts recording RTC expenditures in a way that could blur them with district finances. OEA also said some documentation of progress toward goals was incomplete and that the technology lending library appeared underused. The report recommended stronger KDE oversight, uniform coding and accounting practices, review of budgets and expenditures, and an evaluation of whether the current five-center model remains the most efficient structure; OEA also suggested the General Assembly may wish to revisit KRS 157.318. Members asked about KDE’s response, whether the centers are required by federal law, how the centers operate, and whether changing the model would affect federal funding. OEA said KDE had only discussed the findings informally and had not issued a formal response, the centers are required by state law but not federal law, and changing the model would not jeopardize IDEA preschool funds. The committee accepted the report by motion. The subcommittee then approved the minutes from its July 14, 2025 meeting after initially delaying action because quorum was not yet present. After that, members turned to the Office of Education Accountability’s proposed 2026 study agenda. OEA said the three proposed topics are the annual district data profiles, facilities funding, and implementation of early literacy statutes. The district profiles would add an appendix showing the number and percentage of students moving to private school or homeschool by district and another appendix noting data-quality issues that affect comparability. OEA explained that district staffing data can undercount contract staff because those employees are not always entered into the system, and members expressed interest in tracking whether prior recommendations were implemented. One senator also raised a separate interest in reviewing whether KDE created and implemented regulations related to KFIX. The discussion remained informational, with no final vote on the study agenda shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, it<02:02:18.239><c> also</c><02:02:18.480><c> can't</c><02:02:18.719><c> control</c><02:02:19.040
• ><c> lake</c><02:02:21.199><c> or</c><02:02:21.520><c> a</c><02:02:21.840><c> sea</c><02:02:22.159><c
• c><02:02:26.880><c> I</c><02:02:27.119><c> just</c><02:02:28.159><c> fundamentally</c><02:02:29.040><
• And and additionally,<02:02:33.360><c> it</c><02:02:33.520><c> seems</c><02:02:33.760><c> to</c><02:02
• :02:35.840><c> chose</c><02:02:36.159><c> to</c><02:02:36.400><c> do</c><02:02:36.560><c> the</c><02:

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:26.480><c> learn</c><00:02:26.720><c> a</c><00:02:26.760><c> lot</c><00:02:27.000><c> here
• Maybe a lot of<00:02:27.920><c> things</c><00:02:28.160><c> you</c><00:02:28.240><c> don't</c><00:02:
• :02:29.560><c> learn</c><00:02:29.760><c> a</c><00:02:29.800><c> lot</c><00:02:30.120><c> and</c><00:
• </c> Uh<00:02:33.959><c> does</c><00:02:34.200><c> anyone</c><00:02:34.560><c> else</c><00:02:34.800>
• <c> have</c><00:02:35.080><c> a</c><00:02:35.320><c> a</c><00:02:35.400><c> guest</c><00:02:35.760><c

Committee: Joint State Government

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:11.840><c> um</c><00:02:12.000><c> especially</c><00:02:12.720><c> um</c><00:02:12.879><c> for</c
• .<00:02:16.239><c> And</c><00:02:16.480><c> so</c><00:02:16.959><c> um</c><00:02:17.360><c> over</c><
• </c><00:02:33.360><c> My</c><00:02:33.519><c> name</c><00:02:33.680><c> is</c><00:02:33.840><c> Kim</
• I think<00:02:36.720><c> you</c><00:02:36.879><c> all</c><00:02:37.120><c> know</c><00:02:37.280><c>
• :02:54.080><c> we</c><00:02:54.400><c> also</c><00:02:55.280><c> uh</c><00:02:55.440><c> in</c><00:02

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard SR 12/SCR 16, which asks the Department of Health to convene a task force to identify minimum professional standards for community health worker training programs. The Department of Health supported the measure and said it could take on the work with current resources. Testimony from Papa Ola Lokahi, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the Hawaii Community Health Worker Association, and community health workers strongly supported the resolution but urged broader task force representation, including community health workers themselves, Papa Ola Lokahi, the Hawaii Primary Care Association, the Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Community Health Worker Alliance, and community-based rural nonprofit organizations. Several testifiers also asked that community health workers make up at least half of the task force. The department indicated it had no objection to adding the requested groups, and members discussed those proposed amendments. The committee then took up SR 141/SCR 172, which requests a Department of Health working group on demolition waste reduction. Energy Justice Network and other supporters urged amendments, including use of the internationally recognized zero-waste definition and hierarchy. The committee also heard SR 165/SCR 205, which would direct the Department of Health to adopt rules setting maximum decibel levels for concerts or events at private venues in primarily residential areas. The department said it was already working on noise issues and wanted a community noise working group to address nuisances beyond current statutory categories, but members questioned the lack of specific standards, the absence of a defined working group membership, and whether the proposal would lead to broader restrictions on events. Testimony and discussion focused on concerns about noise impacts, enforcement, and the balance between community complaints and long-standing local events. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion provided. The hearing then moved on to SR 174/SCR 194, which would ask the Department of Health to reduce the use of disposable surgical equipment and adopt sustainable practices, but discussion of that measure was not included in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• :18.400><c> the</c><00:02:18.560><c> bill</c><00:02:19.040><c> and</c><00:02:19.160><c> make</c><00:02
• ><c> here</c><00:02:26.480><c> is</c><00:02:26.879><c> the</c><00:02:27.519><c> amendment</c><00:02:28.519
• it's coming around<00:02:29.680><c> okay</c><00:02:30.239><c> no</c><00:02:30.599><c> I</c><00:02:31.160
• ><c> I</c><00:02:31.280><c> got</c><00:02:31.480><c> my</c><00:02:31.640><c> list</c><00:02:31.840><c
• :02:04.440><c> uh</c><01:02:05.119><c> these</c><01:02:05.559><c> create</c><01:02:05.880><c> a</c> a

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up House Bill 507, which concerns the timeline for credentialing mental health care providers. Members discussed and approved an amendment that removed section 2 and changed the bill’s effective date to January 1. A motion for ought to pass as amended was made, seconded, and approved by a 6-0 vote, with Representative Miles assigned to write the committee report. The bulk of the meeting focused on House Bill 705, a price-transparency measure requiring insurance-related data reporting and uniform formatting. Committee members and a representative from Anthem discussed how the bill would interact with federal requirements, including a recent presidential executive order and anticipated CMS guidance on uniformity standards. Anthem testified that the federal timeline was uncertain, that final rules could take months, and that the machine-readable files involved are complex and costly to produce. Some members argued the state should mirror federal standards but wait for final federal guidance; others said the bill should create a firm state requirement and not leave everything to rulemaking. The main unresolved issue was timing. Members debated whether the bill should be effective upon passage, apply to plan years beginning January 1, 2026, or be delayed until after federal guidance is finalized, with several references to a possible six-month implementation window after final federal rules. No final vote was taken on HB 705 in the portion provided; instead, the committee planned to revisit the bill the next morning after language was rewritten and circulated, with a straw vote anticipated before the executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:07.759><c> I'd</c><00:02:08.000><c> like</c><00:02:08.160><c> to</c><00:02:08.319><c> stand</c
• </c><00:02:09.679><c> The</c><00:02:09.840><c> chamber</c><00:02:10.080><c> is</c><00:02:10.239><c> in
• </c><00:02:12.000><c> and</c><00:02:12.239><c> here</c><00:02:12.480><c> for</c><00:02:12.720><c> any
• </c><00:02:44.480><c> absolutely</c><00:02:44.879><c> the</c><00:02:45.120><c> time</c><00:02:45.440>
• So thank you and<00:02:47.840><c> happy</c><00:02:48.000><c> to</c><00:02:48.160><c> answer</c><00:02

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 449 relating to economic development, HB 1006 relating to the Agribusiness Development Corporation, and then began HB 1467 relating to housing resiliency. On HB 449, Director Wayne Enoy of the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation and several business groups, including the Chamber of Commerce and Hawaii Food Industry Association, testified in strong support. They said the measure would help local manufacturers and tech-focused businesses adapt to uncertainty around tariffs and federal funding pauses, diversify Hawaiʻi’s economy, and expand workforce training and apprenticeship efforts tied to innovation and manufacturing. The bulk of the discussion focused on HB 1006 and proposed agritourism authority for ADC. ADC, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and other supporters said agritourism can be a value-added tool that helps farmers diversify income while keeping agriculture as the primary use of the land. One testifier opposed the bill’s direction without stronger guardrails, urging that a high percentage of revenue or land use remain tied to actual agricultural production. Committee members questioned ADC and Farm Bureau witnesses about how much land should remain in production, whether agritourism could expand on public lands, how enforcement would work, and whether responsibilities should be shifted from the Department of Agriculture’s marketing functions to ADC. Witnesses said ADC currently has no tenants engaged in agritourism, but would support standards, annual reporting, site visits, and the ability to reclaim land if production requirements are not met. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided. After concluding HB 1006 testimony and questions, the committee moved on to HB 1467 and called the first witness, Luke Meyers, before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• 04:02:35.399><c> we</c><04:02:35.880><c> yes</c><04:02:36.399><c> we</c><04:02:36.520><c> do</c><04:02
• ><c> um</c><06:02:19.360><c> I</c><06:02:19.440><c> have</c><06:02:19.558><c> a</c><06:02:19.718><c>
• /c><06:02:21.240><c> were</c><06:02:21.440><c> punished</c><06:02:21.878><c> for</c><06:02:22.080><c>
• </c><06:02:47.878><c> house</c><06:02:48.120><c> that</c><06:02:48.280><c> used</c><06:02:49.200><c>
• 06:02:53.440><c> a</c><06:02:53.638><c> school</c><06:02:54.040><c> near</c><06:02:54.558><c> his</c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 662, which would require discussion of abortion procedures and the viewing of certain videos in public school health education. Members argued the bill went too far by naming specific videos and involving the Attorney General in enforcement, and they said curriculum decisions should be left to educators. The committee voted ITL on HB 662 by a unanimous 18-0. The committee then considered HCR 6, a resolution calling for the removal of the superintendent of District 67. Members said the resolution targeted an individual and that the underlying dispute was already in court, so the matter should be left to the legal process. The motion to ITL passed 18-0. Next, HR 9, urging the Department of Education to emphasize STEM education, received broad support as a nonpartisan statement of priorities, and it also passed 18-0. HB 440, concerning educator licensing and shortages in Career and Technical Education, was amended to clarify that the bill applies to initial licensure only. After discussion about whether the amendment was necessary, the committee adopted Amendment 0188 unanimously and then voted OTPA on the bill as amended, 18-0. HB 222, which repealed the requirement for an MOU between charter schools and districts on services for students with disabilities, drew testimony that districts already provide substantial oversight through IEP processes and that the MOU requirement was burdensome and largely unenforced; the committee voted OTP 18-0. The committee then took up HB 719, which would repeal the right of first refusal for charter schools to purchase or lease unused district facilities. Supporters said the existing law had not generated complaints and could impede charter expansion, while opponents said the issue had not proven to be a problem and local control should be preserved. The committee voted ITL 17-1, with one member opposed and no minority report. The chair then postponed HB 184, a study committee bill on school start times, because it was scheduled for the next day, and the committee moved into a work session on bullying-related bills, discussing HB 108, HB 384, and HB 673 without taking final action in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• it applies to conflicting um I know when it applies to statutes<02:12:14.920><c> if</c><02:12:15.079
• ><c> they</c><02:12:15.239><c> are</c><02:12:15.480><c> conflicting</c> statutes if they are conflicting
• statutes if they are conflicting statutes<02:12:17.719><c> um</c><02:12:18.320><c> it's</c><02:12:18.599
• ><c> the</c><02:12:18.800><c> one</c><02:12:19.119><c> that</c><02:12:19.639><c> passed</c> statutes
• um it's the one that passed statutes um it's the one that passed last last last that<02:12:23.000><c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened with House Bill 184, which would create a committee to study changing school start times. Members discussed Amendment 0394, which made the study committee’s duties more investigative and adjusted reporting recipients, including the Governor. Several members raised questions about whether the committee should review evidence-based studies, local district decisions, and existing district reports; supporters said the amendment would better allow the committee to gather information and recognize local control. The amendment passed 17-0, and the bill as amended also passed 17-0. Representative Litchfield noted that no one had testified in opposition and encouraged the future study committee to review an Oyster River School District report on school start times. The committee then took up House Bill 394, concerning cooperative school district budget committees and board member representatives. Amendment 0476 was adopted 17-0 after discussion that it clarified the bill’s language and reflected work with the School Boards Association. The committee then voted OTPA on the bill, which also passed 17-0. House Bill 738, requiring background checks for employees and volunteers at certain non-public schools or education service providers receiving public funds, was moved inexpedient to legislate. Supporters said the bill would create practical and legal problems for private citizens and homeschooling families, and the motion passed 15-2 with no minority report, placing the bill on consent. The committee next considered House Bill 235, which would amend the educator code of ethics and conduct to add responsibilities to parents. Supporters argued parents should be explicitly included in the code, while opponents said parents were already covered in existing ethics language and statute. The bill passed narrowly, 9-8. The committee then returned to House Bill 532 on alternate dispute resolution and individualized education plan team meeting facilitation. Amendment 0480H clarified that different rules would apply separately to neutral conference, mediation, and IEP facilitation; it passed 17-0, and the bill as amended also passed 17-0. Finally, the committee moved to House Bill 564, concerning adoption of school administrative unit budgets, and voted to retain the bill for further review because members said there was still confusion about how it would apply to single-district and multi-district SAUs.

Transcript Highlights:

• :39.120><c> but</c><00:02:39.760><c> u</c><00:02:39.920><c> be</c><00:02:40.080><c> watching</c><00:02
• :02:41.440><c> reserves</c><00:02:42.000><c> and</c><00:02:42.319><c> payment</c><00:02:42.640><c> from
• :43.440><c> to</c><00:02:43.680><c> help</c><00:02:43.840><c> out</c><00:02:44.480><c> uh</c><00:02:44.640
• :02:52.319><c> do</c><00:02:52.480><c> feel</c><00:02:52.640><c> like</c><00:02:52.800><c> that's</c>
• ,</c><00:02:56.959><c> if</c><00:02:57.200><c> any,</c><00:02:57.680><c> the</c><00:02:57.920><c> only

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the June 18 meeting amendments, then heard an update from Representative Emily Callaway on the State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. She reported no major budget or regulatory concerns, but noted hiring challenges, especially for investigators, and said the board is pursuing a scholarship program using cash reserves and penalty payments. She also said the board has about 20,000 licenses, handled 134 cases in 2024, and had an open-investigation count that stayed roughly flat. The board said initial licenses take about 5 to 7 business days and endorsements about 10 business days, with one citizen-at-large vacancy on the 11-member board. Callaway and board staff also discussed emerging issues such as AI, digital plan submissions, and the use of drones and LiDAR in surveying education. They said Kentucky’s surveying exam pass rates are well above national averages and that universities such as East Tennessee State, Cincinnati State, Bellarmine, Spalding, and Eastern Kentucky are helping train students for the field. The committee then took up Callaway’s occupational licensing bill aimed at removing barriers for people with criminal records. The proposal would let applicants seek an upfront determination of whether a record would disqualify them, require boards to consider specified materials and give written reasons if they deny eligibility, and bind the board’s decision absent new or undisclosed offenses. Supporters said the goal is to help roughly 30,000 people reenter the workforce and avoid wasted time and money on training that could later be disqualified. The committee next heard from Representatives Fleming and Willner on a psychology licensing bill, a reintroduction of prior legislation. They said the measure is intended to address mental health workforce shortages by adding two members to the Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology, setting a more predictable timeline for licensure examinations, and requiring annual reporting on processing times for licenses and complaints. They said the bill is meant to speed entry into the profession as new psychology programs expand in Kentucky. No objections were raised. Finally, the Alcoholic Beverage Control commissioner and general counsel presented two administrative amendments tied to SB 202 to allow direct-shipping forms for cannabis-infused beverages, and the committee approved both regulations by voice vote. The committee then held a broader discussion about whether ABC should be expanded by statute to regulate additional intoxicating substances and emerging products. ABC officials said the agency already handles alcohol, tobacco, vape licensing, and some related enforcement, but any broader authority would require legislative action and likely more officers and funding. Members discussed the need to stay ahead of new products, possibly through an emerging-industries framework, while also protecting businesses and consumers.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:12.240><c> Um</c><01:02:13.040><c> I</c><01:02:13.359><c> wish</c><01:02:13.520><c> the</c
• Right.<01:02:16.079><c> So</c><01:02:16.640><c> one</c><01:02:16.799><c> of</c><01:02:16.880><c> the<
• </c><01:02:19.040><c> One</c><01:02:19.359><c> one</c><01:02:19.599><c> of</c><01:02:19.760><c> the</
• </c><01:02:26.240><c> who</c><01:02:27.119><c> have</c><01:02:27.440><c> stayed</c><01:02:27.920><c>
• with the abuser<01:02:30.160><c> to</c><01:02:30.400><c> protect</c><01:02:30.640><c> the</c><01:02:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened with a brief update and prayer for Oscar, a person known to members, noting he was making slow but encouraging progress and awaiting transfer to rehab. The hearing then began on House Bill 518, which would require the commissioner of DHS to provide a detailed annual report of DCYF costs. Representative Erica Leyon, the sponsor, said the bill was intended to improve transparency, clarify how DCYF resources and shared services are used, and help future discussions about staffing, funding, and whether DCYF should remain within DHHS or become a separate department. She said the department could likely comply without additional cost and was open to adjusting the reporting date, with the department preferring December 31 instead of September 1. Committee members and the DCYF director, Marie Nunan, discussed whether the bill was duplicative of existing reporting and whether it should also include federal funding mandates. Nunan said DCYF already has many policies and reports, but does not currently produce one consolidated DCYF-specific report in this form; she also said the department believed it had the capacity to file the report and was not taking a position on the bill. Several members questioned whether the measure was necessary, while others supported transparency but suggested the information was already available or could be obtained without legislation. In executive session, the committee voted 15-1 to retain HB 518, meaning it will not advance to the calendar at this time. The committee then opened House Bill 775, sponsored by Representative Jod Nelson, concerning supervised visitation centers. Nelson introduced Dr. Scott Hampton, who testified that supervised visitation is important for child safety, domestic violence prevention, and family preservation. Hampton described the history of visitation centers in New Hampshire, saying funding cuts had reduced the number of centers over time and that prior legislation had failed due to budget reductions. He argued that supervised exchanges can reduce risks such as abuse, abduction, and homicide, and said the service can prevent harm without adding cost by avoiding more serious incidents. The hearing on HB 775 was still underway at the end of the transcript, with no vote or final action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:07.039><c> and</c><00:02:07.280><c> this</c><00:02:07.399><c> is</c><00:02:07.520><c> an</
• outshoot of<00:02:09.080><c> House</c><00:02:09.360><c> Bill</c><00:02:09.959><c> 200</c><00:02:10.200
• ><c> that</c><00:02:10.360><c> we</c><00:02:10.720><c> passed</c><00:02:11.720><c> uh</c><00:02:11.840
• ><c> uh</c><00:02:47.239><c> it</c><00:02:47.360><c> was</c><00:02:47.920><c> the</c><00:02:48.080><c
• it's on the it's on<00:02:54.120><c> the</c><00:02:54.599><c> um</c><00:02:55.560><c> let</c><00:02:

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 305, which would clarify and expand a healthcare workforce bill to explicitly include physician assistants and dietitians in efforts to address shortages, especially in rural areas. Rep. Fleming said the change was intended to help with Medicaid-related needs such as diabetes care and noted a decline in dietitian internship applications. Rep. Roarx supported the bill, emphasizing the value of dietitians in helping patients make practical nutrition changes. The bill received a unanimous favorable expression, 14-0, and was reported to the House floor. The committee then considered House Bill 427, which would create statewide 60-credit-hour transfer pathways for high-demand bachelor’s degree programs under the Council on Postsecondary Education. Rep. Grossl explained the bill is meant to prevent students from losing major credit when transferring between KCTCS and four-year institutions, using nursing as an example. Questions focused on rigor, dual credit, how high-demand programs would be selected, and the July 1, 2026 implementation date; the sponsor said CPE and faculty would map curricula and align standards. The Kentucky Student Rights Coalition testified in support, saying the bill would help students complete degrees faster and make credits count toward majors. HB 427 also passed unanimously, 14-0, with favorable expression. The committee then took up House Bill 424, as amended by a committee substitute. Rep. Tipton said the substitute removed language allowing up to six-year contracts and instead set up a process for four-year contracts and periodic performance reviews for faculty, including presidents, at public postsecondary institutions. He said the bill is intended to give universities clearer authority to remove underperforming employees and be more efficient with taxpayer dollars. Several faculty witnesses opposed the bill, arguing it would erode tenure protections, create arbitrary performance standards, and harm recruitment, retention, and academic freedom. The committee adopted the substitute and heard testimony, but no final vote on HB 424 is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• We<01:02:29.520><c> are</c><01:02:29.600><c> keeping</c><01:02:29.960><c> $3,000,</c><01:02:30.800><c
• And<01:02:32.760><c> after</c><01:02:33.320><c> new</c><01:02:33.520><c> customer</c><01:02:34.000><c
• I<01:02:49.360><c> totally</c><01:02:49.960><c> understand</c><01:02:50.720><c> that</c><01:02:51.160
• put some<01:02:57.600><c> kind</c><01:02:57.920><c> of</c><01:02:58.080><c> a</c><01:02:58.360><c> as
• </c><01:02:58.600><c> you</c><01:02:58.720><c> agreed</c><01:02:59.080><c> last</c><01:02:59.520><c>

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• was</c><00:02:00.079><c> to</c><00:02:01.360><c> uh</c><00:02:01.520><c> keep</c><00:02:01.680><c> it
• </c><00:02:06.320><c> have</c><00:02:06.479><c> it,</c><00:02:06.560><c> but</c><00:02:06.799><c> I</
• I'll we'll<00:02:10.160><c> we'll</c><00:02:10.319><c> work</c><00:02:10.399><c> it</c><00:02:10.479>
• </c><00:02:11.760><c> I</c><00:02:11.920><c> think</c><00:02:12.000><c> we</c><00:02:12.239><c> are</
• </c><00:02:14.239><c> Yeah,</c><00:02:14.400><c> I</c><00:02:14.560><c> think</c><00:02:14.640><c> so

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:02:46.800><c> I</c><00:02:46.920><c> think</c><00:02:47.840><c> we</c><00:02:48.280><c> we've<
• </c><00:02:50.640><c> somewhere</c><00:02:51.080><c> we've</c><00:02:51.319><c> squeezed</c><00:02:51.800
• considerable money<02:00:37.599><c> and</c><02:00:37.760><c> the</c><02:00:38.079><c> and</c><02:00:
• :44.480><c> would</c><02:00:44.719><c> have</c><02:00:44.920><c> more</c><02:00:45.119><c> of</c><02:
• ><c> so</c><02:00:50.119><c> so</c><02:00:50.360><c> that's</c><02:00:50.639><c> the</c><02:00:50.840

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Division of Long-Term Supports and Services presented its budget and program overview as part of the Department of Health and Human Services operating budget review. Leadership described the division’s three bureaus—Aging and Adult Services, Developmental Services, and Family-Centered Services—and explained that the division provides guidance, technical assistance, quality monitoring, and contracted provider oversight across the lifespan. Members also discussed staffing, with reported vacancy rates of 4% in Aging and Adult Services, 15% in Developmental Services, and 6% in Family-Centered Services; the division said the higher BDS vacancy rate is partly due to the small number of authorized positions. The governor’s budget had left eight positions unfunded in the division, including three in Aging and Adult Services and five in BDS. A major topic was the division’s roadmap initiatives, especially building a system of care for healthy aging and strengthening developmental disabilities systems through a new reimbursement rate structure. The division said it contracted with an actuary to study DD service costs and found rates had not been reviewed since 2017 and were significantly below actual costs and other states’ rates, contributing to provider shortages even when services are authorized. Members asked about the impact on service delivery and whether rates would need to rise overall; the division said its strategy is to focus on lower-cost services that help people remain in the community. The division also reported waiver enrollment figures, including about 4,161 people on the Choices for Independence waiver, 3,688 average nursing facility residents, 5,061 people on the DD waiver, 228 on the acquired brain disorder waiver, and 488 children on the in-home support waiver, while noting there is no funding waitlist but provider availability remains a constraint. The division highlighted IT modernization as a major accomplishment, especially moving Adult Protective Services and Developmental Services into the New Heights system. Officials said these changes improve case-note access, data retrieval, service authorization tracking, and transparency for providers, and they asked for future oversight discussion focused on IT leverage. Members noted that New Heights maintenance is budgeted in the Office of the Commissioner under class 27 and suggested better transparency on system costs and benefits. The division also reported that it closed out a long-running CMS corrective action plan for BDS on July 1, 2023, and said it is now focused on strengthening the system rather than compliance alone. Other discussion covered the Aging and Adult Services bureau’s name change from Elderly and Adult Services to Adult and Aging Services, intended to avoid negative connotations and better reflect preventative services. The bureau described Adult Protective Services trends involving scams, financial exploitation, self-neglect, and isolation, and explained that it administers the CFI waiver, determines medical eligibility for nursing facility level of care, and braids funding from Medicaid, state funds, Older Americans Act money, Social Service Block Grants, and other grants. Members asked about waiver growth targets and federal consequences if enrollment remains below projections; the division said it would explain the shortfall in a future waiver amendment and did not anticipate a federal penalty. The meeting ended without any votes or formal actions taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:19:58.880><c> Um,</c><02:19:59.920><c> so</c><02:20:00.479><c> and</c> statute, if I'm not mistaken
• ><c> the</c><02:22:00.960><c> statute</c><02:22:01.359><c> that</c> created as a result of the statute
• that created as a result of the statute that we<02:22:01.680><c> passed</c><02:22:02.000><c> several
• to the state you are on your according to the state statute,<02:22:46.399><c> you're</c><02:22:46.800
• ><c> essentially</c><02:22:47.200><c> on</c><02:22:47.439><c> your</c><02:22:47.600><c> own</c> statute

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:02.560><c> Next,</c><00:02:02.880><c> I</c><00:02:03.040><c> have</c><00:02:03.200><c> Nate
• We really appreciate<00:02:11.440><c> uh</c><00:02:11.599><c> this</c><00:02:11.760><c> bill</c><00:02
• It took<00:02:19.680><c> effort</c><00:02:19.920><c> from</c><00:02:20.160><c> you</c><00:02:20.319><
• 02:21.599><c> DHS</c><00:02:22.080><c> to</c><00:02:22.239><c> really</c><00:02:22.480><c> step</c><00
• </c><00:02:37.599><c> Um,</c><00:02:38.000><c> we</c><00:02:38.319><c> strongly</c><00:02:38.640><c>

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The HHS committee met in Room 224 and announced the hearing was being streamed live, with a one-minute limit on testimony. The chair explained that written testimony had already been reviewed and that speakers should either add new comments or stand on their written testimony. The committee first heard SB 2211, an emergency appropriation to the Department of Human Services. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, including DHS, Aloha United Way, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Catholic Charities, and many individuals. Supporters emphasized the importance of maintaining SNAP-related food assistance and emergency food delivery, while Catholic Charities raised a question about whether the bill’s language would also reach food banks serving food-insecure households that are not on SNAP. No opposition was heard and the bill was moved on without questions from members. The committee then heard SB 2025, which would exempt actively practicing advanced practice registered nurses from jury duty. Testimony was broadly supportive from nursing and health organizations, including the Hawaii American Nurses Association, the Hawaii affiliate of the College of Nurse Midwives, the Hawaii State Board of Nursing, and others. One witness from Kaiser Permanente requested an amendment to include physician assistants, and a committee member asked the Board of Nursing to review that request. The bill otherwise drew no opposition and no further member questions. SB 2038, relating to medication labeling, drew the most extended discussion. The measure would change labeling requirements for certain abortion medications, and testimony was split between supporters who framed it as a privacy and access issue and opponents who raised patient safety, ethics, and transparency concerns. The Department of Health supported the intent but requested an amendment to allow quicker access to private information during investigations without a subpoena. The Board of Pharmacy said it supported the written comments but noted operational challenges and possible cost impacts, while Kaiser said compliance would likely require manual workarounds and could slow pharmacy processes. The chair and members questioned whether patients could simply remove labels themselves, but witnesses said there could still be safety and access issues if the patient is not the one receiving the prescription. The committee then moved on to SB 2050, relating to chiropractic, which received support from the Hawaii Board of Chiropractic and the Hawaii State Chiropractic Association, with no substantive opposition noted. The hearing later turned to SB 201, relating to insurance, which appeared to be a new mandated-benefit measure tied to infertility/IVF coverage. The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission provided comments, while Hawaii Family Forum opposed the bill, arguing it went beyond medical infertility and raised ethical and public policy concerns. Kaiser and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans both asked for a study or audit, saying the measure could create new insurance mandates and increase costs for residents and employers. Private Work Hawaii strongly supported the bill as an equity issue. The committee noted there was no quorum for decision-making and deferred action on the measure to a later hearing, then recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• appreciates<01:02:05.680><c> the</c><01:02:06.640><c> benefit</c><01:02:07.040><c> of</c><01:02:07.280
• restricted<01:02:21.520><c> to</c><01:02:21.760><c> those</c><01:02:21.920><c> who</c><01:02:22.240><
• And<01:02:25.760><c> with</c><01:02:26.000><c> that</c><01:02:26.240><c> members,</c><01:02:26.640><c
• &gt;&gt; Seeing<01:02:29.760><c> none,</c><01:02:30.400><c> vice</c><01:02:30.559><c> chair</c><01:02
• Are<01:02:48.319><c> there</c><01:02:48.480><c> any</c><01:02:48.640><c> members</c><01:02:48.960><c>

Bills: HB2116 , HB1879 , HB2214 , HB2310 , HB2168 , HB2427 , HB2560 , HB1596 , HB2197 , HB2498 , HB2167

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Keywords: grants, community engagement, nonprofit organizations, federal assistance, volunteering, youth transit, public transportation, subsidized transit, environment, energy independence, affordable transportation, Hawaii, diaper tax credit, families, low-income, childcare, health, Hawaii Department of Human Services, DHS, emergency appropriation

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to human services, homelessness, transit, and family supports. HB 2116 HD1, concerning grants from the Office of Community Services to nonprofits providing training and volunteerism opportunities, drew strong support from Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and multiple organizations in written testimony. Supporters said the bill would help vulnerable people affected by federal program changes and cuts by connecting them to reintegration and support services. HB 1879 HD1, establishing a subsidized youth transit program coordinated with counties, received extensive testimony in support from the Department of Health, Department of Taxation, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Aloha United Way, Hawaii Bicycling League, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii State Youth Commission, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Greenpeace Hawaii, Hawaii Youth Transportation Council, and others. Testifiers emphasized equity, school attendance, reduced transportation costs, climate benefits, and broader access for youth. Several witnesses urged amendments to make the program universal rather than means-tested, and committee discussion noted implementation questions for neighbor islands and rural areas. HB 2214, creating a refundable diaper tax credit for low-income families with children age four and under, was supported by the Hawaii Diaper Bank, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and several other organizations. The Department of Taxation recommended making the credit non-refundable and clarifying definitions to aid administration, while supporters argued refundability was important for low-income families who may owe little or no income tax. HB 2310, an emergency appropriation to replenish DHS funds used to provide SNAP benefits during a federal shutdown, also drew broad support from DHS, Catholic Charities, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Aloha United Way, and others; witnesses praised the state’s rapid response and said the appropriation would prepare DHS for future emergencies. The committee also heard HB 2168 HD1 and HB 2427 HD1 on education for students experiencing homelessness and unaccompanied homeless youth; the Attorney General recommended technical amendments to avoid conflicts with existing law and to clarify McKinney-Vento-related definitions, while advocates stressed the need for school access, transportation, meals, and other supports for homeless and runaway youth.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:02:05.199><c> um</c><02:02:05.840><c> next</c><02:02:06.079><c> up</c><02:02:06.239><c> is</c
• multiple places in disqualifications in multiple places in the<02:14:26.280><c> statute</c><02:14:26.880
• statute for election officials um the statute for election officials um and<02:14:29.079><c> for</c>
• okay so those statutes<02:14:42.480><c> that</c><02:14:42.559><c> you</c><02:14:42.639><c> cited</c>
• <02:14:42.960><c> I</c><02:14:43.040><c> don't</c><02:14:43.159><c> believe</c> statutes that you cited

Committee: House Election Law

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :46.799><c> next</c><01:02:47.039><c> up</c><01:02:47.240><c> is</c><01:02:47.760><c> sp1</c><01:02:47.920
• suspend suspends<01:02:49.880><c> the</c><01:02:49.960><c> statute</c><01:02:50.240><c> of</c><01:02:
• 50.359><c> limitations</c><01:02:50.799><c> on</c> suspends the statute of limitations on suspends the
• statute of limitations on collections<01:02:51.359><c> During</c><01:02:51.599><c> the</c><01:02:51.680
• in assessment<01:02:52.400><c> is</c><01:02:52.559><c> pending</c><01:02:52.839><c> on</c><01:02:53.039

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 335 would route objections by political party officers to candidate nomination papers through the Office of Elections. The State Election Director testified that his office was not the right venue for party-membership challenges because it could create conflicts and force the Attorney General to represent the chief election officer in court; members discussed whether all objections should instead go directly to Circuit Court, but no action was taken. SB 280 would expand first-degree negligent injury to cover injuries negligently caused by intoxicated drivers. The Public Defender opposed the bill as too harsh and urged either a lower penalty or clearer statutory definitions of “under the influence,” while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it as a needed increase in accountability for drunk drivers who actually injure someone. Committee members raised concerns about overlap with existing offenses, proportionality, and whether the change would increase jury-trial volume; the prosecutor responded that the bill would apply to a smaller subset of cases involving actual injury and would help ensure more serious treatment of those cases. The committee also heard SB 292, establishing Safe Harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical or law enforcement assistance, with testimony in support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, HPD, U Alliance, and others, and no opposition. SB 31, concerning an additional penalty for dog owners whose dogs destroy property on agricultural land, drew only supportive testimony. SB 356 would require restitution in the form of financial support to the minor children of victims killed or disabled by an intoxicated driver; the Public Defender opposed it as better suited to civil court and questioned enforcement after probation, while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it and said courts can issue enforceable restitution orders. Testimony also strongly supported SB 1284, a proposed constitutional amendment prohibiting discrimination based on ethnicity, age, disability, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes, with supporters arguing it would strengthen protections in response to current political conditions. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think that's in statute, statute, statute, &gt;&gt; right?
• ><c> which</c><01:02:06.640><c> is</c><01:02:06.799><c> based</c><01:02:06.960><c> on</c><01:02:07.119
• </c><01:02:08.079><c> So</c><01:02:08.559><c> working</c><01:02:08.960><c> backwards</c><01:02:09.680
• </c><01:02:13.119><c> measured</c><01:02:13.440><c> in</c><01:02:13.680><c> parts</c><01:02:13.920><c
• :14.400><c> or</c><01:02:14.559><c> subp</c><01:02:14.799><c> parts</c><01:02:15.040><c> per</c><01:02

Committee: House Environment and Agriculture

Keywords: 1189, house, all