Transcript Highlights:

• There were some comments that were made about the standard of practice. How did she put it?
• That's a pretty strict standard.
• You've got to have appropriate legislative and regulatory standards.
• It's not because we have a weird standard. I heard Dr.
• That is our standard. We do require those things. So we don't have a weird standard.

Transcript Highlights:

• So moving toward a 2.5% standard would do taxpayers well.
• that's validated and empirically derived by FEMA. ...standard that's validated and empirically derived
• It's a national safety standard for firefighters, and it's a national safety standard for the citizens
• I think more insidious than that is by lowering our standards, they force the firefighters to take a
• So if you look at the standard, just the cost drivers in the city government, really, to look at the

Bills: SB9

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, tax rate calculation, Tax Code, local government finance, municipality, county, special taxing unit, sales and use tax, property tax cap, tax rollback, tax levy, maintenance and operations, debt rate, disaster relief rate, Texas Legislature, local taxing unit

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met to hear Senate Bill 9, which would lower the voter-approval tax rate for certain local taxing units from 3.5% to 2.5%. Sen. Bettencourt, the bill author, argued the change would continue the state’s property tax reforms begun in 2019, slow local levy growth, and give voters more say over larger tax increases. He and supporters cited data showing property tax levies have grown faster than population plus inflation, and said the bill would help protect taxpayers while preserving the state’s broader investments in school tax relief, water, rural law enforcement, and ambulance funding. Supporters included the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association, the Texas Association of Business, the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and the Texas Association of Manufacturers. They said the bill would improve transparency, encourage more disciplined budgeting, and create certainty for homeowners and businesses. They argued that lower tax-rate growth would help attract and retain employers and investment, and that voters would still be able to approve higher rates when needed. Local officials and other opponents said the bill would constrain cities and counties facing rapid growth, inflation, infrastructure needs, and public safety costs. Testimony from county judges, city finance officials, firefighters, and urban county representatives emphasized pressures from jail operations, roads, water, EMS, police and fire staffing, and unfunded mandates. Several witnesses asked for carve-outs or exemptions for public safety and disaster-related costs, warning that a one-size-fits-all cap could force service cuts or shift costs elsewhere. The committee heard extensive questioning but no final vote or disposition on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Get our teachers up to a level of vigor and accountability that's matching to our standards and get that
• getting teachers up to the level, introducing into our teachers' colleges what were required as a standard
• So it's just an idea of making sure that our teachers are teaching to the standards that we adopt and
• Because I think the entire assembly needs to hear that we have not changed our standards, that the metrics
• that other states have used have changed and they've shifted lower, but we have kept our standards.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 2271, which would formally place adult residential facilities in code and rebase their Medicaid reimbursement rates. Sponsor Chairman Ruby and HHS staff explained that these facilities, often serving people with dementia or acquired brain injury, are reimbursed at a much lower rate than skilled nursing care and help reduce bottlenecks in higher-level facilities. Members questioned how the program differs from basic care and nursing facility memory care, and the bill was referred to the HR section for deeper review before possible action on Monday. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2396, as amended, which would authorize an independent third-party performance audit of the Department of Commerce and the North Dakota Development Fund, with findings shared with the state auditor. Sponsors said the proposal was prompted by concerns raised in testimony and that a private audit could begin faster than a state audit. The committee adopted an amendment adding an emergency clause and directing the report to the Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee, then passed the bill 20-0 with 3 absent. Next, Representative Clemine presented Senate Bills 2226, 2036, and 2037. SB 2226 would presume an incarcerated person indigent at initial appearance so counsel can be provided at that critical stage; the commission said the appropriation would fund contract attorney hours, and the bill was sent to HR for further review. SB 2036 would create procedures for determining juvenile fitness to proceed in delinquency cases, with a $500,000 appropriation for mental health evaluations, and SB 2037 would begin a juvenile criminal code framework and include a $300,000 appropriation for fitness-to-proceed evaluations; both were also referred to HR, with some concern raised about staffing and overlapping functions. After a short break, the committee heard education-related appropriations bills. SB 2234 would replace expired ESSER funding for Choice Ready grants, but members noted the program was not included in the K-12 budget and sent it to E&E for comparison with existing appropriations. SB 2286, a University of North Dakota request for a new nursing school facility, drew extensive discussion about the age and condition of the current building and the size and scope of the project; the committee ultimately adopted a do-not-pass motion 22-0. SB 2213, the “science of mathematics” bill modeled on the science of reading initiative, would fund math professional development and implementation; it was also referred to E&E for further review. The committee then briefly passed the Racing Commission budget, SB 2023, and began discussion of the Trust Lands budget, SB 2013, including a proposed retention increase for investment-related positions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that unions set the standard for all workers when they negotiate fair wages and benefits and
• workplace safety standards.
• We know that unions set the standard for all workers when they negotiate fair wages and benefits and
• workplace safety standards.
• workplace safety standards.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The Texas Commission on Jail Standards requires... ...and how many inmates are being outsourced.
• The Texas Commission on Jail Standards requires one officer for every 48 inmates in county jails.
• Brandon Wood, Executive Director, Texas Commission on Jail Standards. Good morning, Mr.
• It is an accreditation standard. I'm not sure if it's in the state law. I'd have to check that.
• We're trying to close that loophole and make sure that we are meeting the standards that we should.

Bills: SB476, SB664, SB745, SB826, SB989, SB1080, SB1171, SB1320, SB1437, SB1727, SB1809, SB2289, SB2320

Keywords: education, funding, school infrastructure, public schools, teacher support, intoxication manslaughter, criminal penalties, ignition interlock devices, youth offenders, vehicular homicide, Texas courts, judicial officers, associate judge, magistrate, master, referee, hearing officer, court administration, Government Code Chapter 54, Government Code Chapter 54A

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several criminal justice bills, with most of the discussion focused on oilfield theft, DWI enforcement, juvenile justice, reentry licensing, jail transparency, and court/judicial standards. SB 1320 would create a DPS oilfield theft unit headquartered in the Permian Basin; supporters from industry, law enforcement, and a district attorney described increasingly sophisticated, organized theft tied to cartels and multi-jurisdictional criminal networks, while DPS said it currently has only two officers working the issue. The committee voted SB 1320 out unanimously and placed it on the local and uncontested calendar. SB 826, which would enhance DWI committed in a school zone to a state jail felony, also passed unanimously after brief explanation and no testimony. SB 1171, adding juvenile justice OIG peace officers to Schedule C salary, was reported favorably on a committee substitute, and SB 1080, which would allow incarcerated people to obtain occupational licenses effective upon release, also passed on a committee substitute after testimony from formerly incarcerated advocates and reentry supporters. The committee also considered several bills aimed at tougher DWI penalties. SB 476 would increase intoxication manslaughter penalties when the offender violates an ignition interlock restriction; the bill was supported by the author, victims’ family members, Galveston officials, and law enforcement, but opposed by the Texas Civil Rights Project, which argued treatment and prevention would be more effective. After discussion about possible amendments, the bill was left pending. SB 745 would create a new first-degree felony option for intoxication manslaughter involving multiple deaths, and it was reported favorably after testimony from a prosecutor supporting the need for a stronger sentencing option. SB 2320 would broadly increase penalties for DWI offenses, including first-time DWI, DWI with an open container, high-BAC DWI, and repeat offenses; it was supported by a grieving family member and a sheriff, and the committee voted it out favorably. On juvenile justice, SB 1727 would expand tools to address assaults on staff at Texas Juvenile Justice Department facilities by lowering the age for transfer to adult prison in some cases, allowing earlier transfer of determinate-sentence youth, and restricting release when a criminal case is pending. Juvenile probation officials supported the bill as a public safety and victim-rights measure, while the Texas Civil Rights Project opposed it, arguing it would send children to inappropriate adult facilities and conflict with juvenile justice principles; the bill was left pending. SB 1437 would expand the juvenile justice do-not-hire registry to include non-certified positions, and it passed unanimously after supporters said it would help close loopholes that allow predators to move between child-serving jobs. SB 2289, requiring counties that house inmates out of state to report that information and any deaths to the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, also passed unanimously. Finally, SB 989, requiring criminal background checks for court personnel who determine bail, and SB 664, establishing statewide qualifications and oversight for magistrates and associate judges, were explained and discussed as transparency and public-safety measures, with SB 989 reported favorably and SB 664 under committee consideration at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Management standards are universal standards that all agencies follow with respect to DFC.
• We have grant management standards that are more attuned to our grants and arguably are more robust than
• the standard.
• Standards in place, and this would apply to RWAF and WALAF.
• So if it's a standard permit, depending on the list, water that's an air example, but it's something

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Maybe you guys standardized testings.
• :07:41.280><c> is</c> Academic standards of homeschoolers is Academic standards of homeschoolers is the
• ><c> homeschool</c> Standardized test scores for homeschool Standardized test scores for homeschool students
• Standardized tests are not an accurate form of measurement.
• Um, standardized tests oppose this bill.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Education met on February 17 and announced it would limit public testimony to one minute because more than a thousand testimonies were expected on one measure. The first bill heard was HB 1934, relating to the Imagination Library of Hawaii. The state librarian and Friends of the Library supported the bill, saying the program is a proven, cost-effective way to improve early literacy and should be expanded statewide for children ages 0 to 5. Friends of the Library said the current 50/50 match requirement would be too difficult to meet immediately and asked for state funding for the first few years to help launch the expansion. Testimony included eight supporters and one opponent, and members asked whether the proposal was an expansion of an existing program; the state librarian said it would expand service beyond currently targeted communities. The committee then heard HB 20004, which would extend the floating librarian pilot program. The state librarian, Department of Education, HSTA, and several individuals testified in support. Supporters said the program helps address staffing needs and improves student readiness, especially for college and information literacy. One retired community college librarian said school librarians help students prepare for college and are increasingly important in teaching critical evaluation of misinformation and AI-generated content. Members asked about implementation of the existing pilot, including recruitment of certified librarians for neighbor island and Oahu complex areas; DOE said those positions had been identified and recruitment was underway, and existing funds remained intact. The final major discussion was HB 2398, which clarifies the library system’s role in RNMSP-related projects and public library construction on or near school land. The state librarian and public library system supported the bill, while the Department of Education and Attorney General’s office raised concerns about vague language, especially the phrase “land controlled by the board,” and suggested amendments. In questioning, the state librarian explained that the bill was prompted by conflicts on shared or adjacent school/public library sites, including traffic, pickup and drop-off access, and other operational issues. DOE described significant disruption from one project’s traffic changes and said planning for such projects should involve early coordination and formal agreements. The state librarian responded that the new bill would clarify oversight and help avoid delays and disputes over property control and future renovations.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the state but we like to set standards the state but we like to set standards for<01:07:25.039><
• </c> just aren't those sufficient standards just aren't those sufficient standards here<01:07:30.160>
• </c> Education uh as I said the standards Education uh as I said the standards here<01:08:00.440><c>
• </c><02:02:30.119><c> ensuring</c> specific nutritional standards ensuring specific nutritional standards
• Ends the hearing on Senate Bill 205. standards are but it you know I mean it standards are but it you

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• annually and publishes deadlines recommendations that come after our legislative deadline, so it's been standard
• our legislative deadline, so it's after our legislative deadline, so it's been<00:01:49.240><c> standard
• </c><00:01:49.600><c> practice</c><00:01:49.960><c> from</c><00:01:50.120><c> this</c> been standard
• practice from this been standard practice from this committee<00:01:50.680><c> to</c><00:01:51.680><c

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• and flagging consistent out-of-state EBT usage, and align Idaho's asset limits with the federal standard
• I know it's sufficiently below the standards that they have, and they've been doing a really good job
• And this is just trying to make sure that we stay under that standard because the new one is that if
• circumstances, conducting data checks more frequently across data sources, and aligning federal asset standards

Summary: The House Health and Welfare Committee first took up House Bill 759, which had previously been held for a date certain. Representative McCann moved to hold the bill in committee, and the motion carried. No further action was taken on that measure. The committee then heard House Bill 730 from Representative Vander Woude, a SNAP-related bill aimed at tightening eligibility verification and program administration. He said the bill would require the department to use existing databases to check lottery winnings, death records, incarceration data, residency, out-of-state EBT use, asset limits, and lawful presence so ineligible recipients could be removed more quickly. Supportive testimony from Tim Puglisi of FGA Action argued the bill would help Idaho avoid federal penalties tied to SNAP error rates and could reduce administrative costs and caseloads; he cited other states as examples of similar reforms. Questions focused on Idaho’s current error rate, the potential fiscal impact of federal penalties, and the practicality of using the SAVE database. After testimony closed, Representative Kaler moved to send House Bill 730 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee approved the motion on a roll call vote, 14-2, with Representative Egbert voting no and Representative Tanner voting yes after initially being marked absent. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is normal uh possession standards.
• We develop a standard form so that people can make the motion.
• I mean, it's a pretty standard motion.
• I mean, it's a pretty standard motion.
• Uh clearer standards for the measure.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2246, which would expand public financial disclosure requirements. The State Ethics Commission strongly supported the bill, saying broader disclosure could help restore public trust and potentially deter corruption, and it offered a clarifying amendment to make clear the requirement applies to board and commission members rather than all employees of listed agencies. Several organizations and individuals also testified in support. A committee member asked about the amendment, and the commission explained it was intended as a clarification rather than a substantive change. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2250, which would add homeless facilities to the locations covered by the drug-free-zone offense for promoting controlled substances. The Public Defender opposed the measure, arguing that many homeless facilities are unmarked and not easily identifiable, creating notice, fairness, and due process concerns and risking arbitrary enforcement. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying it targets distributors rather than users, that notice can be proven through evidence, and that the law is aimed at protecting vulnerable people in shelters and similar facilities. In questioning, senators asked how homeless facilities would be identified and whether the bill would cover all shelter models; the prosecutor said the definition is cross-referenced in statute and must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii and other groups testified in opposition, while several service and advocacy groups testified in support. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2325, which would allow courts to review and potentially reduce sentences for certain juvenile offenders after 15 years if the person is not a danger to the community. Judiciary staff said the court supports the bill’s intent but noted Hawaii’s indeterminate sentencing structure leaves no alternative sentence for a court to reduce to, suggesting the measure may need structural sentencing changes or could instead be directed to the Hawaii Paroling Authority. Public defender representatives and youth-justice advocates supported the bill, emphasizing rehabilitation, adolescent brain development, trauma, and the need for a meaningful opportunity for release. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's standard.
• It's<00:38:03.839><c> standard.
• </c><01:38:17.119><c> and</c> adopt performance standards and adopt performance standards and certification
• </c><01:47:26.159><c> report</c> change to the cleaning standards report change to the cleaning standards
• those standards that are design<01:53:34.159><c> standards</c><01:53:34.480><c> that</c><01:53:34.639

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:16:02.320><c> of</c> should match the scientific standards of should match the scientific standards
• </c><01:46:44.719><c> So</c> that don't have current standards.
• So that don't have current standards.
• Um, currently our certification standards are based on the usage type.
• </c> Um currently our certification standards Um currently our certification standards are<01:51:52.239

Bills: SB2350, SB2349, SB2407, SB3320

Keywords: agriculture, aquaculture, livestock, agribusiness, Department of Agriculture, regulatory functions, employee benefits, restorative practices, sustainability, environmental stewardship, local food systems, Native Hawaiian, workforce development, agricultural development, Hawaii Island, property manager, state employment, SB3320, Hawaii, Agribusiness Development Corporation

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SP 2350, which would transfer oversight of the Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Development Division and the aquaculture and livestock support services branch to the Agribusiness Development Corporation. The Department of Agriculture and ADC both testified, with ADC opposing the bill as written while supporting the goal of strengthening agriculture. ADC said the transfer could create federal operational and coordination risks, jeopardize federal funding and program continuity, and was unnecessary because ADC is a business development entity, not a regulatory agency. The Hawaii Farmers Union also expressed concern that moving the programs could weaken the department’s ability to access federal resources, while the Hawaii Farm Bureau submitted written testimony and the Hawaii Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association and H-Plan were noted as supporting the measure; the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council was noted as opposing it. Much of the discussion focused on aquaculture’s economic potential and the role of regulation, permitting, and funding. Committee members questioned why aquaculture had not grown faster, citing current gross revenues of about $66 million last year, a prior high of $82 million, and a possible long-term target of $500 million. Testimony identified permitting and feed costs as major barriers, along with market conditions and water quality issues affecting producers. ADC described ongoing efforts on feed development, permitting streamlining, coastal-state collaboration on seaweed and restorative aquaculture, and national advocacy for more parity in seafood import standards. Members also pressed the Department of Agriculture on its leadership and priorities, criticizing the lack of bills and resources dedicated to aquaculture and asking whether the department should have more authority to pursue land purchases and development opportunities. The department said it relies on divisions and industry feedback for bill ideas, noted it funds an annual aquaculture survey, and said it was pursuing congressional earmarks and other funding for aquaculture parks, research, and export/import issues. ADC said it would work with the department if the bill passed, but that its current statute does not give it regulatory authority and any such change would require a statutory amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so if we're going to set a standard, let's make it a standard for all law enforcement.
• This isn't saying this isn't a standard. This is a new crime. Mandate standards.
• The standard of proof to convict a stalker is very high, the highest of all standards in the law, meaning
• There's no clear standard.
• It simply ensures the basic legal standards are met.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety measures, with extensive testimony on firearms regulation, disability and sexual assault, mental health diversion, emergency response, and law enforcement masking. SB 704 by Senator Arreguín would require firearm barrels to be purchased through licensed dealers with a background check, as a response to the rise in ghost guns and 3D-printed firearms; supporters said barrels are a key component of untraceable guns, while opponents argued the bill burdens lawful gun owners and does little to stop criminals. SB 258 by Senator Wahab would eliminate the remaining spousal rape exception for victims unable to consent because of disability; supporters called it a needed closure of an archaic loophole, while disability-rights advocates opposed it unless amended, warning it could worsen misunderstandings about capacity to consent and harm disabled people’s autonomy. After debate, SB 258 passed the committee on a due-pass motion to Appropriations, with several members voting aye and the bill held on call. Senator Umberg presented SB 398, which closes a loophole in the law prohibiting paying or offering money or other value to induce someone to vote or register to vote; there was little opposition, and the bill passed on a due-pass motion to Appropriations and was held on call. He also presented SB 27, a CARE Court cleanup measure that would allow certain misdemeanor defendants found incompetent to stand trial to be routed into CARE Court and would expand eligibility to some people with mood disorders with psychotic features. Supporters said it would improve access to treatment and reduce unnecessary incarceration, while county behavioral health directors and disability advocates warned it could blur the line between voluntary civil treatment and coercive criminal proceedings and expand CARE Court beyond its intended scope. SB 27 passed on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 36 from Senator Umberg, a price-gouging measure tied to wildfire-related emergency conditions that also expands search-warrant authority for certain misdemeanor investigations. Public defenders opposed the search-warrant expansion as unnecessary, while a late supporter from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office spoke in favor; the bill was moved on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations and held on call. SB 571 by Senator Arreguín would increase penalties for impersonating emergency personnel and related conduct during disasters; supporters cited post-fire looting and impersonation, while opponents argued longer sentences do not deter crime and that existing law is sufficient. The bill passed on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations and was held on call. Finally, Senator Wiener presented SB 627, which would prohibit law enforcement from wearing extreme masks except in limited circumstances, aimed largely at masked federal immigration enforcement operations. Supporters said masked, unidentified officers create fear and undermine trust, while law enforcement groups argued the bill wrongly sweeps in local officers, is too broad, and should instead target federal agents or impersonators. Testimony was still underway when the transcript ended, and no final committee action on SB 627 is shown here.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our standard is significantly more stringent than the California standard, and the industry can meet
• the California standard.
• </c><01:24:09.520><c> in</c> below uh uh the Minnesota standard in below uh uh the Minnesota standard
• :35.600><c> more</c> our standard is significantly more our standard is significantly more stringent<
• </c> a standard color on an artist's palette. a standard color on an artist's palette.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , which are sort of the gold standard when it comes to treatment and making sure that those providers
• Those ASAM standards are being slowly incorporated into state law, and I believe fourth edition just
• really those are focused those standards really those are focused on<00:41:44.880><c> helping</c><00
• which are um sort of the gold standards which are um sort of the gold standard<00:41:51.160><c> when
• </c><00:43:05.520><c> that</c> these are the fundamental standards that these are the fundamental standards

Bills: HF696, HF1429, HF1379

Keywords: HF696, rural EMS, ambulance, emergency medical services, uncompensated care, payment pool, rural health, Office of Emergency Medical Services, public safety answering point, PSAP, nontransport, unpaid ambulance calls, EMS reimbursement, rural ambulance provider, general fund appropriation, Minnesota health finance, specialized life support, metropolitan counties, emergency response funding, HF1429

Transcript Highlights:

• on selling any liquor to any person apparently under the influence of liquor defines the minimum standard
• There's your standard market and then there's your surplus lines market.
• And a lot of times what we love business owners to keep in is the standard market.
• And even if you have that coverage, you're not getting that full coverage that you would in the standard
• And even if you have that coverage, you're not getting that full coverage that you would in the standard

Summary: The House Consumer Protection & Business Committee held a public hearing on a bill concerning indemnification of commercial liquor servers. Staff explained that under current law, both licensed retailers and individual servers can face administrative penalties and civil liability if they sell alcohol to someone apparently under the influence, and the bill would require the retailer to pay the server’s defense costs and any civil judgment, while preserving existing administrative penalties and causes of action against the retailer. Members asked about how the current penalty structure works, whether the bill would change administrative enforcement, and how liability would apply in situations involving a lone server or multiple establishments; staff said the bill did not specifically address those scenarios. The prime sponsor said the bill was intended to protect lower-paid servers from losing everything in civil lawsuits when they were not the ones who violated the law, while still holding accountable those who actually break the rules. She emphasized that the bill was meant to start a broader conversation and that the term “indemnification” was used as a placeholder for the policy concept. Members raised questions about whether the retailer’s insurance would cover judgments, how the proposal would interact with existing liability rules, and whether cannabis service would be included; the sponsor said cannabis was not currently covered but might be if treated like alcohol in the future. A representative of the Washington Hospitality Association testified that liquor liability insurance is increasingly expensive and difficult to obtain, with fewer insurers, higher premiums, and some businesses unable to get coverage. The association said the bill would not materially change current law because licensees already defend themselves and employees in civil suits, but it would not stop servers from being named in lawsuits, which can still harm workers’ backgrounds and future employment. The association argued the larger problem is lawsuit abuse and urged broader reforms to damages, demand rules, and joint-and-several liability. The hearing ended with the committee closing public testimony on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, I want to have healthcare providers that have the highest morals and standards.
• If a medical provider has fear about speaking out freely about unethical standards within the medical
• I want standards to be upheld for my family's health sake.
• I have the freedom of speech and so should the medical field care provider when unethical standards are
• So we need to have those standards too.

Bills: SB 240, SB 1183, SB 1184, SB 1577, SB 2043, SB 2051, SCR 42, SJR 68

Keywords: biological sex, gender identity, public facilities, civil penalties, local government, EBT, electronic benefits transfer, food stamps, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, TANF, temporary assistance for needy families, welfare benefits, benefit card fraud, fraud hotline, card replacement, photo ID, recipient photograph, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• legislative working group to determine recommendations for establishing appropriate family notice and standardized
• legislative working group to determine recommendations for establishing appropriate family notice and standardized
• establishing appropriate family notice establishing appropriate family notice and<00:19:54.960><c> standardized
• </c><00:19:55.440><c> consent</c><00:19:55.880><c> provisions</c><00:19:56.880><c> for</c> and standardized
• consent provisions for and standardized consent provisions for pre<00:19:58.320><c> contracts</c><00

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Government Operations Committee met on March 20, 2025, and heard two resolutions. STR 239/SR 215 would request the Department of the Attorney General, Department of Land and Natural Resources, and Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation to provide universal changing accommodations in state facilities, state parks, and city and county parks. The only testimony noted was late comments from DAG; no one testified in person or on Zoom. The committee also heard STR 44, which seeks to convene a legislative working group to recommend family notice and standardized consent provisions for pre-contracts governing cremation. Testimony was mixed: DCCA’s complaints and enforcement office asked to include the Department of Health Environmental branch, while the Hawaii Funeral and Cemetery Association, Mililani Group, Dodo Mortuary, and Soy Garden Mortuary opposed the measure, saying funeral homes already provide the relevant disclosures; Senator Carol Fukunaga and one individual testified in support. The chair said the issue belonged more properly in the consumer protection committee, but the committee would still move the resolution forward and note the concerns in the report. In decision-making, the committee adopted both measures as Senate Draft 1 with technical, non-substantive amendments for clarity, consistency, and style. For STR 44, the committee also agreed to keep DCCA in the working group, add the Department of Health Environmental branch, and change the phrase “mainland jurisdiction” to “other states.” The measures passed with the vice chair and Senator Sam Bentura voting yes, while Senators Morawaki and Favilla were excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• There have been shifts in planning, standards, and funding across the state, but our target continues
• in the way we fund these assets, the way we administer policy, the way we develop and implement standards
• Third, we must continue reviewing and modernizing engineering standards that incorporate innovation.
• Well, we made recommendations on policy and standards, and those are the, um, Some of the improvements
• that we can make is policies, uh, with regards to resilience code standards, um, Appropriating funding