Transcript Highlights:

• We'd like to be able to charge appropriately a felony.
• the option of at least charging a felony where appropriate.
• This would be an appropriate time for a motion.
• I respectfully request an I vote on this important measure.
• And I just share at least one legislative perspective on that.

Summary: The Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety met with several bills on the agenda, beginning with AB 1741 by Assembly Member Pacheco, which would allow felony prosecution of sexual battery committed during a residential break-in. Supporters, including Riverside County prosecutors and victim services staff, said current law leaves some home-invasion sexual assaults as misdemeanors when intent to commit another felony cannot be proven; opponents from public defender and civil liberties groups argued the bill was unnecessary, vague, and overbroad. After discussion, the committee passed AB 1741 to Appropriations as amended. The committee then heard AB 1701 by Assembly Member DeMaio, which would bar recall and resentencing for juveniles convicted of school shootings. Supporters framed it as a narrow public-safety measure in response to the Santana High School shooting and the potential resentencing of the shooter; opponents argued it was overly broad, ineffective as deterrence, and inconsistent with juvenile rehabilitation principles. The committee ultimately voted the bill out to Appropriations, but it later failed on the final roll call when members added on their positions. AB 1743 by Assembly Member Wix proposed allowing local governments, state agencies, and higher education institutions to request firearm trace data from DOJ for research and policy purposes. Supporters said the data could help identify trafficking patterns and inform evidence-based gun violence prevention, while opponents said trace data only shows the first lawful retail sale and could mislead policymakers or burden DOJ. The bill was passed to Appropriations. AB 1716 by Assembly Member Stefani, supported by UC and victim advocates, would let CalVCB reimburse tuition costs for college students whose education is disrupted by sexual violence; it passed to Appropriations after a strong debate over victim compensation. AB 1667 by Assembly Member Burner, adding fentanyl to the serious felony list for furnishing to a minor, also passed after emotional testimony from a bereaved parent and law enforcement support, despite opposition from drug policy and civil liberties groups. The committee adopted a consent calendar including AB 1549, AB 1681, AB 1723, and AB 1737, while AB 1538 and AB 1727 were pulled by their authors. In the final tally, AB 1701 and AB 1723 failed on the floor add-on roll call, while AB 1716, AB 1741, AB 1743, and AB 1667 advanced.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:33:04.760><c> that</c> lack the enabling legislation that lack the enabling legislation that
• the appropriate access.
• is made to provide the request is made to provide the appropriate<01:34:54.040><c> access</c><01:34:
• </c> legisl the new legislation would Trump legisl the new legislation would Trump that<01:39:36.080>
• Chairman, could I just request?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Children and Family Law Committee opened with a brief prayer for Representative Grossman’s son, Oscar, who was reported to be in critical condition after a traumatic fall. The committee then took up House Bill 430, which would reduce DHHS retention of unfounded abuse and neglect reports from 10 years to 3 years. Prime sponsor Chairman James Spain argued that 10 years is excessive and burdens families with a long-lasting stigma, while emphasizing that founded reports and reports with reasonable concern would still be retained indefinitely. Committee members questioned whether longer retention helps identify malicious reporting or patterns of abuse, and whether parents understand the distinction between unfounded and unfounded with reasonable concern. The Office of the Child Advocate and DCF opposed the bill. Child Advocate Cassandra Sanchez said historical reports are important for identifying patterns, reviewing critical incidents, and understanding family dynamics, and that screened-out and unfounded reports can be essential context when later reports arise. She also noted that the records are highly confidential and not publicly accessible. DCF General Counsel Susan Larabe added that the bill could create inconsistencies by retaining screened-out reports longer than unfounded reports, and explained that unfounded reports can be used in court and in administrative reviews when there are multiple prior reports. The committee discussed how other states handle retention, with testimony that some keep records indefinitely and others for long periods. The hearing on HB 430 concluded, and the chair said the bill would not be executed until early March, leaving time for amendments. The committee then opened House Bill 187, concerning restraining orders sought by a parent on behalf of a minor child. Prime sponsor Representative Mike Belcher said the bill is intended to correct a gap in the law so children can access the same restraining-order protections adults can, through a parent or guardian, and framed it as an equal-protection issue. Members questioned why the proposal was placed in the child abuse and neglect statute rather than the civil restraining-order statutes, and whether it should instead be handled as a broader civil-law fix. Alanda Peterson, who said she created Jade’s Law, testified that the original wording was meant to protect all children, not just those harmed by family members, and supported expanding the language. The hearing continued with additional discussion of the bill’s scope and purpose.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, it does have to do with an appropriation passed in 2023, which appropriated funds in 2026 and 2027
• </c><00:47:26.960><c> fund</c> grants and how to appropriately fund grants and how to appropriately fund
• </c><01:09:14.400><c> So</c> that you know request to them. Okay. So that you know request to them.
• Senator Osmo, thank you. that you send us or request, um if it's that you send us or request, um if it's
• </c><01:11:08.560><c> some</c> ask is that I've already requested some ask is that I've already requested

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ralph Heap, Legislative District 10.
• Ralph Heap, Legislative District 10.
• It's why I brought the bill at the request of Steve Pratt.
• The manager requests a roll call vote, please.
• Representative Justin Olson from Legislative District 10.

Committee: House House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee heard and took action on several water, energy, housing, and natural resources measures. House Bill 2099, as amended, was advanced on a 6-3 vote after testimony from water utilities, CAP, ADWR, Phoenix, and agricultural interests about long-term storage credits, Colorado River shortages, and the need to preserve flexibility in underground storage. House Bill 2263, also amended, passed 6-3 despite concerns from CAP, Colorado River Indian Tribes, and others that it would restrict where Colorado River replenishment water could be stored and reduce operational flexibility. House Bill 2264, requiring the University of Arizona to promote Arizona history and the five Cs through the mining museum effort, passed 9-0. House Bills 2330 and 2341, both relating to power plant and transmission line siting criteria, passed 6-3 after the sponsor argued they would better account for an area’s character and for speculative projects lacking known off-takers. House Bill 2918, ending certain tax breaks for renewable energy and storage equipment after 2026, passed 6-3. House Bill 2889, appropriating $1 million for uranium contamination monitoring and a statewide registry, passed 9-0 after discussion of tribal health impacts and possible amendment to shift implementation to ADEQ. House Concurrent Resolution 2057 supporting geothermal permitting reform passed 9-0, and House Concurrent Resolution 2020 supporting certain housing developments outside designated provider service areas passed 6-2. The committee also heard House Bill 2843 on portable plug-in solar devices, with the sponsor and supporters arguing it would lower bills and expand access for renters and apartment dwellers. Electric co-ops and utilities raised safety, backfeed, inspection, and liability concerns, and the chair held the bill for further work rather than taking a vote. House Bill 2782, dealing with utility rate transparency and regulatory assets, drew testimony from the sponsor and constituents about alleged double-charging in Santan Valley; after a motion to suspend committee rules to consider a late amendment, the amended bill passed 5-3. House Bill 4025, creating a study committee on gasoline and petroleum refineries, passed 6-3 after the sponsor argued Arizona relies heavily on imported gasoline. House Bill 2912, requiring integrated resource plans and independent review for electric utilities, passed 6-2 after amendment. Finally, House Bill 4100, requiring notice to customers about potential rate impacts if CAP water is lost, drew opposition from municipal and private water providers who said the required estimates would be speculative and could not be prepared by the deadline; the bill was discussed with an amendment expanding its scope, but the transcript ends before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I request unanimous consent to adopt the Economic Outlook Committee report. Mr.
• Well, first off, it's a unanimous request, so we had an objection for unanimous request.
• Is there an objection to the request? Yeah, yeah. For the record, Mr.
• Representative Furness, I request unanimous consent to change my vote to aye.
• Representative Miller, I move to, or I request unanimous consent to adopt.

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee heard the Economic Outlook and Revenue Assessment Committee’s report on Idaho’s general fund revenue projections for fiscal years 2026, 2027, and 2028. The committee’s median forecast was higher than the governor’s estimates, and the co-chairs recommended general fund revenues available for appropriation of $5.6651 billion for FY 2026 and $5.8166 billion for FY 2027, with caution urged on spending above those levels. Members noted the committee’s forecast was more conservative than some outside expert projections and discussed the state’s current revenue strength, including recent collections above forecast. A lengthy procedural discussion followed over the difference between “accepting” and “adopting” the report and whether those actions were separate or interchangeable. Legislative staff explained that accepting the report preserves it for future action, while adopting it sets the revenue number. Members also clarified a math error in the report, changing the FY 2027 percentage increase from 2.8% to 2.4% for the record. Several members spoke in support of the forecast as a prudent middle-ground number, while others emphasized concerns about future budget pressures, conformity, transportation, Medicaid, and other state services. The committee first voted on accepting the report, which failed after a tied split between the House and Senate caucuses. It then voted on a motion to adopt the Economic Outlook report with the FY 2027 percentage correction, and that motion passed unanimously, 10-0 in both the House and Senate caucuses. The committee then adjourned until the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we're one of the first in the nation to have that legislation.
• Aggravated violence can online fill out a petition and request protection from the court.
• So the money has already been appropriated.
• So the money has already been appropriated for this process? Is that what you're saying?
• They are the ones who asked the driver to bring the legislation. Yes.

Bills: HR245 , SCR30 , SCR40 , SB259

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: transparency, justice, Epstein, Maxwell, investigation, human trafficking, government accountability, domestic violence, protective orders, online application, judicial administration, Louisiana, 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> you need uh is our legislative you need uh is our legislative priorities<00:03:07.159><c> for</c
• </c><00:03:25.640><c> measure</c> you so the first uh legislative measure you so the first uh legislative
• request request altogether<00:31:22.240><c> so</c><00:31:23.120><c> um</c><00:31:24.120><c> we</c><00
• </c> um to continue some of the legislative um to continue some of the legislative efforts<00:49:21.160
• appropriate appropriate um<01:10:41.640><c> what</c><01:10:41.800><c> we've</c><01:10:42.080><c> also

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services held an informational briefing on the Developmental Disabilities Council and related agencies. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities outlined its 2025 legislative priorities, including a pilot project for guardian ad litem and capacity evaluations in guardianship/conservatorship cases, a supported decision-making bill, a health disparities study for people with disabilities, an ABLE savings outreach/staffing measure, a Medicaid buy-in proposal, an adult changing tables equity bill, and a resolution on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Council representatives emphasized that supported decision-making would complement tools like powers of attorney and medical releases, and that the health disparities study would help identify unmet needs by ZIP code and improve state data on the intellectual and developmental disability population. The Center on Disability Studies at the University of Hawaii described its role as the research and training arm within the DD system, working with the DD Council and the Hawaii Disability Rights Center. It reported activities such as interdisciplinary training, community education, technical assistance, research collaborations, the Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability and Diversity, publications, telehealth, ECHO Autism, and counseling for Maui fire survivors. The center said it leveraged about $16 million in outside funding last year and highlighted goals focused on workforce development, community capacity, research with direct participation from people with disabilities, and accessible dissemination of information. The Hawaii Disability Rights Center, the state’s protection and advocacy agency, supported the Council’s priorities, especially supported decision-making, which it said could help some people avoid guardianship while preserving liberty and reducing state resource use. The center also raised concerns about the DD system budget and urged legislators to review whether the Developmental Disabilities Division is requesting enough funding, noting possible backsliding in services and eligibility. The Developmental Disabilities Division of the Department of Health then outlined its statewide waiver program serving just over 3,500 people, its service array, and its budget request for increased waiver funding, a federal initiatives coordinator, and IT upgrades to comply with the new HCBS access rule; no votes or formal actions were taken during the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• To push for legislation and increase funding to meet native students' needs.
• Now that requires the state legislation to respond with an increase in funding.
• There was a significant capital outlay appropriation for $3.2 million as well as a $1 million appropriation
• Everything has already been appropriated through calculations. Um, we have the increase.
• Chair, I, I, I, I need to understand you, you're requesting 50 million.

Transcript Highlights:

• Father, we thank you for the men and women, the state legislators here who have devoted 60 full days
• You bestowed upon us each of our state legislators and their families today and throughout session.
• I rise for a request. The delegate has the floor. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• This legislation was reported by the Committee on Privileges and Elections.
• Again, the legislation was reported by the Committee on Privileges and Elections.

Keywords: March 13, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When negotiations are requested by a tribe, IGRA requires a state to negotiate in good faith.
• If uncertainty is broad, we highlight those assumptions and, when appropriate, show a range.
• So the question related to some testimony that was made to House Appropriations.
• I've been asked to implement legislative policies that didn't make a lot of sense.
• Thank you, Madra. been asked to implement legislative policies that didn't make a lot of sense.

Committee: House State Government & Tribal Relations

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It also requests that the procedure be posted... posted on the county-wide website.
• You know, in the data requests that you asked, I'd be happy to sit down with you to figure out what request
• you made and perhaps why they were telling you no to certain requests.
• A Google number seems appropriate here as well. Personal.
• It's good legislation. I get it.

Bills: HB569 , HB766 , HB1638 , HB2316 , HB2773 , HB2785 , HB3113 , HB3709 , HB3775 , HB4275

Committee: House Elections

Keywords: early voting, ballot correction, voting rights, election integrity, mail-in voting, voter notification, HB 766, precinct chair, precinct chair candidate, ballot application, Texas Election Code, Section 172.021, election administration, candidate filing, party precinct chair, county party, political party office, email address, telephone number, confidential candidate information

Transcript Highlights:

• , AB 1910 by Burner, with a motion of due pass to Appropriations.
• AB 1910 by Burner with a motion of due pass to Appropriations.
• David Bolog, SFB Alliance and Neighbors for the 40th Assembly District for sane legislation.
• The motion is due pass as amended to appropriations. Bonta. Aye. Bonta, aye. Aye. Addis, aye.
• in federal legislation.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee met on March 17 and first approved a consent calendar of several bills, then heard AB 1540 by Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez, which would restore the 988 “Press 3” LGBTQ youth crisis line. Supporters, including suicide prevention advocates, behavioral health groups, and local governments, argued the service is a vital, identity-affirming suicide prevention tool for LGBTQ youth. Opponents, including detransitioners and conservative advocacy groups, argued it would steer vulnerable youth toward organizations they viewed as harmful. The committee approved the bill on a due-pass-as-amended motion to the Communications and Conveyance Committee, with several no votes; the bill was later held on call and then advanced. The committee next heard AB 1671 by Assemblymember Tangipa, creating a Rural Medical Provider Grant Program to help providers serving rural communities with operational costs, equipment, workforce needs, and related expenses. Supporters said the bill would help retain providers and improve access in areas where patients travel long distances for care; committee members also discussed telehealth as an important rural access tool. The bill passed on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations. The committee then took up AB 1876 by Assemblymember Addis, the Fair Care for All Act, which would codify federal health care nondiscrimination protections into California law, including protections related to race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, and gender identity. Supporters said the bill is needed because federal protections are vulnerable to rollback and because patients, especially transgender and intersex Californians, face coverage denials and care disruptions. Opponents argued the bill would force coverage of gender-affirming care and raised concerns about detransitioning. The committee approved the bill on a due-pass motion to Judiciary, with some no votes, and later held it on call before it advanced. Finally, the committee heard AB 1629 by Assemblymember Haney, which would require dental plans to honor assignment-of-benefits requests and improve reporting on network adequacy. Supporters said the bill would reduce upfront costs for patients and improve transparency, while opponents, including Delta Dental and dental plan groups, warned it could weaken networks and increase out-of-pocket costs. After discussion about network participation and patient access, the committee passed the bill on a due-pass motion to Appropriations. The committee then completed the remaining votes, including the consent items, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• must be maintained for a period of one year and must be open to inspection by law enforcement upon request
• And they're required to make facilities and records available for inspection within 24 hours of request
• And they're required to make facilities and records available for inspection within 24 hours of request
• SB 538 is the state court's legislative package.
• It provides a mechanism for the clerks to request their discretionary appropriations through the JAC.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Summary: The Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met with a quorum present and first received an implementation update on CS for SB 606, the Boating Safety Act of 2022, from FWC Lieutenant Colonel Robert Roe. He described the livery permit system, safety and insurance requirements, required pre-rental and pre-ride instruction, recordkeeping, overdue-vessel reporting, accident reporting, and penalties for violations. He also reported enforcement results since the permit requirement took effect in January 2023, including 1,428 permits issued, 1,093 liveries operating, three 90-day suspensions, one revocation, and two pending revocations. Members asked whether liveries may require boating safety education even for people exempt under current law; Roe said they may do so as a business decision, but current law does not require it unless the statute is changed. A member noted concern that many accidents involve boaters in the older exempt age group and said the issue may be revisited this session. The committee then considered SB 878 by Senator Martin, which extends probation for misdemeanor offenders who were using controlled substances when they committed the offense, allowing supervision for up to one year and aligning those cases more closely with existing alcohol-related misdemeanor probation rules. With no appearance forms or debate, the bill was voted favorably. Next, the committee took up CS for SB 538 by Senator Bradley, the state court system package. The bill updates statutes to reflect current court operations, including duty judge procedures, removal of a location limit for duty hearings, repeal of a cap on arbitrator compensation in court-ordered non-binding arbitration, and an alternative method for judicial authentication when a court seal is unavailable. An amendment shifting certain clerk reimbursement requests through the Justice Administrative Commission was adopted, and the bill was then reported favorably with support waivers from several court-related entities. Finally, the committee heard SB 472 by Senator Truenow, which provides that inmates who complete classes meeting required curriculum standards may receive credit toward licensure requirements for those classes. Several organizations waived in support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it going to appropriations for approval there, too?
• Some of them are, we've got four legislators.
• So, obviously we're legislators, but I don't think it's appropriate to start with legislating into an
• I think it's appropriate to start with legislating into an independent organization.
• And I think this is why this legislation is so important.

Bills: HCR10 , HB195 , HB283 , HB319 , HB325 , HB407 , HB448 , HB482 , HB992

Committee: House Education

Keywords: sanctioned sports, athletics, youth sports, high school, LHSAA, self-defense, chemical spray, public safety, campus security, higher education, Teacher's Shield Act, student discipline, assault, battery, school employee protection, sick leave, expulsion procedures, Louisiana Commission on Civic Education, civic education, civic engagement

Transcript Highlights:

• Kim and my legislative Aid Christine Kim and my legislative Aid Christine Fuller<00:21:50.360><c> welcome
• Representative Matsumoto: Same request. So ordered.
• </c><00:45:33.800><c> to</c> speaker with reservations and request to speaker with reservations and request
• Legislative Art Day is upon us, so please come to Room 411.
• This is for legislators and staff who would like to get creative with us.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then they help us provide fiscal analysis on legislation.
• Members can opt out of this provision under the draft legislation.
• Why is there a request for an additional $500 million?
• What was most appropriate for MOSERS?
• What was the risk tolerance that was most appropriate for MOSERS?

Committee: House Joint Committee on Public Employee Retirement

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Employee Retirement held an informational hearing on the Missouri State Employees’ Retirement System (MOSERS) to review its long-term financial condition, funding status, investment performance, experience study results, and possible legislation. MOSERS staff explained that the plan is a statutorily created defined benefit system covering state employees, several colleges and quasi-governmental entities, with an 11-member board and outside actuarial and investment consultants. They reported the June 30, 2025 valuation showed a funded ratio of 55.4%, assets of about $9.6 billion, liabilities of about $17.4 billion, and a FY27 actuarial employer rate of 27.44%, which the board raised to a 32% minimum contribution rate under a policy adopted in 2023. MOSERS attributed the funding decline over time to several factors: reductions in the assumed investment return from 8.5% to 6.95%, mortality assumption updates, a move from open to closed amortization, and especially weak payroll growth and a shrinking active workforce. Staff said the minimum contribution policy is intended to accelerate UAL paydown and could bring the plan to 80% funded by 2037 rather than 2041, assuming all assumptions are met. The committee also discussed the recent experience study, which kept the investment return assumption at 6.95% and made only modest assumption changes, and a proposed 2026 bill package (SB 1557 and SB 1054) that would automatically refund small balances under $1,000 to terminated non-vested members and add auto-escalation to the deferred compensation plan. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on investment strategy and why MOSERS has lagged some peers. The investment consultant said historical underperformance was driven mainly by asset allocation choices that emphasized a more risk-balanced, diversified portfolio with less public equity exposure than peers during a period when equities performed very strongly. He said the board adopted a more equity-oriented allocation in 2024 and is phasing it in over eight quarters, with recent short-term results improving and the portfolio outperforming its policy benchmark. Members also asked about the effect of inactive members, the rationale for the higher employer contribution, and whether the current board should be held responsible for past decisions; MOSERS officials emphasized that the current board is trying to correct course and that pension funding changes take time. The hearing also touched on ongoing litigation against a former private equity manager, Catalyst Capital, with MOSERS saying it has spent about $20 million in legal fees so far and that the case remains on appeal. The committee took no formal vote and adjourned after the informational presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• One minute warning, legislators, please return to your committee chairs. Welcome back, everybody.
• The legislature also appropriated, you all appropriated an additional $200 million that can be used for
• They can come back and request the money once they've got that done.
• They had to get legislative authorization on their own.
• appropriate funding for so that we can continue to.

Committee: House New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> with us uh why the additional request with us uh why the additional request and<01:06:57.359><c>
• </c><01:07:17.839><c> we</c> in last in the last Bam's request we in last in the last Bam's request we
• Senator Gustafson, this is a great piece of legislation.
• Chair, I'll defer to you to see where it's appropriate.
• </c><01:34:06.880><c> your</c> metric we respectfully request your metric we respectfully request your

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In that case, an appropriate notice will be posted.
• </c><00:24:49.080><c> in</c> working with the district legislators in working with the district legislators
• In that case, an appropriate notice will be posted.
• We humbly and respectfully request to have a seat at the table as part of the working group.
• We are in full support, but we do request for the amendment. Thank you. Any others?

Committee: House Economic Development & Technology

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Technology heard testimony on several measures, with most witnesses either supporting the bills or offering technical concerns and suggested amendments. On SB 338, testimony came from the Department of Taxation, Tax Foundation of Hawaii, and Surpac, and the bill later moved forward with amendments. On SB 558, testimony was largely in support from the Department of Agriculture, Ulupono Initiative, Local Food Coalition, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and the Agribusiness Development Corporation, which described the measure as supporting rural jobs, food-system development, and use of off-grade agricultural products. ADC requested flexibility for neighbor-island siting and funding allocations, while the committee also discussed whether the bill’s language should be made more general and whether it could raise constitutional concerns about overly specific site designations. The bill was advanced with amendments and a noted appropriation allocation of $350,000. The committee also heard SB 186, which drew support from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, Department of Agriculture, Ulupono Initiative, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Public Health Institute, DED, ADC, AAHU RC&D, and the Hawaii Youth Food Council. Supporters said the measure would improve coordination among agencies on food systems, help address food security and the state’s 30% by 2030 farm-to-school goal, and create a more organized statewide food systems effort. SB 328 received support from the Department of Taxation and Hawaii Farm Bureau, with Farm Bureau describing it as a way to repurpose existing dairy infrastructure to revive hog production and support livestock and farm-to-school goals; the Tax Foundation of Hawaii opposed the measure as a potentially narrow industry incentive that could unfairly benefit a specific taxpayer and said a direct appropriation would be more transparent. SB 89 was described by Hawaii Farm Bureau as a labeling measure intended to protect the integrity of a culturally relevant local product, though the group raised concerns about wording and implementation timing. Later, SB 742 received support from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the Office of Wellness and Resilience, the Executive Office on Early Learning, the University of Hawaii System, Hawaii KidsCAN, the Hawaii Workforce Funders Collaborative, and the State Commission on the Status of Women. Testifiers said the bill would improve cross-agency data sharing, support workforce and education planning, and create public-facing dashboards; the Commission on the Status of Women asked to be included in the working group or as an advisory member. In decision-making, the committee adopted amendments and advanced SB 338, SB 558, and SB 1186. For SB 1186, the chair’s recommendation added three positions, specified committee-note funding amounts for those positions and operating funds, and revised working-group membership to have co-chairs appoint five members with relevant experience and expertise.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's why we recommend; we commend Representative Pope for carrying this important legislation.
• I just think legislation and bills like this really come from the community, right?
• Chair, Senator, I do not believe so; they did not submit the request. Are they fully on board, Mr.
• Essentially, what this bill does is it's an appropriations measure.
• Chair, our appropriations bill uses language to fund out-of-school time and summer enrichment...

Committee: Senate Senate Education