Transcript Highlights:

• So the basic idea is there should be some data, some evidence, some research to show this would be a
• Thank you. ...and some research to show this would be a good place for a trade office.
• And it adds that the objective research would be written up by ACA, the Commerce Authority.
• And this would require the Commerce Authority to do the research, and for our decisions about where offices
• are... ...Commerce Authority to do the research, and for our decisions about where offices are placed

Summary: The Senate met in floor session, opened with prayer and the Pledge, and then moved through several Committee of the Whole calendars considering a range of House bills and one concurrent resolution. On the first calendar, members considered HB 2192 on employment/video content matters of public concern, HB 2592 on government information technology and AI-related rulemaking, HB 2752 on the Arizona Commerce Authority trade office, HB 2916 on traffic schools and fingerprint clearance, and HB 2946 on development fees. Amendments were adopted on HB 2192, HB 2592, HB 2916, and HB 2946; HB 2752 received a Mesnard amendment, but an Epstein amendment failed on division after a 7-14 vote. All of those bills were reported out do pass, with HB 2752 retained on the calendar after amendment consideration. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted. On later calendars, the Senate advanced HB 2918, HB 2999 on infrastructure finance districts/special taxing districts, HB 1418 on county officers/sheriff authority, HCR 259 supporting county sheriffs, HB 2035 on child welfare placement/reporting, HB 241 on child neglect, HB 2594 on court trust confidentiality, HB 2932 on groundwater transportation fees, HB 2109 on distracted driving penalties for motorcycles, HB 2118 on mobile food vendor licenses, HB 2244 on eviction satisfaction of judgment, HB 4011 on HOA duties, and HB 2440 on a transition program. Several bills were amended, including HB 2999, which drew discussion about tax rates, bond coverage, and infrastructure district financing; an Epstein objection focused on homeowner cost uncertainty, but the bill ultimately advanced. HB 2035, HB 2594, HB 2932, HB 2109, HB 2118, HB 2244, HB 4011, and HB 2440 all received do pass recommendations, with some technical or conforming amendments adopted along the way. The Senate also adopted a proclamation recognizing Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on its centennial anniversary and welcomed university representatives and students in the gallery. The chamber granted the House’s request to return SB 1113 for further amendment and appointed free conference committees for HB 2133 and HB 2010. Final third-reading votes passed HB 2592, HB 2916, HB 2946, and HB 2999, with recorded roll-call results showing HB 2592 passed 16-9 with 11 not voting, HB 2916 passed 26-1 with 3 not voting, HB 2946 passed 27-0 with 3 not voting, and HB 2999 passed 21-6 with 3 not voting. The Senate then adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we worked many, many hours with research to develop this, since it is a brand-new bill.
• Are you open to lowering those penalties, seeing that there's—I haven't done the research, so I apologize—but
• Are you open to lowering those penalties, seeing that there's—I haven't done the research, so I apologize—but
• In researching that at all, I mean, did they give any kind of language of what were things that needed
• So in your research, did you look at any of those states?

Committee: House Special Committee on Tax Reform

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so in your research right now, you don't know of anybody else that's trying to do this within the
• The response was that the speaker had not researched that issue, but it was a very good point.
• So for my part of it, I haven't researched that it's a very good point.
• So I'll have to do some research and clarify. around this bill or around detaching from a water district
• So we'll have to do some research and clarify what happens when you need to, you know, navigate between

Committee: House Utilities

Summary: The Utilities Committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 2807, with a substitute ending in .03C. Representative Herbert explained that the substitute was intended to match the Senate version, add battery energy storage to the renewable standard, clarify that the nuclear provision applies to new, not existing, nuclear generation, and create nuclear energy credits to help track generation for the PSC. Members asked about how the credits would work, whether they could involve out-of-state generation, and how the bill would affect Missouri jobs and in-state generation. The committee adopted the substitute and then voted the House Committee Substitute for HB 2807 do pass by a roll call vote of 18 ayes and 1 no. The committee then heard House Bills 3351 and 3371, sponsored by Representatives Koslow and Taylor, which would expand a prior, narrower water-district detachment proposal statewide. The bill would create a “specific demand customer” category for large water users whose quantity or quality needs may exceed a district’s capabilities, require a water district to respond within 60 days, and allow the customer to seek service elsewhere and pursue detachment if the district cannot or will not serve them. It also would prevent districts from taking on new encumbering federal debt to block detachment and would require gifts offered specifically to pay off such debt to be accepted and applied to that purpose. Sponsors said the measure was meant to stop “debt hoarding” and remove barriers to economic development while still allowing courts to review reasonableness and protect both districts and customers. Members questioned the scope of the bill, including the use of “may exceed” in the definition, whether the restriction on new loans could create problems in emergency or repair situations, how reasonableness would be judged, and whether the proposal could affect existing ratepayers or apply to municipal systems. The sponsors said the intent was to address net-new customers and to leave ordinary financing available except for loans used to prevent detachment. In informational testimony, Missouri American Water described a separate but related problem involving USDA red tape delaying a partial sale of the city of DeKalb’s water system, saying the delay was preventing lower rates and needed capital investment for a small community. No votes were taken on HB 3351 or HB 3371 before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do a lot of research to try to identify who's coming to Missouri and the attractions and the destinations
• Popular destinations and activities, again, based on research and surveys of consumers, we see St.
• Popular destinations and activities, again, based on research and surveys of consumers, we see St.
• They're a research firm that, as you probably know, is watching where your cell phone's going.
• Director Fouts: And the incremental spending, in other words, what our research firm calls spending that

Committee: House Special Committee on Tourism

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I had government and community affairs, travel trade, research, tribal grants—I think those five.”
• This is one area that the kind of tourism, marketing, advertising, and research and analysis...” “...
• Are you requiring employees to begin using artificial intelligence for that research, right, so that
• We do have a really robust research program of work.”
• “We do have a really robust research program of work, and I could definitely see that helping us as we

Summary: The Senate Committee on Director Nominations met to consider Alex Scalpsa Ridgeway’s nomination to serve as Director of the Arizona Office of Tourism. Chair Jay Kaufman opened with remarks about the committee’s role in reviewing nominees for fidelity to state law and executive accountability. Ridgeway gave an opening statement describing her Arizona background, prior state service, and her view that tourism is a major economic driver for the state. She highlighted record visitation and spending, the importance of marketing the whole state, and efforts to expand social media, data use, and support for rural communities. Committee members questioned Ridgeway about the state of tourism, responsible visitor messaging, the need to market Arizona despite major attractions like the Grand Canyon, rural tourism strategies, international travel declines, return on investment for marketing, and how she would respond to unlawful or poor policy directives. She said she would always follow the law, would raise concerns about policy using data, and emphasized an activity-based marketing strategy focused on family travel, outdoor recreation, cultural travel, culinary, wellness, and luxury. She also discussed conflict-of-interest safeguards, said she would support more transparency and checks and balances, and noted plans to explore AI and other technology to improve efficiency. Public testimony strongly supported the nominee. Representatives from the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association, the Cactus League Baseball Association, and Experience Scottsdale praised Ridgeway’s experience, leadership, and collaborative approach, and emphasized tourism’s economic importance statewide. The committee then moved to recommend her confirmation. The motion passed 5-0, and Chair Kaufman congratulated Ridgeway on the committee’s approval and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• But long and short of it, uncertainty, we had no idea what the art research and development cost was
• But long and short of it, uncertainty, we had no idea what the art research and development cost was
• And that's to account for most of the research and experimentation... fiscal year.
• And that's to account for most of the research and experimentation piece that the bill assumes would
• I got that question yesterday and I didn't do enough research to get ready for it today, and I'm sorry

Summary: The committee held a courtesy presentation from JFAC members and staff on the state’s fiscal outlook, with a focus on the general fund, Medicaid, and the budget pressures facing fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Senator Groh and staff explained that JFAC raised the revenue forecast above the governor’s recommendation, but that projected costs from tax conformity and other factors largely erased that gain, leaving a very small ending balance. They also noted that the governor’s budget relies on some one-time money and that JFAC had asked agencies for additional 1% to 2% reduction plans beyond the governor’s proposed 3% cuts. Alex Williamson presented the Medicaid portion of the budget, saying the Division of Medicaid faces an ongoing FY 2027 increase of about $235 million. She said about $84.8 million of that is offset by the already-implemented 4% provider rate cut, and another $67 million in governor-recommended reductions would require legislative action. Those options include further hospital rate reductions, cuts to residential habilitation rates, review of managed care administrative costs, and removal of some services in Idaho Code. Members asked whether reserve funds could be used instead of additional cuts, and Williamson deferred the broader fiscal picture to Mr. Bybee. Keith Bybee then walked the committee through the state’s structural balance, cash reserves, and sales tax distribution. He said the state’s revenues and expenditures are no longer aligned over the long term, that the 2025 revenue forecast missed by more than $100 million, and that the current projected ending balance could fall to about $29.8 million if the governor’s plan and tax conformity are adopted. He emphasized that the Legislature must decide whether to use one-time money, make more cuts, or restore structural balance. Members debated whether the budget problem was driven by recent tax cuts and revenue assumptions, and several said they were reluctant to cut Medicaid further. No formal votes or actions were taken, and the committee adjourned after asking members to send feedback before the chair’s upcoming JFAC presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• I worked for the Office of Program Research, Appropriations, and Capital Budget Committees.
• So after I completed 30 years of staffing at the Office of Program Research, as mentioned, I went to
• Research shows that the QSBS exemption benefits multimillionaires and billionaire venture capitalists
• You know, other research that we've done around companies moving in response to tax policies.
• I think that's come up a lot with the capital gains tax, and a lot of the research shows that it's an

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on January 29, 2026, to consider a gubernatorial appointment, three public hearings, and two executive-session bills. Kristen L. Frazier was introduced as the governor’s appointee to the Board of Tax Appeals. She described her background in legislative fiscal analysis, constitutional law, and tax adjudication, and said the board is working on faster residential review and settlement processes. Members praised her service and said the appointment would be voted on at a future meeting. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5893, which would transfer $65 million from the Natural Climate Solutions Account to the Wildfire Response, Forest Restoration, and Community Resilience Account to fully fund wildfire response and forest health work. Committee staff explained the Climate Commitment Act funding source and the account history, and the Department of Natural Resources said the money would support forest health treatments, firefighting readiness, and partner pass-throughs. Forest industry representatives and DNR supported the bill, arguing wildfire work reduces emissions, protects communities, and prevents larger future costs; one member questioned why DNR had not submitted a decision package for the funding. Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 6229, which would subject gains from the sale of qualified small business stock to Washington’s capital gains tax. Staff said the bill would affect about 260 taxpayers, raise about $1.2 million in fiscal year 2027, and cost the Department of Revenue about $1.1 million over four years to implement. Startup founders, venture capital and tech industry representatives opposed the bill, warning it would discourage investment, founders, and job creation in Washington; a Budget and Policy Center witness supported it as a way to make the tax code less regressive and argued the exemption mainly benefits the wealthiest taxpayers. The committee also heard House Bill 1376, which would allow taxpayers to prepay capital gains tax up to six months early without interest on any later refund; staff said it had no revenue impact and a small administrative cost, and the lone public witness opposed it as penalizing success. In executive session, the committee received a briefing on the proposed substitute for Senate Bill 5395 on prior authorization transparency and AI use in health care, and on Substitute Senate Bill 5860 regarding school board compensation. The committee adopted the proposed second substitute for SB 5395 and voted it out of committee with a do pass recommendation to the Rules Committee, subject to signatures. Substitute SB 5860 was moved out of committee without recommendation. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes $8 million for the Citrus Research and Development Foundation to search for solutions to
• of the health benefits and promote the premium quality of Florida citrus, and $2 million for the research
• increase in the fish and wildlife budget, but there's an $18 million cut to the Florida Wildlife Research
• $18 million cut to the Florida Wildlife Research Institute. What is the reason for that cut?
• Institute. $18 million cut to the Florida Wildlife Research Institute.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• is uniquely positioned to lead this study as the university with a strong history of agricultural research
• Amendment. >> 3, 9, 6, 0, 4, 6, The Amendment establishes a Florida Beef marketing program to conduct research
• It has been shown through 8 or more decades of research, solid scientific studies to be safe and effective
• And so please look at your research, but we have a decades of solid scientific research that says it
• are not my background, as I may have mentioned, is Harvard School of Public Health, 10 years as a research

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Tech University Health Science Center for its contributions to rural health care, education and research
• impact, Texas Tech University Health Science Center has a strong legacy of advancing rural health. research
• The university is also known for groundbreaking research, academic excellence, and innovative health
• Health Science Center alumni are making a difference in contributions to patient care and medical research
• Science Center for its outstanding achievements and contributions to rural health care education and research

Bills: SB26 , SB28 , SJR36 , SB26 , SB616 , SB565 , SB384 , SB28

Keywords: teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> broad exemptions for biomedical research broad exemptions for biomedical research because<03:36:
• </c> research is done on rats and mice. research is done on rats and mice.
• ,</c><03:43:20.600><c> and</c> with my understanding from research, and with my understanding from research
• research from happening in the state.
• I still prohibiting biomedical research.

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do advanced research and then take the results of our research to train local farmers on new techniques
• </c> we are 108 acre research we are 108 acre research um<00:52:46.520><c> um</c> um um um um organization
• and then take that results of research and then take that results of our<00:52:56.520><c> research</
• We have the Hawaii Agriculture Research Center.
• We do advanced research and then take the results of our research to train local farmers on new techniques

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , where I've done research over the past several years on coastal resiliency and biodiversity.
• I am the director of MassPIRG, the Public Interest Research Group.
• And the estimate from the Environment America Research and Policy Center and U.S.
• And I just read a piece of research where uptake in plants and fauna may impact photosynthesis.
• And I just read a piece of research where uptake in plants and fauna may impact photosynthesis.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a heavily attended hybrid hearing focused primarily on plastics reduction bills, along with a few local and related waste-management measures. Chair Rauch and Chair Barber outlined strict testimony rules because of the large number of speakers. Before the plastics docket, the committee heard support for a local Sharon sewer-extension bill for a Sunrise Senior Living project, and the bill’s proponents said the project would help address senior housing needs and would still require MWRA and local approvals. The chairs also noted a separate local matter involving Sharon and the MWRA. A major portion of the hearing centered on the Plastics Reduction Act and related bills addressing single-use plastics, including plastic bags, polystyrene, black plastic, plastic beverage bottles, non-flushable wipes, skip-the-stuff provisions, and truth-in-labeling. Sponsors and supporters said the bills would reduce litter, microplastics, greenhouse gas emissions, and municipal waste costs, while creating statewide consistency and supporting environmental justice communities. Several speakers cited local bans already adopted by many Massachusetts cities and towns, and many urged the committee to advance comprehensive statewide action. The committee also heard testimony on a boat wrap recycling bill, a mattress recycling bill, and a bill to prohibit hotels from providing small plastic toiletries. Municipal officials and waste professionals supported extended producer responsibility for paint and labeling for non-flushable wipes, saying these measures would shift costs away from cities and towns and reduce strain on wastewater systems. The Massachusetts Municipal Association, Mayor Ruth Ann Fuller of Newton, and a Franklin County waste official all backed paint EPR and wipes labeling. Fire Chief Brian Nardelli testified for the Fire Chiefs Association in support of lithium-ion battery legislation, citing fire safety and disposal concerns. Other speakers, including environmental groups, local activists, and business representatives, supported bag and polystyrene bans, though the Retailers Association of Massachusetts urged any bag policy to be truly statewide and said any bag fee should be retained by retailers. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• For instance, the Technology and Research Initiative Fund, the TRIF Fund, that funds university research
• Chair, to that point—wait, Duncan or research staff, do you want to mention that line?
• Doing some research on data centers, I worry about the capacity of our utilities and our water, which
• Faculty have been hired, research is underway, and contracts have been signed.
• that we bring in, and so a lot of those funds are encumbered directly into some incredible research

Summary: The joint appropriations committee met on April 28 to review the FY 2027 budget package, including the general appropriations feed bills (HB 4138 and SB 1831) and related budget reconciliation measures. Staff described the budget as including about $17.96 billion in general fund appropriations, a one-time transfer of state monies to increase revenues, a 5% lump-sum reduction to most agencies’ discretionary general fund budgets, and several one-time restorations or continuations for items such as school facilities, child care, child safety, corrections stipends, and public safety operating costs. Members spent much of the meeting debating how the across-the-board cuts would be implemented, which programs might be affected, and how fund sweeps from prior-year appropriations and special funds would work, including questions about universities, public safety, rural hospitals, transportation grants, the Corporation Commission, and health insurance costs for state employees and troopers. A major point of discussion was the impact on universities and higher education. Arizona Board of Regents representatives said the proposed reductions and fund sweeps would affect already obligated dollars, research, staffing, and student aid programs, and could force difficult decisions about programs such as the Promise Program, Teachers Academy, and other pass-through funds. Committee members also raised concerns about whether the cuts could lead to tuition increases or reductions in services, while majority members emphasized that agencies and the executive branch should decide how to absorb the reductions. Another major topic was health care and the state employee health plan: staff explained that the budget includes a $228 million general fund infusion to stabilize the plan, while a separate reconciliation bill would raise employee premiums over three years. Members also discussed whether the budget’s changes to AHCCCS/Access and hospital eligibility rules could increase costs for hospitals and reduce coverage. Public testimony largely opposed the budget. Speakers from Opportunity Arizona, the Arizona Board of Regents, and local governments argued that the proposal would shift costs onto working families, reduce support for education, housing, SNAP, health care, and rural infrastructure, and protect tax benefits for data centers and higher-income taxpayers. A mayor from Globe asked for state help after severe flooding damaged roads, water lines, and homes, while a motorcycle safety advocate asked the committee to review a DPS motorcycle safety fund appropriation. Committee members and staff repeatedly clarified that some items discussed were one-time appropriations not continued into FY 2027, that some fund sweeps were from unspent or unencumbered balances, and that the committee planned to take a mass roll-call vote on the budget bills at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• the the resources we currently research the the resources we currently have<00:20:41.600><c> are</c>
• Maybe research would know. And what I'm thinking of, I mean, they do some litter pickup.
• </c> for any of these funds Maybe uh research for any of these funds Maybe uh research would<00:23:59.360
• <00:24:20.760><c> Mr</c> research Mr research Mr Williams<00:24:23.400><c> Mr</c> Williams Mr Williams
• I own a legal research and government affairs business here in St.

Bills: HF1359 , HF1829 , HF290 , HF1933 , HF926

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: solid waste management, resource management account, environmental fund, taxation, Minnesota statutes, homestead, property tax, classification, disability, resort properties, recreational use, commercial property, tax refund, estimated tax, interest on refunds, income tax, corporate franchise tax, S corporation, partnership, corporation

Transcript Highlights:

• And that there is research.
• And that there is research. We don't need to research anymore.
• And that there is research. works, okay? And that there is research.
• </c><01:18:55.840><c> There</c> We don't need to research anymore.
• There We don't need to research anymore.

Bills: HB0023 , HB0024 , HB0025

Committee: House Education

Keywords: extracurricular activities, public school participation, enrollment, Wyoming, student access, charter schools, application process, authorizers, public hearing, community support, scholarship, education, eligibility, continuous enrollment, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:30.080><c> and</c> repeating across the other research and repeating across the other research
• , researching on that area, &gt;&gt; Mr.<00:42:14.319><c> O'Neal?
• That's just the scope of our organization and our research.
• </c><01:26:52.000><c> that</c> influence and there is research that influence and there is research that
• </c><01:40:17.520><c> that</c> workers, there's a lot of research that workers, there's a lot of research

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I am now the executive director, or have been for about 19 years, of the Land Use Research Foundation
• ,</c> recognize that decades of research, recognize that decades of research, remediation,<01:03:02.640
• </c> sciences and technology, its research sciences and technology, its research institutes<01:03:23.839
• </c><01:03:37.680><c> center</c> uh water resources and research center uh water resources and research
• ><01:26:11.440><c> metals</c><01:26:11.760><c> like</c> research showing that toxic metals like research

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land met on February 3, 2026, and heard testimony on several bills, with the chair emphasizing a two-minute limit and noting that bills would die if the hearing ran past noon. For HB 1848, the Commission on Water Resource Management and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development both supported the measure with technical, non-substantive amendments. Testimony focused on requiring early consultation about water availability in district boundary amendment petitions, with water officials explaining that the petitioner should submit a written statement reflecting consultation and that the goal was to identify water constraints earlier in the development process. The Land Use Commission’s representative opposed the bill, arguing that water availability is already addressed through existing environmental review and agency consultation, that the issue had been raised and rejected before, and that the proposal could create unnecessary delay or litigation. The committee then heard HB 1728 on rainwater catchment systems. The Commission on Water Resource Management said it acknowledged the bill’s intent but deferred to counties and other regulatory agencies, including the Department of Health, on regulatory implications. Hawaii Realtors testified in support. No vote was taken during the portion of the hearing shown. For HB 1652 on storm water management systems, the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association opposed the bill, arguing it would weaken protections created by Act 281 (“Sharkey’s Law”) and increase drowning risk for children by exempting certain water features from safety requirements. The American Council of Engineering Companies of Hawaii supported the bill, saying the language clarifies and better balances child safety with practical green stormwater infrastructure, including depth-based limits and exemptions for certain agricultural ponds. The Hawaii Farm Bureau also supported the agricultural pond exemption, saying such ponds are used for irrigation, livestock, and fire control and are generally away from the public. A private testifier, Allison Schaers, opposed the bill and described her daughter’s drowning in a detention basin, arguing that poor maintenance can turn stormwater features into dangerous hazards. The hearing ended without any recorded committee action or vote in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Pinto said it is just technical and was suggested by House Research.
• </c><00:36:48.800><c> In</c><00:36:48.960><c> fact,</c> suggested by House Research.
• In fact, suggested by House Research. In fact, Madam<00:36:49.440><c> Chair.
• </c><00:47:58.000><c> the</c> indication from research across the indication from research across the
• Um not posted somewhere but researchers.

Bills: HF2233 , HF1999 , HF1995 , HF1614 , HF2781 , HF1775 , HF1316 , HF2127 , HF2521 , HF689 , HF2380 , HF1273

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: Uniform Special Deposits Act, special deposit, banking law, financial institutions, escrow, escrow account, trust account, security deposit, beneficiary, depositor, creditor process, garnishment, attachment, levy, setoff, recoupment, financial market infrastructure, retirement benefits, compensation, earnest money

Transcript Highlights:

• They're still researching it, and we sent a resolution to Congress to research it further.
• They're still researching it, and we sent a resolution to Congress to research it further.
• They're still researching it, and we sent a resolution to Congress to research it further.
• They're still researching it, and we sent a resolution to Congress to research it further.
• They're still researching it, and we sent a resolution to Congress to research it further.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 627, which concerns Department of Education school safety funding and staffing. DOE said the bill would restore two positions and related funding that had been removed from the governor’s budget: a targeted violence prevention and threat assessment program manager and a security technology manager. DOE described ongoing work on school vulnerability assessments, fire suppression measures, security camera research, panic buttons, and active shooter prevention training. Testifiers from DOE, the Department of Law Enforcement, fire services, HSTA, and an individual witness all supported the bill, with the individual citing a past school shooting experience as a reason to increase school resource officers and safety measures. Members asked about the positions’ duties, how the request differed from existing security funding, and the status of active shooter training; DOE said it would provide more information on training statistics. The committee then took up HB 249, relating to Executive Office on Early Learning family child interaction learning programs. The Early Learning Board, EOEL, Commit to Kids, Early Childhood Action Strategies, Partners in Development Foundation, and others testified in support. EOEL said it currently spends about $800,000 annually on FCI program contracts and supports expanding state funding for FCIL programs, including infant and early childhood mental health, if the appropriation covers the broader scope. Testifiers emphasized that FCIL programs are trauma-informed, evidence-based, and help families and children, with one provider sharing a long-term example of a parent and child benefiting from the program. Members asked how many programs are supported, whether FCIL exists on all islands, and whether the request was in the governor’s budget; EOEL said the expansion was requested by the office but not included in the governor’s budget. HB 429, concerning pre-K expansion, drew broad support from the Lieutenant Governor, EOEL, HSTA, and community groups. Supporters said the Ready Keiki initiative has already opened more than 50 classrooms and would add another 50 over the next two years, including Hawaiian immersion classrooms. EOEL said it currently administers 72 public pre-K classrooms across 74 campuses and that the bill’s funding was included in the governor’s budget request. Testimony stressed kindergarten readiness, affordability for working families, equity across islands, and inclusion classrooms. Members asked about national quality benchmarks, with EOEL stating Hawaii meets 10 of 10 benchmarks and that only five states had done so at the time referenced. The Lieutenant Governor also described construction and delivery efforts, including refurbishing existing classrooms, modular options, possible use of state buildings, and even collaboration with libraries to expand child care access. Finally, the committee heard HB 439 on J-1 teacher licensure. DOE supported the bill, while the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board opposed it, arguing licensure standards are not place-based and should remain rigorous and uniform for all educators. The Attorney General’s office offered technical comments, including replacing “educators” with “teacher” and clarifying the bill’s language on issuance and renewal conditions. Several organizations and individuals testified in support, including school, cultural, business, and educator groups. One witness, a teacher from the Philippines, said J-1 educators are highly qualified and described the rigor of teacher preparation in the Philippines. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.