Transcript Highlights:

• I get a lot of questions about this, and I am not a bond attorney, so I struggle trying to explain it
• I am an attorney, but I'm not a criminal attorney, and I had to take six months to learn this.
• What the district attorneys do is they go through an amenability hearing to determine whether Or not
• I met with multiple district attorneys. They want to try to do what's best for kids.
• I'm just not being an attorney, so I apologize, Madam Leader.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1960 requires the Department of the Attorney General to develop a human trafficking awareness
• </c> requires the department of attorney requires the department of attorney general<00:58:13.280><c>
• We're going to insert language requiring the Attorney General to develop training materials no later
• 31.680><c> language</c><01:05:32.000><c> requiring</c><01:05:32.480><c> the</c><01:05:32.720><c> attorney
• </c> insert language requiring the attorney insert language requiring the attorney general<01:05:33.359

Bills: SB2359, SB2169, SB2170, SB2263, SB2360, SB3084

Keywords: time share, registration, renewal, consumer protection, real estate, SB2170, North Kohala, Kynnersly East Site, Agribusiness Development Corporation, ADC, general obligation bonds, GO bonds, agricultural development, land acquisition, fee simple, Hawaii Island, Big Island, rural development, food security, sustainable agriculture

Summary: The joint House Committee on Tourism and House Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems heard House Bill 2585 on agricultural tourism. The bill would create statewide uniform standards for agritourism in counties that adopt such ordinances, require registration with county planning departments, and require agritourism to remain secondary and accessory to farming. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity supported the measure but recommended amendments to make the language more consistent and to ensure agritourism remains tied to agricultural activity; the Hawaii Farm Bureau also supported the bill with the same general guardrails, while the White Tourism Authority offered comments. A member raised concerns about a trailer/roadside-stand provision, and the department ultimately said it did not support that specific language. The chairs then recommended passage with amendments, including a definition of principal farm operations, clarification that agritourism must not interfere with on-farm operations, revised termination rules after 60 consecutive days without active production with notice and cure procedures, restoration of the department’s proposed change to the trailer language, and technical corrections. HB 2585 passed both committees unanimously with excused members noted. The committees then heard House Bill 2602 on sustainable tourism infrastructure, which would establish a matching grant program in the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism for capital projects that improve sustainability and climate resilience in the visitor industry. The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii testified in support. The chair recommended passage with a committee report note estimating a roughly $5 million cost and a date correction, and both committees adopted the recommendation unanimously. House Bill 1948 on single-use plastics was also heard. It would prohibit lodging establishments from providing certain personal care products in small plastic containers and impose civil penalties. The Department of Land and Natural Resources stood on its testimony, and the Department of Health supported the waste-reduction goal but suggested the language belonged in a different chapter. The chair recommended an HD1 that would omit lotions from the definition of personal care products, adopt the Department of Health’s proposed clarification about reusable containers, and correct the date; the measure passed both committees unanimously. Finally, House Bill 1960 on human trafficking was heard. The bill would require the Attorney General to develop human trafficking awareness training for transit accommodation workers, require employers to provide training, keep records, post signage, adopt prevention policies, and report suspected trafficking, with penalties and rulemaking by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. The Department of Labor Relations supported the intent but said the Department of Law Enforcement should be the lead agency, and the Hawaii Hotel Alliance strongly supported the bill while asking for amendments to recognize existing industry programs and apply the requirements equitably. The chair recommended an HD1 incorporating a July 1, 2027 deadline for training materials and employer training, adopting the hotel industry and DLE-related amendments, and making technical corrections; HB 1960 passed both committees unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, um, give the Attorney General credit for that, um, because that does provide some longer-term
• Now, what I will say is the attorney<00:15:44.720><c> general's</c><00:15:45.120><c> office</c><00:15
• :45.360><c> has</c><00:15:45.680><c> been</c><00:15:45.839><c> very</c> attorney general's office has
• been very attorney general's office has been very aggressive<00:15:46.720><c> in</c><00:15:46.880><c
• </c> And so, um, give give the attorney And so, um, give give the attorney general<00:15:57.759><c> credit

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:02 HB 398 Discussion 01:01 HB 398 Roll Call Vote 16:09 Chair Comments 18:05, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Since 1985, I have had the honor of working with many strong tribal leaders, tribal councils, attorneys
• I have included as an attachment to this written testimony a memo written by a tribal attorney to a Pueblo
• Shortly thereafter, the Attorney General—and I believe that was the state; I think it was the state Attorney
• Attorney Administration. Moving on, Puaqui Pueblo and the Mescalero.
• My wife is an attorney for disability rights.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would just like to thank the family law section and the adoption attorneys for their input in getting
• Five years ago, after 17 years as an in-house counsel of a bank, I realized that being a bank attorney
• I am now an attorney specialized in helping immigrant children at a nonprofit called the Orlando Center
• We need that system of foster parents and we need those systems of attorney ad litem to support these
• We worked to retain attorneys.

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs met with a quorum and considered five bills. SB 1174, by Senator Jones, would simplify the process for transferring a family foster home license when a foster parent moves within Florida. A friendly amendment clarified that the transfer applies to the same licensed person, not a different individual, and directs DCF to prioritize amended licenses. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. SB 558, by Chair Grall, created a framework for voluntary post-adoption contact agreements between adoptive and biological parents, including contact with siblings, with court filing and enforcement procedures. A strike-all amendment changed the child’s party status age from 14 to 12, required court filing in the adoption case, set a preponderance standard, and moved the effective date to January 1, 2026. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. SB 1626, also by Chair Grall, was substantially revised by a strike-all addressing unaccompanied alien children reporting and custody procedures, military family child protective investigations, domestic violence shelter certification, children’s services councils, criminal-background exemptions, group home rates, subcontractor indemnification, child care licensing extensions, small residential group home fire suppression rules, and missing-child jurisdiction issues. After testimony both supporting and opposing parts of the bill, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. SB 738, by Senator Burton, updated child care and early learning licensing rules, including expedited licensing for compliant providers, faster background screening and provisional licensure, online training/testing, exemptions for certain military and employer-provided child care, and removal of a residential insurance provision from the bill. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. SB 304, by Senator Sharief, known as Patterson’s Law, addressed child abuse investigations involving rare genetic or metabolic conditions that can mimic abuse. The strike-all required more detailed medical analysis in reports, allowed second opinions, and set procedures for experienced physician review and judicial resolution. After extensive testimony from affected families, advocates, and DCF, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. At the end, Senators Harrell and Rouson asked to be recorded as voting favorably on additional bills, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• it would resume in that off-cycle statewide election process and sync up with the governor, the attorney
• some reason, heaven forbid, there was a vacancy today in the governor's office, it would be the Attorney
• They could say, let's leave it as is with the Attorney General.
• It would be the Attorney General. Sponsors recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Like, for example, with the Attorney General, you know, they're at least a lawyer.

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee heard several measures focused on government structure, oversight, and public policy designations. The most debated bill was HJR 1325, which proposed a constitutional amendment to create a statewide Commissioner of Government Efficiency, abolish the lieutenant governor office and the Government Efficiency Task Force, and eliminate the constitutional requirement for an Auditor General appointment. Sponsors said the new commissioner would be a watchdog over waste, fraud, and abuse across state and local government, while opponents raised concerns about cost, single-subject issues, lack of implementation details, and whether existing oversight structures were sufficient. After extensive debate, the resolution was reported favorably by a recorded vote. The committee also approved HB 575, which redesignates the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America in Florida statute, and HB 1445, which requires certain state officials and agency heads to have stronger ties to Florida and, for some positions, to live in the county where their agency headquarters is located. HB 1445 drew questions about practicality and whether a proximity standard would be better than a strict county requirement, but the sponsor said he would continue working on that issue. Both bills were reported favorably, with HB 1445 passing unanimously. In addition, the committee unanimously approved HB 259, designating August 21 as Fentanyl Awareness and Education Day, with supporters emphasizing the need for public education about fentanyl overdoses. The committee also passed CS/HB 29, the public records and meetings bill linked to the social work licensure compact, which creates confidentiality and meeting exemptions needed for the compact to operate. Public testimony on that measure was supportive, and it too was reported favorably without opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thanks for the hard work of our governors, our state attorneys, generals, law enforcement, advocates,
• Chairman Scott, your leadership, starting with your time as Florida's governor, when you and Attorney
• Florida's Attorney General, provided invaluable leadership in the fight against this epidemic.
• So I've recently had some conversations with incoming Attorney General Pam Bondi.
• One of the things as Attorney General and I dug into this was it was heartbreaking to see so many people

Keywords: opioid crisis, overdose, naloxone, drug trafficking, law enforcement, treatment, prevention, older adults, Medicaid expansion

Summary: The meeting convened to address the dire opioid crisis affecting communities nationwide, with a particular focus on the alarming rise of opioid use disorder among older adults. Key testimonies highlighted the critical need for a comprehensive approach that encompasses prevention, treatment, and strict law enforcement actions against drug traffickers. Sheriff Dennis Lima from Seminole County outlined successful strategies implemented in Florida, including increased access to naloxone and legislative changes to hold drug dealers accountable for overdoses. Various members expressed a united front on tackling this multifaceted issue, advocating for the expansion of Medicaid and better access to treatment as essential steps to curbing the epidemic.

Transcript Highlights:

• But after speaking with House attorney, I was informed that that was not correct, so that did stall this
• , and then I spoke to the attorney, and they said that's true.
• </c><00:18:58.280><c> and</c><00:18:58.360><c> then</c> that they spoke to the attorney and then that
• they spoke to the attorney and then I<00:18:58.799><c> spoke</c><00:18:59.000><c> to</c><00:18:59.120
• ><c> said</c> I spoke to the attorney and they said I spoke to the attorney and they said that's<00:19

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety met on Wednesday, April 2 at 11:05 a.m. and began with housekeeping instructions for Zoom testimony and meeting conduct. The first major item was House Resolution 43, HD1, which urged the City and County of Honolulu to work with stakeholders on an emergency access road on the West Coast. The acting chair proposed a substantial HD2 amendment to add Makakilo language, expanding the resolution to call for two emergency access roads—one on the Ewa coast and one in Makakilo—and to request community meetings and a timeline for an alternative Makakilo access road by early 2026. Testimony on the resolution was strongly supportive overall, with 14 written testimonies in favor and none opposed. The committee then debated whether the proposed HD2 was appropriate without prior concurrence from the original introducer or prior committee chair. Several members objected to the amendment process and said they would vote no because the amendment had not been posted in advance and lacked concurrence, while the acting chair argued the rules did not require concurrence for resolutions and that the amendment was needed to address Makakilo residents’ safety concerns. The discussion also included references to prior conversations with leadership and the Speaker about whether resolution titles could be amended. After debate, the committee first voted on the amended version of HR 43, but the recommendation was not adopted. The acting chair then moved to pass HR 43 HD1 as originally presented, without the new Makakilo amendments. That motion was adopted, with the committee voting to pass the resolution as is. The record notes that members supporting the original measure cited the written testimony and the need for a second access point on the West Coast, while others voted no because they viewed the Makakilo language as duplicative or preferred a separate measure. After HR 43, the committee moved on to HCR 9, and the acting chair indicated that the committee would need to take a reconsideration vote before proceeding to a final vote on that resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• when</c><00:53:42.640><c> they</c> plaintiff's attorneys when they plaintiff's attorneys when they are
• <c> even</c><00:53:46.880><c> though</c> are awarded attorneys fees, even though are awarded attorneys
• That attorney, that plaintiff's attorney, made $283,000 on this case.
• That attorney, that plaintiff's attorney, made $283,000 on this case.
• </c> Association of Justice Plus attorneys Association of Justice Plus attorneys and<00:56:07.680><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul Michael Friday with the Attorney General's office. Mr. Friday, did you want to add anything?
• They don't have an attorney. This is going to happen to them, and they don't know what to do.
• They don't have an attorney. This is going to happen to them, and they don't know what to do.
• So, as a practicing attorney, when they make that second medical opinion, So, as a practicing attorney
• But I’m not like most attorneys.

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 162, which would change the workers’ compensation medical treatment schedule appeals process by allowing additional medical evidence submitted in court to be sent back to the medical director for review and a new opinion. The Attorney General’s office explained the bill, noting a 30-day deadline for the medical director to act before the case returns to court. The bill drew support from injured workers and several business and labor groups, and the committee adopted technical amendments and then reported the bill favorably without objection. House Bill 353, which would establish a state minimum wage starting at $12 in 2027, rising to $15 in 2029 and then indexed to inflation, prompted extensive testimony and debate. Supporters, including the sponsor, Invest in Louisiana, the Workplace Justice Project, 10,000 Women Louisiana, and the AFL-CIO, argued that Louisiana’s wages have lagged behind living costs, that many workers remain in poverty despite working, and that higher wages would help families and local economies. Opponents, including NFIB and several members, argued that the market is already setting wages above the federal minimum in many jobs, that a mandate would raise costs, compress pay scales, reduce hours or jobs, and hurt small businesses. After discussion, the committee voted on the bill and it failed on a roll call vote. The committee then reported Senate Bill 383 favorably with amendments. That bill expands the incumbent worker training program by increasing funding flexibility, shortening the business eligibility period from three years to two, and allowing unobligated funds to roll over. Members and the Louisiana Works secretary discussed workforce training, outreach, and how to connect workers to existing training programs and high-demand jobs. The committee also reported Senate Bill 382 favorably, which repeals the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council, and began hearing House Bill 422, the “Behind-the-Counter Safety Act,” aimed at workplace violence protections for retail and food service workers, including signage, reporting, and enhanced penalties; the sponsor explained it was intended to address attacks on frontline workers and to give businesses a tool to warn against violence.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> drivers happy, our district attorneys drivers happy, our district attorneys happy, happy, happy,
• And so I had one that dealt with bus drivers and law enforcement officers and district attorneys.
• And so I had one that dealt with bus drivers and law enforcement officers and district attorneys.
• And so I had one that dealt with bus drivers and law enforcement officers and district attorneys.
• And so I had one that dealt with bus drivers and law enforcement officers and district attorneys.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum present, then approved the prior journal and allowed bills and committee reports to be introduced throughout the day. The chamber received multiple committee reports, including favorable reports on several finance and taxation bills, confirmations, local bills, and a series of resolutions. The Senate also confirmed several appointments to higher education and university boards, including Nicholas J. Balden, Jennifer Wit, Ronnie Stalworth, and Rex Reynolds, using long or previous roll calls as applicable. The Senate adopted a special order calendar that set up floor consideration of several bills, including measures on physician assistants, seafood/aquaculture, motor vehicles, campaign practices, property insurance and energy reduction, child custody, and school bus drivers. During debate on the special order calendar, Senator Smitherman raised concern that no bills on the calendar were sponsored by minority members, noting a prior understanding that minority-sponsored bills should be represented; Senator Wagner responded that the calendar was prepared based on legislation rather than sponsor party, and the exchange ended with an agreement to continue moving forward. The Senate then adopted the special order calendar and began taking up the listed bills. On the special order calendar, the Senate advanced House Bill 156 on physician assistant compacts, House Bill 277 on seafood/aquaculture tastings, and House Bill 42 on motor vehicles, with supporters describing each as consumer-friendly or supportive of industry. The chamber also considered local legislation, including bills for Madison, Tallapoosa, and Shelby counties; House Bill 337 for Madison County was amended and carried over, while House Bills 490, 491, and 493 passed after roll-call votes. Throughout the meeting, the Senate also adopted several commendatory and memorial resolutions, including measures honoring individuals, recognizing organizations and events, and naming a highway, with most adopted by voice vote and no recorded opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> quickly double the plaintiff's attorney quickly double the plaintiff's attorney or<00:19:18.400>
• Those trade practices, or those prohibited trade practices, are limited to enforcement by the Attorney
• go through the attorney general's office or<00:32:12.480><c> to</c><00:32:12.799><c> file</c><00:32:
• Um and then se on line attorney general.
• Uh, my question is, not being an attorney, I'd like to know if they do have a fine of 25,000, who gets

Keywords: Judiciary, Division A - Room 216, 29 January, 2026; 3:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The third request that we will make related to jailer Copus will go to the commonwealth attorney and
• to uh jailer copus will go to the to uh jailer copus will go to the commonwealth<00:02:13.840><c> attorney
• and</c><00:02:14.800><c> ask</c><00:02:14.959><c> for</c><00:02:15.200><c> the</c> commonwealth attorney
• and ask for the commonwealth attorney and ask for the similar<00:02:15.680><c> information.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The impeachment committee opened by announcing the voting members and alternates assigned to each of three impeachment petitions: jailer Eric Copus, Judge Stephanie Perllo, and Justice Pamela Goodwine. The chair also noted that he and Representative Neighbors had recused themselves from the Goodwine matter. The committee then outlined its next steps on the Copus petition, including requests for information to Ballard Fiscal Court, the county ethics commission, and the commonwealth’s attorney, with responses requested by January 30, 2026. For the Perllo petition, the committee agreed to send the petition to Judge Perllo and invite a response by February 6. For the Goodwine petition, the committee approved sending letters to the Kentucky Bar Association and the Judicial Conduct Commission seeking any complaints or findings related to the matter, and to the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance asking whether the named groups had spent money on any other Supreme Court justice in the past eight years. Responses to those requests were asked for by next Friday. After the committee completed its business, the chair asked whether there was anything else to take up. Hearing none, the impeachment committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I would like to welcome Assistant Attorney General Miko and Deputy Attorney General Whitney to the
• Attorney General Miko and<00:00:58.480><c> Deputy</c><00:00:58.840><c> Attorney</c><00:00:59.200><c>
• My name is Caitlin Miko, Assistant Attorney General.
• I'm joined with Deputy Attorney General Jessica Whitney.
• We hired additional attorneys and an investigator.

Bills: HF3794, HF3408

Keywords: surveillance, price discrimination, wage discrimination, automated decision systems, consumer protections, data privacy, biometrics, consumer protection, price setting, biometric data, retail, privacy, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:20.160><c> General's</c> responsibilities the Attorney General's responsibilities the Attorney
• Again, this is something that landlords can find out through the Attorney General's handbook.
• Again, this is something that landlords can find out through the Attorney General's handbook.
• </c><00:08:05.319><c> General's</c> their rights the Attorney General's their rights the Attorney General's
• </c> um judicial officers County attorneys um judicial officers County attorneys and<00:35:31.079><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• ><01:02:23.520><c> certain</c> attorney general to update certain attorney general to update certain
• You have the State's Attorneys Association.
• You the state's attorneys association.
• </c> uh in my other capacity, I'm an attorney uh in my other capacity, I'm an attorney uh<02:19:00.479
• the attorney general and the Maryland?

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Friday, March 20, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's done by the Secretary of State with the Attorney General's approval.
• Cameron Torring, counsel attorney for the Arizona Legislative Council.
• The Attorney General also has authority, and... ...or defend the measure.
• The Attorney General, they have the right to sue, is that correct? The Attorney General on...
• The Attorney General, on... Sorry, my eyes were great this time.

Summary: The committee met to review and adopt Legislative Council ballot measure analyses, with members repeatedly reminded that the hearing was limited to the accuracy, clarity, and impartiality of the summaries and not the merits of the underlying proposals. Steve Premack explained the statutory role of the analyses in the publicity pamphlet, and staff presented draft language for several measures. The committee considered and voted on multiple amendments, often debating whether proposed wording was clearer or instead crossed into advocacy or added unnecessary legal detail. For SCR 1004, members debated amendments to more closely mirror the measure’s text and to add language about electric vehicles and mileage, but several proposed changes were rejected. The analysis was ultimately adopted by an 8-6 roll call. HCR 2021 was then adopted without amendment by the same 8-6 margin. For HCR 2055, members debated whether the summary should say the Department of Homeland Security must “do everything” or “use all lawful means available,” and whether to add language about cartels acting “individually or collectively”; both amendments were rejected and the analysis was adopted 8-6. The committee next took up SCR 1004 on photo enforcement systems, where members proposed amendments to clarify that the measure would apply to red light cameras, to add “thereafter” regarding recurring voter approval, and to specify that approval would occur at the general election; those amendments failed, and the analysis was adopted 8-6. On SCR 1032, dealing with instructional expenses and classroom site fund reductions, members debated adding a definition of the Classroom Site Fund and spelling out the waiver process in more detail; both amendments failed, and the analysis was adopted 8-6. Finally, on HCR 2001 regarding citizenship identification and early voting, members rejected amendments that would have added background on current law, clarified that mail voting would be affected, added severability and revenue-source language, and struck the measure’s short title; the discussion was lengthy and at times contentious, but the transcript ends before a final roll-call vote on that measure is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• The way I think of that is a power of attorney stepping in to be able to sign on behalf of that person
• The uniform disclaimer act, and also an attorney who works in this area of law.
• about how it works in the real attorneys about how it works in the real world<00:16:56.639><c> with<
• </c> particularly an immigration attorney. particularly an immigration attorney.
• general or by a group that has had its resources reviewed and approved by the attorney general.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of the Attorney General Clements, not present on Zoom, chair.
• Department of the Attorney General Clements, not present on Zoom, chair.
• Department of the Attorney Thank you.
• </c><00:05:37.360><c> uh</c><00:05:37.440><c> we</c> Attorney General Chase Suzumoto, uh we Attorney
• the attorney general's take the attorney general's recommendation<00:46:25.920><c> to</c><00:46:26.079

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered several housing-related measures. On SB 2068, which would create an affordable housing land inventory task force within the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to study how to maximize housing on transit-oriented development and other state and county lands, testimony was mostly supportive from agencies and housing groups, with one opposition witness. In response to questions, OPSD said it was already working on a list of potential parcels but could not yet identify unit counts or a timeline, and estimated about $250,000 would be needed for staffing and contractual support. The committees also heard SB 2227 on rental assistance, which would require HPHA to make monthly rent supplement payments, prioritize certain tenants including kupuna, allow agreements with counties and nonprofits, and create a special fund supported by a transaction fee on recordings. HPHA supported the bill, and the Department of the Attorney General said it recommended amending the measure to describe the fee as a tax. Additional testimony included support from elder and community organizations and one opposition witness. For SB 2061, relating to residential condominiums and the 99-year leasehold program, HCDA and the project developer testified in support of amendments intended to preserve owner-occupant requirements while making the project more marketable and financially feasible. Members focused heavily on parking, affordability, and financing. HCDA and the developer said the parking stalls would be unbundled from the units, that the project would be a 99-year leasehold with 60% of units reserved for buyers at or below 140% AMI and 40% market-rate, and that the state’s $15 million equity contribution would cover only part of the parking garage and commercial component. The hearing then moved on to SB 3327, relating to HCDA and complete communities, but the transcript cuts off before that measure was fully discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Power of attorney over me or whatever the situation is, could help that.
• Is that not enough to have a power of attorney? You need a little bit more on this?
• Is it just a power attorney?
• you know um over me or you attorney you know um over me or you whatever<00:09:17.000><c> the</c><00:
• </c><00:09:35.440><c> you</c> enough to have a power of attorney you enough to have a power of attorney

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.