Transcript Highlights:

• That's a critical piece of this as well.
• Well, you refer to it as a privilege.
• Well, thank you.
• And I would say also from Napa as well.
• Well, thank you, Chair Ergeen.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a critical piece of this as well.
• Well, you refer to it as a privilege.
• And I would say also from Napa as well.
• Well, thank you, Chair Ergeen.
• Well, thank you, Chair Ergeen.

Summary: The joint Senate Public Safety and Transportation hearing focused on DUI, impaired driving, traffic violence, speed management, and how criminal and administrative systems interact. Chairs Jesse Arreguín and Dave Cortese said the hearing was intended to inform upcoming legislation and noted that no bills would be acted on that day. They emphasized the scale of roadway deaths and serious injuries, the need for a holistic Safe System approach, and the importance of hearing from law enforcement, researchers, victims’ advocates, judges, and DMV officials. The first panel reviewed current DUI law and research. Thomas Nozowitz of the Committee on Revision of the Penal Code outlined California’s DUI penalties, including escalating misdemeanor and felony consequences, ignition interlock device requirements, license suspensions, Watson advisories, and homicide-related offenses. Stephanie Doherty of the Office of Traffic Safety described statewide crash trends, the role of alcohol, drugs, speed, and vulnerable road users, and the state’s Safe System and safety corridor efforts. Dr. Julia Griswold of UC Berkeley presented research supporting systemic interventions such as self-explaining roads, safer speed limits, speed safety cameras, ignition interlocks, sobriety checkpoints, and treatment for chronic offenders; she also noted that many DUI fatalities involve first-time offenders and that punitive measures alone have limited effect on high-risk drivers. Members pressed witnesses on ignition interlocks, speed governors, DUI treatment, diversion, and whether current penalties are strong enough. Several senators, including Archuleta and Blakespear, argued for stronger immediate consequences and better use of in-car technology, while witnesses said chronic offenders often need treatment and that some existing programs may be underused or inconsistently effective. The discussion also touched on data gaps, the need to distinguish alcohol- from drug-involved crashes, and the possibility of allowing diversion for some first-time DUI cases while preserving consequences for repeat offenses. The second panel addressed DMV and court processes. DMV Director Steve Gordon said the department handles mandatory, court-ordered, and administrative actions, and that recent process changes have reduced DMV hearing delays from roughly 170 days to under 70 days in many cases. Judge Lisa Rodriguez explained that county-by-county court practices, case filing delays, sentencing timelines, and paper or mixed electronic systems can slow reporting to DMV, especially for misdemeanors and felonies. She said courts are reviewing reporting requirements, training, and case-management coding to improve transmission of DUI orders, while DMV said it is open to simplification and better coordination but is constrained by aging systems and the motor vehicle account’s financial limits. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, let me turn it over now to Lauren Kim. um apparently well received because we um apparently well
• </c> records and value-based payment, as well records and value-based payment, as well as<00:18:28.600
• Um statewide, there will be coordinated health care provider focused well-being initiatives, as well
• Um statewide, there will be coordinated health care provider focused well-being initiatives, as well
• &gt;&gt; Well, &gt;&gt; Well, &gt;&gt; Well, uh<01:04:53.280><c> I'm</c><01:04:53.440><c> actually</c

Bills: HB2246 , HB2119 , HB1929 , HB1953 , HB1572 , HB2549 , HB2594 , HB2551 , HB2595 , HB2548 , HB2459 , HB1931 , HB1604 , HB1616 , HB1736 , HB2233 , HB2241 , HB1891 , HB1803 , HB2567 , HB2534 , HB2399 , HB2172 , HB1595 , HB1811 , HB2168 , HB1780 , HB1781 , HB1785 , HB2122 , HB2012 , HB2398 , HB1779 , HB2296 , HB1894 , HB1925 , HB2019 , HB1896 , HB2294 , HB2298 , HB2300 , HB2344 , HB2345 , HB2391 , HB2037 , HB2201 , HB1941 , HB1635 , HB1943 , HB2325 , HB1926 , HB2490 , HB1710 , HB2545 , HB1976 , HB2173 , HB1804 , HB1563 , HB2015 , HB1619 , HB2475 , HB1889 , HB2367 , HB2187 , HB1765 , HB1452 , HB2231 , HB1700 , HB1705 , HB1626 , HB1897 , HB1642 , HB1523 , HB2593 , HB815 , HB1655 , HB1596 , HB1732 , HB1842 , HB2476 , HB2478 , HB2022 , HB1588 , HB2575 , HB1163 , HB2153 , HB772 , HB1519 , HB2050 , HB2309 , HB2147 , HB2329 , HB2274 , HB2280 , HB2547 , HB2275 , HB2452 , HB2306 , HB2148 , HB2088 , HB1764 , HB2438 , HB2117 , HB1860 , HB2604 , HB2118 , HB2017 , HB2155 , HB1832 , HB2216 , HB1601 , HB1934 , HB2297 , HB2397 , HB1893 , HB2533 , HB1890 , HB2454 , HB2004 , HB2427 , HB2207 , HB1810 , HB1840 , HB1644 , HB1645 , HB1946 , HB1648 , HB2324 , HB2323 , HB1509 , HB1514 , HB1515 , HB2164 , HB2165 , HB2283 , HB1691 , HB2386 , HB2423 , HB2121 , HB1984 , HB1593 , HB1671 , HB2619 , HB1481 , HB2314 , HB2319 , HB1643 , HB2558 , HB1864 , HB1898 , HB2214 , HB2167 , HB2488 , HB2009 , HB2007 , HB322 , HB1964 , HB2218 , HB2616 , HB1535 , HB1574 , HB1977 , HB2054 , HB2046 , HB146 , HB2094 , HB2181 , HB2250 , HB2515 , HB2444 , HB2385 , HB1740 , HB1724 , HB1733 , HB1799 , HB1725 , HB2049 , HB2161 , HB1970 , HB2519 , HB1790 , HB2416 , HB1873 , HB2001 , HB2151 , HB1603 , HB1880 , HB1753 , HB2198 , HB1511 , HB1991 , HB2546 , HB1615 , HB1939 , HB2140 , HB2429 , HB1870 , HB1850 , HB1782 , HB2137

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Well, you know, Mr.
• H how would you commissioners as well?
• Well, let's &gt;&gt; Thank you both. All right. Well, let's move<00:26:16.799><c> on.
• </c> &gt;&gt; They don't seem to be working as well &gt;&gt; They don't seem to be working as well today
• </c> improvement and we should just say well improvement and we should just say well as<00:42:27.839>

Bills: HB0086

Committee: Senate Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, that's wonderful. Glad to hear that.
• Well, that's wonderful. Glad to hear that.
• Well, that's wonderful. Glad to hear that.
• Well, that's wonderful. Glad to hear that.
• I think a lot of members have already said it: if our first responders aren't well, then we aren't well

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> so, it is informed by that as well. so, it is informed by that as well.
• It is being heard today as well.
• </c> What's the current law on annual well What's the current law on annual well testing?
• &gt;&gt; Well,<01:23:51.720><c> no.</c> &gt;&gt; Well, no. &gt;&gt; Well, no.
• </c> in that section as well. in that section as well.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> &gt;&gt; You know, we can hear you perfectly well &gt;&gt; You know, we can hear you perfectly well
• . well. well.
• Office of Wellness and Resilience.
• </c> Office of Wellness could take on? Office of Wellness could take on?
• </c> lack of sleep are well documented. lack of sleep are well documented.

Bills: HB1626 , HB1643 , HB1668 , HB1550 , HB1974 , HB1858 , HB1871 , HB1966 , HB1972 , HB1973

Committee: House Health

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 847, which would create a Kauai pilot program allowing qualified psychologists limited authority to prescribe psychotropic medications. The Board of Psychology supported the bill’s intent but asked for amendments to delay the effective date or extend the pilot so rules could be written first, and to clarify the education/training language. Supporters, including the Hawaii Psychological Association, Hawaii Mental Health Coalition, and several psychologists, argued that prescribing psychologists have long safety records in other jurisdictions and that the pilot could improve access to care on Kauai, especially amid ongoing mental health needs and storm-related stress. They cited studies and examples from New Mexico, Louisiana, the Department of Defense, and other places. Opponents, including the Hawaii Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, Queen’s Medical Center, and a Department of Health representative, said the bill needed substantial work, raised concerns about training, liability, and workforce impacts, and urged a team-based model with psychiatrist oversight rather than independent prescribing. Some testimony also referenced a GAO report, with witnesses disagreeing over its meaning and cost-effectiveness. No vote was taken during the discussion, and members asked questions about how the bill would address the workforce shortage and whether a psychiatrist on Kauai could already meet the need. The committee then moved to SB 2271 on hospital licensing and SB 2272 on home health care licensing. The Department of Health, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported both measures, which were described as streamlining and clarifying licensing oversight by relying on accreditation or certification reports. A member asked whether the bill language on hospital accreditation reports was duplicative, and the response was that the second provision was intended to strengthen enforcement by requiring hospitals to provide the actual report to DOH. The committee did not take final action in the portion of the hearing provided, and the chair noted that all bills on the agenda would later be considered for decision-making.

Transcript Highlights:

• I remember it well.
• She will lead well.”
• Well, it's interesting.
• Once again, President Simpson as well, because the three of you worked very, very well together.
• And that's part of you as well.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several guests, including a state champion Crossroads Academy girls basketball team and a Florida State University student intern. The chamber then turned to executive appointment confirmations reported by the Committee on Ethics and Elections and other reference committees under Rule 12.7, with Chair Don Gates explaining that the committee had reviewed the qualifications and suitability of the nominees and held public hearings where required. Members debated several confirmations at length. The report containing 186 appointments was adopted 31-0 after Senator Polsky explained her no votes on three nominees, citing concerns about past comments and ideological views. The Senate then confirmed Jeffrey Aaron to the Public Employee Relations Commission by a 26-10 vote after sharp debate over his role as counsel to the Hope Florida Foundation and allegations tied to the diversion of Medicaid settlement funds; supporters argued he was a competent lawyer and no formal action had been taken against him. Chavon Harris was confirmed as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration by a 32-5 vote, with supporters praising her work on Medicaid funding and opponents criticizing her prior leadership at DCF and the Hope Florida-related issues. Taylor Hatch was confirmed as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families by a 33-4 vote, despite concerns raised about SNAP/EBT compliance, child welfare practices, audits, and DCF’s handling of Hope Florida; supporters emphasized her commitment to reform and the difficulty of the agency’s mission. After a brief recess, the Senate held a lengthy recognition of outgoing President Kathleen Passidomo. Senators from both parties offered personal tributes focused on her leadership, toughness, humor, mentorship, and support for colleagues, especially women in the chamber. Several speakers also referenced her handling of difficult bills, her post-presidency service as Rules Chair, and her resilience after personal loss. No further legislative action was taken during the recognition segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, thank you.
• [laughter] Well, we'll work that out. Well, we'll work that out.
• Well, thank you.
• Well, we'll work that out. But so so Well, we'll work that out.
• And Dawn, you as well.

Bills: SF0025 , SF0027 , SF0043 , SF0066

Committee: Senate Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• I Well, I guess it came down earlier.
• And we actually did pretty well.
• And we actually did pretty well.
• </c> from that standpoint as well. from that standpoint as well.
• </c> this pretty well. First, good morning. this pretty well. First, good morning.

Summary: The subcommittee met with leaders of the First Frontier Appalachian Trail System for an update on trail development, economic impact, and funding needs. Speakers said the system has expanded from 18 to 21 counties over the past year, with interest from additional counties, about 450 miles of trails currently open, and a goal of surpassing 1,000 miles within two years. They described the project as primarily an economic development effort that is already drawing public and private investment, supporting lodging and campground businesses, and creating new enterprises such as guide services, repairs, and recovery services for ATVs. The presentation highlighted permit sales, which began on a soft-launch basis earlier in the year and are now available both physically and online. Permits cost $25 per year for in-state residents and allow riding on First Frontier trails. Officials also discussed landowner agreements, saying the standard license agreement is modeled on Hatfield-McCoy, is favorable to landowners, and can be ended with 60 days’ notice. They said the agreements, along with patrols and cleanup efforts, help address trespassing and illegal dumping while encouraging property owners to participate. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Captain Jason Sloan reported 638 hours of patrols under the memorandum of agreement since January 1 and said the partnership has focused on safety, enforcement of existing laws, emergency planning, and cleanup support. The group also cited partnerships with the National Forest, Onyx Off-Road, ARC, and Yamaha, and said a Jeep Jamboree in Lee County drew 237 registered participants, mostly from out of state. They said a GNCC race in Knox County is being pursued for spring. The authority requested $3.5 million for the next two-year budget cycle and said it needs additional staffing, including two full-time trail development coordinators and part-time office help, to keep up with growth. Members praised the project’s progress and its potential to boost tourism and regional economic development.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> commission as well commission as well um<00:17:29.919><c> we</c><00:17:30.120><c> also</c><00:17
• Okay, well, six months, I think you'll be able to do it. Well, thank you. Thank you, Chair.
• Mahalo. million is well you look at tax revenue million is well you look at tax revenue immigrants<00
• </c><00:28:54.519><c> as</c> our um hospitality industry as well as our um hospitality industry as well
• so well we wish we Healthcare System so well we wish we could<00:29:02.039><c> just</c><00:29:02.200

Committee: House Economic Development & Technology

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Technology met on March 12, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures. On SB 9, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation testified in support, and there were no questions or objections. On SB 148, the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs offered comments, and a member of the public testified in support of combining boxing and MMA oversight into a single combat sports commission, with amendments to preserve safety standards and separate or distinct treatment for the two sports. Committee discussion focused on whether proposed requirements were primarily safety-related or cost-related, how to handle smaller events, and whether a one-year implementation delay was necessary; the department said many safety provisions already exist in the MMA program, that it was open to continued discussion on costs, and that it needed time to combine rules and appoint new commissioners. The chair suggested possible amendments to account for event size and to reduce burdens on smaller events. The committee then heard SB 816, which drew extensive testimony on providing legal representation for immigrants in immigration proceedings. Supporters included the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, ACU Hawaii, the Refugee and Immigration Law Clinic, the Legal Clinic, Hawaii Friends of Civil Rights, the Hawaiʻi Coalition for Immigrant Rights, Pride at Work Hawaii, and others. Supporters argued that immigration cases can be as serious as criminal cases, that counsel is essential for due process, and that representation improves outcomes; several also emphasized the economic importance of immigrants to Hawaii. One supporter noted a suggested amendment to include training for attorneys and partners doing deportation defense and asylum work. Opposition came from a Navy veteran who argued the bill would use state resources for a federal issue, create inequities, and impose fiscal burdens. The chair noted 69 testimonies in support and 44 in opposition, and later an additional supporter brought the total to 70 in support. No vote was taken in the portion of the meeting provided. The committee also heard SB 125, with the Department of Economic Development, the Agreed Business Development Corporation, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association in support, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii offering technical comments about complicated nested definitions in the bill. Testimony on SB 125 focused on updating the Enterprise Zone Program so local manufacturers selling directly to retail could qualify, along with value-added products and certain health-related sectors. Finally, on SB 732, the State of Hawaii Creative Industries testified with comments, raising concerns about county permit-fee waivers, implementation timing, and the bill’s lack of a carry-forward provision for the film tax credit. The witness said uncertainty in the credit was already causing productions to delay coming to Hawaii and urged stability to support the industry and local workers. The committee then moved on to additional testimony on the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I would—can we?
• </c> of government be represented May well of government be represented May well make<00:46:51.040><c
• Well, thank you.
• Well, thank you.
• 01:26:44.880><c> as</c><01:26:45.000><c> the</c> wellness and and as well as the wellness and and as

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, I see him here as well.
• Well, based on the Executive Committee last month, Well, based on the Executive Committee last month,
• Well, is that all right, DeVarme?
• Well, we can delay this issue till October as well and give you time to visit with them. Okay.
• Well, we could.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, we know that you do.
• Well, yeah.
• Oh, well, hey, shake the rust off of you. Get the cobwebs out of you. Oh, well.
• Well, as you pointed out, anybody can bring a lawsuit.
• Well, thank you. All right.

Committees: House Commerce , House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• Everything is going well, but we have a prescriptive need in Mobile.
• Well, that's true for some.
• So, you know, well, I don't know. Well, I don't know. So, you know what?
• Well, I think it’s bigger than Mr.
• Well, no.”

Committee: Joint Mobile County Legislation

Transcript Highlights:

• We want to make sure that we're doing our part on our side as well to have programs that allocate well
• </c> we're doing our part on our side as well we're doing our part on our side as well to<00:05:10.320
• Um unfortunately, allocate well to that.
• There's a number of other cuts as well.
• </c><00:07:49.919><c> Well,</c> expecting more more activity. Well, expecting more more activity.

Bills: SF1832 , HF2440

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: economic development, small business, workforce training, grants, entrepreneurship, equity, community support, labor market, employment, funding, data analysis

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, sir, I'll have you for some questions. You yield? Yes. Well, thank you.
• Now, your motion... is well-received, because it's real.
• Alvarado as well.
• And our Goose Creek ISD Superintendent Randy O'Brien is up here as well. well so thank you for coming
• as well.

Bills: SJR5 , SJR36 , SJR5 , SJR5 , SR105 , SR121 , SB17 , SB19 , SB25 , SB28 , SB17 , SB19 , SB25 , SB28

Keywords: bail, felony offenses, criminal justice reform, public safety, constitutional amendment, school safety, mental health, emergency response, education policy, law enforcement, SR 121, Senate Resolution 121, Pete Alfaro, Pedro Cuellar Alfaro, Pedro Alfaro, Baytown, Texas Senate tribute, in memory, memorial resolution, condolence resolution

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition to that, we also had our new partner portal launched as well.
• That was successfully launched as well. There was a two-phase part to that module.
• And that was successfully launched as well.
• And that was successfully launched as well. There was a two-phase part to that module.
• E-signatures was one as well.

Committee: Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs received a Department of Children and Families update from CIO Cole Sousa on three major technology modernization efforts: ACCESS, CWIS, and FASMS. For ACCESS, he described the six-year, $205 million project to replace the aging eligibility system used for SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid applications, noting completed releases such as the MyACCESS portal, document management, partner portal, workload management, and client registration modules. He said the system now supports mobile applications, multi-factor authentication, and bot detection, and that the next budget request is $36.625 million to continue moving workers off the mainframe, modernize notices, and complete more worker-portal functions. Members asked about performance data, interoperability with other systems, and the relationship to the FX project and APD; Sousa said API-based real-time exchanges are the goal and that current average case processing time is about 30 days, though he would provide a more exact figure later. The committee then heard about CWIS, a four-year, $75 million child welfare modernization project. Sousa said phase one is complete, including hotline intake, investigations, mandatory reporter, youth, parent, and mobile portals, along with mobile field tools, e-signatures, and customizable dashboards. Current work is focused on case management, assessment and safety planning, licensure, and placement modules, with collaboration from community-based care providers through advisory sessions. For the next fiscal year, DCF is requesting $28 million and expects to finish development by summer and launch in September, while continuing change management and training. Senators pressed on interoperability with ACCESS, FX, and FASMS, the use of a single unique identifier, and whether CBCs would be required to use the statewide system; Sousa said the department’s goal is one statewide system, with licensing costs absorbed by the state and no plan for dual systems after go-live. Finally, Sousa gave a brief update on FASMS, the financial and services accountability system used by managing entities. He said it remains in maintenance mode while DCF prioritizes ACCESS and CWIS, and that modernization of FASMS is still being planned with partner agencies. He estimated current maintenance costs at about $1.3 million and suggested a future modernization could cost roughly $5 million to $7 million, though no firm timeline has been set. The committee expressed support for using data and interoperable systems to improve decision-making, and the meeting adjourned without any votes or formal actions beyond adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:45.000><c> but</c> well but well but representative representative representative um<00:11:49.560
• </c><00:21:57.880><c> um</c> electricity generation bill as well um electricity generation bill as well
• </c> and a product that they generate as well and a product that they generate as well um<00:24:32.679
• Well, absolutely.
• </c> your opinion this two-part question well your opinion this two-part question well absolutely<00:

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Well,<00:09:44.520><c> it's</c> &gt;&gt; Well, it's &gt;&gt; Well, it's This<00:09:46.200><c
• &gt;&gt; Well,<00:10:14.600><c> I</c> &gt;&gt; Well, I &gt;&gt; Well, I &gt;&gt; What<00:10:14.920><c
• &gt;&gt; Okay,<00:41:51.960><c> well,</c> &gt;&gt; Okay, well, &gt;&gt; Okay, well, &gt;&gt; Let's get
• &gt;&gt; Well, &gt;&gt; Well, &gt;&gt; Well, she's<00:57:48.840><c> gone</c><00:57:49.120><c> now,</c
• &gt;&gt; Well, no, I have not. &gt;&gt; Well, no, I have not.