Transcript Highlights:

• occurred, the alleged where the crime occurred, the alleged crime<00:46:13.599><c> occurred,</c><00:
• 46:14.319><c> where</c><00:46:14.560><c> his</c><00:46:14.800><c> death</c> crime occurred, where his
• death crime occurred, where his death occurred,<00:46:16.480><c> his</c><00:46:16.720><c> name</c><00
• And the man who was charged with this crime tells him, stay where you are. Okay.
• </c> crime tells him stay where you are. crime tells him stay where you are.

Bills: HB0066, HJ0005, HB0010

Keywords: administrative law, judicial review, agency deference, Chevron deference, de novo review, state agencies, regulatory interpretation, statutory interpretation, separation of powers, individual liberty, administrative procedure, agency action, Wyoming Supreme Court, district court review, oil and gas inspector, regulatory challenge, anti-deference, law enforcement, memorial, Patrolman Rosa

Transcript Highlights:

• and they had in committed this crime and they had in fact<00:04:55.400><c> engaged</c><00:04:56.000>
• The maximum penalty for this crime is up to five years of imprisonment, and Mr.
• The maximum penalty for this crime is up to five years of imprisonment. And Mr.
• That's a standard we don't even have for violent crimes. And I support that.
• </c> even have for violent crimes. even have for violent crimes.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> underlying</c> probationary sentence on the underlying probationary sentence on the underlying crime
• which is I think a pretty common crime which is I think a pretty common thing<00:08:04.759><c> um</c
• as a mentioned before it be treated as a completely<00:08:31.960><c> separate</c><00:08:32.479><c> crime
• and um I don't completely separate crime and um I don't think<00:08:34.599><c> it's</c><00:08:34.760
• </c><00:10:23.839><c> that</c> they're then convicted of a crime that they're then convicted of a crime

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• is entirely plausible that somebody might seek to record events with the expectation that there's a crime
• 00:55:12.079><c> a</c> with the expectation that there's a a with the expectation that there's a a crime
• :55:15.240><c> um</c><00:55:15.599><c> but</c><00:55:15.880><c> they</c><00:55:16.240><c> then</c> crime
• uh going to occur um but they then crime uh going to occur um but they then might<00:55:16.960><c> be
• </c> a a crime a a crime because<00:55:27.280><c> they</c><00:55:27.440><c> thought</c><00:55:27.680>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 313 and, on motion by Representative Perez, voted to retain the bill because members felt it needed further work and was not ready for final action. The motion passed 18-0, and no further action was taken on the bill. House Bill 391, an anti-SLAPP measure, was then discussed; supporters said it addressed a real problem and should move forward, while opponents raised concerns that it was too broad, could affect criminal cases, and might create procedural complications. The committee voted 18-0 to retain HB 391 as well, and it was placed on consent. The committee next considered House Bill 462, establishing a cause of action for unwarranted video imaging of residential properties. Representative McFarland moved OTP, saying the bill raised First Amendment and property-rights concerns. The motion passed 18-0, and the bill was also placed on consent. The committee then turned to House Bill 509, which would require reporting on forfeitures. Supporters argued the information was useful for future legislation, while opponents said the reporting would be costly, duplicative, and potentially split data across fiscal years. The committee voted 11-7 to recommend OTP, with a minority of members opposed. House Bill 520, authorizing Department of Education hearing officers to issue subpoenas, drew the most extended debate. Supporters argued DOE needed the same tools other agencies have, while opponents said DOE already had access to needed information, the Attorney General could handle subpoenas, and the bill would create an unbalanced process and raise due process and student-record concerns. Representative Tur offered Amendment 0842H to shift subpoena power from DOE hearing officers to the Attorney General; after debate, the amendment failed 10-8. The transcript cuts off as the committee begins the roll call on the underlying bill after rejecting the amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> As we look at section one of the bill, it allows the Department of Revenue and the Financial Crimes
• Subdivision 3 relates to data sharing with, again, the financial crimes and fraud section of BCA.
• </c> crimes and fraud section of BCA. crimes and fraud section of BCA.
• c><01:10:08.000><c> and</c><01:10:08.160><c> fraud</c><01:10:08.720><c> section</c> the financial crimes
• and fraud section the financial crimes and fraud section of<01:10:09.960><c> BCA</c><01:10:10.440><c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and the proceeds of anything collected from the civil penalties will be deposited in the Victims of Crime
• /c><00:15:31.680><c> the</c><00:15:31.760><c> Victims</c><00:15:32.120><c> of</c><00:15:32.240><c> Crime
• </c> deposited in the Victims of Crime deposited in the Victims of Crime Account<00:15:33.480><c> in<
• </c><00:39:46.160><c> account</c><00:39:46.800><c> for</c> of the victims of crime account for of the
• victims of crime account for those<00:39:47.120><c> civil</c><00:39:47.400><c> penalties.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, if you know anything about the West End of Louisville, it is three times higher in violent crimes
• Three times higher violent crimes. It's also dealing with high unemployment and high homelessness.
• than anywhere in higher violent crimes than anywhere in the<00:54:05.680><c> state</c><00:54:05.839>
• Three times higher<00:54:07.920><c> violent</c><00:54:08.319><c> crimes.
• Um, you know, higher violent crimes.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the September meeting minutes, and heard presentations from Carter G. Woodson Academy in Lexington and related school programs in Fayette County Public Schools. School leaders described the academy as an all-male public school option focused on culture, belonging, and opportunity, with a mission to educate, empower, and equip young men academically, socially, and morally. They emphasized culturally responsive instruction, restorative practices, mentorship, brotherhood circles, and access to advanced coursework, dual enrollment, and career pathways. Student speakers highlighted school culture, leadership opportunities, and clubs such as SGA, Beta Club, FFA, and the Bow Tie Club, along with service and community engagement. Presenters said the academy began in 2012, is housed with Frederick Douglass High School, uses an application and lottery process, and can serve up to about 350 students but is intentionally kept near 300 because of space. They reported 302 enrolled students, about 38 seniors, a 100% graduation rate, 95% average attendance, 100% postsecondary success, and $1.8 million in scholarship offers last year. They also shared demographic and achievement data, noting growth in MAP scores, strengths in reading and writing, and math as an ongoing focus area. The school said 90% of high school scholars are taking at least one dual credit class this year, and some students have earned opportunities at selective programs such as Gatton Academy and Craft Academy. Committee members praised the school’s results and asked about enrollment, funding, and whether the model could be replicated statewide. School leaders said the program is fully funded through Fayette County Public Schools, could be replicated with committed staff and training, and that teachers receive preparation through the Gearing Institute to better understand how boys learn. They also noted that Fayette County has other specialized programs, including girls’ academies and other options for underrepresented students. Members expressed interest in long-term tracking of graduates, and the school said it is preparing to study outcomes as the first graduating class approaches its 10-year anniversary.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sex trafficking is a pervasive and devastating crime that preys on the most vulnerable members of our
• public morals, as a disorderly nuisance, as a public health problem, or as an element of organized crime
• 46.640><c> there</c><00:50:46.960><c> are</c><00:50:47.520><c> aspects</c><00:50:48.000><c> of</c> crime
• And while there are aspects of crime.
• would be is to just recognize that a violation of the order is a violation and that any additional crime

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures. SB 1296 HD1, relating to disaster recovery, would exempt reconstruction of lawfully constructed structures damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster from special management area permits under certain conditions. OPSD, DLNR, the County of Maui, Front Street Recovery, and the Grassroot Institute supported the bill, saying it would speed rebuilding after disasters like the Maui fires; one witness noted the bill would not cover shoreline parcels unless amended, and members asked about the five-year rebuild window, the meaning of “lawfully constructed,” and whether unlawful structures were excluded. Testimony was also heard on SB 1413, which would allow the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to dispose of abandoned property in federal public housing projects after notice and within five days; HPHA said the bill would help address illegal dumping and clarify procedures. SB 31 HD1, concerning discriminatory restrictive covenants, was briefly described and had support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and comments from the Uniform Law Commission, with no in-person testimony. The committee then heard SB 1341, which would add HEMA and the Office of Homeland Security to agencies allowed to review energy industry information and would expand the program’s emergency-management purpose. The Hawaii State Energy Office supported the measure, saying the data is important for emergency response and fuel-supply planning. SB 10008 HD1 would authorize counties to adopt ordinances enforcing accessible parking space requirements and clarify county enforcement of EV-related parking provisions; the Disability and Communication Access Board strongly supported the accessible-parking provisions, saying current enforcement is weak, while noting section three on EV spaces is already largely in statute and could be struck if the committee preferred. Tina Yamaki of the Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in opposition. Finally, the committee heard SB 1028 SD1 HD1, which would eliminate fees, fines, and court costs for offenses committed by minors, discharge existing related debt, limit community service for minors to 72 hours, and repeal certain penalties tied to minors and their parents or guardians. The Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council, Community Alliance on Prisons, and DebtFree Justice Hawaii supported the bill, arguing that youth fines burden families, worsen poverty, and disproportionately affect Native Hawaiian youth. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments, raising possible constitutional title issues because the current draft incorporates material from HB 129 and includes sections that may relate more to restitution or curfew than to fines and fees; supporters responded that the title is sufficient and cited case law. No votes or final actions were taken on the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sorry, my computer locked.
• Sorry, my um, computer<00:57:45.920><c> locked.</c><00:57:46.320><c> So,</c> computer locked.
• So, computer locked.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and consent calendar, then moved through several Department of Health and Human Services Medicaid-related rules. Rule 25-220 from the Department of Energy was postponed until June so stakeholders would have more time to review revised language. Rule 25-240, involving Medicaid income verification and deductible provisions for medically needy applicants, was adopted after staff noted the cited sections had expired but the agency said it had continued operating under federal law and the state plan; the agency also said it had begun rulemaking on the cited provision. Rules 25-265 and 2633 were also adopted, with staff explaining that although parts of the rules had expired, the agency had continued implementing the policies through the Medicaid state plan, billing manuals, and related rules. The most extended discussion centered on rule 25-304 from the Bureau of Aging and Adult Services, which covers case management services for the CFI program. Staff and the agency explained that the amended conditional approval request clarified how case management agencies indicate staffing capacity, how telehealth decisions are evaluated, and that the department—not the case management agencies—sets the timeline for accepting or denying cases. The agency said the rule is intended to ensure participants are not pushed into telehealth when they do not want it or cannot use it, while leaving technical and clinical telehealth decisions to the provider. A case management provider testified in opposition to parts of the rule, arguing that the committee should not require agencies to admit unverified patients, that reimbursement-rate issues belong in legislation, that the quality-management section duplicates existing licensure oversight, and that the telehealth language improperly gives case managers authority over how other licensed providers deliver services. Committee members questioned whether the telehealth language was simply allowing case managers to determine whether telehealth fits a person’s care plan, and agency representatives responded that this was the intent. No final vote on rule 25-304 is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• committee was formed to find a way to drive down costs and finally wanted the committee to help make our computer
• It’s like a slow death by a thousand paper cuts every day where you're just glued to the computer.
• And it's two hours on the computer for every one hour of patient care time. Wow.
• If we look at things like computer software and other types of very technology-heavy services, prices

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And to tell you the truth, my computer is my phone.
• you<01:34:13.800><c> the</c><01:34:13.880><c> truth,</c><01:34:14.480><c> my</c><01:34:14.600><c> computer
• </c> you the truth, my computer is my phone. you the truth, my computer is my phone.

Bills: HCR13, HCR61, HCR136, HCR185, HCR155, HCR68, HCR174, HCR178, HCR179, HCR91, HCR103, HCR115, HCR199, HR15, HR128, HR175, HR147, HR62, HR164, HR168, HR169, HR83, HR95, HR107, HR189

Keywords: coral reefs, sunscreen, environmental education, student stewardship, marine conservation, reforestation, Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources, native forests, climate resilience, sustainable practices, economic opportunity, biodiversity, wildland-urban interface, WUI, wildfire mitigation, wildfire safety, Maui County, County of Maui, Kauai

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land met on March 31, 2026, and heard testimony on several resolutions. HCR 13/HR 50, which asks DLNR to work with DOE and the Public Charter School Commission on a student coral stewardship program, drew comments from DLNR, which said it stood on written testimony and had proposed amendments, and from supporters in the room. HCR 61, urging investment in reforestation policies, workforce, nursery capacity, and related support for public and private lands, received strong support from DLNR and multiple testifiers, including members of a reforestation policy hui, a resident, and others who emphasized watershed protection, flood and fire resilience, and the need to upgrade nursery infrastructure and staffing. Committee members asked questions about nursery modernization, staffing, island-specific needs, and whether reforestation could reduce wildfire impacts; the DLNR witness said all islands need investment, with especially large opportunities on Hawaiʻi Island, and that healthier forests improve resilience though they cannot eliminate climate-related risks. The committee then heard HCR 136/HR 128 on wildland-urban interface safety standards for Maui plantation towns, but no one testified. It also heard HCR 185/HR 175, which urges denial of permits for ICE detention-related warehouses; Chris Coffey of Immua Alliance testified in support, saying migrant survivors of exploitation are harmed when ICE detains people and that Hawaii would not be the first place to take such action, citing examples from other states and cities. In questioning, members explored whether a local facility would keep people closer to families and services or instead increase local detention; Coffey said detention generally cuts off access to services and can intensify fear, and that a local facility could incentivize more detention and make survivors less likely to come forward. Finally, the committee heard HCR 155/HR 147 supporting the Hawaii Water Safety Coalition’s Hawaii Water Safety Act. Testifiers included Allison Shapera, who described the statewide water safety plan, Hawaii’s high drowning rate, the economic and human costs of drownings, and her personal loss of her daughter in a preventable drowning; Kirsten Hermstead and Kalani Vierra of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association said the plan’s recommendations need legislative recognition to help with implementation and grant funding; and Jessamine Town Horner testified by Zoom as a co-founder and bereaved family advocate. The transcript provided does not show any votes or final committee actions on the measures discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• you say I'm going to use technology, then you know, you may have to go to your library to find a computer
• to</c><01:32:43.120><c> find</c><01:32:43.360><c> a</c><01:32:43.760><c> a</c><01:32:44.239><c> computer
• </c><01:32:44.560><c> that</c> your library to find a a computer that your library to find a a computer

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, this is when somebody gets a pop-up on their computer, an email, a text message, something from social
• a pop-up So, this is when somebody gets a pop-up on<00:51:46.960><c> their</c><00:51:47.040><c> computer
• <c> an</c><00:51:47.680><c> email,</c><00:51:48.000><c> a</c><00:51:48.040><c> text</c> on their computer
• , an email, a text on their computer, an email, a text message,<00:51:48.680><c> something</c><00:51:

Bills: SB1166, SB888, SB2387, SB2471

Keywords: insurance, climate change, responsible parties, damages, Hawaii Property Insurance Association, Hurricane Relief Fund, civil action, climate disasters, extreme weather, SB888, Hawaii, consumer protection, smart home security, smart household security device, home security camera, video doorbell, Ring, Nest, connected devices, internet of things

Summary: The committee heard SB 1166 SD2, a bill on insurance and climate-related damages that would authorize the Hawaii Property Insurance Association and, in amended versions discussed during testimony, other public and private entities to pursue civil actions to recover losses tied to climate disasters and extreme weather. DCCA’s Insurance Division and the Department of the Attorney General raised legal concerns, saying the bill’s scope may not fit the insurance code section being amended, that it could create subject-matter and title issues, and that some subrogation language may be duplicative of existing rate-filing practice. Lawyers for Justice opposed the measure, arguing it conflicts with existing subrogation law and recent Hawaii Supreme Court rulings that treat the judicial lien process as the exclusive remedy. The American Petroleum Institute also opposed, warning the bill would add liability and litigation risk for companies operating under existing permits and could undermine energy reliability and investment. Supporters said the bill would help shift climate-related insurance costs away from residents and onto fossil fuel companies and other responsible parties. Testimony in support came from the Polluters Pay Hawaii Coalition, Center for Climate Integrity, Hawaii Island Council, Our Hawaii, Sierra Club of Hawaii, and others, who described recent flooding, storm damage, rising premiums, non-renewals, and underinsurance as evidence of a worsening climate-driven insurance crisis. Several supporters urged amendments to give the Attorney General explicit authority to recover insurance-related losses for the Hurricane Relief Fund, HPIA, and private insurers, and to ensure recovered amounts benefit policyholders. Committee members questioned whether HPIA is a private entity, whether the Attorney General could represent it, whether the bill could create double recovery or affect pending climate litigation, and whether insurers would have standing or damages if they are only paying contractual claims. The committee then took up SB 888 SD2, a consumer protection bill that would restrict smart household security device operators from sharing user data with law enforcement without consent or a judicial order, and would bar conditioning device use on such consent. The Office of Consumer Protection testified in support and said an Illinois law could serve as a useful template for exceptions to the warrant requirement. An individual supporter said the measure would protect immigrant communities, judges, and others from surveillance and misuse of private data. No vote was taken during the portion of the meeting provided, and the chair noted additional written testimony submitted in support of SB 1166.

Transcript Highlights:

• guidelines: please remember, committee and those in the audience, to silence your cell phones and your computers
• silence your cell phones um and<00:01:10.799><c> and</c><00:01:11.200><c> your</c><00:01:11.439><c> computers
• </c><00:01:13.040><c> Um</c> and and your computers as well. Um and and your computers as well.

Bills: SF0122, SJ0006, SF0121, SF0106

Keywords: medical necessity, insurance, healthcare policy, independent review, claim processing, shared parenting, family law, joint custody, child well-being, parental rights, pharmacy, collaborative care, healthcare, prescriptions, patient safety, Wyoming Pharmacy Act, welfare, Medicaid, employment, eligibility verification

Transcript Highlights:

• We can not make it quite so easy for someone literally to sit in their computer.
• ><00:58:51.040><c> their</c> someone literally to sit in their someone literally to sit in their computer
• 52.480><c> Um</c><00:58:52.799><c> I</c><00:58:53.119><c> Google</c><00:58:53.359><c> myself</c> computer
• Um I Google myself computer.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As you can see, I don't have a computer in front of me.
• So as you can see, I don't have a computer<00:18:57.919><c> in</c><00:18:58.160><c> front</c><00:18:58.320
• </c><00:18:59.039><c> If</c><00:18:59.200><c> you're</c> computer in front of me.
• If you're computer in front of me.

Bills: HB1817, HB2056, HB2616, HB1718, HB1842, HB1740, HB1919, HB1616, HB1774, HB1984, HB1603, HB2171

Keywords: fishing regulation, ʻamaʻama, striped mullet, bag limit, overfishing, Hawaii fisheries, funding, appropriations, Honolulu, housing, construction, grant-in-aid, community development, Banyan Drive, Hawaii community development authority, cultural revitalization, special fund, public safety, economic development, affordable housing

Summary: The committee heard HB 1817, which would create a daily bag limit for amaa/ama fish to protect Hawaii’s fisheries. DLNR said the biggest stressor on amaa populations is diversion of freshwater flows that cut off food sources for juvenile fish, and suggested that place-by-place rulemaking with fishers and stakeholders would be the most effective approach. A teacher and several Waialua Elementary students testified in strong support, describing research on declining catch data, cultural importance, and the need to preserve the fish for future generations. Other supporters said the fish is being outcompeted by invasive species and cited historical declines, including testimony that bag limits in Hilo Bay have helped increase populations. Committee members asked DLNR about traditional and cultural gathering rights, whether the bill’s bag limit would apply to native Hawaiian practices, and whether the limit was 10 per day or per season. DLNR said constitutional Hawaiian practices are protected, but also noted that if the bag limit is set in statute it would limit the department’s flexibility to tailor rules by area. Members also asked about other conservation efforts, and DLNR said fish pond revitalization and amaa production are underway statewide. One member raised concern that a statewide statutory limit might not fit conditions on every island, and DLNR said it has authority to adopt area-specific rules through rulemaking, though that process can take months to more than a year. The committee then moved to HP 206, an appropriations measure for the City and County of Honolulu involving school land transfers, and HP 266B relating to Banyan Drive. On HP 206, the county said the request is a one-time item and estimated costs were about $3.25 million, with the city and county already spending more than $350,000 on the transfers. On HP 266B, HCDA said it is conducting a master planning effort for Banyan Drive and plans a community visioning exercise this summer. Testimony from the Banyan Drive redevelopment agency emphasized the need for more flexible land-tenure rules, while OHA supported the bill with amendments to include cultural specialists and lineal descendants in the redevelopment process and to protect ceded lands. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to, you know, get my computer out, go to this link, read it.
• I'm going to, you know, get my<00:44:57.200><c> computer</c><00:44:57.440><c> out,</c><00:44:57.760><
• 58.000><c> to</c><00:44:58.160><c> this</c><00:44:58.319><c> link,</c><00:44:58.960><c> read</c> my computer
• out, go to this link, read my computer out, go to this link, read it.<00:44:59.920><c> I</c><00:45:00.160

Bills: HB1991, HB1776, HB1897, HB1900

Keywords: liquor tax, alcohol, inflation adjustment, small craft breweries, public health, tenant rights, housing stability, landlord-tenant code, eviction prevention, multilingual resources, condominium, dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration, attorneys' fees, common expenses, construction defects, building code, statute of repose, statute of limitations

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1991, which would change Hawaii’s liquor excise tax structure to an ABV-based system. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii took no position and stood on written comments. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and an individual testifier who described surviving a drunk-driving crash, argued that higher alcohol taxes reduce alcohol-related harms, save lives, and generate additional state revenue. The public health witness cited alcohol-related harms as a major preventable cause of death and said the tax increase would have only a small annual cost for most consumers. Most industry testimony was in opposition. Representatives of Lanikai Brewing Company, Maui Brewing Company, the Wine Institute, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association said the bill would sharply raise taxes on beer and wine, squeeze already thin margins, and threaten local jobs and businesses. They argued Hawaii producers already face high costs for labor, energy, shipping, and compliance, and said an ABV-based tax would be difficult to administer, would require additional testing and labeling work, and could reduce consumer choice. Several industry witnesses urged lawmakers to instead adopt a small-producer or class 18 carveout, with one suggesting a cap tied to 60,000 barrels. Committee members questioned the brewers about alcohol content testing, labeling, and whether smaller producers already measure ABV. Witnesses said many local producers do not certify ABV for in-state sales, that yeast and fermentation can vary by batch, and that an ABV-based system could require more testing than current practice. No vote or final action on the bill was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• was disappointed to see that they took one out of column A and one out of column C, which did not compute
• /c><01:33:25.199><c> which</c><01:33:25.679><c> did</c><01:33:25.920><c> not</c><01:33:26.239><c> compute
• </c> out of column C, which did not compute out of column C, which did not compute to<01:33:27.360><c

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• chemistry, mowing the lawn, was now being tasked because of the new world we are in to be working on a computer
• are in to be, you know, working<01:01:58.000><c> on</c><01:01:58.160><c> a</c><01:01:58.400><c> computer
• and</c><01:01:59.200><c> that</c><01:01:59.359><c> type</c><01:01:59.599><c> of</c> working on a computer
• and that type of working on a computer and that type of thing.<01:02:00.640><c> uh</c><01:02:01.200>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to your physician, you know, they give you a diagnosis and you run home and you look it up on the computer
• look it<00:33:23.200><c> up</c><00:33:23.279><c> on</c><00:33:23.440><c> the</c><00:33:23.600><c> computer
• </c><00:33:24.159><c> and</c><00:33:24.399><c> there's</c><00:33:24.799><c> you</c> it up on the computer
• and there's you it up on the computer and there's you know<00:33:25.519><c> chat</c><00:33:25.840><c

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then heard testimony on the use of artificial intelligence in therapy and mental health settings. Representative Lisa Willner and Brenda Rosen of NASW Kentucky argued for “guard rails” on AI chatbots so they cannot present themselves as licensed therapists or replace school counselors, psychologists, or social workers. They said AI can support licensed professionals, but warned that chatbots cannot reliably recognize nonverbal cues, escalate crises, or provide accountable care, and they cited examples of harmful chatbot interactions, including a suicide case and a chatbot telling a user to “Please die.” The witnesses also raised concerns about data privacy, commercialization of sensitive mental health conversations, and the use of personal clinical content to train AI models. They said minors should require parental consent and suggested transparency about how a chatbot is trained and who created it. They distinguished between unvetted consumer chatbots and AI tools that have been scientifically validated or approved as digital therapeutics, noting that some evidence-based tools may be useful for specific conditions such as depression, anxiety, or eating disorders. Committee members asked whether regulation should be handled by the legislature or by professional boards, and whether a multi-state model would be preferable to 50 different state approaches. The witnesses generally favored expert-led standards and said a board or panel of experts could review and approve mental health chatbots, but members cautioned that boards can become too restrictive and that legislation should preserve flexibility and avoid discouraging children from seeking help. The discussion ended with a request for the witnesses to restate their proposed policy ideas, including privacy protections, bans on commercialization, limits on training AI with clinical content, transparency requirements, and informed consent.