Video & Transcript Research : 'Pell grant program'

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MN
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 3/27/25

State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • We've seen a lot of attention on fraud related to grant programs in the Minnesota House, and while scrutinizing
  • We've seen a lot of attention on fraud related to grant programs in the Minnesota House, and while scrutinizing
  • <01:09:29.080> programs<01:09:29.640> in<01:09:29.720> the related to grant
  • programs in the related to grant programs in the Minnesota<01:09:30.279> house<01:09:30.640>
  • . program. program.
Bills: HF2783, HF2603, HF2846, HF2354, HF1836, HF2713, HF1198, HF1389
Keywords: state government finance, biennial budget, appropriations, Minnesota Management and Budget, Healthy Aging Subcabinet, Office of Healthy Aging, older adults, aging policy, long-term care, caregivers, public health, Medicaid fraud, medical assistance fraud, attorney general subpoena power, fraud enforcement, business filing fraud, Secretary of State, deceptive mailings, consumer protection, certified public accountant
FL
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Oct 15th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • I know the world is changing, and programs change, and we need to be really updated on what those programs
  • I know the world is changing, and programs change, and we need to be really updated on what those programs
  • We've seen really good success because of the investment in the line program and the pipeline program
  • nursing programs.
  • Very important program.
Summary: The committee heard a presentation on the State University System’s new strategic plan, SUS 30, from Emily Sykes and later the system’s legislative budget request from Sarah Denagie. The strategic plan centers on five priorities: One SUS collaboration, elevating student success, operational excellence, world-class talent, and innovative research and economic development. Testimony highlighted Florida’s continued status as the nation’s top higher education system, record rankings, improved four-year graduation rates, higher median graduate wages, strong licensure pass rates, and expanded focus on research commercialization and workforce alignment. Senators asked about programs of strategic emphasis, mental health and teacher workforce needs, use of the My Florida Future wage data tool, support for first-generation and Pell students, and the role of liberal arts degrees. The system said it would provide follow-up information, including the full strategic-emphasis list and a report on campus safety best practices after a recent summit following the FSU shooting. The committee also received an update on line funding for nursing and health care partnerships. Officials said the $6 million appropriation was fully subscribed through 24 proposals from all 10 nursing programs, supporting scholarships, faculty recruitment, internships, simulation, and expanded nursing capacity. They reported more than 1,900 new nursing graduates, over 200 new student slots, more than 300 scholarships, and a 92% NCLEX pass rate. Senators asked about expanding eligibility for the program, and staff indicated that would be examined this year. For the legislative budget request, the Board of Governors asked for $634.5 million total, including $295 million to maintain the institutional performance-based funding base, $400 million for the state investment portion of performance-based funding, $125 million for preeminence funding, $100 million for faculty recruitment and retention, $6.4 million for UF/IFAS extension workload, and $3.1 million for state fire marshal inspections. The chair noted that resources are limited and that difficult budget decisions will be required. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.
KY
KY

Kentucky 2025 Regular Session

Budget Review Subcommittee on Education (8-20-25) - Reupload

Transcript Highlights:
  • grants and, as a result, our CAP program.
  • have two different state grant programs. have two different state grant programs.
  • I have this up here just to let you know kind of where our grants work with the Pell Grant program to
  • Um we methodologies for the Pell Grant.
  • scholarship and grant programs? scholarship and grant programs?
Keywords: The livestream event for this meeting failed before the meeting was finished. This copy was pulled from backups and is reposted in it's entirety., 958, all
Summary: The committee met to review KHEAA’s student aid programs ahead of the upcoming biennial budget. KHEAA officials outlined the agency’s role administering state grants and scholarships, emphasizing that net lottery proceeds are statutorily dedicated to student financial aid after a literacy appropriation. They focused on the College Access Program (CAP), Kentucky Tuition Grant (KTG), and KEES, and explained that the FAFSA simplification changes significantly expanded eligibility for Pell and CAP recipients. KHEAA said the General Assembly’s additional funding this biennium allowed CAP to be fully funded, and that FY25 spending for CAP reached about $232 million for roughly 72,000 students, up from about 55,000 recipients the prior year. Officials said they are watching current-year application trends closely and expect a clearer funding picture by late fall as awards are actually disbursed and enrollment data comes in. Members asked about how CAP eligibility works, the difference between applicants and recipients, and whether KTG is tied to Pell eligibility. KHEAA explained that CAP is essentially aligned with Pell eligibility, while KTG uses a different need formula and is limited to private colleges in Kentucky. They also noted that schools verify final eligibility after KHEAA’s initial review of application data. Questions about the FAFSA simplification act and federal changes led KHEAA to say they do not expect major effects on state grant and scholarship programs, though federal student loan changes may affect students, especially at the graduate level. The committee also discussed KEES, which KHEAA said has been fully funded since its creation, and dual credit/work-ready scholarships. KHEAA reported that dual credit participation continues to grow and that FY25 spending for dual credit and Work Ready Kentucky totaled about $26.4 million, compared with a $13.1 million appropriation, with transfers from Work Ready used to keep dual credit fully funded. Officials said they will seek growth funding for dual credit in the next budget because the program has expanded and now includes the work-ready component under one statute. Members asked about transferability of dual credit courses and whether students actually use the credits toward degrees; KHEAA said it does not have hard data on every credit’s transfer, but it is seeing positive trends in bachelor’s completion and more high school graduates earning associate degrees. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the July 15, 2025 meeting minutes.
OK
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senate Bill 1546 renames the Inspired to Teach program to the Next Ed program and it doubles the scholarship
  • TSIP program, the Inspired to Teach program, and now the NextEd Teacher program, we've actually increased
  • Now, the way this program is currently funded, we put a large dollar amount already into this program
  • Program post fact, we asked for this much money to be appropriated to that program.
  • That's kind of how this program has worked.
Bills: HB1427, SB1403, SB1448, SB1489, SB1546, SB1557, SB1614, SB1377, SB1990, SB1439, SB1630, SB1632, SB1696, SB1796, SB1824, SB1362, SB1849, SB2066, SB2071, SB2104, SB933, SB1633, SB1224, SB1246, SB1280, SB1303, SB1346
Keywords: tax credit, clean-burning fuel, hydrogen fuel cells, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, environmental impact, vehicle modification, renewable energy, job incentives, tax rebates, Oklahoma Quality Jobs Program, employment growth, wage requirements, Oklahoma Consumer Protection Act, consumer protection, unfair trade practices, deceptive practices, exemptions, statutory exemptions, Corporation Commission
OK
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 09:00 am

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • whereas Saint John continues to serve all of northeastern Oklahoma, offering a leading neurosciences program
  • to not only uphold this legacy but move it forward, whether it's strengthening our neurosciences program
  • Bethany, and we're really proud that this year Mayor Amanda Sandoval has launched a wonderful new program
  • Inaugural Youth Council program. So, we have nine students who are participating.
Bills: HB1427, SB1403, SB1448, SB1489, SB1546, SB1557, SB1614, SB1377, SB1990, SB1439, SB1630, SB1632, SB1696, SB1796, SB1824, SB1362, SB1849, SB2066, SB2071, SB2104, SB933, SB1633, SB1224, SB1246, SB1280, SB1303, SB1346
Keywords: tax credit, clean-burning fuel, hydrogen fuel cells, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, environmental impact, vehicle modification, renewable energy, job incentives, tax rebates, Oklahoma Quality Jobs Program, employment growth, wage requirements, Oklahoma Consumer Protection Act, consumer protection, unfair trade practices, deceptive practices, exemptions, statutory exemptions, Corporation Commission
CA
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 7 on Accountability and Oversight Apr 23rd, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thousands of UC students are recipients of Pell Grants. It makes it possible for them to attend.
  • Department of Education staff who process Pell Grants... The majority of the U.S.
  • Department of Education staff who process Pell Grants have been let go.
  • UC students annually receive about $500 million in Pell Grants.
  • I heard you talk about the impact of Pell Grants, especially on low-income students.
Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Accountability and Transparency held a hearing focused on three issues: federal funding cuts and delays, possible state revenue impacts from reduced IRS enforcement, and the fiscal effects of AB 218 on local governments. The Franchise Tax Board described how state and federal tax systems are closely linked, how most returns are filed electronically through software, and how FTB relies on IRS information sharing for compliance, fraud prevention, offsets, and nonfiler work. Members raised concerns that federal staffing cuts at the IRS could weaken audits of large corporations and reduce California revenue, and asked about VITA and ITIN filers; FTB said it was not aware of VITA reductions, noted ITIN returns are processed the same as other returns, and said ITIN filing appeared slightly down this year. The Department of Finance said it is monitoring federal developments, summarized the continuing resolution and reconciliation process, and noted that California lost nearly $940 million in earmarked federal projects under the CR, while major federal budget decisions remain uncertain until the President’s budget and later congressional action. The University of California reported substantial federal pressure on research, student aid, and health care. UC said hundreds of millions of dollars in federal awards have already been canceled, with additional threats to NIH and DOE facilities-and-administration rates, graduate fellowships, student loan repayment plans, international student visas, Pell Grants, and Medicaid/Medi-Cal funding. Committee members pressed UC on the effects of DEIA-related federal restrictions, the loss of clinical trials and research staff, and the impact on low-income students and patients. UC said it is pursuing litigation with the Attorney General and other institutions, but emphasized that court action is only a temporary solution and that sustained state and private support may be needed. The second panel addressed the fiscal consequences of AB 218, which extended the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims against public agencies. FCMAT presented a report with 22 recommendations, including better statewide data collection, financing mechanisms, a possible victims compensation fund, and prevention measures. Los Angeles County described a tentative $4 billion settlement tied to AB 218 claims, saying it will require reserves, borrowing, and long-term annual payments through 2050, while also forcing curtailments and cuts to vacant positions to preserve services. Members discussed insurance pools, retroactive premiums, unidentified future claims, and the need for a compensation fund or other financing tools. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded with public comment, including testimony from local health officials about nearly $400 million in terminated federal public health grants and the resulting layoffs and service impacts.
MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Hied Committee Meeting - 2025-03-27

Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Program, and because the State Grant Program interrelates with the North Star Promise Program, we're
  • awards. because there was so much demand on the state grant program.
  • from a future state grant year and a biennium within the program.
  • That's when the Pell Grant changes.
  • Even doing that, we would still be in a tough spot with the state grant program.
LA
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Education Apr 8th, 2026

Education

MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Ways and Means Committee 3/23/26

Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • program.
  • The state program provides program.
  • The existing available for the program.
  • This bill authorized under the program.
  • have to be enrolled in the DMC program. have to be enrolled in the DMC program.
Bills: HF3298, SF3832, HF3528, HF3516, HF3972, HF4118
Keywords: underground storage tanks, petroleum, reimbursement program, environmental regulation, pollution control, dairy assistance, investment relief, agriculture support, food production, economic relief, barbering, licensing, examinations, barber schools, public safety, certifications, Barber Examiners Board, dentistry, licensure, registration
AL
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama Senate Education Policy Committee Feb 18th, 2026

Education Policy

HI
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

House Chamber - Mon Feb 2, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 7

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • student association as she chaired Campbell's events, and it caused her to be introduced to this program
  • And right now, so we can see the benefits of this program and what it means for these kids to come to
  • now, so we can see the benefits of right now, so we can see the benefits of this<00:24:44.720> program
  • 45.279> it<00:24:45.440> hap<00:24:45.760> what<00:24:46.000> means this program
  • and what it hap what means this program and what it hap what means for<00:24:46.720> these<00
Bills: HB1751, HB1752, HB1636
Keywords: Hawaii National Guard, tuition assistance, graduate degrees, education, military personnel, funding, school districts, state budget, performance metrics, shopping carts, abandoned carts, cart retrieval, cart impoundment, county enforcement, municipal ordinance, retail businesses, grocery stores, wholesale stores, membership stores, private clubs
HI
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

PBS Public Hearing - Fri Jan 30, 2026 @ 11:00 AM HST

Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:26:41.360> This Tuition Assistance Program. This Tuition Assistance Program.
  • program and specific bill. program and specific bill. >> Thank<00:27:40.880> you.
  • So program >> Yes.
  • <00:43:46.079> that<00:43:46.319> are other programs out there that are other programs
  • Guard State Tuition Assistance Program. Guard State Tuition Assistance Program.
Bills: HB1751, HB1752, HB1531, HB1577
Keywords: Hawaii National Guard, tuition assistance, graduate degrees, education, military personnel, funding, school districts, state budget, performance metrics, emergency announcements, American Sign Language, accessibility, public safety, broadcast media, Smart911, 911, 911 Board, emergency response, public safety answering point, PSAP
Summary: The Committee on Public Safety held its first hearing and began with House Bill 1531, which would require the governor or county mayor to provide an ASL interpreter during official emergency announcements broadcast on television or the internet, ensure the interpreter is visible, and require news outlets to show the interpreter in a picture-in-picture window. Testimony was strongly supportive from disability advocates, who said live captions can be inaccurate and that ASL access is critical during emergencies, but broadcasters raised practical concerns that the bill as drafted could require extra camera crews and reduce coverage. Members discussed possible alternatives such as government-provided pool feeds and interpreter placement, and the chair recommended deferring decision-making on the bill to the following Wednesday to allow time for amendment language. The committee then heard House Bill 1751, which would expand the Hawaii National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program to include graduate degrees at the University of Hawaii for qualified enlisted personnel. The Hawaii Army National Guard, the Department of Defense, and University of Hawaii representatives supported the measure as a recruiting, retention, and professionalization tool. A member asked about funding, and the response was that the program is funded through a state appropriation currently set at $250,000 and was described as sufficient at present. The bill drew no opposition in the hearing. Next, House Bill 1752 was taken up. This measure would remove the Adjutant General as a nonvoting ex officio member of the HAIMA advisory committee and add the HAIMA administrator as a nonvoting ex officio member of the MSAC. The Department of Defense and Department of Health supported the bill, with the Department of Health asking that it be aligned with other EMS modernization provisions in the governor’s package so the related measures remain consistent. No objections were raised. The committee also heard House Bill 1577 on 911 services, which would require the 911 Board to establish a statewide emergency safety profile system for residents to voluntarily store emergency-relevant personal information. The Department of Health, disability advocates, the 911 Board, and others supported the concept, saying it could improve emergency response for people with disabilities, kūpuna, families, and others with functional needs. Testimony also raised concerns about funding, system integration, confidentiality, advanced directives, and liability protections if information does not reach responders in time. Members discussed statewide coordination and existing county systems, and the hearing continued with those issues unresolved.
FL
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Jan 12th, 2026

Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • participant involvement in such activities as a condition of program participation.
  • as a condition of program participation.
  • that excluding faith-based programs is not just discriminatory.
  • Next, the bill addresses the Step Into Success program.
  • I am delighted to see the program now go statewide.
Bills: S0042, S0578, S0624, S7018
Keywords: child protection, medical records, investigation, abuse, neglect, healthcare, Child Protection Team, diagnosis, Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimers, dementia, related dementias, brain health, early detection, caregiver support, elderly affairs, Department of Elderly Affairs, Department of Health, public health outreach, memory loss
Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first heard SB 624, which would codify DCF’s current practice of allowing batterers intervention programs to offer supplemental faith-based activities so long as participation is voluntary. The bill drew support from faith-based and family organizations, which argued it would restore access to effective rehabilitation options and remove discriminatory barriers. SB 624 was reported favorably after a roll call vote. The committee then heard SB 42, which would require child protective investigators and child protection teams to rely on qualified medical professionals when a child has a documented pre-existing diagnosis or when a parent requests an exam, and would require clearer notice to parents and custodians at the start of an investigation. Testimony overwhelmingly came from parents, advocates, and disability rights representatives describing cases in which medically complex children were allegedly misdiagnosed as abuse victims and families were separated unnecessarily. Members expressed sympathy and support, and SB 42 was reported favorably. Next, the committee considered CS/SB 578, creating an Alzheimer’s disease awareness initiative within the Department of Elder Affairs to promote early detection, brain health education, research updates, and clinical trial awareness, with outreach focused on older adults and at-risk populations. An amendment was adopted to place the campaign within the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative. A caregiver testified about the need for public education and early diagnosis, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also took up SPB 7018, a committee bill on child welfare that would extend the definition of “visitor” for foster homes to reduce repeated background checks, make the Step Into Success foster youth workforce pilot permanent and statewide, and create a program through the Florida Institute for Child Welfare to catalog best practices among community-based care lead agencies. The bill was approved as a committee bill and reported favorably. Finally, the Department of Children and Families presented its 2025-26 final funding methodology and rates report for community-based care. Members questioned the proposed tiered model, including insurance costs, risk corridors, prevention funding, performance measures, and regional funding disparities. No vote was taken on the presentation, but members discussed the possible need for follow-up legislation and additional stakeholder input.
NV
NV

Nevada 2025 Regular Session

Assembly Committee on Commerce and Labor May 31st, 2025 at 11:30 pm

Commerce and Labor

Transcript Highlights:
  • The California Health Benefits Review Program estimated that a bill like this would increase health insurance
  • So if the division does have to come to present a work program during the interim, that we all understand
Bills: AB93, AB204, AB414, AB504, AB598
Keywords: public employees, police officers, benefits, appropriation, law enforcement, medical debt, collection agency, healthcare, consumer protection, financial assistance, occupational safety, air quality, greenhouse gases, employee monitoring, safety program, hemp, hemp products, cannabidiol, CBD, cannabis
TX
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Mar 3rd, 2025

Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

KY
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

Interim Joint Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection (7-25-23)

HI
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session 03-30-2026 11:30am

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

HI
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

ECD Public Hearing - Wed Feb 18, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST

Economic Development & Technology

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, your program is providing them the resources that's available.
  • <00:30:43.840> or<00:30:44.080> a<00:30:44.240> grant with a subsidy program
  • or a grant with a subsidy program or a grant program<00:30:45.279> as<00:30:45.520> opposed
  • grant program you would whereas with a grant program you would have<00:31:03.919> more<00:31:04.159
  • <01:37:44.480> that economy by funding HCDC programs that economy by funding HCDC programs
Bills: HB2410, HB2235, HB1904, HB2201, HB2349, HB1972, HB2007, HB2385, HB2444, HB2391, HB2575
Keywords: Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, economic diversification, small business, innovation, manufacturing assistance, grants, technology programs, advanced manufacturing, military, community relations, economic development, defense-related programs, workforce development, local business readiness, in-state manufacturing, federal investment, space operations, orbital sustainability, aerospace, space traffic management
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 2410 relating to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation. Testifiers from HTDC and the Hawaii Food Industry Association stood on written testimony, and members discussed the funding request, which was described as $1 million each for three programs, for a total of $3 million. The measure appeared to have broad support, with no opposition noted. The committee then took up HB 2235 HD1 on the military and community relations office, where Lori Moore of MACC asked for additional funding to support local businesses and education-to-career initiatives statewide. Members asked about the amount, and the request was identified as $1.3 million total. HB 904 on space operations followed, with three supporters and one opponent, though no substantive testimony was captured beyond the vote counts. HB 2201 on state enterprise zones drew testimony from Georgia Skinner of DBEDT’s Creative Industries division, who said the measure would build on a well-run enterprise zone program and help make Hawaii’s film industry more competitive. Tom Yamashita of the Tax Foundation also provided comments. The committee then considered HB 2349 relating to DCCA and DBEDT coordination; DCCA explained it already provides links and information to DBEDT programs, while DBEDT argued that direct data sharing would allow more proactive outreach. Members raised privacy and cost concerns, and DBEDT said it would consider opt-in collection and acknowledged system changes and possible funding needs. The committee also heard two tax credit bills. HB 1972 HD1, on a caregiver tax credit, received strong support from AARP, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and others, who described caregivers as an “invisible workforce” and argued the credit would help families keep loved ones at home and reduce financial strain. The Tax Foundation suggested a grant or subsidy program might be more efficient than a tax credit and raised concerns about debarment provisions. HB 20007 HD1, on the household and dependent care services tax credit, also drew strong support from public health and family advocacy groups, who said Hawaii families face some of the nation’s highest child care costs and that the bill would better reflect current expenses; the Tax Foundation again raised technical concerns about complexity and debarment. Members asked about fiscal impacts, and testimony indicated the current credit costs about $6 million, with the bill expected to increase that amount. The committee then moved on to HB 2385 HD1 on housing, where the Deputy Attorney General began presenting written comments on whether the bill limits county authority.
OK
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Common Education REVISION 2: Link added - HB4359 Feb 4th, 2026 at 03:00 pm

Common Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • many students would not be affected, but we don't want to get their kids behind in their education program
  • This requires families to complete a form for the child nutrition program of free and reduced-price breakfast
  • This form is used as a data point for funding from state and federal, as well as private grants, and
  • a reason. to do PCS because CEPs, which are the schools that qualify for free and reduced-price programs
Bills: HB4359, HB4115, HB3467, HB2978, HB3026, HB3032
Keywords: statewide assessments, student testing, testing window, end-of-year testing, Oklahoma Academic Standards, Oklahoma School Testing Program, State Board of Education, grade 3-8, alternate assessment, students with disabilities, special education, cognitive disabilities, assessment calendar, school year calendar, education accountability, academic standards, math intervention, advanced mathematics, course placement, college and career readiness
HI
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

HSH Public Hearing - Tue Feb 3, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST

Human Services & Homelessness

Transcript Highlights:
  • and the SNAP program.
  • and the SNAP program.
  • related to the SNAP program. related to the SNAP program.
  • <00:13:10.080> as appear to encompass the TANF program as appear to encompass the TANF program
  • residents who rely on the program. residents who rely on the program.
Bills: HB1518, HB1699, HB1747, HB1705, HB1565, HB1801, HB1645, HB2115, HB2114
Keywords: HB1518, Hawaii SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, food stamps, Department of Human Services, DHS, pre-release SNAP, pre-release application process, incarcerated individuals, prisoner reentry, reentry services, formerly incarcerated, jail release, prison release, recidivism, food security, benefits eligibility, controlled substance felony, drug felony, drug conviction
Summary: The committee opened its first meeting of the 2020 session and heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 1518, which would allow people incarcerated and nearing release to apply for SNAP benefits before release. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Department of Human Services said they support the bill and are already piloting a pre-release application process at two facilities, with plans to expand it. The Attorney General’s Office supported the intent but noted a technical issue: one section of the bill appears to affect TANF as well as SNAP, while the title refers only to SNAP. A wide range of advocates, including Catholic Charities, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Hunger Action Network, Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, ACLU of Hawaii, and others, testified in strong support, emphasizing food insecurity after release, reentry stability, and reduced recidivism. The committee did not take a vote during the hearing. The committee then heard HB 1747, which would direct the Department of Human Services to seek federal waivers or extensions related to restricting certain SNAP purchases, including sugary drinks. DHS said it had already been approved for a narrow demonstration waiver and was working with retailers on implementation, with a target date of August 1. Supporters of the measure argued it would promote healthier choices, while opponents, including Hawaii Appleseed, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, said such restrictions are ineffective, stigmatize low-income residents, create burdens for retailers and DHS, and may be difficult to implement. Members asked DHS to clarify the scope of the waiver and confirmed it applies to sugary drinks and beverages containing more than 10 grams of sugar. Finally, the committee took up HB 1705, which would allow licensed mental health counselors to serve as child custody evaluators, but there was no testimony from the relevant agencies and the item was quickly set aside. The committee also heard HB 1565, which would establish a judiciary working group to improve family court processes and legal representation for youth in the child welfare system. The Attorney General’s Office offered minor technical amendments, and supporters from the Office of Wellness and Resilience, High Hopes Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and a social work student described the need for legal representation, citing better reunification and stability outcomes and the importance of youth voice in court proceedings. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.