Transcript Highlights:

• that were existing or permitted and in compliance with the requirements of flood plain management standards
• that were existing or permitted and in compliance with the requirements of flood plain management standards
• that were existing or permitted and in compliance with the requirements of flood plain management standards
• :55.240><c> have</c><00:09:55.360><c> to</c><00:09:55.440><c> read</c><00:09:55.680><c> that</c> standards
• glad I don't have to read that standards glad I don't have to read that again<00:09:57.120><c> questions

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met in decision-making only session and took up a series of bills, mostly approving them with amendments. SB 1032 on campaign finance passed with amendments to change the certification process for business entities, add a severability-type provision if foreign-influence conditions are struck down, and note a related Minnesota federal case. SB 401 on firearms passed with amendments to exclude shotguns, grandfather legally registered devices in place as of the effective date, and add committee report findings; SB 382 on procurement confidentiality passed as is; SB 598 extending deadlines for administrative driver’s license revocation review decisions passed as is; SB 771 on HHFDC board leadership passed as is; and SB 1318 clarifying water pollution enforcement jurisdiction passed as is. The committee also approved SB 1657 with an amendment removing authority to condemn public property, SB 1102 with an amendment making the Fire Council the source of nominees for the aircraft rescue fire fighting chief, and SB 100 with amendments replacing the original substance with a prohibition on fingerprinting nonprofit liquor-license board members during background checks and limiting the bill to counties under 500,000 population. SB 170 and SB 1296, both related to special management area exemptions for affordable housing and disaster-related reconstruction, passed with amendments incorporating Office of Planning, Sustainable Development, and Attorney General changes to narrow and clarify the exemptions. Finally, SB 363, a cleanup bill related to firearm parts and ghost gun laws, was considered with amendments that deleted a proposed new penalty section, revised existing firearms statutes, removed an unnecessary definition, and expanded penalties to include indeterminate imprisonment terms. Despite the amendments, the measure was not adopted because the Vice Chair voted no. The committee then adjourned and announced a later joint hearing with Ways and Means.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're not changing that standard. Mr. Bolton, am I wrong about that? That's correct.
• There's a legal standard that is set already in law, and I mean certainly that debate could be with a
• Representative Gray, I'm just trying to point out there's no change here to that reasonable standard.
• It's the same reasonable standard that exists in anything else in society.
• That reasonableness standard isn't really the question here.

Bills: HB105, HB296, HB15, HB264, HB34, HB304, HB146, HB26, HB15, HB34, HB26

Keywords: law enforcement, retirement benefits, Alabama Peace Officers, agency-issued badge, agency-issued pistol, resisting arrest, custody, public safety, Alabama law, traffic infractions, traffic ticket, disposition, criminal contempt, vessel registration, boating fees, state funds, regulatory changes, water safety, compliance, false information

Transcript Highlights:

• And then that support model relies on standardization. That's that work.
• The NDUS EDU page redesign, we met the WCAG standards. It has about 230 pages.
• My understanding is from the HLC requirement that they do have a standard.
• My understanding is from the HLC requirement that they do have a standard.
• My understanding is from the HLC requirement that they do have a standard.

Summary: The committee met on the Minot State campus for a presentation from President Shirley and several university leaders on enrollment, academics, workforce initiatives, and partnerships. Shirley reviewed the university’s financial audits, noting mostly clean results with only minor technical findings in recent years, and highlighted Minot State’s major programs, specialized accreditations, and ties to Minot Air Force Base and NCAA Division II athletics. Members asked about education workforce shortages, athletic tuition waivers, dual credit incentives, and the university’s in-state tuition policy for all students. Shirley also discussed the university’s recruitment efforts, including the Hometown Pride and Academic Excellence scholarships, campus visit growth, and the Emerging Scholars dual-credit reimbursement program. A major focus was workforce development and new academic offerings supported by legislative Workforce Education Innovation Funds. Shirley described the new Innovation Engineering program, which was developed with industry input to train broadly skilled engineers for western North Dakota, and said it had already drawn more applicants than expected. Dr. Crystal St. Peter presented a new master’s program in counseling that integrates mental health and addiction counseling to address statewide provider shortages, with a hybrid format to reach rural students. Members asked about licensure requirements, internship hours, and job placement for graduates. Shirley also outlined a new nursing simulation center and health sciences space in downtown Minot, made possible by state support and the purchase of the former Trinity Health Center West building. The committee also heard about Minot State’s efforts to build pipelines into education and special education, including the Aspire program for rural high school students and an online paraprofessional-to-special-education degree pathway. Shirley said these programs, along with new articulation agreements and a large Bush Foundation grant, are intended to address teacher shortages and keep students in North Dakota. No formal committee votes or actions were taken during the presentation; the session consisted of informational updates and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, as you know, out in the future, the standard deduction will still be increasing, right?
• That's why the standard increase in standard reduction was a better policy, and that's why we chose to
• then we increased the standard deduction then we increased the standard deduction was<01:46:06.480><c
• deduction will be uh still standard deduction will be uh still increasing<01:46:44.159><c> right.
• :59.840><c> in</c><01:47:00.080><c> standard</c> why the standard increase in standard why the standard

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:48:45.359><c> of</c> evidence and peer-reviewed standards of evidence and peer-reviewed standards
• So, I'm suggesting that the standards that were put forth in the New Jersey law be the standards that
• The second issue is I agree with the Department of Taxation referencing the income tax as a standard
• that are used in this the standards that are used in this particular<01:29:05.280><c> bill.
• really isn't a standard of proof. really isn't a standard<01:29:23.040><c> of</c><01:29:23.120><c> proof

Bills: SB3263, SB3261

Keywords: student-athletes, name image likeness, NIL, compensation, transparency, University of Hawaii, Title IX, funding, protections, athlete agents, student athletes, endorsement contracts, professional representation, registration requirements, sports law, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate Committee on Education and Committee on Health and Human Services heard testimony on several bills related to student health and safety, University of Hawaii programs, and workforce development. For SB 2969, which would appropriate funds for the University of Hawaii to expand and sustain the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study and Maui Health Registry, testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Witnesses described the ongoing physical and mental health impacts of the August 2023 Maui fires, said the study has identified serious untreated conditions and connected participants to care, and emphasized its role in serving survivors and training students. The committee also heard support from the Department of Health, the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Lung Association, Maui residents, and study staff. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee then heard SB 2657, which would establish an Alzheimer disease and related dementia research center at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. University of Hawaii and Alzheimer’s Association representatives supported the bill, saying a local center would improve coordination of existing research, build state capacity, and help Hawaii compete for future NIH designation and federal funding. A family member affected by Alzheimer’s also testified in support, citing the disease’s impact in Hawaii. In response to questions, the university said the proposal would follow a five-year phased plan, with the first year funding used to recruit a senior neuroscientist and staff person, at an estimated cost of about $375,000, and that the effort would still strengthen Hawaii’s research infrastructure even if federal funding is not secured. For SB 2612, which clarifies immunity for Department of Education employees and agents who assist students with medication administration under certain conditions, the Department of Education said the bill is intended to protect volunteers and help ensure students can participate in school activities even when staffing is limited. The committee discussed how volunteers would be selected and whether every school would have someone available, and DOE said schools currently rely on health attendants, nurses, and trained volunteers. The committee also briefly discussed liability language and gross negligence exceptions. The hearing then moved to SB 2412, which would fund a bachelor’s degree program in sign language and sign language interpretation at UH Mānoa with a future master’s pathway. Testimony from interpreters, educators, and university officials emphasized the shortage of interpreters, the need to retain local talent, and the program’s role in building a pipeline; university representatives said the initial request would fund a faculty/staff position as a first step, with additional funding needed later. No final committee action or votes were announced in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our current standards are simply insufficient.
• </c><00:13:01.360><c> The</c> standards are simply insufficient.
• The standards are simply insufficient.
• He says, "How low a standard must there be?"
• ,</c> an act to provide for standardization, an act to provide for standardization, publication,<02:00

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, September 11, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> meaningful</c> clear oversight standards, meaningful clear oversight standards, meaningful accountability
• Um, this amendment a community standard.
• We've heard in quality standards.
• ,</c> requirements, no safety standards, requirements, no safety standards, nothing. nothing. nothing
• Act. the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:12:58.360><c> by</c> Mental Disorders, is the the standard by Mental Disorders, is the the standard
• </c> wait list standard for ABA services. wait list standard for ABA services.
• </c> In addition to a wait list standard, Kentucky also has a time and distance standard for managed
• And for families in rural settings, the standard is 50 minutes or 50 miles. 50 minutes or 50 miles is
• Fines levied for non-compliance with network adequacy standards and many other instances of contract

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a governor's proposal relating to uniform services standards implementation.
• Uh the net standards implementation.
• </c> it was to say that there are standard it was to say that there are standard costs<01:08:26.400><
• </c> we've exceeded those standard costs. we've exceeded those standard costs.
• </c> shouldn't that be part of your standard shouldn't that be part of your standard operating<01:22:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is kind of the standard of care.
• And when a physician standard of care.
• </c><01:30:04.480><c> of</c> Uh and this is kind of the standard of Uh and this is kind of the standard
• Our diabetes rates are highest in the nation, and it is the standard of care, as Jacqueline says.
• Uh we also manufacturing standards.

Bills: HB1853, HB1591, HB1961, HB1854, HB1965, HB1962, HB1959, HB2505, HB2576, HB1801, HB1804, HB1864, HB2319, HB2314, HB2115

Keywords: HB1853, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, cognitive impairment, memory care, memory clinic, Hanai Memory Network, Executive Office on Aging, aging services, kupuna, caregiver support, long-term care, elder care, geriatrics, public health, dementia screening, care coordination, referral network, neighbor islands, rural health

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2047, relating to pharmacy benefit managers. The Insurance Division said the bill would require new enforcement resources and estimated an appropriation of about $1.5 million and five positions. Kaiser Permanente asked for an amendment to exclude HMOs from the definition of third-party PBMs, saying the bill should not interfere with integrated care models. PCMA and the Hawaii Pharmacist Association supported narrowing amendments, with pharmacists objecting to section 3 and warning the bill as amended could create major operational burdens and a significant general fund cost. No vote was taken in the portion provided, and the chair moved on to the next measure after questions. The committee then took up SB 2080, which would allow Hawaii to join the psychology interjurisdictional compact. Supporters, including DCR, the Hawaii Association of Health Plans, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, the Grassroot Institute, and others, said the compact would expand access to psychology services, especially for people in rural areas or those needing continuity of care while traveling. Opponents, including the Board of Psychology and a Shamanad University psychology professor, raised concerns about client safety, crisis-response procedures, enforcement costs, FBI background checks, and possible loss of state control over training and specialization standards. The board said Hawaii’s current 1,900-hour internship/postdoc requirement is higher than the compact’s standard and that the state is still implementing a separate provisional licensing law that may address some access issues. The discussion focused on whether the compact would meaningfully reduce shortages and whether Hawaii should instead pursue changes within its existing licensing system. Finally, the committee heard SB 2277 on hospital price transparency. The Office of Consumer Protection initially noted the bill could require significant staffing, but later testimony from SHIP suggested the measure could be handled more simply by working with the Healthcare Association of Hawaii and publicly posting violations. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii opposed the bill, arguing hospitals already must comply with federal CMS transparency rules and that adding state requirements would increase costs and legal exposure, especially if violations were treated as unfair or deceptive trade practices. Steve Fenberg testified in support, saying the bill would simply codify existing federal requirements in state law and that he was open to amendments removing state enforcement and the unfair trade practice language. No final action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll just have to see what the current standards of practice yield.
• </c> have to see what the current standards have to see what the current standards of<00:11:11.040><c
• We're talking about global um standards.
• </c> according to the accounting standards. according to the accounting standards.
• </c> under governmental accounting standards. under governmental accounting standards.

Keywords: Finance - Room 216, 20 January, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• National workload standards.
• </c> you that that they are above standard you that that they are above standard and<00:23:51.600><c>
• Fortunately, the standards are pretty easy to meet.
• </c><01:01:09.040><c> for</c> less what I was held to the standard for less what I was held to the standard
• Fortunately, the standards are doing.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 13 January, 2026; 1:45 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But I wanted to point out that there are some new compliance standards at the federal level that need
• But I wanted to point out that there are some new compliance standards at the federal level that need
• But I wanted to point out that there are some new compliance standards at the federal level that need
• But I wanted to point out that there are some new compliance standards at the federal level that need
• Um, also we've seen um just where the... reasonable standards for waiting times. reasonable standards

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board meeting began with a roll call and approval of the October 7 meeting minutes. The chair then reordered the agenda to hear the item on Medicaid reimbursement rates and network adequacy first because of scheduling issues. Dr. Steve Robertson of the Kentucky Dental Association was sworn in and testified at length about Kentucky’s dental Medicaid program, arguing that reimbursement rates are unsustainably low, have been largely flat for decades, and are often below the cost of providing care. He said Kentucky ranks near the bottom nationally in oral health, dental Medicaid rates are often 60% or less of commercial rates, and the program’s share of the Medicaid budget has effectively remained around 2% despite growth in enrollment and services. Dr. Robertson said the low rates are contributing to provider losses, rural access gaps, longer wait times, dental deserts, and greater use of emergency rooms for preventable dental problems. He cited examples of office costs exceeding reimbursement for basic procedures, noted that many dentists are small private businesses, and said the state is struggling to recruit and retain dentists because of low payment levels and high student debt. He also pointed to disparities with neighboring states and said recent increases in some oral surgery and cleaning codes were not enough to address the broader problem. His recommendations included completing the rebasing study, increasing dental reimbursement in the upcoming budget, tying future reviews to inflation and cost data, aligning benchmarks, and prioritizing preventive and restorative care to improve workforce stability and access. Board members asked about the size of the needed increase, the effect of private insurance on dental practice finances, and what a new dentist might expect to earn. Dr. Robertson said the association is working on an appropriations request and that private insurance pressures are part of the problem as well, since many plans are HMOs or PPOs with limited provider control over rates. He also said the association can no longer conduct reimbursement surveys because of FTC restrictions, but would try to obtain current ADA data. In response to questions about the future of the program, he warned that without significant changes it could become unsustainable and cited Ohio and Missouri as examples where higher reimbursement improved provider participation and access. The board then heard from Mr. Bowman of Baldwin Consulting, who discussed outpatient behavioral health providers, including ABA therapy and mental health/substance use disorder services. He said these providers face similar issues of rising costs, flat reimbursement, and access problems. He reviewed Kentucky’s network adequacy standards, including travel-time standards, 30-day appointment limits, and newer federal requirements that will require services within 10 business days by 2029. He said wait times for outpatient behavioral health, especially children’s services and ABA, have grown substantially, sometimes to more than a year, and emphasized that the Medicaid department must enforce these standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> not meet certain performance standards not meet certain performance standards in<00:17:14.000><c
• when it approved several these standards when it approved several applications<00:17:22.919><c> one<
• as specified in performance standards as specified in federal federal federal regulations<00:17:53.280
• <01:04:33.839><c> and</c><01:04:34.000><c> strengthening</c><01:04:34.559><c> compliance</c> standards
• and strengthening compliance standards and strengthening compliance measures<01:04:35.559><c> and</c

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The proposed rules would mandate adherence to Postal Service-defined standards for outbound and return
• So that is best practice and standard practice in many places.
• It ensures that voting equipment used to cast and tabulate votes meets federal standards.
• There's an intent standard, but that's not mentioned in the executive order itself.
• And so we're organizing within the agencies around standards.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lowering standards or bypassing the established hiring process is not a long-term solution.
• They should be provided it as a standard response. I'm going to wrap it up here.
• We have maintained and met NCCHC standards since 1989.
• The ACA standards are rigorous, and we consistently meet those demands.
• This occurs at such a high rate that we cannot keep up, so departments have lowered standards simply

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The special commission on consolidation and cooperation among public safety agencies held a hearing focused on union and correctional staff testimony. Chair Dan Hunt and Senator Brownsberger opened by noting the commission’s extensive site visits and prior testimony, and they recognized Correctional Officers Week. Union representatives from KOUF, NCEU, AFSCME, and local county correctional unions described the daily realities of correctional work, emphasizing staff safety, staffing shortages, retention problems, mental health impacts, and the need to preserve local sheriff’s offices and collective bargaining agreements. Testimony centered on several recurring concerns: violence inside facilities, the spread of synthetic drugs such as K2, inmate suicides and suicide attempts, and the strain these issues place on officers, EMS, and local resources. Speakers also raised concerns about gender-identity housing policies, arguing they can create safety and workplace issues for staff, and urged more support for officer wellness, debriefing, and programs like OnSide Academy. Several witnesses argued that county facilities should remain locally controlled and that consolidation with the Department of Correction would weaken programming, staffing, and community-based reentry work. One witness described the Norwegian correctional model as a possible source of ideas for more rehabilitative approaches. Commission members responded with support for correctional staff and asked questions about K2 detection, paperless systems, EMS transports, and possible metrics to quantify incidents and facility needs. Members also discussed the importance of individualized assessments of each facility rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. The commission voted to seek an extension of its reporting deadline from September 30 to November 30, and agreed to continue site visits, including the upcoming Barnstable visit and a June 15 hearing. The meeting adjourned after the motion passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• They would require the Division on Civil Rights to set minimum training standards and make them available
• Jersey State Bar Association, or any other entity that provides training which meets the minimum standards
• publications to use municipal, county, or statewide circulation requirements to meet eligibility standards
• It's a very clear, uniform statutory standard for these professionals.
• fix our system by scrapping the burdensome ABC test and by aligning New Jersey with the federal standards

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lowering standards or bypassing the established hiring process is not a long-term solution.
• This should be provided as a standard response. I'm going to wrap it up here.
• We have maintained and met NCCHC standards since 1989.
• The ACA standards are rigorous, and we consistently meet those demands.
• This occurs at such a high rate that we cannot keep up, so departments have lowered standards simply

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The special commission on consolidation and cooperation among public safety agencies held a hearing focused on correctional labor perspectives, with testimony from union representatives and correctional officers from state and county facilities. Chair Dan Hunt and Senator Brownsberger opened by noting the commission’s extensive site visits and prior testimony, and they recognized Correctional Officers Week. Witnesses emphasized that officers are central to any reform discussion and described the daily realities of staffing shortages, violence, mental health crises, substance use, and the need for better wellness support. Kevin Flanagan of the correctional officers’ union said officers face serious safety risks, citing weapons recovered, assaults, suicides, and the spread of synthetic drugs like K2 that are often introduced through paper soaked with chemicals. He urged stronger contraband controls, including paperless systems and technology to detect synthetic drugs, and criticized policies he said can be manipulated in gender-identity housing and search situations. He also argued that staffing shortages, forced overtime, and low morale are worsening retention, and that officers need more support after traumatic incidents, including fuller use of the OnSide Academy program. Other union representatives, including NCU and county officers, opposed consolidating sheriffs’ offices or merging them with the Department of Correction, warning it could weaken collective bargaining, reduce local accountability, and harm programming and reentry work. They argued that county facilities are distinct and should be funded and staffed based on local needs, not a one-size-fits-all model, and several speakers supported expanding vocational and reentry programming. Commissioners responded with support for officer wellness and asked for more information on EMS transports, medical interventions, and possible models from other jurisdictions, including Norway and Germany. At the end of the hearing, the commission discussed extending its reporting deadline beyond September 30, with members agreeing to seek an extension to November 30. The commission also agreed to continue site visits, including the upcoming Barnstable visit, and adjourned after adopting the motion to request the extension.

Transcript Highlights:

• If the standard becomes that maps can be redrawn whenever the political winds change, then there is no
• So I would ask you to consider not just the outcome or vote, but the standard it sets.
• So I would ask you to consider not just the outcome or vote, but the standard it sets.
• The work product contradicts the state's standard. So many communities are losing representation.
• That is the standard, not if it's convenient, not when it's politically advantageous.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're holding them to the standards and the fundamentals.
• Matter of fact, we’re putting very stringent standards on these new reactors to make sure that they are
• We’ve worked with Standard Nuclear to authorize their stand-up of their manufacturing for TRISO for the
• And this allows you to manufacture at scale, standardize the manufacturing process, standardize the equipment
• The manufacturing process might also standardize a regulatory process.

Keywords: 908, all