Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I am a Master of Social Work candidate at Hawaii Pacific University and I'm also a research assistant
• 16.240><c> a</c> Hawaii Pacific University and I'm also a Hawaii Pacific University and I'm also a research
• ><c> assistant</c><00:05:17.440><c> at</c><00:05:17.680><c> the</c><00:05:17.840><c> Pacific</c> research
• assistant at the Pacific research assistant at the Pacific Disability<00:05:18.880><c> Center.

Committee: Senate Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Health and Human Services heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 58 and Senate Resolution 42, which urge counties to install special-needs recreational playground equipment in parks and playgrounds. Testimony came from the Disability and Communication Access Board, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability Rights Center, Autism Moms of Kona, and a Pacific Disability Center representative, all supporting the resolutions. Several testifiers asked that the term “special needs” be replaced with “access and functional needs,” and one requested language broadening the measure to explicitly include developmentally and intellectually disabled youth. A committee member also discussed the need for inclusion and the benefits of accessible play for all children. After questions, the chairs said they would adopt amendments from the Disability and Communication Access Board, Autism Moms of Kona, and Tina Marie Kira, along with technical, non-substantive changes. Both committees then voted to recommend passage of SCR 58 and SR 42 with amendments, with members voting aye and some excused. The committees then heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 163 and Senate Resolution 132, which request counties to adopt flexible setback requirements for state buildings and facilities to improve land use efficiency and public service delivery. Testimony in support came from the Grassroots Institute and the Department of Accounting and General Services. The chairs moved the resolutions forward with technical, non-substantive amendments, and both committees adopted recommendations to pass SCR 163 and SR 132 with amendments before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• and the proceeds support the work of the Florida Wildflower Foundation which includes Wildflower Research
• Finally, they support applied research in both academic and field settings, focused on expanding habitat
• The foundation's focus for the increase will be to support research in partnership with Ifas to help
• establish a more robust native seed industry in Florida with more resources for this research, they can

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My background is 10 years at Harvard School of Public Health as a research assistant.
• My background is 10 years at Harvard School of Public Health as a research assistant.
• I am the vice president of React Research and Education for Autistic Children's Treatment, a nonprofit
• However, until the research has proved now that it reduces IQ in infants and young children, and it puts

Summary: The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee heard House Bill 651, described by sponsors as the Florida Farm Bill and a comprehensive FDACS agency package. The bill combined technical agency updates with several policy provisions, including changes to water additive rules, labeling requirements for meat, milk, poultry, and eggs, criminal penalties related to drones over agricultural land, mail theft, and retail fuel theft, updates to disaster recovery loan programs, an FFA scholarship, school infrastructure provisions, land purchase authority for converted agricultural land, and a Florida Farmer Financial Protection Act addressing ESG-related banking practices. A major portion of the discussion focused on the bill’s fluoride language, with supporters arguing for local choice and consumer consent and opponents warning about public health impacts and loss of local control. Members also questioned the C-4 registry language and whether it was duplicative or could affect organizations’ status. Public testimony was split. Opponents included Florida for All and the Florida Dental Association, with testimony arguing the bill protected agribusiness interests and that removing fluoride would harm dental health, especially for low-income families. Proponents included Heritage Action, Heartland Impact, and several individuals who argued the bill protected farmers from ESG-driven banking restrictions and supported informed consent and the removal of fluoride from public water. Several agricultural and advocacy groups also waved in support. During debate, some members praised portions of the bill such as housing for agricultural workers, drone penalties, and school-related provisions, but said they could not support the fluoride preemption or the C-4 language. Others supported the fluoride provision as a matter of individual and local choice. On final passage, the committee reported HB 651 favorably. The vote was 11-4, with Chair Esposito, Vice Chair Botana, Representatives Barnaby, Benaroch, Black, Mayfield, Mooney, Plasencia, Salzman, and Weinberger voting yes, and Representatives Alvarez, Bartleman, Henson, and Rainer voting no.

Transcript Highlights:

• redesignate the section; and amending Section 39-721, Idaho Code, to revise provisions regarding research
• To designate the section; amending Section 39-7211, Idaho Code, to revise provisions regarding research
• certain adjustments; amending Section 63-29G, Idaho Code, to revise provisions regarding credits for research

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, in the amendment, in my research last night, I don't know where Representative Sweeney got his
• It would be really difficult and impede that research.
• It would be really difficult and impede that research.
• It would be really difficult and impede that research. Homeopathic health providers.
• It would be really difficult and impede that research.

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The resources requested are needed to complete extensive research and analysis of transitional housing
• The resources requested are needed to complete extensive research and analysis of transitional housing
• Our primary tools are data and policy research, program evaluation, grant making, technical...
• We are also conducting extensive research to design one of the exemptions.
• We also researched having a state reserve, and that was really a proposal that we did a lot of research

Summary: The subcommittee heard budget and policy updates from the Department of State Hospitals, the Commission for Behavioral Health, and the Department of Health Care Services. DSH described its proposed 2026-27 budget of $3.2 billion, including savings tied to IST solutions, higher patient-driven operating costs, and a small increase in caseload projections. Officials said the department has met court-ordered IST treatment benchmarks, with wait times reduced from a pandemic peak of 1,953 pending placements to about 250, and average treatment initiation now around five days. Members asked about the effects of Proposition 36 and SB 1323, rising outside hospitalization costs, Medicare enrollment, and whether IST solution funding was being overbudgeted; DSH said referrals are slightly down overall, aging and medically complex patients are driving outside care costs, and the IST solution savings reflect slower-than-expected program activation rather than a service gap. The department also outlined proposed funding for CONREP cost increases, a new county-by-county LPS bed allocation model, electrical infrastructure upgrades at Napa and Patton, SB 380 transitional housing feasibility work, and additional dental staffing and space at Metropolitan and Patton. The Commission for Behavioral Health reviewed its role in the Behavioral Health Services Act transition and its new Innovation Partnership Fund. Staff said the commission is shifting from county-level innovation oversight to a statewide grant strategy, with the first $20 million RFA drawing strong interest and awards expected in mid-June. Members asked how “innovation” would be defined, whether grants could be renewed after the initial three-year contracts, and how the state would ensure the money supports real service delivery rather than general outreach or training. The commission also sought a liquidation deadline extension for the Alcove youth drop-in center grants so remaining funds can be spent before they revert, allowing sites to finish implementation and support the final evaluation. DHCS provided an overview of CalAIM and BH Connect implementation, including updated specialty mental health access criteria, new ASAM-based substance use treatment standards, contingency management, traditional health care practices for tribal members, workforce investments, evidence-based practice expansion, IMD participation, and transitional rent services. The department also addressed BHSA implementation, saying it does not track specific local program cuts but will monitor county three-year plans, performance measures, and outcomes as counties shift to the new funding structure. On H.R. 1, DHCS said it is preparing outreach, eligibility simplification, and exemption strategies to reduce Medi-Cal coverage losses, including clinic navigators, a statewide outreach campaign, and possible employment supports through a future waiver. The department also reported that BH-CHIP bond funds have supported 437 infrastructure projects, creating 546 facilities and more than 9,500 residential beds, with additional outpatient capacity and tribal investments. Finally, DHCS outlined a proposed 988 trailer bill to create a statewide designation process for 988 centers and mobile crisis teams, with implementation no earlier than October 1, 2027.

Transcript Highlights:

• Recent research published in Pediatrics in the Journal of Injury Prevention analyzed 18,000 tips from
• Recent research published in Pediatrics in the Journal of Injury Prevention analyzed 18,000 tips from
• Research shows that most school attackers share or leak their plans beforehand.
• House File 3764 reflects what research and lived experience tell us.
• </c><00:10:43.519><c> lived</c> reflects what research and lived reflects what research and lived experience

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, I think, and this is just a theory of mine; I don't have any research behind it, but the topic
• And the difference, a research reason why there's more input coming at a local site or for a school's
• community schools grant is the same research where a parent will be happy with their school site, but
• And there's lots of research on that that my, you know, the district's a mess, but my school's okay.
• And there's lots of research on that, that my, you know, the district's a mess, but my school's okay.

Summary: The joint hearing focused on coherence in California’s education planning and reporting systems, especially the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and related grant plans. Committee chairs and members described widespread frustration with duplicative, lengthy, and sometimes conflicting reporting requirements, while emphasizing that the goal was not to reduce accountability but to make planning more useful, stable, and student-centered. State Superintendent Tony Thurmond also previewed the Governor’s education budget priorities, including expanded learning, community schools, universal transitional kindergarten, literacy supports, and concerns about the proposed Prop. 98 deferral. Panelists from the State Board of Education, Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, and the Legislative Analyst’s Office said the LCAP was intended to balance local flexibility with statewide transparency, but has become overloaded by repeated revisions and additional requirements. They argued for fewer core reporting elements, more stability over time, better alignment of planning cycles, and integrated systems that reduce duplication. Fresno County staff described a multi-year calendar and support tools that help districts manage timelines, but said these tools only ease the burden rather than solve the underlying problem. The LAO noted that some newer plans, such as expanded learning and transportation plans, are narrative-heavy and often less informative than separate reporting requirements. Local district leaders and county officials described the practical effects of the current system: staff time diverted from instruction, multiple portals and forms, audit risk aversion, and planning documents that can exceed 100 pages. Several superintendents said coherent systems work best when districts have clear priorities, stable governance, and aligned budgets, and when state requirements are predictable and tied to outcomes like literacy, attendance, and student achievement. The California Federation of Teachers added that coherence also depends on meaningful collaboration with educators, classified staff, parents, and communities. Committee members repeatedly asked whether the state should streamline reporting, create a uniform portal, or develop a more unified grant-reporting structure, and Thurmond said the department was piloting a simplified common form and was willing to work with the Legislature and districts on broader solutions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, in the research I did, I do not see any active lawsuits against this.
• In the research I did, I do not see any active lawsuits against this.
• We've engaged in extensive research, not only through the law firm's scientific database, but both the
• We've engaged in extensive research, not only through the law firm's scientific database, but both the
• but I do want not question your research but I do want to<00:41:41.520><c> just</c><00:41:41.640><c>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 737, which would amend Minnesota’s lead- and cadmium-related product restrictions and was re-referred to the Committee on Environment, Finance and Policy. Representative Bjorn Olson said the bill was prompted by a constituent who could no longer make cadmium-based art supplies in Minnesota, and he argued the law unintentionally swept in professional art materials that are used safely and are important to Western art culture. The committee first adopted the author’s A2 amendment, which broadened the bill to include additional exemptions beyond paint and pastels, including certain pens, mechanical pencils, and vehicle keys/key fobs. Testimony in support came from Darren Reenie of Wet Paint Artist Materials and Framing, who said artist paint and related supplies account for a significant share of sales and that the ban threatens independent art supply businesses and artists’ access to essential pigments. Josh Fiser of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation supported the key and key fob exemption, saying the current law is overly broad, exposure risk is minimal, and Minnesota should align with California and European Union standards. Bill Morgan of the Arts and Creative Materials Institute and Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association also supported the amendment, arguing there was little scientific basis for including pens, mechanical pencils, and professional artist materials, and citing prior reviews in the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the European Union. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, through Assistant Commissioner Kirk Kadelka, opposed broad exemptions and emphasized that no amount of lead is safe for children. He said the law was based on evidence from consumer products associated with elevated blood lead levels and argued that safer alternatives exist for many of the items in the amendment, including pens, mechanical pencils, and some key components. He also raised concerns about exposure during production and disposal. Committee members questioned the scope of the exemptions and whether the industry had workable alternatives. The A2 amendment was adopted, and the bill was then advanced for further consideration and re-referred as noted by the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• and we have the paperwork, we know who that person is. is if it's somebody has walked away we go research
• Protect against flooding, mitigate damage, restore habitat, conduct research, develop technology. and
• In fact, we're very proud of our partnerships with our academic and research colleges.
• The Texas Coastal Resiliency Research Center, in partnership with the Heart Research Institute at Texas
• , planners, developers and policy makers make decisions about the best use of research. resources to

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Tobacco settlement cancer research.
• And that various research projects.
• </c><00:54:32.160><c> This</c> Tobacco settlement cancer research.
• This Tobacco settlement cancer research.
• This is where research comes to reality.

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the House DFL researcher. researcher. researcher. Hello<00:02:46.720><c> everyone.
• Matt Burrus with House Research.
• </c> Burrus with House Research. Burrus with House Research.
• </c> Tom Cheetah, Senate GOP Research, and Danny Gillis, Senate DFL Research. So, Mr.
• </c><00:13:22.480><c> and</c> for autonomous mower research and for autonomous mower research and development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There was all types of research that was There was all types of research that was There was all types
• I've not researched, as I've mechanics. I've not researched, as I've mechanics.
• Um, and not to research and work on it. Um, and not to research and work on it.
• And I know you've researched this quite a I know you've researched this quite a I know you've researched
• Hobson who's the research uh person with Hobson who's the research uh person with Hobson who's the research

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• research and leadership garners your support.
• research and leadership garners your support.
• research and leadership garners your support.
• research and leadership garners your support.
• research and leadership garners your support.

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> and</c> fairly substantial research and fairly substantial research and development<00:03:04.319>
• </c> visual library for uh disaster research. visual library for uh disaster research.
• </c> provides, but also some of that research provides, but also some of that research that<00:17:54.640
• </c> researchers in the state and Kentucky. researchers in the state and Kentucky.
• </c> are some Kentucky state re researchers are some Kentucky state re researchers putting<02:01:43.280

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The task force met with a quorum, approved the August meeting minutes, and heard a presentation from Dr. Jerry Brosky of the Kentucky Mesonet and Kentucky Climate Center. He described the Mesonet’s statewide weather network, now with 84 stations in 78 counties, real-time data used by the National Weather Service, mobile apps, and more than a billion observations. He said recent legislative funding has allowed upgrades such as soil temperature and moisture sensors, cameras at every site, and improved communications and power systems, and has enabled expansion into new counties. He also highlighted products used for flooding, drought, and heat safety, including a wet bulb globe temperature tool being developed with the Department of Public Health. In response to questions, he said counties interested in a station should contact his center, that a station typically costs about $50,000, and that the program is already considering a second Pike County site. The committee then heard from Ryan Drain of Blue Skies and Chris McGee of the American Red Cross on long-term disaster recovery and a software platform called Darcy, short for Disaster Aware and Ready Communities Initiative. McGee explained the Red Cross’s long-term recovery work, including support for recovery groups, direct financial assistance, grantmaking, and coordination with local and federal partners. He emphasized that disasters are occurring more frequently and with repeated impacts, and shared examples from Kentucky and other states showing the need for organized recovery and storm shelter support. Drain said Darcy was developed after the 2021 Mayfield-Graves tornado recovery to replace fragmented spreadsheets and PDFs with a centralized, survivor-led system for preparedness, response, and recovery, designed to improve coordination, reduce duplication, and shorten recovery time. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond adoption of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> lot of research last night on this. lot of research last night on this. tried<00:45:19.760><c> to
• They don't open up a book anymore to do research for a paper or anything.
• </c> open up a book anymore to do research open up a book anymore to do research for<02:14:32.960><c>
• We're we're uh<03:09:14.560><c> researching</c><03:09:15.600><c> constantly</c><03:09:16.160><c> researching
• </c> uh researching constantly researching uh researching constantly researching new<03:09:17.439><c>

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He has contributed to published research on behalf of this legislature on the issues of prison telecoms
• 08.320><c> contributed</c><00:11:08.839><c> to</c><00:11:08.920><c> published</c><00:11:09.480><c> research
• </c> has contributed to published research has contributed to published research research<00:11:10.480
• c> behalf</c><00:11:10.920><c> of</c><00:11:11.000><c> this</c><00:11:11.200><c> legislature</c> research
• on behalf of this legislature research on behalf of this legislature on<00:11:12.000><c> the</c><00:

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• methods that they come by are going to help... ...and those particular research methods that they come
• Once the department goes in and does some of the research to identify the... ...department goes in and
• does some of the research to identify the areas of the state that are there, there's going to be areas
• No, once LED does the research and they develop the program that's here, that's subject to appropriations
• Are you researching this? Are you trying to put together model legislation?

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on Wednesday, April 22, with a quorum present and heard several bills. HB 1195, relating to the Louisiana State Athletic Commission, was amended with technical changes and a fee-related amendment tied to student athlete agents, then reported favorably. Members asked about criminal penalties and whether the bill would affect prison athletic events; the author said he would follow up on those questions. HB 798, the Broadband and Cable Price Notice Act, was amended to clarify definitions, federal compliance, notice requirements, and severability, then reported favorably after extensive debate over whether providers already give adequate notice, whether a separate notice is necessary, and whether the bill would be preempted by federal law. Charter Communications testified in opposition, saying the bill was duplicative and would add costs, while the author argued it was needed to ensure clear, conspicuous notice of price increases and cancellation rights.

Transcript Highlights:

• And research shows that these students who avoid developmental education altogether are twice as likely
• enrollment, college graduation rates have not been impacted, demonstrating what local and national research
• enrollment, college graduation rates have not been impacted, demonstrating what local and national research
• :24:10.160><c> our</c> have the ability to do that with our have the ability to do that with our research
• </c><00:24:11.480><c> Um</c><00:24:12.280><c> the</c> research unit. Um the research unit.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• making the following technical change: “Since the measure uses federal small business innovation research
• , these are separate awards and therefore should be changed to federal small business innovation research
• making the following technical change: “Since the measure uses federal small business innovation research
• </c><00:35:31.400><c> or</c><00:35:31.520><c> small</c> business innovation research or small business
• innovation research or small business<00:35:32.320><c> technology</c><00:35:33.040><c> transfer</c><

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to Hawaii’s film tax credits, timeshare registration, and a Hawaii Technology Development Corporation matching program. For HB 1939, witnesses from the Governor’s office, DBEDT, the Department of Taxation, the Attorney General’s office, film industry groups, neighborhood boards, and others discussed changes to film tax incentives, including local hire requirements, indigenous content, and possible bonus credits. Supporters said the bill would diversify the economy and strengthen local jobs, while DBEDT and others raised operational, fiscal, and legal concerns about administering the multiple bonus options, defining indigenous content, and tracking compliance. The committee noted strong support in testimony and moved the bill forward with a Senate draft, including an amended effective date and a change to apply the bill to costs incurred rather than taxable years. HB 1941, also relating to taxation and film incentives, drew mixed testimony focused on the interaction between physical production and post-production credits. DBEDT, the Honolulu Film Office, and the Hawaii Film Alliance said the bill’s structure could discourage productions, especially because many productions complete post-production elsewhere and because the measure would be difficult to administer and verify. They urged keeping physical production and post-production separate or addressing post-production through workforce development instead. After hearing the testimony, the chair deferred HB 1941 for further work rather than advancing it. The committee also heard HB 1946 on timeshare registration, which had support from industry representatives and DCCA. The bill was advanced with a Senate draft incorporating DCCA’s requested language providing that renewal applications are deemed approved after 30 days unless a deficiency letter is issued. Finally, HB 2545 on HTDC’s matching program for federal SBIR/STTR awards was advanced with a technical amendment clarifying that the federal awards are separate and should be referenced in the alternative. All three of those measures were adopted unanimously by the members present.