Transcript Highlights:

• </c> same building as Barry a veteran service same building as Barry a veteran service building<00:05
• So please support this work.
• These are not necessarily families that qualify for free and reduced lunch, but it's for all families
• </c> a better job supporting our schools a better job supporting our schools um<00:43:08.520><c> I</c
• and will continue to support.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Research consistently shows that early intervention, family support services, and community awareness
• When we invest in strong families, accessible mental health services,... ...quality childcare, and parental
• services that are so critical to provide support and stability for people who are living on our streets
• services.
• service delivery for critical services, including day programs, independent living services, and behavioral

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Terri Bevesman in support. Kangas Lee in support. Cam Ning in support. Tina Wildberger in support.
• </c> in support. Tina Wildberger in support. in support. Tina Wildberger in support.
• Judith Clark, Hawaii Youth Services Network, in support. Laura Loris Tachiki, in support.
• </c><00:55:06.640><c> Laura</c> Youth Services Network in support.
• Laura Youth Services Network in support.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Health, Human Services, and Higher Education hearing took up HB 441 HD2, a measure to increase cigarette taxes and dedicate the revenue to the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. The Department of Taxation said it had no substantive objection but requested an effective date of January 1, 2026 if tax rates change so it can order new stamps. The Department of Health, the Deputy Attorney General/tobacco enforcement, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the American Cancer Society, the Hawaii Medical Association, and several other health organizations and youth advocates supported the bill, arguing that higher cigarette prices reduce youth initiation, encourage cessation, and help fund cancer research and care. Several supporters asked for a larger increase, including at least $1 per pack, while opponents from retail, wholesale, and tobacco-related groups argued the tax would be regressive, burden low-income smokers, and drive sales to the illicit market. The Tax Foundation and other opponents also criticized reliance on sin taxes and said smoking rates are already at historic lows. After testimony and questions, members discussed how the revenue should be used and whether higher taxes change smoker behavior or push people toward vaping or other alternatives. The chairs announced they would pass HB 441 HD2 with amendments, replacing the contents with SB 528 SD1 except for changes reflecting the Department of Taxation’s request and a provision directing all proceeds from the tax increase to the Hawaii Cancer Center’s debt reduction, with an effective date of December 31, 2025. The House Health, Human Services, and Higher Education committees then voted to adopt the recommendation; the Health, Human Services committee vote was adopted with Chair and several members voting aye and one member voting no in the Higher Education committee vote. The hearing also briefly covered HB 1334 on meat donation, which drew support from the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, food industry, and community groups, though no action was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard HB 1098 on crimes against protective services workers. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying assaults on protective services workers can have chilling effects and deserve stronger deterrence; a committee question raised whether the bill should instead be part of a broader, more proactive approach to assault statutes. The Department of Human Services also described safety steps such as panic buttons and phone apps for social workers. The excerpt ends before any final vote on HB 1098.

Transcript Highlights:

• So public service runs in my blood.
• You are supportive of the G I bill.
• I've been supporting UCF through service service on the UCF Athletic board and those various roles on
• As a trustee, my role is not to support just support the vision but to take action.
• Kissel specifically obviously as a service member, somebody who has done a lot to try to support veterans

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I GREW UP IN A MILITARY FAMILY.
• I AM A HUGE SUPPORTER OF THE GOVERNOR AND I'M HONORED TO BE SUPPORTED BY THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS.
• ONE PIECE AND WANT TO CHALLENGE YOU ON IS REACHING FAMILIES. REACH INTO MILITARY FAMILIES.
• THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.
• MY APOLOGIES FOR BUTCHERING YOUR NAME. >> I'M WITH CHRISTIAN FAMILY COALITION AND WE STRONGLY SUPPORT

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I also ask that you bless their families in a unique and special way.
• brings awareness to families affected by Duchin muscular dystrophy.
• part of the Committee on Human Services.
• Human Services.
• refer to the Committee on Human Services.

Transcript Highlights:

• Deshawn Washington continued his testimony in support of H711 and S327.
• I'm writing today to testify in support of the All Students Thrive Act because students and families
• are To testify in support of the All Students Thrive Act because students and families need to see themselves
• Your support is deeply appreciated.
• I received strategies, instruction, and in-class support.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held its 13th hearing, chaired by Senator Jason Lewis and Representative Gordon, and heard testimony on a large slate of bills covering personnel and miscellaneous education issues. The first major topic was House Bill 711 and Senate Bill 327, the “So All Students Thrive” proposal, which would change reduction-in-force rules so districts could consider teacher effectiveness, student impact, staffing needs, and diversity-related factors alongside seniority. Supporters from Educators for Excellence, including teachers and a former school committee chair, argued that current seniority-based layoff rules can push out effective early-career educators and harm efforts to build a more diverse workforce. Committee members raised questions about tenure, union involvement, and how the bill would interact with the Educator Diversity Act and local contract negotiations; members generally said they shared the goal of diversifying the educator workforce and encouraged continued collaboration and feedback. The committee then heard testimony on House Bill 658, which would require educator training on gifted and advanced learners. Parents, teachers, researchers, and advocates said Massachusetts lacks required preservice or professional development on gifted education, leaving many advanced students unchallenged and underserved. Witnesses described students who are bored, under-identified, or even discouraged in school, and argued that training would help teachers recognize and support gifted students, including students of color, multilingual learners, low-income students, and students with disabilities. Testimony also supported related prior bills on advanced learners and emphasized that the state should act on a 2019 DESE report recommending such training. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 736 and Senate Bill 435, which would establish de-escalation training for school transportation. The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council said the measure would improve safety for students and bus operators, fill a gap in current school bus driver certification requirements, and better support students with disabilities. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 4720, concerning the Athol-Royalston Regional School District’s state bailout-related reserve requirements; the superintendent said the district has long maintained fiscal stability but is still forced to leave over half a million dollars unspent each year, limiting resources for a high-poverty student population. After testimony concluded, the chairs read the full list of bills on the agenda, thanked the committee and staff, and the hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• They cannot be without electrical service or energy service in order to stay cool.
• </c><00:02:51.200><c> or</c> cannot be without electrical service or cannot be without electrical service
• </c> it is about housing Health and Family it is about housing Health and Family stability<00:04:25.199
• </c> opportunity to testify today in support opportunity to testify today in support of<00:19:14.480>
• Social Services of Minnesota service<00:32:23.639><c> one</c> service one service one County<00:32:25.639

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• David Allen with Uber Technologies waving in support. Support.
• Calvin Stewart, waving in support. Diane North is waving in support.
• Kim Smith is waving in support. Belinda Davis is waving in support.
• Richard Jones is waving in support. Jennifer Kenny is waving in support.
• in support, and Felicia Bruce waving in support.

Bills: S0002, S0026, S0354, S1112, S1192, S1220, S1352, S1670

Keywords: negligence, settlement, appropriation, highway safety, damages, law enforcement, motorcycle accident, compensation, Department of Transportation, legal claim, land use, development, sustainability, environmental protection, housing policy, labor pool, employment, temporary work, placement fee, Department of Commerce

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard several bills and reported most of them favorably. The first major measure, CS/SB 1220, was described as a broad transportation package expanding FDOT authority over trails, seaports, aviation, advanced air mobility, delivery devices, and related technology, while also addressing toll revenue use, autonomous vehicle penalties, digital driver licenses, and an FDOT study on alternative-fuel vehicles. An amendment narrowed some provisions, including local regulation of personal delivery devices and FDOT airport language. Senator Smith and others raised concerns about language involving FDOT assistance to local governments on federal grant applications, but the bill passed unanimously after support from industry and local-government appearance cards. The committee also approved SB 1112, the Labor Pool Act, which would prohibit labor pools from charging placement fees when workers are hired permanently by a third-party employer and require annual registration with the Department of Commerce. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would reduce barriers to full-time employment, improve oversight, and help returning citizens and low-wage workers; multiple witnesses testified in support, including labor advocates and individuals describing high placement fees. Senators from both parties praised the bill’s worker and reentry benefits, and it passed unanimously. The committee then favorably reported SB 2, a claims bill for the estate of Danielle Maudsley arising from a fatal FHP arrest incident and settlement, and SB 26, another claims bill providing relief for the estate of Mark Legata after alleged FDOT negligence. Senate Bill 1352 on motor vehicles also passed without opposition. It would create a secure online portal for license plate seizure processing, allow disabled veterans to retain their DV plate designation upon reissuance or transfer, ban license plate covers and similar devices that obscure plates, and route certain online driver license and ID transactions through county tax collectors. SB 1192, a customer service pilot requiring callback queues for certain calls to the Department of Commerce and Department of Children and Families, was likewise reported favorably to improve response times and reduce hold times. The most extensive debate centered on CS/SB 354, the Blue Ribbon Projects bill, which would create a new process for very large developments on 10,000-acre or larger parcels if the owner sets aside 60% of the land for conservation or reserve uses. Supporters said it was intended to promote long-range planning, preserve land, and provide certainty for infrastructure and services, while opponents from counties, planning groups, and environmental organizations argued it would preempt local land-use authority, weaken public participation, and allow conservation requirements to be too vague. An amendment added more detail, but concerns remained about administrative approval, timelines, and the definition of reserve areas. Despite opposition from some members, the committee reported the bill favorably on a divided vote. SB 1670 was temporarily postponed, and the committee adjourned after recording one member’s vote on SB 1220.

Transcript Highlights:

• to help support.
• You need support just like our own kids need support.
• Staff, and we need to do everything we can to give them the support that they need to provide the services
• Marshal Service is there.
• These are families.

Transcript Highlights:

• A green card is in support. A red card is in opposition.
• And someone, some trial facts, supported by some medical testimony, that he needs this service.
• I just ask for your support.
• It would read: Do you support an amendment to require the The ballot language would read: Do you support
• Hurd, Louisiana Family Forum.

Bills: HB79, HB437, HB646, HB1089, HB1099, SB173, SB180, SB260, SB424, SB476

Keywords: carbon capture, damages, environmental liability, legal liability, site restoration, expert witness, expert testimony, witness fees, pecuniary interest, conflict of interest, civil procedure, evidence law, Louisiana evidence code, Louisiana civil litigation, expert report, discovery, pretrial disclosure, litigation transparency, settlement, damages award

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman and good lady, the director of LSO, Legislative Services Office.
• The League is strongly opposed to S1236, and we are supported in our opposition by...
• And so, for that reason, I will be supporting the substitute motion.
• It's one thing to get a rate doubled when you're actually using the service.
• I'm going to support this bill because it protects the value of private property.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They feed families. They respond to disaster.
• services before receiving the funding to pay for those services, when the state is late in issuing reimbursements
• So thank you for support on that.
• Human service providers provide critical services.
• Michael Henning, on behalf of the California Alliance of Child and Family Services.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and good fortune, ask our on family and good fortune, ask our supporters<00:25:58.640><c> to</c><00:
• Teachers, families, and community members have donated food and hygiene items to support those who did
• </c> work in supporting this space. work in supporting this space.
• </c><01:34:19.400><c> family</c> makes it more fam- family family makes it more fam- family family friendly
• </c> his family. his family.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , and Their Families to support children in the custody of the Kids Department.
• We'll next move on to Family and Youth Services, Mr. Smith. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• We're on page 6, line 52, for the Family and Youth Services category.
• I make a motion to adopt Section 2 of Family and Youth Services. Can I get a second?
• Family and Youth Services. Can I get a second? We have a second. We have a double second.

Summary: The Joint Finance Committee met to review and vote on the fiscal year 2027 Grants and Aid Act, which was expected to be pre-filed as Senate Bill 337. Members first reviewed Section 1, covering county seat payments, paramedic operations, senior center allocations, senior center transportation, and Homeland Security grants. They approved Section 1 after discussion of how senior center transportation is being moved from DART to grant-in-aid and how some organizations can appear in both the senior center formula and the general aging category. The committee then worked through Section 2, which included one-time appropriations and the various grant categories for aging, arts/historical/recreation, economic housing or labor services, family and youth services, health or disability services, and neighborhood and community services. Members discussed several specific items, including New Castle County reassessment-related funding, Friends of Cooch’s Bridge, Slaughter Neck Community Action Organization, Plastic-Free Delaware, Love, Inc. of the Delmarva, and the Southern Delaware Horse Retirement Association. One aging line for Slaughter Neck was reduced back to flat funding after members questioned a large increase, and the revised category total was adjusted accordingly. Each of the Section 2 subcategories was then adopted. Section 3, covering fire companies and public service ambulance companies, was approved with increases across apparatus, ambulance, rescue truck, aerial truck, rescue boat, substation, and insurance rebate equalization funding. Section 4, for veterans organizations and youth programs such as Boys State, Girls State, and Trooper Youth Week, was also adopted. The committee then approved the epilogue sections, which included eligibility, audit, payment, and reporting rules; special provisions for the Wilmington Senior Center contingency; conditions tied to several one-time appropriations; withholding funding from Merri-Dell Volunteer Fire Company pending a corrective report; and reprogramming $1,485,000 from a prior SMART food program appropriation toward SNAP/WIC-related food access initiatives. The meeting ended with remarks thanking staff and noting that it was likely the last JFC meeting for two members, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I ask that you support us.
• So I ask that you support us.
• It's that simple, and I hope we can all support this measure to make sure that families who receive this
• By simplifying and expanding the application process, more families can receive the support they need
• </c><06:04:23.840><c> this</c> services that in fact you support this services that in fact you support

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I support Senate Bill 5995 and implore everyone to do so.
• their surviving family by working on the waterfront.
• I support Senate Bill 5995 and implore everyone to do so.
• their service as a child of a registered member who dies prior to retirement age to support their surviving
• family by working on the waterfront.

Bills: SB5820, SB5467, SB5995

Keywords: freight rail, rail corridor, short-line railroad, rail-dependent uses, industrial land use, growth management act, GMA, comprehensive plan, transportation element, land use planning, local government, county planning, city planning, critical areas, agricultural lands, forest lands, mineral resource lands, urban growth area, development regulations, notice on permits

Transcript Highlights:

• I grew up in a family that had several family cats. One of them was named Sugar.
• One of uh, several, uh, family cats.
• </c> &gt;&gt; So, I'm going to support this bill. &gt;&gt; So, I'm going to support this bill.
• And just services and or purposes.
• In fact, there's support it.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Is anyone else in the room who is in support and wants to register their support? Seeing none.
• I'm going to support this bill and would support, probably support Assembly Member Tau's bill, you both
• I'm going to support this bill and would support, probably supported Assembly Member Tau's bill. you
• both ...support, probably support Assembly Member Tau's bill.
• Other folks here in support of this bill.

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard a full agenda of housing-related bills, with most measures receiving broad support and advancing on unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Early in the hearing, AB 2035 by Assembly Member Dixon was presented as a narrowly tailored fix for a large senior HOA in Laguna Woods Village, allowing a lower vote threshold to amend outdated CC&Rs after repeated failed elections; members raised questions about broader impacts, but the bill passed 12-0 to Judiciary. AB 1684 by Assembly Member Ward would bar HOAs from restricting homeowners’ ability to install or replace cooling systems; supporters cited heat-related health risks and a constituent’s experience, while HOA representatives sought amendments to preserve reasonable rules on drainage, electrical capacity, and common-area protection. The committee discussed those concerns and advanced the bill 8-0 to Judiciary. AB 1710 by Assembly Member Carrillo would extend SB 330-style vesting protections to state and regional permitting agencies so housing projects are not subjected to shifting post-entitlement standards, with supporters arguing it would improve predictability and speed housing production. Special districts and utilities opposed unless amended, warning about conflicts with changing state and regional rules, but the bill passed 9-0 to Local Government. AB 1738 by Assembly Member Crewe would require remote virtual inspections for certain simple home renovations; supporters from SPUR and Placer County described faster, lower-cost inspections already in use, while labor groups raised concerns and sought amendments. Members emphasized keeping inspections jurisdiction-based and not replacing safety oversight, and the bill passed 8-0 to Local Government. The committee also approved AB 1890 by Assembly Member Curry, which increases state matching support for Napa County farmworker housing centers from $250,000 to $500,000 annually through 2036; supporters described the centers as a successful public-private model providing housing and services for farmworkers, and the bill passed 8-0 to Appropriations. AB 2433 by Assembly Member Alvarez would modernize the density bonus law by improving notice, clarifying eligibility and ministerial approval, and adding incentives for for-sale affordable housing; it drew strong support from housing and business groups and passed 10-0 to Local Government. AB 1567 by Assembly Member Ta would allow assisted living communities to be counted in housing element reporting and RHNA-related planning, and it passed 10-0 to Local Government. The consent calendar, including AB 1573 and AB 2162, was also approved unanimously, and the committee adjourned after taking roll-call votes on the remaining items.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I do support this community. So I do support this amendment. amendment. amendment.
• But, you know, this supports those families that really need it.
• But, you know, this supports those families that really need it.
• </c> create those types of support systems. create those types of support systems.
• </c> state unless it's for family members. state unless it's for family members.

Keywords: 916, all