Transcript Highlights:

• Your Labor, Health and Social Services, and we will go ahead and take the roll, please. >> Senator Crum
• /c><00:15:08.720><c> for</c><00:15:08.959><c> bringing</c><00:15:10.160><c> a</c><00:15:10.480><c> labor
• </c> Senator um Olsen for bringing a labor Senator um Olsen for bringing a labor related<00:15:11.680
• This is kind of nice for labor<00:15:13.839><c> and</c><00:15:14.000><c> health.
• and health. we don't get to see labor and health. we don't get to see that<00:15:15.199><c> often.

Bills: HB0028, HB0080

Keywords: sexual exploitation, child protection, law amendment, explicit conduct, sex crimes, identification cards, nursing facilities, assisted living, renewal process, resident rights, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• hearing with the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism and the Senate Committee on Labor
• </c><00:38:47.040><c> and</c><00:38:47.200><c> Technology</c><00:38:47.680><c> same</c> you labor and
• Technology same you labor and Technology same recommendations<00:38:48.599><c> any</c><00:38:48.839>
• </c><00:41:53.000><c> and</c><00:41:53.160><c> Technology</c><00:41:53.640><c> same</c> you okay labor
• and Technology same you okay labor and Technology same recommendations<00:41:54.880><c> questions</c

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate hearing covered Senate Bill 1536 and Senate Bill 1571. SB 1536 concerned the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s CEO position and whether the exemption from retirement benefits should be changed. Testimony and committee discussion focused on the estimated cost, the current budgeted amount, whether the change would make the position more competitive, and whether alternatives such as a portable retirement plan had been considered. The witness said the proposal came from HTA’s legislative committee and that the position’s salary and benefits would still likely fit within the budgeted amount. No vote was taken on SB 1536 during the excerpted discussion. The hearing then moved to SB 1571, relating to tourism. Debed and HTA representatives said they supported the bill in written testimony, but HTA’s witness said the measure had not been discussed or voted on by the full board and recommended deferring action until the board could clarify its position. Several members of the public testified both in support and opposition. Opponents raised concerns about changing “Hawaiian sense of place” to “Hawaii sense of place,” warning it could weaken protections for Hawaiian culture and invite broader interpretations that might affect places like the Hawaii Convention Center. Others opposed a provision removing a two-year waiting period for HBCB board members before serving on the HTA board, citing conflict-of-interest concerns. Committee discussion centered on the meaning and practical effect of the bill’s language, especially the distinction between “Hawaiian” and “Hawaii,” the scope of HTA’s tourism and destination-management role, and whether translation and language policy were being applied too broadly or too narrowly. Some members argued the bill could help preserve Hawaiian culture and place, while others worried about exclusionary interpretations, costs, and whether resources would be better spent on programs rather than expanded translation. The hearing ended with the chair announcing a short break and moving toward decision-making, but no final action on the bill was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• that it takes cultural differences into account, and that it includes sufficient information on both skills
• They are now obsolete, and they were replaced with practical independence, personal and social skills
• They mean therapies are delayed, skills aren't developed when they should be, and families are left carrying
• Thank you so much for your time, your authenticity, and your listening skills.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that it takes cultural differences into account, and that it includes sufficient information on both skills
• They are now obsolete, and they were replaced with practical independence, personal and social skills
• They mean therapies are delayed, skills aren't developed when they should be, and families are left carrying
• Thank you so much for your time, your authenticity, and your listening skills.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held an informational hearing on several Department of Developmental Services proposals, with no votes taken. The first item focused on equitable access to intake and services for regional center clients, including standardizing eligibility assessments and modernizing the strengths-and-needs evaluation used to inform individual program plans. DDS said the changes would create a more consistent, equitable, and evidence-based process statewide, while the LAO explained the proposals as a response to disparities and inconsistent regional center practices. Advocates and regional center representatives were divided: Disability Rights California, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and some providers supported modernization but urged clearer safeguards, more community co-design, and stronger legislative review; others, including some regional center leaders and family advocates, warned against replacing the CEDER too quickly and stressed the need to preserve the person-centered IPP process. Committee members emphasized fair process, fidelity, and the need for a validated tool, while also noting that the proposals would not change eligibility definitions or replace IPPs. The second major item addressed state-operated transitional and rehabilitative services, including proposed time limits for stays at Porterville Developmental Center and Canyon Springs, plus the merger of the Community Placement Program and Community Resource Development Program. DDS argued that people should not remain in locked facilities for years and that the proposal would create urgency, clearer transition planning, a right of return, and a more efficient single program for community resource development. Supporters, including Disability Rights California, the State Council, the Public Defenders Association, and some service providers, said the proposals align with Olmstead and the Lanterman Act, reduce overreliance on institutions, and should be paired with stronger mental health supports, oversight, and notice to counsel. Opponents, including a district attorney representative, argued that a blanket 24-month limit could endanger public safety and that some individuals require longer, case-by-case commitments. Committee members said they wanted a more comprehensive plan showing that community placements and supports will be ready before people are moved, and they questioned whether an arbitrary timeline could work for such a complex population. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly stressed that any implementation must be fair, transparent, and backed by valid tools, adequate community capacity, and public input. DDS said both sets of proposals would require legislative approval and that the department is still open to changes in trailer bill language and further stakeholder consultation. The hearing ended with the committee indicating it would continue reviewing the proposals and hear public comment, but no formal action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• The economy was rapidly industrializing at that time, which increased the demand for skilled industrial
• creating colleges that welcomed young people from farming and working-class families, taught practical skills
• creating colleges that welcomed young people from farming and working class families, taught practical skills
• beyond what students could learn in high school, and spread new technologies to skills beyond what students

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from University of Idaho representatives on the university’s land-grant mission and its role in federalism, followed by detailed overviews of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Natural Resources. Speakers described the Morrill, Hatch, and Smith-Lever Acts, the university’s history, and examples of research, extension, and workforce training in agriculture, engineering, law, forestry, fire science, and youth programs such as 4-H. They highlighted facilities and programs including research stations, the Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment, the deep soil ecotron, the Wildland Fire Center, the experimental forest, and the policy analysis group, while also noting the impact of federal and state funding delays and cuts on staffing and research capacity. Committee members asked about several current issues, including quagga mussels, screw worm, chronic wasting disease, and the effects of funding cuts. University officials said they were not actively researching some of those wildlife and livestock disease issues but were willing to help if capacity and funding allowed. They also said budget reductions had caused real losses, including layoffs and reduced programs, and that federal grant delays had disrupted research timelines. The committee also raised questions about conflicts of interest and university employees’ outside work; the university said it has annual conflict-of-interest and conflict-of-commitment training and review procedures. The committee then heard from Bonneville County Sheriff Sam Hulse and the Idaho Sheriffs Association on the federal 287(g) immigration partnership program. Hulse argued that participation should remain voluntary and locally controlled, describing the different 287(g) models, the training and liability concerns, and the distinction between local law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement. He said Idaho agencies already cooperate with ICE in other ways and that mandatory participation could create staffing, legal, and community-trust problems. Members asked about costs, liability, detention standards, and whether deputies lose local control under task force arrangements; Hulse said the answer depends on the specific model and operation, and he emphasized the need for local discretion. Later, the committee took testimony on the long-running bighorn sheep and domestic sheep conflict affecting western Idaho grazing allotments. Idaho Wool Growers representatives and affected ranchers described the history of state legislation, federal litigation, and the closure of grazing areas after bighorn sheep transplants, which they said cut livestock operations in half and caused major financial and personal hardship. They argued that the state and federal agencies had not lived up to assurances that permittees would be held harmless, and they urged continued attention to the issue. No formal votes or committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• campuses wanted you and the board to know that campuses are shifting to new models of things like skills
• , you know, preparing for skills-based hiring, digital credentials, employers are finding the students
• campuses wanted you and the board to know that campuses are shifting to new models of things like skills
• , you know, preparing for skills-based hiring, digital credentials, employers are finding the students

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This area is responsible for skills like planning, prioritizing, and making good decisions.
• 00:56:49.400><c> is</c><00:56:49.520><c> responsible</c><00:56:50.280><c> for</c><00:56:50.440><c> skills
• </c><00:56:50.920><c> like</c> This area is responsible for skills like This area is responsible for
• skills like planning,<00:56:51.800><c> prioritizing,</c><00:56:52.840><c> and</c><00:56:52.920><c> making

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Setting them up requires technological skill, time, and patience that parents simply don't have.
• How are we building enriching educational experiences for youth online and building the digital skills
• able to benefit from these tools, whether that means learning, exploring ideas, or developing new skills
• know, if we can create spaces where they can learn and grow and start to get these critical thinking skills

Summary: The hearing focused on online safety controls and whether parental controls are sufficient to protect children on social media and other digital platforms. The chair and several members framed the issue as a child safety and public health problem, not just a technology issue, and said the goal was to understand what parental controls do, where they fail, and what policy solutions might be needed. Opening remarks also emphasized that California should lead on safer online spaces for children. Victoria and Paul Hinks gave emotional testimony about the death of their daughter, Alexandra, saying that despite using screen time limits, content filters, app restrictions, and other parental controls, their daughter was still exposed to harmful content and found ways around the settings. Researchers and advocates from Stanford, Children Now, and other organizations said parents face major challenges because digital parenting is complicated, platforms and apps change constantly, children can bypass controls, and many tools are costly or inaccessible. They argued that parental controls are often incomplete, hard to use, and not enough on their own to prevent harms such as cyberbullying, self-harm content, eating disorder content, and exploitation. Witnesses also discussed broader risks in digital spaces, including mental health harms, addiction, fentanyl-related contact through social media, and concerns about AI chatbots. Several speakers said safety should be built into products from the start, with stronger age assurance, clearer reporting systems, independent standards, and corporate accountability. Members asked about what “safe” means, whether other countries’ restrictions are effective, and which features are most harmful. There was broad agreement that no single tool is enough and that multiple layers of protection are needed. The final panel featured representatives from Meta, Google, OpenAI, and Roblox, who described their companies’ teen safety features and parental tools. They pointed to default protections for minors, content limits, bedtime and screen-time tools, age assurance efforts, and new parent notifications for certain self-harm searches. They also supported legislation on age assurance and app-store parental approval. Members pressed the companies on whether their tools are truly effective, and several witnesses acknowledged that current systems still have gaps and that more work is needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• education so we can have a thriving, um, you know, folks who are qualified employed so that they have the skills
• qualified employed so that they<00:12:37.279><c> have</c><00:12:37.440><c> the</c><00:12:37.680><c> skills
• </c><00:12:39.519><c> This</c><00:12:39.760><c> bill</c> they have the skills needed.
• This bill they have the skills needed.

Bills: HF4266

Keywords: higher education, state grants, financial aid, college affordability, Office of Higher Education, Minnesota State Grant, need analysis, expected family contribution, student aid, grant formula, living and miscellaneous expense allowance, dependent student, independent student, parental contribution, student contribution, surplus appropriation, biennium, summer 2026, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I know we have a Life Skills 101 class that's offered in that jail.
• I know we have a life uh life skills<00:34:58.960><c> 101</c><00:34:59.920><c> class</c><00:35:00.240
• ><c> that's</c><00:35:00.560><c> offered</c><00:35:01.040><c> in</c><00:35:01.359><c> that</c> skills
• 101 class that's offered in that skills 101 class that's offered in that pro<00:35:01.920><c> in</c>

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But they do need to have somebody that has the skill set to move it.
• somebody that but they do need to have somebody that has<00:48:59.200><c> the</c><00:48:59.440><c> skill
• </c><00:49:00.960><c> They</c><00:49:01.280><c> do</c> has the skill set to move it.
• They do has the skill set to move it.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 409, 28 January, 2026; 1:30 P.M., 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's fair game with if you've got a defense lawyer who's got a skill set and is competent, it's going
• So a good skilled attorney like my, uh, friend Jim Perdue would hire a child psychologist and would be
• There's lawyers in this table that win, defense lawyers that win, a very skilled one that wins.
• That were so skilled that if they were neurosurgeons I'd be OK with them operating on me.

Transcript Highlights:

• provide an introductory knowledge base to ensure that students are well-rounded and equipped with skills
• Knowledge base to ensure that students are well-rounded and equipped with skills necessary to be successful
• In fact, what you mentioned tied to students being prepared just in the category of soft skills alone
• Right, soft skills. Our CEOs across this state are saying we've got to get it together.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation, received a House message announcing passage of H.B. 500, and a gubernatorial nomination for the Upper Neches River Municipal Water Authority Board. The chamber adopted several resolutions, including SR 409 recognizing Blue Ribbon Lobby Day, SR 402 honoring the discovery of the woolly devil plant at Big Bend National Park, and recognitions for Operation Christmas RGV and Wilson County Day. The Senate also heard an announcement that the Committee on Senate Nominations action report had been placed on members’ desks. The body then took up and passed several bills. SB 2365 was passed to prohibit personal wireless communication devices by public school students during instructional time, with exceptions for health, special education, and safety needs. SB 1869 was passed to reaffirm the DSHS commissioner’s authority over controlled-substance schedule changes without rulemaking or judicial review. SB 1124 was passed to revise criminal discovery procedures in response to the Heath decision, with supporters saying it preserves exculpatory evidence protections while limiting suppression of inculpatory evidence when the defense already knew of it. SB 1758 was passed to create a Grayson County pilot study and temporary permitting hold concerning a cement kiln/quarry near a semiconductor wafer facility, and SB 2078 was passed to regulate composting in certain counties, after a clarifying amendment. The Senate also passed SB 33, barring governmental entities from transactions that support abortion assistance or out-of-state abortion procurement; SB 34, expanding wildfire preparedness measures, studies, equipment databases, and rural fire department funding; SB 1208, increasing the penalty for interference with public duties from a Class B misdemeanor to a state jail felony; SB 1030, removing the maintenance, repair, and overhaul tax for general aviation; SB 505, creating processes to address election irregularities; SB 2411, updating the Business Organizations Code and changing filing-method requirements; and SB 1333, addressing unauthorized entry, occupancy, sale, rental, lease, or conveyance of real property. Most measures advanced on voice vote or recorded roll call after motions to suspend the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule, with several members raising questions or objections, especially on the criminal justice, abortion, and public duties bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• And seeing our appeal here is really a reflection of your leadership skills and to see the young ones
• reflection of appeal here is really a reflection of your<01:02:50.559><c> leadership</c><01:02:51.119><c> skills
• and</c><01:02:51.760><c> to</c><01:02:51.920><c> see</c><01:02:52.079><c> the</c> your leadership skills
• and to see the your leadership skills and to see the young<01:02:52.400><c> ones</c><01:02:52.720><c

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Water and Land Committee held a hearing on several governor’s messages for confirmation to land and water-related boards and commissions. The first item was GM 745, confirming Nor Abbott to a second term on the Natural Area Reserves System Commission through June 30, 2029. DLNR and other supporters submitted testimony, and Abbott said his focus has been on watching for potential impacts to marine reserves from nearby land activity and helping ensure those impacts are avoided, minimized, or mitigated through a thorough process. The committee then took up GM 783 and GM 762, both involving the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission. Fenton Pang and Jensen Chop were nominated for terms ending June 30, 2028 and June 30, 2029, respectively. Multiple individuals and organizations testified in strong support, including representatives of civic clubs, Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana, and other community groups. Testimony emphasized Pang’s scientific background, cultural values, humility, and service, and described Chop as a long-time Kahoʻolawe steward with strong ties to restoration work and the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana. Chop said his goal is to help more people build a connection to ʻāina and to continue restoration and cultural education efforts on Kahoʻolawe. The final major item was GM 770, confirming Hannah Kihalani Springer to the Commission on Water Resource Management through June 30, 2028. DLNR strongly supported her nomination, describing her as a cultural expert and advocate who can ensure indigenous knowledge is meaningfully included in water policy. Testimony from community members, Earthjustice, Sierra Club, and others highlighted her experience, integrity, and role in protecting customary and traditional water rights, especially for place-based and Native Hawaiian communities. Supporters also said her appointment was important given current water and climate challenges. The chair indicated the committee would proceed to decision-making after the hearing, and no opposition was noted in the testimony summarized here.

Transcript Highlights:

• healthy food and will be able to take advantage of their educational opportunities and learn the skills
• opportunities<00:55:24.240><c> and</c><00:55:24.359><c> learn</c><00:55:24.720><c> the</c><00:55:24.920><c> skills
• </c><00:55:25.359><c> and</c> opportunities and learn the skills and opportunities and learn the skills

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several education-related bills, with testimony largely in support. SB 1388 and SB 1393, both concerning the School Facilities Authority and Department of Education representation and land conveyances, received support from DOE and the School Facilities Authority, with no questions or action taken. SB 423, which would add Head Start representation to the Early Learning Board, was supported by the Early Learning Board and the Executive Office on Early Learning, which explained the bill would realign the board with federal Head Start Act requirements after the board was restructured in Act 170; EEL also requested an effective-date amendment. SB 422, allowing DOE to award diplomas to students whose education was disrupted by war, drew support from DOE, the Chamber of Commerce, the Military Council, and the Special Education Advisory Council, but also significant opposition from the Hawaii Patriot Republicans and many individuals; members asked questions about the bill, and DOE explained the measure’s purpose, but no vote was taken. The committee also took testimony on SB 532, which would expand who may administer certain medications in schools. DOE, the Department of Health, and the University of Hawaii supported the bill. Members asked detailed questions about oral, nasal, and topical medications and the process for prescription review and administration; DOE explained that parents request the medication, a school form is completed, a nurse reviews it, and either a trained school health assistant or a contracted nurse administers the medication. DOE said the measure could improve attendance and learning, especially for students with ADHD, asthma, and other chronic conditions. The committee then heard SB 659 on locally sourced food products and school meals, where DOE’s procurement office opposed the higher small-purchase threshold and DOE exemption from procurement rules, while Ulupono Initiative, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Public Health Institute, and others supported the bill as a way to advance farm-to-school goals and the 30% local food target by 2030. Testimony and questioning focused on the proposed threshold increase, transparency, and whether an online bidding system would be preferable. Finally, the committee heard SB 1300 on subsidies for ALICE families’ school meals. DOE supported the bill but requested amendments: defining eligibility at 250% of the federal poverty level, delaying implementation until the 2026-2027 school year, and covering reduced-price lunch students in full for 2025-2026. HSTA, Hawaii Appleseed, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Pride at Work Hawaii, Hawaii Youth Services Network, and others supported the measure, emphasizing food insecurity, the burden of meal paperwork, and the educational importance of free meals. Hawaii Appleseed suggested replacing ALICE with a federal poverty level standard and removing a rulemaking requirement that could delay implementation. No votes or final committee actions were reported in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, April Sims, President of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO.
• There are also things that are more like hazards to the economy, to your labor market, and to your supply
• There are also things that are more like hazards to the economy, to your labor market, to your supply
• chains. like hazards to the economy, to your labor market, to your supply chains.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• element of the amendment, it relieves the Department of Education of the requirement and associated labor
• </c> Education of the requirement and Education of the requirement and associated<00:16:38.959><c> labor
• </c><00:16:39.280><c> with</c><00:16:39.520><c> supplying</c><00:16:40.000><c> the</c> associated labor
• with supplying the associated labor with supplying the Secretary<00:16:40.720><c> of</c><00:16:41.240

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This campaign is a grassroots effort with over 30 nonprofit organizations and labor unions supporting
• guess I can say, we reported about $700,000 in in-kind donations from community organizations and labor
• working people in projects that are delayed or canceled: few jobs, few electricians working, coppers, laborers
• Few jobs, few electricians working, coppers, laborers, and it's just a slippery slope that has already

Bills: H5008

Keywords: rent control, housing stability, tenants rights, affordability crisis, consumer protection, 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor, and Transportation
• There's been attempts to curtail civil rights, restrict labor protections, and restrict access to education
• The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor and Transportation
• Public safety, judiciary, labor and transportation is hereby adjourned.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor, and Transportation heard updates from the Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Department of Justice. Cal OES Acting Director Tina Curry described the department’s proposed budget, disaster response and recovery work, Los Angeles wildfire recovery, FEMA reimbursement delays, hazard mitigation grant applications, planning for major events like the FIFA World Cup and LA28 Olympics, and the state’s next generation 911 priorities. Senators raised concerns about Operation Stonegarden, small-disaster recovery delays, FEMA reimbursement timing, VOCA funding, and the need for more detailed reporting on federal grants and recovery costs. The committee then focused on Next Generation 911. Cal OES staff said the current regional deployment encountered call-routing and transfer failures, leading the department to pause further rollout and propose a new phased plan centered on a statewide provider, followed by an open procurement for a long-term vendor. They said the plan is intended to improve reliability, simplify architecture, and support Los Angeles-area PSAPs ahead of the Olympics, with a target of full statewide transition by summer 2030. The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged the Legislature to pause major changes until it receives more information, including a clearer explanation of the problems, alternatives considered, costs, cybersecurity and privacy issues, and oversight needs. Members expressed mixed views, with some supporting a joint oversight hearing and requesting quarterly fiscal reports and monthly progress updates. The Department of Justice then presented its overall workload, emphasizing public safety enforcement, fentanyl and human trafficking prosecutions, housing enforcement, civil rights work, and extensive federal litigation against the Trump administration. DOJ said the additional federal accountability work has significantly increased staffing and overtime demands, though it has hired 44 additional employees. The committee also heard DOJ’s firearms workload proposal, including funding for SB 704 implementation, continued firearms IT modernization, and a proposed shift of Bureau of Firearms costs to the General Fund. The LAO recommended using special funds and loans instead of ongoing General Fund support where possible, and asked DOJ to develop a framework by January 2027 for determining which firearms and ammunition workload should be supported by fee revenue. The Department of Finance largely agreed with the need for SB 704 funding but disagreed with the LAO’s proposed loan approach for the firearms account.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do view it as a labor bill and not just for the immediate jobs.
• do</c><00:30:55.440><c> view</c><00:30:55.600><c> it</c><00:30:55.720><c> as</c><00:30:55.920><c> labor
• We do view it as labor real quickly.
• We do view it as labor bill<00:30:56.480><c> and</c><00:30:56.600><c> not</c><00:30:56.840><c> just</

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:25 HB 667 Discussion 01:21 HB 667 Roll Call Vote 03:56 HB 677 Discussion 05:01 HB 677 Roll Call Vote 11:51 HB 535 Discussion 13:33 HB 535 Roll Call Vote 34:46 HJR 77 Discussion 38:33 HJR 77 Roll Call Vote 44:23, 958, all