Transcript Highlights:

• I remain committed to ensuring that our students have the best tools and opportunities to transfer to
• They do a lot to help with job security, higher starting wages, and a broader range of career opportunities
• And from a statewide perspective, inefficiencies in transfer limit educational opportunity, perpetuate
• I appreciate the opportunity to join you all today.
• Joshua Hagan, on behalf of the Campaign for College Opportunity.

Committee: House Joint Legislative Audit

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to testify in strong support of H. 1983.
• I appreciate the opportunity to be here.
• So it’s an exciting time if we give them the opportunity.
• Thank you so much for the opportunity to testify today. I am Nirmala Dami.
• In my opinion, this is not just a missed opportunity for treatment.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary heard testimony on a wide range of bills, with much of the discussion focused on housing stability and maternal mental health. On H. 1924/S. 1171, supporters including Sen. Joan Lovely, Rep. Jim O’Day, physicians, advocates, and people with lived experience urged the committee to create legal protections and treatment pathways for defendants who experienced postpartum psychosis or other perinatal mood disorders within 12 months of giving birth. Testimony emphasized that these conditions are rare but severe, often treatable, and can lead to tragic outcomes if criminalized rather than addressed through screening, expert evaluation, treatment, and, in some cases, resentencing or mitigation. Committee members asked about diagnosis years after the fact and how the Illinois law has worked; witnesses said retrospective diagnosis is possible and that the Illinois model has led to some successful resentencing petitions and broader awareness. Housing-related bills drew substantial testimony. On H. 1983/S. 1071, witnesses described “zombie” subordinate mortgages that were sold years after borrowers believed they had been resolved, then resurfaced with large balances and foreclosure threats. Supporters said the bill would require disclosures and court review to prevent unlawful servicing and foreclosure practices. On H. 1952, advocates from the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, tenants, and legal services providers backed a permanent statewide right to counsel in eviction cases, citing data showing strong tenant outcomes and the importance of quality control, multilingual outreach, and full representation. On H. 1895/S. 1184, testimony supported codifying a two-tier summary process in eviction court and prohibiting defaults at the initial case-management stage. On H. 1883, a small property owner supported rent escrow as a way to protect landlords from bad-faith nonpayment while preserving tenant rights. The committee also heard testimony on bills addressing discriminatory housing covenants, tenant oversight, and homelessness. On H. 1762/S. 1080, a housing advocate supported removing void restrictive covenants from deeds, describing the Dirty Deeds Project and the lingering harm of racist language in property records. On H. 1814, tenants and advocates described harassment, retaliation, security problems, and lack of accountability in subsidized housing, arguing for an Office of the Tenant Advocate within the Attorney General’s Office. On S. 1120, multiple witnesses supported a bill of rights for people experiencing homelessness, saying it would affirm the right to rest and seek shelter, reduce criminalization, and extend anti-discrimination protections. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and questions on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I will tell you this: I think it's imperative that we give every child an equal opportunity.
• The specific categorical programs include the adult education program, Extended Opportunity Programs
• We view these proposals as essential for expanding career and workforce opportunities for our working
• I think it's a great opportunity. College of Law in San Francisco seems like you're opening up...
• It's a great opportunity.

Summary: The subcommittee heard May Revision proposals for higher education, beginning with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Finance proposed a one-time $10 million General Fund backfill to repay a special fund loan used to cover litigation costs, plus provisional language to allow budget flexibility for a remaining legal expense and to repay the loan without interest. The LAO opposed shifting the litigation costs to the General Fund and raised legal concerns about waiving interest on the loan, noting that special fund loans have historically been repaid with interest. Members asked about the litigation amount and the estimated interest savings, which Finance said would be about $245,000. The committee then discussed University of California funding, including the Governor’s proposed compact funding and a $1.5 million one-time increase for the First Star foster youth program at UC campuses. UC said the program has strong outcomes at UCLA, including a 100% college-going rate and high college completion rates, and that the new funding would expand the program to additional campuses and eventually be self-supporting through fundraising. The LAO recommended rejecting the proposal, arguing that UC already has overlapping outreach programs, including the Early Academic Outreach Program, and that the new initiative would duplicate existing services. Several senators questioned whether the state should expand a new program instead of strengthening existing ones, while UC and Finance emphasized the program’s focus on foster youth and its high success rates. For the California Community Colleges, Finance outlined the May Revision’s increase to the Student-Centered Funding Formula COLA from 2.41% to 4.31%, along with enrollment growth funding, categorical COLAs, deferred maintenance, and other ongoing and one-time investments. The Chancellor’s Office supported the flexible “super COLA” approach and asked for more enrollment growth funding, arguing that many districts are already above current targets and that unfunded growth restricts access. The LAO recommended funding at least the statutory COLA, redirecting some ongoing funds to enrollment growth or one-time priorities, and rejecting the $9.7 million Adult Learner Demonstration Project because districts already have incentives to do similar work. Senators pressed Finance and the Chancellor’s Office on the use of COLA funds to cover the new paid pregnancy disability leave requirement, the impact on hold-harmless and basic-aid districts, and whether the state should fund actual enrollment growth rather than a flat COLA. The committee also reviewed California Student Aid Commission proposals, including adjustments to Cal Grant and Middle Class Scholarship funding, continued Golden State Teacher Grant funding, and implementation of the federal Workforce Pell program. Finance said the Middle Class Scholarship changes reflected updated caseload estimates and that the higher 35% unmet-need level had been one-time funding, while CSAC urged continued support and noted the importance of financial aid for student success. The LAO recommended rejecting additional Golden State Teacher Grant funding as not well-targeted and urged caution on Workforce Pell trailer bill language, citing uncertainty about federal rules, ongoing administrative workload, and the need for clearer implementation planning. Members also raised concerns about declining CADAA applications and the need to better promote state aid for undocumented and mixed-status students. No votes were taken during the transcripted portion, and the committee moved through the agenda items with questions and testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• California has the opportunity to address the crisis today. Safety net.
• California has the opportunity to address the crisis today.
• But we see the link between the testimony of needs and of an opportunity, so is there an opportunity
• I think there is opportunity.
• Thank you so much for the opportunity to address you.

Summary: The Select Committee on Older LGBT Californians held an inaugural hearing focused on the health care and support needs of older LGBTQ Californians, including older adults living with HIV and transgender, gender non-conforming, and intersex seniors. Committee members and state officials discussed the California Master Plan for Aging, the first statewide survey of LGBTQIA older adults, and the need to address discrimination, social isolation, housing insecurity, economic instability, and gaps in culturally competent care. Several speakers emphasized that older LGBTQ adults often lack traditional family caregiving supports and may face vulnerability in nursing homes or other institutional settings. Testimony from advocates and people with lived experience highlighted the impact of federal actions, including H.R. 1, on Medi-Cal, housing, and benefits, and called for stronger state action, outreach, and navigation services. Justice in Aging urged more investment in home- and community-based services and warned that Medicaid cuts could increase institutionalization. The Department of Aging described its survey findings and said it had convened a lived-experience advisory board, updated data tools, and incorporated HIV as a factor in local aging plans under SB 258, though members pressed for clearer implementation and accountability. CalHHS described coordination across departments, Medi-Cal coverage of gender-affirming care, PACE, and other services, while the Department of Public Health outlined Ryan White, ADAP, HOPWA, Medi-Cal waiver, and PrEP-AP programs serving older adults with HIV. The hearing also featured extensive testimony from people aging with HIV, who described fragmented systems, benefits cliffs, housing costs, and the need for legal and case-management support. One witness urged funding for HIV-specific housing and navigation services, while another described how case management and safety-net programs help clients manage medication, food, transportation, and housing needs. In the final panel, the Department of Social Services reviewed protections for TGI seniors in licensed care facilities, including SB 219, nondiscrimination notices, resident rights postings, required staff training, and complaint investigations. No formal votes were taken; the chair repeatedly asked departments to follow up on implementation gaps, data visibility, and possible budget or policy responses.

Transcript Highlights:

• So having the opportunity to open that conversation is extremely important for increased opportunities
• the opportunity to open that conversation is extremely important for increased opportunities for our
• Thank you for giving me the opportunity to talk.
• Thank you for this opportunity to speak.
• Thank you for the opportunity to be here.

Committee: House General Laws

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This creates opportunities for cross-pollination among these researchers.
• Does the Opportunity Scholarship have an influence? Certainly, it does.
• So it's a huge economic development opportunity for this community, for the future.
• So we can't begin and end with opportunity. That was a political stunt.
• I appreciate the opportunity to visit with you all a little bit.

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for this opportunity, and I thank them for the opportunity of living there. because the past
• Thank you for this opportunity, and I thank them for the opportunity of living there.
• Thank you for this opportunity, and I thank them for the opportunity of living there.
• Thank you for this opportunity, and I thank them for the opportunity of living there.
• </c> you thank you for G me the opportunity you thank you for G me the opportunity to<00:43:58.440><c

Bills: HF1051 , HF16

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Keywords: sacred communities, micro units, religious institutions, housing regulations, homelessness, conditional use permits, immigration enforcement, sanctuary policies, sanctuary city, noncooperation ordinance, ICE, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, federal immigration authorities, deportation, undocumented immigrant, undocumented person, immigration status data, data sharing, preemption, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> benefits will remove vital opportunities benefits will remove vital opportunities to<01:09:22.239
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify today on the of services for Opportunity Partners a of services
• Thank you so much for the opportunity to testify.
• Thank you so much for the opportunity to testify.
• </c><01:42:30.880><c> again</c> none we will get the opportunity again none we will get the opportunity

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to exists.
• <01:32:04.960><c> for</c><01:32:05.280><c> those</c> the opportunity to advocate for those the opportunity
• So there's an opportunity out there.
• </c><01:51:33.360><c> I</c> there's an opportunity out there. I there's an opportunity out there.
• </c> commission I appreciate the opportunity commission I appreciate the opportunity to<01:59:22.960>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 2485, which would require cardiovascular screening for student athletes. The Department of Education and Department of Health said they support the bill’s intent but noted that many screenings are already part of existing school-entry and well-child exams. The Attorney General’s office asked for clarifying language on who performs the screenings, where results go, how “positive findings” are defined, how referrals would work, and whether funding would be appropriated if DOE must hire health professionals. The American Heart Association strongly supported the bill, citing the risk of sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes and arguing that sports physicals are an effective opportunity for early detection. No vote was taken, and the committee moved on after testimony. The committee then heard HB 89, concerning a school psychologist working group and possible licensing or credentialing of school psychologists. The Department of Education and Board of Psychology supported the measure. The Hawaii Psychological Association said it supports licensing school psychologists but asked to be included in the working group, arguing it is an important stakeholder. The Hawaii Association of School Psychologists opposed including HPA, saying the issue is between school psychologists and DCCA and that HPA is not part of their organization. Testimony and discussion focused on the long-running disagreement over whether school psychologists should be regulated under the Board of Psychology or another mechanism, and on title protection and scope of practice. No action was reported during this portion. The committee also took up HB 2445, relating to standardized emergency responses for immigration enforcement at or near schools. The Department of Education said it already issued internal law-enforcement guidance and questioned whether the bill was necessary, while also raising concerns about the bill’s 1,000-foot buffer language and the limits of school authority over activity off campus. The Board of Education echoed those concerns and suggested the bill may need clearer definitions. Supporters, including the White Coalition for Immigrant Rights, the Legal Clinic, and an attorney testifying on Know Your Rights training, argued that recent federal changes have increased ICE activity near schools and that a law is needed to ensure clear, public protocols, staff training, and family protections. A student testifier said the measure was a top priority of the state student council. The transcript ends during testimony, with no vote or final committee action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony. In the room, Kevin O'Connor.
• I really appreciate the opportunity to talk with you today. My name is Glenn Ayers.
• Thank you very much for this opportunity to talk...
• Thank you very much for this opportunity to talk with you today.
• Thank you very much for this opportunity to talk with you today.

Bills: H5171 , H5261 , H5294 , H5317 , S3026 , S3033

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government

Keywords: Holyoke, municipal governance, acting mayor, city council, local government, Oxford, town charter, municipal government, town manager, residency requirement, local approval, charter amendment, home rule, local governance, municipal administration, residence of officials, Worcester County, Worthington, solar, solar photovoltaic

Transcript Highlights:

• the bill analysis, but as a couple of examples, the plan should include economic challenges and opportunities
• Thank you for the opportunity. What a great opportunity.
• So the state can look forward to building our community and our economies, providing the opportunity
• Building economic vitality and opportunity across all of our state will take intentional work, strategic
• It strengthens those access and protections for military spouses and it aligns employment opportunity

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Substitute Senate Bill 6289, which would direct the Department of Commerce to develop a statewide economic development and competitiveness strategic plan by June 30, 2027, with updates every five years. Senator Kaufman said the bill is intended to create a more intentional, coordinated, data-driven statewide strategy to support businesses of all sizes and sectors. Supporters from the Washington Economic Development Association and the Department of Commerce said the plan is needed to align regional and local efforts, improve competitiveness, and address challenges such as capital access, infrastructure gaps, tariffs, and AI-related disruption. Both Commerce and WEDA supported moving the update cycle from two years to five years, and Commerce said the change would save money and help reduce the fiscal impact. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 6149, which would expand the definition of a rural county for public facilities funding and related programs to include counties with population density of 100 or more people per square mile if they have no city larger than 45,000 people. Senator Wilson said the bill is meant to preserve rural eligibility for counties like Cowlitz as cities grow, so they do not lose access to grants and loans that support economic development. Members raised questions about how the new definition would affect counties and whether it would better capture rural areas within larger counties, but no testimony opposed the bill. In executive session, the committee considered three bills. For Senate Bill 5420, concerning access to state benefits and opportunities for veterans, the committee adopted a striking amendment that broadened some eligibility language, including changing a reference from physical to medical discharge and updating employment preference provisions, then advanced the bill by a 12-0 vote with one excused. For Senate Bill 5649, creating a Supply Chain Competitiveness Infrastructure Program, members began debate on amendments that would add WSDOT scoring criteria favoring Washington-made or Washington-grown goods and limit grants and loans to projects not already eligible for Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board funding. The committee also reviewed several amendments to the AI companion chatbot bill, including narrowing educational and gaming exclusions, adding protections around age inference and manipulative engagement techniques, and limiting data collection; one amendment was withdrawn before further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mahalo for the opportunity to testify. >> Thanks very much.
• to provide the comments that opportunity to provide the comments that were<00:16:02.320><c> submitted
• Mahalo for the opportunity<00:16:09.199><c> to</c><00:16:09.519><c> testify.
• </c> opportunity to testify. opportunity to testify.
• </c><00:17:03.279><c> to</c> Thank you for the opportunity to Thank you for the opportunity to testify

Bills: HB1805 , HB2110 , HB2180 , HB2184 , HB2219 , HB2469

Committee: House Legislative Management

Keywords: child welfare, advocacy, oversight, independent office, foster care, child advocate, child safety, nepotism, ethics, government transparency, accountability, legislative standards, electronic voting, legislative transparency, Hawaii House, voting system, appropriation, lawmaker safety, political violence, confidentiality

Summary: The House Committee on Legislative Management heard testimony on several measures. HB 1805, relating to child welfare, drew support from the University of Hawaii and concerns from the Attorney General about the bill’s definition of state agency and possible separation-of-powers and supremacy clause issues. During decision-making, the committee opted to move the child advocate function to the Attorney General’s office, accepted the Attorney General’s suggested scope and jurisdiction amendments, set the salary at 90% of the Department of Health deputy director’s salary, and passed the bill with amendments. HB 2110, relating to nepotism, received support from the Hawaii State Ethics Commission, which said the bill would apply the rule consistently and noted the existing good-cause exception process. The committee later deferred the bill, saying existing House rules on nepotism were already strict and that the proposal would be duplicative in statute. HB 2180, relating to voting boards, had no oral testimony in the room during the hearing, but the committee later amended it into a blank appropriations vehicle for the House of Representatives and passed it with amendments. HB 2184, relating to lawmaker safety, drew concerns from the Campaign Spending Commission that the bill would require redaction of address information and could create implementation issues, and the Attorney General noted missing language regarding appointed officials and an internal cross-reference issue. The committee adopted amendments to address those concerns and passed the bill with amendments. HB 2219, relating to disclosure of privileged communications to the Ombudsman, was clarified by the Ombudsman’s office as not requiring disclosure of privileged material, only preserving privilege if such material is voluntarily provided; the bill passed with amendments. HB 2469, relating to a regular session review working group, received testimony from the State Procurement Office, the Legislative Reference Bureau, and others in support and opposition, and the committee passed it with amendments after changing references and funding language.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our research finds that women have better opportunities to run and win in RCV elections because split
• However, it's important to enact RCV to codify a consistent opportunity for gender parity.
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify. Thank you for the opportunity to testify. Thank you.
• As a law student, I had the opportunity to participate in the 2004 Iowa presidential caucus.
• Thank you for holding today's hearing and providing the opportunity to testify.

Bills: H4916 , H4262

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Election Laws

Keywords: ranked choice voting, instant runoff voting, RCV, Bedford, municipal elections, town offices, local option, ballot question, election reform, plurality voting, multi-seat elections, single-seat elections, town clerk, tie-breaking, ballot tabulation, Boston elections, voter preference, local government, 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman Leek and members of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Tourism, thank you for the opportunity
• We're also going to have an opportunity for questions on the bill as amended.
• Thank you for this opportunity to present SB 1112 relating to the Florida Labor Pool Act.
• Jobs were sacred, and I turned to temp agencies believing they would give me a fair opportunity.
• Jobs were sacred, and I turned to temp agencies believing they would give me a fair opportunity.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Tourism

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we can succeed and I think every kid in Texas should have an opportunity to succeed.
• A couple of sessions ago I had the opportunity to serve that one session on pub ed.
• Everyone deserves the opportunity to read, learn, and succeed. Thank you.
• This is a missed opportunity and a disservice to both educators and students.
• Good morning and thank you, uh, for giving me the opportunity to come up here and speak.

Transcript Highlights:

• If we are looking at students graduating and then pursuing careers, thank you very much for the opportunity
• </c><00:02:59.360><c> and</c> you very much for the opportunity and you very much for the opportunity
• thank you very much uh next opportunity thank you very much uh next we<00:03:52.519><c> have</c><00:
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify. check under Section check under Section 37825<00:05:09.759>
• </c><00:05:55.080><c> to</c><00:05:55.319><c> testify</c> Thank you for the opportunity to testify.

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Library and Technology Committee met on March 14, 2025, to hear House Bill 430, House Draft 2, which would create an internship/on-the-job training program administered by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, with the state serving as the responsible employer for workers’ compensation coverage and appropriations included. Testimony was uniformly supportive from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the University of Hawaii, the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, and the Department of Education. Supporters emphasized the value of internships as a high-impact educational and career pathway opportunity. The Department of the Attorney General supported the bill’s intent but raised a concern about the criminal history background check language, recommending that the bill be revised so DLIR may conduct checks “as appropriate” rather than requiring a mandatory check for all interns. The AG noted that juvenile records would remain confidential for 16- and 17-year-old interns under existing law and suggested deleting the more specific background-check language or replacing it with the more flexible wording. Several organizations submitted support, including business, health care, tourism, and industry groups. During decision-making, the committee discussed amendments incorporating the Attorney General’s recommendation, adding a 2.5 GPA minimum reference, and clarifying language about private or public sector organizations and placement of interns in state executive branch departments, agencies, or programs. The committee adopted the recommendation to pass the bill with amendments, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, again, I want to thank you for this opportunity.
• </c><00:25:47.520><c> to</c> Thank you so much for the opportunity to Thank you so much for the opportunity
• </c><00:45:20.880><c> to</c> their choice and their opportunity to their choice and their opportunity
• What is there an opportunity?
• c><01:07:33.039><c> to</c> getting a tremendous opportunity to getting a tremendous opportunity to pursue

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House-Senate higher education briefing focused on how the University of Hawaii athletics department plans to remain competitive in the NIL era, especially as the House settlement and related changes allow new forms of athlete compensation. Chair and Senator Kim opened by framing the issue as balancing competitiveness, sustainability, compliance, and UH’s educational mission. Coaches Laura Beeman and Timmy Chang described how NIL and the transfer portal are already affecting recruiting and retention, with Beeman saying women’s basketball has lost six to 10 recruits because UH cannot yet match offers, and Chang citing examples of players being courted with large sums and the need to retain proven local and out-of-state athletes. Both emphasized that student-athletes should still prioritize education, culture, and team values, while also receiving support that helps them stay at UH. Athletic Director Matt Elliott then outlined UH’s broader strategy. He said the department’s vision is to create an outstanding student-athlete experience, recruit and retain elite athletes, compete at the highest level of the Mountain West, and strengthen the bond with the community. He described NIL as having moved from a largely unregulated period to a new phase in which institutions can directly control some NIL payments, while outside deals still must be reviewed for fair market value. Elliott said UH wants to use NIL to help athletes cover basic needs and build financial stability, while also keeping them academically on track. He noted the department is pursuing fundraising, including a “Boost the Bose” account, corporate sponsorships, and licensing deals, to support NIL opportunities. In response to questions from Senator Kim, Elliott clarified that UH’s approach involves both institution-controlled payments and outside NIL deals: internal payments can be structured at the department’s discretion within the cap, while external sponsor deals must go through NIL Go and meet market-value standards. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> amazing if you ever have the opportunity amazing if you ever have the opportunity to<00:34:56.800
• 00:36:55.920><c> that</c><00:36:56.240><c> that</c> opportunities for um those that that opportunities
• This was a real opportunity to lead the nation in workers' protection, an opportunity we missed.
• </c><01:37:16.639><c> we</c> workers protection, an opportunity we workers protection, an opportunity
• </c> opportunities. Thank you, Madam Speaker. opportunities. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> not missing out on any opportunities not missing out on any opportunities because<00:19:47.520><
• </c> interventions and learning opportunities interventions and learning opportunities we<00:46:26.960
• </c> this bill would expand opportunities this bill would expand opportunities like<01:41:47.560><c>
• </c> thank everyone here for my opportunity thank everyone here for my opportunity to<01:51:26.760><c
• </c><01:54:15.599><c> to</c> 482 thank you for this opportunity to 482 thank you for this opportunity

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I didn't want to make too much fun of it, but there is a wonderful opportunity to get your picture taken
• So, I would take full advantage of that opportunity. Here. Senator Catelyn. Thank you, Mr.
• <00:55:52.240><c> wonderful</c> it, but there is an a wonderful it, but there is an a wonderful opportunity
• to get your picture taken opportunity to get your picture taken with<00:55:54.640><c> the</c><00:55:
• </c> take full advantage of that opportunity. take full advantage of that opportunity. here.<00:56:03.280

Keywords: 981, all